Fujitsu Limited

Tokyo, April 9, 2002 - Fujitsu Limited today announced that, jointly with Fujitsu VLSI Ltd., it has developed two single-chip system LSI devices for use in digital still cameras (DSC), from single-lens reflex models to compact viewfinder models. Sales of the new devices, MB91184 and MB91186, began today.

The new chips integrate both the image-processing functions and the general purpose processor that had previously been split among multiple chips, thus saving space, reducing power demands and reducing part counts.

In the past, manufacturers of digital still cameras had to develop their own proprietary software to achieve higher image quality and faster processing speeds. Because Fujitsu's new system LSI devices employ the company's proprietary 32-bit RISC (FR) core and image-processing circuits with custom algorithms, manufacturers no longer need to develop their own software IP, resulting in a major reduction in the development work required. Furthermore, since the parameters for adjusting image quality are handled through software, manufacturers are given the flexibility to change the parameters through simple software additions or revisions.

Fujitsu's new chips process up to six CCD*1 image frames per second (assuming 2.5 megapixels) and they also include JPEG circuits that are capable of processing 640x480 pixel (RGB) images at more than 30 frames per second.

The algorithms in the image-processing units of these chips were jointly developed with AcuteLogic Corporation.

Fujitsu plans to expand its line of high-performance system LSI devices, with smaller chip sizes and fewer parts, to power a wider range of applications, including digital AV equipment and PC peripherals.

Sample pricing in Japan (excluding tax):

MB91184: 3,000 yen

MB91186: 2,000 yen

Sample shipments:

MB91184: May 2002

MB91186: July 2002

Sales targets: 250,000 units (both models combined)

Specifications: MB91184; MB91186

Manufacturing process: 0.18 µm CMOS

Processor type: 32-bit RISC CPU

Built-in RAM:

MB91184: 8 KB

MB91186: 2 KB

Instruction cache memory: 4 KB

Maximum pixel-count capacity: 16 million

Card interface:

Compact Flash (pending certification), Memory Stick,SD cards(MB91186 only), Smart Media (pending certification)

PC interface: UART*2, USB 1.1

Packaging:

MB91184: 304-ball plastic FBGA*3

MB91186: 288-land plastic FLGA*4

Evaluation kits available to aid in efficient design.

Trademarks
Compact Flash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
Memory Stick is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Smart Media is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
All other product names and other proper names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Terminology

*1 CCD (charge-coupled device):

A technology used for capturing image data for video cameras and digital still cameras.

*2 UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter):

An asynchronous serial communication-function macro

*3 FBGA (fine-pitch ball-grid array):A type of surface-mount package.

*4 FLGA (fine-pitch land-grid array):A type of surface-mount package.

About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is a leading provider of Internet-focused information technology solutions for the global marketplace. Its pace-setting technologies, best-in-class computing and telecommunications platforms, and worldwide corps of systems and services experts make it uniquely positioned to unleash the infinite possibilities of the Internet to help its customers succeed. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 5.48 trillion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. Internet:http://www.fujitsu.com/

[Press Contacts] Chiaki Kuwahara, Nancy Ikehara Fujitsu Limited, Public Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 (Tokyo) Fax: +81-3-3216-9365 Press Inquiries

[Customer Contact] Fujitsu Limited Electronic Devices Group Marketing Division Tel: +81-3-5322-3325 (Tokyo) E-mail: edevice@fujitsu.com

Please understand that product prices, specifications and other details are current on the day of issue of the press release, however, may change thereafter without notice.