Next-Generation Car Information Systems Chip is the World's First to Offer High-Performance Graphics Processing and Standard Connectivity
MAIDENHEAD, United Kingdom & SAN JOSE, Calif.-- Dec. 10, 2001--Hitachi today announced the HD64404, the world's first companion chip to combine a high-performance graphics processing engine with standard connectivity in a single chip. The HD64404 will be used in next-generation Car Information Systems (CIS), such as in-car navigation, multimedia and entertainment systems.
The HD64404 is a companion chip for the SuperH(R) family SH-4 CPU core, and together they provide high-performance, high-functionality CIS at low cost. The device is compatible with Hitachi's Q-series graphics processors, allowing the reuse of software from previous systems, and offers a new development platform for CIS development. This enables system developers to achieve a shorter time to market. The chip has already been selected by leading in-vehicle equipment manufacturers Delphi Automotive Systems and Siemens VDO Automotive AG of Germany.
"With the HD64404 companion chip and SuperH, we are able to integrate the functionality that our customers demand," said Mr. Thoone, Executive VP R&D Infotainment Solutions, Siemens VDO Automotive. "The standard connectivity that the HD64404 offers allows us to develop systems that can be modularised and re-used for any future end equipment variant. This is a great advantage in a market that is experiencing tremendous growth and change."
"The combination of Hitachi's SuperH processor and the HD64404 provides a balance between performance, power and cost, enabling high performance graphics and connectivity," said Robert W. Schumacher, general director, Mobile Multimedia Group at Delphi Automotive Systems.
Next-generation CIS will integrate real-time traffic, drive system control and Internet-based service information, as well as entertainment and the more traditional functions of road map display and route navigation. In order to do this, system developers will need to unify a variety of interfaces and peripheral circuits within a single unit, for example CAN-bus (Controller Area Network) access and entertainment related busses such as MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport). They will also need to provide the high processing capability necessary for handling large volumes of data.
The HD64404 simplifies CIS development by incorporating a variety of standard interfaces, including an HCAN2 (Hitachi Controller Area Network) in-vehicle network interface, an I2C interface for connecting audio equipment, an audio CODEC interface and Hitachi S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) for connecting an audio chip, and Hitachi SPI interface for connecting a DSP or similar device. In addition, a MOST interface is included as an extension bus function, providing support for fibre-optic in-vehicle networks.
The device features a built-in high-performance graphics processing engine, an advanced version of Hitachi's Q-series top-end Q2SD (Quick 2D Graphics Renderer with Synchronous DRAM) model which includes additional graphics functions. It offers high-speed operation of 100 MHz and compatibility with the Q2SD's instruction set, allowing Q2SD programs to be used. It also supports a Bit BLT (Bit Block Transfer) and Raster Operation, with support for an 854 x 480 WVGA screen resolution.
The HD64404 offers a flexible and efficient bus architecture. Two kinds of external bus, a PC standard PCI bus and a dedicated SH-4 bus, are provided for connecting an SH-4 device, depending on the system configuration. For its internal bus, a dual-bus-type structure is employed that comprises a register bus for various interfaces and peripheral functions and a high-speed pixel bus for transferring large volumes of data. This enables efficient data processing to be achieved. In addition, a Unified Memory Architecture configuration allows the device's graphics memory to be used as system memory, enabling the number of external memory parts to be reduced. The architecture enables the chip to offer high-end system features to a low cost market.
The HD64404 is available in a small 352-pin TBGA package that allows system size to be minimised. Sample shipments will begin in February 2002.
SuperH is a trademark of Hitachi, Ltd.
Editor's note: specifications
Hitachi, a leading supplier of automotive system solution, combines a cutting-edge technology based around the SuperH 32-bit RISC architecture and automotive market expertise earned over the last 15 years to deliver products that suit individual applications at a system level. The Hitachi system architecture is also supported by an established third party network, providing a reliable and flexible development environment for CIS and telematics applications. Hitachi is continuously developing new products with increased performance and advanced peripheral functions, supporting the evolution of in-vehicle computing systems.
A development platform is also planned for systems using the HD64404. The platform includes an SH7751R SH-4 CPU core and an HD64404, and is provided with a variety of interfaces including USB and ATAPI as well as an SH extension bus connector and PCI bus connector, simplifying the addition of extended functions by the user. OSs (operating systems) for which support is planned include Windows(R) CE, VxWorks(R), and QNX(R) RTOS v6. Use of this development platform will enable fast and efficient development of systems using the HD64404.
Item Specification
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Product code HD64404
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Operating voltage Internal: 1.5 V, peripheral
I/O: 3.3 V
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Operating temperature -40(degree)C to +85(degree)C
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Operating frequency 100 MHz (100 MHz bus)
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Interface to SuperH microcomputer PCI interface or SH-4 MPX
interface
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Internal bus - Pixel bus (high-speed bus):
32 bits, max. 100 MHz operation
possible
- Register bus (peripheral module
bus): 32 bits, max. 50 MHz
operation possible
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Extension bus function MOST interface or SRAM type
product protocol possible
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Graphics functions Graphics engine (Q2SD equivalent,
plus additional functions such as
Bit BLT (Bit Block Transfer),
alpha-blending and anti-aliased
font drawing)
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Display functions RGB digital interface
maximum 854 x 480 WVGA size
possible
Dual planes with additional PIP
(Picture in Picture) function
----------------------------------
Video input function
(Input via ITU-R BT.666 interface:
27 MHz video input clock)
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On-chip peripheral functions DMAC x 16 channels
----------------------------------
USB Host x 2 ports, USB Function x
1 port (USB standard Rev.1.1
supported)
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Timer/counter functions
- 32-bit free-running counter x
1 channel
- Input capture x 4 channels
- PWM x 4 channels
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Interfaces SDRAM interface
----------------------------------
ATAPI interface supported
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I2C interface x 2 channels
----------------------------------
Hitachi Controller Area Network
(HCAN2) x 2 channels
(Bosch CAN Ver. 2.0B active
specification, 32-message buffer)
----------------------------------
Hitachi SPI Interface (HSPI) x
3 channels
----------------------------------
Hitachi S/PDIF (Sony/Philips
Digital Interface)
(Supports IEC 60958. Automatic
detection of IEC 61937 in
reception)
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Audio CODEC interface
----------------------------------
Asynchronous serial interface x 4
channels
(One channel also used as IrDA
interface)
----------------------------------
Hitachi Serial Sound Interface
(SSI) x 4 channels
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Interrupts External sources 8 (level or edge detection
switchable)
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Internal sources 30 kinds (priority level control
possible, built-in standby
return function)
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Oscillation circuits - Audio crystal oscillator
circuit (24.576 MHz or
22.5792MHz)
- USB crystal oscillator circuit
(48 MHz)
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PLL circuits - SH-4 clock or PCI clock
multiplication operation
- Display dot clock
multiplication operation
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Power-down modes Various module standby modes
(software control)
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Package TBGA-352
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About Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc.
Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., supports the requirements of the North American marketplace with a broad range of standard and low-power semiconductor solutions. Offering some of the industry's most popular memory components, microcontrollers, and microprocessors, among other semiconductor solutions, Hitachi provides chips to the world's leading device manufacturers within industrial, consumer and emerging market applications. Hitachi's substantial design engineering, research and development facilities in the United States help bring the world's best technology to U.S. customers. For more information, visit: www.hitachi.com/semiconductor
Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. , markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, consumer electronics and semiconductors, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit: www.hitachi.com
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 2000 (ended March 31, 2001) consolidated sales of 8,417 billion yen ($67.9 billion*) The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site: http://global.hitachi.com
* At an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar.