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Toshiba Automotive Graphics Controller to Support QNX Neutrino RTOS

Powerful TX4961 64-bit Graphics Controller Now Supports Popular Real-time OS, Enables Next-Generation LCD-based Dashboard Displays

SAN JOSE, Calif., January 7, 2008 –Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today announced the company’s TX4961 64-bit automotive graphics controller is now compatible with the QNX® Neutrino® real-time operating system (RTOS). By pairing these two technologies, Toshiba now offers a robust graphics system for automotive dashboards with high-end graphics features such as image wrapping and digital video frame grabbing and the reliability and ease-of-development that comes from using the automotive industry’s leading RTOS1. A full reference design system, including a development board featuring the TX4961 automotive graphics controller with a QNX Neutrino RTOS port, will soon be available to ensure rapid and reliable development of next-generation automotive dashboard displays.

Automotive dashboards are beginning to move away from mechanical instrument clusters to more robust LCD-based displays that offer simulated instrumentation and a variety of other driver information applications (rear-view and blind spot cameras, GPS navigation and real-time traffic and weather information). Accordingly, automotive system designers are looking to electronics vendors to provide hardware/software solutions with the right combination of image processing horsepower and easy application development to get digital dashboards solutions to market. The new TX4961 and QNX Neutrino-based reference design delivers exactly that.

“Our TX4961 automotive graphics controller integrates a powerful 64-bit graphics engine with a video frame grabber to enable the display of realistic graphics and real-time video images from onboard cameras, giving system designers the tools needed to deliver innovative dashboards for the cars of tomorrow,” said Shardul Kazi, Technology Executive and Vice President of the ASSP Business Unit at TAEC. “Combining the TX4961 with the reliable and easy development environment of the QNX Neutrino RTOS will give our customers the highly integrated solution they need to help secure their future dashboard design wins.”

Dave Curley, vice president of marketing at QNX Software Systems, added, “The source code and resources available on QNX’s Foundry27 developer site greatly accelerated the integration of TAEC’s TX4961 and the QNX Neutrino RTOS as a platform for innovative dashboard designs. This kind of hardware and software collaboration is critical to the future success of this emerging application trend in the North American automotive market.”

About the TAEC TX4961 Automotive Graphics Controller
The TX4961 integrates a 64-bit MIPS RISC CPU with a display controller and hardware graphics accelerators in a single system-on-chip IC. It also integrates a video frame grabber, AC-link, I2C controllers, timers, high-speed serial ports and integrated DDR SDRAM and NAND FLASH controllers. Additional key features include:

Availability
The TX4961 graphics controller is currently available from TAEC as a standalone product. The TX4961 reference design system with the QNX Neutrino RTOS port is scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2008.

Automotive Solutions from TAEC
Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is a leading supplier of automotive electronics solutions. TAEC’s automotive product lines include microcontrollers, power amplifiers, RFICs, graphics controllers, CD-MP3 ICs, ASSPs and other components for use in audio, driver information, body/chassis, safety/security and infotainment systems in cars. Combining dedicated automotive expertise with Toshiba’s consumer and networking knowledge creates advanced, leading-edge solutions that meet the needs of the North American automotive market. The products are backed by Toshiba’s world class manufacturing capabilities and ISO2001/TS16949: 2002 certification for multiple automotive products. For more information, please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taec/Catalog/Family.do?familyid=28.

*About TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, distributions and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, discrete devices, displays, advanced materials, medical tubes, custom SoCs/ASICs, digital multimedia and imaging products, microcontrollers and wireless components that make possible today’s leading cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan’s largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world’s fourth largest semiconductor manufacturer (iSuppli, World’s Top Semiconductor Supplier Rankings in 2006). For additional company and product information, please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taec/.

1Source:
http://www.qnx.com/solutions/industries/automotive/
Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications. In developing designs, please ensure that Toshiba products are used within specified operating ranges as set forth in the most recent Toshiba product specifications and the information set forth in Toshiba’s “Handling Guide for Semiconductor Devices,” or “Toshiba Semiconductor Reliability Handbook.” This information is available at www.chips.toshiba.com, or from your TAEC representative. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

Editors Note: Reader inquiries please publish: Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.