TI delivers industry’s first cable driver to support SDI- and IP-based 4K video

By Editorial Team On May 25, 2015

DALLAS, — Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today 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. For more information about the new LMH1218 cable driver, see www.ti.com/lmh1218-pr.

Featuring an integrated reclocker, 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 of the LMH1218:

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.
Reduced system complexity: An integrated referenceless reclocker 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.
High data rate: Transmits up to 12 Gbps, enabling UHD resolution of 4K at a 60p frame rate over a single coax cable.
Low power: Typical power consumption is 300 mW, which on average is 30 percent lower than a discrete solution of cable driver and reclocker.
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 12 Gbps of data for 4K uncompressed video transmission is essential,” said Grant Petty, CEO of 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 12-Gbps SDI throughout will allow them to build out an efficient 4K workflow to handle 60p.”

Tools and support to speed design
The LMH1218 evaluation module (EVM) allows designers to quickly and easily evaluate device features and performance. The LMH1218EVM can be purchased in the TI store for US$449.

Support is available in the TI E2E^™ Community High Speed Interface forum, where engineers can search for solutions, get help, share knowledge and solve problems with fellow engineers and TI experts.

Package, availability and pricing
The LMH1218 comes in a 4-mm by 4-mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. It is available now, priced at US$25 in 1,000-unit quantities.

Learn more about TI’s interface portfolio:

View the data sheet for the LMH1218.
Use an Input/Output Buffer Information Specification (IBIS) model to simulate and optimize broadcast and professional video circuitry.
Explore TI’s entire interface portfolio to learn how TI can help enable higher bandwidths and longer transmission distances.
Read an article about video standards and the 4K video revolution.
Follow what TI signal chain experts have to say on the Analog Wire blog.