IEC 61988-2-6:2015

Overview

IEC 61988-2-6:2015 from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) establishes standardized measuring methods for evaluating the gamma and colour gamut characteristics of plasma display panels (PDP) as a function of the Average Picture Level (APL). This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and testing labs working with PDP modules, providing a framework for accurately assessing tone and chromaticity characteristics with varying APLs. The standard assumes that the inverse-gamma circuit is integrated within the display module and focuses on reproducibility, measurement precision, and international compatibility for display testing.

Key Topics

• Gamma and Colour Gamut Measurement: Procedures for evaluating how PDP modules' gamma correction and colour gamut change as image APL varies.
• Measuring Tone Characteristics: Defined methods for examining the relationship between input signal and output luminance under different APLs.
• Chromaticity and Colour Accuracy: Assessment of changes in the chromaticity coordinates (u’, v’) of RGB primary colours and secondary colours.
• Test Signal Patterns: Use of standardized grey and colour bar patterns, single-colour windows, and APL-specific test setups.
• Light Measurement Devices (LMDs): Guidance for employing both contact and non-contact LMDs, including measuring distances and setup conditions.
• Reporting and Evaluation: Requirements for comprehensive measurement reports, including data normalization, calculation of gamma values, and assessments of correlated colour temperature (CCT) and colour difference (∆u’v’).
• Reference Compliance: Alignment with internationally recognized references such as ITU-R Rec. BT.709-5 for HDTV colour standards, and CIE 1976 colour spaces.

Applications

• Display Panel Manufacturing: Ensuring PDPs meet both design expectations and international quality benchmarks by adhering to standardized measurement methods.
• Quality Control in Production: Regular assessment of luminance, gamma, and colour reproduction accuracy helps reduce variability and ensure display consistency.
• Research & Development: Facilitates the comparison of new plasma panel technologies and supports innovation in display design by providing a unified measurement approach.
• Third-party Testing Laboratories: Enables independent laboratories to perform consistent and internationally recognized testing and certification of PDP modules.
• Broadcast and Content Creation: Underpins accurate colour reproduction standards essential for content creators, ensuring that broadcast and multimedia content is displayed true to intent.
• International Market Compliance: Manufacturers exporting PDP modules globally can streamline conformity assessment processes by adhering to a widely accepted international display measurement standard.

Related Standards

To enhance understanding and ensure comprehensive evaluation of plasma displays, users of IEC 61988-2-6:2015 should be familiar with the following related standards:

• IEC 61988-1: Terminology and letter symbols for plasma display panels.
• IEC 61988-2-1: Measuring methods for optical and optoelectrical characteristics of PDPs.
• IEC 61966-5: Colour measurement and management for multimedia equipment using plasma displays.
• IEC 60068-1: General guidance on environmental testing procedures.
• IEC 60107-1: General approaches for measuring television broadcast receivers.
• CIE 15:2004: International guidelines for colorimetry, including definitions and colour spaces.
• ITU-R Rec. BT.709-5: International recommendations for HDTV colour parameters and transfer characteristics.

By following IEC 61988-2-6:2015, organizations ensure plasma display panels are assessed for gamma and colour characteristics under real-world usage conditions, promoting display quality, consistency, and interoperability across the global marketplace.