P.38
color amplitude modulation techniques. The red, green, blue color data that directly come from the
palette RAM provide the code for each color. The amplitude modulation technique uses a group of
weighting codes and frame (time) modulation to generate the shading information for each of R,G,B.
In the extended indexed register CREG A8 , we can select the various amplitude modulation
types to increase colors of the panels .
* Display Combination
The new generation of LCD VGA provides a simultaneous CRT/LCD or CRT/PLASMA display
function . This adds a new dimension to the promotional application of portable computers by offering
a more versatile visual demonstration . TP6508 also provides this function to extend added value to
portable computer. In order to accommodate the limited minimum signal width of CRT VGA, the work-
ing frequency of the LCD VGA should at least be 6MHz . The TP6508 will provide a Frame Rate of
about 120Hz at this working frequency.
In spite of the above, the CRT VGA still has its draw backs when used for commercial demon-
stration because of its limited size . With the arrival of low priced TV’s (60" to 120"), why not
harness the big TV screen to reproduce the portable computer LCD display To achieve this function,
TP6508 has integrated the TV interface synchronization signal circuit . It needs only one analog IC to
externally convert the RGB and synchronization signal to RS-170 standard signal for TV . The RS-170
signal is then transmitted through AV terminal to TV . TP6508 has overcome the technical problem of
interlaced scan on LCD . This makes the simultaneous display of TV/LCD come true. Presently, TP6508
supports NTSC and PAL TV standard. The SECOM standard support will be available in the future.
* TV Interface
The simultaneous display on both TV and LCD panel is rather an unique design of TP6508. There
are many add-on cards or devices on the market which can convert VGA signal to TV display signal,
but they can not accomplish a simultaneous display on LCD . The reason is that it is not as easy to
perform a interlaced scan on LCD as on CRT . This problem has to be resolved from the internal logic
design of VGA.
On the other hand, TP6508 can generate synchronization signal that completely matches with the
standard of RS-170. With an external NTSC encoder (A example , MC1377 , is set in Application
Circuit chapter) , TP6508 can transmit image to TV through A/V terminal . In order to preclude
flickering on TV display, TP6508 uses a non-interlaced scan to stabilize the Frame Rate at 60Hz .
Under this Frame Rate, all display modes of IBM VGA are supported. The optimum resolution is
640x480 with 256 colors.
Under TV display mode, the HSYNC signal which is originally sent to VGA are converted to
composite sync signal . This composite signal combines the horizontal sync, vertical sync and the
equalization pulse . It is necessary of the 3.58 MHz crystal to generate a reference frequency for color
burst signal. This frequency is used as the color calibration signal if adjusted by variable capacitor .
Due to the limitation of TV’s resolution and Frame Rate, the displayed image may not be as good as
that of VGA display, but its display of big fonts and graphics as in a commercial demonstration and
presentation, is distinctively sharp .