Skip to main content

Fujitsu

Global

Archived content

NOTE: this is an archived page and the content is likely to be out of date.

Fujitsu to Launch IDB-1394-Compliant LSIs 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-

Fujitsu Limited

Tokyo, November 05, 2007

Fujitsu Limited today announced the development of two new controller LSIs, the MB88388A and MB88389, which support the IDB-1394(1) standard for in-vehicle multimedia networks. Sample shipping of these new LSIs 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 LSI specifically for IDB-1394-compliant audio, it is now possible to realize high-quality rear-seat entertainment at a low price.

Figure 1: IDB-1394 applications

Larger View (256 KB)

IDB-1394 is an international data networking standard for transmitting video, audio, and other multimedia data over an in-car 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. It is thus the world's first chip that can transmit car-navigation video using the IDB-1394 standard. 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 of 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 LSI product from Fujitsu," said Mark Spain, director of the Automotive Business Unit of Microsoft Corporation. "We support this standard and plan to utilize 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."

Sample Pricing and Shipment

Product Sample price (tax inclusive) Sample shipment
MB88388A JPY 2000 Dec 1, 2007
MB88389 JPY 1500 Dec 1, 2007

Sales Targets

  • 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 this chip, 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 LSIs)

These new LSI 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 LSIs)

Both of Fujitsu's new LSI devices implement digital transmission content protection (DTCP(5)) to prevent unauthorized duplication of digital content. Two streams can be simultaneously encrypted and decrypted.

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 x I²S (*4) 8-channel I/O 2 x I²S 8-channel or IEC60958 (*5) I/O
SmartCODEC Included Not included
Operating voltage 3.3 V ± 0.3 V (I/O), 1.8 V ± 0.15 V (internal)
Operating temperature - 40ºC to 85ºC
Packaging LQFP (*6)
216 pins, 0.4 mm pitch, 24 mm x 24 mm
LQFP
100 pins, 0.5 mm pitch, 14 mm 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): IEC611883 is a transmission protocol established by the International Electrotechnical Commission, for digital interfaces of audio and visual equipments. 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 1.7 mm or less.


  • [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 unauthorized duplication, download or alteration of audio or visual media.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of customer-focused IT and communications solutions for the global marketplace. Pace-setting device technologies, highly reliable computing and communications products, and a worldwide corps of systems and services experts uniquely position Fujitsu to deliver comprehensive solutions that create infinite possibilities for its customers' success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 5.1 trillion yen (US$43.2 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com

Press Contacts

Public and Investor Relations
Inquiries

Company:Fujitsu Limited

Customer Contacts

Graphics and Imaging Dept.
Automotive Division
Electronic Devices Business Unit
Inquiries

Phone: Phone: +81-44-754-2236
Company:Fujitsu Limited


All 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.

Date: 05 November, 2007
City: Tokyo
Company: Fujitsu Limited, , , , ,