Difference between LCD modes | IPS mode VA mode TN mode

This page compares LCD display modes viz. IPS mode vs VA mode vs TN mode and mentions difference between IPS mode, VA mode and TN mode.

Introduction: Display unit which uses liquid crystals for its operation is known as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). It consists of six components viz. light source, liquid crystal, color filter and two electrodes along with glass plates on both sides of crystal. Varying voltage on electrodes will change amount of twist in the crystal and consecutively varies amount of light passing through it.

The figure-1 depicts major components in a typical LCD cell. As shown, basic LCD structure consists of alignment layers in contact with crystal. The electrical contacts consists of indium tin oxide, glass layers and polarizing films.

There are three modes in LCD which are based on liquid crystal rotation. These modes are IPS (Plane Switching), VA (Vertical Alignment) and TN (Twisted Nematic).

IPS mode

• In this LCD mode, crystal switches horizontally.
• It supports wide viewing angle.
• It supports large colour coverage.
• IPS mode LCD is available at higher cost.
• It offers best performance among all the three modes.

VA mode

• In this LCD mode, liquid crystals align vertical to glass substrate.
• It also supports wider viewing angle and larger colour coverage.
• Similar to IPS mode, VA mode LCD is available at higher cost.

TN mode

• This LCD works as per TN (Twisted Nematic) effect technology. The TN cells do not require current flow for its operation.
• In TN mode, amount of twist of liquid crystal controls amount of light to be passed.
• It uses low operating voltages preferable to use in batteries.
• It supports narrow viewing angle.
• It supports small colour coverage.
• This LCD mode has captured larger market due to its lower cost.
• It offers fastest response time among all the three modes.

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