1997-03-13 , E/IC-802/650

Complementing a range of innovative new developments being introduced at CeBIT, Philips Semiconductors is also demonstrating a number of existing leading-edge multimedia and communications system solutions. This includes hardware, software and design support for MPEG-2 processing in applications such as digital video broadcasting, and desktop video processing including video in a window, as well as ICs for two key bus standards: USB and Firewire/1394.

Philips Semiconductors has a complete hardware and software package for MPEG-2-based applications such as DVB/DAVIC set-top boxes, cable modems, DVD-players and PC-based systems. At the show is the OM5706 evaluation board, which has a range of modes demonstrating typical applications of the SAA7201 MPEG-2 audio/video/graphics decoder. This board allows MPEG-2 datastreams to be descrambled, demultiplexed, decoded and combined with on-screen graphics for DVB applications. It also features a Bit Stream Player (BSP) sub-system for emulating of DVD-players and includes a PCI bridge IC, for control and transport of MPEG-2 datastreams over the PCI bus. The board is supplied with Windows 95™ compatible GUI-based development software that contains low-level drivers, suitable for use in real MPEG-2 applications.

Also being demonstrated are two different solutions for 'video in a window' processing, for video-conferencing, image processing, video telephony, etc. For Video Graphics Controller (VGC) image-port based applications, the SAA7112's versatile decoding, scaling and interfacing features provide a cost-effective solution for low-cost VGCs. It can also deliver high-quality decoded video images for solutions built around high-end VGCs which have their own built-in scaling features, or the new SAA7111A decoder can be used for cost-optimized solutions. The SAA7146 Scaler and PCI Bridge IC is available for applications using the PCI-bus for high-speed data transfer of video data. With its versatile scaling and interfacing capabilities and PCI-bus mastering features, it addresses the entire range of desktop video processing needs from simple, low-cost video capture, to high-end, high quality professional applications.

Responsible for the development of digital audio and display standards within the Universal Serial Bus (USB) implementers' forum, Philips Semiconductors was one of the first silicon manufacturers to develop a range of ICs for this new computer communications bus technology. Allowing rapid implementation of USB peripheral solutions, the PDIUSBP11 USB transceiver IC incorporates the basic analog circuits and provides a simple interface to the digital Serial Interface Engine, while the PDIUSBH11 USB Hub is a compound device supporting up to four downstream connections and has an embedded port to control the host application via the I²C-bus.

Philips already has in production the UDA1321T USB Audio DAC/DSP, which integrates USB transceivers, a Serial Interface Engine, CMOS bitstream DAC and audio DSP, to create a single-chip solution for delivering exceptional sound performance from digital audio data streamed over USB. Philips is also developing monitor microcontrollers with embedded USB functionality and has just announced a new alliance with CATC, to provide software control of monitors over USB (see press release ESC-9616).

Also being demonstrated at CeBIT are Philips Semiconductors' ICs for the Audio/Video layer of the IEEE 1394-1995 (Firewire) bus, for high-speed transport of MPEG-2 data streams in a multimedia environment. This dedicated two-chip interface and controller comply with the industry standard IEEE1394-1995 requirements. The PDI1394L11 link layer provides an interface between the physical layer, host controller and connected devices, and features an embedded A/V layer interface which packs and un-packs data according to the proposed IEC 1883 Specification of Digital Interface for Consumer Electronic Audio/Video Equipment. This A/V layer interface is a byte wide port capable of accommodating various MPEG-2 and DVC CODECs. The PDI1394P11 is a 3.3 V A/V physical layer controller with three ports, handling data transfers up to 200 Mbits/s.

New solutions at CeBIT, described in more detail in other releases in this pack, include the latest developments in TriMedia, Philips high performance media processor; a complete and highly-integrated system solution for DVD-ROM; Philips TwoChipHCG* for advanced intelligent handheld devices; and a number developments on mobile communications including two unique DECT software packages.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by systems labs.