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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."

10 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. Some information, good Sir by Amsterdam+Vallon · · Score: 5, Informative

    but what ever happened to OLEDs & flexible LCDs?

    OLED developments
    Flexible LCD manufacturing/selling information

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    Reply or e-mail; don't vaguely moderate. Ex-O'Reilly/MIT employee, now a full-time Google employee.
  3. Link to the actual article by DeadMoose · · Score: 5, Informative

    As much as I love trusting the poster to have not made up a news story...here is the actual press release.

  4. Re:QVGA? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    QVGA

    QVGA is an emerging standard for Palm Powered devices. Traditionally, Palm Powered devices have featured 160 x 160 pixel screens. QVGA screens feature a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The QVGA standard was originally adopted for the HandEra 330. New products with built-in QVGA technology are anticipated within the coming year.

    QVGA-aware applications include support for a high-resolution bitmaps, additional fonts, and a collapsible 'virtual' graffiti area. Optionally, they can also support landscape and portrait screen rotation.

  5. More info on power consumption by hobbs · · Score: 5, Informative
    Wanting more info on this, I found: Sharp Slashes LCD Power Consumption which is from Feb 2001 and appears to be an announcement of the tech. I really wanted to know the relative power consumption (since my e740 pocketpc sucks power), and this articles says:
    Compared to a conventional active-matrix display, which is refreshed between 60 and 70 times per second, the ULC (ultra-low-power consumption) technology only sends signals when the screen image is changed. This results in a drop in power consumption to one-third conventional levels for moving images and one-thirtieth for still images
  6. So does this mean... by ZaMoose · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So then, what happens when I crack the screen? Time for an all-new Zaurus?

    Wait a tick... that's bloody brilliant on Sharp's part!

    I'm going to work on getting Sony and Nintendo to start integrating processing functionality into their controllers. Then, when somebody gets pissed and breaks one, they'll have to buy a whole new console!

    I'm off to the USPTO, suckers!

    --
    I wish I had a kryptonite cross, because then you could keep Dracula and Superman away.
    1. Re:So does this mean... by jandrese · · Score: 5, Insightful

      As opposed to current PDA technology that still works great after you crack the screen???

      The big difference I can see is the opportunity to make really thin electronics, since you don't have to have the circut board behind the display anymore (just the batteries).

      --

      I read the internet for the articles.
  7. Re:QVGA? by hazyshadeofwinter · · Score: 5, Funny

    See, over here it's a Quarter VGA with cheese, but in France they call that a Royale with Cheese.

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  8. System shock.. by eieken · · Score: 5, Funny

    LCD driver, power supply, I/O interfaces CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not touch the screen.

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