4-channel video decoder chip MAX9530

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2010 - Broadening its family of digital video signal path solutions, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX9530: Analog video conversion and a 4-channel analog-to-digital front end to compress the audio signal in a digital format. An on-chip memory controller supports multiple output formats, including H.264 optimized for direct connection to Maxim's family of processors. This eliminates the need for expensive FPGAs or interface logic solutions required by competing solutions.

When used together with Maxim's MG3500 H.264 video processor, the MAX9530 reduces system BOM cost per channel while providing superior system compression video quality to less than $1. The MAX9530 will therefore be able to bring new generations of products to market with the advantage of multicamera security recorders that demand excellent video quality, competitive cost, and end-of-life single-source solutions.

Meetings' fierce price targets for security recorders

In the video security market, large-scale deployments may involve hundreds of analog CCTV cameras and microphones, each requiring analog-to-digital conversion followed by digital compression, recording, transmission and IP network conversion. To meet the aggressive price targets of this market, system designers need a cost-effective solution for connecting multiple video and audio channels with an H.264 video processor.

Typically, designers need an FPGA to interface with a video processor's H.264 video decoder. Costing around $5 each, FPGAs can add several hundred dollars to the total installed cost for large-scale deployments.

Maxim's end-to-end digital video compression solutions

The MAX9530 is designed to eliminate the requirement for direct connection to Maxim's MG3500 H.264 video processor and other such interfaces. It performs all the required digital conversion for up to four analog video and audio input channels.

When paired with the MG3500, the MAX9530 provides a complete "analog to compressed digital" video/audio signal path. This provides system designers with a two-chip, end-to-end solution that greatly simplifies design and reduces the cost of security video recorders.

Direct connection is made possible through the MAX9530's integrated memory controller, which optimally combines all four channels into a single data format for H.264 compression. Unlike other 4-channel decoders that rely on the compression engine to recompress all four channels separately, the MAX9530 automatically performs this function upfront to preserve critical video processor performance.

Unparalleled video quality

Analog to digital conversion (video decoding and audio conversion) is the first step in the signal path of any system that accepts analog video/audio input and applies digital processing. Video decoders and audio ADCs are therefore critical in determining the level of video and audio quality available for compression and further downstream processing.

The MAX9530 provides unmatched video quality, thanks to its 54MHz 10-bit ADC, differential inputs, video equalizer, and industry-leading channel-to-channel crosstalk (>60dB). Differential analog inputs improve noise immunity on densely populated digital boards, simplifying system layout and design. In addition, its unique 4-channel digital EQ function restores high-frequency loss of each video input signal, maintaining integrity in applications with long cables. This article comes from Electronics Fans Network ( http://www.elecfans.com )

Main features of statistical surveys

4-channel NTSC/PAL video decoder, 54MHz, 10-bit ADC and 5-line filter

Flexible video output 27/54/108MHz in byte or frame interleaved mode

Four-channel audio ADC with 48kHz/16-bit capture and sample rate conversion

2-channel analog audio output

Digital audio input/output via I²S interface

Multi-chip direct connection cascade configuration

Independent auto equalizer processing for each video channel

Single video scaler per video channel