Display size - the best balance between portability and usability

A key benefit of 3.5" displays in industrial environments is the balance they strike between portability and usability. At 3.5" diagonally, they are small enough to be integrated into an ergonomic handheld housing, yet large enough to communicate critical information to users in the field or on the factory floor.

Application fields of 3.5-inch TFT display

• Handheld test instruments

• Portable diagnostic equipment

• Remote control units

• Human machine interface (HMI)

• Robotics and automation operator panels

• Ruggedized mobile devices

• Aviation and vehicle displays

For these applications, the 3.5-inch screen provides ample screen real estate for relevant data such as measurements, waveforms, sensor readings, and machine/process status, while minimizing bulk and weight, enhancing portability and reducing fatigue during extended use.

The modest size of 3.5 inches avoids the need for excessive scrolling or zooming, which can hinder quick access to information. Clear display of instructions, menus, diagrams, manuals, and other reference data is also well supported. Overall, 3.5 inches strikes the best balance between being too large and bulky and too small and restrictive.

3.5-inch TFT reliability and ruggedness

Ruggedness and reliability are critical for industrial display applications. The 3.5-inch panel features the following rugged enhancements:

• Shock/vibration resistant

• Wide operating temperature range (-30 to 80 C)

• Water, dust, and debris protection (IP65/IP68 rating)

• Chemically resistant materials and coatings scratch-resistant glass screen

These features enable reliable performance in harsh factory and field environments susceptible to moisture, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and accidental impacts. Select devices meet military-grade MIL-STD-810 durability standards. Optical bonding eliminates internal air gaps that are prone to fogging.

Recommended application areas for 3.5-inch TFT

Wearable and Handheld Computers

Rugged 3.5" touchscreen handheld computer provides computing power for data collection, scanning, inspection, asset management and field reporting. Warehouse/logistics personnel benefit from hands-free operation.

Bluetooth enables wireless peripheral connectivity (scanners, printers). 3.5" wearable display provides real-time workflow visualization while being comfortable to wear throughout a full shift.

Human Machine Interface

The 3.5" touchscreen-based interactive HMI provides an efficient way to monitor and control industrial automation systems, CNC machines, robots, and process equipment. The compact 3.5" HMI can be conveniently placed within easy reach.

Aviation and Vehicle Displays

Rugged 3.5" displays are often integrated into aircraft cockpits, cockpit instruments, and fleet vehicle dashboards to monitor critical system data. Optical filters are suitable for use in avionics under variable lighting conditions.

Compact size allows for close integration of instrument panels without compromising visibility. Rugged to withstand vibration and temperature fluctuations. 3.5" size avoids excessive instrument panel bulk.

Handheld Test and Measurement Instruments

Portable test tools used by field technicians and engineers to monitor or troubleshoot systems benefit from an integrated 3.5" display. Example tools include digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, thermal imagers, vibration meters, and RF spectrum analyzers.

The 3.5" screen provides real-time data visualization and instrument control in a compact form factor that feels comfortable in the hand for long periods of time. The rugged design withstands workshop and factory floor environments.

Diagnostic and medical equipment

The rugged 3.5-inch touchscreen display enables rugged handheld devices for point-of-care diagnostics and patient monitoring. For example, portable ultrasound devices utilize the 3.5-inch screen for scanning and visualization. Patient vital signs monitoring systems take advantage of the compact size.

The medical-grade 3.5-inch display features chemical-resistant glass and plastic and a sleek, seamless design for easy cleaning and disinfection. Wireless connectivity enables data integration with hospital systems.

Remote operation and control

Wireless handheld remote controls with 3.5" displays provide control options for large machinery and assets where wiring is not feasible. For example, remote controls for cranes, mining equipment, and construction machinery can integrate live camera feeds and instrument data.

The handheld design with 3.5" screen allows for rugged mobility without sacrificing visibility. Wireless range of up to 300 meters allows for flexible monitoring.

In conclusion

The 3.5" touchscreen offers the best balance of portability, usability, and price and will continue to play an important role in industrial handheld devices. Advances in durability, visibility, responsiveness, and interface will further enhance the technology's capabilities.

With the right combination of features, 3.5" displays offer attractive usability for handheld test tools, portable diagnostics, human machine interfaces, remote controls and in-vehicle systems. Proven standardization also simplifies integration compared to fully customized display solutions.

For industrial applications, 3.5" is the optimal size for critical data visualization and control. Evaluating this compact yet powerful display size can enhance your equipment and field operations without unnecessary size, weight or power burdens.

3.5-inch TFT display product series

3.5 inch 640x480 color TFT LCD/MIPI interface/Ultra-wide temperature LCD display/ST7703 controller/Android/RK motherboard

▶ Model: TFT-H035B20VGIST4N30

▶ Type: TFT display

▶ Display pixels: 640x480

▶ Dimensions (mm): 76.9x63.9x2.95

▶ Display inches: 3.5"

▶ Effective size (mm): 70.08x52.56

▶ Application: micro instruments, mini home appliances

▶ Viewing angle: IPS full viewing angle

▶ Brightness: 450cd/m2

▶ Pin: FPC-30PIN

▶ Interface: MIPI

▶ Special instructions: Anti-static ESD 8KV

▶ Operating temperature: -30~80℃

▶ Power supply voltage: 3.3V

▶ Driver chip: ST7703

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320x480-inch capacitive touch color LCD display/3.5-inch TFT LCD/IPS full-view display/ST7796SC8051/Arduino/STM32

▶ Model: TFT-H035A3HVIST4C50

▶ Type: TFT vertical screen

▶ Display pixels: 320x480

▶ Dimensions (mm): 54.76x83.58x3.95

▶ Display inches: 3.5"

▶ Effective size (mm): 48.96x73.44

▶ Application: handheld devices, micro home appliances

▶ Viewing angle: IPS

▶ Brightness: 450cd/m2

▶ Pin: FPC-50PIN

▶ Interface: compatible with multiple interfaces

▶ Special instructions: anti-static ESD 8KV

▶ Operating temperature: -20~70℃

▶ Power supply voltage: 3.3V

▶ Driver chip: ST7796S

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3.5 inch TFT LCD /240x320 dot matrix color screen/IPS/TFT/LCD/ST7272A controller

▶ Model: TFT-H035A1QVIST6N54

▶ Type: TFT LCD display

▶ Display content: 240X320

▶ Display inches: 3.5"

▶ Dimensions (mm): 76.84X63.84X4.65

▶ AA size (mm): 70.08X52.560

▶ Product application: household appliances, handheld devices

▶ Viewing angle: IPS full viewing angle

▶ Backlight type or brightness: white backlight 600cd/M2

▶ Connection method PIN number: 54pin

▶ Interface method: 8/24-bit RGB with 3-wire SPI

▶ Special instructions: No touch screen

▶ Operating temperature: -30~85℃

▶ Supply voltage: +2.8 V

▶ Driver chip: ST7272A

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IPS 3.5 inch TFT LCD display module/480x800 pixels/ST7701S/capacitive touch/MIPI interface/3.3V/Android compatible

▶ Model: TFT-H035B22WVIST3C30

▶ Product type: TFT capacitive touch module

▶ Dot matrix: 480x800 Px

▶ Dimensions (mm): 56.0 (H) x 95.0 (V) x 5.1

▶ Diagonal size: 3.5"

▶ Effective size (mm): 45.36x75.6

▶ Application: Android motherboard/RK motherboard

▶ Display viewing angle: IPS (U85/D85/L85/R85)

▶ Brightness: 350cd/m2

▶ Pin: FPC-30PIN

▶ Interface: MIPI 2 lanes

▶ Special instructions: Anti-static ESD 8KV

▶ Operating temperature: -20~70℃

▶ Power supply voltage: 3.3V

▶ Driver chip: ST7701S

▶ Touch panel: Capacitive touch (GT911)

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