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New Substrate Tech Creates System LCDs

Posted by timothy on from the just-toss-the-cpu-in-there-too dept.

smartalix writes "Sharp Microelectronics has recently developed a new LCD substrate technology called Continuous-Grain Silicon (CG-Silicon), that enables device integration on a scale previously impossible. The technology enables the creation of System LCDs that integrate all driver and operation circuitry -- including digital logic, LCD driver, power supply, I/O interfaces, and signal-processing circuitry -- onto the glass itself. Eventually even the device's CPU will be included on the substrate. A key SLCD feature is the ability to dynamically control the resolution and color depth, providing output in multiple-resolution modes while lowering overall power consumption. A 3.7-in. SLCD created with CG-Silicon had a power consumption of 14 mW for color VGA, 8 mW for color QVGA, and 2 mW for monochrome QVGA. The first commercially available product that incorporates the System LCD architecture is Sharp's Zaurus SL-C700 PDA, recently released in Japan."

3 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Good news... by Cutriss · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The first commercially available product that incorporates the System LCD architecture is Sharp's Zaurus SL-C700 PDA, recently released in Japan.

    If that's true, then it's about time. I can't count how many next-gen display technology announcements I've seen on /. about stuff that's supposed to make better displays cheaper, and then the product never comes to market.

    The fact that there's something already out there using it means that we're much more likely to see the technology become more widespread and adapted to other devices.

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    1. Re:Good news... by First_In_Hell · · Score: 5, Interesting
      Keep waiting. How long does it take for any new technology to reach an affordable implementation and price? Look at flat-panel monitors. Just now are they becoming affordable. We had to enture $1500 15' inch LCDs that now sell for $250 which had crappier quality than a low end laptop screen.

      Also, what is right for the Japanese market is not always right over here. The way they use cell phones over there borders on some science-fiction movies, while companies are still trying to get online cell phone games to catch on over here.

  2. The future is HERE... again. by Ninja+Master+Gara · · Score: 4, Interesting
    It sounds truly awesome. Soon we'll be grafting pda's to our skin, as promised for decades. Dick Tracy watch?! Hah! I can play Tetris!

    Btw, a direct link to the news article is here

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