4x Oversampling Video Decoder from Maxim will Push Digital Video into New Markets

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.

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 100microwatts 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.

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.

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.