On-Screen Display Generator comes with integrated EEPROM.
Press Release Summary:
Compatible with composite NTSC and PAL video standards, Model MAX7456 enables 256 user-programmable characters/graphics for on-screen display. Device includes input clamp, video timing generator, OSD insertion MUX, display memory, crystal oscillator, SPI(TM)-compatible interface to read/write OSD data, and video driver. With sync separator, single-channel, monochrome OSD generator provides vertical, horizontal, and loss-of sync outputs for system synchronization.
Original Press Release:
Industry's First Single-Channel, On-Screen-Display (OSD) Generator with Integrated EEPROM
The MAX7456 is a single-channel, monochrome on-screen display (OSD) generator.
MAX7456 is the industry's first OSD generator that integrates an EEPROM to enable 256 user-programmable characters and graphics for on-screen display.
The MAX7456 also eliminates the need for an external video driver, sync separator, and a video switch.
With its high integration, the MAX7456 simplifies design, reduces system costs, and serves all national and international markets.
Key applications that will benefit from this product include CCTV Security Cameras and Switching Systems, and Automotive In-cabin Entertainment and Rear View Parking Camera Systems that have a need to display custom text and graphics such as logos and icons.
SUNNYVALE, CA-October 31, 2007-Fulfilling the CCTV security industry's requirement to generate and overlay user-defined text and graphics onto a video image, Maxim Integrated Products (Pink Sheets: MXIM) introduces the MAX7456. The MAX7456 is a single-channel, monochrome on-screen-display (OSD) generator with integrated nonvolatile memory (EEPROM). The device integrates all the functions needed to generate and insert user-defined OSD onto a video signal, and is compatible with composite NTSC and PAL video standards.
Overcoming the Traditional OSD Design Challenge
CCTV security applications typically consist of many cameras, routed through a video switch matrix, viewed, and then recorded on a small number of monitors and recorders. Each of the various pieces of equipment in the application can contain an OSD function to display information such as date, time, camera ID, system setup, and control.
Traditionally, designers had to choose between inflexible fixed-character OSDs or expensive graphic controllers to generate and insert the OSD. Fixed-character OSDs offer only a limited selection of characters that can be displayed. Graphic controllers, moreover, are very expensive and involve complex system implementation.
"With the MAX7456 single-channel OSD generator, designers can now display information like company logo, custom graphics, time and date with increased flexibility and simpler implementation," said Jeremy Tole, Maxim's Director of Business Management for Advanced Video Products. Using the device's EEPROM, designers can insert 256 user-defined characters and graphics-a customer request that was not possible with fixed-character OSDs. "This implementation is quite simple, and costs significantly less than a full-featured graphic controller," added Tole.
High Integration in the MAX7456
The MAX7456 integrates all the functions and EEPROM needed to generate and insert user-defined OSD onto a composite video signal. The device includes an input clamp, sync separator, video timing generator, OSD insertion MUX, nonvolatile (EEPROM) character memory, display memory, OSD generator, crystal oscillator, an SPI(TM)-compatible interface to read/write the OSD data, and a video driver. With this high level of integration, MAX7456 simplifies the design, saves board space, and reduces system cost. In addition, the MAX7456 provides special character attributes such as blinking, inverse gray scale, and background control.
The MAX7456 accepts standard NTSC or PAL CVBS signals, which are the most commonly used video standards in the security industry. The device thus serves all U.S. and international markets.
Additional Advantages of the MAX7456
The MAX7456's EEPROM, which stores characters or graphic images, comes preloaded with 256 default characters and graphics. The EEPROM is user-programmable and provides the flexibility to load user-defined characters or graphics. A display memory stores character addresses and points to the characters stored in the EEPROM that are to be displayed. Access to all MAX7456 operations, including display memory and EEPROM, are through the SPI registers.
The MAX7456 provides vertical sync, horizontal sync, and loss-of sync outputs for system synchronization. A clock-output signal reduces system cost by allowing daisy-chaining of multiple devices using a single crystal. An internal sync generator enables the display of the OSD data even when the input video signal is absent.
The device's video-driver output has a gain of 2V/V with a 6MHz large-signal bandwidth and is capable of driving two 150W video loads. Moreover, the MAX7456 has internal sag compensation that eliminates the need for large coupling capacitors while achieving acceptable line-time distortion.
Summary of MAX7456 Key Features
256 User-Defined Characters or Graphics in Integrated EEPROM
Blinking, Inverse Gray Scale, and Background-Control Character Attributes
Selectable Brightness by Row
Displays Up to 16 Rows x 30 Characters
Sag Compensation on Video Driver Output
Loss-of-Sync, Vertical Sync, Horizontal Sync, and Clock Outputs
Internal Sync Generator
NTSC and PAL Compatible
SPI-Compatible Serial Interface
Delivered with Preprogrammed Character Set
The MAX7456 saves significant board space and design time, while providing increased performance at lower cost. It operates over the -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and is offered in a 28-pin TSSOP package. Prices start at $9.00 (1000-up, FOB USA). Samples and evaluation kits are available. For more information please visit: www.maxim-ic.com/OSD-Generator
Customer Service: 1-800-998-8800
