MWC 2011: Pico-projector from ST and bTendo

STMicroelectronics and Israeli start-up bTendo have signed a deal to develop a pico-projector for phones.

The projector will be based on bTendo's scanning laser engine and ST micromachining capability.

"Less than 2.5cm³ in volume and below 6mm high, the jointly developed embedded projector solution will offer a focus free image," said ST which is "implementing two MEMS-based micro-mirror-actuation devices within the system's optical engine and a video-processing chip. The projection engine will be optimised for smart phones and have built-in support for MIPI [Mobile Industry Processor Interface]".

A demo of the technology will be shown at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week on the STMicroelectronics stand (7A106).