K-micro samples new Frame Rate Converter LCD Timing Controller for large-size LCD TV market

TV makers can now offer end users superior motion picture performance with reduced artifacts at a lower cost

San Jose , CA. – December 13, 2011 –Kawasaki Microelectronics (K-micro), a leading supplier of image processing LSIs, such as LCD T-Con, has released samples of its new Frame Rate Converter LCD Timing Controller product (FRC T-Con), dubbed VFRC-A1, for the large-size LCD TV market. Mass production will begin in Q2, 2012.

As a result of increased pricing pressure, LCD panel and television manufacturers need to be able to develop improved products without extra cost and complexity. K-micro’s VFRC-A1 allows them to offer superior motion picture performance by reducing motion artifacts such as blur and judder at significantly lower cost than before. K-micro reduced the cost of this new generation controllers by 50%.

Top tier customers, including Funai Electric Co., Ltd, a leading company in high quality and reasonably priced LCD TVs, are sampling VFRC-A1 products. “The success of design-in at Funai Electric is further proof that the FRC T-Con product is providing a cost competitive solution for Full HD TV,” said Takayuki Ochi, product marketing manager at Kawasaki Microelectronics. “VFRC-A1 is a major milestone in our strategy to become the supplier of choice for the LCD TV market with superior technology at cost-effective prices.”

“We are developing our third-generation FRC product to deliver image processing functions for LCD panels, which are used for 3DTV with a simple Quad Flat Package (QFP),” Ochi added. “This next generation product will help TV makers bring a high quality 3D viewing experience into the homes of end users.”

K-micro developed VFRC-A1 through close cooperation with several Japanese TV makers that pursue development of LCD TVs at a competitive price and superior performance. VFRC-A1 integrates major components for 100/120Hz Full HDTV LCD panels such as FRC, frame memory and T-Con in a low cost QFP. It supports both VA and IPS LCD panels and is also available for integration into ASICs.

Pricing and Availability

The VFRC-A1 is available now in sample quantities to select customers. Mass production will begin in Q2, 2012, with sample pricing of $15. This technology is also available for integration into ASICs for qualified customers.

About K-micro (Kawasaki Microelectronics America, Inc.)

K-micro’s innovative ASIC technologies and world-class design support are used in the consumer electronics, computer, office-automation, networking and storage markets. The company is an active participant in industry standards organizations, including InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) Technical Committee T10 for SCSI Storage Interfaces, PCI Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG), USB Implementers Forum, Universal Plug and Play Forum (UPnP), Serial ATA International Organization SATA-IO, Home Phoneline Networking Alliance (HomePNA), IEEE P1901, IEEE P2030, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), HomeGrid Forum, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), High Definition Power Line Communications (HD-PLC), and OCP International Partnership (OCP-IP). K-micro has design centers in San Jose, Taipei, and Tokyo. For more information, contact the company at 408-570-0555, or visit http://www.k-micro.us