Capability

Character LCD Displays

Use Cases

Handheld meters and test instruments
Automotive audio head units
Home audio and entertainment systems
Games, toys, and consumer electronics
Instrumentation and process panels

Character LCD modules from 8x1 through 40x4 with COB/COG/COF bonding, STN/TN/FSTN/HTN/FFSTN modes, full backlight color matrix, and extended -40 C to +85 C operation.

Let's Talk

Polytronix manufactures a wide variety of standard and custom character LCD displays and modules. With extended temperature ranges reaching from -40 C to +85 C, the PC-series character family supports the demands of automotive, industrial, instrumentation, and consumer programs across a broad operating envelope.

Character LCDs are ideal when you need a low-current, high-contrast display at minimal cost. The PC-series spans 8x1, 8x2, 16x1, 16x2, 16x4, 20x2, 20x4, 24x2, 40x2, and 40x4 column-by-line configurations, with COB (Chip-on-Board), COG (Chip-on-Glass), and COF (Chip-on-Film) bonding options. Standard display modes include STN+, STN-, TN, FSTN+, FSTN-, HTN, and FFSTN-, with backlight colors selectable from the standard matrix: N (none), Y/G (yellow-green), W (white), B (blue), R (red), G (green), A (amber), O (orange), and RGB.

These displays are well suited for handheld meters, automotive and home audio head units, games and toys, and broader instrumentation programs. If a standard PC-series module does not fit, Polytronix's custom monochrome engineering team can adapt outline dimensions, viewing-area geometry, mode, and backlight color to the host product.

At a Glance

Key specifications at a glance
Certifications	AS9100D, ISO 9001
Program Fit	Industrial, Automotive, Consumer, Instrumentation
Core Strengths	Low Current, High Contrast, Extended Temperature
Typical Deliverables	Character LCD Modules (PC-series)
Order Quantities	Prototype to Production

Character Family Configurations

8x1 character modules (PC-080xxx)
8x2 character modules (PC-080xxx)
16x1 character modules (PC-160xxx)
16x2 character modules (PC-160xxx)
16x4 character modules (PC-160xxx / PC-200xxx)
20x2 character modules (PC-200xxx)
20x4 character modules (PC-200xxx)
24x2 character modules (PC-240xxx)
40x2 character modules (PC-400xxx)
40x4 character modules (PC-400xxx)
COB (Chip-on-Board) bonded modules
COG (Chip-on-Glass) bonded modules
COF (Chip-on-Film) bonded modules
Extended-temperature (-40 C to +85 C) builds
RGB and single-color backlight options
Custom outline and viewing-area variants

Relevant Capabilities

Multi-mode passive-matrix cell technology

Character modules are available in STN+, STN-, TN, FSTN+, FSTN-, HTN, and FFSTN- display modes so the cell choice matches the contrast, viewing angle, response time, and cost target of the host program.

Bonding-style flexibility (COB, COG, COF)

Chip-on-Board, Chip-on-Glass, and Chip-on-Film bonding options support different module thicknesses, mechanical footprints, and ribbon-interface formats across the same column-by-line size.

Custom monochrome adaptation

When a standard PC-series module does not fit, custom monochrome engineering can adapt outline dimensions, viewing-area geometry, mode, and bonding to the host product.

Explore Custom Monochrome

Backlighting and color options

The standard backlight color matrix covers N, Y/G, W, B, R, G, A, O, and RGB. Custom backlight color, intensity, and uniformity tuning are available for branded or low-light operator-interface programs.

Explore Instrument Lighting

Extended temperature builds

Character modules can be built and qualified for -40 C to +85 C operation for automotive, outdoor industrial, and field-instrumentation programs.

Explore Ruggedization

Driver, controller, and PCB integration

Polytronix integrates HD44780-class character controllers, drivers, and host-interface electronics into complete character-display sub-assemblies validated as one unit.

Explore PCB Assembly

Touch and bonding for HMI panels

Character modules can be integrated with cover glass, touch overlays, and bezels for HMI-ready operator panels.

Explore Touch Integration

Relevant Applications

Handheld meters and instrumentation

Low-current character modules are the standard choice for portable meters, test instruments, and field tools where battery life and high contrast are non-negotiable.

Explore Industrial Equipment

Automotive audio head units

Character modules deliver clear alphanumeric station, track, and status information in automotive audio and infotainment head units.

Explore Transportation & Automotive

Home audio and consumer electronics

Home audio receivers, multi-room controllers, and consumer products use character LCDs for low-cost, high-contrast status and parameter display.

Explore Display Capabilities

Industrial process panels

Industrial process and machine-control panels use character modules to show set-points, alarms, and status in 16x2 and 20x4 standard formats.

Explore Industrial Equipment

Medical and diagnostic instruments

Medical and diagnostic instruments use character LCDs for parameter readout and operator messaging in clinic, lab, and bedside settings.

Explore Medical & Life Sciences

Games, toys, and education products

Character modules deliver low-cost, low-power text and status output for games, toys, and educational products at consumer-scale volumes.