NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008 A product & technology update from Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe INFINITY FME IN THE DRIVING SEAT at Embedded World
The Embedded World Exhibition and Conference is one of the most important events on the calendar of the international embedded community.
Fujitsu has exhibited at ‘Embedded’ since it began in 1994. The show’s popularity has continued to grow and today is firmly established as the location to meet industry experts, to experience cutting-edge technology, make new contacts and further develop existing business relationships. 2007 was the most successful year ever for Embedded World with 13,675 visitors and 590 exhibitors. Forecasts for the 2008 event Fujitsu’s stand at Embedded World 2008, which will stage numerous live product demonstrations. indicate that it will certainly beat those figures.
This year’s event takes place February 26-28, and will be the stage for FME to show a wide range of products and 2008 solutions in action. Working demonstrations will be a feature of FME’s stand and these will encompass the company’s key target markets: automotive, industrial, graphics and networking/ASSPs. CONTENTS ‘Jade’ GDC enables hi-tech dashboard in futuristic Automotive microcontrollers Artega GT sports car 3-4 FME’s solutions for FlexRay™ and AUTOSAR will feature in Ethos, CES & WiMAX devices make technology several demonstrations at Embedded World. convergence child’s play 5-6 An interactive FlexRay Cockpit demonstrator will be located 16FX & 3-phase motor control MCUs in the main entrance to the exhibition. This merges several are put through their paces 7-8 functions typically found in the driver’s cockpit onto a single Automotive MCU demos show FlexRay & FlexRay network, and features the MB91F465XA series AUTOSAR in action 9-10 microcontroller. Fitted out as a standard vehicle interior with ‘Jade’ & ‘Mint’ GDCs Demonstrate their Automotive a fully-functional instrument cluster, visitors will be able to ‘drive’ the demonstrator to see the technology at work. & Industrial features 11-12
1 NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008
However, FlexRay can also be used beyond its intended Networking & ASSPs time-triggered applications. Video-via-FlexRay and Networks, which were previously dominated by classic telecom Navigation-via-FlexRay are two possibilities that will be technology, are now converging around standards like demonstrated on the FME stand. In these examples Fujitsu’s Ethernet although old and new technologies will need to MB86276 ‘Lime’ graphics controller is used, together with a operate side-by-side in the Metro area. FME has therefore FlexRay starter kit for the MB91F467D and a standalone developed products to enable this and at Embedded World will FlexRay communications controller – the FlexRay ASSP – feature a live on-line gaming demonstration using Sony MB88121B. PlayStations to show its Ethos (Ethernet over SDH/SONET) and WiMAX devices in action. Making software visible is often a challenge, which is why the AUTOSAR Roadster has been developed. The Roadster Graphics controllers shows Fujitsu’s capability as a system supplier of automotive Fujitsu’s MB86R01 ‘Jade’ and MB86277 ‘Mint’ will be shown, microcontrollers and state-of-the-art software – the in both industrial and automotive applications. AUTOSAR package. This demonstrator incorporates the MB91F467BA and visitors will be able to see how this device Several demonstrations will showcase the sophisticated 3D can be configured to change some of the car’s functionality. graphics capability of the recently launched ‘Jade’ SoC including one that will utilise Tara Systems’ Embedded Industrial microcontrollers Wizard software designed to simplify the code generation New additions to the 16FX family of microcontrollers will be needed for HMI development. introduced at Embedded World, including the MB96338U series featuring both CAN and USB Mini Host functionality The MB86277 ‘Mint’, the very latest graphics controller together on one chip – a first for Fujitsu, as well as a brand new introduced by FME, will demonstrate a point of interest (POI) ADA-16FX-Ethernet extension board. This board enables all application targeting the industrial market on an XVGA 16FX devices with an external bus interface to communicate resolution display. via Ethernet. See you there! A demonstration of multi-axis servo control like those found in So, to experience all this – and more, visit Fujitsu on Stand robotics will also take place. At the heart of the demo will be Number 314, in Hall 12. the MB91470/480 series microcontrollers. Visitors can control the movement of the motors using an integrated control panel or via an Ethernet connection realised by the new ADA-16FX-Ethernet extension board.
2 Enabling our partners’ ideas to become reality
‘JADE’ GDC enables hi-tech dashboard in futuristic Artega® GT Sports car
Automotive innovation, utilising Fujitsu’s multitalent MB86R01 ‘Jade’ SOC.
FME’s MB86R01 ‘Jade’ graphics controller is playing a crucial role in enabling a state-of-the-art instrument panel in the futuristic Artega GT sports car.
Designed by the renowned Henrik Fisker whose other credits include the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9, the Artega GT is the brain-child of Klaus Dieter Frers, CEO of paragon - a successful direct supplier of cutting-edge electronics to Trained as a mechanical engineer specialising in motor virtually all leading automotive manufacturers. vehicles, Frers is a successful entrepreneur and an ambitious racing driver. He knows paragon’s competence range, and Artega is not only the name of the car but also of the seeks out expert external advice and help to complement his company, set up by Frers as a spin-off of paragon, for its company’s core skills: the Artega GT’s engine and development. The idea was to design a sports car for the transmission come from the Volkswagen Group for example, future that is able to take advantage of the latest technologies and Bosch provides the latest active driving dynamics controls. without any of the brand expectations and history that can restrict well-known and established manufacturers. This While the entire car is crammed with technological advances, concept has allowed Frers to explore new possibilities and the cockpit of the Artega GT in particular contains a showcase his company’s capability as a development partner comprehensive range of innovations for operation and driver in the automotive industry. information. Principal elements include a unique double pointer instrument, a navigation system in the rear-view From the start Frers knew what he wanted to achieve: a high- mirror, a multimedia entertainment, communication and performance sports car, rear engine, light and strong with operating system as well as a reconfigurable LCD instrument exciting forms but suitable for everyday use. In addition he panel. It is this last feature that utilises FME’s ‘Jade’ wanted to include innovative instruments and control systems. graphics controller.
3 NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008
The paragon instrument panel consists appreciating the benefits that this new technology has to offer, of a high-resolution, illuminated 10.2- drivers still prefer a traditional look and familiar layout. inch colour display with 800 x 480 pixels and a digitally controlled dual-pointer analogue In the Artega GT, the instrument panel has one large central instrument with a high-quality metal clock face acquired from mechanical gauge with all the other instruments rendered the luxury watch segment. This displays engine speed and graphically by ‘Jade’ and projected onto the LCD. This road speed on one axis and is a patented world first. requires a controller able to produce sophisticated 3D graphics – right down to the shading around instruments – to make The standard specification paragon dashboard comes with them look like mechanical gauges. This is a typical application displays of speed, RPM, water temperature, oil temperature, for ‘Jade’. As a SoC, ‘Jade’ is not just a graphics controller, fuel gauge, gear, outside temperature, trip/total mileage and it also contains an ARM9 CPU. In reality this makes it a warning signals. Optional specifications include additional, single-chip graphical sub-system, which can be controlled individually configurable displays for oil externally just by sending it pressure, ampere meter, volt meter and information, for example, display G-Force (longitudinal and the oil gauge with lateral acceleration). value x, y, z.
When paragon decided to incorporate a large graphical This single-chip unit can calculate all the necessary element in the dashboard they turned to a company called information, produce the graphics and feed the display. The mycable to create some concepts. mycable is a highly result is an impressively realistic ‘mechanical-look’ instrument experienced and skilled panel that can be configured to meet individual customer R&D company focussed on specifications. embedded multimedia system development based Hailed as a sports car for all who believe in automotive on high-end RISC microprocessors, graphic accelerators and innovation, the Artega GT will be found on FME’s stand at MPEG codecs that FME also works closely with for the Embedded World. production of reference and evaluation boards. At this time mycable was in the process of creating concepts for FME’s newest graphics controller, ‘Jade’, and thought that it would be the ideal solution for the Artega GT instrument panel.
There is a trend developing in the automotive industry to move away from the mechanical pointers and gauges that we are all accustomed to in favour of graphical representations of these shown on LCDs. It has been found, however, that while
4 Enabling our partners’ ideas to become reality
ETHOS, CES & WiMAX devices make technology convergence child’s play
Over the past 20 years, convergence in electronic technologies speed and reliability advantages enable it to meet the last-mile is a topic that has generated many debates and enthusiastic bandwidth challenge cost-effectively, which means that forecasts – but arguably, has yet to really deliver on its promise. Ethernet technology already accounts for more than 90% of enterprise LANs – and it is now gaining traction in Today, it looks like that potential is finally becoming reality, as metropolitan and wide-area networks too with many more semiconductor components, networks and a wide variety of families sharing Internet connections using home Ethernet functions are being brought together in a level of convergence networks. not seen before. Video is one emerging application area driving Metro Far from just another buzz word, convergence (of networks Ethernet service deployment, with providers’ business and services) is increasingly being seen as a technical and customers starting to plan desktop video-conferencing and business strategy. In the cut-throat world of electronic collaborative multimedia applications, for example. Service communications, being able to use an existing network to providers are also looking to the rapidly-growing web-based carry multiple services could be the difference between success video and interactive TV consumer market, such as online and failure. Thus, traditional telecoms companies are trying to gaming. follow the cable companies’ offers of combined voice, data and video packages. In this example, where previously multi-player options were limited to friends pitting their skills against one another while Of course, the simplicity of the concept of convergence belies in the same location, Ethernet connectivity now makes it its highly complex reality. A multitude of different possible to play against total strangers, or friends, on opposite technologies, architectures and protocols must be combined to sides of the world. produce a result, the commercial value of which, is greater than the sum of its parts. In its recently released third annual Active Gamer Benchmark Study, Nielsen Entertainment reports that the social elements The explosive growth in high-bandwidth video and data of video games are becoming an increasingly important part applications means that networks previously dominated by of the overall gaming experience. The research found that classic telecom technology are now converging around among the roughly 117 million active gamers in the United standards like Ethernet, which are increasingly being used to States in 2006, more than half (56%) play games online. This deliver services such as IPTV, mobile video and business is not just a US phenomenon either. In Asia, gaming continues connectivity services. to be a growth market for broadband providers. Moreover, while gaming has conventionally been thought of as a solitary Traditional SDH networks offer carrier-grade Quality of experience, the new study reveals that active gamers spend Service coupled with constant bandwidth but this involves upwards of five hours per week playing games online, this over-provisioning. Packet-based ‘service aware’ networking figure rises to seven hours per week amongst teenagers. enables the system to distinguish the kinds of data it is carrying Another study, by DFC Intelligence, predicts that the online and prioritise accordingly, and Ethernet technology can gaming market will grow to US $13 billion by 2012 and that provide this. Originally developed as a protocol to connect the total number of online gamers in the top 20 online gaming PCs, it uses a ‘best-effort’ method whereby data losses during countries is expected to increase 51% by 2012. transmission are accepted and compensated for through higher protocol levels (such as TCP/IP) by retransmission. Clearly interest in Metro Ethernet services by users and service providers is high, but deployments are still in the early Although it has some drawbacks for real-time data stages. However, as the low-cost carrier-grade infrastructure transmission across long distances, Ethernet’s major cost, alternatives for scaling Ethernet services start to come on-
5 NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008
Metro Ethernet Network Metro SONET/SDH Ring
Core Switch OTN OTN ADM
MB8AA3021 MB87Q2091 MB87Q2091
10G Ethernet Switch 10GE Mapping 10GE Demapping Add Drop
Edge Router Edge Router MSPP MSPP
MB87M2181 MB87M2181
Aggregation Aggregation E1 Mapping Packet over TDM
Ethernet EthernetE1 Ethernet Residential Customer Central OfficeEnterprise Customer Base Station
CES MB87M3550
TDM over Packet WiMAX E1 Enterprise Customer Subscriber
MB87M3550
WiMAX
Residential Customer
Ethernet and TDM technologies operate side-by-side in access, edge and core networks to provide triple play services for both residential and business customers. stream, Metro networks will ramp up increasingly quickly In this type of network the different traffic is divided into in response to the growing demands for more high- time slots with each type of traffic having its own time slot – bandwidth services. a process that is synchronised all over the network. This demonstration will show how it is possible to transport Meanwhile, to effect a smooth change, the old and new new services into older networks using MB87M2181 technologies need to operate side-by-side in the Metro area. devices that map the packet-based online gaming stream Fujitsu has developed products to enable this: into SDH/SONET.
• MB87M2181 Ethernet-over-TDM device (Ethos) With the addition of CES devices the demonstration will show • MB8AA3021, for high capacity 10 Gigabit Ethernet how traditional services such as POTS and leased lines based switching in Metro networks on E1 can be mapped into Ethernet. The demonstration will • MB87M3550 WiMAX devices provide broadband wireless have a double conversion using both CES and MB87M2181 connection to the end user devices – TDM into Ethernet and back into TDM. This is not a typical application as most Metro networks are TDM-based At Embedded World there will be a live online gaming but makes sense in a scenario with two service providers: demonstration to show the MB87M2181 and MB87M3550 Provider A owns the SDH Metro network and sells packet devices in action together with AimValley’s CES (Circuit services (Ethernet) to Provider B. Provider B sells Ethernet Emulation Service) TDM over Ethernet device. Designed connections but some customers still want traditional E1 lines. to be fun while at the same time show the technology Through CES Provider B is able to deliver this service. An working, visitors will be able to play against each other on MB87M3550 WiMAX device is used on one user end for Sony PlayStations. both base station and customer premises applications, for transmitting to the subscriber across a broadband The network used in the demonstration will be a traditional wireless interface. TDM-based area network typical of that found in many cities.
6 Enabling our partners’ ideas to become reality
16FX & 3-PHASE MOTOR CONTROL MCUs are put through their paces
interface using multiplexed address and data lines. The ADA-16FX-Ethernet extension board provides the Ethernet connection, is equipped with the Cirrus 10Mbit Ethernet chip and is shipped with an adapted full-featured Open TCP Stack.
The demonstration will show 16FX communication via Ethernet with the Open TCP/IP stack implemented on a 16FX device. A web-server will be running on the demonstration board showing pictures from a webcam. Visitors to the stand will be able to take the webcam snapshots and transfer these pictures on to the website – an example of a basic monitoring application. Other features include the implementation of a TFTP server, Telnet server and Fujitsu Shell. These features enable more sophisticated remote monitoring and control functionality such as email alerts/ ADA-16FX-ETHERNET: adapter board for 16FX Starterkit. warnings, parameter changing and so on.
Last year’s Embedded World exhibition saw the successful “With the launch of our ADA-16FX-Ethernet extension launch of FME’s latest generation of 16-bit microcontrollers board we are able to provide an Ethernet starter kit that simply targeted at industrial and automotive applications. Since then, plugs into our standard evaluation board as a reference the 16FX portfolio has rapidly developed and at this year’s implementation for customers that are looking for Ethernet exhibition visitors will be able to see the very latest additions working with 16-bit microcontrollers,” commented Tino including devices featuring CANopen connectivity, the brand Kaprolat, MCU Application Manager at FME. “Most new MB96338U series featuring both CAN and USB customers don’t require Ethernet on all products – usually just MiniHost functionality together on one chip – a first for at the high-end of a range or as a plug-in module. Over time Fujitsu, and the ADA-16FX-Ethernet extension board. This we have seen the number of Ethernet applications for 16-bit board enables all 16FX devices with an external bus interface microcontrollers increasing. The ADA-16FX-Ethernet to communicate via Ethernet. extension board meets this demand and will enable customers to develop entire platforms based on the 16FX series, Ethernet is suited for all industrial applications where a high- implementing Ethernet where desired.” speed connection and/or a standardised interface are required. For many machine control systems, Ethernet is now The latest 16FX microcontroller, the MB96338U series, the communications interface of choice. Designed for the incorporating CAN and USB MiniHost, also makes its debut Fujitsu SK-16FX-EUROScope Starter Kit, the ADA-16FX- at Embedded World. With this device customers will be able to Ethernet extension board enables customers to develop web communicate with USB devices – one device at a time. This applications quickly and easily based on the Fujitsu provides the potential to create data on a PC, write it to a MB96F348HS microcontroller that has an external bus memory stick and then transfer this to an embedded
7 NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008
market, but over recent years many automotive, household and industrial applications have switched from universal or brushed DC motors to quieter, maintenance-free and more efficient brushless motors. It is nearly impossible to imagine modern applications without them. To increase the options available to design engineers, Fujitsu provides a range of microcontrollers, incorporating various special functions for controlling 3-phase motors.
A demonstration of multi-axis servo control of the type that would typically be found in robotics or general automation applications, will take place on the FME stand. It will feature two motors synchronised to each other, both using field- oriented control. Visitors will be able to control the movement Starterkit for MB91470 series, SK-91470-144PMC1-MC. of these motors by an integrated control panel or via an Ethernet connection realised by a 16FX add-on board. application via the memory stick which connects to the 16FX device. Applications include updating software, changing At the heart of the demonstration will be the MB91470/480 calibration tables, changing user settings, service maintenance series microcontrollers. These include many special functions work and data logging. CAN is a standard interface used in for 3-phase motor control including special timers, faster many industrial applications and has been a feature of Fujitsu A/D converters (2µs for 12-bit resolution) and a Micro microcontrollers for some time – having USB functionality in DSP dedicated co-processor. Additionally vector control, addition, supporting MiniHost functionality as well, is a speed, current, position closed loop and multi-motor control feature that has been much requested and will be welcomed algorithms have been implemented – all of which by designers. are demonstrated.
The recent implementation of SYS TEC Electronic’s CANopen protocol stack for Fujitsu’s 16FX family will be demonstrated in a typical industrial automation application. SYS TEC’s software enables communication between CANopen devices complying with CiA 301, 302 and 304 specifications.
In the demonstration, CANopen will be used as the communication protocol on all devices. Two I/O modules will be connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) via the CAN bus. Process data from temperature sensors will be sent to the master controller. Control values will then be transferred from the PLC to analogue output modules where the data will be processed.
Both I/O modules – a temperature module IO-X5 and an Low-voltage motor-control power stage. analogue output module IO-X6 – are part of the sysWORXX New starter boards/starter kits for these microcontrollers are series from SYS TEC Electronic. The PLC is represented by available with an external power stage, and run with Fujitsu’s Fujitsu’s SK-16FX-EUROScope Evaluation Board which standard tools. The boards, also used in the demonstration, hosts an MB96F348H 16FX microcontroller. will enable customers to start their own motor control development quickly. Example software, which is available to Motor control help customers write their own motor control algorithms, is Asynchronous and permanent magnet synchronous motors also used in the demonstration. (PMSM) have long provided excellent service in the industrial
8 Enabling our partners’ ideas to become reality
Automotive MCU demos show FLEXRAY & AUTOSAR in action
FlexRay™ and AUTOSAR continue to be major opportunities for Fujitsu Microelectronics in automotive electronics. Both standards have reached a critical level of maturity and are finally beginning to appear in mass produced vehicles. As an active member of both the FlexRay and AUTOSAR consortia, Fujitsu offers solutions for both technologies – and Embedded World 2008 provides an excellent opportunity to show them in action.
FlexRay Cockpit demonstration Fujitsu’s interactive FlexRay Cockpit demonstrator will be located in the entrance to the exhibition halls. It merges several functions typically found in the driver’s cockpit onto a single FlexRay network and also shows how purely CAN-based applications, such as the dashboard instrument cluster, can be integrated easily via a CAN-FlexRay gateway.
The network on display consists of six nodes mounted on the front of the demonstrator. The FlexRay bus system that connects them is of the two-channel type, displaying the redundancy that might be found in a FlexRay system – the demonstrator includes the capacity to deactivate one of the channels, illustrating how the system would retain full functionality in such an event.
The demonstrator’s applications include a steer- by-wire system linked to a force-feedback steering wheel in a cockpit fitted out as a standard vehicle interior to include speedometer, ignition (controlled via a palm-reader), and gear stick. The instrument cluster is fully functional, with the demonstrator being ‘driven’ by the show-visitor in the usual manner. Everything that happens in the demonstrator is controlled by FlexRay, though the instrument cluster is a standard CAN system, expressing the way in which the FlexRay-CAN gateway will work.
The demonstrator relies on the Fujitsu MB91F465XA series microcontroller, using an emulator chip usually found in the tool chain. It can emulate/implement any chip from Fujitsu’s 32-bit MCU series MB91460 by downloading the appropriate configuration file.
9 NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008
Starter kits are available for each dedicated Fujitsu MCU new images being transferred to the node continually. Of series – including hardware and software. In Europe the course in the event of an upcoming hazard, a complete picture starter hardware is offered with a complete set of support is transferred but even this takes up only a few per cent of the tools, including: compiler; monitor debugger; Flash available bandwidth. In this application the ‘Lime’ graphics programmer; compiler linker; and ready to use application controller is used, together with a FlexRay starter kit for the examples – on the FlexRay kit that includes the application of MB91F467D – a processor often chosen for instrument cluster a CAN-FlexRay Gateway, FlexRay configuration tools, and applications. It has a standalone FlexRay communications pre-compiled source code so the customer can simply plug controller – the FlexRay ASSP – MB88121B. into their CAN bus and quickly assess compatibility. These systems represent a viable path for the future of the Video-via-FlexRay automotive industry, though the timescale is very much Experience with FlexRay has shown the protocol to have uses dependent on the manufacturers. While FlexRay applications beyond its intended time-triggered applications. Looking at are just beginning to emerge, typically these are in low- the FlexRay bus system, there is a quoted single-channel speed volume, premium vehicles that almost certainly feature of 10Mbits per second. In analogue terms there is a net dedicated multi-media buses. When FlexRay trickles down bandwidth of around 8MHz per second. Going down a non- into the medium and low end of the market, then these redundant route, that could provide around 16MHz of video solutions will become highly relevant. bandwidth. For manufacturers who haven’t installed a multimedia network such as MOST, there is potential to utilise AUTOSAR Roadster the existing FlexRay architecture rather than create a second Making software visible is often a challenge, which is why the bus system. Possible applications include feeding information AUTOSAR Roadster has been developed. Everything within to Sat Nav displays, or taking images from a rear-view camera. it runs on AUTOSAR. The Roadster shows Fujitsu’s The demonstrator proves out this concept. A system using two capability as a system supplier of automotive microcontrollers FlexRay nodes, each with a Fujitsu ‘Lime’ graphics controller, and state-of-the-art software – the AUTOSAR package. It feeding video data via the FlexRay bus, has been developed in consists of three ECUs, front and backlight controller units, collaboration with the University of Applied Science at and an emblem controller unit that runs with AUTOSAR Aschaffenburg. On the left side of the instrument cluster is a components compliant to revision 2.0. The emblem controller control display showing feed from a DVD or camera – the data is operated by an MB91F467BA, which also acts as a gateway, is then fed from node to node via the FlexRay bus, output is while the light controller units feature an MB96F348HSB, a shown on another display. With an image rate of around 20 16-bit MCU based on the 16FX core. All application software fps the system works with sufficient speed and resolution when on the emblem control unit runs on top of the run-time coupled to a rear-view display. The benefits are real-time environment (RTE) from Elektrobit and the AUTOSAR basic speed and re-use of an existing network that is already in a car software modules (BSW). The AUTOSAR Roadster is – much cheaper than creating a new bus and therefore of controlled via a graphical user interface by sending CAN direct relevance in lower-cost sectors of the automotive messages. The status of the demonstrator can be monitored market, for example in vehicles that don’t feature dedicated from a virtual dashboard. infotainment buses, but nonetheless might benefit from offering a rear-view camera as an option. While the idea has There is a screen in the back to display the function of the car, been raised at recent FlexRay Product Days, causing though this can also be switched to show the software considerable interest, this is the first time it has publicly been configurator. It will allow show-visitors to move or change put into practice. functions from one microcontroller to another, disable functions, compile new code and download the new version to Navigation-via-FlexRay see the car function differently. This demonstrator is This is a similar demo and also uses uncompressed pixel data considered very exciting at Fujitsu and is the initial phase of a transference. However, in this example, the source is not an long-term project that will grow with time. At the moment the imaging system, rather it is a map located on a microprocessor number of microcontrollers is limited, but as the software simulating a navigation system. As in the real world, this can team responsible for the project grows, so the complexity of run at very low bandwidth, in the 2-3 kbps range because the the demonstrator will likewise expand. map is being updated at the periphery rather than entirely
10 Enabling our partners’ ideas to become reality
‘JADE’ & ‘MINT’ GDCs Demonstrate their Automotive & Industrial features
The past couple of years have seen exciting times for those working on graphics controllers at FME with the creation of a new dedicated Graphics Solutions Business Unit and the opening of the Graphics Competence Center (GCC) in Neuried near Munich. While new devices continue to target FME’s existing automotive and multimedia markets, industrial applications are also on the increase.
Embedded World will see several The ‘Jade’ starter kit (SK-86R01-TERMINAL) demonstrations of FME’s graphics modular development and evaluation system, for controllers MB86R01 ‘Jade’ and MB86277 which a simple Linux build system is also available. ‘Mint’ in both industrial and automotive applications.
‘Jade’ the first device in a new family of Fujitsu graphics ARM926EJ-S™ CPU core with the company’s successful controllers aimed at high-end embedded automotive and Coral PA processor. Having been optimised for sophisticated industrial graphics applications and is the first Fujitsu 2D/3D graphics features, it includes a rendering engine for System-on-Chip (SoC) to integrate the powerful 32-bit 2D/3D graphic acceleration functions, a geometry processor supporting floating point transformations for smooth graphics animation and a dual-display capability (2 x RGB digital outputs) that enable independent contents to be shown on two connected screens. Target applications include on-board and mobile navigation systems, graphical dashboard systems, HUD (head up display) units, rear-seat entertainment, point- of-sale terminals and industrial control panels.
Dual-display capability There are two main advantages of using ‘Jade’ in a dual- display application; first it enables two physically separated display devices to be connected directly to the corresponding interface without the need for external demultiplexing; secondly, each display output has its own internal register area that enables the device to drive two displays, each with The new System-on-Chip graphics controller MB86R01 is a very versatile device different timing parameters, which is made possible by ‘Jade’s’ with a large palette of interfaces, offering a wide scope of potential applications. video output interface.
11 NEWSLETTER INFINITY - EMBEDDED WORLD SHOW ISSUE February 2008
The ‘Jade’ demonstration uses Tara Systems’ Embedded Wizard software designed to simplify the code generation needed for HMI development. Running on a PC, the tool makes customising the appearance of HMIs easy, for example defining the colour and shape of buttons. Embedded Wizard outputs c-code files that can be linked to an embedded application – it is compiled for and then simply downloaded to a target system. This demonstration uses an HMI generated in this way, compiled for and then downloaded to a ‘Jade’ device. Here ‘Jade’s’ powerful CPU, graphics acceleration and peripheral set is highlighted with an emphasis on industrial applications. Fully interactive, visitors to the stand will be able to change the contents of displays by using the touch panel to move between different sub-menus, control the movements of The new graphics controller MB86277 is the perfect choice for low-end 2D graphic systems and industrial applications. an animated 3D robot, or choose to view video images downloaded via a camera input. resolutions and frame frequency rates can be grabbed, scaled ‘Mint’ is the latest graphics controller device to be introduced down and displayed picture-in-picture. by FME. It is a separate graphics display controller without an integrated CPU. Designed for 2D rendering that can be The ‘Mint’ demonstration will show a point of interest (POI) combined with video input functionalities, ‘Mint’s’ integrated application targeting the industrial market on an XVGA features set is optimised for low-end applications and its QFP resolution display. The hardware is a demo board using the footprint makes it an attractive option from a price 91460 CPU with the ‘Mint’ device. While this is a relatively perspective. The video input can accept TV tuner, DVD simple application, it has a growing market, for example player or camera signals in PAL or NTSC video formats displaying product information at airports, hotels or even (ITU656 format), while interlaced video pictures with various property agents. FUJITSU Partners with FARNELL
Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe is pleased to announce that it EDE globally is a £13bn market growing at c8% EDE MRO has entered into a partnership with Premier Farnell to address MANUFACTURER DIRECT the growing need for delivering samples and low cost tools Broad Customer base DISTRIBUTION VOLUME quickly to customers. DISTRIBUTION VOLUME
Farnell provides a fast, efficient and reliable service to the engineering community world-wide.
Premier Farnell Manufacturer Premier Farnell Samples are shipped within 24 hours – and Farnell's on-line Student Prototype Small OEM Service Repair Catalogue is open for business around the clock – 24/7. R & D Pilot Large OEM Maintenance
Catalogue Distribution Markets.
ASK FUJITSU Contact us on +49(0) 61 03 69 00 or visit http://emea.fujitsu.com/microelectronics
12 FME-INFINITY-0208