JBD is a key supplier of RGB microLED projection engines for AR glasses. At DisplayWeek 2024, we learned of some development efforts underway at the company.
I’m at the Jade Bird Display (JBD) booth at DisplayWeek 2024. JBD is one of the leading companies in microLED technology, particularly for AR glasses. Their flagship product is the Hummingbird display module, designed for compact AR applications.
Hummingbird Display Module
- Size: ~0.4 cubic centimeters (shrinking to 0.3 cc by year-end)
- Structure:
- Three 0.17-inch RGB microLED panels
- Combined using an X-Cube combiner (similar to LCD projector optics)
- Projection: Into a waveguide for full-color AR imaging
- Current performance:
- Brightness: 3 lumens (sufficient for indoor use)
- Target: 4 lumens by Q4
- Pixel pitch: 4 microns
- Peak luminance per color:
- Red: 1 million nits
- Green: 8 million nits
- Blue: 1.5 million nits
Monolithic Full-Color MicroLED Development
JBD is working on a monolithic RGB microLED display:
- Approach: Stack three epitaxial layers (likely GaN for blue/green and AlInGaP for red)
- Pixel pitch: 5 microns
- Challenges:
- Thermal expansion mismatch
- Defect control
- Precise layer registration
- Current engineering samples:
- Brightness: 300,000–400,000 nits (white)
- Goal: ~1 million nits
Market and Growth
- Current customers: 25–35 worldwide
- China leading in sales compared to North America and other regions
- Goal: Add another 25–35 customers in the next 12 months
- Focused on indoor AR glasses, with multiple prototypes shown at the booth.
Calibration Equipment
JBD also introduced a calibration machine for AR optics:
- Ensures pixel-perfect alignment of dual projectors in binocular systems
- Corrects luminance, uniformity, and color variations caused by waveguide differences
- Price: Up to $1 million, making it a strategic investment for high-volume manufacturers
- Benefit: Guarantees premium image quality, critical for AR adoption
Key Takeaways
JBD continues to lead in microLED AR technology with:
- Compact, high-brightness display engines
- A roadmap toward monolithic RGB microLEDs
- Tools for precision calibration in AR systems