One IC family supports 21 to 36 inch picture tubes (0018)
Two versatile families of highly integrated ICs for TV applications
Freiburg, November 21, 2000 - The new VCT 38xxA family of highly complex ICs integrating video, controller and teletext functionality aims at applications in TV sets with picture tubes between 21 inch and 36 inch. This allows the manufacturer of TV sets to reduce the number of different chassis variations in order to reduce costs for logistics and production.
Since the different types of the VCT 38xxA family are software and hardware compatible, system manufacturers can reuse their developments for different TV sets. The family approach enables Micronas' customers to cover a broad range of mid to high end TV sets with only one family of interchangeable ICs.
The VCT 38xxA family supports the entire videoprocessing including color decoding, display and deflection processing as well as TV control, teletext and OSD (On Screen Display) and is compliant with worldwide TV standards. Integrated in the ICs are an 8-bit controller, ROM, RAM, a graphics engine and data acquisition functions (WSS, CC, VPS, PDC). Teletext functionality, comb filter, and horizontal scale are optional in the VCT 38xxA product family. Thus, manufacturers are always given the best possible solution for their specific application.
Micronas provides a development platform all the way up to a complete TV set reference design including the control software.
The members of the VCT 38xxA family are avbailable in 64-SDIPs and 128-QFPs. The QFP-version offers the option of adding external ROM and RAM, allowing it to store more teletext pages or enhance OSD quality. The high end versions of the family are priced below 10 US Dollar in high quantities.
Universal Video Frontend
Another example for Micronas' family approach is the VPC 323xD family. These universal video frontend ICs consisting of a video processer and comb filter convert all analog video signals (CVBS, Y/C SVHS, YCrCb, RGB) in standard digital formats (digital YCrCb). Two digital output formats are available: CCIR601 and CCIR656. Typical applications are 100 Hz progressive TVs, LCD TVs, projectors, digital video recorders and TV capture cards for PCs.
Integrated on the high complex mixed-signal IC are six video ADCs (sample rate 20,25 MHz), a global color decoder, 2D-comb filters, horizontal scale, system clock generation, a video mixer, a picture-in-picture engine and a memory controller for external memories. Also integrated is a RISC controller developed by Micronas. No adjustments are required; the ICs are controlled by an I_C interface. No additional external circuitry is needed except the quartz crystal.
Currently four pin- and software-compatible versions are available with the options comb filter and RGB plus YcrCb. Worldwide key customers have already designed in members of the VPC 323xD family. The devices are available in high volumes. They are packaged in an 80 pin QFP. Prices for high end members of the family are below 10 US Dollars in high qantities.