TI's low-power cable driver touts fast 4K UHD transmission

Texas Instruments has unveiled its first cable driver that offers support to uncompressed 4K ultra high definition (UHD) video via serial digital interface (SDI) and 10Gbit Ethernet (GbE) protocols. The LMH1218 will be demonstrated at Booth N8519 at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, April 11-16, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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 per cent board space, this integrated solution simplifies design for applications such as broadcast video routers and switches, digital signage, test and measurement equipment, medical imaging, and security and surveillance equipment.

"With broadcasters and video professionals looking to use 60p and create more 4K content, upgrading SDI infrastructure to use a single cable to transmit 12Gbit/s 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 12Gbit/s SDI products. In particular, 60p is something that broadcasters are starting to use now; enabling 12Gbit/s SDI throughout will allow them to build out an efficient 4K workflow to handle 60p."

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 $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.

The LMH1218 comes in a 4mm x 4mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package. It is available now for $25 in 1,000-unit quantities.

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 12Gbit/s, enabling UHD resolution of 4K at a 60p frame rate over a single coax cable.
• Low power: Typical power consumption is 300mW, which on average is 30 per cent 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.