Direct-Drive targets specialised applications that require symbolic content, instead of individually addressed pixelised content. Due to the small form factor of the Direct-Drive display, it can be easily integrated into smart glasses, and head-mounted displays for navigation, sport & leisure, and optical instruments.
The symbolic content is fully customisable using monochrome or fully colourised segments with pixel capabilities down to two-microns, allowing for ultra-fine, ultra-high-resolution detail. The display is self-emissive, and it can be driven directly from an external source, requiring no backplane which simplifies the manufacturing process and improves power consumption.
The Direct-Drive development kit is a starter package designed to be a fast, easy and scalable platform allowing developers to explore, evaluate and interact with small-form factor microLED displays.
Direct-Drive will come ready to plug and play, and will include:
- Direct-Drive display (Less than 5x5mm).
- Embedded driver with open-source firmware.
- The driver allows the die to be driven at up to 2A.
- ATMEGA processor.
- Rechargeable (USB), ultra-small battery.
- Integrated Bluetooth connection.
- Available protocols: I2C/UART/SDI/USB.
- Technical documentation to support integration.
Dr Samir Mezouari, Optical Engineering Manager at Plessey said: “With a total input power of 250 mW, Plessey’s native green segments can emit 2 million nits of brightness. For AR applications, the Direct-Drive displays can achieve a much higher brightness than OLED with a power consumption as low as 50 mW, allowing daytime viewing and a longer battery life.”
The Direct-Drive development kits will be available to order at CES 2020 and are targeted toward keen display technology enthusiasts and system engineers looking for a microLED display solution to enhance their products.
Plessey will be discussing their innovative microLED display solutions and demonstrating their Active-Matrix and Direct-Drive solutions at CES 2020 on booth 21861, South Hall 1, LVCC. The company is currently progressing with their technology roadmap and delivering on customer projects for a range of consumer and enterprise applications.