How to Identify Display IC in Mobile PCB Board

Understanding how your mobile phone works is helpful. This is true if you're interested in mobile repair. One important part of the phone is the Display IC. This small chip controls how the screen works. If the screen is not showing anything or is showing the wrong colors or lines, the Display IC might be the problem.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to identify the Display IC on mobile PCBs. We will cover its location, ways to find faults, and how to fix common issues. We will explain how to fix problems that stop the mobile screen from showing. We’ll also cover the difference between a screen IC and a touch IC.

What is a Display IC?

Display IC means Display Integrated Circuit. It is a tiny chip that controls the screen functions of your mobile phone. It helps send the right signals from the motherboard to the screen. If this display does not work properly, a problem with this chip must be the cause. This chip is also called an LCD IC in the mobile motherboard segment. It’s part of the display section. It shows pictures, videos, and texts on your screen.

Where is the Display IC Located on a Mobile PCB?

The main PCB of the mobile phone commonly features a mounted display IC. The PCB is the green board inside the mobile that holds everything. To find the display IC's location, observe these tips:

• It is usually near the CPU or power IC.
• It would have a metal shield on it, and to see this chip, you would need to remove it with precision.
• At times, you will find it near the screen connector on the motherboard.
• It is usually located close to the screen connector on the motherboard.
• To understand better, check out the block diagram of a mobile PCB. You can also look at the mobile PCB diagram for the display section.

Using a microscope or magnifier would help you see the IC better and read its small label easily.

Identifying the Display IC Chip in Mobile Phones

This is among the steps that are important in repairing a mobile device. It will help fix display issues like a black screen, a white screen, or lines on the display. Some ways to identify it are as follows:

Use Proper Tools and Safety Measures

Before opening a mobile, gather these tools: a screwdriver set, a plastic opener, and ESD protection. Also, prepare a clean, dry workspace with good lighting. It will help you prevent damage to small components. Always switch off the phone and remove the battery before delving into the process. To identify and repair ICs, you need these tools and safety precautions:

Tools:

• Multimeter – to check circuits.
• Set of screwdrivers – for opening covers.
• Magnifying glass – to view chip markings.
• Hot air gun – IC removal
• Soldering iron – for rework and fixes.
• A set of tweezers – to carry tiny components.

Safety Equipment:

• An ESD wrist strap is used to avoid any static charge.
• Insulated gloves provide a good grip.
• Clean the working table and make it dust-free.
• Bright LED lamp ensures clear vision.
• Safety goggles protect the eyes!

Open the Phone and Locate the Motherboard

You must remove the rear panel, battery, SIM cards, and screws first to access the main PCB. This board houses the Display IC along with other components such as the CPU, power IC, and charging IC. Give gentle handling to the motherboard, or it might break into some of its small parts. The main steps to open the phone and find the motherboard safely are:

• Power off the phone before starting work.
• Remove the back cover using plastic tools.
• Take out the battery if it's removable.
• Unscrew all bolts using the correct bit.
• Remove the SIM tray; slide it out gently.
• Lift the back frame carefully using a pry tool.
• Locate the motherboard, a green or blue board.
• Handle with care; avoid touching chips.

Look Near the Screen Connector

The connector receives the display flex cable. The display IC is usually near this connector. It sends display signals to the screen. It is usually a small square or rectangular black chip with coding, normally starting with 'U' or 'IC'. The following is how to focus the search near the screen connector:

• Find the screen socket and the flat cable plug.
• Look for nearby chips and small black ICs.
• Note down printed codes such as IC or U numbers.
• Use a magnifying glass; it has a better effect for viewing.
• Compare it to a diagram of a PCB layout guide.

Use a Mobile PCB Diagram for Your Model

The motherboard layout is different for each brand and model. A block diagram of a mobile PCB and a display section diagram will show you where the Display IC is located. These diagrams are available in mobile-related books or on an online repair forum. Reasons and methods for using PCB diagrams:

• Shows an exact layout, part-by-part view.
• Saves repair time by quickly locating an IC.
• Avoids wrong guesses and correctly identifies components.
• Good for beginners, serves as an easy learning guide.
• Works for all models, brand-wise, and diagrams.

Identify Labels Printed on the IC

Most Display ICs carry codes such as U1501 or codes like IC600. These markings are pretty tiny; thus, a magnifying glass or microscope is very helpful. These codes link the IC to a function in repair literature. This confirms it is the Display IC. Label-checking tips:

• Use a magnifying tool when the text is very small.
• Look for 'U' codes such as U1501, U600.
• Look for 'IC' marks—like IC402.
• Match with the diagram for double-checking the type of IC.
• Don't get them confused with chips of a similar size in the vicinity.

Compare with Other Motherboards

If you have old or dead mobile PCBs, check them against the one you want to fix. This way, you can see where the ICs are placed. Display ICs usually look similar and are located in almost the same spots across different models of the same brand. Comparison benefits:

• Learn IC Position: Spot Location Faster
• See Similar Layouts: Common Brand Designs
• Understand Chip Size: Compare with a Real Sample
• Practice on Scraps: Old Boards for Study
• Build Repair Skill: A Faster Learning Curve

Watch for Heat Sinks or Shields

In certain types of phones, the display IC gets covered with a metal shield or heat sink. They put these accessories in to protect it or to keep it cool. To see the display IC, you must carefully prise off the shield using the right tools. When it is taken off, you can see the IC underneath. Shield Removal Tips:

• Note metal covers – flat silver casing.
• Blow hot air – softening the edges of the solder.
• Remove clips gently— avoid sudden jerks.
• Look underneath the shield – search for the hidden IC.
• Protect nearby chips— keep heat away.

Take Help from Online Videos and Repair Courses

If you're new to mobile phone repair, check out step-by-step videos on YouTube. You could also try online courses. They show a live PCB view and indicate the Display IC's location. Thus, following such visuals will help you recall and recognize the IC when working on your own. This is a list of benefits that one may get while working online with repair videos and courses:

• Real-time guidance step-by-step demo.
• Clear PCB visuals, actual board view.
• Expert teaching helps you learn from the pros.
• Practice with examples of real fault cases.
• Build repair skills faster and better.

Conclusion

The display IC is a smaller component but ever so crucial for your mobile phone. If your screen does not appear correctly, the issue might lie with this chip. We studied in this guide the types of display ICs in mobile PCBs and how to test and repair them.

We also discussed where the mobile display IC is located. We talked about common symptoms and compared phone screen ICs with touch ICs. Finally, we covered the tools used for repair. A mobile PCB block diagram or display section diagram helps you find and fix issues quickly. You can learn to fix display problems on any mobile phone with practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I identify the Display IC for the phone?

Look it up in the diagrams as well as near the screen connector and check for chips labeled Uxxx.

Q2: What are the symptoms related to a bad Display IC?

Not displaying, white screen, flickering, or the display not turning on.

Q3: Is it possible to test the Display IC with a multimeter?

Yes, switch to diode mode and test the signal points and ground with a multimeter.

Q4: What toolkit should I have to repair the Display IC?

Multimeter, hot air gun, screwdriver set, magnifying tool, and soldering tools.

Q5: How does Screen IC differ from Touch IC?

The screen IC controls the display image while the Touch IC handles the touch on the screen.