The display industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements in consumer electronics, smart devices, and next-generation display technologies. At the heart of this evolution lies a critical yet often overlooked component: display panel power management ICs (PMICs). According to CINNO Research, the domestic market for display panel power management chips in China was valued at approximately 5.2 billion RMB in 2021, with projections indicating it will reach 6.5 billion RMB by 2025—a significant growth trajectory fueled by rising demand across smartphones, laptops, monitors, and emerging wearable devices.
This article explores the dynamics shaping the display panel power management chip market, including core technologies, key applications, supply chain trends, and the accelerating shift toward domestic innovation in China.
Understanding Power Management ICs in Display Panels
Power management integrated circuits (PMICs) are essential semiconductor components responsible for regulating and distributing power within electronic systems. As part of the broader analog chip category, they manage functions such as:
- Battery charging and discharging
- Voltage and current conversion (e.g., DC/DC, AC/DC)
- Power sequencing and system protection
- Energy efficiency optimization
In display technology, these chips ensure stable and precise voltage delivery to various parts of the panel—critical for image quality, response time, and overall performance.
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Key Components in Display Panel Power Management
Display-specific power management involves several specialized IC types working in concert:
PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit)
A multi-channel power solution tailored for display panels, integrating modules like:
- DC-DC converters (Buck, Boost)
- LDOs (Low Dropout Regulators)
- Operational amplifiers (OP)
- Gamma voltage generation
- LED drivers
These provide essential voltages including:
- VCOM: Common electrode voltage
- VGH/VGL: Gate on/off voltages
- AVDD/AVEE: Analog power for source drivers
Buck-Boost Converters
Used primarily to generate AVDD and AVEE voltages, especially in small-sized displays or when supplementing integrated PMICs. They offer flexibility in handling variable input voltages.
Level Shifters
Critical in GOA (Gate Driver on Array) technology, level shifters convert logic signals to high-voltage gate control signals required to turn transistors on and off across the panel.
LDOs and Operational Amplifiers
While not display-specific, LDOs stabilize auxiliary voltages for timing controllers (TCONs), source drivers, or microcontrollers (MCUs). Operational amplifiers support signal conditioning in advanced display calibration systems.
Application-Specific Power Requirements Across Devices
Different display applications have unique power architectures based on size, resolution, and usage patterns.
Smartphones & Wearables (AMOLED Dominant)
- Primary chip: PMIC
- High integration needed due to compact form factors
- Emphasis on low power consumption and fast response
Laptops (Notebooks)
- Main components: PMIC, Level Shifter, LED Driver
- Balanced need for brightness control and battery efficiency
- Increasing adoption of OLED displays drives demand for advanced PMICs
Monitors & TVs (Large-Sized LCDs/OLEDs)
- Use: PMIC, Level Shifter, OP Amplifiers
- Require robust power delivery for consistent backlighting and color accuracy
- Larger panels increase complexity in voltage distribution and thermal management
Market Growth Drivers and Trends
Several macro and micro factors are propelling the expansion of the display panel power management chip market:
1. Proliferation of High-Resolution Displays
From 4K monitors to foldable smartphones, higher pixel densities demand more precise and stable power delivery—increasing reliance on advanced PMICs.
2. Rise of AMOLED Technology
AMOLED panels require complex bias voltage sequences and tighter voltage regulation compared to traditional LCDs, boosting demand for specialized power solutions.
3. Supply Chain Localization in China
With global semiconductor shortages highlighting supply vulnerabilities, Chinese panel makers are actively pushing for local sourcing of critical components—including power management ICs.
4. Innovation in Form Factors
Foldables, rollables, and transparent displays introduce new power architecture challenges, creating opportunities for next-generation PMIC designs.
Competitive Landscape: Global vs. Domestic Players
Historically, the power management IC market has been dominated by global IDMs such as:
- Texas Instruments (TI)
- Infineon
- STMicroelectronics
- ON Semiconductor
- ROHM
However, regional specialization has led to strong representation from Taiwanese fabless companies in the display-specific segment due to close collaboration with East Asian panel manufacturers.
As of the first half of 2021, CINNO Research reported that the top three suppliers to Chinese display panel manufacturers were:
- Richtek (立锜科技) – Leader in integrated power solutions
- GMT (致新科技) – Strong in mixed-signal PMIC design
- Novatek (联咏科技) – Known for display driver + PMIC co-design capabilities
Together, they held about 74% market share, reflecting deep ecosystem integration.
The Rise of Chinese Domestic Chipmakers
China’s push for semiconductor self-reliance has accelerated the growth of local power management IC designers. These firms fall into two main categories:
1. Display-Focused Full-Stack Designers
Companies that develop both display driver ICs and power management ICs, enabling tighter system-level optimization.
Key players include:
- Chipone (集创北方) – Rank #4 in 2021 H1 supplier list
- NewVision (新相微) – Rank #5
- ESWIN (奕斯伟) – Rank #7
They benefit from direct partnerships with BOE, TCL CSOT, and other major Chinese panel makers.
2. General-Purpose Analog Chip Specialists
Firms with broad expertise in analog and mixed-signal design, now expanding into display applications.
Example:
- SILERGY (矽力杰) – Rank #6 in 2021 H1; known for high-efficiency DC/DC solutions
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According to CINNO Research, the localization rate of power management ICs used by Chinese display panel manufacturers reached approximately 24% in 2021, with expectations for continued growth driven by R&D investment and government support.
Future Outlook: Toward Greater Integration and Intelligence
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, several trends will shape the next phase of development:
Increased PMIC-Display Driver Co-Design
To reduce footprint and improve efficiency, we’re seeing more integrated solutions where PMICs are embedded within or closely coupled with display driver ICs—especially in mobile devices.
Adoption of Advanced Packaging
Technologies like chiplet design and fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) will enable smaller, cooler-running PMICs suitable for ultra-thin devices.
Smarter Power Management
Integration of digital interfaces (I²C, SPI) allows real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment of voltages based on content—enhancing energy efficiency without compromising visual quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a display panel power management IC?
A: It’s a specialized semiconductor that regulates and delivers precise voltages required to operate different parts of a display panel, such as gate drivers, source drivers, and backlights.
Q: Why is the market growing so fast in China?
A: Growth is driven by expanding domestic production of displays, rising demand for consumer electronics, and strategic efforts to localize semiconductor supply chains.
Q: Are all power management chips the same across displays?
A: No—different display types (LCD vs. OLED), sizes (smartwatch vs. TV), and technologies (GOA vs. external drivers) require tailored PMIC solutions.
Q: Can foreign brands still dominate this market?
A: While global players remain strong in general-purpose PMICs, local companies are gaining ground in display-specific applications due to proximity and customization advantages.
Q: How does PMIC affect battery life in mobile devices?
A: Efficient PMICs minimize power loss during voltage conversion, directly improving battery longevity and reducing heat generation.
Q: Is there a shortage risk for display PMICs?
A: Unlike logic chips, most PMICs use mature process nodes (<90nm), which are less prone to bottlenecks—though supply chain coordination remains crucial.
Conclusion
The projected rise of China’s display panel power management chip market from 5.2 billion RMB in 2021 to 6.5 billion RMB by 2025 reflects not just volume growth but a deeper shift toward technological maturity and domestic capability. As Chinese panel makers lead globally in capacity expansion—and local chip designers close the gap in performance and integration—the stage is set for a more resilient and innovative ecosystem.
Core keywords naturally integrated throughout:
display panel power management chip, PMIC, Chinese semiconductor market, display driver IC, power management IC, localization rate, CINNO Research, AMOLED display
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