The microLED roadmap presents an overview and future outlook of this emerging technology, including its notable developments, challenges, and potential applications across various industries.
One such key milestone in the advancement of microLED technology was recently showcased at Display Week 2024, where VueReal introduced its MicroSolid Printing™ platform. This innovative solution addresses one of the primary challenges in mass production: the efficient transfer of millions of micrometer-sized LEDs.
Such developments give microLEDs an edge, accelerating their adoption across sectors like automotive, consumer electronics, and AR/VR.
However, challenges such as manufacturing complexity, high production costs, and limited supply chain capacity still remain.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the microLED roadmap, along with these challenges, and highlight some potential solutions that could drive the widespread adoption of microLED technology.
MicroLED Roadmap: All That is Happening Right Now
To explore the microLED roadmap, let us go over some vital data, key events, and the growing ecosystem that collectively push microLED closer to mainstream adoption:
MicroLED Roadmap: Latest Developments
Here are some more relevant details about the recent developments in the microLED roadmap:
- As of 2024, more than 11,000 new microLED patents have been filed globally, with close to 5,000 new patent families published between 2021 and 2023. This reflects a sustained level of activity in the microLED sector, despite fluctuations in the market and challenges faced by major players like Apple.
- MicroLED patent registrations have shown significant growth, nearly doubling from 540 in 2013 to 1045 in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%.
- The microLED industry had collectively spent more than US$12 billion to advance the technology by the end of 2023.
- South Korea, Japan, China, the United States, and the European Union are among the leading regions in terms of patent filings in this area.
Major MicroLED Technology Events
- MicroLED Connect 2024: The MicroLED Connect 2024 event featured over 40 speakers, including key figures from Google, Intlvac, Meta, TCL CSoT, and other leading industry players.
The event provided a platform for discussions on the latest innovations, updates, and opportunities within the microLED industry, with contributions from display makers, supply chain companies, researchers, and market analysts worldwide.
- ECOC 2024: At the ECOC 2024 event (European Conference on Optical Communications), Avicena demonstrated its LightBundle technology, showcasing a microLED-based link with a reach of 30 meters. It promises higher efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Also, the event brought together other key industry players to explore advancements in optical interconnects.
- MicroLED StartUps 2024: This online event showcased promising companies in the microLED space. Startups like Inziv and QustomDot presented their latest technologies and developments in areas like AR/VR, quantum dots, and automotive applications.
Industry Giants and Startups Driving MicroLED Investments
Industry giants like Apple and Samsung, and startups like VueReal have invested heavily in microLED technology.
Although Apple initially raised concerns when it canceled its microLED smartwatch project, its early acquisition of LuxVue and continuous R&D investments have prompted the industry growth.
This momentum continues to grow, and by 2023, the cumulative investments in microLED technology surpassed $11.5 billion. Of this, $8.8 billion went into R&D, while $2.7 billion was allocated for pilot production lines and manufacturing facilities.
Major investments are still being made, such as HC Semitek’s installation of the production equipment for its 6-inch microLED epiwafer fab in Zhuhai, China.
Startups in this microLED roadmap have also been proactive, raising over $400 million in funding to support commercialization.
Why Tech Giants Are Investing in MicroLED
Companies are betting big on microLED because it promises superior display performance and lower power consumption than OLEDs.
For example, Sony introduced modular microLED displays under its Crystal LED series, targeting large-scale visual installations.
“Sony has been creating unforgettable images and engaging experiences that empower and stimulate creators’ curiosity for over 60 years… We’ve implemented the features and benefits that customers value most in a direct view microLED display.” – Theresa Alesso, Pro Division President, Sony Electronics
AUO is another leading player in Taiwan’s display industry, and it has partnered with key players like Ennostar and PlayNitride to mass-produce microLED displays for various applications, including smart mobility, retail, and healthcare.
At Touch Taiwan 2024, they introduced a 30-inch Real Depth 3D Display, combining microLED technology with Advanced Reflectionless Technology (A.R.T) LCD to create a true three-dimensional effect.
Smaller Companies Fuel the MicroLED Ecosystem
The microLED roadmap is evolving not only due to investments from tech giants. It’s also due to contributions from a network of smaller companies and specialized startups.
Since 2021, over 370 newcomers have entered the microLED patent scene, with a majority coming from China and Korea.
These newcomers accounted for 20% of the new patent families published during the 2021-2023 period.
Also, according to Yole Group’s latest market insights, increasing investments, innovation, and strategic collaborations will continue to propel microLED technology toward mainstream adoption.
Key Developments in the MicroLED Roadmap
Let’s review some crucial developments in the microLED roadmap:
1. Surge in Patent Activity
The industry is booming with over 11,000 new patents filed in the past few years. Established startups are pushing innovation, while newcomers like OEMs and material suppliers are also entering the field.
This tide of activity shows unflagging interest and investment in improving manufacturing, energy efficiency, and display performance across multiple sectors.
2. Momentum Beyond Apple
Although Apple was once a key player in driving microLED development with its in-house research efforts, many other companies, such as LG Innotek, Samsung Electronics, Sony, Innolux Corporation, Aledia, Epistar, Optovate, Rohinni, JBD, Plessey Semiconductors, Ostendo Technologies, VueReal, Allos Semiconductors, etc., have taken the lead in the microLED roadmap by patenting and advancing the technology.
3. Competition with OLED
Though OLED is a popular display technology option, microLEDs could offer higher performance and functionality at a lower cost, making them a viable alternative to OLEDs.
4. Innovative Architectures
Emerging technologies like Si-CMOS microdrivers enhance microLED performance. These microdrivers enable memory-in-pixel technology and integrated sensors, leading to power efficiency and overall display quality.
The shift toward microdriver-based architectures could reshape the supply chain and performance metrics of display technologies.
5. Collaborative Ecosystems
In the microLED roadmap, companies form strategic alliances to bolster chip manufacturing capabilities.
A prime example is the partnership between Porotech and Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (PSMC), announced on January 23, 2024.
This collaboration aims to accelerate the mass production of 200mm GaN-on-Silicon MicroLEDs for display applications.
6. Prototypes and Demonstrations
As noted before, recent events, such as Display Week 2024, showcased various microLED prototypes from leading companies.
Innovations from Innolux, TCL, and AUO indicate ongoing efforts to refine the technology and improve production methods.
MicroLED Roadmap: Key Challenges and Solutions for Manufacturing
Despite microLED’s potential, here are a few hurdles that must be overcome:
1. Manufacturing Complexity
MicroLEDs consist of millions of tiny, individual LEDs that need precise placement. Misalignment or defects in any pixel can compromise the display quality. Developing high-throughput mass transfer technologies is crucial for scaling up production.
Solution:
Mass transfer technology allows manufacturers to transfer multiple LEDs onto the display substrate simultaneously, improving the accuracy and speed of the production process.
LG Electronics, in collaboration with Seoul National University (SNU), is developing a new technique called fluidic self-assembly to accelerate and reduce the cost of microLED manufacturing displays.
2. High Production Costs
Another pain point in the microLED roadmap is the production. Manufacturing microLED displays is often expensive due to the complex process. It requires specialized equipment and highly controlled environments to avoid defects.
Also, the yield in microLED production is currently a significant challenge, primarily due to issues that arise during chip transfer and bonding processes. Early tests indicate that these processes are prone to failures, which impacts the overall yield.
For example, in an 8K TV, which contains approximately 99 million microLED chips, a defectivity rate of just 0.5% would mean that about 520,000 devices would need to be removed and replaced, making the process costly and time-consuming—estimated at around 144 hours for repairs.
Solution:
Automated inspection systems can refine the manufacturing process and reduce costs over time.
For example, companies like Nanosys use automated optical inspection systems to monitor the quality of microLED displays throughout the manufacturing process.
3. Thermal Management
MicroLED displays, especially in large-scale applications, can generate heat due to the high brightness and dense arrangement of individual LEDs.
Solution:
Enhanced heat dissipation materials and efficient circuit designs can mitigate thermal issues.
Hybrid cooling systems, which combine passive cooling techniques (like heat sinks) with active cooling (such as fans or liquid cooling) ensure optimal performance under high usage or in demanding environments.
For example, Samsung introduced a microLED display module featuring reflective and light-blocking layers that improve light efficiency and reduce heat.
The reflective layer captures side-emitted light and redirects it forward, minimizing heat while increasing brightness.
4. Supply Chain Limitations
The supply chain for microLED components is still developing in the broader microLED roadmap, making it more challenging for manufacturers to source components like tiny LEDs and substrates at scale.
Solution:
Higher demand for microLEDs will drive more investment in infrastructure, leading to component availability and materials. Partnerships between display manufacturers and material suppliers can also streamline production.
For example, Avicena acquired a microLED fabrication facility from Nanosys to boost the development of its LightBundle technology for chip-to-chip interconnect.
This acquisition helps Avicena improve its manufacturing processes, specifically in epitaxy, wafer processing, and lift-off technologies, which are essential for post-processing silicon ICs with optical interfaces.
The Future of MicroLED: What to Expect
The microLED market is expected to reach $22 billion by 2029, driven by its technology and use cases across industries.
MicroLED’s superior features, including ultra-high brightness and lower power consumption, make it a game-changer in the display market, currently valued at $180 billion.
Versatile Applications Across Industries
MicroLEDs are versatile and can be used in smartphones, automotive lighting, and large-scale digital signage. These may surpass OLED displays, which dominate the market today.
Environmental Benefits
In addition to performance advantages, microLEDs offer better performance while reducing environmental impact by consuming 30% to 200% less energy and water during manufacturing.
Regional Growth and Industry Adoption
In the microLED roadmap, regions like North America and Asia-Pacific are expected to lead the growth in the market, with a strong focus on consumer electronics and automotive sectors.
The push toward energy-efficient and high-performance displays will continue to fuel investments in these regions.
However, once companies overcome the biggest challenges of developing efficient microLEDs, mass production can accelerate. This will allow the technology to expand further into emerging sectors like AR/VR.
Final Note
Based on the microLED roadmap, it is evident that the industry is progressing rapidly with innovations in production techniques, heat management, and mass transfer technology.
Though challenges like high production costs and supply chain limitations still exist, companies are making significant strides to address them.
With continued investments and breakthroughs like VueReal’s MicroSolid Printing™ and Avicena’s LightBundle technology, the future of microLEDs looks promising.
We may suggest that in days to come, the technology is set to transform industries, from consumer electronics to automotive and beyond, delivering brighter, more energy-efficient displays.