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FUJIFILM Microdevices and Yamaha Corporation to Release Samples of mLAN LSI for Music Networks
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Tokyo, March 28, 2002 – FUJIFILM Microdevices Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Corp. said they will start shipping samples of an mLAN-NC1 LSI, which will lie at the heart of mLAN digital music network systems.
mLAN is an innovative digital network solution developed by Yamaha for music production. Using unique connection management technology to control audio and MIDI data, mLAN-compatible devices such as electronic musical instruments, professional audio devices and PCs can be connected to each other using a single IEEE1394 cable, facilitating the construction of more sophisticated systems.
Yamaha will start shipping samples of the mLAN-NC1 at the end of April for 30,000 yen each. (The price includes firmware, recommended physical-layer LSI, and auxiliary programs)
mLAN allows the construction of digital music networks using the industry-standard high-speed serial bus IEEE1394. It also incorporates the A&M Protocol, adopted by the 1394TA Trade Association in June 1997 into the processes of creating and performing music. Yamaha has been licensing out this technology free of charge since September 2000. A total of 30 companies and organizations around the world are currently licensees.
The newly developed mLAN-NC1 can be incorporated into electronic musical instruments, audio devices and PC peripherals to make possible a range of highly sophisticated music-related digital network functions.
With the mLAN-NC1 device designers can simplify their systems and reduce accompanying development and component costs. The new LSI also has much to offer in terms of allowing systems to offer the multi-channel options and high-speed operations required by complex network systems.
FUJIFILM Microdevices and Yamaha are confident that the new LSI will be instrumental in ensuring that mLAN technology makes steady gains in popularity. The samples look set to spur on demand, and both companies have reached an agreement to jointly develop the kinds of devices that will be required for future advances in this area.
Both FUJIFILM Microdevices and Yamaha have been involved in joint research in this area for some time, and are due to start providing samples of the new LSI to interested parties in April. Cooperation is also due to continue in areas such as mass production activities and commercialization of the new technology.
In addition to the latest success, the two companies have formed a new agreement with regards to joint research into mLAN/IEEE1394-oriented devices. This new initiative is due to lead to the creation of a new series of products that will further facilitate the spread of mLAN technology..
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| Details of the New Agreement |
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- Aiming to spur on the popularity and use of mLAN technology, FUJIFILM Microdevices and Yamaha Corporation will conduct joint research into mLAN/IEEE1394 devices.
- The already-developed mLAN-NC1 is the first in the line of products to be developed, and is due to see further cooperative research as part of a drive to commercialize the new technology.
- The IEEE1394 protocol is not limited to audio and MIDI applications, but can also be used by image-related devices of the sort found in video monitors of production studio or concert hall and similar locations. Research into these important areas will provide an additional focus.
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| Background to Joint Research Activities |
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FUJIFILM Microdevices takes as its key competences the development, production and sales of IEEE1394-based LSIs, and has garnered a reputation for technological and product development expertise with both customers and markets. IEEE1394 data-link layers and physical layer LSIs, which possess the operational stability and connectivity required by network LSIs, are an area in which the company particularly excels.
The company is also active in solution provision businesses relating to a comprehensive range of electronic image devices. CCD development is an example of yet one more area in which FUJIFILM Microdevices excels. Company management is confident that know-how in this area can be put to good use in business that involve relaying images from concert halls, studios and other similar locations.
Yamaha was aware of the potential of the IEEE1394 protocol from the earliest stages of its development, hence its decision to take the lead in developing a sophisticated music-oriented network technology based on the protocol. Yamaha has also played a part in accelerating the spread of the protocol by offering licenses to use the technology free of charge.
Yamaha also proactively provides technical information, components, development tools, and other support programs. These services are vital to the commercialization of new technologies, and are complemented by the support Yamaha offers development activities.
A number of Yamaha's licensees have joined Yamaha itself in commercializing mLAN electronic musical instruments and audio device. Their superlative performance, exceptional stability and ease of connectivity have won mLAN technology plaudits from users working on stage, in studios and in other locations where mLAN can make a contribution. |
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| mLAN-NC1 - An Outline |
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The two companies have been cooperating on the commercialization of mLAN devices for some time now. Yamaha's incorporation of FUJIFILM Microdevices's IEEE1394 LSIs into mLAN-compatible audio devices is testament to the close relationship the companies enjoy.
Up until now, mLAN systems required the use of five different types of LSIs. However, the new mLAN-NC1 can, in combination with the IEEE1394 physical layer LSI, perform the same role in system construction. In addition, it comes with a CPU installed, allowing automatic regulation of functions in compliance with mLAN and IEEE1394 standards. Sample packages will include not only the mLAN-NC1 and accompanying firmware, but also recommended PHY chips and required software. They will be made available to mLAN licensees for 30,000 yen per set. A given licensee can request a maximum of ten packages.
Incorporating the mLAN-NC1 into systems and developmental environments will allow music network system developers to simplify their systems and reduce accompanying development and component costs. |
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| Main Specifications |
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- Transmission speeds compatible with S100/S200/S400
- Embedded MD8415C link core from FUJIFILM Microdevices
- IEEE1394a-2000-compliant
- Interface with general purpose PHY chips supported by direct and AC coupling.
- Embedded mLAN-PH1 packet handler core from Yamaha
- A/M protocol-compliant (AM824)
- Makes possible simultaneous 8-channel audio input/output. MIDI functions are also simultaneously accessible.
- Compatible with audio interfaces such as I2S and JEDEC
- Compatible with sampling frequencies as high as 48Khz
- 32-bit RISC core MPU, flash ROM with embedded SRAM
Power Source
- 3.3V battery
Package
- 256-pin plastic QFP
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| Outline of Companies: |
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FUJIFILM Microdevices Co., Ltd.
Head office:
1-6 Matsuzakadaira, Taiwa-cho, Kurokawa-gun, Miyagi, 981-3493 Japan (in Sendai North Central Industrial Park)
President: Akira Kashiwagi
Capital: 3.5 billion yen
Main business: Development, production and sales of integrated circuit semiconductors for the Image sensors, Video/Audio and communications industries.
Yamaha Corporation
Head Office: 10-1, Nakazawa-cho, Hamamatsu,
Shizuoka 430-8650 Japan
President: Shuji Ito
Capital: 28.6 billion yen
Main business: Manufacture and sales of musical instruments, audio and IT devices and electronic devices; others
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For further information, please contact
FUJIFILM Microdevices
For media and general inquiries, please contact
Mr. Minagawa
Sales Division
Fukumasu Building, 1-20 Ageba-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Yokyo , 162-0824
e-mail: minagawa@ffm.fujifilm.co.jp
YAMAHA CORPORATION.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Saburo Seki or Tsutomu Takizawa
Corporate Communications Group
Public Relations Division
e-mail: seki-sab@post.yamaha.co.jp
For general inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Fujimori
Yamaha Business Development
mLAN Project
Jim Bonner
Senior Editor
Nippon Digital Communications Inc.
bonner@nippondigi.com
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