Samsung Licenses Digital Interface Technology

-- Semiconductor International, 12/1/1999

Samsung Electronics' desire to acquire a hefty share of the LCD driver market within four years has led to a technology licensing agreement with National Semiconductor for its reduced swing differential signal (RSDS) digital interface technology, based on LVDS (low voltage differential signal) technology. The next-generation, high-resolution technology will be used in Samsung's column drivers for TFT-LCD panels. By implementing RSDS technology, the feasibility of higher-resolution displays without increasing power usage, bus interconnect and overall cost is anticipated. Samsung's scheme is to offer its customers an optimal TFT-LCD solution upon which RSDS is based.

The RSDS interface signals will replace TTL signals on the bus where the reduction in signal swing level and the implementation of a differential signaling technique, RSDS, will mean significantly lower power consumption and EMI levels.

Samsung has been bolstering its involvement in LCD driver ICs as an industry leader in TFT-LCDs with 2.25 M panels sold last year, or a 16.7% global market share, with a goal of $300 M worth of LCD driver ICs by 2001.