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DLP4710EVM-LC: Single bit control and continuous illumination

Gabriel Seigneur
Prodigy 20 points
Part Number: DLP4710EVM-LC
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLP4710,

Tool/software:

Hi,

I am trying to use the DLP4710 in a DLP4710EVM-LC with two particular goals:

- I want to have control over a single bit, or, alternatively, over a single pixel of the image, i.e. without using the patterns from the GUI but with custom images

- I would like to see how I can use the EVM with in an arbitrarily long illumination time, i.e. I want the DMD to stay in one position and not move, with continuous monochromatic illumination: no " frames", no dark time, no cycle or repeated pattern whatsoever)

Eventually, I plan on using the DLP4710 with external monochromatic illumination. I now am using the EVM.

I have to admit I have only quickly brushed off the GUI's Python scripting commands and had a quick look at the API - I hope there's an easy way to achieve what I want to do.

Thank you!

Gabriel

  • 0
    TI__Intellectual 1700 points

    Hello ,

    Thank you for reaching out and using the E2E forums! An expert from our team will review the thread and get back to you shortly.

    Regards,

    Tristan Bottone

  • 0 in reply to Tristan Bottone
    TI__Genius 11800 points

    Hello Gabriel,

    What level of power are you looking to place on the DMD with this 'external monochromatic illumination'?

    Best,

    Aaron

  • 0 in reply to Aaron Black
    Prodigy 20 points

    Hi Aaron,

    We don't know yet about specificities of the light we will use as an external monochromatic illumination. that is to be decided. I would like to make sure that I can get the DMD to do what I want first - as a matter of testing, having the EVM achieve single bit control and continuous illumination with one of the LEDs is enough for now!

    Best.

    Gabriel

  • 0 in reply to Gabriel Seigneur
    TI__Genius 11800 points

    Hey Gabriel,

    In the process of displaying an image through video the frame data is loaded into the DMD array and displayed accordingly per the frame data. In a pattern, the trigger controls the advancement of the pattern being display.

    Additionally, there are protections to extend the life of the DMD and the mechanical movement of the DMD that are some of the reason why there is a Sequence Minimum Post-/Pre-Exposure dark time. And those minimums are not 0.

    We don't have a solution for you to be able to leave an image on without repercussions. This would be considered a damaged state for us actually.

    As a debug only mode you may want to investigate section 3.4.13 (9Eh) of the Software Programmer's Guide. There is no guarantee this works as your intention - which does go against the datasheet parameters.

    Best,

    Aaron 

  • 0 in reply to Aaron Black
    Prodigy 20 points

    Hi again Aaron,

    Thanks a lot for these details! We'll go with the minimum values of dark time and the minimum frame rate - is this one tunable? How long can we keep the DMD illuminated? How slow can I have the Trigger running?

    I still have one question about how I can load any custom pattern I want into the DMD array: how can I get to single pixel/bit control?

    Best,

    Gabriel

  • 0 in reply to Gabriel Seigneur
    TI__Genius 11800 points

    Hello Gabriel,

    The minimum values of dark time and minimum frame rates you can achieve are within the notes of the latest release of the firmware you are utilizing. Please go to the firmware selector webpage and underneath the installation image there is the readme.

    This will have the minimum and maximum recommendation times.

    I might be misunderstanding, tell me if this doesn't answer your question, but if you have custom images you can choose to utilize 1 or 8-bits of depth utilizing monochrome or RBG light to display this image. I'd assume if you mean you would like to know where a single pixel is it's common to display custom patterns to identify where a pixel is and map the image accordingly.

    Best,

    Aaron

  • 0 in reply to Aaron Black
    Prodigy 20 points

    Hi Aaron,

    Thanks a lot for your answer!

    By "single pixel control", I guess I meant from a practical point of view, can I use the Python scripting from the GUI to load custom patterns into the DMD array, or do I need to use the API? I am new to this product.

    Thank you,

    Gabriel

  • +1 in reply to Gabriel Seigneur
    TI__Genius 11800 points

    Hello Gabriel,

    If you're just getting started, there are some starting materials here which explains 3D Scanning function which is what this device is meant for - utilizes displayed patterns and works with an external camera to track distortions in the pattern. What is a similar function application to what you're investigating?

    For the DLP4710EVM-LC, I'd ask you to follow the 'Getting Started' steps on the DLP4710EVM-LC Product Page which starts with ordering the board and reading through the User's Guide

    That being said, the GUI has 2 'Pattern Modes' that can be utilized, these can be investigated in the DLPC3479 Controller Datasheet, there is internal and external pattern mode. Both modes you can flash in patterns but you need to decide how you would like to do this, to me, your application seems to be more likely to utilize external pattern mode.

    The GUI is useful to start working with the EVM but the API provides functions you can easily implement commands that you otherwise would have to send directly to the appropriate address and data but this information is all within the DLPC3479 Software Programmer's Guide.

    Best,

    Aaron

  • 0 in reply to Aaron Black
    Prodigy 20 points

    Hello Aaron,

    I plan to use the DMD to shine laser light onto ultra cold atoms. I did not know the existence of the Software Programmer's Gude though - thank you very much!

    Best,

    Gabriel