Planar TFEL Displays Selected by the China Ministry of Railroad

Planar Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ:PLNR) a worldwide leader in specialty display solutions, has been named the official display provider to Xingtai Xianfeng Ultrasonic Electronics for its ultrasonic rail-flaw detectors operating on China’s entire railway network. Planar was awarded a China Ministry of Railroad contract to supply 6,000 (six thousand) EL320.240.36HB display components because of its proprietary thin film electroluminescent display (TFEL) display technology.

Planar’s TFEL technology was chosen for its resistance to extreme temperatures, making the ultrasonic rail-flaw detector display operable in virtually all weather conditions. Planar’s TFEL displays are designed and built to endure the most adverse conditions and to withstand a myriad of extreme conditions, including operating temperatures of -50 ºC to +85 ºC, dust, shock and vibration and even g-forces. Leveraging 27 years of display engineering expertise, Planar has built electroluminescent displays that are proven to meet the most rugged and extreme requirements for a variety of markets.

Because China has the busiest railway system in the world, it is not possible to use other common forms of rail checking systems that would require interrupting train schedules, such as HiRail testing vehicles. However, increased rail traffic carrying heavier loads at higher speeds has made rail inspection even more important. The Chinese railway system’s ultrasonic rail-flaw detector, developed by Xingtai Xianfeng, a premium high-tech company specializing in ultrasonic rail-flaw detectors, is designed to allow operators to view and monitor various sound wave modes transmitted through the rail allowing for constant rail checking ensuring maximum security without interrupting train schedules. Planar’s electroluminescent displays, which deliver excellent viewing and boast the latest display features, were the only ones to meet the rugged specifications required by the China Ministry of Railroad for mission-critical railway checking throughout China.

"We are committed to using Planar’s EL displays because of their proven durability in harsh conditions. Planar’s TFEL displays always outperformed for our ultrasonic rail-flaw detector when tested against other LCD displays under cold weather conditions. The EL displays are enabling us to expand our business to more regions in China and additional international markets,” said Mr. LiMing Zhang, CEO and chairman of the board of Xingtai Xianfeng.

Planar’s EL320.240.36HB display-fitted rail-flaw detectors boast excellent potential in other geographic regions worldwide, as well. With Planar’s TFEL display-fitted devices offering a lower cost of ownership, easy operation and maintenance, and superior accuracy and reliability when compared to LCD displays, they represent ideal display solutions for geographic markets with extensive rail infrastructure, such as India, which has a railway network stretching for nearly 40,000 miles, and Vietnam, which has recently embarked on a $56 billion railway modernization project.

"As railways become more extensive and countries increasingly rely on them, the trend will be to use ultrasonic railway detectors and Planar’s proven EL technology is uniquely suited for these railway monitor devices,” said Doug Barnes, general manager and vice president at Planar Systems. "New demand continues to emerge for test and measurement, communication and petro-chemical equipment that can reliably perform in severe temperature conditions and offer multi-person, off-axis viewing in rugged, industrial environments. Planar’s TFEL design win in China demonstrates how this display technology and expertise can enhance user experience and increase our customers’ competitive advantage.”

With its lifecycle guarantee and the industry’s leading warranty package, Planar allows its customers, such as Xingtai Xianfeng, to integrate Planar knowing that its high-performance displays perform every time without compromise.

Additional information about Planar’s TFEL technology and a 14-page electroluminescent design guide summary is available for download at http://www.planarembedded.com/el-glass.

About Planar

Planar Systems, Inc (NASDAQ:PLNR) is a global leader of specialty display technology providing hardware and software solutions for the world's most demanding environments. Hospitals, space and military programs, utility and transportation hubs, shopping centers, banks, government agencies, businesses, and home theater enthusiasts all depend on Planar to provide superior performance when image experience is of the highest importance. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners, and customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.planar.com.