Introducing V210 Support in SE50-3G/SDI Firmware: Enhancing Video Capture and Generation

 

We are excited to announce the latest enhancement to our SE50-3G/SDI firmware: the support for the V210 video format. This powerful addition enables users to seamlessly capture SDI video signals while converting them on the fly into the V210 format for high-quality video applications.

The SE50-3G/SDI is a compact yet powerful video capture device that brings the flexibility of SDI (Serial Digital Interface) video signal processing to any system with a mPCIe interface. With this device, users can harness the full potential of SDI signal capture and generation without the need for bulky, specialised hardware. Whether used for professional video editing, broadcasting, or testing, the SE50-3G/SDI makes integrating SDI technology into any system simple and cost-effective.

SE50-3G/SDI is a small form factor video capture and generation device

Hardware Overview
At the heart of the SE50-3G/SDI board is a Microchip MPF300T-1FCVG484E PolarFire FPGA. This FPGA is responsible for processing and converting SDI signals and ensures high performance and low power consumption.

Other key components include:

  • 1024×16 DDR4 chip for RAM (16-bit data-bus).
  • 128 MB SPI Flash ROM for firmware storage.
  • Programmable clock generator (SI5338A) providing any frequency clock generation required for the video signals.
  • Reference generator for a 27 MHz ±25ppm clock.
  • PCIe x1 Gen2 interface for connecting to the host system.
  • U.FL connectors for flexible video input and output configurations (including a loopback output).
  • USB-JTAG/UART connector for easy debugging and firmware updates.
  • Two user LEDs (Green and Red) for system status indicators.
  • Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable operation in demanding environments.
  • Maximum power consumption: 10W, ensuring the device operates efficiently and without excessive power demands.

To facilitate the SDI functionality, the SE50-3G/SDI features the TI LMH0397 chip, which is a high-performance 3G/SDI transmitter and receiver that ensures robust SDI signal handling and transmission, supporting resolutions and frame rates up to 1080p60.

SDI Video: What It Is and Where It’s Used
SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is the standard for high-definition video transmission in professional broadcast and production environments. It is used to transmit uncompressed, unencrypted digital video signals (with or without embedded audio) over coaxial cables. SDI has been widely adopted in the broadcast industry because of its reliability, low latency, and support for long-distance transmission without signal degradation.
SDI signals are commonly used in scenarios such as:
– Broadcasting: TV stations and networks use SDI for live broadcasts, studio productions, and post-production workflows.
– Film production: SDI is a preferred interface for transferring high-definition video in film sets, especially in high-resolution productions (e.g., 4K).
– Video editing and processing: Post-production studios rely on SDI for the transfer of video content between editing suites, video servers, and effects workstations.
SDI’s robustness, along with its ability to maintain high-quality video over long distances, makes it an indispensable tool for professional video and broadcast applications.

V210 Video Format: What It Is and Why It Matters
The V210 video format is a popular 10-bit, YUV 4:2:2 color sampling format used primarily in professional video production and broadcast. It is especially favored in situations where high-quality video is essential, such as in post-production editing, broadcasting, and archival video storage.
V210 is a compressed format that allows for efficient storage of high-quality video while maintaining a superior visual experience. The format is particularly important because:
– High color depth: The 10-bit color depth allows for more accurate color representation, making it ideal for professional workflows where color grading and subtle color adjustments are critical.
– Efficient for broadcast and post-production: V210 is widely used in broadcasting, as it strikes an excellent balance between file size and image quality. It is often preferred when dealing with high-definition video footage that requires minimal compression for post-production workflows.
– Industry-standard: Many video processing systems, video servers, and editing platforms rely on V210 as an industry-standard format for capturing, storing, and transferring video content.
By adding support for V210, the SE50-3G/SDI firmware enables users to seamlessly convert their SDI video signals into this professional-grade format, ready for use in a variety of broadcast and post-production environments.

Firmware Enhancement: Real-Time Conversion to V210 Format
One of the standout features of the SE50-3G/SDI firmware update is the ability to convert SDI video signals into V210 format on the fly.
Previously, the SE50-3G/SDI firmware supported two primary output modes:
– RAW output: In this mode, the raw SDI data is captured and transferred to the host system via Direct Memory Access (DMA), leaving it up to the host system to handle any further processing.
– Formatted output: The raw SDI data is processed into distinct blocks, including video frames and ancillary data packets, and is then transferred to the host.
With the latest firmware update, we’ve enhanced the board’s capabilities to automatically convert SDI video data into V210 format. This means that as video frames are captured via the SDI input, the firmware converts them into V210-compliant video frames, which are then packed and transferred to the host system via DMA.
This real-time conversion to V210 format simplifies the workflow for users, as they no longer need additional software or hardware to convert the SDI signals into a compatible format for video editing, storage, or transmission.

Why This Enhancement Matters
The addition of V210 support enhances the flexibility and performance of the SE50-3G/SDI device, making it a more powerful solution for:
– Broadcast professionals: Who require high-quality video capture and generation, particularly for SDI-based workflows.
– Post-production teams: Who rely on high-quality, minimal-latency video formats for editing and mastering content.
– System integrators: These build custom solutions for video capture and distribution in various applications, from studio setups to field deployments.
By enabling real-time conversion of SDI signals to the V210 format, the SE50-3G/SDI not only improves efficiency but also helps ensure that high-definition video content is captured and transmitted with maximum visual quality and minimal computational overhead.

Dual Capability as Both SDI Capture and Signal Generator
The SE50-3G/SDI is not just a video capture device; it can also function as a powerful SDI signal generator. When raw SDI signals are provided to the board (via DMA), it can generate corresponding SDI output. This dual capability is crucial for users who need to capture, modify, and then broadcast SDI signals in real time. With this feature, the SE50-3G/SDI transforms into a full-fledged video generator, enabling users to create and transmit professional-grade SDI signals with ease. Whether used in production environments for live broadcasts, or in testing and development scenarios, this small yet powerful board offers tremendous flexibility for creating high-quality video content on demand.

Conclusion
The SE50-3G/SDI board has always been a versatile, compact solution for capturing and generating SDI signals. With the latest firmware update introducing V210 format support, this device becomes even more powerful, enabling real-time conversion of SDI video signals to the industry-standard V210 format. Whether you’re working in broadcasting, film production, or video editing, this enhancement makes it easier than ever to capture high-quality video and integrate it into your existing workflows.
The SE50-3G/SDI with V210 support is now ready to handle your most demanding video capture and generation needs, bringing professional-grade performance to your system in a compact, energy-efficient package.