Video Serializer Mapping Conversion for Level A/B SDI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for serial digital interface (SDI) signal processing do not support conversion between Level A and Level B mapping formats, necessitating external FPGA devices for system compatibility, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A transmitter/receiver device capable of converting data between Level A and Level B SMPTE 425M compliant formats, utilizing storage devices as line multiplexers/demultiplexers to process and output data in either format, eliminating the need for external FPGA devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external FPGA devices are used for data format conversion between Level A and Level B, then format conversion capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat conversion capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the format conversion functionality into the serializer/deserializer device itself, merging multiple functions (serialization, deserialization, and format conversion) into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate external FPGA devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the required adaptability for converting between Level A and Level B formats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The serializer/deserializer device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serialize video data, deserialize incoming data, and convert between Level A and Level B formats. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile format conversion capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external FPGA devices are used for data format conversion, then format conversion capability is achieved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat conversion capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the format conversion function into the existing serializer/deserializer hardware, the patent eliminates the need for additional external FPGA devices. This consolidation reduces the total component count and associated costs while maintaining the required format conversion capability between Level A and Level B formats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The serializer/deserializer is designed as a universal device that handles both serialization/deserialization and format conversion functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated conversion hardware, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining adaptability for format conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If Level A mapping is used for video transmission, then direct component form handling is enabled, but compatibility with dual-link equipment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent form handlingVSAvoiddual-link equipment compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the serializer/deserializer device as an intermediary that translates between Level A and Level B formats. When video needs to be transmitted to dual-link equipment, the device converts from Level A (component form) to Level B format, enabling seamless interoperability between equipment using different mapping standards without compromising the advantages of either format

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If Level B mapping is used for video transmission, then dual-link equipment compatibility is enabled, but direct component form handling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-link equipment compatibilityVSAvoidcomponent form handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The serializer/deserializer acts as an intermediary that can convert from Level B format back to Level A component form when needed. This allows dual-link equipment compatibility to be maintained while still enabling direct component form handling for image processors that require Level A format, effectively bridging the gap between the two mapping standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7839307B2Video serializer and deserializer with mapping conversion

Publication Date: 2010.11.23 SEMTECH CANADA

AI summary

A method for converting data received in either a Level A or Level B SMPTE 425M compliant format into either a Level B or a Level A compliant format, respectively, includes receiving and processing data in one of a Level A or a Level B SMPTE 425M compliant format. Inputting the received Level A formatted data into a storage device and reading out Level B formatted data at an output of the storage device, or inputting Level B formatted data into the storage device and reading out Level A formatted data at an output of the storage device. Back-end circuitry further processes the Level A formatted data when Level B formatted data is received or further processes the Level B formatted data when Level A formatted data is received. The storage device is operated as a line multiplexer to convert data in a Level B format to data in a Level A format and is operated as a line demultiplexer to convert data in a Level A format to data in a Level B format. Receivers and transmitters capable of performing the method are also disclosed.