TI Developing DLP Display Controller for Smart Glasses

Texas Instruments has made a significant breakthrough in display technology by shrinking its digital light projector (DLP) controller by a whopping 90%. This advancement allows for the creation of more compact 4K UltraHD projectors and opens up possibilities for integration into smart glasses.

The newly developed TI DLPC8445 DLP display controller, the first of its kind in a family of controllers, boasts a compact size of 9 x 9mm. It offers support for submillisecond display latency and impressive frame rates of up to 240Hz, making it suitable for displays of up to 100 inches.

By combining the DLPC8445 controller with TI's compatible digital micromirror device (DMD), the DLP472TP, and a power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) with LED driver, the DLPA3085, high-end televisions and gaming monitors can now be transformed into sleek and compact projectors.

One of the key features of the DLPC8445 controller is its innovative frame buffer architecture, which significantly reduces display latency compared to previous DLP controllers. This advancement, coupled with the fast switching speed of the DMD, enables display latency of less than 1ms, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

Jeff Marsh, vice president and general manager of DLP Products at TI, highlighted the growing demand for immersive display entertainment among everyday consumers. He emphasized how the new controller empowers engineers to create epic displays for entertainment that are not limited to traditional TVs or monitors, but can be taken anywhere, offering 4K UHD quality on any surface.

The integration of variable refresh rate (VRR) support in the DLPC8445 controller is a game-changer for gamers, as it allows for smoother frame rate syncing and eliminates issues like lagging, image tearing, and stuttering. Additionally, advanced image-correction capabilities adapt dynamically to surface imperfections, enhancing the overall viewing experience for consumers.

For those interested in exploring the possibilities offered by the DLPC8445 controller, DLP472TP DMD, and DLPA3085 PMIC, preproduction quantities are now available for purchase on TI.com. The pricing for the DLPC8445 controller starts at US$60 for 1,000-unit quantities, making this cutting-edge technology accessible to a wide range of developers and manufacturers.

For more information on the DLPC8445 controller and its applications, visit ti.com/DLPC8445.