Sharp Boosts Performance of 32-bit Microcontrollers for Multimedia-rich Applications; System-on-Chips Optimized for Applications Running MPEG4 & WMV

Business Wire, March 8, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO & CAMAS, Wash. -- To support the growing market for media-rich applications such as portable media players, audio jukeboxes, gaming products and other handheld devices, Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas has enhanced the performance capabilities of its BlueStreak(TM) ARM9-based 32-bit System-on-Chips. Operating at clock speeds of 250 and 266MHz respectively, the LH7A400 and LH7A404 provide the extra boost in performance needed to support multimedia applications that require MPEG4 or WMV. Higher clock speeds also enable these components to meet the demands required by new and emerging functionality. Additionally, the extra headroom allows engineers the flexibility of boosting performance as needed for future application designs.

Sharp has designed these SoCs to meet the demanding processing requirements found in feature rich operating systems such as WinCE. Additionally, the enhancements will drive larger displays and support higher frame rates, which are required elements of many emerging multimedia centric applications.

At the higher speeds, these SoCs can decode up to 24 to 30 frames per second of MPEG4 encoded content at a QVGA resolution under an operating system such as WinCE or Linux. This level of performance is needed for the majority of media players under development, which are expected to run at QVGA resolution.

"Building on the success of our line of ARM-based SoCs and our media player reference designs, the enhancements in the LH7A400 and LH7A404 provide the performance necessary to support more demanding applications," said Christophe Chene, Senior Director of IC Marketing, Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas. "By using one of these two microcontrollers, engineers get more functionality at a speed that meets the needs of emerging media markets."

Based on the popular ARM922T(TM) core, Sharp's SoCs feature peripherals such as a programmable LCD controller with integrated touch screen support. A full list of product specifications for both components is available at www.sharpmcu.com.

Sharp offers low cost development tools to support these components. Available from its distributors, the development tools include a low-cost software development kit, developed by Logic Product Development. In addition, comprehensive software and documentation is available via Sharp's BlueStreak Software Library, http://able.sharpsma.com.

The LH7A404 SoC is also a key component in the new QVGA media player reference design released by Sharp for mid-range media applications, including handheld audio/video players, digital photo albums and multimedia toys. This reference design integrates Sharp's 3.6-inch native landscape Amorphous Silicon (A-Si) TFT-LCD (LQ036Q1DA01), which is specifically designed for portable media applications. Overall, the reference design provides the complete hardware and software solution to allow design engineers to quickly bring products to market, while providing product differentiation, and enabling lower system costs.

Availability

Samples of the enhanced LH7A400 and LH7A404 SoCs are available in Q1, 2005, through Sharp's global network of sales offices and third-party distribution partners. Sharp will make these components available in quantity in April and June respectively.

About Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas

Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas, Camas, Wash., is a U.S.-based company and a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. In 2001, Sharp designated Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas as its global development center for Microcontroller and System-on-Chip products based on the popular ARM7 and ARM9 cores. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas offers breakthrough memory, LCD, optoelectronics, CCD, RF/IR, microcontroller and System-on-Chip components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout North and South America bring their ambitious ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas was recently recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the 2004 Product Innovation Award winner for its line of BlueStreak microcontrollers and System-on-Chip. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas is dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design. For more information, visit www.sharpsma.com.

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