Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd

Fujitsu Introduces New Single-Chip System LSIs for Digital Still Cameras

Singapore, 9 April 2002 — Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd (FMAL) today announced that, jointly with Fujitsu VLSI Ltd., it has developed two single-chip system LSI devices for use in digital still cameras (DSC), from single-lens reflex models to compact viewfinder models. Sales of the new devices, MB91184 and MB91186, began today.

The new chips integrate both the image-processing functions and the general purpose processor that had previously been split among multiple chips, thus saving space, reducing power demands and reducing part counts.

In the past, manufacturers of digital still cameras had to develop their own proprietary software to achieve higher image quality and faster processing speeds. Because Fujitsu's new system LSI devices employ the company's proprietary 32-bit RISC (FR) core and image-processing circuits with custom algorithms, manufacturers no longer need to develop their own software IP, resulting in a major reduction in the development work required. Furthermore, since the parameters for adjusting image quality are handled through software, manufacturers are given the flexibility to change the parameters through simple software additions or revisions.

Fujitsu's new chips process up to six CCD⁽¹⁾image frames per second (assuming 2.5 megapixels) and they also include JPEG circuits that are capable of processing 640x480 pixel (RGB) images at more than 30 frames per second.

The algorithms in the image-processing units of these chips were jointly developed with AcuteLogic Corporation.

Fujitsu plans to expand its line of high-performance system LSI devices, with smaller chip sizes and fewer parts, to power a wider range of applications, including digital AV equipment and PC peripherals.

Sample pricing in Japan (excluding tax):
-MB91184: 3,000 yen
-MB91186: 2,000 yen

Sample shipments:
-MB91184: May 2002
-MB91186: July 2002
Sales targets: 250,000 units (both models combined)

Specifications: MB91184; MB91186
Manufacturing process: 0.18 µm CMOS
Processor type: 32-bit RISC CPU
Built-in RAM:
-MB91184: 8 KB
-MB91186: 2 KB
Instruction cache memory: 4 KB
Maximum pixel-count capacity: 16 million
Card interface:
-Compact Flash (pending certification)
-Memory Stick,
-SD cards(MB91186 only)
-Smart Media (pending certification)
PC interface: UART⁽²⁾, USB 1.1
Packaging:
-MB91184: 304-ball plastic FBGA⁽³⁾
-MB91186: 288-land plastic FLGA⁽⁴⁾
Evaluation kits available to aid in efficient design.

Terminology

1 CCD:

charge-coupled device: A technology used for capturing image data for video cameras and digital still cameras.

2 UART:

universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter: An asynchronous serial communication-function macro

3 FBGA:

fine-pitch ball-grid array: A type of surface-mount package.

4 FLGA:

fine-pitch land-grid array: A type of surface-mount package.

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About Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd (FMAL)

Established in 1986, Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd (FMAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702), is a leading provider of microelectronics and flat panel displays (TFT-LCD) in Asia. With Locations in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, the FMAL team of skilled engineers and marketing experts are uniquely positioned to provide sales and technical support to its customers throughout the Asia Pacific region. FMAL offers the latest in cutting edge technology through an extensive R&D network comprising ASIC Design Centres in Singapore and Shenzhen, China; Application Labs in Singapore and Shanghai; and an MCU/Flash/System Design Centre in Hong Kong.
For more information, please call (65) 6281 0770
For more information, please see: www.fmal.fujitsu.com

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Memory Stick is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Smart Media is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
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Please understand that product prices, specifications and other details are current on the day of issue of the press release, however, may change thereafter without notice.