The Fujitsu MB86276 is a streamlined version of the innovative three-dimensional (3D) graphics display controller, the Fujitsu MB86296, which has been designed into high-end vehicles in Japan and Europe. The new two-dimensional (2D) GDC MB86276 is ideally suited for the mid-range navigation and entertainment market that is now emerging in North America. The MB86276 2D GDC includes many of the special features offered in the high-end 3D device, including dual display support, video capture, multiple alpha-blending options, and a 16-bit Z buffer that enables low-level 3D operations.
“Fujitsu is the leader in 3D graphics display technology for vehicle navigation systems worldwide, with more than 30 percent of the global market. With the new MB86276 2D GDC, we are expanding our controller line to meet the specific price and performance benchmarks of North American vehicle manufacturers,” said Keith Horn, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Fujitsu Microelectronics America. “This version meets the industry’s requirements for navigation systems appropriate for mid-range cars and trucks in the U.S. and Canada.”
The MB86276 2D GDC incorporates the display controller, rendering engine and video-input unit developed originally for the Fujitsu MB96296 3D version, along with built-in alpha-blending, anti-aliasing and chroma-keying capabilities, and an up/down video scalar. An optimized central processor allows more direct CPU connections, so the new 2D GDC can be linked to a wide range of processors and controllers from various manufacturers. All available operating system drivers developed for the Fujitsu 3D GDC family can be used with the 2D GDC with only minimal modification.
The MB86276s internal and memory frequency is 133MHz; the base clock for display operates at 400.9MHz. Display resolutions range from 320 x 240 to 1280 x 768. Six layers of overlay windows, all of which have a color depth of 8, 16, or 24 bits/pixel, can be used simultaneously, and can be changed in size, position, and priority. The maximum logical layer size is 4096 x 4096 pixels. Specific layers can be blended easily using the alpha map, which can be freely assigned to any of the six layers and which allows the assignment of 8 bits per pixel. Each pixel can be mixed to provide excellent control of transparency levels.
Internal and external DMA is supported, along with an external 32-bit SDRAM interface for up to 64MB of graphics memory. An I2C interface also is included, as are GPIO inputs and outputs.
Dual Display Output Enables Multiple Applications
The MB86276 provides all of the 2D capabilities of the MB9629x 3D GDC, including texture mapping, alpha blending, Gouraud shading, flat shading and the innovative dual-display output. Using the dual-display mode, the GDC can individually drive two connected displays with identical resolution.
The controller can be connected with the displays using either two independent interfaces or just one interface with some multiplexing logic. Therefore, it is possible for the part to support a full range of dual-display applications, such as rear-seat entertainment systems or dual monitor-control units. In dual-display mode, each layer can be programmed to appear in either one or both of the display units, thus making it possible to duplicate the image content or to deliver two individually composed pictures, one on each display.
Pricing and Availability
The MB86276 is manufactured using Fujitsu’s 0.18-micron CMOS technology and is housed in 256-pin Ball Grid Array packages. The controller is available now in volume, with prices starting at $12 each in 100,000-piece quantities. In addition to broadening its product line with the MB86276 to support the requirements of North American automakers, Fujitsu will continue to develop graphics display controllers for the leading edge of the high-end navigation market, with new 3D products set for introduction throughout 2006.
About Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other markets throughout North and South America. For more information about graphic display controller ICs please see http://us.fujitsu.com/micro/graphicdisplay or address e-mail to inquiry@fma.fujitsu.com
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