Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) is launching its state-of-the-art microdisplay, the ECX344A in Japan. It looks like it is, in essence, the same displays that have been so highly praised in the Apple Vision Pro. The microdisplays are expected to be shipping in Japan by November with an MSRP of 150,000 yen ($1,026).
| Model Name | ECX344A |
| Display Size | 1.3-type (33.0 mm diagonal) |
| Resolution (horizontal x vertical) | 4K (3,552 × 3,840) |
| Pixel Pitch | 6.3 μm |
| Maximum Frame Rate | Up to 90 fps |
| Video Interface | MIPI D-PHY |
| Maximum Luminance (20% duty drive) | 1,000 cd/m^2 |
| Contrast | 100,000:1 or higher |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 coverage ratio: Up to 96% |
The ECX344A is principally tailored for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) head-mounted displays. Sony is highlighting that its work in the realm of camera electronic viewfinders (EVFs) has equipped it with specialized miniaturization processes. These processes have been key to the development of the ECX344A, allowing a 1.3-type large-size display to possess 4K resolution.
Sony’s ECX344A stands out because of its unique pixel structure, an innovation of SSS’s research and development that has allowed the company optimize manufacturing processes and transistor layouts. The result is the achievement of both a wide color gamut and stellar luminance performance. The display covers an impressive 96% of the DCI-P3 color space. Even at 4K, Sony’s managed to maintain uniform luminescence at this scale.
All the fine circuitry and tightly coupled layout of Sony’s design means the microdisplay boasts a frame rate of 90 fps and has reduced the image illumination time by 1/5 compared to prior models. Sony’s proprietary technology also ensures a luminance level of 5,000 cd/m^2.
To accommodate the wide array of applications and the intense computing demands of 4K resolution, the ECX344A offers three distinct display modes:
- Normal Mode: Presents 4K resolution data as input.
- Upscale Mode: Converts 2K-2.5K resolution data to 4K for display. This reduces the data processing burden on the hosting device.
- Foveated Scan Mode: The center of the visual field displays high-resolution images, whereas the rendering resolution diminishes towards the periphery. This maintains immersion while cutting down data transfer by approximately 60%.
