Power-saving flat-panel VCOM buffer amp for tablets and notebooks

A next-generation VCOM control product based on patent-pending innovative architecture has been announced by Exar. Exar, through its merger with iML, a leader in flat panel analog products including common voltage (VCOM) management for flat panel display’s picture quality as well as reliability. The iML2911 provides a solution to add two additional power supply voltages readily available in panel electronics. The device employs sensing circuitry for VCOM output load requirement and automatically switches between multiple supply voltage combinations. This results in 50% savings of energy for still images and 25% to 30% savings for dynamic display images without affecting the quality. The device is also advantageous for use in TV panel applications, where heat dissipation from VCOM buffer devices is a major concern for panel and set makers, as local heating can negatively affect image quality. Exar’s senior vice president of marketing for ASSP, display and lighting products, Gi Young Lee, said: "We are continuing to develop innovative techniques to address flat panel display makers’ requirements to improve battery savings performance, a critical parameter for many mobile devices with rechargeable batteries.” The iML2911 is currently available in an 8-pin TDFN package and in a 9-ball CSP.