Sony Unveils Tiny, Bright OLED Microdisplay for Advanced AR Glasses

In a significant advancement for augmented reality (AR) technology, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) has announced the upcoming release of the ECX350F, a 0.44-type Full HD resolution OLED Microdisplay. This cutting-edge product boasts the industry’s smallest pixel size at 5.1 µm (micrometers) and the highest brightness level of up to 10,000 cd/m² (candelas per square meter).

The ECX350F OLED Microdisplay is specifically designed for AR glasses, addressing the critical need for a thin and lightweight form factor without compromising on visibility. Leveraging a novel OLED structure and microlenses, the microdisplay optimizes pixel light emission despite its compact size. This innovation enables Full HD resolution within a 0.44-inch panel while achieving a peak brightness of 10,000 cd/m² — approximately double the brightness of previous models.

SSS’s new microdisplay not only reduces the size and weight of AR glasses but also aims to enhance the user experience by delivering high-resolution, exceptionally clear imaging.

Key Features of the ECX350F

Industry-Leading Pixel Density and Brightness

The ECX350F features the industry’s smallest pixels at 5.1 µm and achieves a brightness of up to 10,000 cd/m². Traditionally, shrinking OLED Microdisplay pixels reduces luminous efficiency and limits the current each pixel can handle, making high brightness difficult to achieve. However, the ECX350F overcomes these challenges with a newly developed semiconductor process that fabricates 5.1 µm pixels and incorporates microlenses to optimize luminous efficiency at this scale.

Additionally, a uniquely designed OLED structure strikes an ideal balance between driving voltage and luminous efficiency, allowing the microdisplay to deliver both high brightness and small pixel size. Consequently, the ECX350F achieves Full HD resolution with exceptional visibility and industry-leading brightness.

Miniaturization through Smaller Pixels and Narrow Bezels

One of the standout features of the ECX350F is its ability to reduce the non-display area (bezel) surrounding the active display area. Conventional technology struggled to narrow the bezel due to reliability concerns and issues like poor screen display caused by the required wiring width of the circuit portion. The new microdisplay solves these problems with an innovative circuit design and assembly process, reducing the bezel size on the long side of the display to just 1.14 mm on both the top and bottom.

By miniaturizing the pixels and narrowing the display bezel, the ECX350F achieves a short-side size of 7.99 mm, a 24% reduction from previous models, while maintaining the pixel count needed for Full HD resolution. This advancement enables AR glasses to be made thinner and lighter, enhancing user comfort and wearability.

Variable Black Frame Function

The ECX350F includes a variable black frame function that allows it to display video input of any resolution below Full HD at any desired position within the active display area. In AR glasses, the real space is visible through the black display area, allowing the displayed image to overlay the real environment.

Previously, this functionality was achieved by generating a video signal for the black display area in the pre-processing side (application processor) and inputting it. Now, with the ECX350F, the microdisplay itself performs this process, making it easier to display images at an arbitrarily set resolution. This feature also contributes to lower power consumption and reduced latency for the system.

Applications and Implications

The ECX350F OLED Microdisplay is poised to revolutionize the AR glasses market by offering a display that is not only compact and lightweight but also capable of delivering high-resolution and bright images. This advancement is crucial for applications that require clear and vivid displays in augmented reality environments, such as navigation, gaming, and industrial applications.

The ability to achieve such high brightness and pixel density in a small form factor will likely spur innovation and new applications in the AR space. For developers and manufacturers, the ECX350F offers a robust solution that can be integrated into various AR systems, enhancing the overall user experience.

Technical Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the ECX350F OLED Microdisplay:

• Model name: ECX350F
• Display size: 0.44 type (11.235 mm diagonal)
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 (Full HD)
• Pixel pitch: 5.1 µm
• Maximum frame rate: 120 fps
• Video interface: MIPI® DSI
• Maximum luminance: 10,000 cd/m² (100% duty drive)
• Contrast: 100,000:1 or higher
• Color gamut: sRGB area ratio: 100%

Conclusion

The introduction of the ECX350F OLED Microdisplay marks a significant milestone in the evolution of AR technology. With its industry-leading pixel density and brightness, along with features designed to enhance user experience and device integration, the ECX350F sets a new standard for AR displays.

For more information about Sony Semiconductor Solutions’ OLED Microdisplay technology and applications, visit the following links:

• SSS’s OLED Microdisplay technology
• Applications using OLED Microdisplays

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