Configurable I/O Chip Integrates Return Loss Network

Enabling bi-directional communication on a single BNC, the LMH0387 embarks as the industry’s first configurable I/O chip for serial digital interface (SDI) broadcast video equipment. The device simplifies design by providing the flexibility to program BNC interface connectors as either inputs (equalizer) or outputs (cable driver). It targets 3G/HD/SD video capture and editing cards that have a limited number of coax BNC connectors as well as processing and distribution equipment that support a wide variety of I/O configurations. Allegedly, the LMH0387 is also the first to integrate a return-loss network to ensure compliance to the SMPTE 424M return-loss specification. The chip uses the same I/O pin for both input and output functions and operates over data rates from 125 Mb/s to 2.97 Gb/s, supporting SMPTE 424M, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 344M, and SMPTE 259M. Available in a 48-pin CSP, price for the LMH0387 is $12.95 each/1,000. NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORP., Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.