What Is In-Cell vs On-Cell?

In-Cell and On-Cell are two innovative touch integration technologies used in modern LCD displays. In-Cell integrates touch sensors directly into the LCD pixels, offering thinner designs, while On-Cell adds touch sensors on top of the LCD surface for improved durability. Both technologies reduce thickness compared to traditional One Glass Solution (OGS) displays.

What Are In-Cell and On-Cell Technologies?

In-Cell technology integrates capacitive touch sensors directly into the LCD’s pixel structure during the manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for a separate touch layer, resulting in ultra-thin displays that are ideal for devices like smartphones and tablets. On-Cell technology, on the other hand, places touch sensors on the surface of the color filter substrate, providing a balance between thinness and touch performance.

These advancements have significantly reduced display module thickness by up to 0.4mm when compared to traditional setups. Manufacturers like Gesight are leveraging these technologies to create custom TFT and IPS displays using panels from top suppliers such as BOE, AUO, and LG. This integration allows for thinner, more portable devices without compromising on touch responsiveness.

Gesight’s vertically integrated engineering services ensure optimal controller board design and firmware customization for both In-Cell and On-Cell technologies, while high-brightness options up to 3000 nits cater to industries such as automotive and medical.

How Does In-Cell Technology Work?

In-Cell technology works by embedding capacitive touch sensors directly within each LCD sub-pixel, all housed within the same glass substrate. These sensors detect finger proximity through changes in voltage within the pixel electrodes, using either self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance methods. The key benefit of this setup is reduced parallax, which ensures precise multi-touch response.

This technology reverses the typical LCD stack-up, with the electrodes in the display panel also functioning as touch sensors. Display drivers handle both the rendering of images and the touch scanning process, which results in modules that are 20-30% thinner, with improved light transmission.

Gesight tailors In-Cell technology for embedded systems, adding options like MIPI or LVDS interfaces and integrating optical bonding to create more rugged displays.

What Are the Key Differences Between In-Cell and On-Cell?

In-Cell technology provides superior thinness, but its advanced fabrication processes can result in lower yield rates. On-Cell, while slightly thicker, offers better durability and is often easier to scale for mass production. For high-end consumer products, In-Cell is the better choice, while On-Cell is ideal for industrial and medical applications.

Why Choose In-Cell Over On-Cell?

In-Cell technology is preferred when ultra-thin profiles are critical, especially in foldable or wearable devices. The integration of touch sensors into the pixels leads to higher light transmission, boosting brightness efficiency by 10-15%. Additionally, the absence of intermediate layers reduces light loss and minimizes parallax errors.

However, manufacturing In-Cell displays can lead to a 5-10% decrease in yield, due to the complexity of the integrated processes. On-Cell, in contrast, is more affordable and easier to scale, making it suitable for cost-sensitive projects. Gesight recommends In-Cell for high-end automotive displays where brightness levels exceed 1000 nits.

Which Applications Benefit Most from On-Cell?

On-Cell is well-suited for applications where durability is a top priority, such as in industrial, automotive, and medical settings. The touch sensors are applied on the surface of the LCD, preserving pixel integrity and boosting the mechanical strength of the display, making it ideal for rugged environments. It is also particularly useful in applications where users wear gloves or when the touch interface needs to perform in wet conditions.

Gesight integrates On-Cell technology with capacitive touch and EMI shielding to deliver custom solutions for global OEMs in these industries.

How Do In-Cell and On-Cell Impact Display Manufacturing?

In-Cell technology requires precise alignment during the manufacturing process, which can increase the risk of defects. On-Cell technology, however, applies touch sensors after the LCD assembly, simplifying logistics and allowing for more straightforward scaling. Both technologies help reduce costs by 15-20% in the long run by eliminating the need for extra glass layers, making them more cost-effective than traditional One Glass Solution (OGS).

Gesight’s automated production lines, capable of producing 10,000 units daily, are optimized for both In-Cell and On-Cell technologies, ensuring high-quality output with extensive testing, including IP65 ratings and temperature tests. Flexible interfaces, such as HDMI or Type-C, allow for rapid prototyping and customized solutions.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each?

In-Cell displays offer the thinnest profile and superior touch accuracy due to the lack of an air gap. However, the technology comes with challenges, such as complex repairs and sensitivity to pressure.

• In-Cell Pros: Ultra-thin design, vivid color reproduction, and excellent multi-touch accuracy.

• In-Cell Cons: More complex repair processes and susceptibility to pressure-induced malfunctions.

On-Cell displays, on the other hand, offer better durability, higher production yield, and stylus support. However, they are slightly thicker and may experience moiré patterns due to the additional sensor layer.

• On-Cell Pros: Durability, high yield, and compatibility with stylus input.

• On-Cell Cons: Minor thickness increase and potential for moiré effects.

Gesight mitigates the disadvantages of both technologies through custom firmware, environmental testing, and comprehensive manufacturing processes.

Can In-Cell and On-Cell Support High-Brightness Displays?

Both In-Cell and On-Cell technologies are capable of supporting high-brightness displays, with options that reach up to 3000 nits. In-Cell is particularly effective in outdoor environments, as its higher transmittance boosts sunlight readability. Gesight further enhances this with rugged cover glass options, making it ideal for automotive applications like sun visors.

On-Cell displays, when paired with optical bonding, help reduce reflections and improve visibility in high-brightness settings. Additionally, Gesight offers OLED alternatives to extend high-brightness capabilities for medical monitors.

Gesight Expert Views

“In-Cell pushes boundaries for consumer electronics with its seamless integration, but On-Cell remains king for industrial reliability. At Gesight, we blend both in custom solutions—In-Cell for sleek automotive infotainment, On-Cell for rugged medical panels. Our dual production lines ensure yields above 98%, with full EMI/EMC testing. Pair with HannStar or Tianma panels for cost-effective scalability across 40+ countries.”
— Dr. Li Wei, CTO, Gesight Display Solutions

What Future Innovations Combine In-Cell and On-Cell?

A hybrid approach that combines both In-Cell and On-Cell technologies is emerging, especially in flexible OLED displays. This fusion allows for the best of both worlds: In-Cell’s ultra-thin profile and On-Cell’s rugged durability. Additionally, LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) backplanes are enabling even smaller bezels, with designs now under 1mm. Gesight is pioneering SPI/OLED variants for IoT applications.

Key Takeaways

• In-Cell technology prioritizes thinness, while On-Cell emphasizes durability and yield.

• Choose In-Cell for applications where sleekness and high light efficiency are crucial, and On-Cell for industrial or cost-sensitive uses.

• Gesight delivers custom modules with top-tier touch integration from leading panel makers.

Actionable Advice: Assess your display requirements—prototype In-Cell for portable devices through Gesight’s ODM services and test On-Cell for rugged environments. Contact Gesight to receive samples supporting 3000 nits and optimal touch performance.

FAQs

What is the main benefit of In-Cell displays?

In-Cell displays are thinner and more energy-efficient, making them ideal for mobile devices and compact applications.

Is On-Cell more expensive than traditional touch?

No, On-Cell reduces the number of layers, cutting costs by about 15% compared to traditional One Glass Solution (OGS) setups.

Can Gesight customize In-Cell for automotive?

Yes, Gesight offers high-brightness, LVDS, and ruggedized glass options tailored for automotive applications.

Which has better touch accuracy: In-Cell or On-Cell?

In-Cell technology offers superior touch accuracy due to the absence of an air gap, but On-Cell is better for stylus input.

Are repairs harder for In-Cell displays?

Yes, repairing In-Cell displays is more challenging due to the integrated touch sensors compared to On-Cell displays, which have a separate layer for touch integration.