Vehicle Data Bus Terminal for Heavy Equipment

We've been busy with a lot of transportation applications. Our latest development is a collaboration with Vehicle Monitor Coproration to add our electroluminescent displays to the VMC SmartDisplay. Check out the announcement at

We have a 10 year history working with VMC. This latest announcement is targeted at applying the viewing performance of EL with VMC's rapid application development platform and experience with vehicle data bus technology. Here are just a few of the key benefits:

• SAE J1708, J1939, CAN and other bus protocol options
• Tools for rapid development of user interface
• Rugged and dependable - proven in thousands of Class 8 trucking, mining, forestry, and other specialty vehicles
• Display lasts over 100,000 hours
• Wide temp range (-40°C to +85°C) with "instant on" display capability
• Daytime brightness and nighttime dimming for comfortable viewing

View the VMC SmartDisplay or check out the FAQ.

Transparent Electroluminescent Display Whitepaper

Gerald Smid, Adi Abileah, Kari Härkönen and Arto Pakkala of Planar Systems recently presented their findings on transparent electroluminescent displays at the Electronics Displays Conference in Nuermberg, Germany. You can download their whitepaper on transparent EL displays or review our entire whitepaper collection.

The paper explore new developments, where rear electrodes are replaced with transparent material to make the whole panel totally transparent. Download PDF

No Temperature for AMLCDs: Sub Freezing Temp Performance Showdown Caught on Video

It's not exactly No Country for Old Men but it's still compelling footage. Our engineers recently put together a test video to compare the performance of a Sharp AMLCD and a Planar FA3 multi-color electroluminescent display. Note the smearing on the AMLCD display at -40° C while the Planar display still maintains a crisp, clear image. For the rest of the showdown check out the video No Temperature for AMLCDs.

Whitepaper Collection

We've been busy adding to our whitepaper collection. You can find technology overviews and applications notes, all available for download as PDFs. The latest additions to the collection include:

Reexamining the Potential of Infrared (IR) Touchscreens

This paper examines the choices that are available to the product designer and integrator, and provides information to assist in the selection of the most appropriate touch technology option.

Compare/Contrast of Thin Film EL to EL Backlighting, LED, and OLED Technologies

This paper provides an understanding of the differences among electroluminescent devices.

Interface Solutions for Planar's EL Displays

This Application Note describes the options and considerations for interfacing with Planar’s entire family of electroluminescent displays.