Open Spec Lights Up Energy-Efficient LCD Panels

The mini-LVDS interface specification used to interface the timing controller to the source drivers for driving high-resolution LCD panels in notebooks and LCD monitors is now available royalty-free from the company. Developed in conjunction with IBM, the mini-LVDS spec is said to reduce by 60% the number of signal traces required in LCD control modules. Availability of the open specification will increase supply options for LCD manufacturers wanting to use this innovative mini-LVDS technology. The company has also added a new high-speed LCD chipset to its family of products supporting the mini-LVDS interface. The TFP74x3 LCD timing controller and TMS57538 LCD source driver offer the advantages of high resolution and savings in board space for flat panel display resolutions ranging from XGA, with 1,024x768 pixels, up to QXGA, with 2,048x1,536 pixels. The TFP74x3 mini-LVDS chipset is scheduled for sampling in the second quarter with volume production scheduled for the third quarter. The TFP7401 chipset is scheduled for volume production in the second quarter. The TFP74x3 and TFP7401 controllers are available in a 100-lead TQFP, and the TMS57538 and TMS57534 source drivers are available with COF or TCP mounting.