As TFT-based interfaces for outdoor industrial, military and medical devices move into the mainstream, sunlight readability has become a mission-critical challenge. This challenge is compounded when the application requires either a cover lens or touchscreen. These additional layers inherently degrade optical performance, and their affixation via air gap lamination even further reduces viewability.
To meet this challenge, Anders has upgraded its acclaimed Ratek offering, launching Ratek Extreme – a unique three-pronged optical enhancement and cover lens/touchscreen bonding paradigm.
With Ratek Extreme, a transmissive TFT is first optically enhanced using a patented passive photon enhancement, which raises sunlight readability by reducing reflection. This results in increased contrast ratio, without modifying backlight power consumption. Then, this same optical enhancement is applied to the cover lens or touchscreen. Finally, the cover lens or touchscreen is optically bonded directly onto the display – eliminating the air gap between the layers, reducing reflectance to around 0.2%, while maintaining contrast ratio in high ambient light environments.
Anders’ Ratek Extreme creates an integrated display interface solution that guarantees the highest level of bright ambient optical performance, without raising power requirements or producing extra heat. Additionally, the optically bonded assembly adds strength and increases impact resistance – ideal for rugged outdoor applications.
“At Anders, user experience is always the driving force behind our offerings,” noted Mike Logan, Product Manager at Anders Electronics. “Demand from our users of outdoor display-centric devices for greater readability and ruggedisation, without impacting power consumption, drove us to develop Ratek Extreme – a highly-efficient, highly cost-effective solution,” he concluded.
Ratek Extreme is now available for demonstration to interested customers, along with samples of all Anders’ sunlight readable and display enhancement products.