April 27, 2012 – Intersil, a global leader in the design and production of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced today the launch of Pico-qHD™ (quarter High Definition), an affordable, ultra-compact LED LCoS pico projector solution.

Intersil’s Pico-qHD™, providing a fully integrated reference design, was developed for low-power, cost-sensitive embedded or accessory pico projector applications. This design includes multiple optical engines, hardware, firmware, and custom design files. The low-cost solution utilizes Micron’s E330 compact 5.5 cm³ qHD optical engine and can be easily integrated into numerous applications, including Micron’s recently released PoP Video™ pico projector mobile device accessories.

Intersil's Pico-qHD™ is mounted on an inexpensive 1.7- to 2-inch PCB and meets the low manufacturing costs required by consumer products such as digital cameras, smartphones, tablet PCs, video players, and other handheld devices. Driven by these applications, market research firm PMA (Pacific Media Associates) forecasts that sales of pico projectors will reach 58 million units by 2015.

The newly introduced platform is based on Intersil's ISL97901 buck-boost RGGB LED driver, optimized for pico projector displays. The ISL97901, which supports RGB/RGGB LEDs, offers an ultra-compact footprint while increasing overall power efficiency. Furthermore, the product delivers the highest level of image quality by precisely controlling current. Its 2.0mA resolution ensures consistent white balance settings, maintaining a constant value throughout the projector's entire lifespan. The electronic system is capable of implementing up to 1.5A LED current and is compatible with various high-output LEDs. In addition, the pico projector engine provides a brightness of over 20 lumens.

The LED LCoS pico projector reference design integrates a wide range of Intersil products. The integrated products include the buck-boost LED driver ISL97901, LCD video processor TW8835, power management IC ISL9307, buck-boost converter ISL9110, and battery charger ISL9230. Optional features include the OEIC automation sensor ISL58333 and a real-time white balance adjustment function that maintains image quality and reduces optical correction costs.

Susan Hardman, Senior Vice President of Intersil’s Analog and Mixed-Signal Business Unit, stated, “The rapidly emerging pico projector market is driving a shift in social sharing technology, but price remains a critical issue. Intersil’s pico projector technology offers the lowest-cost solutions and provides easy reference designs tailored to customer orders. This will provide design flexibility to clients with more specific design requirements.”

Negin Oliver, Director of Display Marketing at Micron, added, “The partnership with Intersil is a success story that demonstrates efficiency and feasibility. Micron’s E330 qHD optical engine and Intersil’s robust system will bring success to the emerging pico projector industry.”

Product Details
• Solution optimized for LED LCoS pico projector systems
o Compact 5.5cc optical engine with a height of 7mm enabling embedded applications
• Compatible with video input up to 1080p and automatically scales to qHD (960x540) display resolution.
o The HDMI input video interface is compatible with multiple HDMIs that enable video devices.
• Footprint of small electronic products requiring low power
o Optical engine requiring only 1W
o Power consumption of less than 2W in a total system combining optical engines and electronics
o Provides a 1.7” x 2” footprint in accessory applications
o Provides a footprint of less than 1” x 1.5” in embedded applications
• Video processor with an embedded MCU providing a graphic OSD (On-Screen Display)
• The battery charger function, which allows charging while using the pico projector, provides an enhanced user experience.
• Suitable for small form factor devices that do not require a separate cooling fan or active cooling.

Price and Sales Information
The Pico-qHD™ reference system is currently available and starts at $13,995. System technical support and a hardware kit including design files and firmware are also provided.

More detailed information can be found at http://www.intersil.com/Picoprojector/PicoqHd.asp .