Video decoder/audio codec SoC

EDN Europe, 21 Oct 2010

Maxim’s 4-channel video decoder SoC allows direct connection to its family of H.264 processors, reducing cost by more than $1 per channel. Added to a set of products for the digital video signal path, MAX9530 is a 4-channel analogue-to-digital front-end for converting analogue video and audio signals to the digital format required for compression. An on-chip memory controller supports a variety of output formats, including the optimal format for direct connection to Maxim’s family of H.264 processors, eliminating further processing in an FPGA. Maxim says that used with the MG3500 H.264 video processor, system cost is cut by more than $1 per channel while delivering excellent system video quality for compression. The memory controller assembles four channels into a single optimally formatted data stream to preserve critical video processor performance.
The MAX9530 has a 54MHz 10-bit ADC, differential inputs, video equaliser, features interchannel crosstalk below 60dB. The NTSC/PAL video decoder has 54MHz, 10-bit ADCs and a 5-line filter, the audio ADC offers 48kHz/16-bit capture and sample-rate conversion, and there is a 2-channel analog audio output. The chip costs from $7.95 (1000).