Fujitsu - Graphics Controller for Hybrid & Re-configurable Dashboards and Car Navigation

MB86R11 is a system-on-chip (SoC) that combines ARM’s latest Cortex™-A9 CPU core with four video inputs, up to 3 display outputs in parallel, and various standard and automotive-specific peripheral interfaces for a multiplicity of applications. MB86R11’s rendering performance, using the independent 2-D and 3-D graphics engines, positions it as an industry leader in graphics controller chips for automotive applications.



These significant features of the MB86R11 make it possible to freely change the graphical content of the display based on the driving scenario, in addition to promoting safe driving by enabling drivers to use camera video to check the entire surroundings of their car. This supports eco-friendly driving and the delivery of various types of easy-to-understand information to drivers..



In recent years, there has been an increase in devices that display information about the inside of vehicles and their surroundings, such as cluster displays, consol displays and head-up displays (HUDs). As a result, there has been demand for high-definition graphics controllers for use in such devices.



In addition, there has been an increased demand to connect traditional cluster displays, which show traditional speedometer information, fuel-gauge and other relevant driver data, with video content like 2-D/3-D map images and the car audio system’s music data.



Furthermore, there has been greater demand for automotive cameras to provide visual assistance to drivers. In particular, the passage of legislation in the US requiring car manufacturers to improve the rear visibility in vehicles, is expected to accelerate momentum for the widespread application of on-board cameras.



MB86R11 combines the high-performance Cortex™-A9 CPU with four video inputs and up to three display outputs, enabling the high-speed image processing of video data I/O from these interfaces. For example, MB86R11 has made it possible using a single chip to develop a 360⁰ wrap-around view system that synthesises and converts a composite image of the surroundings of a vehicle in real time from the images of four cameras mounted on the front, rear, left and right of the vehicle.



A function that automatically corrects the image contrast ensures high visibility at night or when employing the screen’s backlight. In addition, this function makes it possible to correct the image of TV or DVD video, making it crisp and bright. When displaying 3-D maps in a car navigation system, graphics of not only intersections – which can already be displayed in high quality using existing systems – but also streets and scenery, can be displayed using higher-resolution textures.









In the spring of 2011, Fujitsu plans to announce the second member of this product family, an upgraded version of MB86R11 for automotive applications requiring even higher processing performance and additional features. In addition, the company offers a dedicated graphics authoring tool that reduce the work involved in developing human machine interfaces (HMI) that employ graphics.



Samples of the MB86R11 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010.



Product Features

1. Four Built-In Video Capture Functions

The four video input ports enable simultaneous processing of various different video images. The input function of up to 1,280 x 720 pixels, along with the enlargement/ reduction function and the function for converting moving images from interlaced format to progressive format, combine to enable the generation of images with minimal noise.



Each video port can handle interlaced input of up to a maximum of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, enabling the input of digital TV images.



2. Three Output Display Functions and High-Speed 2-D/3-D Rendering Functions

It is equipped with 3 display controllers, 2 of which can multiplex and output 2 screens each, thereby accommodating up to 5 display outputs.



With 8 display levels and an interlayer blending function, the outline of overlaid images on a background map screen dissolves, enabling images to blend into their surroundings. In addition, the ‘dither’ and ‘gamma correction’ functions enable high-quality images on displays with different resolution levels and colour properties.



The built-in programmable-shader accurately renders light reflections and shadows, resulting in highly textured and life-like graphics images.



3. Built-In Image Enhancement Circuit

A built-in dedicated video processing engine makes adjustments for edge enhancement, chromatic correction, backlighting, and enhances the contrast of night-time footage, resulting in higher-quality video images.



In addition, because backlight brightness is dynamically adjusted in accordance with the video stream data, power consumption for the system is reduced.