Date: 25/10/2012

SDI reclocker with integrated eye monitor revealed by TI for broadcast video systems

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has unveiled serial digital interface (SDI) reclocker with an integrated eye monitor for examining the shape and health of incoming signal waveforms. The on-chip eye monitor allows real-time monitoring and diagnostics at the reclocker's input, permitting engineers to easily optimize their broadcast video system and speed time-to-market. The LMH0366 3-Gbps HD/SD reclocker provides best-in-class jitter performance and signal integrity for digital video routers, distribution amplifiers and video test equipment.

Key features:
1. Integrated eye monitor: On-chip oscilloscope probe allows designers to study transmitted signals at any point in the system.
2. Low power consumption: 100-mW typical power consumption permits system designers to pack in more channels and features into smaller frames.
3. Longer FR-4 reach: Equalize up to 60 inches of FR-4 trace length compared to 40 inches with the nearest competitor's device.
4. No reference crystal required: Automatically detects the incoming data rate without the need for additional external crystals.

The LMH0366 joins the LMH0376 reclocker, which offers the same features but adds an integrated 4:1 input multiplexer. Both devices retime serial digital video data conforming to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) 424M, SMPTE 292M and SMPTE 259M-C standards for transmitting high-resolution uncompressed video signals.

Engineers can develop a high-resolution video system solution by combining the LMH0366 or LMH0376 with the LMH0394 or LMH0395 3-Gbps adaptive cable equalizers, LMH0302 or LMH0307 3-Gbps cable drivers, SN65LVCP408 8x8 4.25-Gbps crosspoint switch, LMZ14203 3-A SIMPLE SWITCHER power module, LP5900 150-mA linear regulator, and the TMS320DM8168 DaVinci video processor.

The SD3GDAIII evaluation module (EVM) is available to speed the development of systems utilizing the LMH0366 for a suggested retail price of US$499. IBIS model for the LMH0366 is also available to verify board signal integrity requirements.

The LMH0366 is available in a 4 x 4 mm, 24-pin QFN package for a suggested retail price of US$19.95 in 1,000-unit quantities.

Source: Texas Instruments