Integrated LCoS Imager IP Development For Pico-projectors
ART/084CP
20100301 - 20111130
12866
Mr David Kwong
ASTRI AMS group will propose the specifications and complete the design, simulation, and layout of 2 sets of IP blocks to be verified with two test chip imagers. ASTRI will work with a leading LCoS supplier to jointly come up with IP specifications to ensure the IPs can be commercialized. Section C of this project describes the detail specification and development plan of the IPs. Below is a summary of the deliverables:
a) 1ST set of LCoS IPs to be verified in a 0.55” diagonal imager test chip targeted for companion pico projector market. This effort will involve standard CMOS test silicon runs (MPWs) for IP blocks and dedicated 0.18um LCoS silicon process tape out for the imager test chip incorporating ASTRI’s LCoS IPs.
b) 2 companion pico projector prototypes will be made for the purpose of (1) system level functional verification of companion specific LCoS IPs and (2) reliability tests.
c) 2nd set of LCoS IPs to be verified in a 0.36” diagonal imager test chip targeted for embedded pico projector market. This effort will involve standard CMOS test silicon runs (MPWs) for IP blocks and dedicated (0.18um or smaller) LCoS silicon process tape out for the imager test chip incorporating ASTRI’s LCoS IPs. A major redesign of IPs are expected due to unique electrical optical performances and physical size of such embedded systems. Although 0.18um LCoS process is preferred, but a more advanced process such as 0.13um maybe used to meet the embedded requirements.
d) 2 embedded pico projector prototypes will be made for the purpose of (1) system level functional verification of embedded specific LCoS IPs and (2) reliability tests
Aurora Systems Ltd [Sponsor]
OmniVision Technologies, Inc [Sponsor]
This project is to develop a suite of silicon IPs for LCoS imagers to be used for Pico projector development. These silicon IP blocks will enable licensees to develop application specific imager IC based on Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) display technology. The core of this integrated circuit technologies is the specialized SRAM and its control circuitry in 0.18 micron CMOS process. Full custom methodology will be employed for all of the required circuits. ASTRI's Analog and Mixed Signal Group will be responsible for all of the circuit related R&D, our initial partner will contribute its system application level expertise to ensure these IP blocks are in-deed used to develop commercially viable Pico-projector imager IC. Furthermore, Astri will work with a selected local silicon manufacturing site to ensure successful processing of the LCoS panel wafers. The overall market for this China Stated Focused display technology has been forecasted to grow significantly in the next few years. This project holds the key to LCoS pico-projector's commercial success, not only will it help our initial partner to build their R&D centre in Hong Kong but also bring in the much needed AMS IP for Hong Kong's IC industry in the long run.