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DLP5531-Q1: RGB laser projector - which EVM do you recommend?

Part Number: DLP5531-Q1
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLP5530Q1EVM, DLP5531Q1EVM

Hello Jake,

with reference to the difference between DLP-553X-Q1 models mentioned above, I take this opportunity to ask you which model you recommend to develop high brightness FULL COLOR laser projector using sequentially activated laser beams (RGB).

From the functional diagram of DLP5531-Q1 & DLP5534-Q1, both seem to work with 1 control light source (without the possibility of using it for the color application), while instead the DLP5530-Q1 model has separately the control of 3 light sources (RGB - LED / Laser).

Is it correct?

We plan to use an RGB laser source with a power up to 10 W (total RGB power).

Please let me know the correct DMD choice and the electronic evaluation you recommend.

Many thanks in advance.

Kind Regards,

Gian Paolo

  • Hello Gian,

    What is the intended application for this RGB laser projector? Some of the application requirements can change the component recommendation, especially the EVM recommendation.

    Also, what is the maximum current and voltage drive of the lasers? This is a main difference between the EVMs.  Will you be using your own laser driver or re-purposing the LED driver from the EVM? The LED driver should be able to drive many lasers in some capacity, but it has not been fully tested for all laser types.

    All of these EVMs are actually capable of driving 3 light sources, but the default software on the EVMs and current capabilities of the LED drivers are very different. The DLP5530Q1EVM is set up to drive 3 colors out of the box, but the others can be modified to as well.  

    Will you be using custom optics? Or do you plan to use the evaluation module optics? 

    Best Regards,

    Jackson

  • Hello Jake,

    thanks for your reply.

    The intended application is for a full color high resolution automotive projector (HUD and powerful Headlights).

    We don't need the drivers card, the RGB laser source is already equipped with internal drivers, so we only need voltage signals to independently control / modulate the three lasers.

    For example: 0-5V and 1mA max (per channel) is enough.

    It is essential that the EVM and the control software allow us to project color images and that the DMD can manage a maximum optical power up to 10 W.

    To start we will use a custom optic.

    Kind Regards,

    Gian Paolo

  • Hi Gian,

    If you are using custom optics and your own laser driver board, I would suggest the DLP5531Q1EVM.  This has the output signals for 3 PWMs (0-3.3V)that are configured to control the output brightness of the light source.

    The 10W of optical power is ok for RGB, but you must perform a thermal analysis of your system and use proper heatsinking to ensure the DMD temperature remains cool.

    Best Regards,

    Jackson