TI Korea (CEO Kent Chon, www.ti.com/kr) April 7, 2015 – TI (CEO Kent Chon) announced the launch of a new cable driver product. This product is the industry's first to support uncompressed 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) video transmission using Serial Digital Interface (SDI) and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) protocols. The LMH1218 driver provides the flexibility to design video infrastructure equipment in SDI or IP formats as a single component. The performance of the LMH1218 can be verified through a demo at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, from April 11 to 16 (Booth #N8519). (For more information on the LMH1218 cable driver, please visit www.ti.com/LMH1218-pr-kr)

The LMH1218, which integrates a reclocker function, supports both coaxial cable and optical media for uncompressed video transmission in indoor or long-distance networks. This integration can simplify the design of applications such as broadcast video routers and switches, digital signage, test and measurement equipment, medical imaging equipment, security and surveillance equipment, etc. by reducing board space by up to 40% compared to competing solutions.

Features and Advantages of LMH1218

· Transmission Flexibility: Supports SDI and IP-based video infrastructure, enabling engineers to design finished products with either a single output or both output options using a single device.

· Reduced system complexity: An integrated reclocker function that does not require a reference eliminates the need for external components for transmission to optical or coaxial media. Competing solutions require two or more components to support each medium.

· High data speed: Supports a transmission speed of up to 12Gbps, allowing 4K60p UHD resolution video to be transmitted over a single coaxial cable.

· Low power: With a rated power consumption of 300mW, it saves an average of 30% compared to individual cable driver and reclocker solutions.

· Board Diagnostics: Input signals can be verified through the eye monitoring function, and system reliability is improved by enabling verification of vertical or horizontal eye openings.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, stated, “As broadcasters and video professionals move away from 60p and seek to produce more 4K content, there is a need to upgrade SDI infrastructure to transmit uncompressed 4K video at 12Gbps over a single cable.” He added, “The integrated capabilities of the TI LMH1218 cable driver enable the rapid design of newly enhanced 12Gbps SDI products.” “I look forward to being able to view new content more quickly. In particular, broadcasters are now attempting to use 60p, and if 12Gbps SDI becomes available overall, it will be possible to establish an efficient 4K workflow for 60p processing,” he explained.

Tools and support for rapid design

Device functions and performance can be evaluated more quickly and easily using the LMH1218 Evaluation Module (EVM). The LMH1218EVM is available for purchase at the TI store for $449.

In the High Speed Interface forum of the TI E2E™ community, engineers can find solutions to problems, get help from fellow engineers and TI experts, and share knowledge and solve problems.

Package, Supply and Price

The LMH1218 is available in a 4mm x 4mm QFN (Quad Flat No-lead) package and is currently available for purchase at $25 in quantities of 1,000.

More detailed information on TI's interface products:

· View LMH1218 datasheet

· Simulation and optimization of broadcast and professional video circuits using the IBIS (Input/Output Buffer Information Specification) model

· Achieve higher bandwidth and longer transmission distances with TI products through TI's interface product portfolio

· View articles on video standards and 4K video innovation

· View opinions from TI signal chain experts on the Analog Wire blog