Understanding and Solving the “Mosaic” Phenomenon in LED Displays

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On 03/07/2025

In the world of LED displays, one of the most frustrating and persistent issues is the “mosaic” phenomenon. This issue manifests itself as uneven brightness across the display, where areas appear more or less illuminated, creating an inconsistent image. The primary cause of the “mosaic” effect stems from both the inherent inconsistencies of the LED components and their usage. In this article, we will explore the phenomenon in detail and discuss the solutions to rectify this problem.

Table of Contents

What is the LED Display "Mosaic" Phenomenon?

An LED module consists of a series of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged in a specific pattern and then encapsulated, often with waterproofing treatments, to create an LED module. These modules can have decorative features that help to blur the boundaries where modules join.

In terms of visual and optical design, certain LED configurations, like COB (Chip-on-Board) light sources, strategically displace straight lines, creating a short, misaligned effect. As a result, when a person scans the screen horizontally or vertically, the eyes cannot focus on the misaligned lines simultaneously, creating small, disconnected visual segments. This optical design helps to eliminate the “mosaic” effect caused by visible seams between modules.

Main Causes of the LED Display "Mosaic" Phenomenon

The “mosaic” effect is primarily caused by inconsistencies in the LED components themselves, and these can be broadly categorized into several factors:

● Power Supply Issues:

Voltage Instability: If the power supply is unstable, the LEDs may flicker or lose brightness, which contributes to the “mosaic” effect. This is similar to how a light bulb might flicker when the voltage fluctuates.

Low-Quality Power Supply: Just like a subpar battery in your phone, a poor power supply can fail to provide stable voltage, causing various issues, including “mosaic” patterns.
● Control Card Problems:

Low-Quality or Incompatible Control Cards: The control card, which functions as the brain of the display, is responsible for processing and displaying the signal. If the control card is defective or incompatible with other parts, the display may not function properly, resulting in chaotic, distorted images.

Card Malfunction: Similar to a computer’s motherboard failure, a malfunctioning control card can lead to erratic display behavior.

● Color Calibration Issues:

Faulty Color Calibration: If the LEDs or their associated color boards are not properly calibrated, or if they deteriorate over time, the “mosaic” effect can occur. Color mismatches between adjacent LEDs contribute to uneven displays.

● Signal Cable Issues:

Signal Disruptions: Just as a poor Wi-Fi connection can cause streaming issues, a faulty or improperly connected signal cable can disrupt the transmission of data between the display and its controller. This results in visible discrepancies in the display, contributing to the “mosaic” effect.

● Driver Board Failures:

Malfunctioning Driver Boards: The driver board regulates the brightness and color of the LEDs. If the board fails, the LEDs may not operate correctly, leading to visible inconsistencies.

● Refresh Rate Mismatch:

Mismatch Between Display and Signal Source: If the refresh rate of the display does not match the source signal’s refresh rate, the image will appear jagged or disjointed, contributing to the “mosaic” phenomenon.

● Environmental Factors:

Overheating Components: If the LED display is used in a high-temperature environment or for extended periods without proper cooling, internal components may overheat, leading to failures and inconsistent display output.

Solutions to Address the "Mosaic" Problem in Full-Color LED Displays

To resolve the “mosaic” phenomenon, it is essential to address each potential cause systematically. Here are the steps to tackle this problem:

● Optimize the Power Supply:

Use High-Quality Power Supplies: Select reputable and high-quality power supplies to ensure stable voltage and prevent fluctuations that could distort the LED display.

Check Power Cables and Filter Circuits: Regularly inspect power cables for wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Ensure that the power supply filter circuit is functioning correctly to prevent signal interference.

● Upgrade and Maintain Control Cards:

Choose Reliable Control Cards: Ensure that the control cards used are of high quality, compatible with the display modules, and from trusted brands.

Routine Checkups: Just like any other electronic device, control cards should undergo regular checks for signs of wear or malfunction to ensure proper functionality.

Replace Faulty Control Cards: If a control card is malfunctioning, replace it immediately to avoid affecting the display quality.

● Improve Color Calibration:

Replace Faulty Color Boards: If the color calibration is off, or if the boards have degraded over time, replace them with higher-quality versions.

Regular Calibration Checks: Periodically recalibrate the color boards to ensure that the brightness and color output remain uniform across the entire screen.

● Signal Cable Inspection and Replacement:

Use High-Quality Cables: Ensure that the signal cables are of good quality, and properly insulated, to prevent signal loss or interference.

Secure Connections: Double-check all cable connections to ensure they are secure and free of corrosion or damage.

● Maintain and Replace Driver Boards:

Ensure Proper Functionality: Driver boards should be kept clean and free from damage. Replace them immediately if they begin to malfunction.

● Match Refresh Rates:

Synchronize Refresh Rates: Ensure that the refresh rate of the LED display matches that of the input signal to prevent visual discontinuities.

● Address Environmental Factors:

Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure that the LED display is operating in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Install cooling systems if necessary.

Limit Continuous Usage: Avoid overworking the LED display for extended periods, allowing it to cool down to prevent component failure.

Conclusion

The “mosaic” phenomenon in LED displays can be a complex issue to resolve, as it stems from various sources, including power supply issues, faulty control cards, and poor signal transmission. However, by addressing these potential problems through careful selection of high-quality components, routine maintenance, and systematic troubleshooting, manufacturers can minimize or eliminate the mosaic effect, ensuring optimal performance and a superior viewing experience. With attention to detail and timely upgrades, the “mosaic” phenomenon can become a problem of the past, allowing full-color LED displays to reach their full potential in advertising, information broadcasting, and entertainment sectors.