The increasing demand for portable projectors that are simple to set up, configure, and operate is particularly notable in the realm of large-screen gaming. However, the quality of these projectors has often been inconsistent. In response to this challenge, Texas Instruments (TI) is introducing a new DLP controller designed to facilitate the creation of the smallest, fastest, and most affordable 4K UHD projectors currently available. DLP projectors function by integrating a light source with a color wheel and a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chip, which features tiny mirrors that can tilt based on commands from a DMD controller. Light travels through the color wheel, reflects off the mirrors, and is then projected through a lens onto a screen. The DMD controller processes incoming video frame data and translates it into signals that direct the DMD micromirrors in a sequence corresponding to the color changes of the color wheel.
The latest Texas Instruments DLPC8445 DLP® controller boasts a size reduction of 90% compared to its predecessor, facilitating the creation of compact DMD assemblies for various consumer applications, including lifestyle projectors, gaming projectors, and augmented reality eyewear. With dimensions of only 9mm by 9mm, the DLPC8445 is the smallest display controller available, yet it produces stunning images that can reach up to 100 inches diagonally and beyond, all while maintaining ultra-low latency. When integrated with TI’s DLP472TP DMD micromirror chip and the DLPA3085 power management integrated circuit (PMIC) driver, this new controller allows DLP projector manufacturers to deliver an experience comparable to high-end televisions and gaming monitors within a compact design. This advancement also minimizes image lag, a critical factor for gamers.
The introduction of variable refresh rate (VRR) support marks a significant advancement for DLP chipsets, enhancing display performance for gamers by enabling projector manufacturers to synchronize frame rates seamlessly, thereby reducing lag, tearing, and image stuttering. Additionally, this is the first DLP controller specifically designed for laser-based and battery-operated projectors. The TI DLP472TP features a 0.47-inch DMD chip with a resolution of 1080p, comprising 2.1 million tiny mirrors. In contrast, achieving a 4K UHD resolution requires 8.3 million pixels. To accommodate this, the pixels on the 1080p chip shift both vertically and horizontally at an impressive rate of 240 Hz, creating the illusion of a 4K image when projected on the screen.
The DLPC8445 controller marks the introduction of a new era of DLP chip technology from Texas Instruments. Upcoming chipsets that incorporate this advanced controller will feature DMD chips in various sizes and resolutions, catering to the growing demands of display applications, such as augmented reality eyewear. Pre-production units of the DLPC8445 controller, along with the DLP472TP DMD and DLPA3085 PMIC, are currently available to projector manufacturers at a price of $60 each for orders of 1,000 units. If DLP projector manufacturers respond promptly, consumers may be able to access projectors utilizing this next-generation chipset as soon as 2025.
