Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX3600, a 3-channel RGB laser driver that enables the integration of high-resolution pico projectors into small-form-factor applications. Fabricated using Maxim's newest BiCMOS process, this device achieves very fast switching times of < 2ns to support high-resolution images up to 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) and WXGA (1400 x 768 pixels). Additionally, it eliminates the need for three discrete laser drivers, thus enabling system designers to embed pico projectors into a new class of consumer electronics.

Targeted applications include smartphones, portable media players, mobile-computing devices, digital cameras/camcorders, accessory projectors, and digital picture frames. The MAX3600 allows pico-projector OEMs to overcome these limitations by integrating three discrete laser drivers into a single 5mm x 5mm chip. This integrated solution consumes 75% less real estate and 30% less power than discrete designs, making it well suited for compact battery-operated devices.

OEMs will also benefit from a 25% lower solution cost, not to mention an industry-best resolution of WVGA or SVGA for portable devices. This device integrates all of the functionality needed to simply interface a digital 10-bit RGB video source to virtually all industry-standard, low-power RGB laser diodes. The MAX3600 is uniquely equipped with three 10-bit RGB DACs, which read video data from the host device's 10-bit RGB bus.

These DACs allow system designers to precisely control laser current while generating billions of colors and contrast ratios of 5000:1 and higher. Meanwhile, gain and offset functions along with serial ports and registers make real-world, production image adjustments quick and digitally simple. Packaged in a 5mm x 5mm, 40-pin TQFN, the MAX3600 is fully specified over the 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range. Prices start at $8.93 (1000-up, FOB USA).