The DLP5531A-Q1 Automotive DMD consists of 1,327,104 highly reflective, digitally switchable, micrometer-sized mirrors organized in a two-dimensional array. As shown in Figure 6-13, the micromirror array consists of 1152 micromirror columns × 1152 micromirror rows in a diamond pixel configuration with a 2:1 aspect ratio.

Around the perimeter of the 1152 × 1152 array of micromirrors is a uniform band of border micromirrors called the Pond of Micromirrors (POM). The border micromirrors are not user-addressable. The border micromirrors land in the –12° position once power has been applied to the device. There are 10 border micromirrors on each side of the 1152 × 1152 active array.

Due to the diamond pixel configuration, the columns of each odd row are offset by half a pixel from the columns of the even row. Each mirror is switchable between two discrete angular positions: –12° and +12°. The mirrors are illuminated from the bottom which allows for compact and efficient system optical design.

Although the native resolution of the DLP5531A-Q1 is 1152 × 1152, when paired with the DLPC230-Q1 controller, the DLP5531A-Q1 can be driven with different resolutions to utilize the 2:1 aspect ratio. For example, Headlight applications typically use a resolution of 1152 × 576. Please see the DLPC230-Q1 automotive DMD controller data sheet (DLPS054) for a list of supported resolutions.