LED drivers for 3D-TV backlights require extreme accuracy (MAGAZINE)

March 22, 2011

Implementing a 3D mode in an LED TV increases the demand for current accuracy, peak current range, number of channels, timing speed and accuracy in the LED driver IC, as Werner Schögler, Markus Luidolt and Manfred Pauritsch explain.

Content Dam Leds En Articles Print Volume 8 Issue 3 Features Led Drivers For 3d Tv Backlights Require Extreme Accuracy Magazine Leftcolumn Article Thumbnailimage File

3D video is the hottest new technology in the TV industry. For the leading TV brands, it represents their most important strategy for maintaining margins and market leadership, because creating a fantastic 3D viewing experience calls for highly advanced technology and sophisticated image processing – fields in which they excel.

One challenging element of 3D-TV design is the power circuit driving the strings of backlighting LEDs. These devices need to be switched precisely for very short periods of time, but (for 3D viewing) to relatively high peak currents – and, to achieve consistent brightness across the screen, the amount of current supplied must be very accurately regulated.

Such a demanding combination of accuracy, current capability and timing has not been required previously in any application, and hence a new generation of LED drivers is emerging specifically designed for 3D TVs.

In order to properly evaluate the specification of a backlightLED driver IC, it will help to understand the main factors affecting the operation of a 3D TV.

++++++ This article was published in the March 2011 issue of LEDs Magazine. To read the full version of this article, please visit our magazine page, where you can download FREE electronic PDF versions of all issues of LEDs Magazine. You can also request a print copy of LEDs Magazine (available by paid subscription) and sign up for our free weekly email newsletter.