IP HD SDI chip design and product compatibility analysis
Smart Glass,Architecture Glass,Switchable Privacy Glass,Smart Automobile Glass Shenzhen Filmbase Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.globalfilmbase.com
July 03 04:07:21, 2025
The testing of IP-based photography often faces challenges, as IT Netcom is a well-established field. However, image quality remains the most vulnerable aspect. In contrast, HD-SDI surveillance systems emphasize not just image clarity but also reliable transmission. High-end light-sensing and image processing devices are widely available, but effectively maintaining high-quality visuals over long distances remains a technical challenge.
I personally struggle with long delays. While clear images, no lag, easy control, and remote storage management sound simple, they become complex at high definition. Whether or not the video is compressed, non-networked signals can be transmitted more quickly and reliably over long distances, making it a significant test for security monitoring. Hence, we say that the real test of HD lies in transmission—this challenge is even greater.
The concept of Datacom, which has gained popularity in recent years for IP surveillance, is quite different. It doesn’t directly transmit HD video through an IP network architecture, yet it has quickly found its place in the CCTV industry.
Starting from the formation of the HDcctv alliance led by Gennum and Stretch in 2010, HD-SDI became the focal point of the security manufacturing sector. The process of HD security development was marked by innovation, R&D challenges, and market expectations. For the CCTV community, HD was relatively easy to implement, but in reality, it presented many difficult questions. Issues such as equipment compatibility, signal purity, transmission distance, low latency requirements, compression efficiency, image analysis performance, power supply, control signals, IP interface, display format, and even material costs all posed major challenges.
What are the options for implementing SDI in the market? What relevant technologies exist? Are there alternatives to SDI for HD architectures? Is real-time video the only requirement? Are there opportunities for fiber or other cabling solutions? These are some of the doubts that have driven discussions beyond basic Tx and Rx concepts.
SDI functionality consists of various components. The SDI chip solutions seen in security R&D today, including FPGAs, date back to 2007. At NAB 2007, chip manufacturers like Gennum (now part of Semtech), National Semiconductor (now TI), Altera, and Xilinx introduced several 3G-SDI solutions. Gennum later developed the GV7600/GV7601 chips for security applications, playing a key role in HDcctv. It was also among the first to integrate discrete Tx and Rx architectures into one chip, streamlining camera and DVR designs.
Xu Wenlong, Semtech Asia-Pacific business manager, noted that the success of these chips in broadcast fields led to their use in other applications like TVs, medical endoscopes, and machine vision. Adapters and extenders that can extend HDMI signals over 100 meters demonstrate the capabilities of Semtech’s chips. Future releases will include chips supporting control signals and audio over coaxial cables.
From a technical perspective, SDI stands for Serial Digital Interface, defined by SMPTE. It transmits uncompressed, delay-free digital video while embedding audio and control data. The SMPTE-292M standard supports HD-SDI at 1.485 Gbit/s, suitable for 720p and 1080i formats. The 3G-SDI standard, based on SMPTE 424M, offers higher speed for 1080p.
In security, HD-SDI and 3G-SDI are commonly used. This transmission system includes coaxial cables, BNC connectors, and various ICs such as equalizers, drivers, serializers, and deserializers. Companies like TI and Semtech offer both discrete and integrated solutions.
SDI chip integration significantly affects design. The distinction between single-channel and multi-channel solutions is crucial, especially regarding high-speed deserializers. Some companies, like Lattice, Altera, and Xilinx, offer FPGA-based 4-way solutions. While ASICs could bring stability, current solutions still rely on FPGAs due to complexity and interference issues.
SDI components like cable drivers and equalizers involve mixed-signal technology. TI, previously NS, has strong analog capabilities, enhancing its support for HD security. TI has integrated front and rear-end analog and digital chips, offering comprehensive solutions for HD cameras and DVRs.
Many approaches exist for achieving HD transmission via semiconductors, and while HDMI and DVI are alternatives, SDI connectors like BNC are more practical for monitoring and have become a standard promoted by the HDcctv Alliance.
Currently, “short HDcctv transmission distance†is a common concern. Even with 150-meter coaxial limits, extensions and repeaters are needed, requiring built-in Tx and Rx chips. Adding power and control signals increases costs. Xu Wenlong mentioned that the GV7601A extends transmission to 200 meters, addressing this issue.
Some engineers use optical fiber to extend transmission, opening new opportunities for fiber materials in security. At CompoSec, some manufacturers are focusing on improving SDI transmission distances and using FPGA-based designs.
Technologies like Dirac compression enable lossless transmission up to 300 meters, while HDbaseT uses Cat5e/cat6a cables for 1080P @ 60fps with minimal delay. Unlike HDMI or SDI, HDbaseT uses standard RJ45 connectors, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution.
Chip compatibility is critical. SDI chips must handle large video data, CPU performance, and parallel processing. Signal output interfaces like serializers and cable drivers are also important. Manufacturers like TI and Gennum provide backward-compatible solutions, reducing R&D costs and meeting diverse needs.
FPGAs can meet requirements, though they increase front-end costs. Solutions vary: FPGA-based designs allow flexibility, while hardware chip-based solutions offer faster time-to-market.
HDbaseT uses network cables for high-definition signals, similar to how Blu-ray players connect to TVs. The HDbaseT Alliance promotes five-in-one functionality, integrating power, control, network, audio, and video. Valens Semiconductor leads this effort, supported by companies like LG, Samsung, and Sony.
ccHDtv leverages digital TV technology for security imaging. Lin Haoyuan of Valens noted that their solution has an inherent advantage in specifications. This approach avoids IP complexities, focusing on convenience and reliability.
Returning to security design, alternative technologies should reduce R&D barriers. While IP networks are common, non-IP solutions like SDI and ccHDtv offer stability and real-time performance. HD video isn't about compression; it's about raw, high-quality transmission.
ccHDtv, developed by ITE Lianyang Semiconductor, combines digital TV experience with coaxial cable solutions. It enables serial and parallel connections, saving wiring costs and offering flexible distribution. Though new to security, this architecture has been used in TV and automotive industries.
This suggests the potential for wireless HD, a key advantage of HDcctv. Lianyang’s Tx chip is designed specifically for security, aiming to provide innovative solutions. Whether through SDI, HDbaseT, or ccHDtv, the goal is to deliver high-quality, reliable, and scalable security systems.
No matter the route, the future of HD security depends on continuous innovation and technical support.