Texas Instruments (TI) has unveiled its most advanced digital micromirror device (DMD) to date, signaling a new era for high-precision digital lithography and advanced packaging.
The launch of the DLP991UUV underscores how semiconductor innovation is driving broader industries forward — from artificial intelligence and 5G to data centers and even fintech applications that rely on faster, more efficient computing systems.
A leap in digital lithography
Jeff Marsh, vice president and general manager of DLP technology at Texas Instruments
The DLP991UUV boasts 8.9 million pixels, sub-micron resolution, and a staggering 110 gigapixels per second data rate. Acting as a programmable photomask, the device eliminates the need for expensive, time-consuming physical masks traditionally used in lithography.
For manufacturers, this translates into higher throughput, reduced costs, and the ability to make real-time adjustments without halting production.
“Just as we redefined cinema by enabling the transition from film to digital projection, TI’s DLP technology is once again at the forefront of a major industry shift,” said Jeff Marsh, vice president and general manager of DLP technology at TI. “We’re enabling maskless digital lithography systems that empower engineers to break through the current limits of advanced packaging and deliver powerful computing solutions to market.”
Why advanced packaging matters
Advanced packaging — the process of integrating multiple chips and technologies into a single, compact system — has become central to the performance of modern computing devices.
By making systems smaller, faster, and more power-efficient, advanced packaging supports the infrastructure of AI-driven analytics, 5G communications, and real-time financial transactions.
For industries like fintech, which increasingly rely on high-speed computing and secure, high-bandwidth systems to process payments and safeguard digital wallets, advances in semiconductor packaging aren’t just behind-the-scenes technology — they’re enablers of growth.
High-throughput lithography means that chips powering financial platforms, blockchain validation, and digital banking applications can handle more transactions with lower latency and improved reliability.
Beyond masks: Cost and scale advantages
Traditional photomask technology requires costly stencils and lengthy production cycles. By contrast, TI’s maskless digital lithography offers scalability, flexibility, and precision.
The DLP991UUV can achieve sub-micron accuracy on substrates of any size, giving manufacturers flexibility to adapt quickly to design changes while improving yield and reducing defects.
These advantages are critical as demand surges for low-power, high-bandwidth components across industries.
In fintech, where millions of users are accessing mobile banking apps and digital wallets simultaneously, ensuring efficient and reliable back-end hardware is just as important as the customer-facing software experience.
Technical highlights of the DLP991UUV
- Resolution: 8.9 million pixels, the highest in TI’s direct imaging portfolio
- Processing speed: Up to 110 gigapixels per second
- Wavelength support: Operates down to 343 nanometers
- Mirror pitch: 5.4 microns, the smallest in the portfolio
- Power: Up to 22.5W/cm² at 405nm
By harnessing millions of microscopic mirrors, TI’s DLP® technology delivers unmatched control of light for high-resolution lithography. The same core technology powers applications ranging from 4K home theater projection to intelligent automotive lighting and machine vision systems in smart factories.
Driving the digital economy
TI emphasizes that this device isn’t just about technological progress — it’s about enabling industries to meet the growing computational needs of today’s digital economy. For fintech platforms, data centers, and AI-powered services, reliable chips built on advanced packaging make possible the secure, real-time digital transactions that millions of consumers expect daily.
By bridging cost efficiency with precision, TI’s DLP991UUV provides semiconductor manufacturers with the tools to keep pace with industries where speed, trust, and scalability are non-negotiable.
Availability
Preproduction units of the DLP991UUV are available now via TI.com, with multiple payment and shipping options.
About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing chips for industrial, automotive, personal electronics, enterprise systems, and communications. TI’s mission is to make electronics more affordable, reliable, and power-efficient, pushing the boundaries of what semiconductors can enable.
