Tokyo, March 21, 2001---
Fujitsu Limited today introduced a new media processor MB93401 which incorporates the newly developed FR400 embedded processor core. Targeted for use in such devices as multi-functional printers, digital still cameras and mobile information terminals, the new MB93401 is an ideal media processor for image processing and will be sold from late July together with an integrated development environment kit.
The FR-V Family, which utilizes VLIW*1 architecture, is Fujitsu's newest family of processors and able to flexibly handle a wide range of applications. The high-performance MB93501 in the FR500 Series, which uses 4-way VLIW architecture, has been on the market since June 2000. The new FR400 Series, in which the number of parallel instructions is limited to two (two simultaneously executable instructions), is positioned as the FR-V Family's economical low-end products.
The MB93401 can simultaneously execute two FR-V instruction sets (32-bit integer instruction and media instructions), achieving the most appropriate high-speed (2128 MOPS*2) media processing for such standards as JPEG*3 and MPEG4*4. Moreover, the new processor's 500 milliwatts power consumption (processor core only) is one-third less than the FR500 Series' MB93501.
The FR-V development environment kit (MB93090) consists of the basic hardware (CPU board, main board, etc.) as well as the integrated software development environment (SoftuneR Tools*5) necessary for easy application development and evaluation. It enables users to develop programs conveniently and efficiently without even being aware of the advanced VLIW architecture.
In the future, Fujitsu will be offering FR-V system-on-chip (SoC) products based on its FR500 or FR400 cores that are suitable for various applications in such areas as digital household appliances, and mobile products.
Main features of the MB93401
- CMOS 0.18 micron process
- Incorporates VLIW architecture FR400 processor core that can execute up to two commands simultaneously
- Integer pipeline x 2, media pipeline x 2
- 8KB command cache and data cache
- Maximum performance: 532 MIPS*6, 2128 MOPS (at internal operation of 266 MHz)
- High-speed SDRAM interface: 133 MHz, 32/64 bit width
- ROM-connectable local bus interface: 16/32 bit
- SDRAM is accessable by bus master through local bus
- Built-in software-controlled power management unit
- Efficient software debugging support with debug support unit (DSU)
- Core power consumption less than 500mW (at 266MHZ operation)
- Package: FPGA*7 288
Sample pricing/availability
| MB93401 FR400 Series FR-V processor: | 3,000 yen / from end of July 2001 |
| MB93090 FR-V design kit: | 600,000 yen / from end of July 2001 |
Sales target
SoC products equipped with FR400 Series processor cores : 2 million units per year
Terminology
- *1 VLIW (very long instruction word)
- A processor architecture that enables long commands and commands with multiple processes to be executed simultaneously.
- *2 MOPS (million operations per second)
- Unit used as a performance index for processors that can process one million digital signals per second
- *3 JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
- A compression/decompression method for color still images.
- *4 MPEG4 (Motion Picture Expert Group 4)
- A compression/decompression method for color video images.
- *5 Integrated development environment SoftuneR Tools
- Included in the FR-V design kit, Softune Tools can be used for a limited period of time.
- *6 MIPS (million instructions per second)
- Units used as a general processing index for processors that can process one million operations per second.
- *7 FPGA (fine pitch ball grid array)
- A type of surface mounted package.
Softune is a registered trademark of Fujitsu Limited. All other company/product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for identification purposes only.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) is a leading provider of Internet- based information technology solutions for the global marketplace. Comprising over 500 group companies and affiliates worldwide -- including ICL, Amdahl and DMR Consulting -- it had consolidated revenues of 5.26 trillion yen ($49.6 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. Fujitsu's pace-setting technologies, world-class computing and telecommunications platforms, and global corps of over 60,000 systems and services experts make it uniquely positioned to unleash the infinite possibilities of the Internet to help its customers succeed. Altogether, the Fujitsu Group has 188,000 employees and operations in over 100 countries.
Internet: http://www.fujitsu.com/