AUO Unveils Hardware Upgrade Solution for 21.5-inch LCD Panels

1. Reason for Upgrade: Discontinuation of Core Display Chips Creates Supply Risks

This product upgrade is caused by the phase-out of three key chips: TCON IC 12304 Z03, LED driver IC RT 8488 and SIC chip NT65064H. If these parts are unavailable, AUO cannot continue mass production of G215HVN series panels. To guarantee steady supply for customers and extend product service life, AUO designed a complete set of replacement materials for all related components.

2. Seven Major Component Updates: Full Upgrade of ICs, Backlight and Production Processes

Seven key parts have been updated, covering drive chips, backlight optical films and light guide plate production processes. All old and new component changes are listed below:
1. Control chips: TCON updated from 12304Z05 to 12303.Z09; SIC chip replaced from NT65064H to NT61939.
2. Backlight drive chip: LED Driver IC changed from RT 8488 to BD9276.
3. Polarizer: The original polarizer containing UV-328 is replaced with an eco-friendly UV-328-free version to meet environmental standards.
4. Light Guide Plate (LGP): Traditional printing process is replaced with hot embossing to make backlight brightness more even.
5. Prism sheet: UBRIGHT HASS07_03 is replaced with Exciton P188GL-CS1.
6. Lower diffuser sheet: KEIWA V2102 is substituted with Exciton B188SU-N.
All backlight optical accessories are renewed. This solves the chip supply shortage and improves the display effect of panels at the same time.

3. Smooth EC Saves Customer Upgrade Costs with Full Hardware & Software Compatibility

The biggest advantage of this revision is the smooth engineering change design. New panels keep the same thickness, mounting holes, signal ports and electrical specifications as old models. Equipment manufacturers do not need to develop new molds, redesign casings or adjust drive software. This greatly cuts costs on R&D, production line modification and product testing.
AUO has separated old and new part numbers clearly for easier purchasing and stock management:

♦ G215HVN01.0: Old PN 97.21G01.002 → New PN 97D21G01.004

♦ G215HVN01.1: Old PN 97.21G01.102 → New PN 97D21G01.104

4. Clear Production Schedule: Mass Production Starts in September 2024

AUO set a complete schedule including sample delivery, testing, customer approval and mass production:

• February 2024: Validation samples available to customers

• March 2024: Completion and release of full reliability (RA), EMI and EMC test reports

• July 2024: Customer product qualification and approval window

• September 2024: Official phase-in of new panels for mass production

5. Industry Value: Pre-arranged Part Replacements Stabilize Commercial Display Supply Chain

G215HVN series 21.5-inch panels are widely used in industrial control devices and commercial monitors. These products require long service life and stable component supply. The discontinuation of many display drive chips has become a common problem in the industry. By developing full replacement solutions in advance, AUO avoids risks to its own panel production and helps downstream manufacturers prevent supply shortages.
This upgrade balances supply chain stability, better display performance and environmental protection. The smooth EC plan lowers transition costs for the whole industry chain. It provides a standard solution for small & medium commercial display panels to handle chip replacement, and maintains stable supply for all industry partners.