
AD8178
Rev. 0 | Page 26 of 40
THEORY OF OPERATION
The AD8178 is a nonblocking crosspoint with 16 RGB input
channels and 5 RGB output channels. Architecturally, the
AD8178 is a differential-in, differential-out crosspoint suited
for middle-of-Cat-5-run applications. Furthermore, its
differential-in, differential-out gain of +4 and its decoded H and
V sync outputs make it the ideal solution for driving a monitor
directly. The ability to set the output common-mode (CM) and
black level through external pins offers additional flexibility.
Processing of CM voltage levels is achieved by placing the AD8178
in either of its two operation modes. In the first operation mode
(CMENC low), the input CM of each RGB differential pair
(possibly present in the form of either sync-on CM signaling or
noise) is removed through the switch, and the output CM is set
to a global reference voltage via the VOCM_CMENCOFF analog
input. In this mode, the AD8178 behaves as a traditional
differential-in, differential-out switch. If sync-on CM signaling
is present at the differential RGB inputs, then the H and V
outputs represent decoded syncs. In the second operation mode
(CMENC high), input sync-on CM signaling is propagated
through the switch with unity gain. In this mode, the overall
output CM is set to a global reference voltage via the
VOCM_CMENCON analog input. Note that in both operation
modes, the overall input CM is blocked through the switch.
Input Pin VBLK defines the black level of the positive output
phase. The combination of VBLK and VOCM_CMENCOFF
allows the user to position the positive and negative output
phases anywhere in the allowable output voltage range, thus
maximizing output headroom usage.
The switch is organized into five 16:1 RBG multiplexers, with
each being responsible for connecting an RGB input channel to
its respective RGB output channel. Decoding logic selects a single
input (or none) in each multiplexer and connects it to its respective
output. Feedback around each multiplexer realizes a closed-loop
differential-in, differential-out gain of +2 in the core.
Each differential RGB input channel is buffered by a differential
receiver that is capable of accepting input CM voltages extending
all the way to either supply rail. Excess closed-loop receiver
bandwidth reduces the effect of the receiver on the overall device
bandwidth. Feedback around each differential receiver realizes
a gain of +2 yielding an overall differential-in, differential-out
crosspoint gain of +4. A separate loop realizes a closed-loop
common-mode gain of +1.
The output stage is designed for fast slew rate and settling time,
while driving a series-terminated Cat-5 cable. Unlike competing
multiplexer designs, the small signal bandwidth closely approaches
the large signal bandwidth.
The outputs of the AD8178 can be disabled to minimize on-chip
power dissipation. When disabled, there is only a common-
mode feedback network of 2.7 kΩ between the differential outputs.
This high impedance allows multiple ICs to be bussed together
without additional buffering. Care must be taken to reduce
output capacitance, which can result in overshoot and frequency-
domain peaking. A series of internal amplifiers drive internal
nodes such that wideband high impedance is presented at the
disabled output, even while the output bus experiences fast signal
swings. When the outputs are disabled and driven externally, the
voltage applied to them should not exceed the valid output swing
range for the AD8178 to keep these internal amplifiers in their
linear range of operation. Applying excessive differential voltages
to the disabled outputs can cause damage to the AD8178 and
for guidelines).
The connectivity of the AD8178 is controlled by a flexible TTL-
compatible logic interface. Either parallel or serial loading into
a first rank of latches preprograms each output. A global update
signal moves the programming data into the second rank of latches,
simultaneously updating all outputs. In serial mode, a serial-out
pin allows devices to be daisy-chained together for a single-pin
programming of multiple ICs. A power-on reset pin is available
to avoid bus conflicts by disabling all outputs. This power-on
reset clears the second rank of latches but does not clear the first
rank of latches. In serial mode, preprogramming individual inputs
is not possible and the entire shift register needs to be flushed. A
global chip-select pin gates the input clock and the global update
signal to the second rank of buffers.
The AD8178 can operate on a single 5 V supply, powering both
the signal path (with the VPOS/VNEG supply pins) and the control
logic interface (with the VDD/DGND supply pins). Split supply
operation is possible with ±2.5 V supplies that easily interface to
ground-referenced video signals. In this case, a flexible logic
interface allows the control logic supplies (VDD/DGND) to be
run off 5 V/0 V to 3.3 V/0 V while the analog core remains on
split supplies. Additional flexibility in the analog output common-
mode level (VOCM_CMENCOFF) and output black level (VBLK)
facilitates operation with unequally split supplies. If +3 V/2 V
supplies to +2 V/3 V supplies are desired, the output CM can
still be set to 0 V for ground-referenced video signals.