DisplaySearch predicts low temperature polysilicon TFT LCDs will emerge as strong competitor in flat panel display market.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 1997--DisplaySearch, the new leader in flat panel display market intelligence, issued the industry's first comprehensive report on low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) TFT LCDs.

The 132-page study finds that LTPS TFT LCDs will emerge as a competitive threat to today's dominant display technology -- amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT LCDs -- in multiple display markets and panel sizes. LTPS TFT LCDs have separately been termed the future of the notebook PC, LCD monitor, small and medium direct view and front and rear projector markets by multiple Japanese producers including Toshiba, Sanyo, Sony, Mitsubishi, Sharp, and Fujitsu in recent months as the process matures and advantages become more clear. LTPS' advantages result from its intrinsically higher electron mobilities which provide smaller channel widths, higher aperture ratios, increased brightness, lower power consumption, ability to integrate CMOS driver and other circuitry, thinner form factor, lighter weight, higher reliability and lower resistance and capacitance (RC) delay. Panel costs may be as much as 60% lower than a-Si while aperture ratios may be up to 71% higher depending on the panel size and resolution.

DisplaySearch estimates that LTPS TFT LCD revenues will grow at a CAGR of 137% between 1997 and 2002 to $4.8 billion. Shipments in 12.1" equivalents are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 160% to 5.27 million units in 2002. The notebook PC and the small/medium display size markets are expected to account for the majority of demand during the forecast period. THe comprehensive, groundbreaking study entitled Status, Costs and Forecast of Low Temperature Polysilicon TFT LCDs, examines the advantages and challenges of LTPS device and display technology and the status of unique LTPS production technologies. LTPS production technologies are evaluated and current concerns and bottlenecks are identified. The current state-of-the-art integrated driver architectures, challenges, and future integrated driver and other circuit roadmap is also provided. The report also provides the process, integrated driver architectures, target markets, product specifications, roadmaps and near and long term production plans for all LTPS manufacturers and developers.

Also included is a detailed cost analysis which compares LTPS to a-Si at sizes ranging from 2" to 21.7". The detailed cost model also includes three levels of driver integration and multiple substrate sizes. The cost model was designed with the support of LTPS producers, equipment manufacturers and material suppliers. In addition, LTPS TFTS are compared with high temperature polysilicon (HTPS) and digital micromirror displays at sizes ranging from 0.67" to 3". Based on the conclusions reached in the cost model and interviews with users and suppliers, LTPS penetration was forecasted into four major markets -- notebook PCs, LCD monitors, small and medium direct view displays and LCD front and rear projectors. The forecast provides LTPS TFT LCD revenues and unit shipments through 2002 for each market. LTPS fab capacity is forecasted by company and by year through 2002 and includes conversions of existing a-Si TFT LCD fabs.

According to DisplaySearch President Ross Young, "This report represents the culmination of a 12-month study. We worked closely with numerous LTPS-related companies and evaluated LTPS TFTs in all major display markets and panel sizes. We expect a significant number of manufacturers to begin LTPS production and convert older a-Si lines as the LTPS manufacturing process continues to mature. Our detailed cost model indicates that LTPS will offer both a performance and cost advantage over a wide range of display sizes which will increase as the dots per inch increase. LTPS will also offer significant benefits at ultra-large, very high resolution LCD monitors due to shorter settling times. The emergence of LTPS is good new for TFT equipment makers as the LTPS production is more process intensive, requiring 25% to 100% more masking steps depending on the application."

To get more information on the Status, Costs and Forecast of Low Temperature Polysilicon TFT LCDs, please contact DisplaySearch at 512/329-9244, www.displaysearch.com , via e-mail at [e-mail] or via fax at 512/347-0009.

CONTACT: DisplaySearch, Austin

Ross Young, 512/329-9244

Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]