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

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™(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. (See: Figure 1)
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.