In this TI DLP Labs training module, we will learn what an EVM is, learn about the wide variety of EVMs that DLP Pico products offers, and we will determine which situation may require which EVM.

EVM stands for evaluation module. We offer a wide variety of EVMs to enable engineers to easily evaluate our integrated circuits. Specifically, DLP Pico EVMs integrate a complete DLP chip set in a small yet flexible form factor.

Typically, each EVM contains the digital micro micromirror device, or DMD, along with associated optics, the controller to interface the DMD to the front end electronics, an LED illumination driver to control the LEDs, a front end video IC to interface the input video to the DLP controller, and a program to control the EVM from a PC.

A PC-based GUI is provided to directly interface with the EVM bia USB. Additionally, source code of a C-based API is available on ti.com, which can be used to control the EVM. This API is flexible and can even be integrated into a final product. These EVMs are intended to make it easy for engineers to develop their own DLP system.

A schematic, PCB layout, and bill of materials is provided online for each EVM. Additionally, the controller firmware image and GUI is available on ti.com.

The EVM itself has test points to enable an engineer to make various measurements and modifications. Typically, the only required item to be purchased separately is a power supply, which is mentioned in the EVMs associated user guide.

DLP Pico products offers two main types of EVMs, display and light control. The display EVMs are for more traditional applications, such as mobile projectors, smart displays, augmented reality glasses, pico projectors, and mobile smart TVs. The display EVMs are categorized into ultra mobile, ultra low power, mobile, low power, and compact high resolution.

Light control EVMs utilize the same core technology as the display EVMs in a way optimized for non-display applications. Spectroscopy EVMs enable DLP technology to read the spectrum of a material to help determine its chemical makeup.

The other type of light control EVMs are pattern projectors. Pattern projector EVMs provide features to better enable applications, such as 3D scanning, 3D printing, and other applications. These pattern projector EVMs have the same optics as display EVMs, and generally offer a superset of the display functionality.

As previously mentioned, the light control pattern projection EVMs are generally a superset of display EVMs. Both EVM types can be used to display, video content. Pattern projection EVMs offer additional features to support various light control applications, ranging from 3D scanning to 3D printing.

The foremost feature of a pattern projection EVM is that it allows the user to bypass most image processing functions. While traditional display EVMs make use of various image processing algorithms to improve the output image quality, in certain applications, such as 3D machine vision, it is desirable to more perfectly output the input image without any changes.

Additionally, the pattern projectors provide both input and output synchronization through the use of triggering signals. These signals may be used to synchronize display patterns with a camera or microcontroller.

Additionally, the pattern projectors enable precise control of wind illuminators, which are usually LEDs will turn on and off. The individual bitplane sequencing can also be better controlled and predicted by the user. Finally, the pattern projectors usually make use of 1-bit depth or 8-bit depth input patterns. Therefore, the resulting 1-bit pattern rate can exceed 4 kilohertz. Traditional display 24-bit depth frame rate is typically limited to 240 Hertz or less.

Now that you know the EVM types and their differences, here is a list of our display EVMs. These are also included in the links below this video. If you need a display EVM, DLP offers resolutions ranging from nHD, with the DLP Light Crafter Display 2000 EVM up to 1080p, with the Light Crafter Display 4710 EVM, or the Light Crafter Display 3310 EVM.

The display brightness and physical size of the EVM varies based on the resolution and brightness of the illumination source for each EVM. Also, the output brightness and the physical size of the system can be optimized in a final product.

The DLP NIR Scan Nano is ideal for spectroscopy applications. If a pattern projector EVM is needed, there are four development tools to choose from. These EVMs range in resolution from WVGA with the DLP 2010 Light Control EVM to 1080p with the DLP 4710 Light Control EVM.

The DLP 2010, DLP 3010, and DLP 4710 EVMs make use of the DLPC347X controller, while the DLP 4500 EVM makes use of the DLPC350 controller. Each controller offers unique advantages, but all are intended for pattern projection.

As with the display EVMs, the output brightness and the physical size of the system can be optimized in a final product. These tools are also linked in the description below.

Each EVM is associated with a reference design that contains the schematic, PCB layout, and bill of materials. We encourage you to use these design files to better understand the EVM and to aid in system development. If you can't find an EVM to suit your development needs, DLP Products has a third-party design network that offers various development boards, optical modules, and more. A link to our design network is included below.

A list of DLP Pico EVMs is provided here for your reference. These EVMs can be purchased directly from ti.com. For the most up to date list of EVMs, visit ti.com/dlp.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about the various types of EVMs we offer, and how to select the right one for your design. For more information, visit ti.com/dlp or ask us a question on E2E. Thanks for watching.