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New DVI (Digital Video Interface) Analyzer from Quantum Data Introduces a Revolutionary Design and Unique Test Capabilities Quantum Data (Elgin, Illinois) recently introduced a new unit featuring a revolutionary design that tests the quality of a DVI signal from any video source or cable—the 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer. This new test generator analyzes DVI data that lets users know whether their products meet DVI error specifications and whether their units will inter-operate reliably with others in the marketplace. This new generator also enables users to manage the test parameters to meet their needs. The 802B DVI-SASI features two DVI connectors. One connector is equivalent to the familiar DVI output found on existing generator products, which emulates a host by generating video signals. The second—and revolutionary-in-design connector—allows the 802B to emulate a high-performance display and analyze inbound video coming either from the generator itself or from an external source. Current DVI error-measurement methods require expensive equipment and are very time-consuming. However, with Quantum Data's new 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer, measurements can be made in fractions of seconds, making the process fast and therefore affordable for use on any production line. The 802B DVI-SASI analyzer is ideally suited for use in these markets: Source—products that create video output, including DVI video cards, set-top boxes, and other DVI generators Interconnect—products that connect components such as DVI cables, fiber-optic cable extenders, and distribution boxes Receiver—products that receive the video, such as monitors, TVs, and projectors Quantum Data's 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer uses two test modes. Pseudo-random-noise is an extremely fast algorithm that generates highly dynamic pixel data, and tests over 50 million pixels per second. In this test mode, errors are logged in real time and are displayed on the unit's LCD as PER (Pixel Error Rate) and as total errors. The other test mode is known as Delta Error Patch, which is a moving window that measures flickering pixels. In this mode, errors are recorded and displayed in their corresponding measurement window on an attached monitor. 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer options allow users to choose pixel error-rate testing or to capture individual pixel RGB component errors. Users can select their data-logging needs and view results on the unit's LCD, or send the results to a file or printer. A command interface allows use in an ATE system. The 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer also tests HDCP copy-protection authentication protocol for compliance, reads and returns EDID data, and offers a programmable single-link DVI analysis up to 165 MHz. The 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer is equipped with a Silicon Image Sil168 receiver and Sil 169 transmitter chips. Analyzers can be ordered with different manufacturers' DVI transmitter and receiver silicon to expand inter-operability testing. The DVI-SASI Analyzer is available as an option to the popular 802B Generator model. For additional information, contact: Chuck Evans, General Sales Manager, Quantum Data, Inc. 2111 Big Timber Road Elgin, IL 60123 Phone: (847) 888-0450 x 117 E-mail: sales@quantumdata.com

Quantum Data's extension of its existing Model 802B is well-covered in the company's press release. It's billed as a multimedia video-signal generator that can be used in quite a few video-related pieces of equipment, including CRTs and flat-panel displays, and also in projectors and HDTV components. It permits you to select from 150 popular built-in test images, or you can create your own. Note that this system is an evolutionary product series at Quantum Data, with a number of 802 predecessors in the heritage. The company also makes a line of portable video testers, which we have reviewed here in the past (see Lightweight Field-Upgradable Handhelds Generate Multiple Video/Display Signal Formats). This Model DVI-SASI Analyzer option provides anyone working with hosts, cables and interconnects, and monitors with the ability to test and verify the quality of the associated DVI signals. A basic 802B generator is priced at $3995, but the DVI-SASI Analyzer option adds $2000 to that. Dual Connectors As the press statement emphasizes, the instrument uses a pair of DVI connectors. Having two connectors lets you emulate a host or display, as well as analyze video. For input-signal analysis, you can use the box to analyze DVI signals from any external source, or from the generator's own DVI signal. The dual connector architecture also permits inbound video from either the generator itself or an external source to be analyzed for data errors, and/or for timing anomalies. The 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer can also be used to locate problems with cables, cable extenders, and distribution systems. The results are displayed on the system's front panel on a 16-character LCD, or results can be routed to an external PC via either a serial line or an IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) port. click for full-size image The inherent LCD shows vertical and horizontal rates, the currently used format, and the test image in use. The LCD is supported by a cluster of two prominent knobs and some pushbuttons. The knobs permit selection of video formats and test images from lists. The buttons let you draw alternate versions of images, and turn individual video elements and sync types on and off. The box also includes Universal Serial Bus connectivity, and packs a PCMCIA PC Card slot. The latter lets you plug in a 2 Mbyte RAM card. You can use it to transfer generator setups to other generators, a process called cloning. Cloning lets you program the generator using Quantum PC-hosted software, and then transfer it to as many generators as you wish that aren't hard-connected to your PC. Blocks of battery-backed memory can transfer video formats, test images, and test sequences. Every DTV Format Note that the well-endowed 802B DVI also handles just about every DTV format known to us, as well as analog TV. It will accommodate DVI to 165 MHz, RGB to 200 MHz, and LVDS signals to 224 MHz. The system also comes pre-programmed for these standard DTV output formats. A TV option is also available, with CVBS and S-video outputs for supporting NTSC, PAL, NTSC-J, NTSC-443, and PAL-60 video formats. The system also touts a 200 MHz analog pixel rate that's programmable for RGB and YPbPr signals. Over 500 video formats, images, and test sequences are built-in. These span VESA, ATSC, EIA-770.x, SMPTE 170, 240, 267, 274, 293, 295, 296, and EIA/CEA-861B. You can also set up custom sequences of test images and formats if you're doing repetitive testing. If you're designing a set-top box or a video card, you can use the 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer to verify a video signal's quality and timing. Equipped with a 4K × 4K × 8-bit video memory array, it lets you test a host's digital video interface—without inspecting a monitor screen. The DVI analyzer option also lets you use a pseudo-random noise-rendering application program, or data file. It's used to fill a video card's frame buffer with a sequence of dynamic pixel values. With the resulting video signal connected to the input of the analyzer, signal quality can be measured blindly, with test results delivered in numeric terms. In cases where the video source cannot support the rendering of pseudo-random noise data, a so-called delta-error measurement can be used. It counts flickering pixels in still-frame test images. Probes and Calibration Two other mentionable attributes are the 802B DVI-SASI system's probing and calibration. Using a probe signal, you can trigger an outboard oscilloscope or an inspection camera. You can also position a pulse anywhere in a video frame. The system is also self-calibrating, with analog video outputs adjusted automatically against an internal reference to ensure that levels are correct. In its press statement Quantum mentions that mode errors can be displayed in a measurement window on an attached monitor. What the company doesn't say is that this system is driven through a virtual control panel under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, or Windows 2000. Using Windows permits you to set things such as video format and image choices, as well as perform edits. You can also set sync and video gating controls, and modify knob choices. Your PC can also be the avenue for firmware upgrades using flash. The 802B DVI-SASI Analyzer can also communicate in a number of modes. It includes an RS-232 port, but can also be optionally fitted for the aforementioned IEEE-488 (GPIB) operation. Moreover, Quantum offers ATE interfaces and software that can embed the system into an existing ATE suite. Quantum also supplies drivers to use the system within a National Instruments LabView graphical programming environment. For more details, contact Glenn Conn. He's the firm's eastern regional sales manager. Phone: (740) 803-3519 or (740) 362-2094. If you're west of the Mississippi, contact Scott Drzewiecki, western regional sales manager, at (209) 474-0868.

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