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DLP230NP: Micromirror control and source code

Part Number: DLP230NP
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLP2000, DLPC3436, , DLPC2607, DLP2010, DLP3010

Hello,

I'm currently evaluating the DLP2000 EVM. I have learn't that with this model, it is not possible to control individual mirrors but rather, an entire frame must be created each time () and ().

My question is: does the the DLP 230NP EVM have this same limitation?

Furthermore, when reviewing the User guide for the DLP 230NP EVM, in sections 9.1 and 9.3, the guide makes reference to python source code. I cannot for the life of me find this source code. Would it be possibe for you to point me in the right direction?

As an aside, I found the source code for the DLP2000 EVM here:

Is there a page on TI's site that lists the various locations of source code as this would be really useful.

Thanks for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.

  • Hello Chris,

    Welcome to DLP forum and thank you for your interest in DLP technology.

    Could you please share more details about your application requirement? The DLP chipsets are designed for specific application. The DLP2000 EVM (DLP2000 DMD along with DLPC2607) and DLP230NPEVM (DLP230NP DMD along with DLPC3436 controller) are targeted for video application.  The input data (video frame) goes through series of image processing to enhance visual experience for human eye. This image processing can not be bypassed.

    If your application requires a control of individual pixels then please consider product designed for  Light control application. 

    www.ti.com/.../overview.html

    The products like DLP2010EVM-LC and LP3010EVM-LC are designed for such application

    www.ti.com/.../DLP2010EVM-LC

    www.ti.com/.../DLP3010EVM-LC

    regards,

    Vivek

  • Hi Vivek,

    Thanks for getting back to me so promptly.

    At the moment, I'm just developing a prototype and therefore individual mirror control and fast (microsecond) mirror flip rates are not necessary. I only asked as I got the impression that the DLP230NP EVM was a newer product with better documentation than the DLP 2000 EVM. Hence, I thought I might be able to kill two birds with one stone  i.e. bespoke mirror control and better source code / documentation.

    However, from what you say, I will need to upgrade to the DLP2010 EVM or DLP3010 EVM for bespoke mirror control. I will do this later.

    In the meantime I shall continue prototyping with the DLP 2000 EVM.

    In light of that, could you still point me to the repository of the DLP230NP EVM souce code (as referenced in my initial message) as I imagine this will still be useful for prototypng (I assume the source code to interface with the two EVMs are similar?).

    Also, given that all mirror control is as a result of the video processing pipeline, what is the highest frame rate that the DLP 2000 EVM can support?

    Finally, if I want to programmatically generate images in real time and pipe them to the DLP (as opposed to displaying a series of still images or a movie) could you advise (or even better yet, provide source code) on how one would do this? I'm using a Raspberry PI to interace with the EVM and as I understand it, I can either pipe data over using the I2C or parallel video interface.

    Thanks again for your help and I look forward to reading your response.

    Chris

  • Chris,

    There is a Python support code library for the DLP230NP EVM which you can get here:

    https://www.ti.com/tool/DLPDLCR230NPEVM (Look for the download in the software list)

    As for frame rate, the DLP2000 EVM has an upper limit of 60 Hz. Higher frame rates are supported on the other EVMs, though. What are you looking to run at?

    On the DLP2000, we do have sample code which generates patterns for display similar to what you are referencing:

    https://e2e.ti.com/support/dlp/f/94/t/667207 Info about the code

    https://github.com/RobertCNelson/boot-scripts/tree/master/device/bone/capes/DLPDLCR2000 Code repository link

    I hope this helps.

    Regards,

    Philippe Dollo

  • Hi Philippe,

    Thanks again for your prompt response!

    Thank you for pointing me to the DLP 230NP EVM code, from a brief look, I think it will be very helpful.

    For the moment, a frame rate of 60 fps will have to suffice - this is for a simple proof of concept. However, the end application will need to sequentially illuminate different "spots" of an object for tens of micro seconds at at a time. Your colleague Vivek suggested that the DLP 2010 EVM or DLP 3010 EVM would be better for an application of this type - would you agree?

    Regards,

    Chris

  • Hello Chris,

     I need to further clarification your requirement:

     "However, the end application will need to sequentially illuminate different "spots" of an object for tens of micro seconds at at a time."

    DLP230Np EVM

    The 60 Hz frame rate implies that the image is exposed for 16.67 ms second. The complete RBG (24 bit) will be same during this period. You will not have any control over which part of image is illuminated and order of them with in this period. 

    Even if   try to create an order or pattern by creating a 24 RBG image from individual bit planes, the image processing functions of controller with break them into bit planes for visual image creation and bit pattern and order is not maintained.

    Hope this answers your qestion.

    regards,

    Vivek

  • Hi Vivek,

    I think I'm confusing things... Lets forget for the moment my statement: "the end application will need to sequentially illuminate different "spots" of an object for tens of micro seconds at a time".

    For the time being I'm only interested in a simple prototype and as such, a frame rate of 16.67ms is fine. Therefore, if I wanted to project the following three images for 16.67ms each:

    I presume this would be possible with the DLP 2000 EVM?

    Regards,

    Chris

  • These three images:

  • Chris,

    What you are asking for should be possible with the DLP2000 EVM if you are displaying each image in one 60 Hz Frame.

    Vivek above is referring to how the individual colors are illuminated within a single frame. If you are displaying each color within its own frame it should be ok with the caveat that you will not be able to control when during the 16.67 msec period the square in your image is illuminated. That level of control ia only available in Light Control chipsets.

    Regards,

    Philippe

  • Hi Philippe,

    Thank you for clarifying and for all your help.

    When I have some time, I will look into the DLP2010 EVM and DLP3010 EVM as suggested by Vivek as these appear to be a better option in the long run.

    Regards,

    Chris

  • Chris,

    No problem. Let us know if you have any further questions.

    Regards,

    Philippe Dollo