Chip reduces number of unique I/O configurations

According to National, the PowerWise LMH0387 allows users to programme BNC interface connectors as either inputs (equaliser) or outputs (cable driver). The device 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 variety of I/O configurations. National says that by providing a flexible I/O BNC interface, the LMH0387 can reduce the number of unique I/O configurations and associated costs. In addition, the universal BNC interface allows manufacturers to programme equipment I/O configurations post-delivery during studio installation. For example, a compact router frame with 64 BNCs may be configured as a 32 by 32 matrix, a 1 to 63 distribution amplifier, or any other combination of inputs and outputs to meet the application's particular demand. The LMH0387 is also said to be the first solution to integrate the complex return loss network, to assure compliance to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) 424M return loss specification. The on chip return loss network is designed to eliminate the process of tweaking passive component values to achieve spec compliance. By integrating the network, National says that the device achieves greater than 5dB of margin above the SMPTE specification.