With the rapid deployment of liquid crystal display (LCD)
screens in automobiles, car makers are challenged to control costs
while providing a useful and stimulating visual experience for
drivers and passengers.
Not since the introduction of the car radio has a technology
offered so much buyer appeal, but these graphics-based systems come
at a high cost both in terms of bill of materials (BOM) and
developmental expenditures. Re-use of hardware and software is
critical to control costs. But with multiple platforms offering
different levels of user experience, automakers face the challenge
of cost-effectively leveraging a limited number of designs over
multiple models. One solution is to deploy smarter architectures
that decouple key pieces of the system, so that some components can
be used in multiple instances, while others are unique to one or
two platforms.
Fujitsu Semiconductor worked with BMW and Inova Semiconductors
to integrate the Automotive Pixel Link (APIX®), a bi-directional
serial link, with the Fujitsu graphics display controllers (GDCs).
This collaboration has enabled BMW to reduce behind-the-dash space
requirements, develop more modular architectures, and save
money.
BMW was involved from the outset to ensure stability in the
development process and to make sure that the company's
concerns were addressed. Those concerns included the weight
associated with the wiring, and interoperability with other bus
standards.
APIX features a primary channel speed of 1 Gbit/s, which will
scale to 3 Gb/s soon. APIX is differentiated from other high-speed
serial links, such as LVDS, in that it provides a full-duplex,
bi-directional back channel to support command and control. This is
a critical feature in the deployment of smart display systems.
Graphics display controllers are the core drivers of display
systems, and the Fujitsu graphics controllers offer many features
including video input, 2D and 3D rendering functions, a flexible
layer capability, support for screen resolutions up to XGA
(1024x768), and other features in the area of navigation, such as
alpha blending and anti-aliasing.