Projection display systems based on the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)

Abstract

The DMD is a semiconductor light switch which is making an impact in digital light processing^TM (DLP) applications. It is the world's largest micro-electro-mechanical structures (MEMS) device with chips ranging from 442-thousand to 2.3 million moving mirrors. The DMD operates in a bistable (binary) mode and fully supports the movement to all-digital display systems. Currently, DMD devices are being used to develop a family of projection display products. An overview of digital light processing systems will be given with emphasis on the performance of the first prototypes using this technology, including their value propositions. Finally, the general markets served by this technology, along with the advantages DMD technology offers, will be discussed.