LG Electronics and LG Display Strengthen Collaboration on LTPS-Based Micro-LED Signage

LG Electronics is transitioning its Micro-LED signage products from conventional printed circuit boards (PCBs) to glass-based low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFTs), and LG Display is partnering with the company. LTPS’s high electron mobility allows for the integration of per-pixel driving circuitry within the panel, reducing signal delays and wiring complexity and significantly improving performance and efficiency compared to PCBs.

LG Display is currently developing a 22.3-inch Micro-LED module. This module features a resolution of 480×540, a pixel pitch of 0.783mm, a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and a bezel thickness of 1.94mm. Connecting 32 modules creates a 136-inch signage. The chip size is less than 50㎛, and a similar product was previously showcased at the previous K-Display exhibition. LG Electronics plans to utilize this module to expand its premium signage lineup. Micro-LED signage is better suited for large commercial displays than consumer TVs due to its high-precision, high-cost process. The signage market prioritizes image quality, durability, and brightness, allowing for the adoption of high-end equipment. The modular structure facilitates flexible expansion of size and resolution. Conversely, consumer TVs in the 55- to 75-inch range are price-sensitive, posing a high barrier to entry. Consequently, LG is maintaining its OLED TV expansion strategy while focusing on commercial applications such as video walls and billboards for Micro-LED.

As a panel manufacturer, LG Display utilizes existing TFT lines to manufacture Micro-LED TFT substrates. According to a published patent, the company has established a process that covers transferred LED chips with an organic insulating film, forms contact holes in the electrodes, and then deposits metal wires to electrically connect the chips and TFT substrates. Leveraging its experience in AMOLED manufacturing, LG Display has secured line switching efficiency and process reliability. LG Electronics is responsible for all aspects of final quality control, including finished product manufacturing, image quality correction, and compensation for defective pixels and color differences, ensuring brand reliability.

LG Display demonstrated its Micro-LED tiling technology at SID 2025 and K-Display. The demonstration highlighted the scalability of large displays by separating and integrating two 22-inch modules, enabling a 136-inch 4K display in an 8×4 configuration.

According to the strategy announced last year, LG Electronics will focus on premium signage and fine-pitch LED displays in its business solutions segment. Its flagship product, the “MAGNIT” Micro-LED, has nearly doubled its annual sales since its launch in 2020, but its market size remains limited. In 2023, the company will launch the 118-inch 4K 120Hz MAGNIT (0.6mm pixel pitch) for home use at $237,000, targeting the ultra-high-end premium market.

The industry expects LG Electronics to prioritize its OLED TV business while pursuing mid- to long-term expansion of Micro-LED, focusing on commercial displays. The transition to LTPS is a key pillar of this strategy and is expected to serve as a springboard for conquering the high-performance, high-reliability signage market.

Changwook Han, Executive Vice President/Analyst at UBI Research (cwhan@ubiresearch.com)

2025 Micro-LED Display Industry and Technology Trends Report