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DLP3310: Please clarify the upscaling function.

Part Number: DLP3310
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLPC3437, , DLPC3433, DLP3010, DLPC6401, DLP4500

I'd like to get confirmation that the upscaling function in the 3310 / 3437 chip pair is a purely digital thing.  This is what it sounds like from the data sheets, but the forum answers are misleading. 

It seems the DMD pixels do not move (shift laterally) on the output image, as that would require they either move on the DMD (via piezo-electric activation or similar) or they are optically shifted (via a moving lens or electro-optically).  I have found no evidence in the documentation of any actual-shifting mechanisms.  Thus I am led to simply follow what is written in the data sheets, that the 3437 simply processes two image sets that are then sent to an unmoving DMD array (sort of like super-sampling) and then the DMD (running at 2x the frame speed) displays one after the other within a single frame time. 

If this is so, then it should be trivial to disable this function and there should also be no risk of additional mechanical or environmental failure based on the fact that there is no additional device in the system (just the 3310 and its support ASICs).  Is this correct?  I ask because I was speaking with a design house that insisted there was an additional device that performed the shifting action that the 3310 came physically mounted to that was not removable.  I need a cold, hard answer on this one.  Thanks.  

Also, I get that the system can accept a single 1920 x 1080 (full HD) frame and use that to generate two 1280 x 720 (baby HD) sub-frames to simulate full HD on the projected output, or it can accept a single 1280 x 720 frame and upscale it to generate two (digitally) shifted versions of 1280 x 720 frames that end up looking like one 1920 x 1080 frame.  Cool beans.  But I would warn that the output from the array is NOT 1920 x 1080 as the data sheet (and forum) articulate; the output image remains 1280 x 720 (it just looks more like 1920 x 1080).  Please confirm my suspicions.  Thanks.  

  • Hello Scott,

    We are looking into this and we plan to get back to you before the end of the day.

    Thanks,

    Kyle

  • Hello Scott,

    The DLP3310 + DLPC3437 chip-set leverages DLP's high switching speed and creates 1920x1080 addressable pixels on the screen.

    There is an optical actuator in the optical engine. This actuator is placed between DMD and projection lens. The actuator switches from one sub-frame to another.

    Please refer to application block diagram (Figure 21) on page 45 of DLPC3437 datasheet. There a a block labeled "Actuator driver circuit". This circuit drives the optical actuator from one position to another.

    http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/dlpc3437.pdf

    Please let me know if your following questions need further clarification:

    "Also, I get that the system can accept a single 1920 x 1080 (full HD) frame and use that to generate two 1280 x 720 (baby HD) sub-frames to simulate full HD on the projected output, or it can accept a single 1280 x 720 frame and upscale it to generate two (digitally) shifted versions of 1280 x 720 frames that end up looking like one 1920 x 1080 frame.  Cool beans.  But I would warn that the output from the array is NOT 1920 x 1080 as the data sheet (and forum) articulate; the output image remains 1280 x 720 (it just looks more like 1920 x 1080).  Please confirm my suspicions.  Thanks.  "

    regards,

    Vivek

  • Hi Vivek, 

    Thank you for getting back to me.  

    I looked again at the circuit diagram for the 3437 on page 45, figure 21.  I found the block you mentioned labeled "Actuator Drive Circuit," but there were no electrical details (schematic of verbal description).  What's more, there is no mention of the "Actuator" itself in any TI data sheet anywhere I could find outside of that circuit block (the data sheets says all I need is the 3437's algorithm plus the 3310's high frame speed - no mention at all of needing an active optical device). 

    Can you answer the following questions about that optical device for me: 1) what is the device, 2) is it integrated into the 3.8 mm tall 3310 package or is it a separate device that gets attached to the 3310 package top by a third party assembly house, 3) what is the reliability of this optical device (I've been told it is rather fragile and my application will be attaching a pico-projector to a car, so I need to know if the 3310 must have this optical device to run properly, at what point will the optical device break and what are its modes of failure) and 4) can I run the 3310/3437 without the optical device?  

    Any further clarification will be very helpful.  Thank you again. 

    Cheers,

    Scott. 

  • Hi Scott,

    Could you please share  about your application and requirements in details? We could consider all options from DLP portfolio and suggest best one which meet your requirement.

    1. Do you need automotive qualified? Is there a special temperature requirement?

    2. Is is RGB display or any specif wavelength?

    3. What is projected image size ? What type of content you would be displaying?

    4. Is there is resolution, brightness and size constraints/requirement?

    5. Any unique need...

    Back to your question- The optical actuator are manufactured by  third-party  .  It is not part of DMD. As mentioned earlier , it placed in optical engine between DMD and  projection lens, after RTIR prism. 

    "4) can I run the 3310/3437 without the optical device?  " ->  Have you considered   "DLP3010  and DLPC3433/38" chipset?

    Optical engine manufacturer chooses the actuator for their system. You need to work with them for source and specification of the actuator.

    regards,

    Vivek

  • Hi Vivek, 

    This application will require -20 C to +40 C operation ambient.  The wavelengths are all visible (RGB).  Content will be stills and video projected to sizes nominal for these types of projectors.  Full HD is desired, baby HD is required (so the 3010 would work, but we prefer the extra framing pixels in the 3310 and its updated chip set).  

    It is helpful to know the optical actuator is third-part as an after-market install.  That tells me the 3310 may be operated without this after-market optical actuator (particularly if baby HD was sufficient resolution).  To be clear, must we use this optical actuator or can we run the 3310 (in baby HD mode) without it?  Also, is this optical actuator is placed between the TIR prism and the projection lens, or between the DMD and the TIR prism?  

    Thanks again for your great help.  

    Cheers,

    Scott. 

  • Hi Scott,

    Thank you for sharing details. For 720P/WXGA resolution you have multiple options from TI:

      - DLP3010 with DLPC3033

     - DLP4500 with DLPC6401

     - DLP3310 as suggested  by you

    Please compare the system electronics and optical engine  as per your application requirement.

    Typically in  optical engines the actuator is placed between RTIR prism and projection lens.

    regards,

    ,