Totoku MDT948B-3B / Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 CRT to LCD — Case Study

The Totoku MDT948B-3B is a specialized CRT display used in Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 industrial monitor systems. This dual-branded unit (Totoku manufactured, Yaskawa branded) is found on high-end industrial automation equipment. When this display fails, finding a direct replacement is extremely difficult. This case study covers a successful LCD retrofit using a custom TFT replacement module.

Totoku MDT948B-3B CRT display (Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 system) | Source: Kongto Technology

Totoku MDT948B-3B CRT with model label — Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 | Source: Kongto Technology

The Challenge

The customer's Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 monitor had a failed CRT — the display was completely dark with no image. The SIM-16 is a proprietary industrial monitor, and the original Totoku CRT was no longer in production. A replacement monitor assembly was quoted at over $7,000 with a 6-8 week lead time. The customer needed a faster, more economical solution.

Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 original CRT display unit | Source: Kongto Technology

Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 CRT — internal view | Source: Kongto Technology

Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 CRT — connector interface | Source: Kongto Technology

The Solution

We reverse-engineered the SIM-16 display interface and built a custom TFT LCD module that matches the original signal protocol and mechanical footprint. The replacement LCD installs in the original housing using the existing mounting points. No modifications to the SIM-16 monitor chassis or the host equipment were required. The complete retrofit was delivered and installed within 2 weeks — a fraction of the lead time for an OEM replacement.

Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 with custom TFT LCD replacement installed | Source: Kongto Technology

Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 TFT LCD replacement — front view | Source: Kongto Technology

Yaskawa DASEN SIM-16 with TFT LCD replacement running | Source: Kongto Technology