Custom Segment LCD Displays: Definition, Advantages, and Typical Applications Explained
01.14.2026
In industrial equipment, automotive electronics, and various battery-powered devices, the display module not only performs the function of presenting information but also directly impacts the product's power consumption, reliability, and overall cost. In these application scenarios, custom segment LCD displays remain one of the widely used and irreplaceable display solutions.
1. What is a Custom Segment LCD Display?
A Segment LCD Display is a liquid crystal display technology based on the segment display principle. It achieves clear and intuitive information display through pre-designed combinations of digital, symbolic, or iconic segments. Its driving methods typically include static drive and multiplex drive, which can be flexibly selected based on the number of segments and display complexity.
The term "custom" in custom segment LCD display represents a high degree of customization capability, mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Shape customization: Circular, oval, rectangular, or other irregular shapes
Segment and icon customization: Dedicated symbols, scales, units, and branded icons
Display mode customization: Positive display, negative display, and different contrast requirements
Driving method customization: COG, COB, and other integrated solutions
Interface and electrical parameter customization: Matching the main control IC and system architecture
Unlike standard segment LCDs, custom segment LCD displays are not general-purpose products, but rather specifically designed for particular application scenarios, offering significant advantages in functionality, appearance, and system compatibility.
2. Why Choose Custom Segment LCD Displays?
Among numerous display technologies, custom segment LCD displays have been widely adopted in industrial and professional fields for a long time due to their comprehensive advantages in key performance dimensions.
Outstanding Low Power Consumption
Segment LCDs use ambient light to create images, which uses much less power than TFT or OLED displays. This makes them perfect for devices that need to last a long time on a battery.
High Reliability and Long Lifespan
The simple structure and lack of self-luminous aging problems allow custom segment LCD displays to maintain long-term stable operation in harsh environments such as industrial and automotive applications.
Excellent Readability in Bright Light and Outdoors
Segment LCDs maintain clear display even in direct sunlight or strong light conditions, a feature that some TFT and OLED displays struggle to achieve.
Controllable Cost, Suitable for Large-Volume Projects
In projects with clearly defined functions and fixed display content, custom segment LCD displays can effectively reduce BOM costs, especially suitable for large-scale production. Compared to TFT LCDs, which are better suited for complex graphic displays, and OLEDs, which emphasize visual effects, custom segment LCD displays focus more on functionality, reliability, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
3. Typical Application Scenarios of Custom Segment LCD Displays
Industry segmentation provides a more intuitive understanding of the practical value of custom segment LCD displays:
Industrial Control and Instrumentation
Used for status indication, parameter display, and alarm prompts, emphasizing stability and clarity.
Automotive Electronics and Instrument Panels
In modules such as mileage display and status indication, custom segment LCD displays offer advantages in temperature resistance and vibration resistance.
Home Appliance Control Panels
Provides clear and intuitive function indication while meeting cost and lifespan requirements.
Medical Equipment
Used for basic parameter and status display, emphasizing reliability and low power consumption.
Smart Meters (Electricity Meters/Water Meters/Gas Meters)
Long lifespan and ultra-low power consumption are the core advantages of custom segment LCD displays.
Consumer Electronics and Portable Devices
Achieves lightweight and cost-effective display solutions in specific functional products.
4. Conclusion: Why Custom Segment LCD Displays Remain Irreplaceable
As technology for displays keeps on improving, TFT and OLED displays are getting better at looking good. But when it comes to using less power, lasting a long time, staying reliable, keeping costs down, and being designed for a specific use, custom segment LCD displays still have special benefits.
For products with display content that doesn't change, which are stable and energy efficient, using customised segment LCDs is a mature and cost-effective solution.