Three-Chip Set Paves Way For Hi-Res PC Video Cameras

With a three-chip set comprised of the new TSB15LV01 integrated video signal processor and 1394 link layer and the already-available TSB41LV01 1394 physical layer (PHY) and TLV990 integrated analog front-end (AFE) and A/D converter, designers reportedly have the only means available today for implementing high-resolution PC video cameras offering full, uncompressed VGA-quality images with real-time screen refresh rates of 30 frames/s. This is expected to lead to development of video cameras that deliver sharper, smoother images at prices that will broaden useage of the cameras in desktop and notebook PCs, Webcams, videoconferencing sysetms, video e-mail, and more. The chipset interfaces to readily-available third-party CCD sensors and drivers, thereby reducing PC video camera's systems to just five chips. The set supports the IEEE 1394a high-speed serial bus spec and 1394 Trade Association camera spec 1.04, with rapid transmission of complete images ensured by support for the full 1394a bandwidth of 400 Mbps. The TSB15LV01 device is packaged in 80-pin TQFPs costing $5.61 each/1,000.