Laser TV Reference Design

It combines several linear and switching regulators into a single, compact solution, streamlining the system’s power architecture.

The Laser TV Reference Design is a high-performance display solution built on advanced DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, specifically tailored for next-generation home entertainment systems. Designed for ultra-short throw projection, this reference design enables compact form factors while maintaining cinematic-quality visuals, making it ideal for modern living rooms and home theater environments. With features such as high frame rates, low latency, and optimized thermal efficiency, the Laser TV Reference Design provides a scalable and flexible platform for engineers developing television and projection systems.

This reference design TIDA-01474 by Texas Instruments (TI)  introduces a projection subsystem based on DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, engineered to deliver high-speed display capabilities with minimal latency. Specifically, the design leverages the DLP470NE digital micromirror device (DMD) to generate full HD (1920×1080) displays at frame rates up to 120 Hz. A key highlight of this system is its ability to achieve just a single frame of delay across the entire DLPC4422 controller-based subsystem. This low-latency performance is critical for design engineers developing solutions for applications that demand real-time video rendering, such as gaming consoles, home theaters, laser TVs, flight simulators, and heads-up displays.

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The DLP470NE DMD lies at the core of this design. It is built on advanced Tilt & Roll Pixel (TRP) technology, featuring a 5.4 μm pixel pitch and a 17º tilt angle. These enhancements enable high-resolution output in a compact form factor without compromising optical efficiency. The device supports full HD 1080p image generation at multiple frame rates—50 Hz, 60 Hz, 100 Hz, and 120 Hz—making it suitable for a wide variety of display environments where smooth motion and high-quality imagery are essential.

To manage and control video data for the DMD, the DLPC4422 display controller is used. This chip consolidates all DMD data formatting into a single integrated circuit and includes 1 Gb of internal DRAM to handle intensive data path processing. Its architecture supports rapid processing and efficient memory access, contributing significantly to the system’s low-latency performance. Complementing the controller, the DLPA100 is a power management and motor driver IC that provides the necessary power to the DLP470NE and DLPC4422, along with other components in the reference design. 

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Additionally, the TPS65145 power supply IC plays a crucial role by delivering the three essential voltages required to operate the DMD. It ensures proper power-up sequencing of these voltages to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the DLP470NE device. For design engineers, this reference design offers a complete and highly optimized projection subsystem that is not only easy to integrate into various display products but also meets the stringent performance demands of modern video applications. 

TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.