Low Power DLLs for TCON S. Ram Sooraj Author

The technological advancement in communication, network and multimedia applications has resulted in the demand of more and more bandwidth. But the point-to-point physical layer interfaces have not been able to deal with moving information at the data rates required. Systems that can transfer data at a faster rate while consuming low power need to be designed to meet these challenges. TCON (Timing Controllers) are a key element in the make-up of LCD modules. They are essentially the brain, control centre and the heart of a TFT LCD module. In the past and in the current generation, TCONs have been implemented through the use of fully custom Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) devices. These custom ASICs can rarely be re-used in other LCD panel designs. Along with TCONs, discrete LVDS devices are also required for interface and control of the LCD module. And the DLL (Delay Locked Loop) is one of those key component in making such a successful TCON.