Digitimes Research says that many of the new 8.5G – 10.5G TFT LCD fabs launched by China-based panel makers are able to produce indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) panels and capitalise on the advantages of the technology.
Image: Sharp Electronics
The publication states that, compared to a-Si, IGZO technology can be used to make panels with high resolutions and could be further upgraded to produce AMOLED panels, thanks to the additional masking processes involved.
BOE and CEC-Panda are among the panel makers using IGZO technology on their 8.5G production lines, Digitimes says. Both firms are rolling out panels for TVs, monitors, notebooks and handsets. Analysts predict that China-based manufacturers will continue to expand their usage of IGZO technology.
Analyst Comment
IGZO has taken a lot longer to come into the market than was originally expected, but improves the mobility compared to amorphous silicon, allowing faster operation of the transistors and smaller transistors, for a higher aperture ratio and efficiency. (BR)
