Texas Instruments (TI) has unveiled a groundbreaking line of digital light processing (DLP) controllers that are 90% smaller than their predecessors, paving the way for 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) projectors.
These advanced display controllers facilitate the creation of the smallest, fastest, and most energy-efficient 4K UHD projectors to date. This innovation is poised to excite both consumer enthusiasts and gamers alike.
Measuring just 9 millimeters per side, these DLP chips are roughly the size of a pencil eraser and as thin as a fingernail. Each chip houses eight million tiny digital micromirror devices (DMD), which are micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) etched into silicon. These MEMS function as tiny mirrors that tilt to either reflect light or not, ultimately forming the projected images we see.
The DLPC8445 display controller by TI stands out as the smallest of its kind, capable of projecting images at a diagonal display size of over 100 inches with remarkable image quality and ultra-low latency. When paired with TI's digital micromirror device, the DLP472TP, and the power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) driver, the DLPA3085, this controller allows designers to replicate the high-end display experience of premium televisions and gaming monitors in a compact projector format.
These DLP chips consist of tiny aluminum mirrors that are five microns square—about one-twentieth the thickness of a human hair—positioned above SRAM memory chips. The mirrors can pivot in microseconds, enhancing image clarity and responsiveness.
TI has maintained its leadership in the DLP market for years, aiming to broaden its appeal among gamers who favor projectors for their ability to project large images on walls, consuming far less power than traditional televisions. Furthermore, these portable projectors can operate on battery power, adding to their convenience and adaptability.
“When you reduce the controller’s size by 90%, it allows for a more compact circuit board design, potentially incorporating additional active components,” explained Jeff Marsh, vice president of the DLP business unit at TI. “This approach lowers system costs and size while increasing brightness—a continuous objective for us. We want our products to be smaller, more affordable, brighter, and higher resolution."
Future advancements aim to extend screen sizes from 100 inches to 140 inches, with aspirations for refresh rates of up to 120 and 144 hertz.
“The immersive experience that projection offers is unparalleled,” Marsh noted. “Whether it’s for movie nights or gaming sessions, larger images create a social atmosphere that enhances gatherings.”
With over two decades in DLP technology, Marsh has been integral to the evolution of these products since the 1990s. He affirmed that, "The new DLP 8445 is designed with advanced features specifically tailored for projection and gaming, providing options for variable refresh rates and sub-millisecond latency at 4K resolutions."
The latest DLP controller builds on technology advancements from 2021, reflecting TI's commitment to invest in cutting-edge memory technology that underpins these innovations.
“Consumers no longer need large TVs or monitors for high-quality displays," Marsh added. “They can easily convert any wall into a 4K UHD screen using portable projectors, thanks to our latest DLP technology.”
Lifestyle and gaming projectors are increasingly appealing to consumers seeking immersive content experiences. With TI’s DLPC8445 controller and DLP472TP DMD, designers can now create displays with sub-millisecond latency, rivaling top gaming monitors while significantly reducing lag for gamers.
Moreover, the integration of variable refresh rate (VRR) support, a first for any DLP chipset, allows for seamless synchronization of frame rates, thus eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
These advanced DLP chips measure just 9 millimeters per side, a testament to TI's commitment to innovation.
The new controllers feature advanced image-correction capabilities, accommodating surface imperfections and enabling portability for versatile gaming and viewing experiences. Additionally, this is the first DLP controller designed specifically for laser-illuminated, battery-powered projectors.
To delve deeper into this technology, refer to the technical article, “Big-screen gaming anywhere: designing portable 4K UHD gaming projectors up to 240Hz.”
For more than 25 years, TI DLP technology has transformed content consumption, delivering high-resolution displays and sophisticated light control solutions that ensure vibrant, crystal-clear images from theaters to home setups and beyond. Prices for these innovative solutions start at $60 in quantities of 1,000 units.
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