IP HD SDI chip design and product compatibility analysis
July 03 04:14:33, 2025
The test of IP-based photography often faces challenges in transmission, as IT Netcom is a mature field. However, the image quality remains the most vulnerable aspect to criticism. In contrast, HD-SDI surveillance systems focus not just on image quality but also on reliable transmission. High-end light-sensing and image processing devices are widely available, yet effectively maintaining high-quality images over long distances remains a technical challenge.
I often feel frustrated by the long delays in video transmission. While clear pictures, no delay, easy control, and remote storage management sound simple, they become complex when dealing with high-definition content. Whether or not the high-definition image is compressed, non-networked signals can be transmitted more quickly and over longer distances—this is a real test for security monitoring. Hence, we say that the real test of HD lies in transmission, and the more difficult it is, the more critical it becomes. SDI is not an image-related concept; it refers to a specific transmission method involving signal transmission and reception (Tx and Rx).
In recent years, the Datacom concept has gained popularity in IP surveillance, but it doesn’t directly transmit HD video through IP networks. It has quickly made its mark in the CCTV industry.
Since the formation of the HDcctv alliance led by Gennum and Stretch in 2010, HD-SDI has become a central topic in the security manufacturing sector. The process of HD security development has been filled with innovation, R&D challenges, and market expectations. For the CCTV community, HD might seem easier at first, but it actually presents many complex issues. From equipment compatibility and signal purity to transmission distance, low latency, compression efficiency, image analysis performance, power supply, control signals, IP interfaces, display formats, and even material costs, every aspect poses a significant challenge.
What options are available in the market for implementing SDI? What technologies support it? Are there alternatives to SDI? Is real-time video the only requirement? Are there opportunities for fiber or other media? These questions have driven discussions beyond basic Tx and Rx concepts.
SDI functions are composed of various units. Today’s SDI chip solutions, including FPGAs, were already established back in 2007. At NAB2007, several companies launched 3G-SDI solutions, such as Gennum (now part of Semtech), National Semiconductor (now part of Texas Instruments), Altera, and Xilinx. Gennum later developed the GV7600/GV7601 chips for security applications, driving the HDcctv movement. They were among the first to integrate discrete Tx and Rx components into a single chip, streamlining camera and DVR designs.
Xu Wenlong, current business manager at Semtech Asia-Pacific, noted that the success of their chips in the broadcast industry has led to their use in other fields like TVs, medical endoscopes, and machine vision. Adapters and extenders that can transmit HDMI signals over 100 meters are a testament to the capabilities of Semtech’s chips. Future developments will include new chips that allow control signals and audio to be sent over coaxial cables.
From a technical perspective, SDI stands for Serial Digital Interface, defined by SMPTE. It transmits uncompressed digital video signals with embedded audio and data, without delay. There are five SDI standards, with SMPTE-292M being the main one used for HD broadcast, transmitting 720P and 1080i at 1.485 Gbps. The 3G-SDI standard (SMPTE 424M) supports higher speeds, transmitting 1080P at 2.970 Gbps.
In security applications, HD-SDI and 3G-SDI are commonly used. This requires components like coaxial cables, BNC connectors, cable equalizers, drivers, serializers, deserializers, and timing ICs. Companies like TI (formerly NS) and Semtech offer both discrete and integrated solutions. Others, like EqcoLogic and Mindspeed, provide similar components.
SDI chip integration significantly impacts system design. The distinction between single-channel and multi-channel solutions, especially in security, often relates to the number of integrated deserializers. Some companies, like Lattice, Altera, and Xilinx, offer FPGA-based 4-way solutions. South Korean company Silicon Gear also provides a 4-way solution, though still based on FPGA technology. A true ASIC-based 4-way solution could stabilize the market further.
SDI includes mixed-signal components like CableDriver and Equalizer. Before merging with TI, NS was a leading analog supplier. TI now offers comprehensive analog and digital chip solutions for HD security. At CompoSec 2024, TI’s Zeng Xianghua presented integrated front and rear-end solutions for uncompressed HD cameras and HD-DVRs.
TI and Semtech continue to compete in security applications, offering solutions that simplify system design. While some discuss using HDMI or DVI for high-quality signals, SDI remains preferred due to its reliability and widespread adoption in security. BNC connectors are particularly advantageous for monitoring applications.
“Short HDcctv transmission distance†is a common concern. Even if coaxial cables only reach 150 meters, suppliers must provide extenders and repeaters with built-in Tx and Rx chips. Adding power and control signals increases costs. Xu Wenlong explained that the GV7601A extends transmission to 200 meters, addressing this issue.
Some engineers use optical fiber to extend SDI transmission, creating new opportunities for fiber materials and modules. At CompoSec 2024, several manufacturers began exploring this direction. FPGA-based designs are also being used to improve SDI transmission.
For example, Dirac compression allows lossless transmission up to 300 meters. HDbaseT, promoted by Valens Semiconductor, uses standard Cat5e/Cat6a network cables instead of coaxial or LVDS, supporting 1080P @ 60fps with only 10 microseconds of delay.
Chip compatibility is crucial. While SDI chips are backward compatible, designers must consider CPU performance, parallel processing, and output interfaces like serializers and cable drivers. Some manufacturers offer different EQ pin packages, enabling easy upgrades without changing hardware, reducing R&D costs.
Low-cost FPGAs can meet requirements, but integrating EQ and SERDES circuits increases front-end costs. Choosing between FPGA-based or chip-based solutions depends on development cycles and product flexibility.
HDbaseT uses network cables to transmit high-definition video, much like how HDMI connects devices. The HDbaseT Alliance promotes a five-in-one solution, combining power, control, network, audio, and video. Valens, along with LG, Samsung, and Sony, leads this initiative.
ccHDtv leverages digital TV technology to transmit security images. Lin Haoyuan from Valens believes their solution has a natural advantage over others. With SDI as a lesson, HDbaseT is confident in entering the security market.
Returning to the essence of security design, alternative technologies can reduce R&D barriers. TCP/IP setup between cameras and storage is cumbersome. Must high-quality images be delivered via network devices? How does front-end compression affect image quality? What format is used for analysis?
High-speed, non-compressed transmission is possible, but cost and infrastructure remain challenges. HD video is a trend, but “non-compressed†isn’t always necessary. DVDs, Blu-rays, and online videos are all compressed yet considered high quality.
ccHDtv, promoted by Lianyang Semiconductor, uses digital TV experience to enhance security. Their architecture, inspired by DVB-T, enables efficient signal distribution and saves wiring costs. This approach, already used in digital TV and automotive systems, offers wireless possibilities in closed-circuit environments.
Whether through SDI, HDbaseT, or ccHDtv, the future of HD security lies in reliable, real-time transmission. As technology evolves, so do the solutions, ensuring that the security industry continues to benefit from cutting-edge innovations.
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