A VLSI controller for active-matrix LCDs

There is currently no standard interface for active-matrix thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Interface signals and timing requirements vary among panel technologies, driver ICs, and applications. To allow interfacing to the widest possible range of active matrix LCDs (AMLCDs) from various systems, a flexible, versatile, stand-alone interface controller is required. A typical existing AMLCD controller in a display module implements a rudimentary interface providing only synchronized clocks and buffering of a few pixel data The controller described in this paper absorbs all the display specific functions under the control of programmable registers, and thus presents a simple and display-independent interface to the host. In addition, the chip performs some simple image enhancement operations that can again be programmed to meet the demand of particular applications.<>