Fujitsu Microelectronics America Inc. has unveiled what it touts to be the first 1394 automotive controller that transmits high-definition (HD) video over the 1394 in-vehicle multimedia network. The new Fujitsu MB88395 controller can simultaneously transmit multiple streams around the vehicle, such as HD video (1,280 dots x 720 lines) from Blu-ray DVDs, digital TV and car navigation images.
The Fujitsu MB88395 uses a high-speed 800Mbit/s PHY and link layer, along with the Fujitsu proprietary SmartCODEC, which provides high compression and can transmit HD video without perceptible latency. This combination brings the rich-HD experience to rear-seat entertainment, reduces vehicle weight and improves fuel efficiency. The combination also reduces the system cost of in-vehicle multimedia networks by up to 30 percent, while reducing the number of wire harnesses by a maximum of 70 percent, and can reduce the environmental impact by approximately 10kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year for a car traveling 10,000km. That roughly translates to the amount of CO2 a beech tree absorbs in one year.
The MB88395 also incorporates the Digital Transmission Content Protection encryption protocol that prevents unauthorized duplication, download or alteration of audio or visual media. The new controller complies with the 800Mbit/s specification of the 1394 standard, doubling the 400Mbit/s data rate of the previous controller from Fujitsu Microelectronics.
"The 1394 Automotive standard is now moving forward for in-vehicle multimedia networking, and we expect it to become the preferred automotive networking standard for entertainment, information, and other applications," said Philip Hughes, senior director, automotive business group, Fujitsu Microelectronics. "Fujitsu Microelectronics anticipated the need for rear-seat entertainment and has taken a global leadership position in 1394 controller technology. This new device, co-developed with Fujitsu VLSI Ltd, allows HD video content to be easily viewed throughout the vehicle. We expect this new 1394 Automotive in-vehicle networking technology will be in vehicles in the 2011 and 2012 model years."
Factors involved in making 1394 essential for the upcoming growth of digital transmission in vehicle networks include the gradual shift to digital TV worldwide, the increased availability of HD content, and the 2013 phase-out of analog output from Blu-ray players.
"Honda R&D welcomes the MB88395, the first IC to provide the 800Mbit/s speed of the 1394 Automotive specification," said Yuji Kawaguchi, Operating Officer of Honda R&D Co. Ltd. "The importance of high-speed digital transmission will increase further in the future to handle in-vehicle multimedia as well as to reduce weight. 1394 Automotive is an in-vehicle network that can enrich entertainment and comfort. We plan to promptly evaluate the MB88395."
Fujitsu Microelectronics plans to expand its lineup of 1394 controllers to handle the increasing information streams in vehicles, such as video content and peripheral cameras, and also to reduce system costs.
The MB88395 is available now in samples in 224-pin FBGA packages. Pricing begins at $17 each.
Keywords: controller automotive video HD in-car network
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