Drive circuit for spatial light modulator with software preprocessing unit

A drive circuit, with software preprocessing unit, is developed for Multi-quantum-well (MQW) spatial light modulator (SLM). According to the characteristic values of different SLM reflective properties, software preprocessing unit fits the curve of reflectivity spectra for the modulator and generates photoelectric-conversion-controlling signals, which improve the commonality of the drive circuit. A new method of scanning was researched in this paper to substitute the old method of one-step scanning. The new method, that rough-scan is followed by fine-scan, could achieve high scanning speed and high output resolution. Apart from this, it could also effectively reduce the pixel size to be integrated with MQW SLM by flip-chip bonding. SPICE simulation and chip test results show that, the chip could work well, and the swing of drive voltage is from 0 to V _DD , the resolution of drive voltage could be up to 256. In a word, this circuit could meet the requirements of MQW SLM.