The Fujitsu Graphics Display Controller MB86R01 'Jade' Designed into First 'Virtual' Instrument Cluster on 2010 Range Rover by Visteon

Reconfigurable 12.3-inch Full Color TFT Display with an Advanced Graphics Interface

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 30 -- Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA), the industry leader in advanced graphics processor technology for automotive display applications, announced that the Fujitsu MB86R01 'Jade' system-on-chip (SoC) graphics display controller (GDC) has been designed into a new virtual display system developed and manufactured by Visteon Corporation for the 2010 Jaguar Range Rover. (See July 27, 2009, press release: http://www.visteon.com/media/newsroom/2009/090727_story1.html.)

The new, reconfigurable 12.3-inch full-color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display integrates multiple functions and operating modes to present on-demand driver information via virtual gauges, graphical displays and a message center. Developed for the 2010 Range Rover model range, it replaces the conventional instrument cluster design. Using the advanced graphics interface provided by the Fujitsu MB86R01 'Jade' controller, the reconfigurable cluster presents information to the driver in an innovative way, while helping reduce driver distraction. The Range Rover "virtual cluster" is the first production program launched from Visteon's reconfigurable cluster platform and the latest in its range of clusters with graphic displays.

The MB86R01 'Jade' graphics display controller incorporates important features and capabilities, including excellent display resolution, hardware and software scalability, and support for third-party software systems and tools. The Fujitsu Microelectronics and Visteon teams collaborated closely on the design of the powerful 'virtual image' cluster, which demonstrates Visteon's strategy of providing vehicle manufacturers with cost-effective solutions through hardware and software architecture re-use.

The Fujitsu MB86R01 is a highly integrated SoC processor for embedded automotive graphics applications that integrates the 32-bit ARM926EJ-S(TM) CPU core with the Fujitsu high-performance graphics display controller core from the MB86296, to combine optimal CPU performance with sophisticated 2D/3D graphics features in a single, compact device. (See the May 15, 2007, press release: http://www.fujitsu.com/us/news/pr/fma_20070515-1.html) The MB86R01 is designed for high-end, high-volume embedded automotive graphics applications such as on-board and mobile navigation systems, graphical dashboard systems, head-up display (HUD) units and rear-seat entertainment systems.

Built using Fujitsu's 90nm CMOS process technology, the Fujitsu MB86R01 'Jade' controller incorporates an ARM9 CPU core, 320MHz internal memory frequency, and display resolutions ranging from 320 x 234 up to 1024 x 768. It also features six layers of overlay window displays, with an alpha plane and constant alpha value for each layer, and two separate video-capture units that support YUV, RGB, ITU656, and other formats.

The SoC supports a broad range of third-party RTOS and HMI tools, providing Visteon with flexible options in developing software and graphic development tool chains for the Range Rover system.

"The combination of the ARM9 MCU core and media-connectivity peripherals, along with 2D and 3D rendering, geometry engine, and texture-mapping capabilities, makes the Fujitsu MB86R01 'Jade' an excellent fit for the current Range Rover cluster and future applications," said Philip Hughes, senior director and the head of Automotive Business Group, Fujitsu Microelectronics America.

"We worked closely with Visteon on the new design, which reflects our continuing commitment to deliver the industry's optimal high-end, high-performance graphics controller technology, and to work closely with our customers to deliver innovative solutions."

Through its close collaboration with leading technology, software and software tool providers, Fujitsu Microelectronics America is a flexible partner, providing automotive software and applications solutions to meet fast-changing customer needs.

The Fujitsu family of graphics display controllers is optimized for embedded graphic applications such as car navigation and mobile information terminals. This means that, in addition to video input and many 2D and 3D rendering functions, there is a flexible layer concept, support for screen resolution of up to XGA (1024x768) and other features in the area of navigation, such as alpha-blending and anti-aliasing. All GDCs have a CPU interface that enables the direct connection of embedded CPUs and MCUs.

Fujitsu offers a range of graphics display controllers with different levels of integration for various applications. Fujitsu also has integrated a newly developed APIX® interface, which delivers a highly flexible system design for selected products. The Fujitsu GDC roadmap is well-established through the middle of the next decade, making Fujitsu the secure supplier for embedded graphics applications.

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 wireless, automotive, consumer, and other markets throughout North and South America. For product information, visit the company's web site at http://us.fujitsu.com/micro/graphicdisplay, address e-mail to inquiry@fma.fujitsu.com or call 1-800-866-8608.

Reference Material

High-resolution Visteon 12.3-inch full color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display:

http://www.fujitsu.com/downloads/MICRO/fma/product/gdc/L322_Image_hires.zi p

  High-resolution Fujitsu MB86R01 'Jade' device photo:
  http://www.fujitsu.com/downloads/MICRO/fma/product/gdc/JADE.zip
  The Fujitsu MB86R01 'Jade' IC fact sheet:
  http://www.fujitsu.com/downloads/MICRO/fma/pdf/MB86R01.pdf

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