Entertainment for the Car

By Veronica Hendricks
iApplianceWeb
(09/28/01, 07:27:16 AM EDT)

Infineon Technologies is venturing into the realm of infotainment by releasing samples of its dedicated telematics controller for infotainment applications. The microcontroller, designated the TC1920, is based on the 32-bit TriCore Unified Processor. The TC1920 combines the functionalities of a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), telematics-specific peripherals, and speech processing on a single chip. Its high integration level allows system manufacturers to develop cost-effective automotive infotainment applications, such as navigation platforms and Internet radios, as well as emergency assistance and multimedia systems.

Based on Infineon's 32-bit TriCore Unified Processor architecture, the TC1920 combines RISC, CISC, and DSP functionality in one core. Telematics system designs with the Infineon TC1920 microcontroller may eliminate one or all of four separate components -- a 32-bit microcontroller, digital signal processor, audio CODEC, and CAN controller -- allowing significant cost reduction at the system level.

Additionally, the TC1920 offers all the standard interfaces necessary for infotainment applications. Its TwinCAN and J1850 interfaces link the infotainment system to the vehicle's network. Other interfaces, such as SSC/SPI, I2C, I2S, IrDA, and UARTs, enable connectivity to a wide variety of wireless applications, including GSM/GPRS, Bluetooth, GPS, and consumer appliances, such as PDAs and CDs/DVDs. Additionally, the integrated 14-bit two-channel high-performance audio CODEC enables on-chip speech recognition and synthesis without the need of additional components.

The TC1920 is manufactured in the 0.18-micron process technology. Samples are available in plastic ball grid array (P-BGA) with 256 pins. In quantities of 100,000 pieces, the TC1920 is priced under $20 (US) per unit.

Link:
Infineon