Fujitsu develops IDB-1394-compliant LSIs featuring embedded multimedia functions

Fujitsu Microelectronics has announced the development of two new controller LSIs, the MB88388A and MB88389, which support the IDB-1394 standard for in-vehicle multimedia networks.

The MB88388A is the industry’s first device to support vehicle navigation imaging using the IDB-1394 standard. It implements the Fujitsu proprietary SmartCODEC, a video codec specified under the IDB-1394 international standard for in-vehicle video transmission. SmartCODEC, which was developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., can transmit high-resolution video without perceptible latencies. By combining the MB88388A with the MB88389 IC for 1394-compliant audio, it is possible to realize high-quality, cost-effective rear-seat entertainment.

SmartCODEC codec for video is used in the BT.601 Transport over IEEE.1394 standard, a protocol for sending BT.601 video streams such as YUV and RGB over IDB-1394 network. It allows transmitting video from DVD, digital TV, and car navigation sources at high resolution without perceptible lag. As encoding occurs only within SmartCODEC’s internal line memory, external frame buffers are unnecessary.

Both MB88388A and MB88389 devices incorporate the physical layer (PHY) and link layer functions specified in the IDB-1394 standard, with support for 100/200/400 Mbps data transmission speeds. This single-chip implementation reduces the number of parts required. Both of the new devices also implement digital transmission content protection (DTCP) to prevent unauthorized duplication of digital content. Two streams can be simultaneously encrypted and decrypted.

IDB-1394 is an international data networking standard for transmitting video, audio, and other multimedia data over an in-vehicle 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.

Also, because IDB-1394 can be configured as a multiplexing network, multiple video streams can be transmitted simultaneously over the same physical layer. As a result, the vehicle network can carry complex information over a single cable, reducing wiring-harness complexity and weight. The MB88389 controller can be integrated into the IDB-1394 network for lower cost audio networking.

Engineering samples for MB88388A and MB88389 will be available from December 1, 2007 onwards.

Fujitsu Microelectronics Asia Pte Ltd