We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Juliet Gopinath

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5607, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Displays Course Introduction

Read more

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5607, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Displays Course Introduction

The course will dive deep into electronic display devices, including liquid crystals, electroluminescent, plasma, organic light emitting diodes, and electrowetting based displays. You'll learn about various design principles, affordances and liabilities, and also a variety of applications in the real world of professional optics.

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to…

(1) Select a display technology for a given application (LIDAR, imaging, microscopy etc.)

(2) Design a system around the limitations of a given display technology (ie. addressing)

(3) Design a system that maximizes contract

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Liquid Crystal Displays
The course will cover the basics of electronic display devices, including liquid crystals, electroluminescent, plasma, organic light emitting diodes, and electrowetting based displays. At the end of this course learners will be able to select a display technology and perform basic design of the display and have a thorough grasp of basic principles that drive display operation. Module 1 will cover the fundamentals of liquid crystal displays, used in most computer monitors.
Read more
Electroluminescent Displays
In this module, we will talk about electroluminescent displays. Electroluminescence is the non-thermal generation of light caused by an applied electric field to a material. Displays using this technology have many advantages including fast response, wide viewing angles, high resolution, wide operating temperatures, light weight, and good display qualities. You will learn about fundamentals of this important class of displays and challenges. It's a very exciting topic!
E-ink, Electrowetting, & Plasma Displays
In this module, you will learn about promising display technologies that include e-ink, electrowetting and plasma displays. While the technology is different than the liquid crystal displays, these techniques have their own advantages in terms of contrast, scaling to large areas and ultralow power consumption. I hope you have as great experience learning about these techniques as I have had in preparing the course material.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores one of the technological cornerstones of modern day display devices from phones to televisions: liquid crystal displays
Taught by electrical engineering instructors from University of Colorado Boulder
Covers advanced display topics like electroluminescence, e-ink, electrowetting, and plasma displays
Provides a theoretical and practical foundation for learners in optics and related fields
May require additional materials and resources
Learners should be familiar with the basics of optics and display devices

Save this course

Save Displays to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Displays course overview

Learners say this informative course gives a good overview of basic display technologies. The course targets working principles and includes basic information about OLED, Electroluminescent Display, and Plasma Display panels.
Introduces a variety of display technologies
"The course will introduce to many display technologies... "
"A good course including basic information of Electroluminescent Display, Plasma display panels."
"I enjoyed this specialization. I learned a lot (lasers, CCD, polarization)."
Lecturer appears to lack confidence
"The course is good and the material presented is useful, however, it seems the lecturer does not have the required confidence during presentation."
Targets working principles only
"The course will introduce to many display technologies but it targets the working principle only."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Displays with these activities:
Review basic principles of LCDs
Reviewing the basic principles of liquid crystal displays before the course begins will help provide a solid foundation in this area.
Show steps
  • Read the provided course materials on LCD fundamentals.
  • Watch a tutorial demonstrating the basics of LCDs.
  • Complete practice problems and quizzes on LCD operation and applications.
Review the book “Optical Engineering of Displays” by P. Yeh
This book provides an in-depth understanding of the optical engineering principles underlying display devices, complementing the course content and enhancing your knowledge of the field.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book “Optical Engineering of Displays” by P. Yeh.
  • Read the relevant chapters aligned with the course modules.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts for future reference.
  • Complete the exercises and problems provided at the end of each chapter.
Explore the principles of electroluminescent displays
Electroluminescent displays provide unique advantages, and familiarizing yourself with them will enhance your learning experience during the course.
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials on the principles of electroluminescent displays.
  • Follow the tutorials to gain a comprehensive understanding of EL display technology.
  • Complete exercises and assignments provided in the tutorials to reinforce your knowledge.
  • Engage in online discussions with other learners to clarify any queries.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a comprehensive study guide based on course materials
Compiling a comprehensive study guide will help you organize the course materials, improve your retention, and prepare for assessments.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, slides, assignments, and readings.
  • Review the materials and identify key concepts and topics.
  • Organize the information into a logical structure, such as chapters or modules.
  • Summarize and condense the key points from each section.
  • Include practice questions, examples, or case studies to reinforce understanding.
Mentor junior students in a related field
Mentoring others allows you to reinforce your knowledge, develop your communication skills, and contribute to the growth of others in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify a junior student or someone new to the field who could benefit from your guidance.
  • Set up regular meetings to provide support and guidance.
  • Share your knowledge and experiences to help them navigate the field.
  • Provide feedback and encouragement to support their learning.
Participate in a hackathon focused on display technology
Participating in a hackathon will challenge you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting, fostering innovation and enhancing your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant hackathon focused on display technology.
  • Form a team or work individually to develop an innovative solution related to display technology.
  • Build a prototype or create a software solution during the hackathon.
  • Present your solution to a panel of judges and receive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Displays will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Display Engineer
Display Engineers design, develop, and test display devices. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. The course 'Displays' is a perfect fit for Display Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge is essential for the design and development of display devices.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Web Developers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of websites. For example, Web Developers can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of web pages.
Professor
Professors teach and research at universities. They work with a variety of students and colleagues. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Professors because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to teaching and research. For example, Professors can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to develop new teaching materials.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and test computer software and systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Computer Scientists because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of computer software and systems. For example, Computer Scientists can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of graphical user interfaces.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials for use in a variety of applications. They work with a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Materials Scientists because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the research and development of new materials for use in display devices. For example, Materials Scientists can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to develop new materials for use in LEDs.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual content, such as logos, brochures, and websites. They work with a variety of software and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Graphic Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the creation of visual content. For example, Graphic Designers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of logos.
Interior designer
Interior Designers design and develop the interiors of buildings. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Interior Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of building interiors. For example, Interior Designers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of lighting systems.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Software Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of software applications. For example, Software Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of mobile phone applications.
Product Designer
Product Designers design and develop products. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Product Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of products. For example, Product Designers can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of consumer electronics.
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers design and develop products. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Industrial Designers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of products. For example, Industrial Designers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of furniture.
Optical Engineer
Optical Engineers design, develop, and test optical devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lenses, mirrors, and lasers. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Optical Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of optical devices and systems. For example, Optical Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of lenses.
Photonics Engineer
Photonics Engineers design, develop, and test photonic devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Photonics Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of photonic devices and systems. For example, Photonics Engineers can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of LEDs.
Electronic Engineer
Electronic Engineers design, develop, and test electronic devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including transistors, resistors, and capacitors. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Electronic Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of electronic devices and systems. For example, Electronic Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of computer monitors.
Optoelectronics Engineer
Optoelectronics Engineers design, develop, and test optoelectronic devices and systems. They work with a variety of materials, including semiconductors, polymers, and metals. They also work with a variety of technologies, including lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Optoelectronics Engineers because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of optoelectronic devices and systems. For example, Optoelectronics Engineers can use the principles of liquid crystal displays to design and develop new types of lasers.
Architect
Architects design and develop buildings. They work with a variety of materials and technologies. The course 'Displays' can be useful for Architects because it provides a foundation in the principles of electronic display devices. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of buildings. For example, Architects can use the principles of electroluminescent displays to design and develop new types of building facades.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Displays.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of display engineering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and applications of optical imaging and microscopy.
Covers the fundamentals and applications of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), which has emerged as a promising technology for displays, microfluidics, and optical devices.
Provides a thorough overview of the physics, engineering, and technology of plasma displays
Covers the physics and engineering of display technologies. While helpful as a general reference, this book is more valuable as

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser