The Intersil "MegaQ" devices introduced yesterday are designed to automatically equalize video over the popular and inexpensive Cat 5 cable as well as the more traditional coaxial cable. According to the company, MegaQ devices can deliver composite video images at distances over five times those currently possible, with a maximum length of 1 mile (1.67 km).
These parts enable cameras or video displays to be placed in remote areas, eliminating the need for repeaters and distribution hubs, making the family of devices (ISL59601/2/3/4/5) well suited for the security market.
MegaQ devices do not require any active circuitry at the transmission (or camera) end, so cameras already at remote sites or mounted on buildings or poles do not need to be retrofitted. The ISL59605 compensates for high frequency cable loss up to 60dB at 5MHz, as well as source amplitude variations up to ±3dB.
Inputs are AC-coupled and internally DC-restored to maximize common mode noise rejection. The output can drive 2 Vp-p into two source-terminated 75-Ω loads. The equalizers require a single +5V supply and consume only 500mW.
The ISL59601, ISL59602, ISL56903, ISL59604, and ISL59605 are sampling now in 4x4 20-lead QFN packages. Pricing for 1,000-piece units will start at $6.12 for the ISL59601.