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Questions regarding Lightcrafter performance and operation

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLPC900

Hello,

I was looking at the Lightcrafter line of devices to incorporate into one of my projects, but I had some questions about them I need answered:

1. I need something that can produce 4000 fps (or high, higher is better) images in real time from a stream coming from a computer. Is there any fully equipped lightcrafter dev kit that can allow me to do this? They can't be pre-loaded animations, they must be streamed from the external computer.

2. Is there a way for me to modulate the refresh rate of the DMD from software? Can I set it to specific frequencies depending on my application?

3. If there aren't any Lightcrafter versions capable of this would it be possible to modify any existing versions or DMDs to do this?

I'd appreciate any help someone could give me in this!

  • Hello User,

    Thank you for your interest in our DLP Technology.

    Unfortunately the video and data DLP chipset is mainly for display application and we currently can only support frame rates up to 120 Hz.

    I will move your question into the Advanced Light Control group which can support higher frame rates. They will be able to address you question.

    Best regards,

    Nadine
  • Hi Ariane,

    1. If you need 4,000 FPS, then your only options are the Discovery 4100 or the Lightcrafter 6500/9000. I'd like to ask you what you mean by FPS though. Are you asking for 4,000 8bit frames per second? Or do you want 4,000 1bit patterns per second?

    2. Our GUIs allow you to change the exposure times of the images you are displaying which effectively allow you to control the frequency.

    3. Based on what you're actually looking for in (1), the LCr6500 or Discovery 4100 should be good choices.

    I'd recommend that you read the user's guide for the Lightcrafter 6500 as well as the datasheet for the DLPC900.

    Thanks,
    Paul
  • Hi Paul,

    Theoretically I would like 4000 fps 8bit, but I know that is beyond the Lightcrafter's capabilities. At the least, I would like to be able to project at least a 4000 fps 1bit video feed to the projector. But this feed would need to be real-time date from the computer, and not a stored pattern. I have seen that the lightcrafter 4500 and 4710 that are sold in the TI store might be of use, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks!
  • Ariane,

    In that case, I would definitely recommend the Lightcrafter 6500 or Discovery 4100. Those are the only kits that will really meet your needs.

    Paul
  • Hi Ariane,

    I did want to make one more note and just say that if your application requires that the EVM come with optics, the Lightcrafter 6500 will not work for you.

    If you have a custom optical set-up or are okay with purchasing a light engine, please consult with our design network partners for further information: e2e.ti.com/.../3404.design-network-partners

    Thank you,
    Paul
  • Thank you for the information. I would pick the Lightcrafter 6500, but it looks like I'd need to go through a 3rd party for optics and light engine. I saw in the user manual that the Lightcrafter 4500 can go up to 2880 fps from streamed bitmaps and up to 4220 fps from stored bitmaps. Is it possible for me to send frames to the Lightcrafter 4500 from outside the TI program, say from frames generated in another program? Also, there is little data on the fps capabilities of the Lightcrafter 4710 you carry, could you direct me to the user guide for that as well? Thanks!

  • If you'd like to send frames from an external source, the maximum speed is going to be 2880 bit planes per second. The Lighcrafter does allow you to upload any images you like into the flash using the GUI (albeit a limited number) and many users do write their own code to send commands to the Lightcrafter.

    The Lightcrafter 4710 page is here: www.ti.com/.../dlpdlcr4710evm and the user guide is in the technical documents section. This EVM is not intended for high speed, it is intended for basic projection applications. If you have further questions about that device, I recommend that you post in the forum dedicated to it: e2e.ti.com/.../1006
  • OK thank you. It looks like my best choice will be the Lightcrafter 4500. I suppose I'll have more questions once I get closer to purchase time.