Renesas Technology Releases First Product in Multimedia Solution Line of Linux Platforms for Development of Systems Incorporating SH772x Series Application Processors

The MS7724 provides improved functionality and performance over current evaluation and development boards incorporating the SH772x Series, while achieving a more compact area approximately 50 % that of previous Renesas products, and a dramatic cost reduction of 65%. This helps lower overall system development costs, for example by enabling customers to purchase multiple boards to shorten development cycles. In addition, the new platform includes software for developing systems running the Linux OS, which is widely used in the application fields of the SH7724, including navigation systems with support for terrestrial digital broadcasts, portable media players, audio and video equipment, such as door entry systems and IP security cameras, and digital signage. This allows evaluation of the device immediately after purchase, contributing to shorter system development cycles and more timely release of products to the market.

The MS7724 includes, at no additional cost, a comprehensive Linux Board Support Package (BSP) featuring an up-to-date Linux kernel, compiler and tool-chain versions, as well as all the drivers needed for a quick start. Furthermore, sample middleware for audio and video processing and several sample applications such as video recording and video playback enable customers to develop high end audio video systems incorporating the SH7724 multimedia processor running the Linux OS. This means that customers who purchase the MS7724 can immediately commence SH7724 device evaluation and system development work, thereby further reducing system development time.

The sample application is a complete software program supporting implementation of an IP security camera. It encodes video captured by a camera in H.264 format using the SH7724 hardware, then transfers the resulting signal from the Ethernet interface of the SH7724 to a LAN network or display device via an HTTP server.

The MS7724 covers almost all the capabilities of the SH7724 while providing additional functions designed for system development and enhanced flexibility. Existing key functions which are covered include encoding (recording) and decoding (playback) of HD video (1,280 × 720 pixels) at 30 frames per second (fps), 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC*2, and camera input pins for two channels to support systems requiring input from two cameras, such as security cameras or Event Data Recorder (EDR).

Flexible system development is aided by the addition of a Power over Ethernet (PoE) function utilizing 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface. This allows power to be supplied via a LAN cable and eliminates the need for an AC adapter. Further, a three-axis motion sensor detects the orientation of the board and movement, while a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is designed to provide maximum picture quality on digital display devices, for connecting to an LCD controller.

An LCD board and a set of camera boards are also available as options to help reduce system development time. The 7-inch WVGA TFT LCD (800 × 480 pixels) with resistive touch panel functionality is useful for developing an intuitive user interface, and is configured to mount on top of the similarly-sized main board. The set of two camera boards incorporate a 3.2-megapixel 1/4-inch CMOS image sensor and a camera module with autofocus function, capable of capturing video in HD format.

With the environment in mind, neither the MS7724 nor its packaging contains toxic substances. All materials used comply with the RoHS Directive*3, making the MS7724 both compact in size and environmentally friendly.

Future plans call for the Renesas Multimedia Solution line to be extended to all future products in the SH772x Series not already in mass production.

Furthermore, the Renesas Multimedia Solution line, will eventually cover a wide range of general purpose OS, including Windows CE*4 and μITRON*5, in addition to Linux.

Notes

1. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States and other countries.

2. MAC (Media Access Control): A sublayer of the data link layer. It specifies the method of frame transmission and reception, the frame format, data error detection, etc.

3. RoHS Directive: A European Union (EU) Directive for “the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.” It went into effect on July 1, 2006, and covers six substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE).

4. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation of the U.S.A. in the United States and other countries.

5. μITRON: TRON stands for “The Real-time Operating system Nucleus.” ITRON stands for “Industrial TRON.” μITRON stands for “Micro Industrial TRON.”