Design Considerations for the Implementation of an Automotive Dot Matrix Display Subsystem 910063

Automotive display designers are faced with the task of providing more information to the driver through the implementation of an increased amount of on-board vehicle electronic systems. Package space in and around the instrument panel however, is at a premium. One remedy to this situation is the implementation of a dot matrix display with enough flexibility to fulfill several potential applications. Once a dot matrix display is integrated into a vehicle, information can be reformatted for presentation to the driver without redesigning the display device or its associated electronics. The system designer can then concentrate development resources on the remaining display subsystem components and issues such as user interface, display lighting, and packaging requirements for a specific application.

A dot matrix display subsystem was placed within the electronic instrument cluster of a test vehicle for the purpose of demonstrating the capability of presenting text and graphic information within a relatively limited package space. This paper will focus on the design efforts for prototyping a dot matrix display subsystem as well as some recommended enhancements for a future application.