Analogue decoder addresses ADAS contrast challenge

The latest addition to Intersil’s video decoder product family for automotive applications, the decoder takes both single-ended and differential composite video inputs from a vehicle’s backup safety camera.

Designed with built-in diagnostics and superior video quality, the TW9992 addresses the biggest challenges faced by automotive video systems. For example, the decoder’s Automatic Contrast Adjustment (ACA) image enhancement feature overcomes a major challenge for backup camera systems by adapting to rapidly changing lighting conditions. ACA is able to automatically boost up or reduce the brightness/contrast of an image for greater visibility and safety.

In addition, vehicle backup cameras typically employ differential twisted pair cables that require designers to use an op amp in front of the video decoder to convert the differential signal to single-ended. The TW9992 decoder eliminates the need for an external op amp by supporting direct differential CVBS inputs, thus reducing system cost and board space. The built-in short-to-battery and short-to-ground detection capability on each differential input channel further enhances video performance and automotive system reliability.

“This latest addition to Intersil’s video decoder family future-proofs customer designs as they adopt next-gen SoCs,” said Philip Chesley, Senior Vice President, Precision Products, Intersil. “With better picture quality, lower power consumption and advanced features to improve reliability and simplify design, the best-in-class TW9992 is ideal for backup camera designs.”

Consuming a typical 100mW, the TW9992 is available in a 32-pin wettable flank QFN package, and priced at $3 in 1,000-unit quantities.