November 28, 2007 -
Housed in 16-pin TSSOP package, Embedded FRAM Device enables simultaneous use of 4-channel HDMI connector ports for connecting multiple DVD recorders, camcorders, and video game consoles. Using one-chip device in digital TVs enables high-speed factory programming of Extended Display Identification Data. Via HDMI connection, products that output video or audio first read display data, and then automatically adjust output to suit display.
Fujitsu Launches World's First Embedded-FRAM Device for Digital TV Enabling Simultaneous Use of 4-Channel HDMI Connector Ports
One-chip solution reduces costs, programming time and mounting space
Langen, November 14, 2007 - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) today announces development of the world's first embedded-FRAM device for digital TVs that enables simultaneous use of four-channel High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI(TM))(*1) connector ports - for connecting devices such as multiple DVD recorders, camcorders, and video game consoles - and which stores display data, such as resolution, that is read by audio-visual digital entertainment devices when they are used with digital TVs.
This new device from Fujitsu supports the HDMI connector interface specification standard for digital audio-visual equipment and combines, on a single embedded FRAM(*2) chip, the display data memory for four HDMI connector ports, which previously required separate memory for each port. Using this device in digital TVs enables high-speed factory programming of Extended Display Identification Data (EDID)(*3) and, in addition, facilitates reduction of overall production costs by lessening the number of parts required and reducing the necessary mounting space.
In recent years, flat-screen and other digital TVs have needed to be equipped with a large number of digital interfaces to accommodate connections to DVD players and recorders, camcorders, games consoles, and other digital entertainment equipment. The use of HDMI, a digital multimedia interface, is spreading as the most standardised specification that enables high-quality audio and visual output, in addition to single-cable transmission of control signals for automatic equipment control. Via an HDMI connection, products that output video or audio, such as DVD players, first read the display data, such as display resolution, and then automatically adjust their output to suit the display.
By combining the display data memory for four HDMI connector ports, on a single embedded-FRAM chip, the new device can reduce the cost of digital TVs while preserving their versatility as the centrepiece of home entertainment systems.
This new embedded-FRAM device from Fujitsu will be exhibited at the Embedded Technology 2007 tradeshow and conference to be held from November 14 -16, 2007, at PACIFICO YOKOHAMA in Yokohama, Japan.
1. One-chip solution supports up to four HDMI ports
The number of HDMI ports in digital TVs is increasing all the time. This new product is equipped with a four-channel DDC (Display Data Channel)(*4) interface, which communicates the display data sent from the HDMI ports, thereby enabling versatility in the way digital TVs can be used. (See: Figure 1)
2. Cost reduction through fewer parts and reduction of required space
With this new device, display data from a specific HDMI port can be automatically searched, and matching data stored in the FRAM can be automatically converted as output. Thus, the memory function for display data, which previously required four E2PROM(*5) cells, can now be handled with just one cell. As a result, fewer parts are required, including peripheral parts, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall cost of digital TVs.
3. Reduction of time required for data programming during manufacture of digital TVs
Previously, the memory for display data required separate memory chips for each HDMI port. However, by combining the memory for 4 ports into one high-speed data-writing FRAM block on this new LSI product, the time required for the factory programming of data during the production of digital TVs is shortened.
Sample shipment
Sample shipment of the new LSI, MB85RF402, starts from November 12, 2007.
Anticipated sales
1 million units per month
Key specifications
o Memory Capacity: 2048-bit (256-Byte)
o Interface: DDC 4 channels (100kHz/400kHz when using I2C)
o Package: TSSOP 16-pin
Glossary
*1 HDMI:
High-Definition Multimedia Interface. A multimedia interface for audio-visual equipment that enables digital transmission of video and sound without compression.
*2 FRAM:
Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (also referred to as FeRAM). Memory that uses ferroelectric film as a capacitor for storing data. Featuring advantages of both ROM and RAM devices, FRAM features high-speed access, low power consumption, and high endurance for number of rewrites.
*3 EDID:
Extended Display Identification Data. A data structure standard as defined by the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA), for data storage of display devices.
*4 DDC:
Display Data Channel. A transmission method standard as defined by the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA), to read EDID.
*5 E2PROM:
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. A non-volatile memory ROM that can electrically erase/read/write.
EDID and DDC are trademarks of the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA). HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Media Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.
About Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) is a major supplier of semiconductor products. The company provides advanced systems solutions to the automotive, digital TV, mobile telephony, networking and industrial markets. Engineers from design centres dedicated to microcontrollers, graphics controllers, mixed-signal, wireless, multimedia ICs and ASIC products work closely with FME's marketing and sales teams throughout Europe to help satisfy customers' system development requirements. This solutions approach is supported by a broad range of advanced semiconductor devices, IP and building blocks. For more information, please see: http://emea.fujitsu.com/microelectronics
Issued on behalf of:
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Pittlerstrasse 47
63225 Langen
Germany
Tel: +49 (0)6103 69 00
Fax:+49 (0)6103 69 01 22
Email: jim.bryant@fme.fujitsu.com
Contacts: Jim Bryant
Contacts:
Public Relations:
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Joanne Bennett
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Kent TN16 1QP
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Phone: 0870 787 9510
FAX: 0870 787 9509 E-mail this person
General Information:
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Jim Bryant
Pittlerstrasse 47
Langen 63225
INTL
Phone: +49 (0)6103 69 00
FAX: +49 (0)6103 69 01 22 E-mail this person Company Information: Name: Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe GmbH Address: Am Siebenstein 6-10 City: Dreieich-Buchschlag ZIP: D-63303 Country: Germany Phone: +49 (0) 61 03 69 00 FAX: +49 (0) 61 03 69 01 22 http://www.fme.fujitsu.com
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