The vehicle instrument cluster is required to provide drivers with a large and ever-increasing amount of information, with desired looks that match a vehicle’s design.

Instrument Cluster with TFT Display and LED backlight

In 2007 DENSO launched a new instrument cluster with the TFT display providing a variety of information for easy driver recognition as well as improved environmental features. For the TFT display, DENSO developed a new backlight unit using a high-luminance, light-emitting diode (LED). It is the first in the world to use the LED for an instrument cluster's TFT display. Compared to a conventional backlight unit, which uses cold cathode fluorescent lamps, the newly developed backlight unit does not contain mercury, an environmentally hazardous substance, and reduces power consumption by approximately 20%, contributing to less fuel consumption.

 DENSO Technology – Leading the World

• In 1984, DENSO introduced the world’s first digital cluster with digital indicator(s) into the market.
• In 1989, DENSO introduced the world’s first black-face cluster with a uniform black background by covering the cluster with smoked acrylic glass.
• In 1998, DENSO adopted the first electroluminescent (EL) display for instrument clusters.
• In 1999, DENSO adopted the first transparent EL display for instrument clusters. The transparent EL display superimposes information such as driving conditions on the front of the black-face cluster.

• Multiple information displays capable of providing a variety of information
  • DENSO combines an EL display, navigation display, or television with the instrument clusters to provide drivers with an increasing amount of information.
• Various configurations available
  • DENSO produced the world’s first three-dimensional display plate (see above), allowing instrument clusters to have various configurations.
  • DENSO’s printing technology allows us to create a display plate with graduated color.
• Precise and quiet analogue indicators
  • DENSO developed stepper motors that convert speed and other data into a readable form on the instrument clusters, achieving highly accurate and highly responsive analogue indicators.
• High-luminance, long-life and low current-consumption light-emitting-diodes
• High reliability
  • One-chip microcomputer controls all indicators of the instrument cluster.
  • Standardized software and/or structured software modules control the one-chip microcomputer.