MPEG-4 codec...............
Toshiba Presents New Single-Chip Low-Power Video Encoder and
Decoder IC Prototype at ISSCC
Industry's First Device to Support MPEG4 Video Encoding and Decoding
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Electronic
Components, Inc. (TAEC) announced today at the International Solid-State
Circuits Conference (ISSCC) that Toshiba Corporation of Japan has developed a
prototype, single-chip low-power video encoder and decoder (CODEC) IC. The
new IC is the industry's first device to support video signal encoding and
decoding in the MPEG4 format. It provides the high-level processing
performance required for MPEG4 video encoding and decoding but with
significant reductions in power consumption. The device will support power-
sensitive wireless applications, including the new generation of mobile,
computing and communications products.
Toshiba developed a number of low-power technologies which are integrated
on the device. These advances decrease power consumption to 60 milliwatts
(mW) at 30 megahertz (MHz) operation, an approximate 70 percent improvement in
power savings when compared to the same chip without these low-power
technologies. The low-power design and the versatility in programmability of
the device represents a major advance toward practical wireless information
terminals supporting MPEG4 video CODECs. Additional features include built-in
software programmability to assure compatibility with future revisions of the
MPEG4 specification.
Advanced Features:
A key element in defining the MPEG4 format is to determine a video signal
compression format suitable for applications characterized by unstable data
transmission, including wireless communication and Internet applications.
Toshiba implemented an error-correction function to prevent image degradation
that results from data communication errors. In addition, object-based coding
of video images enables functions such as editing and processing of objects in
a picture separately from the background is under discussion.
Toshiba's prototype is fully compatible with the MPEG4 committee draft
(version 1) and is designed to support the H.263 format. This encoding and
decoding videoconferencing format is recommended by the International
Telecommunication Union and its adoption for the MPEG4 format is expected.
The H.263 format, which calls for 10 QCIF picture frames (176 x 144 pixels),
are processed in one second at 30MHz operation.
The programmability of the device allows for the flexibility required for
fine-tuning of the finalized MPEG4 specification. The incorporation of an
embedded processor as the programmable processing core raises the IC's total
power consumption, since programmable processors normally consume more power
than dedicated hardware circuits. However, Toshiba cut consumption to the low
level of 60mW at 30MHz operation by applying four innovative architecture and
circuit technologies. These innovations include:
* Parallel operation of signal encoding/decoding to achieve a lower inner
clock rate and power consumption, while maintaining overall processing
performance;
* Clock gating which brings the clock of unused program blocks to a halt
state;
* Variable supply voltage scheme and variable threshold-voltage CMOS,
which lowers supply voltage without degrading performance; and
* Two levels of internal supply voltage, in which a lower voltage is
applied to non-critical path circuits.
The prototype IC was fabricated with 0.3 micron (um) CMOS technology and
packs three million transistors on a nine millimeter square chip. Block
design of the chip includes a core embedded processor, memory block, and
hardware blocks that include the decoder, encoder and timing controller.
Technical Specifications:
Process: 0.3 micron CMOS, double-well, triple-metal
Transistor: 3 million transistors
V(TH): As processed 0.1V +/- 0.1V
Controlled by VT 0.2V +/- 0.05V
V(DD): External 3.3V +/- 10%
Controlled by VS
-I/0: 3.3V +/- 10%
-Internal: 2.5V, 1.75V
(typical) +/- 5%
Power: 60mW @ 30MHz (QCIF 10 frames/sec)
Size: 9.0 x 9.0 mm squared
About MPEG:
MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) is the international organization,
jointly organized by ISO and IEC, that proposes formats for the compression of
audio and video signals to assure their efficient storage and transmission.
MPEG1 covers recording to such media as CD-ROMs, while the MPEG2 format sets
standards for broadcasting and other audio and video equipment like DVD, MPEG4
primarily targets wireless communication applications and is currently being
finalized by an ISO/IEC Joint Committee. Publication as an international
standard is slated for February 1999. Toshiba is committed to making major
contributions to the finalization process, and its expertise in the
technologies under discussion for MPEG4 have been applied to develop the
prototype IC.
About Toshiba:
Toshiba Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of
semiconductors, integrated circuits and electronic components for industrial
and consumer applications. The company is the recognized leader in CMOS
technology and has one of the broadest IC product lines in the industry. In
addition, Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced
electron tubes and solid state devices, including color picture tubes, liquid
crystal displays, medical tubes, rechargeable lithium ion batteries, microwave
components, laser diodes and optical transmission devices.
The company is headquartered at 1-1, SHIBARU 1-CHOME, MINATO-KU, Tokyo,
105-01 JAPAN.
TAEC is the North American engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing
arm of one of the world's largest suppliers of semiconductors, integrated
circuits and electronic components for industrial and consumer applications.
The company is the recognized leader in CMOS technology and has one of the
broadest IC product lines in the industry. In addition, Toshiba is a leading
manufacturer of technologically advanced electron tubes and solid state
devices, including color picture tubes, liquid crystal displays, medical
tubes, rechargeable batteries, microwave components, laser diodes and optical
transmission devices.
The company is located at 9775 Toledo Way, Irvine, Calif., 92718. For
more company information, please visit TAEC's Internet home page at:
toshiba.com.
SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
/NOTE TO EDITORS: Reader inquiries please publish 800-879-4963./
/CONTACT: Annette Birkett of Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.,
714-455-2000, (not for reader inquiries), * For reader inquiries publish
800-879-4963; or Lisa Nemec, or Penny Capra, both of Shafer Public Relations,
800-503-1177, or 714-553-1177/ |
