Fujitsu Launches World's First Embedded-FRAM LSI for Digital TV that Enables Simultaneous Use of 4-channel HDMI Connector Ports

JCN Newswires, Nov 12, 2007

Tokyo, Japan, Nov 12, 2007 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited today announced its development of the world's first embedded-FRAM LSI for digital TVs that enables simultaneous use of four-channel High-Definition Multimedia Interface HDMI(TM)[1] connector ports - such as for 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. Sample shipment of the new LSI, MB85RF402, starts from November 12, 2007.

This new LSI 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 LSI in digital TVs enables high-speed factory programming of Extended Display Identification Data EDID[3] display data, and in addition facilitates reduction of overall production costs by lessening the number of parts required and reducing mounting space that was previously necessary.

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, game consoles, and other digital entertainment equipment. Use of HDMI, a digital multimedia interface, is spreading as the most standardized specification that enables high-quality audio and visual output, in addition to single-cable transmission of control signals for automatic equipment control. Via a 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 on a single embedded-FRAM chip the display data memory for four HDMI connector ports, the new LSI can reduce the cost of digital TVs while preserving their versatility as the centerpiece of home entertainment systems.

This new embedded-FRAM LSI 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.

Key Features

1. One-chip solution supports up to four (4) HDMI ports:

The number of HDMI ports in digital TVs is increasing every year. 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.

2. Cost reduction through fewer parts and reduction of required space:

With this new LSI, 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 process during manufacturing 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.

Details

Product Name      MB85RF402
Sample Pricing    90 JPY for orders of 10,000 units (inc. tax)
Sample Shipment   From November 12, 2007
Memory Capacity   2048-bit (256-byte)
Interface         DDC 4 channels (100kHz/400kHz when using I2C)
Package           TSSOP 16-pin
Sales Target      1 million units per month

For more information, please visit Microelectronics & Electronic Devices, http://www.fujitsu.com/global/services/microelectronics/

[1] HDMI(TM): 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.

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702; ADR: FJTSY) 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 open up infinite possibilities for its customers' success. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu reported consolidated revenues of 5.1 trillion yen (US$43.2 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. For more information, please visit www.fujitsu.com.