What is an IPS LCD?

Blaze Display Technology Co., Ltd. | Updated: Nov 27, 2018

IPS is an acronym for in-plane switching, which is a screen technology that is used with LCD screens. In-plane switching was designed to address limitations in the LCD screens of the late 1980s that used a twisted nematic field effect matrix. The TN method was the only technology available at the time for active matrix TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCDs. The main limitations of the twisted nematic field effect matrix LCDs are low-quality color and a narrow viewing angle. IPS-LCDs deliver better color reproduction and wider viewing angles.

IPS-LCDs are commonly used on midrange and high-end smartphones and portable devices. All Retina Display Apple iPhones feature IPS-LCDs, as does the Motorola Droid and some TVs and tablets.

 

Information on IPS Displays

 

IPS-LCDs feature two transistors for each pixel, whereas TFT-LCDs use just one. This requires a more powerful backlight, which delivers more accurate colors and lets the screen be viewed from a wider angle.

IPS-LCDs don't show when the screen has been touched, which you might notice in some older monitors. This is particularly advantageous for touch-screen displays like those on smartphones and touch-screen laptops.

The downside is that an IPS-LCD consumes more power than a TFT-LCD, possibly up to 15 percent more. They're also more expensive to make and have longer response times.

 

LCD Panel Types: