Renesas unveils single-chip LSI for LCD DTVs

Renesas Technology Corp.'s R8J66954BG offers single-chip implementation of major signal processing functions, from front-end signal input to later stages such as signal output to an LCD panel, for U.S. LCD DTVs.

The R8J66954BG supports the ATSC digital broadcasting system used in North America, and also incorporates video decoder and closed caption functions compatible with the NTSC analogue TV broadcasting system.

The R8J66954BG provides single-chip implementation of the main LCD DTV signal processing functions, from pre- to post-stage, for the ATSC digital broadcasting system used in North America.

The main on-chip functions include an MPEG decoding processing circuit, a noise reduction circuit (a circuit that detects and extracts noise components from an analogue video signal and prevents screen flicker), de-Interlacer, a Y/C separation circuit for luminance and chrominance signals, data slicer functions (such as a closed caption function), plus NCM performing color management as an LCD panel control function. Of these, the noise reduction circuit, de-Interlacer and the Y/C separation circuit incorporate 3-D processing, enabling high set picture quality to be achieved.

The R8J66954BG also includes a variety of other functions. Functions previously performed by six chips (a DSP chip, NTSC signal processing chip, VSB demodulator) are incorporated in a single R8J66954BG chip.

This rich set of functions enables the number of parts to be reduced and the board size to be made smaller. This makes it possible to reduce EMI noise and power consumption, and to create a set featuring a smaller system board and high picture quality at a lower cost.

The device is packaged in 345-pin PBGA (23mm x 23mm) housing and is priced at Rs.1,092.10 ($27) for volume quantities. Sample shipments will begin in December 2007 in Japan.