long range.

Thus in a given layer, the rods are all oriented in the same direction Also, in
the smectic liquid crystals the molecules of different layers are ordered as shown in
Fig. 10.15 (a). Thus both orientation order and positional order is present in the smectic
crystals.

Fig. 10.15 (b) shows nematic structure of liquid crystals. In the nematic structure the
positional order between layer of molecules is lost, but the orientation order is maintained.

Fig. 10 15 (c) shows cholesteric structure of liquid crystals. In these crystals the rod-like
molecules in each layer are oriented a different angle within each layer. Orientation order
is maintained in each layer. The cholesteric liquid crystal is related to the nematic crystal,
with the difference being the twist of the molecules as one goes from one layer to another.
The optical activity of the crystal depends upon the orientation and the twist of the
molecules as one goes from one layer to another.

10.6.1 Types of LeOs

There are two types of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) according to the theory of
operation:
1. Dynamic scattering 2. Field effect.

10.6.1.1 Dynamic Scattering Type LeOs

Fig. 10.16 shows the construction of a typical liquid crystal display. It consists of two
glass plates with a liquid crystal fluid in between. The back plate is coated with thin
transparent layer of conductive material, where as front plate has a photoetched
conductive coating with seven segment pattern as shown in Fig. 10.16.

Fig. 10.16 Liquid crystal display construction

Fig. 10.17 shows the operation of liquid crystal display. In the absence of the electrical
signal, orientation order is maintained in the crystal allowing light to transmit. This makes
 Display Devices

"-Transparent
conductive
film display
egment

LCD display clear. The current through the liquid

i~_1 crystal causes orientation

random
which
orientation
lights
background
display
as shown
results
order to collapse. The
scattering
segment
in Fig. 10.18.
on
of light
a dark

10.6.1.2 Field Effect Display

In these displays nematic liquid crystals are used. Fig. 10.19 shows operation of field
effect liquid crystal display with nematic crystals. It consists of two glass plates, a liquid
crystal fluid, polarizers and transparent conductors. The liquid crystal fluid is sandwiched
between two glass plates. Each glass plate is associated with light polarizer. The light
polarizers are placed at right angle to each other. In the absence of electrical excitation, the
light coming through the front polarizer is rotated through/-O" in the fluid and passed
through the rear polarizer. It is then reflected to the viewer by the back mirror as shown
in Fig. 10.19 (a).
On the application of electrostatic field, the liquid crystal fluid molecules get aligned
and therefore light through the molecules is not rotated by 90° and it is absorbed by the
rear polarizer as shown in Fig. 10.19 (b). This causes the appearance of dark digit on a
light background as shown in Fig. 10.19 (c).
10.6.1.3 Advantages of LCOs
1. Less power consumption
2. Low cost
3. Uniform brightneE''' with good contrast

10.6.1.4 Disadvantages of LCOs

'(101' reliability
l,imited temperature range.
~. roar visibility in Jow ambient temperature.
-+ Slow speed
, Requires an ac drive.

The operation of this display is based on the principle that under breakdown
condition, a gas near cold cathode gas filled tube emits light. The cold cathode indicators
<Ire called Nixie Tubes. These are based on the principle of glow discharge in a cold
cathode gas filled tubes. The construction of the nixie tube is as shown in the Fig. 10.20.It
consists 10 cathode and one anode, all are made of thin wires. But only difference is anode
is in the form of thin frame.

When a gas near cathode breaks down, a glow discharge is produced. The guaze
electrodes with a positive supply voltage work as an anode. In generaL this voltage is
selected greater than the worst case breakdown voltage of the gas within tube. When the
cathode is connected to ground potential, the gas which is close to a cathode glows.
 Gas filled
envelopes

Numeral shaped
electrodes

Cathodes
Nixie tube
Front Side
view view

Generally, Neon gas is used to fill the glass tube. The Neon gas gives orcmge-red glow.
For other colours, different gases are used. Sometimes dot cathodes arc used to serve as
decimal point in the character. The important characteristics are as h]]ows :
i) The numerals are large, typically 15 - 30 mm high.
ii) The Nixie tubes are single digit devices with or without Liccimal point.
iii) They are aVClilable in two types, side viewing and top "iev\ ing etc.
iv) D.C. supply requirement for the nixie tube is "'50-200 V. While the current
requirement of the selected cathode is 1-5 mA.

v) Can be used as multiplexed displays.

vi) Nixie tubes are also used to display alphabetical symbols.

Following table gives the comparison on the basis of advantages, disadvantages and
applications of digital display devices.

LED displays LCD displays Nixie tube

Advantages • Bright display • Good contrast in bright • Bright display

• Available in different
colours such as green,
yellow, red and amber
• Small" size
• Compatible with ICs
ambient light
• More colour ranges than
• Low power element LEOs
• Low cost • Low cost
• C:0mpatible with ICs • Compatible with ICs.