US : Renesas Technology announced the SH-MobileV2 processor, a new addition to the SH-Mobile series of application processors for feature-rich next-generation mobile phones. The high-performance SH-MobileV2 processor offers an advanced 3D gaming platform with greatly enhanced image processing functions and enhanced performance for Java-based applications. The device is built on the popular SuperH(R) RISC architecture.

According to Brian Davis, director of business development at Renesas Technology America, Inc., "Mobile phone designs are becoming increasingly complex, driven by higher camera pixel counts, the growing popularity of video-mail and video-phone services, and the increasing sophistication of applications such as online gaming. To pack the added features and performance new phones need into fast, low-power application processors, Renesas leveraged technology from the successful SH-Mobile series to produce the SH-MobileV2 processor."

"With this device, our customers can build phones that offer smoother, faster moving image playback and recording and have advanced LCD screens that can display applications that achieve substantial visual impact. They can also offer a wider range of options based on advanced technology, developed at reduced cost. As a result, consumers will get a higher quality multimedia experience from their next-generation mobile products and are likely to be more willing to experiment with the innovative new services carriers can provide."

The new SH-MobileV2 processor offers enhanced functionality such as an on-chip MPEG-4 accelerator function, extension interfaces for sophisticated connectivity, and a highly effective power management capability. It provides superior user experiences with gaming and other advanced multimedia applications for 2.5G and 3G phones. For example, the device has a very fast execution speed, so users can enjoy highly-interactive, real-time application experiences. Also, the SH-MobileV2 processor is the first device to offer an enhanced LCD controller for advanced TFT LCD panels, a combination that maximizes the visual impact of graphic-intense applications. In addition, it has a built-in sound source that can produce up to 64 chords for generating pleasant, sophisticated ring-tone melodies.

To meet the critical requirements of battery-operated, power sensitive mobile phones, the processor is designed to deliver major power efficiencies, so new phone designs can achieve exceptionally long talk and standby times.

3D Mobile Game Platform for Rich Graphic Experience

The SH-MobileV2 device enables high-end/feature-rich mobile phones. It offers enhanced image processing functions including a UXGA (2-megapixel equivalent) camera interface; a fast, low-power MPEG-4 full-hardware accelerator; and a 2D/3D graphics engine for impressive on-screen graphics. At the heart of this application processor is a 32-bit, 133MHz SH3-DSP CPU core with built-in DSP functions, a cache and 192KB of RAM for user-defined functions. On-chip peripheral modules include a color management unit that generates color conversions tailored to the characteristics of various LCD modules, an LCD controller that supports TFT color LCDs, a video output unit, an IrDA interface, a USB 2.0 interface, and a 2-channel sound I/O unit that produces up to 64 chords for impressive audio outputs.

Comprehensive Middleware Support, Plus Development Platform

Because the mobile phone market evolves at a fast pace, customers can benefit greatly from products and services that accelerate the design cycle of new products. Available Renesas multimedia middleware for the new processor includes MPEG-4, JPEG and MP3 applications. Partner vendors also sell a rich variety of middleware packages. To jump-start the system development process for sophisticated multimedia applications, Renesas offers a development platform equipped with a keyboard, small LCD panel, and cellphone-class camera.

Four factors are driving UMTS adoption : regulatory mandates, greater network capacity, reduced capital and operating costs, and availability of well-functioning, numerous, and low-priced handset models."