Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe
Fujitsu to launch IDB-1394-Compliant Devices Featuring Embedded Multimedia Functions
World’s first chips to enable genuine rear-seat entertainment using IDB-1394-compliant high-speed transmission of car navigation video images
Langen, 5 November, 2007 — Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) today announced the development of two new controller devices, the MB88388A and MB88389, which support the IDB-1394(*1) standard for in-vehicle multimedia networks. Sample shipping of these new devices will begin from December 1, 2007.
The MB88388A implements Fujitsu proprietary SmartCODEC, a video codec specified under IDB-1394 international standard for in-vehicle video transmission. SmartCODEC, which was developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., can transmit high-resolution video without perceptible lag. It is the world’s first chip to support car navigation imaging using the IDB-1394 standard. By combining it with the MB88389 device specifically for IDB-1394-compliant audio, it is now possible to realise high-quality rear-seat entertainment at a low price.
IDB-1394 is an international data networking standard for transmitting video, audio and other multimedia data over an in-vehicle network. Various automobile manufacturers now view the standard as necessary to enable rear-seat entertainment systems that can play DVDs, show digital TV programming and offer access to the car navigation system. As such, the standard is expected to come into widespread use.
Anticipating the future demand for rear-seat entertainment systems, Fujitsu and Fujitsu VLSI Limited co-developed the MB88388A navigation-imaging and video transmission controller, and the MB88389 audio transmission controller to support the IDB-1394 standard.
The MB88388A includes the SmartCODEC codec for video, which was developed by Fujitsu Laboratories and is used in the BT.601 Transport Over IEEE.1394(*2) standard. This makes it possible to transmit video from DVD, digital TV, and car navigation sources at high resolution without perceptible lag. Also, because IDB-1394 can be configured as a multiplexing network, multiple video and audio streams, in addition to control signals, can be transmitted simultaneously over the same physical layer. This means the car network can carry even more complex information over a single cable, thereby reducing wiring-harness complexity and weight. The MB88389 controller can be integrated into the IDB-1394 network for lower cost audio networking.
Fujitsu plans to expand its range of IDB-1394-compliant offerings, in view of the growth types of in-vehicle content, and to accommodate multiple data transmissions from peripheral car security cameras, and further system cost reductions.
"We are pleased to see the first fully integrated IDB-1394-compliant devices from Fujitsu,"" said Mark Spain, director of the Automotive Business Unit of Microsoft Corporation. "We support this standard and plan to utilise it for the Microsoft Auto platform designed to create advanced in-vehicle infotainment systems. As digital experiences grow, software and services are expected to converge in the car, requiring standard platforms and enabling technologies like those from Microsoft and Fujitsu."
Anticipated Sales
MB88388A: 200,000 units/month
MB88389: 100,000 units/month
Key Features
1. High-speed, high-quality video compression/decompression (MB88388A)
Fujitsu proprietary SmartCODEC - which can compress video data to one-third in size within 2-3 milliseconds (low latency)
- is included in these chips, thus enabling car navigation images to be transmitted over the car network, in addition to DVD
and digital TV data. Transmission of such images through an in-car network is not possible with MPEG encoding. In addition,
as encoding occurs only within SmartCODEC’s internal line memory, an external frame buffer is unnecessary.
2. Part count reduction thanks to IDB-1394-compliant physical layer and link layer implemented on a single chip (shared feature for both of the new devices) These new devices implement both the physical layer(*3) and link layer(*4) functions specified in the IDB-1394 standard, with support for 100/200/400 Mbps data transmission speeds. The single-chip implementation reduces the number of system parts required.
3. DTCP included to protect copyrights (shared feature for both of the new devices) Both of Fujitsu’s new devices implement digital transmission content protection (DTCP)(*5) to prevent unauthorised duplication of digital content. Two streams can be simultaneously encrypted and decrypted.
Glossary and Notes
*1. IDB-1394: Stands for ‘ITS Data Bus-1394.’ An automotive network protocol for high-speed multimedia applications promulgated by the 1394 Trade Association’s Automotive Working Group.
*2. BT.601 Transport Over IEEE-1394: A transport protocol for sending BT.601 video streams (YUV, RGB, etc.) over IDB-1394, promulgated by the 1394 Trade Association.
*3. Physical layer: The first of seven layers when transmission functions are divided into seven layers, as defined by the OSI Reference Model. A key part of network hardware through which bit arrays are transmitted.
*4. Link layer: The second layer in the OSI Reference Model, in which packets are formed and transport is managed.
*5. DTCP : Digital Transmission Content Protection. An encryption protocol that prevents unauthorised duplication, download or alteration of audio or visual media.
Key Specifications
| Product | MB88388A | MB88389 |
|---|---|---|
| Physical layer | Complies with IEEE-1394b-2002 (1) Max speed 400 Mbps, 2 beta port | |
| Link layer | Complies with IEEE-1394b-2002 | |
| DTCP functionality | Simultaneous encryption and decryption of two streams | |
| Transport protocol support | IEC61883-Part 8 (BT.601) (2) IEC61883-Part 6(Audio) (3) |
IEC61883-Part 6 (Audio) |
| Video interface | 1 x BT656 or Digital RGB I/O (switchable) | None |
| Audio interface | 2 xI²S (4) 8- channel I/O | 2 x I²S 8-channel or IEC60958 (5) I/O |
| SmartCODEC | Included | Not included |
| Operating voltage | 3.3V ± 0.3V (I/O), 1.8V ± 0.15V (internal) | |
| Operating temperature | - 40°C to +85°C | |
| Packaging | LQFP (6) 216 pins, 0.4mm pitch, 24 x 24mm | LQFP 100 pins, 0.5mm pitch, 14 x 14mm |
- 1 IEEE-1394b-2002:
- An extension to the older IEEE1394a-2000 high-speed serial-bus standard used for PCs and audio-visual equipment. Expansions to this standard are currently underway, to enable faster transmission speeds and transmission across longer distances. This standard has been adopted for IDB-1394.
- 2 IEC61883-Part 8 (BT.601):
- IEC61883 is a transmission protocol established by the International Electrotechnical Commission, for digital interfaces of audio and visual equipment. BT.601 Transport Over IEEE-1394 is in the process of being ratified as Part 8.
- 3 IEC61883-Part 6 (Audio):
- A protocol for streaming audio over IDB-1394.
- 4 I²S:
- Stands for ‘Inter-IC Sound Bus.’ An interface standard for connecting digital audio equipment.
- 5 IEC60958 :
- A standard established by the International Electrotechnical Commission for digitally transmitting audio signals.
- 6 LQFP :
- Stands for ‘Low-profile Quad Flat Package.’ A type of surface-mounted plastic packaging with an installed height of 1.7mm or less.
Images
A high resolution picture relevant to this press release can be found by following this link: http://tinyurl.com/39vds5
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
