The latest generation LCD video processor from Intersil Corp., --the TW8836 --has both analog and digital video inputs, a built-in scaler and de-interlacer, as well as image enhancement and On Screen Display capabilities in a single-chip, hardware-based solution. The TW8836 can be used to display rear camera video with graphic overlay in less than 500 milliseconds from the start of a vehicle, exceeding government safety regulations. This versatile device can be used in a wide array of infotainment system applications and is optimized for use with today's most popular SoCs.
The TW8836 is designed to sync to a composite video source, scale and de-interlace the video, and display the image on the LCD panel in less than 500 milliseconds, far exceeding the fast boot requirements outlined in the new U.S. law. Because the TW8836 does not require any external memory, the video is latency free and thus ultra responsive to help increase the backup safety of vehicles. Since the TW8366 is a hardware-based solution, many automotive manufacturers view the LCD video processor as more reliable in terms of fast boot capability and as a more stable video path for the rear camera than competing software-based solutions supported by the main processor. Because the main processors require time for the operating system (OS) to boot up, there is risk to routing the rear camera video through SoCs as any glitch in the software could compromise the reliability and integrity of the backup camera video, resulting in a violation of the new U.S. safety regulation.
The TW8836 LCD video processor can take virtually any type of video input--including analog composite, S-video, analog RGB, digital RGB and Open LDI (LVDS)--and drive almost any digital LCD panel up to WXGA+ (1366x768) resolution--including transistor-transistor logic (TTL), 1 CH Open LDI (LVDS) and timing controller-less (TCON-less) panels--making it an ideal solution for rear camera display or multiple video source infotainment applications. Due to the extreme flexibility and extensive input and output video support, the TW8836 can be used by automotive OEMs to support a wider variety of both analog and digital video sources, as well as offload the video processing workload from the main processor, allowing the processor to support additional system functionality or the manufacturer may simply use a lower cost processor.
List price for the TW8836 LCD video processor is $7.15 (USD).
