Delivering High Quality Analog Video Signals With Optimized Video DACs

Antonio Leal, Analog Design Manager, Synopsys

In most modern consumer equipment, multimedia content is processed in the digital domain. However, analog video transmission requires the digital video content conversion to the analog domain. To accomplish this, a video digital-to-analog (DAC) must be used. This paper outlines the most common analog video signal standard-specifications that multimedia SoCs must support. It describes the key characteristics and features of a DAC solution optimized for video applications. The paper addresses system-level techniques that together with an optimized video DAC will enable SoC designers to deliver power-efficient and feature-rich multimedia devices.