Vitesse debuts VScope embedded waveform viewing for HD-SDI video applications

NOVEMBER 17, 2008 -- Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. (search for Vitesse Semiconductor) is targeting its latest Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) transceiver, the VSC3406, at high-definition video broadcast equipment. 

According to the company, the VSC3406 significantly improves the signal integrity of uncompressed, high- definition (HD), SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) 1080i/1080p signals as the data gets distorted through cables, connectors, and backplanes. The VSC3406 combines its signal integrity feature-set with Vitesse's VScope waveform viewing technology to enable real-time, economic monitoring functionality for live video feeds in broadcast video equipment.

Monitoring and correcting faults associated with hundreds of HD streams taxes the capabilities of test equipment, broadcast systems, as well as individual operators. Monitoring of these links in real time for quality-of-service (QoS) parameters is essential for the efficient operation of broadcast studios. Vitesse says its patented VScope technology offers a more accessible and cost-effective signal analysis tool that can be remotely monitored through network connections. This technology leapfrogs current signal integrity methods to scan the input data eye within the chip itself and produces the industry's first offering of true in-line imaging of the real-time data stream on a per-pin basis, claim company representatives.

Vitesse's VScope and CDR technology is applicable to a range of equipment from broadcast video systems to networking/telecommunications devices carrying a mix of both high-definition video and data traffic. The VSC3406 is capable of transmitting and receiving SMPTE-compliant HD-SDI quality video signals at 1.5 Gbits/sec and 3 Gbits/sec while introducing new architectural options for equipment carrying video and data traffic. Furthermore, the IC's VScope functionality allows a new level of visibility for system debug and remote monitoring across a full video router matrix. 

"The VSC3406, with VScope technology, is ideal for video broadcast production where monitoring and maintaining a high level of high-speed signal integrity across hundreds/thousands of live multi-gigabit links is essential," explains Juan Garza, product marketing manager at Vitesse. "Vitesse has a decade of successful product developments that have been the cornerstone of several industry-leading video routers. VScope is a game-changing technology that complements the Vitesse signal integrity portfolio and is certainly positioned to become a revolutionary new way to improve quality-of-service monitoring in video broadcast," he adds.

VScope can also be used in conjunction with other devices in Vitesse's signal integrity portfolio such as the VSC3144 144x144 Crosspoint or VSC3172 72x72 Crosspoint, which are being used in many video routers today. 

Samples of the VSC3406 are available now. The VSC3406 is priced at $60 in volume quantities and is available in an 81-pin, 10- x 10-mm FCBGA package. 

Vitesse will be showcasing multiple demonstrations, including the VScope-capable VSC3406 CDR and Crosspoint technologies, this week at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE), to be held in Makuhari Messe, Japan. Vitesse will be located at Inter BEE Booth # 7408.Â
 

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