Fujitsu launches world’s first embedded-FRAM device for digital TV enabling simultaneous use of 4-channel HDMI connector ports

Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) today announces development of the world’s first embedded-FRAM device for digital TVs that enables simultaneous use of four-channel High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) (1) connector ports - for connecting devices such as 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.

This new device 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 device in digital TVs enables high-speed factory programming of Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) (3) and, in addition, facilitates reduction of overall production costs by lessening the number of parts required and reducing the necessary mounting space.

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

This new embedded-FRAM device 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.

1. One-chip solution supports up to four HDMI ports
The number of HDMI ports in digital TVs is increasing all the time. 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 device, 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 during manufacture 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.

Sample shipment
Sample shipment of the new LSI, MB85RF402, starts from November 12, 2007.

Anticipated sales
1 million units per month

Key specifications
Memory Capacity: 2048-bit (256-Byte)
Interface: DDC 4 channels (100kHz/400kHz when using I²C)
Package: TSSOP 16-pin

Glossary

1 HDMI:
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.