Next-Generation Graphics Display Controller Shrinks NAV Units

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today announced the expansion of the Toshiba family of automotive graphics and display controllers with a new system-on-chip (SoC) targeted at instrument-cluster applications ranging from back-up camera displays to full-size, reconfigurable instrument clusters. Designated TX4964FG, the new single-chip solution drives and manages the small-size thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD panels increasingly found in instrument clusters in medium- to high-end automobiles. The highly integrated device integrates the CPU, hardware-graphics engine, TFT LCD panel controller, digital-camera interface and frame-buffer memory in a compact 176-pin QFP package. Its 4 Mbytes of embedded DRAM eliminate the need for external RAM ICs, thereby reducing system-level power and contributing to the small footprint.

"Toshiba took an innovative system approach and developed the new IC to support growing demand from vehicle manufacturers to reduce the system cost, complexity and component count of implementing TFT displays in sizes that typically range from 3-inch to 5-inch and with up to VGA resolution," said Shardul Kazi, vice president of the ASSP Business Unit at Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. He said that center-stack displays are gaining acceptance for navigation systems as drivers accustom themselves to using them and reap the benefits of having needed information inside the dashboard in the driver's focus zone.

The TX4964FG replaces four ICs and reduces design complexity through the integration of a powerful processor, an advanced graphics display controller with dedicated accelerator functions, and a comprehensive range of on-board peripherals and interfaces. The new SoC features Toshiba's low-power, high-performance MIPS-based(TM) TX49/L4 64-bit CPU core operating at 120 megahertz (MHz). An integrated graphics display controller together with specialized accelerator engines deliver graphics processing and display-control capabilities. Dedicated hardware engines for cluster graphics can deliver up to 32-bit RGBA colors. The graphic accelerator enhances the display output and offers high-quality anti-aliasing to ensure smooth graphics display. The frame grabber works with a wide variety of input data formats; it captures and processes video images and supports applications such as rear-view monitoring.

Samples are scheduled to be available in the third quarter of 2007 with volume production scheduled to begin in 2008. The device is priced at $25.00 each in 10,000-piece quantities.

LexusLunatic - 6/14/2007 10:52:06 AM

+2 Boost

that is micro size! a little too small for the eye to focus meanwhile still having the road to look at. dangerous

Anti_Bangle - 6/14/2007 1:51:23 PM

+2 Boost

I know, add that to iDrive, and you have a major disaster.

Will_ - 6/14/2007 10:56:39 AM

+4 Boost

I think the Chrysler Pacifica was a pioneer in this area, offering the NAV screen right in the instrument gauges. And of course one can't fail to mention the gigantic computer screen that is the Mercedes S-Class instrument cluster.

Is that an Audi instrument cluster in this photo? I agree with the above comment about its small size. Smaller does not necessarily mean better.

dumpsty - 6/14/2007 11:11:07 AM

+2 Boost

Why would I want my Nav screen to be so small? I could get into an accident while trying to just read the tiny thing. There is a reason why the Nav-in-the-Instrument Cluster configuration hasn't really taken off (See Chrysler Pacifica for a failed set-up). Putting the larger Nav screen in the center console allows the passengers to see the screen also & make the images large enough to read "at a glance". The smaller the image, the more time it takes to read and understand it.

That's a super "NO!" to the Nav in the instrument cluster.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/14/2007 11:21:35 AM

0 Boost

That's a nice A8 instrument cluster, but the screen doesn't belong there. I agree with the rest- should stay in the middle, or at least stay larger.

chewy - 6/15/2007 1:41:34 AM

+1 Boost

Sure is. Audi has perfect guages.

LexSucks - 6/14/2007 11:46:22 AM

0 Boost

Smaller isn't better in this case. It fact it seems more dangerous.

Who designed this crap? And who’s the person that thinks that a micro-sized screen is better than a larger screen? It amazes me sometimes that people who get paid good Money could come up with such a stupid idea.

spiritfilled - 6/14/2007 12:06:21 PM

+1 Boost

How about BMW's heads up display, gives you the basics right in front of you.

jeffy210 - 6/14/2007 5:42:36 PM

+1 Boost

Not for a nav system, but I can see that being used for an intelligent instrument cluster. Similar to the setup on the current A6.