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TCD Series Monitoring Transcoders Product Data

TXA Series Digitizing Transcoders Brochure

TCD Series Monitoring Transcoders
  • Substitute/backup for HD DVTR to improve HD DVTR utilization
  • Economical output device for HDTV laboratory equipment
  • HDTV framestores and simulation equipment
  • HDTV equipment troubleshooting
 (Block Diagram)
Convert HD or D1 parallel digital video to RGB or YPrPb analog output. DB-15 connector for directly driving multi-sync computer monitors for economical HDTV monitoring.

Accepts SMPTE 260M or Sony HDD-1000 digital video on 50-pin input connector. Regenerated loop-through output allows insertion in existing signal path.

Active loop-through parallel input regenerates output signal

Economical output filters provide group delay and sin(x)/x equalized output suitable for monitoring.

Optional high-performance output filters provide full SMPTE 260M compliance with ±0.05dB, 1nS ripple.

 High-quality video DACs and precision analog circuits.

Internal analog transcoder provides RGB output with SMPTE 240M matrix.

1V BNC SMPTE 240M outputs with tri-level sync. D1 units provide bipolar sync.

Analog video outputs with TTL sync on VGA high-density DB-15 connector for Multi-sync monitor.

1 MOhm probe input with adjustable gain, offset, and polarity allows overlay of signal or cursor on output for laboratory work. Input has switchable 75 Ohm termination for video signal overlay.

Pulse-Cross display mode internally selectable for technical monitoring.
TCD-1125 1125/60, 1125/59.94 Sony HDD-1000 Format
TCD-1050 1050/60,1050/59.94 Format
TCD-525 SMPTE 125M/CCIR 601,656 D1Format, 525 line (NTSC)
TCD-625 CCIR601,656 D1 Format, 625 lines (PAL)
Option 01 SMPTE 240M, CCIR 601 compliant high quality filters
Option 02 Switchable serial loop-through input (525,625 models only)
Option 03 YPrPb Output
Option Y 220VAC Power Input

 

TXA Digitizing Transcoders

Multi-standard HDTV Image Capture
with Oversampling Precision...

  • Input Digitizer for Viewgraphics VS5000 Framestore System
  • HDTV Production/Research
  • Input Subsystem for HDTV Research Projects
  • Supercomputing Input Device
  • Digitize Workstation Display Signals
TXA-1008 8 bit ADC, 10-80 MHz Sampling
TXA-1010 10 bit ADC, 10-40 MHz Sampling
TXA-1018 Both ADCs
TXA Block Dia. - Click for Larger
Click for a larger TXA series Block Diagram

 

 
The TXA series units digitize normal and high-definition analog component video signals at user-programmed sampling rates into a TTL or D1-style digital output. Oversampling ADCs and digital anti-alias filtering maximize signal quality. Internal digital transcoders and decimation filters allow conversion between YPbPr and GBR signal formats. A versatile programmable genlock circuit allows resolution-independent capture of input signals with both sync and burst locking. Digitizing of NTSC or PAL signals into D2 formats is also possible.

HDTV Image Sampling Approches the Ideal

With the TXA series, Image Circuits introduces its fourth generation of HDTV digitizers. Advances in ADC technology allow the use of over-sampled digitizing, resulting in ideal system frequency and phase response. Filtering, transcoding, decimation, and clipping of component signals is performed digitally for increased stability and precision.

Programmable Sampling for Future Standards

To allow continued use as HD production standards evolve, the TXA series is fully programmable. All signal path parameters, such as clamp level, input voltage, decimation filters, transcoding coefficients, blanking envelope, and amplitude clipping are programmable by the user through the TXA operating software. Genlock parameters may be similarly adjusted to set values for pixels per scan line, lines per field, fields per frame and active picture region. Standard video test signals may be generated from the user’s sampling parameters and inserted over the digitized input.

Hybrid Genlock with Tri-level Sync, Bipolar Sync, and Burst Locking

The genlock circuit allows locking to bipolar and tri-level sync or to the color burst of NTSC and PAL signals. Subcarrier signals for burst locking are digitally synthesized, allowing locking at non-integral multiples of the burst frequency and precise adjustment of sampling phase. The genlock’s hybrid analog/digital design incorporates precision analog phase comparators which allow sampling with sub-nanosecond sampling jitter. Two auxiliary crystal oscillators may be selected for sampling with extremely low jitter at specified frequencies.

Oversampling Input with 0.05dB, 2nS Ripple Filtering

Three identical input channels allow individual software control of clamping level, full-scale range, and input filtering. This allows the TXA series to accommodate both RGB and color-difference signals. Image Circuits’ digital clamp technology insures a stable, drift-free clamp level with any input signal.

Each channel contains four analog pre-filters which are selected to match the input sample rate. As the channel’s ADC operates at twice the desired sample rate, these simple pre-filters need only remove alias components above three times the sampling frequency. Digital filtering and decimation following the ADC allow full compliance with the rigorous SMPTE 260 and CCIR 601 filter templates. This method allows the user to sample at arbitrary frequencies without purchasing costly input filters for each frequency.

Digital Transcoding and Decimation Filtering

A 3 x 3 matrix multiplier following the input stage allows transcoding between user-programmed input and output signal formats. Selectable digital filters following the transcoder allow decimation of color-difference signals according to SMPTE and CCIR templates.

A blanking processor following the transcoding section allows the input signal’s blanking interval to be replaced with appropriate sync words or waveforms. As the blanker is completely programmable, the active picture area can be adjusted by the user or replaced with a test pattern. A programmable look-up table circuit clips the input signal to legal values and optionally provides smooth, cosinusoidally-shaped blanking edges.

Outputs for Lab or Studio

The output signal is available as a standard SMPTE 260 multiplexed ECL signal or as a demultiplexed TTL signal at half the sample rate. Programmable sync and drive signals, as well as a sample clock output, allow easy connection to following equipment. Direct connection to HDTV framestores, such as the Viewgraphics VS-5000, is possible using the TTL outputs.
Sampling Rate  
TXA-1008, TXA-1018 10-80 MHz
TXA-1010 10-40 MHz (40-80 MHz using external filter)
 
Frequency Response Complies with CCIR 601, SMPTE 260M filter templates at appropriate sample rates
90 IRE 0.1 - 30 MHz sweep 1.2% (p-p ripple of p-p amplitude, 75 MHz sampling)
Line Tilt (NTC-7 3.4) 0.25 IRE (13.5 MHz sampling)
Field Tilt (NTC-7 3.3) 0.25 IRE (13.5 MHz sampling)
 
Group Delay  
Multipulse Baseline Ripple 0.3 IRE (13.5 MHz sampling, 100 IRE Tek NTSC signal)
Multipulse Baseline Ripple 0.5 IRE (75 MHz sampling, 100 IRE 5,10,15,20,25 MHz Tek signal)
 
Pulse Response  
2T Pulse Height (NTC-7 3.5) 0.5 IRE (13.5 MHz sampling)
2T Pulse Ringing (NTC-7 3.5) 1.0 IRE (13.5 MHz sampling)
2T30 Pulse Height 0.5 IRE (75 MHz sampling, 33.3 nS HAD, 100 IRE signal)
2T30 Pulse Ringing 1.0 IRE (75 MHz sampling, 33.3 nS HAD, 100 IRE signal)
 
Non-Linearity and Noise  
Differential Gain, 3.58 MHz 1%
Differential Phase, 3.58 MHz 0.5°
Luma Noise (IEEE 746) 57dB (75 MHz Sampling, peak signal to rms noise)
 
Inputs  
Input Impedance 75 ohm, Return Loss >35 dB DC to 40 MHz
Input Connectors Red/R-Y, Green/Y, Blue/B-Y video signals, 75 ohm BNC

External Sync/Blackburst, 75 ohm BNC

External Clock/Subcarrier 50 ohm BNC, AC coupled with 0.1uF capacitor to 50 ohm termination
 
Outputs  
ECL video output Differential 10K ECL compliant with SMPTE 260M on 93 pin SMPTE connector
TTL video output TTL single-ended output on two SCSI-2 style 50-pin connectors at one-half sampling frequency. 120 ohm source impedance
Output Formats ECL output: 4:2:2 YCrCb SMPTE 260M, D1

TTL output: 4:2:2 YCrCb, 4:4:4 RGB demultiplexed into Y0, Cr, Y1, Cb channels or R0, R1, G0, G1, B0, B1 channels. D2 format TBD
User Outputs 2 outputs translated to -4V level and filtered to 100nS risetimes on 75 ohm BNC. All outputs available on pins of TTL output connector
Sample Clock 10KH ECL output with 50W series resistor to 50 ohm BNC. Internal jumper selects ADC sampling frequency or pixel clock
 
Gain and Clamping  
Input Full Scale Amplitude 0.7 to 1.4V p-p
Input Clamp Level Any point within ADC full scale range
NTC-7 Bounce <0.25 IRE (13.5 MHz sampling)
 
Blanking and Clipping  
Blanking Risetime Y channel: 0-16 samples of F801 clock
C channel: 0-8 samples of F401 clock
Clipping Level Minimum and Maximum clip limits may be any 8-bit value
Sync Insertion D2, D1, SMPTE 260 waveforms pre-programmed for optional insertion. User waveforms may be programmed through remote control interface. Waveforms automatically scaled for sampling frequency used.
Test Signal Insertion Color bars, Multiburst, Multipulse, Ramp, Staircase, Pulse and Bar, Sweep, NTC7 Composite
 
Transcoding  
Transcoding Coefficients 10-bit integers, 9 fractional bits, two-complement format. Stored values for RGB->YUV transformation in NTSC, CCIR 476, and SMPTE 240M color spaces may be used or custom values downloaded over remote control interface.
Chroma Decimation Filtering 2:1 fixed-coefficient lowpass filter compliant with CCIR 601, SMPTE 260M filter templates
 
Genlock Parameters All position values in F401 clocks relative to input analog sync edge reference point
Sampling Frequency Nearest integer value in Hz (used for scaling sync and test signals only)
Clocks per line 32 to 8192, in F401 clock increments
Lines per field 32 to 8192, in 1 line increments
Fields per frame 1 to 2
Lock Mode Sync Lock, bipolar sync
Sync Lock, tri-level sync
Burst Lock; NTSC, PAL, Sony Burst (1125/60) signals or external subcarrier
Reference Burst Frequency 1 to 10 MHz in F401·2-32 steps
Sample clock phase relative to reference subcarrier 0 to 180° in 360°·2-32 increments
Subcarrier phase reset/lock to line 1 sync edge 1 to 255 frames or free-running
Clamp Position Width, position adjustable in F401 clock increments
Burst Position Width, position adjustable in F401 clock increments
Burst Vertical Blanking Width, position adjustable in one line increments
Active Raster Width Width, position adjustable in F401 clock increments
Active Raster Height Height, position adjustable in one line increments
Blanker Risetime Nearest integer in nS (User warned when specified value exceeds maximum samples available)
Blanking Level Level may be any 8-bit value
Clipping Limits Minimum and Maximum clip limits may be any 8-bit value
Sync Position Width, position adjustable in F401 clock increments
User Outputs 8 TTL outputs at F401 clock rate programmable as either single pulses with specified width and position or arbitrary pattern by downloading bit pattern through remote control interface.
 
Genlock Performance  
Minimum SNR of stable input for PLL acquisition 15 dB, peak-to-peak signal to RMS noise
Minimum SNR of stable input for PLL lock 10 dB, peak-to-peak signal to RMS noise
Sampling Jitter, VCXO ±200 pS, 50dB SNR input signal
Sampling Jitter, VCO ±500 pS, 50dB SNR input signal
 
Remote Control RS-232 or RS-422, 9600 or 38,400 baud serial link to terminal or computer supporting VT-100 command set.
 
Power IEC 320/VI power receptacle, 85-132VAC, 47-63Hz 150W maximum
 
Physical and Environmental  
Operating Environment 10-35°C, 10-90% relative humidity, normal office or laboratory environment
Size, Weight ANSI/EIA RS-310 19"x2U enclosure, 20" depth,
15 lb.

1F40 is the VCO or VCXO frequency (80-160 MHz) divided by 4.

Specifications subject to change without notice. Product names may be trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Image Circuits is a registered trademark of Image Circuits, Inc. Copyright 1997 Image Circuits, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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