Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Back to the Future: Science Fiction turns Science Fact
October 7, 2015 | Technische Universität WienEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Flying cars, hoverboards and video chat – a very futuristic vision for the year 2015 was presented in the movie “Back to the Future Part II”, released in 1989. Now, shortly before “Back to the Future Day” on October 21st, 2015, it is time to check whether reality has indeed kept up with the daring predictions of the 80s.
One of the technological innovations presented in this film was a huge 3D display. As far as this invention is concerned, Hollywood was almost right. Such displays will soon be possible. TU Wien and TriLite Technologies are presenting a display element which uses special micro optics and moving micro mirrors to project different pictures into different directions. This technology can be used to create 3D displays without the need for 3D glasses.
3D Pictures on Huge Outdoor Displays
Marty McFly, the protagonist of the movie “Back to the Future Part II”, uses a time machine to travel from the year 1985 to October 21st, 2015. In the technological utopia of 2015 he is in for quite a few surprises. One of them is a colossal display on top of a cinema, from which a terrifying 3D shark seems to jump out to get him. Back in the 80s, no viable concepts for such a 3D display technology existed. But today, this technology is within reach.
A first prototype has been developed by TriLite Technologies and TU Wien a few months ago. Each 3D pixel (called “TrixelTM“) consists of a laser and a moveable mirror. The mirror directs the laser beams across the field of vision, from left to right. During that movement the image information is changed. With this basic idea, different pictures can be sent to the viewer´s left and right eye, so that a 3D effect is created without the need for 3D glasses.
New Prototype, Just in Time for Back to the Future Day
Now, a much more advanced second prototype has been presented. It is now a full color display, a significant advancement over the first monochromatic version. Each Trixel has been equipped with three different lasers (red, green and blue). The module consists of 12x9 Trixels, so any number of modules can be assembled to create a large outdoor display. “The software for controlling the modules and displaying movies has already been developed”, says Jörg Reitterer (from TriLite Technologies, and PhD student in Professor Ulrich Schmid’s team at TU Wien). “We can use any off-the-shelf 3D movie and play it on our display.”
“The basic technology was invented by TriLite Technologies in 2011. At TU Wien, three research institutes worked on different tasks such as steering the Trixels and optimizing the connection between them. The technology is now ready for the market, and we are looking for partners for mass production all over the world”, says Franz Fidler, CTO of TriLite Technologies.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
High-Tech Hill Technology Park Opens: Four New Factories Launched
09/26/2025 | TeltonikaThe ambitious vision announced in late 2020 to build a world-class technology park in Liepkalnis, Vilnius, has become a reality. AGP Investments, led by entrepreneur Arvydas Paukštys, together with high-tech leaders Teltonika and TLT, today inaugurated four new factories at the Vilnius High-Tech Hill Technology Park.
LPKF to Unveil CuttingMaster 2240 Cx at Productronica
09/26/2025 | LPKF Laser & ElectronicsLPKF Laser & Electronics SE will be showcasing the CuttingMaster 2240 Cx as part of the Fraunhofer IZM production line at this year's Productronica in Munich, demonstrating state-of-the-art laser technology in action.
Signal Integrity: A Game of Margins
09/25/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineAs the founder of Wild River Technology, Al Neves deals with some of the most challenging aspects of signal integrity. Wild River’s engineers consult with high-tech companies that work at very high speeds and frequencies, often above 100G. Al is always a fun interview, so we asked him to share his thoughts on the current state of signal integrity engineering.
New Podcast Episode Drop: Optimize the Interconnect—It’s a Wrap!
09/25/2025 | I-Connect007The final episode of the On the Line With…Optimize the Interconnect podcast series ties together insights from across the program, underscoring the growing importance of unified solutions for high-volume HDI PCB manufacturing. Final guest Kuldip Johal, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Business Development, emphasized that manufacturers must balance yield, reliability, and scalability as interconnect density and complexity continue to increase.
How Does UHDI Improve Routing Capabilities? Listen to Episode 3 Now and Discover
09/26/2025 | I-Connect007Episode 3 of On the Line With... American Standard Circuits, “How Does Ultra HDI Benefit: Routing Capabilities,” features host Nolan Johnson in conversation with returning guest expert John Johnson, Director of Quality and Advanced Technology at American Standard Circuits (ASC). Together, they explore how UHDI technology is transforming design for manufacturability and expanding what’s possible in routing capabilities.