By info@ico28.com 
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) has developed hardware and software to interface its OLED micro-displays to various input interfaces, calling the concept ‘Universal Display Data Converter’ or UDDC.
WUXGA (1,920×1,200) OLED microdisplay stacked with the UDDC
The micro-displays are aimed at augmented and virtual reality headsets, and the interface is both a development tool and a design example.
“UDDC converts various standard video interfaces to a standard to drive various microdisplays, and offers system developers and integrators adaption to video sources which are already available in their systems,” according to the Fraunhofer.
The developer version consists of a stack of three boards, one for power, one for video connector related circuits, and an FPGA-based processing board.
“The microdisplays developed at Fraunhofer IPMS can now easily utilise established video protocols from the industry, including D-PHY+DSI from the MIPI Alliance in the mobile device sector – developed in the BMBF-funded project ‘EdgeVision’ – and SMPTE SDI from the professional broadcasting area.
LVDS-based standards can also be handled, and micro-display options are WUXGA, 720p or 1,440 x 1080p.
“In the simplest case, only replacing a connector for the respective video interface is necessary,” said Fraunhofer IPMS system designer Florian Schuster. “Additionally, the overall system is only minimally larger than the microdisplay itself, making it easy to integrate into customer applications.”
The board is not quite universal admits the organisation: “In complex video protocols, additional video ICs may be necessary”, but the FPGA can be reprogrammed, so two of the board’s circuitry would remain unchanged.
In the development system, power is needed at 5 to 12V and configuration is over I2C.
See UDDC on the Fraunhofer stand at Electronica in Munich: Hall B4 stand B-141.
Original article source:
FAQ
1.What is a Fraunhofer micro-display?
Fraunhofer micro-displays are miniature, high-resolution screens designed for applications such as AR, VR, head-up displays (HUDs), and other portable or wearable devices. They are known for their compact form factor and efficient power usage while delivering sharp images.
2.What is the Universal Video Interface (UVI)?
The UVI is a standardized video interface developed to connect Fraunhofer’s micro-displays to various video sources. It supports high data transmission rates and ensures compatibility between different hardware systems and the micro-displays.
3.What are the key features of the UVI?
Key features of the UVI include high data throughput, real-time video processing, low latency, and the ability to handle multiple video formats. It also supports high frame rates, crucial for AR/VR applications.
4.How does UVI ensure compatibility with various video sources?
The Universal Video Interface is designed to work with a broad range of video sources, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and proprietary video signal formats. This versatility makes it ideal for use in different display systems.
5.What kind of applications benefit from Fraunhofer micro-displays and UVI?
These micro-displays and their universal video interface are commonly used in augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, wearable displays for medical or industrial use, and head-up displays in automotive applications.
6.Does the UVI support high-resolution video?
Yes, the UVI is capable of handling high-resolution video signals, including Full HD, 4K, and even higher resolutions, depending on the application requirements. This makes it suitable for immersive AR/VR experiences where image clarity is critical.
7.What are the advantages of using Fraunhofer’s micro-displays with UVI?
The main advantages include superior image quality, efficient power consumption, low latency for real-time applications, and the ability to integrate into various form factors due to the compact size of the micro-displays. The UVI ensures seamless connectivity and optimal performance in diverse use cases.