Guide to designing a device incorporating MEMSbased pico projection

Texas Instruments

Still RelevantAdvanced

Over the last few years, millions of products incorporating pico projection have shipped, and developers are innovating new applications for this rapidly growing display category. Ideal applications for pico projection include near eye display, interactive digital signage, head mounted display, ultra short throw (UST) TV, standalone portable projectors and embedded projection in smartphones, tablets and laptops. New uses continue to emerge; for example, you might be able imagine a design for a thermostat using a display powered by gesture recognition or interactive touch.

Summary

This TI white paper explains system-level design for devices using MEMS-based pico projection, covering optical, electrical, thermal, and firmware considerations. Readers will learn how to integrate MEMS scanning mirrors, design drive electronics and power systems, and synchronize image pipelines for reliable, safe projection in portable and embedded products.

Key Takeaways

Estimate system power and design appropriate power-management and thermal strategies for portable pico projectors.
Design MEMS scanning-mirror drive electronics and closed-loop control to achieve stable, high-fidelity scanning.
Select and specify optical components, projection geometry, and lens placement to meet throw ratio, brightness, and uniformity goals.
Implement firmware for image processing and frame synchronization with MEMS scanning timing to avoid artifacts and latency.
Validate eye-safety, EMI, and regulatory compliance early in the design to avoid costly redesigns.

Who Should Read This

Embedded hardware and firmware engineers (intermediate to senior) and system architects designing portable or embedded devices that incorporate MEMS-based pico projection, seeking practical integration guidance across optics, electronics, and software.

Still RelevantAdvanced