MicroLEDs are becoming the norm in the display market, mainly catering to the demand for brighter, energy-efficient display panels in consumer electronics, custom displays, automotive and infotainment systems, and AR and VR-based products. As MicroLEDs do not require a backlight, they are highly energy-efficient and have longevity and higher brightness than LCDs and OLEDs.
The MicroLED market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 58.1% between 2023 and 2032 to reach 182.7 billion USD in 2032.
The industry is facing significant challenges due to high manufacturing costs. The process of arranging and embedding countless tiny LEDs into displays involves intricate procedures. Additionally, achieving the desired level of pixel density and resolution requires precision engineering and innovation- hurdles that only the most dedicated and resourceful MicroLED manufacturing companies in the industry can overcome.
This blog post explores how top MicroLED manufacturing companies are overcoming challenges and leading technological advancements. Discover how their innovative solutions are key to pushing the MicroLED market forward.
Next-Gen Manufacturing Systems and Reputed Players in the Micoled Market
In this section, we highlight the leading MicroLED manufacturing companies that are at the forefront of pioneering innovations:
1. Konka Group
China-based Konka Group is emerging in the MicroLED manufacturing industry. Known for building high-quality home entertainment products and appliances, it is one of the top five brands in the Chinese TV market. The company heavily invests in developing cutting-edge MicroLEDs to build next-generation consumer products.
Konka Group has also launched MicroLEDs under the brand APHAEA in a joint venture with Chongqing Liangshan Industrial Investment. APHAEA combines innovative design with advanced technical architecture to create highly efficient MicroLEDs.
Some of their prototypes include:
- 310″ 4K-Plus MicroLED display with 4K-plus resolution and low reflectivity.
- 59” MicroLED TV with a borderless display.
- The first MicroLED Watch with a 2-inch display, and pixel pitch of 0.12 mm. The chip size is below 30μm. It leverages the AM-LTPS technology for a brighter display.
2. Innolux Corp
Innolux Corp, based in Taiwan, ranks as the third-largest flat-panel manufacturer, following industry giants Samsung and LG. The company manufactures a broad range of LCD and touch panel screens for TVs, laptops, automotive systems, medical devices, etc.
Innolux has been involved in developing the following:
- Active Matrix (AM) design technology
- Color conversion technology
- Selective mass transfer methods
- Mass repair technology
- Fine patterning technology
- Cutting-edge tiling technology
The company is invested in developing AM-based MicroLED display architecture with high contrast, wide angles, wide color gamut, and retina-level resolution functionality.
3. Seoul Semiconductor
A Korean company, Seoul Semiconductor, has emerged as a leading manufacturer of LEDs for automotive, backlighting, and special lighting markets. With over 18,000 patents in the space, it is a frontrunner in developing next-gen display technologies.
Through its unique WICOP pixel technology, the company offers the highest brightness of around 10,000 nits. This is appropriate for high thermal applications. The WICOP technology also helps transfer phosphor to the chip surface and achieve high packaging density.
Through its flagship brand, SeoulVIOSYS, the company has ventured into MicroLED manufacturing. Key highlights include:
- Mass production of chips, modules, and MicroLEDs
- Manufacturing full-color RGB LED chips
- Developing a mass transfer technology to transfer MicroLEDs to PCB or glass backplanes
4. Sony Corporation
The Japan-based Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics and dominates the display industry. Way back in 2012, Sony built the first MicroLED TV and called it the crystal-LED TV. Following this, in 2016, Sony Corporation launched a large-scale MicroLED display.
Crystal LED video TVs produce brighter displays and colorful images suitable for a wide range of applications covering corporate, manufacturing, automotive, virtual production, etc. They help create immersive viewing experiences with scalable Crystal LED display systems.
Sony Corporation has ventured into the production of:
- MicroLED-based Ultra-HD TVs
- Crystal LED TVs are available with a 790-inch display
5. Samsung
As a prominent global player and South Korea-based MNC, Samsung is a leading manufacturer of consumer electronic products, including displays and memory chips.
It is a pioneer in MicroLED manufacturing and innovation, leveraging the RGB technology to increase the contrast. Samsung has ventured into developing high-end MicroLED displays for consumer electronic goods under its subsidiary, Samsung Semiconductors.
Samsung is also developing products such as:
- Transparent MicroLED displays
- Wearable MicroLED displays
- Tiled MicroLED panels
- HD MicroLED microdisplays for AR applications
6. Tianma
A China-based company, Tianma Microelectronics Co., is a reputed manufacturer of flat panel displays. It has a diverse experience of 40+ years and is constructing a MicroLED experimental platform with a major focus on promoting mass transfer based on TFT substrate. The platform is poised to become the leading research institute in the industry.
The company has ventured into MicroLED manufacturing for displays to improve the brightness, energy efficiency, and longevity of electronic devices.
Tianna’s flagship MicroLED prototypes, including:
- 7.56” Transparent MicroLED displays – It is the world’s first microLED display made with small pixel pitch and has a transparency greater than 70%
- 5.04” Seamless splicing MicroLED displays – This is the highest PPI splicing unit in the world
- 56″ Flexible MicroLED display
Closing Thoughts
Several leading MicroLED manufacturers, like Sony Corporation, Seoul Semiconductor, Konka Group, etc., are leading the innovation efforts in the industry.
MicroLED-based displays offer unparalleled customization and flexibility with their seamless tiling capabilities. Integrating MicroLEDs with sensors provides an immersive experience ideally suited for AR/VR applications.
The technology is poised to surpass OLED and LCD technologies as it moves toward commercialization and mass production. This shift is driven by MicroLED’s superior features, including exceptional image quality, vibrant colors, high pixel density, broad viewing angles, and outstanding brightness, even in well-lit environments.
The journey towards a more vibrant, dynamic, and engaging digital world is well underway, thanks to the companies’ pioneering efforts in MicroLED technology.