STMicroelectronics Launches Ultra Low-Power Video Encoder Enabling TV-Out for Portable Applications
Geneva (ots/PRNewswire)
- A High Level of Integration and Smart Functional Partitioning Provides Cost-Effective and High-Quality Solution
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a worldwide leader in System-on-Chip technology, today announced two new digital encoders (DENC) - the STw8009 and STw8019 - which provide a high-quality TV-Out feature for portable applications such as mobile phones, digital cameras, video players and PDAs. The new encoders convert digital video and still image data to analog TV signals, compatible with most worldwide TV standards, enabling users to share pictures and video from their handheld devices on a standard TV screen.
By integrating the essential TV-Out functions onto the chip, the STw8009/19 devices offer the most cost-effective solution on the market for this increasingly popular mobile feature. The devices achieve the optimum mix of features to satisfy the constraints of portable products, in terms of supply voltages, supply current, PCB area and cost. The STw8009/19's 'smart partitioning' moves image processing functions to the mobile terminal's host processor and the digital-TV encoding and analog conversion to the STw8009/19. This creates a very efficient and flexible implementation. Alternative system partitioning schemes are often either lacking flexibility or are more complex and more costly, which could limit penetration of the TV-out feature in the mobile market.
The digital processor of the portable device drives the STw8009/19 encoder with image data in ITU 601 YCbCr 4:2:2 format, sized to PAL or NTSC standards, using a common 8-bit interface with a 27MHz clock signal. The encoder supports both embedded (CCIR 656) or external synchronization. PORn, Suspend, and I2C compatible signals control its operating modes and registers. Signal processing targets the highest possible standard, enriching the user's viewing experience with high-q-uality video.
The STw8009 and STw8019 are identical products except that the STw8019 also embeds the latest (7.1.L1) Macrovision content-protection technology. These technologies include ST's proven TV DENC, and twin high-performance digital-to-analog converters (DACs) with 35mA drivers capable of driving 75-ohm video cables to provide Composite (CVBS) or S-Video direct to the TV set. Encoding is to PAL or NTSC standards.
The devices are produced in tiny 3x3mm or 4x4mm BGA (Ball Grid Array) packages. Even with the addition of optional low-pass filter components, the board area required by the smaller package is only 16.4-square mm for the complete TV-Out application. Power consumption is exceptionally low and is tailored for portable applications: just 5microW in Sleep mode, 150microW in Standby, and 125mW or 245mW in operation depending on whether one DAC (CVBS) or two DACs (S-Video) are enabled.
ST is the world's largest supplier of ICs for Set-top Boxes (STBs) and has delivered hundreds of millions of video digital encoders. The company is also the leading supplier of mixed technology ICs for the mobile phone market, with billions of chips delivered over the last ten years. The new encoders represent the convergence of ST's expertise in these two markets to ensure the optimum implementation.
The STw8009/19 will be available in VFBGA49 (3 x 3 x 1mm) and TFBGA49 (4 x 4 x 1.2mm) packages in sample quantities in February 2006, with volume production planned for March 2006. US pricing for samples is $2.80 for quantities of 1,000.
This press release is also available at
www.st.com/stonline/stappl/press/news/year2006/p2005.htm
with links to further information on the STw8009/19.
About ST's Home, Personal, Communication Group (HPC)
STMicroelectronics is a world-leading supplier of comprehensive solutions for the converging segments of home entertainment, communication, and connectivity. ST's HPC product offering encompasses a whole range of applications in the digital consumer market, including set-top box, DVD, TV, and audio; a wide array of solutions for personal multimedia, from application processors to energy management, mobile imaging, and wireless connectivity; and a full spectrum of display ICs and devices for wireless and wireline network infrastructures.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
For further information, please contact:
STMicroelectronics
MEDIA RELATIONS:
Mariagrazia Prestini
Sr. Director Corporate Communications
Tel: +41-22-929-5924
Mariagrazia.prestini@st.com
Burson-Marsteller
Sandrine Romano
Tel: +33-41-86-76-77
sandrine_romano@fr.bm.com
Burson-Marsteller
Guerric de Beauregard
Tel: +33-41-86-76-82
guerric_debeauregard@fr.bm.comContact:
For further information, please contact: STMicroelectronics, MEDIA
RELATIONS: Mariagrazia Prestini, Sr. Director Corporate
Communications, Tel: +41-22-929-5924, Mariagrazia.prestini@st.com.
Burson-Marsteller: Sandrine Romano, Tel: +33-41-86-76-77,
sandrine_romano@fr.bm.com. Burson-Marsteller: Guerric de Beauregard,
Tel: +33-41-86-76-82, guerric_debeauregard@fr.bm.com