Service Training
2008
TS-08051301-T
Hello and Welcome to JVC’s LCD Panel Troubleshooting Guide. This
guide is intended to help you assess problems related to the LCD Panel
Electronic Boards. This also serves as a guide to discovering the failures
of the TV Electronic Boards as well.
Also, if at any time you have difficulty proceeding with steps or questions
regarding the repair, contact JVC Tech Support or you Local JVC Field
Engineer for assistance.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Different Version
Identified Here
One of the differences in the (2) models is the LCD Panel used in the TV.
There are other differences between the models that were not explained.
The Model Number listed at the top of the model label will always be the same
for all versions.
To find the Model Version it is necessary to look to the right of the Model
Number. This may vary at times, but will always be shown in the Service Manual.
THE LCD PANEL
Components of The LCD Panel
Control PWB Inverter(s)
Backlight
1. Control PWB – inputs LVDS signal from the TV’s Video PWBs and outputs
Drive Signals to the LCD Panel.
2. LCD Panel – Horizontal Gate and Vertical Source Drives on the LCD Panel
create the displayed video image. Failures of these drivers will result in the
Vertical and Horizontal line and Bar failures that are often seen with LCD TV’s.
3. Inverter PWBs – These convert the low voltage DC to High Output AC to
power the Backlights. LCD Panel Assemblies may have (x1) or (x2) Inverter
PWBs. Failure of (x1) Inverter PWB may result in partial or complete failure of the
backlights.
4. Backlight – Provides light and allows the LCD Panel image to be seen by the
viewer.
Backlight THE LCD PANEL
Backlight Housing
Drive PWBs
LCD Panel
Diffusion Material
Metal Frame
This slide depicts the components of the LCD Panel to show
their construction.
DC input
Voltage may
vary
Inverter Board
The Control Board’s primary function is to provide the data that drives the LCD
panel’s Gate-ICs. The inputted LVDS signal from the TV’s Video Circuits’ is
converted and read into the Frame Memory of the Control Board. The data that
drives the LCD panel transistors is read from the frame memory and transferred to
the Gate-IC in the LCD Panel. These Gate ICs drive the video lines of the LCD
Panel.
The Inverter Board converts the small DC voltage from the TV power supply to
the High Voltage AC that is required to power the LCD Panels backlight.
Backlight Control signal are used to control the ON/OFF and brightness of the
backlight…This signal is usually created on the TVs Digital Signal Board and
passes to the Inverter. In some instances, the signal passes to the LCD Panel
Control Board prior to reaching the inverter.
BLOCK DIAGRAMS
LCD Panel
24VDC
Power Supply PWB DC to DC PWB
CN00B
LCD Power Control PWB LCD
LB_Power (LCD Panel) Panel
T9501
CN10A
CN00A
24VDC 24VDC
IC9602
5VDC Master
Backlight
LCD Power Inverter PWB
CN00Q CN00P
(x20) total
24VDC 24VDC CN0DC CN00H Backlights
Slave Inverter
Backlight
PWB
CN0DC CN00H
Digital Signal
PWB Analog
5/12VDC
PWB
IC7033 IC6001
CN001
B1_Power
BL_ON
DC_DIM
CN001
PWM_DIM
Based on LT-37X787/Z
Here we show the Signal flow from the TV’s PWBs to the LCD Panels Circuit Boards.
This Signal and Power flow may vary between TVs and LCD panels, but the general signals
utilized will always be the same.
When troubleshooting Backlight problems, always trace the Backlight Control Signal Path from
Board to Board to ensure the signal is being passed from the Source to the Intended Point.
Some LCD TVs will utilize a Master/Slave combination of Inverter Boards to power the LCD
Panel Backlight. The Master Inverter may power half or the majority of the LCD Panel Lamps
while the Slave Inverter will power the remaining Lamps that are not powered by the Master.
Failure of either Master or Slave Inverter may result in total (in the case of a Master Inverter)
or Partial (in the case of a Slave Inverter) Backlight loss depending on the actual failure.
Always ensure the supply voltages are present for the LCD Panel Control PWB and Inverter
PWBs.
In some cases, the Inverter PWBs are controlled by the LCD Panel Control PWB. If this is the
case, loss of LVDS signal to the Control PWB may result in a “NO Backlight” condition.
Always ensure the LVDS signal is present and the Supply Voltages to the TVs Video
Processing ICs are correct. Failure or temporary fluctuations of the signal or voltages may
result in Vertical Line failures or Video Image Freeze.
Block Diagrams
Examples of Signal Flow to the Panel
P
a Backlight
Power Supply Digital Signal Control PWB Control
n
PWB PWB (LCD Panel) Signals
e B
l a
c
k PWM_DIM
l
i
Inverter PWB g BL_ON/OFF
(LCD Panel) h
Example 1 t
ANA_DIM
P
Control PWB a LVDS signal
(LCD Panel) n
e
l Inverter DC voltage
from Power Supply
Digital Signal
PWB Inverter PWB
B
(LCD Panel)
a
DC from Power
c
Supply
k
l
i
Power Supply g
PWB Slave Inverter h
PWB(LCD Panel) t
Example 2
Here we show Examples of the Signal flow from the TV’s Digital Signal Board and the TV’s
Power Supply to the LCD Panels Circuit Boards.
As you can see; while both examples use the same general Power, Video and Backlight
Control Signals; there are (2) general variations of the Signal path.
Example 1 shows all the Backlight Control Signals passing through the Control Board to the
Inverter Board.
In Example 2, the Backlight Control Signals are passed from the Digital Signal Board to the
Inverter Board.
This block diagrams only shows the originating source of the signal. It is possible that the
signals may pass directly through other PWBs . This is important because connector
problems between PWBs may result in loss of 1 or more of these signals.
When troubleshooting Backlight problems, always trace the Backlight Control Signals Path
from Board to Board to ensure the signal is being passed from the Source.. to the Intended
Point.
Some LCD TVs will utilize a Master/Slave combination of Inverter Boards to power the LCD
Panel Backlight. The Master Inverter may power half or the majority of the LCD Panel
Lamps while the Slave Inverter will power the remaining Lamps that are not powered by the
Master. Failure of either Master or Slave Inverter may result in total (in the case of a Master
Inverter) or Partial (in the case of a Slave Inverter) Backlight loss depending on the actual
failure.
Block Diagrams
LVDS SIGNAL
R0-
R0+
100
R0- ohm
TTL to LVDS
LVDS to TTL
R0-R7
R1+
G0-G7 100
TV Video R1- ohm
R3+
100
R3- ohm
PLL
100
converted to LVDS
CLK- ohm
Solution
1. Check LVDS Input to Control PWB
2. Check DC Power supply to Control PWB
3. Visually/Electrically check major components
4. Use symptom to diagnose problem
To adjust for these, new methods must be used to determine faults of the PWB and close attention must be paid to
the specific symptoms of the failure.
No video failures must be classified to help determine what caused the failure.
1. No video, but the OSD and Backlight shows
2. No Video, but Audio is OK
3. No Video…at power ON, but after 13 seconds there is a picture
4. No video….after 15 minutes.
Often times this information is requested from customers during the initial service contact, but the details are missed.
Further information can help asses the failure prior to seeing the malfunction.
This is not a panel failure and may just be customer mistake…wrong input etc... There could also be a failure of the
specific input being used since OSD added just before output to the panel. Trying a different input may help determine
this problem.
1. No video with audio is a good sign of a panel problem. This could result from Inverter, Control PWB or
Backlight failure. 85% of cases would be a failure of the Inverter or supply voltage to the inverter PWB.
Knowing this helps determine the time and problems they may be experienced if attempting a fast TAT
repair at the customer’s home
2. If the picture appears after a short delay, this may be a normal function of the TV. Many JVC TV have a
short 13sec blanking period at power ON prior to the image appearing. Ask further questions to determine
if this is the case. It is common for Technicians to forget to determine normal TV operation and Failure
operation and spend hours troubleshooting a problem that doesn’t exist
3. No Video after a long period requires more information. Is the backlight ON…Did the TV shut Down…Are
the LED’s flashing. Details in this case will prevent you from chasing the wrong problem.
Remember, detail is key when troubleshooting LCD TV and Panel failures. If you have the details, it makes it
possible to determine a failure with the use of the information, block diagrams and flowcharts provided on the iSee
Database.
Control PWB Troubleshooting
Check DC Power supply to Control PWB 1/2
This voltage is required to power the Control PWBs circuits and ICs
In this case, the voltage has several inputs to the Control PWB
It will be necessary to check this voltage at the output of the TV’s PWB
supplying voltage to the Control PWB since measurement on the Control PWB
would be difficult due to its location.
If the voltage is missing at the TV side, try disconnecting the LVDS cable and
rechecking the voltage. A shorted panel or Control PWB may cause the TV to
Shut Down or the Voltage Supply to become shorted.
Control PWB Troubleshooting
Check DC Power supply to Control PWB 2/2
NG PWB
Control PWB has
short of 12V supply
OK PWB
Test point Location, Markings and Results will vary between LCD Panels
The control PWB requires a DC voltage (normally 9VDC to 12VDC) to power
the Control PWBs circuits and ICs.
This is a simple check to determine if the supply on the Control PWB has
been shorted.
If Disconnecting the LVDS cable allows TV Power ON, use this check to
determine if the Supply on the Control PWB has been shorted.
A shorted LCD Panel may cause a similar Shut Down condition in the TV.
Control PWB Troubleshooting
Check LVDS Input to Control PWB 1/3
2+ and 2- signal
White Black
Raster Raster
JVC JVC
2+ with black
1. Input a White Raster using a Video 2+ with white Raster input
Signal Generator Raster input
2. Check the LVDS signals
a. Positive and Negative pins will
be inverse signals of each
other. For instance; 2+ will be
an inverse of 2-.
3. Change to Black Raster and look for
change from high to low
4. Only 2+ and 2- are shown in the
example, but all should be checked.
5. Marking of these signal will vary
2- with black
2- with white
Raster input
NOTE:
Raster input
Cold Solder or poor connections at this connector
may result in Solarization Problems.
This schematic shows the partial section of the LVDS connection.
RXINP0
(Recive in Positive 0)
The LVDS signal consists of (x2) inverse signals, a
Negative and Positive signal.
The test point should always have the same impedance
measurement at both the negative and positive input for the
signal.
This should be the same measurement for all LVDS signal
inputs on the PWB.
Control PWB Troubleshooting
Check LVDS Input to Control PWB 3/3
RX0P
(Recive in Positive 0)
Similar to previous example, look for the LVDS test points on the
PWB and compare measurements.
They should be approximately the same for all inputs on the PWB.
Control PWB Troubleshooting
Visually/Electrically check major components
Inverters DC Supply
Voltage from TV
Power Supply
2-40(No.YA428)
There are (3) signals that MAY be used to control the Backlight. These are shown in the images located on the left of the
screen.
“B” “L” ON or Backlight ON. This is a HIGH/LOW signal that signals the Backlight to turn ON or OFF.
“A” “N” “A” Dim or Analog Dim. This may also be referred to as “D” “C” Dim. This signal may be used to control the brightness
of the Backlight. The Individual Inverter Ballast output current will be directly controlled by this input signals DC. A Higher DC
Input.. will result in Higher output and Brighter Backlight. On the other hand, a lower DC input.. will result in a lower output
and a Dimmer Backlight.
“P” “W” “M” Dim or Pulse Width Modulation Dim. This is a modulated signal that may be used to control the brightness of the
Backlight. In this case.. the Inverter Output current is fixed, but the duty cycle of the PWM signal determines the OFF/ON
period of the Inverter. A longer duty cycle will result in a brighter backlight, while a shorter duty cycle will result in a dimmer
backlight.
Keep in mind that the naming of these signals may vary with the various TV models. Also, the signal name may change
throughout the schematic. It may be best to follow these signals from the Inverter Board back to the TV’s Microprocessor
during troubleshooting. Ensure that the signals are present at both location. Also keep in mind that some TVs will not utilize
all the Backlight Control Signals.
In the image on the Left Side.. you will notice the schematic showing the Inverter Board’s DC voltage Supply from the TV
Power Supply. Always check these voltages when troubleshooting backlight problems to ensure they are present and stable.
This DC voltage will vary based on TV Model and Panel Size.
Be aware that a missing LVDS Signal can result in the loss of the LCD Panel Backlight. This will result in both loss of Video
and Backlight. Ensure that the LVDS signal is present to ensure that this is not the issue.
Inverter Troubleshooting
PWB layout
Inverter PWBs consist of a Control Circuits and Power
Circuits.
Inverter has (x2) mirrored circuits
The Control Circuits provide voltage regulation, Power
ON/OFF and Feedback.
There are generally multiple Power Circuits.
The Power Circuits are usually split into (x2) identical section
on the PWB.
You can use these similarities to test for component
malfunctions on the PWB by taking Measurements from the
PWB Ground.
Many Inverter PWBs provide test points locations on the PWB
that make these tests convenient.
Inverter PWBs consist of a Control Circuits and Power Circuits.
The Control Circuits provide voltage regulation, Power ON/OFF and Feedback.
There are generally multiple Power Circuits on the Inverter PWB. Each Circuit
is identical in design and function.
The Power Circuits are usually split into (x2) identical section on the PWB.
You can use these similarities to test for component malfunctions on the PWB
by taking Measurements from the PWB Ground.
Many Inverter PWBs provide test points locations on the PWB that make these
tests convenient.
Inverter Troubleshooting
Ballast Circuit Check 1/2
OK
Circuit
The NG circuit measured at 5.03K.
All others measured at approx 5.3K ohm.
Large differences may be a sign of
Circuit failure.
In this cause, the failure resulted in a
“NO Backlight”condition.
The Inverter PWBs consists of Control
Circuits that will Shut OFF the Backlight if
failures are detected.
Backlight Shutoff due to the Inverters
Failure detection will usually occur within NG
3 seconds of the Backlight showing. This
will not cause the TVs LEDs to flash
Circuit
unless the failure is also detected by the
TVs PWBs.
The NG circuit measured at 5.03K, All others measured at approx 5.3K ohm.
Large differences may be a sign of Circuit failure, In this cause, the failure
resulted in a “NO Backlight”condition.
This Inverter PWBs control circuits usually sense these differences or
failures.
The Inverter PWBs consists of Control Circuits that will Shut OFF the
Backlight if failures are detected.
Backlight Shutoff due to the Inverters Failure detection will usually occur
within 3 seconds of the Backlight showing. This will not cause the TVs
LEDs to flash unless the failure is also detected by the TVs PWBs.
BACKLIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING 2/3
By shining a flashlight into the screen you can check to see if picture
data is on the LCD Panel when the backlight is not operating.
If the LCD panel and video circuits are working properly and the backlight is
not, then you should be able to see the picture faintly on the screen.
A very large flashlight had to be used to take the pictures shown above.
If the Inverter fails or the Backlight Bulbs do not ignite, the video signal may still be
present. If this is the case, it may be possible to see the TV video with a large
flashlight. By Shining a Large flashlight at an angle toward the screen; some of the
video may become visible. The presence of Video without the Backlight is a clear
sign of an Inverter problem. Further troubleshooting of the Backlight DC supply and
Backlight Signals is necessary to determine if the Inverter requires replacement.
Keep in mind, a very bright flashlight is required for the test to effectively work.
Additionally, the video is difficult to see under these conditions. Therefore look
closely and double-check your results.
This Test will only be useful if the LCD Panel and TV Video Circuits are fully
functioning. Certain other LCD Panel and TV Video Circuit failures may also result
in Backlight malfunction.
Inverter Troubleshooting
Inverter Output test 2
A Voltage tester may be used to test the individual Lamp Outputs from the Inverter PWB.
This will help access if a Bulb in the panel is blown or if the Inverter has no output to the Bulb.
1. With the TV Power OFF, disconnect Bulb to allow insertion of the Tester.
2. Insert Tester to allow testing of the output.
3. Turn ON TV power.
4. The Light, on the Tester, will flash to show “Good” output from the inverter.
The Inverter tests for load upon TV Power ON. If no load is present, it will not provide an output. If the tester is connected
after TV Power ON, the test will always fail.
This is a simple test for checking the output from the Inverter to the Backlight.
The Inverter Board uses individual Ballast circuits to power the LCD Panel
Backlights. It is possible to test these individual outputs by using a Simple AC line
Voltage Tester.
While the TV Power is OFF. Disconnect the Lamp output from the Inverter Board.
Insert the Test Probe into the connector on the Inverter Board, Polarity is not
important.
When you Turn ON the TV Power, Watch for the Test Probe to signal the circuits.
function.
The tester should flash ON, Then OFF if the output is functioning. A Good Test will
signify that the output to that Lamp is working only.
It is important to remember that some Inverter Boards will look for a load upon Power
UP. If a load is not present, the Inverter will shut off. While attempting this test,
ensure that the Test Probe is connected prior to powering ON the TV. If this is not
done the Inverter Board will shut down before your are able to check the output.
LCD Panel with LCD layer removed THE LCD PANEL 3 Multiple Layers of
Diffusion Material
The Back Light/Diffuser
Single Fluorescent
Lamp
BACKLIGHT
NO FLOWCHART
YES Check DC Voltage to
Display or Images seen using flashlight (2) Inverter from Power Supply
image defect
NO OK NG
NO Check TV
YES Power Supply
Not a Panel Defect
Check TV PWBs, OK OK
Check “Backlight
connections and wires Check “PWM_Dim” Check “ANA_Dim”
On” signal to signal to Inverter (4) signal to Inverter (4)
Check “On Screen Menu” Inverter (4)
NG NG OK
OK NG NG
NO
Not a Panel Defect OK NG
Control PWB
Check TV PWBs,
Missing Pixels connections and wires Defect
Not a Panel Defect
Check LVDS signal, cable
YES NO LCD Panel Check TV PWBs,
and connections (3) connections and wires
Inverter Defect
NG OK
Check defect REFERENCE NOTES
against Panel (1) Check for appearance of Backlight through LCD
Specification Not a Panel Defect Panel frame, as this may not be visible from front of TV.
Check for Panel or
Check TV PWBs, Control PWB Defect (2) Refer to “Backlight Troubleshooting” section
connections and wires
(3) Refer to “LVDS Signal “Section
(4) Refer to “LCD Panel PWB” function section
Follow this flowchart to assist with the diagnosis of LCD Panel failures.
Use the supplied troubleshooting steps from this guide and commonly
practiced troubleshooting steps to eliminate potential causes of the failure.
No Display
A Bright Dot defect results when a pixel is always on. This is tested using a Black or
dark Video pattern. A Dark dot defect results when a pixel will not turn ON. This is
tested using a white pattern. In both instances it is necessary to check the defect
against the specification of the TV Model and LCD Panel. This defect is easily seen
when using a Magnifying Glass to view the pixel. By doing so, you will be able to
judge the Pixel’s color, size, and shape if needed.
EXAMPLES
Inverter Defects
Other failures may present with similar symptoms
Partially Dark
No Display (dark band in image)
See also “LCD Panel Defect Examples”
Some Panels use (2) Inverter Boards, Master and Slave. For these
models Confirm the symptom and check the corresponding PWB.
Partially dark
No Display (dark band in image)
See also “LCD Panel Defect Examples”
Some backlights may not be functioning
Some failures may not show with 100% video input.. So it is often wise to lower
this input signal to about 25-30% to insure that the Backlight remains evenly
spread over the panel under all circumstances.