Apple iPad with OLED with better picture quality and lighter weight
※Release date: 2024
※Development model: LGD (LG Display) 2 models (12.9", 11.0") , SDC (Samsung Display) 1 model (11.0")
※Why did LGD receive more models than SDC?
-Since LGD has applied a two-stack tandem structure to automotive OLEDs, it is ahead of its mass production experience.
-In the iPad OLED sample test, LGD took the lead and received two models.
-There is also an opinion that Apple is trying to reduce its dependence on SDC.
※Structure:
Two stack tandem (2x screen brightness, 4x lifespan, long lifespan, Lifespan is important because it has a long service life!)
※Production plant
LGD
-E6-4, 6G (1,500mm x 1,850mm), announced an investment plan of KRW 3.3 trillion in 2021, and equipment orders are being placed in sequence.
-(Personally, I wonder if it would be right for LGD to newly invest 6G Fab at the time when SDC A3 Fab's depreciation ends)
SDC
-Initial product - A3 line remodeling, LoB work for two stack tandem is expected.
-(It is the off-peak season in the first half of the year, so you can supply idle capacity for 10-20 million units while remaining 6G capacity)
-Late product - It is expected to be produced in 8.5G OLED Fab.
-Equipment order in 2022 - It may go directly to production in 2H24.
BOE
-Target of completion of two-stack tandem technology in B12 Phase3, applications: Smartphone, IT, and vehicle OLED.
-Aim to build 8.6 generation (2,250x2,600mm) OLED production line for IT at B16 plant.
-Target mass production by the end of 2024.
※TFT
LGD
-It is estimated that 6G will be implemented with LTPO TFT (120Hz, Low Power).
-LTPO also has fast electron movement and is advantageous for low-power operation.
-It is advantageous for realizing a high refresh rate of 120Hz or more.
SDC
-8.5G is estimated to go to oxide TFT (requires less mask).
-Oxide method requires fewer masks, so the cost is low (Needed masks: 7 oxide TFT masks, 11 LTPS TFT masks, 16 LTPO TFT masks)
-If you go to oxide, the resolution is lower than the desired level, so you can deposit a back plate with ALD to increase electron mobility. (Can also be done with conventional PECVD)
-SDC production at the 6G line is expected to be LTPO.
BOE
8.5G investment appears to be going to LTPS TFT.
※ 8.5G (2,200x2,500mm) investment status by each company
SDC is the fastest. LGD is next, BOE is next.
SDC: ULVAC vertical deposition (Full cut)
-Full cut is difficult compared to half, but cost and efficiency are good.
-Vertical deposition has to deal with the problem of being deformed by depositing organic materials at high temperatures.
LGD: Sunic system horizontal deposition (Half cut)
-It seems possible to collaborate with Wonik IPS.
BOE: Canon Tokki Horizontal deposition (Half cut)
-In the existing 6G, all went to Canon Tokki's horizontal deposition, but in 8.5G, it seems difficult to solve the central sagging phenomenon.
-It is estimated that there are still 18-24 months of development remaining. Can development be done?
※8.5G advantage
-96 13.3 inches per 8.5G panel disc
-48 13.3 inches per 6G panel disc
-Efficiency per panel is good.
※I am already filming a TV with 8.5G, can I use it?
-There is a big difference in the number of pixels between a TV and an IT panel.
-When viewed from a distance, the TV doesn't have the least number of pixels, but the IT panel is handheld, so it can be seen clearly when the number of pixels is high.
-Because pixels and resolution are important, we do not use the method of putting color filters on the blue and white organic material light sources used for TVs, but use RGB organic materials as the light source itself.
※How much will the OLED TAM (Total Addressable Market) increase?
-Apple's annual iPad shipments: 60 million units (global market share 40%, No.1);
-3 times the area of a smartphone and 6 times the material usage considering the two-stack tandem structure?
-Even if it is not 6 times, the usage will be 3-4 times that of a smartphone.
-Just in time, the 22.07.11 BH report came out from Citi. The increase in OLED usage is well expressed in a diagram.
-BH's sales can roughly estimate the extent of TAM increase in OLED.
-TAM added by iPad Pro (11", 12.9") increased by 36% compared to iPhone 13 (all models OLED)
-Macbook Air (13.3"), iPhone SE, Foldable, etc. are driving the additional TAM of OLED.
-When all iPad models are done, the number is small, but the TAM is greater than the current iPhone models.
-So making an 8.5G investment.
※Samsung Display OLED material set: T2 (I don't know the exact vendor composition yet, but Duksan Neolux is estimated to produce Red Prime, Green Prime, and HTL; Red Host is estimated to be produced by Dupont)
※OLED display etching
-First introduced as a process to cut unnecessary parts using chemical technology when making TFT circuit patterns.
-Thinner and lighter displays can be created.
-In the iPhone, the OLED panel was light enough and did not go through the etching process.
-A special coating is being developed to make the OLED weight as light as possible and to increase the durability of the ultra-thin panel.
※Dry etching equipment
-SDC-oriented etching equipment 3 companies are competing: Wonik IPS, ICD, TEL (Tokyo Electron)
-Dry etching equipment: Used to make electrode (gate, source, drain) wiring in TFT process
-At the time of 6G investment, Wonik IPS, ICD, and TEL (Tokyo Electron) all supplied dry etching equipment.
※FMM
DNP (Dainippon Printing, Japan).
-The central part sagging is a problem during horizontal deposition, and there is little sagging in the center part during vertical deposition.
※ Tensioner
HIMS?
-Wouldn't the role of the tensioner be reduced by reducing the central sagging during vertical deposition?
※OLED sales by product in 21 years
-585 million smartphones
-120 million smart watches
-3.6 million laptops (236 million global laptops)
-5.5 million tablets (150 million global tablets)
※Panel price
-DSCC estimates 12.9-inch Mini LED (LCD) panel price of US$205 and OLED panel cost of US$175.
-$30 savings compared to Mini LED!
References
LGD, 애플 아이패드 OLED 2종 개발...삼성D는 1종 개발 - 전자부품 전문 미디어 디일렉 (thelec.kr)
애플 OLED 아이패드, 2024년 나온다 - 전자신문 (etnews.com)
원익IPS·아이씨디·TEL, 삼성디스플레이 IT용 OLED 식각장비 3파전 - 전자부품 전문 미디어 디일렉 (thelec.kr)
'1년째 소문만 무성'…삼성·LGD IT용 OLED 대규모 투자 언제쯤? - 전자부품 전문 미디어 디일렉 (thelec.kr)
아바텍, 新 성장동력 'OLED 식각·MLCC 사업' 힘 준다 - 전자신문 (etnews.com)