March 2010

Application Example: LatticeXP2 Pico Projector 

The LatticeXP2 FPGA family provides a small form factor, secure, one-chip, low power, instant-on solution for a wide range of applications. Pico projectors are a good example of a product that benefits from the many advantages LatticeXP2 FPGAs have to offer.

Pico projectors are extremely small projectors that can easily slip into a pocket. Some are only a few inches long and similar in weight to a mobile phone. These tiny portable projectors can convert cell phone, PDA or laptop data and project the images over almost any flat surface. The projectors are based on LED and laser light source technology. This technology, in contrast to older digital light processing (DLP) or liquid crystal display (LCD) projector technologies, is more energy efficient, reducing the amount of heat produced and requiring no large cooling system or noisy fan. An important feature of laser projectors is that the image is constantly in focus regardless of its distance from the screen.

In the following example, the LatticeXP2-5 FPGA is be used to control and implement high-speed parallel image processing algorithms and closely bind the projector elements. The advanced spatial light modulator (ASLM) incorporates micro lens array technology to enhance the light modulator efficiency from 25% up to approximately 60%. The red, green and blue images are flashed sequentially using the ASLM under the FPGA's control with frequencies higher than 180 Hz (3*60 Hz) so that the eye sees a full color image.

Pico Projector Block Diagram Using a LatticeXP2-5 Device

Design security is another advantage of the LatticeXP2 solution. This is a new and hot application, and the need to keep design secrets closely guarded is imperative. The LatticeXP2's on-chip Flash configuration with bitstream encryption is a secure one-chip solution that reduces the risk of someone duplicating the FPGA design.

The LatticeXP2-5 also has a very small form factor, which is obviously an important consideration for a pocket-sized projector. The low power consumption of the LatticeXP2 and its instant-on capability are other advantages that make the LatticeXP2 a perfect choice for this application.

To Learn More

To learn more about the LatticeXP2 FPGA family, visit the Lattice web site or contact your local Lattice sales representative.