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Camera: Surveillance Analog

Camera: Surveillance Analog Solutions from Texas Instruments

Block Diagram


AFE Audio Control Audio Line Driver Audio Pre-Amp Clock Core and I/O Power Imager Power Interface LED Power Logic Low Noise Video and Audio Power Motor Controller Motor Driver Motor Driver Motor Power (Controllers) System Controller Video Buffer Amplifiers Video Line Driver

Design Considerations

Software:

Motor control algorithms allow security operators to move the camera through a joystick interface. Several of these proven programs are included in the motor control library of TI’s TMSF280x motor control DSPs to help you expedite your design. Software also creates a timestamp that shows the name of the camera, date and time. Timestamping the image from the camera minimizes the ability of external tampering with the video feed at the operator level. In the audio signal path the software filters and modifies the sensitivity of the data converters, and also accounts for synchronizing audio and video.

Video quality:

Besides the intrinsic dependence on the imager quality, the video is heavily affected by ambient light and temperature levels. Heat translates directly to a 10 fold increase in noise for every degree above the specified temperature. TI’s TPS7xxx family provides the efficiency needed to avoid heavy heat loses when powering the video signal path, keeping the board cool and noise to a minimum.

Consumers are generally willing to pay a premium for cameras that work in all lighting conditions. Some surveillance systems add LEDs throughout the space surveyed while others embed them around the imager. The number of LEDs to use depends on the target distance, as well the size and type of imager. There are different requirements for color, black and white and infra red imagers. The best way to determine how many LEDs to use continues to be empirical illumination to the desired spec. TI’s TPS54xx/TPS402xx can efficiently provide the conversion to drive the LEDs. Most today’s cameras have CIF (352x240) resolution with trends towards D1 (720x486) and higher resolutions. Main-stream cameras used in gas stations and some of the retail environment have to meet a minimum threshold of video quality (typically CIF).

System Audio:

The noise level of a busy store or an intersection is constantly changing. The MSP430 with integrated data converters are ideal for processing of sound, and pre-filtering the signal to adjust the data converter sensitivity to the noise floor. OPA36x buffer family and the DRV13x/DRV600 audio drivers ensure that the signal fidelity is maintained over the transmission path.

Power:

Most of the surveillance plug in systems work with feed voltages of 12 or 24 V. Additional constraints for power consumption go hand in hand with limitations in the heat the electronics can dissipate in the small camera housing. This is particularly important because the CCD imager captures ten times more noise for every degree above the specified temperature. Converters are especially good to power motors because they are efficient and avoid extra heat (when compared with LDOs). LDOs are used to power video and audio amplifiers because they provide low-ripple power rails leading to better signal fidelity.

Application Notes

  • CDCx706/x906 Termination and Signal Integrity Guidelines (Rev. A) (scaa080a.htm, 8 KB)
    28 Nov 2007 Abstract
  • Getting Started With TMS320C28x Digital Signal Controllers (Rev. A) (spraam0a.htm, 8 KB)
    25 Oct 2007 Abstract
  • VCXO Application Guideline for CDCE(L)9xx Family (scaa085.htm, 8 KB)
    06 Jun 2007 Abstract
  • Using Enhanced Pulse Width Modulator (ePWM) Module for 0-100% Duty Cycle Control (spraai1.htm, 8 KB)
    20 Dec 2006 Abstract
  • Noise Analysis for High Speed Op Amps (Rev. A) (sboa066a.htm, 9 KB)
    17 Jan 2005 Abstract
  • Shelf-Life Evaluation of Lead-Free Component Finishes (szza046.htm, 8 KB)
    24 May 2004 Abstract
  • Thermal and Electrical Properties of Selected Packaging Materials (sbfa010.htm, 8 KB)
    04 Oct 2000 Abstract
    

Selection and Solution Guides

Selection Guides

  • Clocks and Timing Selection Guide (Rev. A) (slyb104a.pdf, 776 KB)
    23 Apr 2007 Download

Tools and Software

Name Part # Company Software/Tool Type
Active Filter Design Application FILTERPRO Texas Instruments Application Software
Code Composer Essentials v3 Core Edition - Free 16KB IDE MSP-CCE430 Texas Instruments Compilers/Assemblers/Linkers
SWIFT Designer Software Tool SWIFT-SW Texas Instruments Application Software

News Releases & Authored Articles

News Releases

Date Headline
10 Jul 2007 TI Introduces Industry's Most Flexible 3.3-V, 2.5-V and 1.8-V Clock Generator Family

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