Industry’s first cable driver to support SDI- and IP-based 4K video

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced the industry’s first cable driver to support uncompressed 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) video transmission using serial digital interface (SDI) and 10 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) protocols. The LMH1218 gives engineers the flexibility to design video infrastructure equipment for SDI or Internet protocol (IP) formats with a single component. The capabilities of the LMH1218 will be exhibited at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, April 11-16, in Las Vegas, Nevada. TI will offer product demonstrations in its booth, N8519. Featuring an integrated re-clocker, the LMH1218 supports both coax cable and optical media for uncompressed video transmission inside buildings and over long-haul networks. Saving up to 40 percent board space compared to competitive solutions, this integration simplifies the design of applications such as broadcast video routers and switches, digital signage, test and measurement equipment, medical imaging, and security and surveillance equipment. Key benefits : 1 - Transport flexibility: Supports SDI and IP-based video infrastructure, allowing engineers to use a single device for either output or design end equipment with both output options. 2 - Reduced system complexity: An integrated reference-less re-clocker eliminates the need for external components to transmit over either optical or coax media. Competing solutions require two or more devices to support each media type. 3 - High data rate: Transmits up to 12Gbps, enabling UHD resolution of 4K at a 60p frame rate over a single coax cable. 4 - Low power: Typical power consumption is 300mW, which on average is 30 percent lower than a discrete solution of cable driver and re-clocker. 5 - Board diagnostics: The eye-monitor function plots incoming signals and detects vertical or horizontal eye openings, which can be used to enhance system reliability. “With broadcasters and video professionals looking to use 60p and create more 4K content, upgrading SDI infrastructure to use a single cable to transmit 12Gbps of data for 4K uncompressed video transmission is essential,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “The integrated capabilities of TI’s LMH1218 cable driver are helping us quickly design new and improved 12-Gbps SDI products, and I can’t wait to see the new content. In particular, 60p is something that broadcasters are starting to use now; enabling 12Gbps SDI throughout will allow them to build out an efficient 4K workflow to handle 60p.” The LMH1218 comes in a 4mm x 4mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. The LMH1218 evaluation module (EVM) allows designers to quickly and easily evaluate device features and performance.