The technology behind Mini-LED and local dimming

Mini LED technology is based on the use of extremely small LEDs (mini LEDs), which are placed in large numbers behind the screen. In contrast to conventional LED backlights, mini LEDs enable much more precise control of the backlighting. Contrast, brightness and picture quality are raised to a new level, particularly through the combination with local dimming (the control of backlighting depending on the picture content).

For this local dimming, the picture content must be evaluated and the brightness value for the screen divided into zones assessed. Innolux has developed corresponding integrated circuits for this purpose: For MIPI, Innolux offers a corresponding chip for the MCU board, for LVDS a Bcon backlight controller and for eDP the function is included in the Tcon timing controller.

The most important advantages of mini LED backlights with local dimming

• Improved brightness and contrast: Mini-LEDs can achieve higher brightness and at the same time precisely depict dark areas of the picture, which offers a clear advantage, especially with HDR content.
• Local dimming: Fine control of the backlight in many small zones significantly improves the contrast ratio. This leads to deeper blacks and more realistic color reproduction.
• High energy efficiency: The targeted control of the LEDs reduces energy consumption by only illuminating the areas of the screen that are actually needed.
• Less heat development
• Durability and robustness: Mini LED displays have a longer service life and are less susceptible to the burn-in effects that can occur with OLEDs.