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Is the P6 LED display driven by static scanning or dynamic scanning? What is the difference?

by (87.7k points)

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Answer: P6 LED displays typically use a "dynamic scanning" driving method, not static scanning.

I. Why is P6 generally driven by dynamic scanning?

P6 (6mm pixel pitch) is a medium-to-high resolution outdoor/semi-outdoor LED display.  Due to the large number of pixels, if static scanning were used:

The number of driver ICs would be very large.

Cost, power consumption, and wiring complexity would increase significantly.

Therefore, in practice, dynamic scanning is almost universally used (commonly 1/8 scan, 1/16 scan, sometimes 1/4 scan). II. Differences Between Static and Dynamic Scanning

1️⃣ Static Scanning

Working Principle:

Each LED pixel has an independent drive channel.

All pixels are lit simultaneously.

Advantages:

High brightness

Stable display, no scanning flicker

Good grayscale linearity

Disadvantages:

Requires a huge number of driver ICs

High cost and high power consumption

Complex wiring, not suitable for large screens

Applicable Scenarios:

Small-sized LED modules

Industrial instruments, indicator lights

Small character displays, low-resolution applications

2️⃣ Dynamic Scanning ✅ (Commonly used in P6)

Working Principle:

The screen is divided into several rows (or columns).

Each row is lit in turn at high speed (scanning).

The complete image is formed using the "persistence of vision" effect.

For example:

1/8 scan → 1 row is lit at a time, 8 rows in total

1/16 scan → 1 row is lit at a time, 16 rows in total

Advantages:

Significantly reduced number of driver ICs

Low cost and controllable power consumption

Very suitable for medium and large display screens

Disadvantages:

Short single-row lighting time, relatively lower brightness

Poor scanning design may cause flickering

High requirements for driver ICs and refresh rate

Applicable Scenarios:

Outdoor P6 / P8 / P10

Indoor P2~P4 large screens

Advertising screens, stage screens, information display screens

III. Examples of Common P6 Scanning Methods

There may be slight differences between different manufacturers, but the common combinations are as follows:

Module Type: P6 Outdoor Single Red

Common Scanning Method: 1/4 scan

Module Type: P6 Outdoor Full Color

Common Scanning Methods: 1/8 scan, 1/16 scan

Module Type: P6 Indoor Full Color

Common Scanning Method: 1/16 scan

IV. Summary

P6 LED displays basically use dynamic scanning drive, using high-speed scanning to achieve lower cost, fewer driver chips, and larger screen sizes; static scanning is only suitable for small screens or special high-brightness applications.

by (86.6k points)
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The driving method for P6 LED displays can be either static scanning or dynamic scanning, depending on the design and application requirements.

The main differences between static scanning and dynamic scanning are as follows:

Control Method: Static scanning uses "point-to-point" control from the driver IC output to the pixels, requiring no row control circuit; dynamic scanning uses "point-to-column" control, requiring a row control circuit.

Cost: Static scanning is more expensive, but offers better display quality, higher stability, and less brightness loss; dynamic scanning is less expensive, but has poorer display quality and greater brightness loss.

Application Scenarios: Static scanning is suitable for outdoor display environments, such as outdoor glass curtain walls; dynamic scanning is suitable for indoor display environments, such as indoor shop windows.

Brightness and Power Consumption: Static scanning offers higher brightness and higher power consumption; dynamic scanning offers lower brightness and lower power consumption.

In summary, the driving method for P6 LED displays can be selected based on actual display needs, budget, and other factors. If higher display quality and brightness are required and the budget allows, static scanning can be chosen; if cost reduction is a priority and high display quality is not essential, dynamic scanning can be selected.

by (69.5k points)
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The driving method of P6 LED displays is usually dynamic scanning, specifically 1/8 scan or 1/16 scan.

P6 LED Display Scanning Method

The scanning method of indoor full-color LED displays is related to the pixel pitch (P value). Among them, the P6 model generally uses dynamic scanning:

In indoor full-color LED displays, the P6 model uses constant current 1/8 scanning.

When introducing the driving method, dynamic scanning (such as 1/4, 1/8 scanning) is commonly used for indoor screens, and it is pointed out that P6 is suitable for long-distance viewing scenarios such as stages.

The P6 indoor display product uses a "1/16 scanning" driving method.

Difference between Static Scanning and Dynamic Scanning

Static scanning and dynamic scanning are two core driving technologies for LED displays, and they have significant differences in control principles, cost, and display effects.

Comparison Dimension | Static Scanning | Dynamic Scanning | Control Principle | "Point-to-point" control from the driver IC output to the pixel point. | "Point-to-column" control from the driver IC output to the pixel point.

Working Method | All LED pixels are lit simultaneously and remain lit until the next frame of data is updated. | The screen rows are divided into sections, and each section is lit sequentially in a very short time, utilizing the persistence of vision to form a complete image. Common types include 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 scanning.

Circuit and Cost | Does not require complex control circuits, but each pixel requires an independent driving circuit, so the hardware cost is higher. | Requires a control circuit, but the number of driver ICs is reduced through time-division multiplexing, so the hardware cost is lower. | Display Effect | Good display effect, high stability, low brightness loss, and a more stable image. | Relatively poorer display effect, with brightness loss.

Under the same LED conditions, a lower scanning ratio (such as 1/16 scan) usually results in lower brightness than a higher ratio scan (such as 1/4 scan) or static scanning. | Application Scenarios | Mostly used in situations requiring high display effect and stability, and with sufficient budget, such as some outdoor full-color screens (P16, P20, P25).

Widely used in situations where cost is sensitive and basic display needs can be met, such as most indoor full-color screens (P4, P5, P6, P7.62) and single/dual-color screens. Simply put, you can understand static scanning as "all the lights are always on," while dynamic scanning involves "making groups of lights turn on and off rapidly in sequence." Although the latter sacrifices some brightness and ultimate performance, it significantly reduces manufacturing costs.

by (102k points)
0 votes

The driving method of P6 LED displays is usually dynamic scanning, specifically 1/8 scan or 1/16 scan.

P6 LED Display Scanning Method

The scanning method of indoor full-color LED displays is related to the pixel pitch (P value). The P6 model generally uses dynamic scanning:

In indoor full-color LED displays, the P6 model uses constant current 1/8 scanning.

When introducing the driving method, dynamic scanning (such as 1/4, 1/8 scanning) is commonly used for indoor screens, and it is pointed out that P6 is suitable for long-distance viewing scenarios such as stages.

The P6 indoor display product uses a "1/16 scanning" driving method.

Difference between Static Scanning and Dynamic Scanning

Static scanning and dynamic scanning are two core driving technologies for LED displays, and they have significant differences in control principles, cost, and display effects.

Static Scanning

Control Principle:  "Point-to-point" control is implemented from the output of the driver IC to the pixel points.

Working Method: All LED pixels are lit simultaneously and remain lit until the next frame of data is updated.

Circuit and Cost:  Does not require complex control circuits, but each pixel requires an independent driving circuit, resulting in higher hardware costs.

Display Effect: Good display effect, high stability, low brightness loss, and a more stable image.

Application Scenarios:  Mostly used in situations requiring high display effect and stability, and with sufficient budget, such as some outdoor full-color screens (P16, P20, P25).

Dynamic Scanning

Control Principle: "Point-to-column" control is implemented from the output of the driver IC to the pixel points.

Working Method: The screen rows are divided into sections, and each section is lit sequentially in a very short time, utilizing the persistence of vision of the human eye to form a complete image. Common types include 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 scanning.

Circuit and Cost: Requires a control circuit, but the number of driver ICs is reduced through time-division multiplexing, resulting in lower hardware costs.

Display Effect: The display effect is relatively poor, and there is brightness loss. Under the same LED conditions, a lower scanning ratio (such as 1/16 scan) usually results in a dimmer image than a higher scanning ratio (such as 1/4 scan) or static scanning. Application scenarios: Widely used in applications where cost is a major concern and basic display requirements are sufficient, such as most indoor full-color screens (P4, P5, P6, P7.62) and single/dual-color screens.

Simply put, you can understand static scanning as "all the LEDs are always on," while dynamic scanning is "making the LEDs light up in groups in rapid succession." The latter sacrifices some brightness and ultimate performance, but significantly reduces manufacturing costs.

by (133k points)
0 votes

In the LED display industry, P6 LED displays utilize both static scanning and dynamic scanning (such as 1/8 or 1/4 scanning), depending on whether it's an indoor or outdoor P6 display, and the specific module design and brightness targets of the manufacturer.

The common practice is: indoor P6 displays mostly use constant current 1/8 scanning; while outdoor P6 displays include both 1/4 scanning engineering models and static scanning models for higher brightness and stability.

In other words, P6 does not have a fixed scanning method; it depends on the project configuration.

Key Differences Between Static and Dynamic Scanning

Control Method

Static Scanning: The driver IC provides continuous "point-to-point" power to the pixels, with simple row/column switching and stable image display.

Dynamic Scanning: The driver IC provides "point-to-column" power to the pixels in a time-sharing manner, achieving imaging through high-speed row/column switching.

Brightness and Power Consumption

Static Scanning: Higher brightness and less brightness loss under the same conditions, but higher power consumption and cost.

Dynamic Scanning: Time-sharing illumination leads to lower average brightness, usually about "1/scanning coefficient" of static scanning under the same conditions (e.g., 1/4 scanning is about 1/4 of static scanning), but at a lower cost.

Stability and Display Consistency

Static Scanning: No crosstalk or brightness differences caused by row frequency switching, resulting in better stability and consistency.

Dynamic Scanning: Requires good scanning and current matching design; otherwise, uneven brightness between rows and ghosting may occur.

Application Scenarios

Static Scanning: Mostly used for high brightness and high stability requirements (such as some outdoor large screens and specific engineering customizations).

Dynamic Scanning: Mostly used for cost-sensitive projects with moderate brightness requirements.

Common P6 Configuration Comparison

Indoor P6 Full Color: Constant current 1/8 scanning, a common industry configuration, balancing clarity and cost, meeting most indoor viewing needs.

Outdoor P6 Full Color: 1/4 scanning or static scanning. 1/4 scanning is a common engineering solution; static scanning is used for high brightness/high stability scenarios, at a higher cost.

The above comparison reflects general industry practices; specific details should be based on the manufacturer's specifications and project parameters. Selection and Acceptance Checklist

Parameters to be clearly specified and included in the contract with the manufacturer: scanning method (e.g., 1/8 or static), driver IC model, refresh rate ≥ 1920Hz (to avoid flickering during filming), brightness (typically ≥ 2000 cd/㎡ for indoor use, and ≥ 8000 cd/㎡ for outdoor use), grayscale and uniformity specifications.

On-site acceptance testing: Use a camera/smartphone in slow motion or with a high shutter speed to check for ghosting and flickering; check brightness uniformity and color deviation with full white/red/green/blue screens; verify that the receiving card scanning settings match the screen specifications to avoid mismatches such as "1/4 scan screen connected as static, resulting in interlaced brightness."

by (95.4k points)
0 votes

P6 LED displays typically use static scanning, especially in outdoor applications, because static scanning provides better display quality and brightness stability.

The core difference between static and dynamic scanning lies in their driving principles and performance:

- Driving Principle: Static scanning uses driver ICs to independently control each pixel "point-to-point," without the need for row control circuits; while dynamic scanning uses a "row-by-row or column-by-column scanning" method to share control signals, requiring row control circuits to activate pixels in a time-sharing manner.

- Display Effect: Static scanning allows independent brightness control for each pixel, resulting in high image stability, good color reproduction, and minimal brightness loss; dynamic scanning, due to time-sharing display of pixels, may result in reduced brightness or slight flickering, especially at low refresh rates.

- Cost and Power Consumption: Static scanning requires more driving circuits, leading to higher cost and power consumption, but offers superior display quality; dynamic scanning reduces cost and power consumption by reducing the number of pixels driven simultaneously, making it more suitable for large-sized or cost-sensitive applications.

- Application Scenarios: Static scanning is often used in scenarios requiring high image quality (such as indoor high-definition displays or outdoor full-color screens); dynamic scanning is more common in applications where cost and power consumption are more critical (such as outdoor billboards).

The actual choice requires a comprehensive evaluation based on specific environmental factors (such as brightness requirements and refresh rate requirements).

by (99.1k points)
+1 vote

The driving method of P6 LED displays is usually dynamic scanning, commonly constant current 1/8 scanning. The difference between static scanning and dynamic scanning is as a follows:

1. Control Method:

• Static Scanning: The driver IC and pixels achieve "point-to-point" control. Each pixel has an independent driving circuit, allowing all pixels to be lit simultaneously.

• Dynamic Scanning: The driver IC and pixels use "point-to-column" control. The control circuit sequentially lights up different rows or columns of pixels in a time-sharing manner, utilizing the persistence of vision effect to form a complete image.

2. Cost:

• Static Scanning: Requires more driver chips and circuits, resulting in higher hardware costs.

• Dynamic Scanning: Reduces the number of driver chips through time-sharing multiplexing, lowering costs, especially suitable for large-scale displays.

3. Display Effect:

• Static Scanning: All pixels are lit simultaneously, resulting in good brightness uniformity, stable image, and no flickering, suitable for scenarios requiring high display quality (such as high-end indoor displays).

• Dynamic Scanning: Due to time-sharing pixel illumination, there may be brightness attenuation and slight flickering, but it has significant advantages in displaying high-speed moving images, reducing motion blur.

4. Application Scenarios:

• Static Scanning: Commonly used in outdoor high-density, high-brightness displays (such as P2-P4) or situations requiring extremely high stability.

• Dynamic Scanning: Widely used in indoor full-color screens and outdoor medium-to-low-density displays (such as P6-P12), balancing cost and performance.

by (69.5k points)
+1 vote

The P6 LED display typically uses 1/8 scanning in dynamic scanning mode, rather than static scanning. The core differences lie in the driving control method, cost, display effect, brightness, and applicable scenarios, as detailed below:

I. Driving Control Method

Static Scanning

Principle: Uses "point-to-point" control, where each LED pixel is independently connected to a driver IC, directly controlling its on/off state and color.

Features: No time-division multiplexing circuit is required; all pixels are lit simultaneously, resulting in high display stability.

Dynamic Scanning (1/8 Scanning)

Principle: Uses "point-to-column" control, where the driver IC activates pixels row by row in time slices. For example, 1/8 scanning means that only one row is lit at any given time among 8 rows, achieving full-screen display through rapid switching (utilizing the persistence of vision effect).

Features: Requires a control circuit to coordinate time-division driving, resulting in lower hardware costs.

II. Cost Differences

Static Scanning

Number of Driver ICs: Each pixel requires an independent driver IC, resulting in a large number of ICs and high cost.

Circuit Complexity: No time-division control circuit is needed, but the overall hardware cost is still relatively high.

Dynamic Scanning (1/8 Scanning)

Number of Driver ICs: A single IC can drive multiple pixels (e.g., one IC drives 8 rows), reducing the number of ICs and lowering costs.

Circuit Complexity: Requires an additional time-division control circuit, but the total cost is still lower than static scanning.

III. Display Effect and Stability

Static Scanning

Advantages: No flickering, high stability, suitable for long-term static display (e.g., text, fixed patterns).

Limitations: Limited refresh rate; dynamic images may exhibit motion blur.

Dynamic Scanning (1/8 Scanning)

Advantages: Eliminates flickering through a high refresh rate (usually ≥60Hz), suitable for dynamic images (e.g., videos, animations).

Limitations: Low refresh rate or insufficient driving current may result in blurring or color blocks; requires optimization of the control circuit.

IV. Brightness and Power Consumption

Static Scanning

Brightness: All pixels are continuously lit, resulting in high and uniform brightness.

Power Consumption: Higher power consumption under constant current driving, but with minimal brightness loss.

Dynamic Scanning (1/8 Scanning)

Brightness: Fewer pixels are driven at any given time, resulting in theoretically lower brightness, but this can be compensated by adjusting the driving current.

Power Consumption: Time-division driving reduces instantaneous power consumption, and the overall energy consumption may be lower than static scanning. V. Applicable Scenarios

Static Scanning

Typical applications: Outdoor billboards, traffic signs, and other scenarios requiring high brightness and high stability.

P6 display compatibility: If P6 is used outdoors and requires extremely high brightness, static scanning may be used, but the cost will be higher.

Dynamic Scanning (1/8 Scan)

Typical applications: Indoor stage backdrops, commercial displays, and other scenarios requiring dynamic effects and being cost-sensitive.

P6 display compatibility: Due to its moderate pixel density, the P6 model often uses 1/8 scanning to balance cost and effect, meeting the needs of indoor dynamic displays.

VI. Specificity of the P6 Model

Industry practice: P6 LED displays generally use 1/8 scanning because it can achieve sufficient brightness (compensated by constant current driving) and dynamic effects at a lower cost in indoor environments.

Exceptions: If P6 is used outdoors and requires extreme brightness, it may be upgraded to static scanning, but such cases are rare.

by (92.9k points)

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