A Practical Guide to Customizing TFT LCD Displays for Embedded Projects

When building an embedded system or industrial product, selecting the right display is no small task. A well-designed TFT LCD interface contributes significantly to usability, aesthetics, and long-term reliability.

If you’re working on a medical device, HMI, POS terminal, or other embedded application, you may need a custom TFT LCD — one that fits your mechanical, electrical, and visual requirements exactly. This guide outlines the key aspects you need to consider before choosing a display module.

1. FPC Layout and Pin Mapping

The Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) is the critical interface between your mainboard and the LCD. In many cases, the FPC shape, length, and pin sequence must be customized to fit your housing design or avoid conflict with other components.

  • Do you need a custom-shaped FPC to match a bent or curved enclosure?
  • Are any ICs, resistors, or capacitors located on the backlight or CTP that require clearance?
  • Is the pin order or voltage level compatible with your SBC connector?

2. Backlight Brightness and Color Temperature

Not all projects are created equal — displays used outdoors or in bright industrial environments need high brightness backlights (800+ nits). Also, depending on your application, you may want to select warm (3000K), neutral (5000K), or cool (6500K+) LED color temperatures.

A poorly lit display can make even the most advanced device feel cheap and hard to use. Choosing the right backlight improves legibility and professionalism.

3. CTP Shape and Bonding Options

If your display is touchscreen-enabled, you'll need to customize the Capacitive Touch Panel (CTP). Some devices need round edges, holes, or logo cutouts. For bonding, you can choose between:

  • Optical Bonding: Eliminates reflection, improves clarity
  • Air Bonding: Cost-effective, easier to assemble

Your bonding method will directly affect the touch experience and display durability.

4. Surface Treatments: AG / AR / AF

Surface coatings like Anti-Glare (AG), Anti-Reflection (AR), and Anti-Fingerprint (AF) are essential for environments with ambient light or heavy touch interaction.

  • AG diffuses reflections for better readability
  • AR enhances contrast in bright settings
  • AF keeps your screen clean and smudge-free

5. Want to Learn More?

For a full guide to display customization — including FPC layout, bonding techniques, and optical tuning — check out our dedicated customization resource:👉 Read the Full Custom TFT LCD Guide


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