Video Decoder operates from 1.8 V on all supplies.
Press Release Summary:
Built around 54 MHz, 10-bit ADC, Model MAX9526 provides 4x oversampling while consuming 200 mW during normal operation and 100 µW in shutdown mode. Supply voltage range of 1.7-3.5 on digital I/O eliminates need for external level shifters when interfacing with video processor. Power-over-Ethernet allows use of existing Cat-5 wiring for both data transmission and power. Designed to power up in fully operational mode, unit automatically configures itself to decode NTSC or PAL input standard.
Original Press Release:
10-Bit, 4x Oversampling Video Decoder Pushes Digital Video into New Markets
10-Bit, 4x Oversampling Video Decoder Delivers Best-in-Class Performance
SUNNYVALE, CA-June 8, 2009-Broadening its portfolio of solutions for the digital video signal path, Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX9526: the industry's lowest power, 10-bit, 4x oversampling video decoder. This device is built around a high-performance 54MHz, 10-bit ADC that delivers outstanding image quality when converting analog video signals to a digital format. The selectable 8-/10-bit video output provides image quality at the same precision (8-bit) used to author Blu-ray Disc® and other forms of high-definition content (ITU-R BT.656 4:2:2).
This high-performance video decoder is designed to push digital video into new markets. It is offered at a price point comparable to low-end solutions, effectively eliminating the need to sacrifice video quality for cost. The MAX9526 will thus enable a new generation of digital video applications that demand both superb video quality and cost sensitivity.
Packing best-in-class performance and power consumption into the industry's smallest footprint, this video decoder is well suited for low-power, space-constrained applications such as CCTV security and surveillance, automotive park-assist camera systems, and consumer electronics applications.
Extending the Reach of Digital Video
Analog-to-digital conversion (video decoding) is the first step in the video signal path for any system that accepts analog video inputs and incorporates digital video processing. Video decoders, therefore, are critical in determining the level of video quality available for further processing downstream.
Yet, until now, designers of cost-sensitive applications have frequently had to settle for inexpensive 9-bit, 2x oversampling decoders that offer inferior video quality. This performance-cost tradeoff has impeded the transition from analog systems to digital video solutions in some industries and markets.
In the video security market, for example, large-scale implementations can involve hundreds of CCTV cameras, each requiring analog-to-digital video conversion for subsequent digital compression, recording, or transport over an IP network. While the cost of employing 4x oversampling video decoders can be prohibitive at this scale, the use of 2x solutions can compromise security through poor video quality.
The MAX9526 eliminates this tradeoff by offering premium performance (10-bit, 4x oversampling) at a price point comparable to low-end decoders.
In addition to delivering extremely sharp video quality, this video decoder consumes 30% less power and up to 50% less space than competing 4x oversampling devices. Power consumption is merely 200mW during normal operation and 100µW in shutdown mode. The MAX9526 is the only device in its class capable of operating from 1.8V on all supplies. In addition, a 1.7V to 3.45V supply range on its digital I/O eliminates the need for external level shifters when interfacing with the video processor.
Low-Power Solutions Enable USB-/PoE-Powered Systems
The MAX9526 complements Maxim's H.264 video compression technology (acquired from Mobilygen), allowing the Company to address more of the analog-to-digital video signal path.
"Maxim's H.264 video codec technology consumes up to 10x less power than a typical DSP solution," explained Jim Fox, Business Director of Video Products at Maxim. "An ultra-low-power video codec such as the MG3500 can be paired with the MAX9526 to implement sub-1W USB- and PoE-powered systems."
PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) reduces the cost of security implementations by allowing the use of existing Cat-5 wiring for both data transmission and power. Maxim's digital video products uniquely combine low-power operation with superior video decoding and compression to deliver the cost and power benefits of PoE without sacrificing performance.
Unparalleled Ease of Use
The MAX9526 offers system designers unparalleled ease of use by automatically adapting to multiple video input-signal conditions, including noisy, weak, or noncompliant signals. It powers up in a fully operational mode and automatically configures itself to decode the detected input standard (NTSC or PAL). The design engineer need only program 16 registers on chip through an I2C interface to take full advantage of the device's capabilities.
Summary of Key Features
o 10-bit, 4x oversampling (54MHz) ADC
o Supports all NTSC and PAL standards
o Automatic configuration and standard selection
o 16 user-configurable registers ease programming
o 1.8V digital and analog supply voltage
o 1.7V to 3.45V digital I/O supply voltage
o Low-power operation
o 200mW during normal operation
o 100µW in shutdown mode
The MAX9526 is fully specified over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range, and is available in both 28-pin QSOP and 32-pin TQFN packages. Prices start at $2.00 (1000-up, FOB USA). Samples and evaluation kits are available now for qualified customers. For more information please visit: www.maxim-ic.com/Video-Decoder.
Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company reported revenue in excess of $2 billion for fiscal 2008. Maxim was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6000 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.
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