New micro-display panel for tiny digital projectors as an alternative for micro-mirror

Micron has developed a new microdisplay panel enabling phones and such portable computing and convergence devices to have an embedded digital projector for displaying applications and media content (video/movies) on screens.

Micron has got into this technology by acquiring Displaytech, which was innovating on ferroelectric liquid crystal on silicon (FLCOS) technology. The FLCOS technology switches up to 100 times faster than standard nematic liquid crystal on silicon.

"The FLCOS microdisplay technology that Micron has acquired from Displaytech has demonstrated success in the market, clearly evident by the fact that more than 21 million panels have shipped in portable consumer electronic products. With Micron now delivering this technology, we are well-positioned to provide our customer base with global support and an even stronger R&D platform to further extend FLCOS microdisplay technology," said Abid Ahmad, director of Micron's silicon and systems group.

WQVGA panel chip packs both display panel and control circuitry in a single device. The power consumption is 85 milliwatts, which is ok for today's batteries.

Micron by comparing this technology with micromirror technology it claims, FLCOS display technology allows for a fully integrated microdisplay solution, combining the display panel, memory, image processing and light driver control into one chip. By not requiring companion devices, board footprint and power requirements are significantly reduced.
Also the image quality and color fidelity is better than other competing microdisplay technologies, claims Micron Technology.

Brief specifications as per their latest datasheet available at:http://www.displaytech.com/pdf/techdoc/displaytech_WQVGA_panel_flyer.pdf

Model Number: MT7DPWQ2J-A1SES
Display Format: 392 x 224
Color : 18-bit Color
Pixel Pitch: 13.5 micron x 13.5 micron
Package size: 15.2mm x 11.3mm x 3.8mm (L x W x H)
Operating temp range: –10 Deg C to +70 Deg C

Figure1: Package

Figure2: How it works