What are IPS LCD Screens?

Introduction to IPS LCD Technology

IPS LCD stands for In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display. IPS LCD screens are among the best types of screens currently used in smartphones, tablets, computer monitors, and televisions, due to their high color quality and wide viewing angles compared to other types such as TN (Twisted Nematic) and VA (Vertical Alignment).

How Did IPS LCD Technology Emerge?

The Beginning of LCD Screens

LCD screens first appeared as an alternative to the old, heavy, and bulky CRT screens. Initially, they used TN technology, which offered high response speed and low manufacturing cost but suffered from major problems in viewing angles and color saturation.

Development of IPS Technology

Hitachi and NEC developed IPS LCD technology in the 1990s as a solution to these problems. IPS improved viewing angles significantly and provided more accurate and clear colors, which later enabled its adoption in graphic design and professional photography fields.

How Do IPS LCD Screens Work?

The Working Principle of IPS LCD Screens

Backlight Source

IPS LCD screens rely on a constant backlight, which produces the general illumination of the screen. The liquid crystals then determine the amount of light allowed to pass through each pixel based on the displayed image.

Pixel Structure

Each pixel in an IPS LCD screen consists of:

• Liquid crystals that control light passage.

• Horizontal and vertical polarizing filters to determine light direction.

• Color filter that gives the pixel its primary color (red, green, or blue).

Pixel Control Mechanism

When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystals within an IPS LCD screen, the crystals rotate approximately 90 degrees, allowing light to pass through the color filter and display the final color on the screen. If no electric field is applied, the crystals remain in their original position and block the light, resulting in a black color.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IPS LCD Screens

Advantages of IPS LCD Screens

1- High Color Accuracy

IPS LCD screens are known for displaying colors with realistic accuracy, making them ideal for designers, photographers, and video editors who require true-to-life and balanced colors.

2- Wide Viewing Angles

IPS LCD screens offer viewing angles of up to approximately 178 degrees, meaning you can view the same image quality from different angles without changes in color or screen brightness.

3- Good Contrast and Uniform Brightness

IPS LCD screens provide good contrast and uniform brightness across the entire screen, enhancing the viewing experience, especially during long usage periods.

4- High Touch Response Speed

IPS LCD screens have a fast response to touch and input, making them suitable for games and interactive applications, although AMOLED screens slightly outperform them in this aspect.

Disadvantages of IPS LCD Screens

1- Higher Power Consumption

IPS LCD screens consume more power compared to AMOLED screens because the backlight is always on, even when displaying dark or black colors.

2- Backlight Bleeding

Some IPS LCD screens suffer from backlight bleeding, which is the appearance of light spots on the edges of the screen or in certain areas, especially when displaying completely black images, affecting image quality.

3- Weak Performance Under Direct Sunlight

Due to their dependence on backlighting, IPS LCD screens appear dull under direct sunlight compared to AMOLED screens, which display more vibrant colors under the same conditions.

4- Thickness and Weight

IPS LCD screens require an additional backlight layer, making them thicker and heavier than AMOLED and Super AMOLED screens.

How to Choose a Suitable IPS LCD Screen?

First: Screen Size

Determining Usage and Space

When choosing a screen size, first determine:

• Your usage type (gaming – design – movie watching – daily use).

• Your available space.

• Your current budget.

Generally, the larger the screen size, the clearer the details, but it also consumes more power and is more expensive.

Second: Screen Resolution

Impact of Resolution on Image Quality

Screen resolution indicates the number of pixels it contains, directly affecting the clarity of texts, icons, images, and videos. Common resolutions include:

• Full HD (1080p): Suitable for most daily uses and gaming.

• QHD (1440p): Ideal for movie lovers and graphic design.

• 4K (2160p): Best for professional video editors and photographers, but requires higher processing power and consumes more energy.

Third: Refresh Rate

Importance of Refresh Rate in Gaming and Video

The refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and indicates how many times the image updates on the screen per second. The higher the refresh rate:

• The smoother the image.

• The lower the motion blur.

• The significantly better the gaming experience.

Common refresh rates include:

• 60Hz: Suitable for daily use and watching videos.

• 90Hz or 120Hz: Excellent for gaming and smoother general use.

• 144Hz or higher: For professional e-sports players and competitive gaming.

Comparison of IPS LCD Screens with TN, VA, and AMOLED Types

First: Comparing IPS LCD with TN LCD

Introduction to TN LCD Screens

TN screens, or Twisted Nematic, are the oldest LCD technologies and were the most common in early laptop and desktop monitors because of:

• Their very low cost.

• Their high response speed.

• Their wide availability in all markets.

Disadvantages of TN Compared to IPS

• Very narrow viewing angles, with drastic changes in color and contrast when viewed from the side.

• Much lower color quality compared to IPS screens.

• Unsuitable for design work or high-quality movie viewing.

Advantages of TN Over IPS

• Better response speed (often 1ms).

• Much cheaper prices, making them suitable for budget monitors or gaming monitors with limited budgets.

Second: Comparing IPS LCD with VA LCD

Introduction to VA LCD Screens

VA technology, or Vertical Alignment, emerged as a middle-ground solution between TN and IPS, and it is characterized by:

• Providing very high contrast (usually 3000:1 or higher).

• Displaying deeper blacks than IPS.

Disadvantages of VA Compared to IPS

• Narrower viewing angles than IPS, but better than TN.

• Slightly slower response than IPS, which may cause blurring in fast-paced games.

Usage Areas of VA

Typically used in:

• Televisions, as they provide excellent contrast for dark rooms.

• Desktop monitors for users who prioritize contrast over viewing angles.

Third: Comparing IPS LCD with AMOLED

Introduction to AMOLED Screens

AMOLED screens are the newest generation of display technology, and they are characterized by:

• Using self-lit pixels with no need for a backlight.

• Displaying true black as pixels turn off completely.

• Very saturated colors and extremely high contrast ratios.

Advantages of AMOLED Over IPS

• Thinner screens due to the absence of a backlight layer.

• Energy savings when displaying dark colors.

• True black with nearly infinite contrast.

• Flexible manufacturing, making them suitable for foldable and curved screens.

Disadvantages of AMOLED Compared to IPS

• Higher manufacturing costs.

• Prone to burn-in issues after extensive usage, especially with static elements displayed for long periods.

• Sometimes their highly saturated colors appear unnatural to design professionals who require true-to-life colors rather than vivid ones.

Evolution of IPS LCD Technologies Over Time

Development Stages of IPS LCD Screens

1- Traditional IPS

The first generation of IPS screens solved the viewing angle issue but was:

• Slower in response.

• Significantly more expensive than TN.

2- Super IPS

Later, Super IPS emerged, improving:

• Pixel response speed.

• Color quality and accuracy.

• Horizontal and vertical viewing angles.

3- IPS-NEO

Developed by the Japanese company JDI to reduce backlight bleeding and increase contrast levels to compete with VA screens.

4- PLS (Plane to Line Switching)

Developed by Samsung as a slightly cheaper alternative to IPS without its royalties. It features:

• Performance almost identical to IPS.

• Lower production costs.

• Similar viewing angles.

5- Advanced IPS / AH-IPS

Developed by LG and other companies, it features:

• 20-30% better energy efficiency compared to older generations.

• Higher color accuracy.

• Increased brightness for outdoor usage.

Uses of IPS LCD Screens in Different Devices

Smartphones

Why Are IPS LCD Screens Used in Phones?

• Their mid-range price makes them ideal for budget and mid-range phones.

• Their color accuracy suits general users.

• They do not suffer from burn-in like AMOLED, extending phone lifespan.

Most Famous Phones Using IPS LCD Screens

• iPhone series up to iPhone 8 and XR.

• Many Xiaomi, Redmi, and Realme budget phones.

• Some older Sony Xperia phones.

Computer Monitors

Advantages of IPS LCD in Computer Monitors

• Wide viewing angles make them excellent for office use.

• High color accuracy is crucial for designers and video editors.

• Their prices have decreased significantly in the last five years, making them the first choice for average users.

Televisions

Is IPS Better than VA for TVs?

• IPS: Better for living rooms and bright lighting due to its brightness and viewing angles.

• VA: Better for home theater rooms and low lighting due to its high contrast.

Hidden Technical Disadvantages of IPS LCD Screens

First: IPS Glow Issue

What Is IPS Glow?

It is a phenomenon that appears when displaying a black screen in a dark room, where disturbing grayish light zones appear, especially from certain angles. It differs from backlight bleeding because it:

• Is inherent to IPS technology itself.

• Appears at very low viewing angles.

Second: High Power Consumption

Why Does IPS Consume More Power Than AMOLED?

Because it relies on a backlight that operates at full capacity all the time, even when displaying black content, unlike AMOLED where black pixels turn off completely.

Third: Screen Thickness

Despite the great development of IPS screens in recent years, the backlight layer always makes them:

• Approximately 10-20% thicker than OLED screens.

• Less flexible for ultra-thin or foldable designs.

Chemical and Physical Structure of IPS LCD Screen Layers

First: Components of an IPS LCD Screen

Main Layers of an IPS LCD Screen

An IPS LCD screen consists of several consecutive layers, each with a specific function:

1. Outer Frame (Bezel)
   Made of plastic or metal to protect the screen from shocks.

2. Outer Glass Layer (Cover Glass)
   Usually made of scratch-resistant glass like Gorilla Glass or Dragontrail Glass.

3. Touch Digitizer Layer
   Contains fine electrical sensors that detect touch from the user’s finger or stylus.

4. Top Polarizer Layer
   Filters light according to a specific axis to allow it to pass to the liquid crystals.

5. Liquid Crystal Layer
   The core of the screen, containing the liquid crystals that control the amount of light passing through.

6. Color Filter Layer
   Contains red, green, and blue filters to produce the final colors.

7. TFT Layer (Thin-Film Transistor)
   Responsible for turning each pixel on or off by regulating electrical voltage.

8. Bottom Polarizer Layer
   Controls the polarization angle of the light exiting the screen to enhance image clarity.

9. Backlight
   Composed of very small LED units that distribute light evenly across the entire screen surface.

Second: Chemical Composition of Liquid Crystals

What Are Liquid Crystals?

Liquid crystals are materials between solids and liquids. They retain solid-like molecular alignment properties but also flow like liquids, forming the basis of all LCD technologies.

Types of Liquid Crystals Used

1. Nematic Liquid Crystals (NLC)
   The most commonly used type in IPS screens due to their flexibility and easy rotation when an electric field is applied.

2. Smectic Liquid Crystals
   Used in advanced technologies but are currently less common in commercial screens.

3. Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
   Have specific applications in reflective LCD screens, such as electronic watches and e-paper displays.

IPS LCD Screen Manufacturing Process in Sequence

Manufacturing Stages in Global Factories

1- Preparing Glass Panels

• Ultra-thin glass panels are cut to a thickness of less than 0.5 mm.

• They are thoroughly cleaned from dust or impurities using Ultrasonic Cleaning devices.

2- Depositing the TFT Layer

• Using photolithography technology, ultra-thin transistors for each pixel are added onto the glass panel.

3- Adding the Liquid Crystal Layer

• Liquid crystals are precisely injected between two glass layers under controlled pressure and vacuum.

4- Adding Color Filters and Polarizers

• RGB color filters are evenly installed.

• Top and bottom polarizer layers are added to adjust light passage direction.

5- Installing the Backlight Unit

• Ultra-small LED lights are installed with a Light Guide Plate to distribute the light evenly.

6- Final Assembly

• The screen is tested electrically and optically to ensure there are no dead pixels or other visual defects.

• The touch layer and outer glass are then installed in specialized production lines with complete sterilization.

Major Global Manufacturers of IPS LCD Screens

First: LG Display

LG’s Leadership in IPS Technology

• LG Display is the largest developer and manufacturer of IPS technology globally.

• Holds key IPS patents since the 1990s.

• Supplies major companies such as Apple, Dell, and HP with high-quality IPS screens.

Second: Japan Display Inc (JDI)

JDI’s Contribution to IPS Development

• Developed IPS-NEO technology, enhancing contrast and reducing backlight bleeding.

• Its screens are used in Sony Xperia phones, several Japanese phones, and professional cameras.

Third: Samsung

PLS Technology as an IPS Alternative

• Samsung developed PLS (Plane to Line Switching) technology to compete with traditional IPS without paying royalties.

• PLS is currently used in some of its budget and mid-range screens, although Samsung mainly focuses on AMOLED.

Fourth: BOE Technology

BOE’s Expansion in IPS LCD Screens

• The largest screen manufacturer in China, producing massive quantities of IPS screens for various phones and Chinese brands.

• Aims to compete globally with LG and JDI, especially after expanding into smartphone screens.

The Future of IPS LCD Technology

Where Is IPS LCD Technology Heading in the Coming Years?

Development Towards Mini LED and Quantum Dot

• Some companies have started integrating IPS screens with Mini LED backlighting to greatly increase contrast and reduce power consumption.

• Development is also ongoing for IPS screens supporting Quantum Dot Technology to enhance color accuracy, bringing them closer to OLED performance without significant cost increases.

Will IPS LCD Disappear in Favor of OLED and Micro LED?

Despite the major advancements in OLED and Micro LED screens, IPS LCD will continue to be used in:

• Budget and mid-range devices.

• Desktop monitors requiring high resolution and professional design accuracy.

• Televisions with wide viewing angles for family use.

Comprehensive Encyclopedic Summary of IPS LCD Screens

Quick Definition

IPS LCD technology is a type of LCD screen that relies on moving liquid crystals parallel to the screen surface, which grants it:

• Very high color accuracy.

• Wide viewing angles up to 178 degrees.

• Good touch response speed.

Its Advantages in Brief

• Realistic and accurate colors.

• Excellent viewing angles.

• Sufficient response speed for gaming.

• Medium and reasonable prices.

Its Disadvantages in Brief

• Higher power consumption than AMOLED.

• Relatively thicker due to the backlight layer.

• IPS Glow and backlight bleeding issues.

• Weaker performance under direct sunlight.

Its Future

It will not disappear soon. IPS LCD will remain a main choice, especially with the development of Mini LED IPS and Quantum Dot IPS, which compete with OLED in contrast and color quality at a lower price.

Deep Physical and Scientific Details of IPS LCD Screens

First: General Physical Principles

The Nature of Polarized Light

The light used in IPS LCD screens is polarized light, meaning its electromagnetic waves are directed along a specific axis. This allows liquid crystals to control it to produce the final images.

Importance of Polarization

Without polarizing filters:

• Liquid crystals cannot control light passage.

• No image would appear on the screen.

Second: Arrangement of Liquid Crystals in IPS

Normal State of the Crystals

In IPS screens, the liquid crystals are arranged horizontally and parallel to the screen surface in their normal state (when no electrical voltage is applied).

When an Electric Field is Applied

When electrical voltage passes through the crystals:

• They rotate approximately 90 degrees within the same plane.

• This allows polarized light to pass through them, then through the color filter, and finally to the viewer’s eye.

Third: How Does the Screen Produce Different Colors?

The RGB Principle

Each pixel in an IPS LCD screen consists of three sub-cells:

1. Red Sub-Pixel

2. Green Sub-Pixel

3. Blue Sub-Pixel

Color Control

By changing the light intensity passing through each sub-cell, millions of different colors are produced according to optical color mixing equations.

Applications of IPS LCD Screens in Various Fields

First: The Medical Field

Use of IPS Screens in Medical Devices

IPS LCD screens are widely used in:

• Ultrasound machines.

• MRI scanner displays.

• Radiation measuring devices and laboratory analysis screens.

Reasons for Choosing IPS in Medical Devices

• High color accuracy for clearly displaying medical imaging details.

• Wide viewing angles allow doctors and technicians to view screens from any angle during operations or examinations.

Second: The Automotive Sector

The Role of IPS LCD in Modern Car Manufacturing

• Digital instrument cluster screens.

• Infotainment system screens.

• 360° surround camera display screens.

Their Advantages for Cars

• They withstand varying temperatures relatively well.

• Clear visibility from both driver and passenger angles.

• Lower cost compared to OLED screens of the same size.

Third: The Aviation Field

Use of IPS Screens in Aircraft

• Pilot and co-pilot flight data display screens.

• Passenger in-flight entertainment screens.

Why Are IPS Screens Preferred?

• Reliable with no Burn-In issues like OLED.

• Easy to maintain and replace.

• Provide excellent color accuracy and viewing angles under various lighting conditions inside aircraft cabins.

Detailed Comparison Tables of Screen Types

Table: Comparison of IPS, TN, VA, and AMOLED Screens