This paper presents a survey of the various types of electronic displays that are available now or are being investigated in research laboratories. The survey is limited to small or medium sized displays which might be suitable for automotive dashboard displays. Included in the survey are light emitting diodes, planar gas discharge, incandescent, vacuum fluorescent, electroluminescent, and liquid crystal displays, as well as some other types of displays which, although not commercially available at present in quantity, are being actively investigated in research laboratories. The discussion includes topics such as the distinction between active and passive displays and the advantages and limitations of each type, the principles of operation of the various types of displays, and their electrical and optical characteristics.
