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Fujitsu Enables Fast-Boot Linux Solutions for Automotive Applications

5th October 2010

Fujitsu

ES Admin

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Fujitsu Semiconductor announced the successful implementation of a new Linux Fast-boot technology in Fujitsu’s MB86R0x-SoC devices, known as the ‘Jade’ family. Based on Fujitsu’s proprietary 90nm CMOS process technology, ‘Jade’ devices are optimised for applications requiring high CPU performance combined with sophisticated 2D/3D graphics. They feature the ARM926EJ-S, a fully synthesisable processor with a Jazelle® technology (Java™ Acceleration) enhanced 32-bit RISC CPU, 16kB instruction cache, 16kB data cache, 16kB ITCM, 16kB DTCM and a memory management unit (MMU).

Markus Mierse, Director of Fujitsu’s Graphics Competence Center (GCC) commented, “Linux is becoming increasingly popular in automotive applications and does offer a lot of advantages, but had some shortcomings due to its boot time. With the newly available Linux fast-boot solutions, we are excited to offer a smart package that helps our customers to bring Linux technology into the car.” The available technology is based on a standard Linux kernel, which enables Fujitsu and its partners to leverage from quick innovation cycles of the Linux operating system.

New consumer devices such as the successful Apple iPod for example, can make rapid impact and create high demand, and car manufacturers want to equip their vehicles with interfaces to these latest devices. The automotive industry needs to find ways to reduce costs and re-use code from other parts of the industry. The open source model of Linux allows drivers and modules to be provided quickly by all the developers working on a project, for faster innovation and development of new applications. But Linux not only has to enable the rapid delivery of fully-featured solutions for the automotive industry, it also has to provide a solid, proven core that is stable for embedded applications and can be accepted by both the automotive OEMs and their Tier 1 suppliers.

Key to the strategy of Fujitsu Semiconductor Europe is the forging of strategic partnerships with specialist companies that have expertise in important technologies. Fujitsu and its partners bridge between hardware and software based on a huge background in automotive applications and offer its very special knowledge and expertise.

More about ‘Jade’ Family
Further features include an ETM9 (medium) and JTAG ICE interface, 8-channel DMA and 32-bit timers. Core frequency is 320MHz (generated by on-chip PLL). On-board peripherals include a unified DDR2 memory supporting 320Mbps (up to 128MB), a parallel flash/SRAM host interface with decryption engine, parallel ATA, SD-Card, CAN, USB (Host and Function), ADC, DAC, I2C, I2S, PWM, SPI, UART, GPIO and an external interrupt.

Packaged in a 484-pin BGA, ‘Jade’ requires a supply voltage of 3.3V (I/O), 1.8V (DDR2), 1.2V (Internal) and is designed to operate over a temperature range of -40 to +85°C. Display resolutions from 320 x 240 up to 1024 x 768 are supported.
Three different variants of ‘Jade’ are available targeting automotive and industrial applications.