Have you ever noticed medical devices with screens displaying numbers and symbols in hospitals or rehabilitation centers? Many of these use Segment LCDs, which serve as critical user interfaces in devices like electric potential therapy instruments. This article introduces the basic concept of electric potential therapy devices and the application and sizing characteristics of Segment LCDs in such equipment.

An electric potential therapy device uses a high-voltage, low-current electric field for therapeutic purposes. It is commonly used in rehabilitation and physical therapy to alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, and relax muscles through targeted electrical stimulation. These systems may include a main unit, remote controller, treatment chair, electrode plates (e.g., head or foot electrodes), conductive pads, localized treatment pens, and remote controls.

In China, these devices are regulated by the NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) and classified as Class II or III medical devices, requiring corresponding registration certification (e.g., “国械注准”).

A Segment LCD is designed to display numbers, simple characters, and fixed symbols. Unlike dot-matrix screens (e.g., smartphones or computers), it consists of pre-defined segments that can be individually turned on/off (similar to a calculator display).

Segment LCDs are widely used in medical devices like potential therapy instruments due to their:

• Low power consumption: Ideal for portable or long-operation devices.

• High readability: Clear display under various lighting conditions (including bright environments).

• Stability & reliability: Wide operating temperature range (e.g., -20°C to 70°C).

• Cost-effectiveness: Affordable for fixed display requirements.

• Customizability: Tailorable display content and form factor for specific device designs.

Segment LCDs may show:

• Treatment time (countdown/stopwatch)

• Therapy intensity/energy level

• Selected treatment mode

• Device status (e.g., active, paused, error alerts)

• Battery indicator (for portable devices)

Segment LCD specifications are highly customizable based on device models and design needs. Common parameters include:

*Note: Specifications vary by manufacturer and device requirements. For example, a gynecological therapy device may use a 240×128 dot matrix LCD with dimensions 144.0×104.0×14.0 mm, blue/white negative display, and a T6963C controller with parallel interface.*

Due to the specialized nature of medical devices, Segment LCDs often require high customization. Manufacturers collaborate closely with specialized LCD suppliers. The customization process includes:

1. Requirement definition: Display content, size, optical effects, electrical parameters, environmental tolerance.

2. Design optimization: Schematic and layout design by engineers.

3. Sample validation: Prototyping and testing.

4. Production and delivery: Mass production with ensured timelines.

Supplier selection criteria include product quality, production efficiency, delivery speed, and technical support.

While advanced displays (e.g., high-resolution TFT or dot-matrix screens) are increasingly used in high-end health management devices for richer interfaces, Segment LCDs remain relevant for single-function, reliability-focused, and cost-sensitive devices like electric potential therapy instruments. Their stability, clarity, low power consumption, and customizability ensure continued importance in medical applications.

Segment LCDs are key components in the human-machine interface of medical devices like electric potential therapy instruments. Their low power consumption, high readability, reliability, and customizability ensure clear and accurate communication of critical information to operators and patients. Though based on mature technology, their deep integration with medical device functionality continues to make them indispensable in healthcare.

This overview aims to enhance understanding of electric potential therapy devices and the Segment LCDs that support their operation.