Large panel LED displays are becoming the only way to go if you are looking into signage. From stadium signs to retail marketing and even traffic signs, LED displays are being implemented into designs in an ever-widening array of applications. Panels and displays are also becoming larger and with these larger panels are power, brightness and management issues. There are two main configuration options being employed, each with its own pros and cons.

When the LED’s are placed directly behind the panel, they are in direct configuration. The other option used widely is edge configuration where the LED backlighting is provided by LED’s installed around the perimeter of the panel. Either design option will give you the capability of color variations, consistent movement and the bonus of virtually eliminating outages.

The direct configuration utilizes LEDs arranged in a matrix behind the panel to directly illuminate the display. This configuration uses less current through many small strings of LEDs, which allows for local dimming of individual arrays in addition to improved coloration and contrast. Drawbacks of this configuration are that you need to use a high-speed data bus and your programming will be much more complex. This configuration also requires thicker panels to allow space for the light emanating from the LED’s to diffuse.

Edge configuration illuminates the display from the panel edges using fewer strings with more LEDs.  This requires a higher voltage power supply to drive the LEDs, however, there is a less complex control system required and fewer LED current sink drivers. Being arranged in longer strings around the perimeter also allows for a much thinner display. Newer systems use a phase delay evenly across the strings to aid in reducing the peak inductor current inherent to the use of a higher voltage power supply. This configuration is becoming the standard when retrofitting large screen LCD displays.

Whether you are looking for small or large panel displays the boundaries between LED lighting and displays are blurring into one world where the highest quality and quantity of content is provided by one device type. The experts at VCC are prepared to help you plan for the requirements of your display type, placement, thermal management and power. Our line of VCC Lite proprietary products use UL rated (94-V0) material to assist in heat dissipation for all large panel applications and includes an extensive selection of LEDs, panel mounts, clips and interconnects to help you achieve your panel design visions. Click here and contact VCC today for more information.