Jari Honkanen, Director of Systems Engineering and Advanced Applications at MicroVision, introduced me to the remarkable MEMS mobile mirror technology that the company has pioneered. This innovative technology is at the heart of MicroVision’s laser beam scanning (LBS) solutions, which are being developed in collaboration with STMicroelectronics.
At the end of 2016, MicroVision and STMicroelectronics announced a joint development, sales, and marketing partnership focused on LBS technology. The two companies are currently leveraging their combined expertise to target the pico projector and heads-up display (HUD) markets. They also have ambitions to explore emerging applications such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D inspection, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Their collaboration aims to integrate ST’s manufacturing and design capabilities with MicroVision’s LBS systems, creating powerful and scalable solutions for the future.
The automotive industry is increasingly interested in laser radar (LIDAR) technology for ADAS. Major players like Infineon and Analog Devices have already made strategic acquisitions—Infineon acquiring Innoluce and Analog Devices acquiring Vescent Photonics—to strengthen their positions in this growing market. I believe more such partnerships will follow, fueling further innovation and competition in the field.
MicroVision’s MEMS scanning mirrors are designed with a unique structure that allows for efficient two-axis movement using a single drive signal. The mirror is suspended within a gimbal frame, with a micromachined coil that interacts with permanent magnets to generate magnetic torque. This setup enables both vertical and horizontal motion through a simple waveform superposition.
A key feature of this design is its ability to produce precise scans with minimal power consumption. The system uses piezoresistive (PZR) sensors to provide position feedback, ensuring stability across different environmental conditions. When combined with red, blue, and green laser diodes, the MEMS scanning mirror forms a compact, high-performance color display engine, fitting into a volume of less than 5 cm³ and only 6 mm in height.
The PicoP scanning technology works by turning on the appropriate laser for each pixel, reducing power usage when unnecessary lasers are not needed. It supports 720p resolution, with brightness up to 25 lumens, and can project a 1-meter diagonal image from 1.1 meters away. The use of lasers ensures that the image remains in focus regardless of distance, while also offering a wide color gamut for vivid visuals.
This technology is integrated into a small form factor, making it ideal for pico projectors, HUDs, and even imaging applications. The scan engine consists of two main modules: the Integrated Photovoltaic Module (IPM) and the Electronic Platform Module (EPM), which work together to control and synchronize the laser sources and scanning process.
In head-up displays, the system directs the beam through specialized optics so drivers can view critical information without looking away from the road. At the MEMS and Sensor Execution Conference, Jari Honkanen demonstrated how this technology can be used in automotive applications, providing real-time data directly in the driver's field of view.
Additionally, Honkanen showcased the potential of using MicroVision’s LBS technology for MEMS-based scanning lidar systems, utilizing near-infrared lasers and photodetectors. These systems offer high-resolution scanning, dynamic adjustment of frame rates, and versatility for various driving scenarios. Whether capturing high-resolution images or fast, low-resolution data, the system adapts seamlessly to different needs.
Overall, MicroVision’s MEMS technology represents a breakthrough in compact, high-performance optical systems, with broad applications across consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors.
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