This year’s OPTO Taiwan, which is the only international optical and optoelectronic exhibition in Taiwan, took place at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall in Taipei from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23. The exhibit showcased the latest developments in semiconductors, electronics, optical communications, laser, photonics, and precision instruments in the optoelectronics industry, while optoelectronic products on display included raw materials, key components, manufacturing equipment, and software/hardware technologies. Representatives from the LEDinside research division of TrendForce participating in the event noted that Micro LED and Mini LED display technologies from manufacturers, including industry heavyweights Innolux and PlayNitride and emerging startups, took center stage in OPTO Taiwan.

Innolux’s modular Micro LED display achieves WCG via QD color conversion

Innolux debuted its 24.6-inch, full-color Micro LED display, with a resolution of 960*360. This display features a modular design that consists of four separate 12.3-inch Micro LED displays. Worth noting is that Innolux’s solution achieves color conversion by combining blue light Micro LED with quantum dot technology, making it the company’s first AM Micro LED display. Innolux’s Micro LED display marks a watershed moment in the company’s history, since it had in 2015 decided to pursue blue light Micro LED in conjunction with QD (quantum dot) as its future direction of Micro LED development, and for good reason, since blue-light Micro LED has the highest light-emitting efficiency compared to other Micro LED chips, making them indispensable for manufacturing display panels with better color reproduction when combined with QD. Innolux is expected to eventually integrate its blue-light Micro LED and QD technology into large-sized 8k indoor video wall and home TV products.

Innolux ventures into the large-sized Mini LED video wall market

On the other hand, Innolux’s 55-inch AM Mini LED display, which the company also demoed in OPTO Taiwan, features RGB Mini LED chips and is put together from 32 9-inch modular parts, with a 960*540 resolution. As well, the P1.2 mm pixel pitch display is driven by active matrix technology paired with a PCB backplane. Innolux says that it has kicked off mass production, and the product is currently being released to market.

Innolux’s dual cell Mini LED backlighting solution delivers high contrast

Also on exhibit was Innolux’s 31.5-inch display with 2000 white LED chips as the backlight. The display delivers improved brightness and local dimming performance via its FHD dual cell technology.

Innolux showcased its high-performance 120-inch Mini LED backlight display with 8k resolution

Innolux’s 120-inch 8k TV features 14,400 Mini LED chips and 4,800 local dimming zones. The high-resolution TV is also HDR-capable.

PlayNitride unveiled its Micro LED microdisplay solutions and Micro LED display modules

PlayNitride’s exhibition primarily focused on AR applications, one of which is its 0.39-inch Micro LED display, which is based on blue-light LED technology, with a 3000 PPI and a 30,000-nit brightness. The company also showed off its Pixel Matrix technology, by which it transfers Micro LED chips onto PCBs, each of which contains 16 pixels, and each pixel is driven by RGB chips, for a total of 48 Micro LED chips per PCB.

Industry newcomer Aerotrans Technology displayed its in-house laser transfer solution

OPTO Taiwan 2020 featured a section specifically dedicated to Micro LED technology, with various startups each showing off their own product solutions. Aerotrans Technology, for instance, displayed its contactless light transfer technology, which is essentially a type of semi-mass transfer using laser technology. Aerotrans currently offers a range of light-curable adhesives that are sensitive to certain laser wavelengths. These products make it easy to displace LED chips, but not for LED chip sizes <50 µm. Development of solutions for the latter is currently underway.

Laserssel delivered its new laser bonding solution

Sigma Technology is a distributor that currently carries equipment from Korea-based Laserssel in Taiwan. During OPTO Taiwan, Sigma demonstrated Laserssel’s laser bonding technology, which uses a 1000 nm beam of IR laser to heat up LED chips at the electrode level to about 200 degrees Celsius, thus achieving die bonding. This type of die bonding is up to 1.5 times stronger than conventional metal bonding.

Coherent revealed its laser-based semi-mass transfer solution

Taking place concurrently with OPTO Taiwan was Laser & Photonics Taiwan 2020, which featured exhibitions of products and technologies related to laser. Some participating exhibitors also demonstrated Micro LED-related applications. In particular, Coherent exhibited its excimer laser technology, used in conjunction with photomasks for Micro LED LLO (laser lift-off) from the sapphire crystal. Paired with optical lenses that allow for 2.5x zoom (or more), Coherent’s excimer laser can further focus the laser beam to achieve semi-mass transfer for even smaller sized LED chips. According to Joe Lin, the general manager of Coherent Taiwan, due to the fragile structural integrity of Micro LED and its temporary substrate, repeated laser exposure are detrimental to the LED’s utility and structure. Coherent’s solution addresses this issue by lifting off the sapphire from the GaN layer by having to fire a precision laser beam only once.

TrendForce and its LED inside research division has observed that current technical and cost-related challenges are the greatest roadblocks in bringing Micro LED to market; the keys to Micro LED mass production, therefore, lie in addressing Micro LED chip efficiency, semi-mass transfer, driver and backplane, inspection and repair, among other issues. TrendForce undertook an in-depth analysis in February 2020 into Micro LED technology and supply chains. For more details, please feel free to contact TrendForce representatives by phone or email. Thank you.

TrendForce 2020 Analysis Report on Next Generation Display Technology and Supply Chain of Micro LED

Publish Date: February 28th 2020

Format: PDF

Language: Traditional Chinese/English

Number of Pages: 140

Quarterly Updates: Micro/Mini LED Market Perspective Analysis – Manufacturer Dynamics, Incorporation of New Technology, Display Week / Touch, Taiwan Exhibition Venue Coverage (March, June, September 2020; approx. 10-15 pages/quarter)

Chapter 1 – Definition and Market Scale Analysis of Micro LED

- Production Definition of Micro LED

- Market Value Analysis and Prediction of Micro LED for 2019-2024

- Production Volume Analysis and Prediction of Micro LED for 2019-2024

- Penetration Rate Prediction of Micro LED Display for 2019-2024

Chapter 2 – Product Application and Technical Development Trends of Micro LED

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of Head-Mounted Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on Head-Mounted Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of Head-Mounted Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of Wearable Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on Wearable Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of Wearable Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of Handheld Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on Handheld Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of Handheld Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of IT Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on IT Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of IT Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of Automotive Display Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on Automotive Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of Automotive Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of TV Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on TV Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of TV

- Micro LED Product Application – Cost Analysis of LED Display Device

- Micro LED Product Application – Long-Term Cost Prediction on TV Display Device 

- Micro LED Product Application – Shipment Volume and Competitiveness Analysis of LED Display 

Chapter 3 – Analysis on Critical Technology of Micro LED for 2020

- Bottlenecks in Critical Technology of Micro LED

- Overview of Micro LED Technical Bottlenecks and Solutions – Manufacturing Process 

- Overview of Micro LED Technical Bottlenecks and Solutions – Manufacturing Process of LED Epitaxy and Chip 

- Overview of Micro LED Technical Bottlenecks and Solutions – Migration Technology/Bonding Technology/Driver and Backplane Technology 

Chapter 4 –Bottleneck and Supply Chain Analysis of Epitaxy and Chip Technology 

- Process of Micro LED Epitaxy and Chip 

- Overview of Micro LED Epitaxy Technology 

- Bottleneck Analysis of Micro LED Epitaxy Technology

- Supply Chain Analysis of Micro LED Epitaxy Technology

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Epitaxy Technology of Micro LED – Equipment Supplier – Veeco 

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Epitaxy Technology of Micro LED – Equipment Supplier – Aixtron

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Epitaxy Technology of Micro LED – Equipment Supplier – AMEC

- Overview of Micro LED Chip Technology

- Bottleneck Analysis of Micro LED Chip Technology 

- Supply Chain Analysis of Micro LED Chip Technology 

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Epitaxy Technology of Micro LED – Chip Supplier – Epistar

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Epitaxy Technology of Micro LED – Chip Supplier - Lextar

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Epitaxy Technology of Micro LED – Chip Supplier – San’an

Chapter 5 – Bottleneck and Supply Chain Analysis of Mass Transfer and Bonding Technology 

- Process of Mass Transfer and Bonding Technology for Micro LED

- Overview of Mass Transfer Technology for Micro LED

- Bottleneck Analysis of Mass Transfer Technology for Micro LED

- Supply Chain Analysis of Mass Transfer Technology for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED – Toray 

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED – ASM

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED – X-Celeprint

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED –eLux

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED –Uniqarta

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED – OPTOVATE

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Transfer Technology of Micro LED –KIMM

- Overview of Bonding Technology for Micro LED

- Bottleneck Analysis of Bonding Technology for Micro LED

- Supply Chain Analysis of Bonding Technology for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Bonding Technology of Micro LED –Indium

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Bonding Technology of Micro LED - SMIC

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Bonding Technology of Micro LED - SEKISUI

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Mass Bonding Technology of Micro LED - Leti

Chapter 6 – Bottleneck and Supply Chain Analysis of Inspection and Repair Technology 

- Inspection and Repair Process of Micro LED

- Overview of Inspection Technology for Micro LED

- Bottle Analysis of Inspection Technology for Micro LED

- Supply Chain Analysis of Inspection Equipment for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Inspection Technology – Equipment Supplier – KLA

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Inspection Technology – Equipment Supplier – Toray

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Inspection Technology – Equipment Supplier – KONICA MINOLTA

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Inspection Technology – Equipment Supplier – TOPCOn

- Overview of Repair Technology for Micro LED

- Bottleneck Analysis of Repair Technology for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Repair Technology – Equipment Supplier – Toray

Chapter 7 – Bottleneck and Supply Chain Analysis of Full Color Technology 

- Process of Full Color Technology for Micro LED

- Overview of Full Color Technology for Micro LED

- Bottleneck Analysis of Full Color Technology for Micro LED

- Supply Chain Analysis of Full Color Technology for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Full Color Technology – Material Supplier

Chapter 8 – Bottleneck and Supply Chain Analysis of Backplane and Driver Technology 

- Process of Backplane and Driver Technology for Micro LED

- Overview of Backplane Technology for Micro LED

- Bottleneck Analysis of Backplane Technology for Micro LED

- Supply Chain Analysis of Backplane Technology for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Backplane Technology of Micro LED – AUO

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Backplane Technology of Micro LED –CSOT

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Backplane Technology of Micro LED – Tianma

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Backplane Technology of Micro LED –Kyocera

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Backplane Technology of Micro LED –Plessey

- Overview of Driver Technology for Micro LED 

- Bottleneck Analysis of Driver Technology for Micro LED

- Supply Chain Analysis of Driver Technology for Micro LED

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Driver Technology of Micro LED – Macroblock 

- Manufacturer Analysis for Critical Driver Technology of Micro LED – Chipone 

Chapter 9 – Arrangement and Competitive Trend Analysis of Regional Micro LED Manufacturers 

- Supply Chain Analysis of Major Global Micro LED Manufacturers

- Analysis of Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Taiwanese Manufacturers 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between Epistar and Leyard

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between PlayNitride and RIT Display 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Development and Arrangement of Foxconn

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Development and Arrangement of AUO 

- Analysis of Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Chinese Manufacturers 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Incentive Program of Chinese Government 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Micro LED Projects Invested by San’an 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Industrial Cooperation between Konka and Bi-Shan 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between Konka R&D Center and LianTronics 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between BOE and Rohinni 

- Analysis of Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Japanese and South Korean Manufacturers

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Close Cooperation between Samsung and Taiwanese & Japanese Manufacturers 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between Seoul Semiconductor and Seoul Viosys 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between JDI and GLO 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Strategic Cooperation between Kyocera and GLO 

- Analysis of Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – European and US Manufacturers

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – Plessey’s Focus on the Development of AR Applications 

- Analysis of Product Strategy and Development Dynamics for Regional Manufacturers – OSRAM’s Focus on the Development of Transparent Automotive Display 

Chapter 10 – Analysis of Development Dynamics for Critical Micro LED Manufacturers 

- Manufacturer – Analysis of Development Dynamics for Apple 

- List of Display Technology from Apple Products 

- Micro LED Array of Apple

- Manufacturer – Analysis of Development Dynamics for Samsung 

- List of Display Technology from Samsung Products

- Micro LED Supply Chain of Samsung 

- Manufacturer – Analysis of Development Dynamics for LG

- List of Display Technology from LG Products

- Micro LED Supply Chain of LG

- Manufacturer - Analysis of Development Dynamics for Sony

- List of Display Technology from Sony Products 

- Micro LED Supply Chain of Sony 

Appendix – Exploration of Micro LED Process on Various Applications

- Analysis of Specification for Various Display Applications

- Analysis for Applications of Micro LED Epitaxy Technology 

- Analysis for Applications of Micro LED Chip Technology

- Analysis for Applications of Mass Transfer Technology in Micro LED

- Analysis for Applications of Bonding Technology in Micro LED

- Analysis for Applications of Full Color Technology in Micro LED

- Analysis of Applications of Backplane Technology in Micro LED