Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) presented the new ECX350F OLED micro-displaydesigned primarily for augmented reality (AR) viewers. This is a new record-breaking 0.44-inch panel, given that it offers a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) with 5.1 µm pixelsthe smallest in the sector, and one maximum brightness of 10,000 cd/m²the highest ever achieved in an OLED micro-display.
The ECX350F was designed to meet the specific needs of AR viewers, which require thin, light components capable of guaranteeing excellent visibility even in bright environments. Thanks to a new OLED structure and the use of microlenses, the microdisplay maximizes light emission from each pixel, despite its small size.
Reducing the size of the pixels in an OLED microdisplay generally results in a decrease in luminous efficiency and current per pixel, limiting the achievable brightness. Sony appears to have overcome these challenges thanks to a new semiconductor manufacturing process for 5.1 µm pixels and the integration of microlenses that optimize light efficiency at this scale. Furthermore, the innovative OLED structure balances driving voltage and luminous efficiency, enabling both high brightness and small pixel size.
The result, as mentioned, is a Full HD microdisplay with 5.1 µm pixels and a maximum brightness of 10,000 cd/m², approximately double that of the previous model (ECX348E).
In addition to smaller pixels, the ECX350F features thinner bezels. In short, the non-display area that surrounds the active area of the display integrates the circuits and wiring necessary for the operation of the microdisplay. With conventional technologies, reducing the size of the bezel was difficult due to reliability and display issues. Sony addressed these issues by introducing a new circuit design and innovative assembly process, reducing the size of the bezel on the long side of the display to 1.14mm.
The miniaturization of the pixels and the reduction of the bezel allow to obtain a microdisplay with dimensions of 7.99 mm on the short side, 24% smaller than the previous model, while maintaining the number of pixels necessary for Full HD resolution. This is with a view to making AR viewers thinner and lighter.
Technical specifications Sony ECX350F
- Display dimensions: 0.44 type (11.235 mm diagonal)
- Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD)
- Pixel size: 5.1 µm
- Maximum framerate: 120 FPS
- Video interface: MIPI DSI
- Peak brightness: 10,000 cd/m2
- Contrast: 100.000:1 or higher
- RGB color gamut: 100%
The ECX350F also integrates a “variable black frame” function that allows video inputs of any resolution below Full HD to be displayed at any position within the active area of the display. In AR glasses, real space is visible through the black area of the display, allowing the displayed image to be superimposed on the real environment. This function, previously handled by the application processor, is now integrated into the microdisplay, making it easier to display images at arbitrary resolutions and helping to reduce power consumption and system latency.
In closing we remind you that Sony already supplies its OLED micro-displays to Apple for the Vision Pro; however, the Cupertino company seems to have made contact with Samsung and LG for a new economic model that has not yet been confirmed.
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