Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) has announced the expansion of its graphics controllers family with the MB88F332 - a highly integrated single-chip graphics solution for automotive display systems. The MB88F332 is optimised for in-car-applications such as cluster instrumentation (especially hybrid clusters), head-up systems and central information displays. In this type of application, this new cost-effective controller acts as a single-chip unit where the APIX link is used in combination with a sprite-engine for high-quality graphics generation. A key feature of the MB88F332 is the APIX serial gigabit interface from Inova Semiconductors. This new standard for the transmission of image and peripheral data will meet the requirements of the display applications in vehicles, leading to higher performance and low implementation costs. Fujitsu is a silicon vendor that integrates the new video interface into a portfolio of microcontrollers and graphics controllers.Automotive peripherals such as stepper motor controllers, pulse width modulators, ADCs, I2C, UARTs and sound generator are also integrated onto the MB88F332. This allows the device to control all the peripheral functions in a display sub-system. Typical applications for these interfaces include driving dashboard gauges, backlight circuits, LEDs, sensors and on-board communication. The MB88F332 reduces the bill-of-materials for cluster and other display-based systems by eliminating the need for external memories. The graphics processing is based on a line-buffer principle, which eliminates the need for expensive (internal or external) frame-buffer memory. In addition, integrated flash memory can be used to store a set of sprites (fonts, bitmap objects, etc) without any additional external devices. Direct display connection via RSDS or RGB, 5V automotive interfaces and an analogue front-end for the APIX link are also included to reduce system costs. The built-in graphics engine can generate up to 512 sprites from 4x4 up to 512x512 pixels in size. Sprites can be animated and can be stored in a variety of colour modes (direct and indirect colour formats). Alpha-blending is possible between several graphic layers and overlapping sprites. The graphics engine is controlled via command lists, which allow pre-loaded sequences of actions to be triggered automatically. The MB88F332 can be freely programmed for panels from 320x160 up to 1280x480 pixels resolution. A built-in TCON unit allows panels to be attached without the need for further controller logic. A signature unit for security and dither, and gamma units for picture quality optimisation are available as well as layer blending and automatic fade-in/out. The physical interface to a display panel can be RGB digital or RSDS. With its embedded memories, automotive I/Os, inexpensive QFP-package and extended temperature range of -40 to +105°C, the MB88F332 requires no other components and saves significant system costs. Sample quantities of MB88F332 will be available from Q3 2008.
