What does 'Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode (AMOLED)' mean?

Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) is a type of OLED display technology in which the pixels are driven by an active matrix circuit, which consists of thin-film transistors (TFTs) and capacitors.

In an OLED display, each pixel is made up of organic materials that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. In an active-matrix OLED display, the TFTs control the current supplied to each pixel, allowing for more precise control over the brightness and color of the display.

AMOLED displays offer several benefits compared to other display technologies. They have a fast response time, wide viewing angles, and a high contrast ratio, which makes them well-suited for use in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.

They also have a thin profile, which allows for the creation of slim and lightweight devices. Additionally, AMOLED displays are energy-efficient, as they only require power when they are displaying an image, and they can turn off individual pixels to create a true black color.

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AMOLED displays have a higher refresh rate than passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) displays, which means that they can update the display more quickly and smoothly. This is because the active matrix circuit in an AMOLED display allows for more precise control over the pixels, allowing them to be updated more quickly.

AMOLED displays also tend to be more energy-efficient than PMOLED displays, as they only require power when they are displaying an image.

In a PMOLED display, the pixels are driven by a passive matrix circuit, which requires a continuous current to be applied to the display. This can result in higher power consumption, especially when displaying images with a lot of white or light-colored pixels.

But one of the main disadvantages of AMOLED technology is that the organic materials used in the display can degrade over time, reducing the lifetime of the display. This degradation can be caused by a number of factors, including the emission of light, the accumulation of heat, and the presence of oxygen and moisture.

One of the main causes of degradation in AMOLED displays is the emission of light by the organic materials. When an electric current is applied to the pixels, the organic materials emit light, which can cause them to degrade over time. This process is known as “phosphorescence,” and it can lead to a reduction in the lifetime of the display.

Another factor that can contribute to the degradation of AMOLED displays is the accumulation of heat. The organic materials in the display are sensitive to high temperatures, and the emission of light can cause them to heat up. If the temperature becomes too high, it can cause the organic materials to degrade more quickly.

While AMOLED technology offers a number of benefits, its limited lifetime is a significant disadvantage that has led to the development of alternative technologies, such as quantum dot displays and microLED displays, which are designed to be more durable and have a longer lifespan.