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Aurora Design SCRF User And Technical Manual

Standards converter with rf modulator
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Standards Converter
with
RF Modulator
Model's SCRF
User and Technical
Manual

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Summary of Contents for Aurora Design SCRF

  • Page 1 Standards Converter with RF Modulator Model’s SCRF User and Technical Manual...
  • Page 2 Copyright 2006-9 Aurora Design LLC. Revision 2.2 6 August, 2009 All specifications subject to change www.tech-retro.com...
  • Page 3 Introduction Introduction This manual covers the operation and technical aspects of the Single-Standard Converter with RF Modulator. The Converter is designed to accept an NTSC or PAL/SECAM video signal and convert to one of several different output standards depending on the model. The converted video is sent to the built-in RF Modulator, along with the audio, and to a composite video output connector.

  • Page 4: Front Panel

    Introduction Front Panel The front panel is shown below: Composite Left Right Video Audio Audio Input Input Input Status Audio Level Composite Video Input: The Composite video input signal required depends on the operating mode and model of the converter. If the converter is enabled (not bypassed), then a video source conforming to the NTSC or PAL/SECAM video standards must be supplied to the Composite (RCA or BNC) input connector.

  • Page 5: Status Led

    Introduction to set the modulation depth of the audio RF carrier to suite the source level. Please refer to Specifications sections found later in this manual. Status LED: The status LED conveys the current operating state of the converter. Slow Flashing: No video input signal detected. Default image will be output. Solid: Converter locked to video input.

  • Page 6: Composite Video Output

    Introduction Composite Video Output: This RCA or BNC connector provides the video output from the converter. This output should terminate into a 75 ohm load. This output is only valid when the converter is not set to bypass mode. If the converter is set to bypass mode, no signal will be present at this output.

  • Page 7: Internal Options

    Introduction Caution! Because of the nature of the partial-field memory contained in this unit, the default image is stored in bands of several lines at a time. If the connected video is not stationary during the storing process, the resulting image will be distorted. The best way to provide a stationary image for storing is to use the output from a computer video card, or a DVD/PVR player in pause.
  • Page 8 Introduction The internal Option Switch S1 has six controls allowing the user to set the operating mode of the converter. In order to change the switch settings, the cover must be removed from the unit. To do this, first remove all cables from the unit, including the power cable.
  • Page 9 Introduction Position 2 - RF System Select: (All other models) This switch is used to select between two different RF Systems. It is currently implemented only on the SCRF441NM, SCRF343M, SCRF819F and SCRF819L models. This switch should be OFF for 1946 System M channel assignments, and ON for 1940 System M channel assignments on the SCRF441NM model.

  • Page 10: Operating Modes

    Introduction Position 4 - Audio Tone Disable: (All models) This switch is used to disable the Audio Tone in the default mode. When this switch is OFF the Audio Tone will output when no valid video source is connected to the converter.

  • Page 11: Default Mode

    Introduction Converter Only Mode: This mode is similar to the Normal Full Operating Mode except the RF Channel selection switch is set to ‘0’ disabling the RF modulator. In this mode the converted video output will only be present on the composite video output connector. This mode is useful when connecting to a video monitor that has a composite video input.

  • Page 12: Typical Connections

    Introduction Typical Connections In normal usage, the desired RF Channel is chosen on the RF Channel Select switch as previously described. The power adapter is connected to the converter and to the AC power source. A valid NTSC or PAL/SECAM video source should then be connected to the video input.

  • Page 13: Theory Of Operation

    Introduction Theory of Operation In order to convert between different video standards of the same frame rate, only spatial correction is required. Spatial correction involves changing the resolution, size and aspect ratio of the incoming video to the output video format. This can be easily achieved through standard digital methods utilizing scalers and FIR filters.
  • Page 14 Introduction Topology A block diagram of the circuitry is shown below: Options Image Selector/ Memory Push- (F LAS H) Button FPGA V i d e o Video DAC, Composite Composite Filter Input Partial- Output V i d e o D ec od er Field Driver Memory...
  • Page 15 Introduction Note that the vertical frequency is 29.97Hz for NTSC, not 30Hz as expected. This is due to the NTSC color system that was first ratified in 1953. All monochrome television transmissions prior to this standard used exactly 30Hz, or 30 frames per second, so as to be in sync with the AC line frequency. This is done to reduce distortions in the image due to induced AC fields or “hum”...
  • Page 16 Introduction video DAC during the active portions of the video signal. The DAC is run at a two to four times over sampled rate to reduce filtering requirements and increase SNR. The video is then filtered and buffered before being sent to the composite output connector and to the RF Modulator section.

  • Page 17: Spatial Correction

    Introduction Spatial Correction: With an output clock now available, the image can be processed. In order to convert between different video standards, the video image must first be spatially converted. Many aspects need to be taken into account such as image aspect ratio, and the number of active lines.
  • Page 18 Introduction Outputting Pixels: Once the output pixels are generated, they are up-sampled by a factor of two to four by creating pixel values in-between the actual ones. These are then sent on to the DAC converter, in this case a proprietary converter that uses a combination of R2R ladder and PWM techniques.
  • Page 19 Introduction Hardware Setup and Test Mode There is a hidden mode of operation that is used during initial setup and test of the converter that may be useful to those users with a technical understanding of the operation of a standards converter. No harm can be done to the unit by simply entering this mode, but care should be taken if the following alignment procedure is attempted.

  • Page 20: Updating Firmware

    Introduction Mode 6: In this mode, a video test pattern consisting of a multi-burst will be output from the unit on both the composite output and RF output. This test can be used to align a television set for frequqncy reponse. There are 7 bands of assending frequency, each ratiometrically derrived from the Interpolator clock frequency listed in the Support Conversions section.

  • Page 21: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications Video Input: Supported Standards: NTSC 29.97fps / PAL 25fps / SECAM 25fps Video Quantization: 9bit A/D, 8 bit data Video Input: Composite - 1Vpp, 75 ohm impedance Video Output: Video Output: Composite - 1Vpp into 75 ohms Video Quantization: 10 bit Effective D/A Video Levels: +/- 3% of output standard...
  • Page 22 Specifications General: Dimensions: 2.60” X 2.60” X 1.00” (66mm X 66mm X 25mm) Weight: 2.5oz (70g) Power Requirements: 9Vdc typical, 7-14Vdc maximum 2.0 watts typical (Full Operation) 1.0 watt typical (Sleep Mode) Humidity: 20% - 80% non-condensing Temperature: 10C - 45C ambient (50F - 110F)
  • Page 23 Supported Conversions Supported Conversions NTSC to 525/30i Sequential Color: Image / Pixel Aspect Ratios: 4:3 / 1.13 [0.88] Interpolator Clock / Oversample: 40.5 MHz / 2X Active Pixels / Lines : 720 / 480 Horizontal / Vertical Frequency: 15,735 Hz / 29.97 Hz Video Characteristics: 6.7 MHz [5.3 MHz], 1Vpp into 75 ohms, composite sync, 70/30 video/sync ratio...
  • Page 24 Supported Conversions PAL/SECAM to 455/25i: Image / Pixel Aspect Ratios: 4:3 / 1.29 [1.03] Interpolator Clock / Oversample: 29.5 MHz / 3X Active Pixels / Lines: 720 / 410 Horizontal / Vertical Frequency: 11,375 Hz / 25.0 Hz Video Characteristics: 4.9 MHz [3.8 MHz], 1Vpp into 75 ohms, composite sync, 70/30 video/sync ratio PAL/SECAM to 441/25i:...
  • Page 25 Supported RF Systems Supported RF Systems System A: Positive video modulation, AM audio modulation, audio carrier level -6dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF Disabled OFF-OFF-OFF-ON 45.00 MHz 41.5 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-OFF 51.75 MHz 48.25 MHz...
  • Page 26 Supported RF Systems System E: Positive video modulation, AM audio modulation, audio carrier level -6dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF Disabled OFF-OFF-OFF-ON 46.00 MHz 42.00 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-OFF 52.40 MHz 41.25 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-ON 65.55 MHz...
  • Page 27 Supported RF Systems System F: Positive video modulation, AM audio modulation, audio carrier level -6dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF Disabled OFF-OFF-OFF-ON 41.25 MHz 46.75 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-OFF 42.25 MHz 47.75 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-ON 48.25 MHz...
  • Page 28 Supported RF Systems System M (1946 - AM or FM Audio): Negative video modulation, AM or FM audio modulation depending on model, AM audio carrier level -6dB, FM audio carrier level -12dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency...
  • Page 29 Supported RF Systems System M (1940): Negative video modulation, AM audio modulation, audio carrier level -6dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF Disabled OFF-OFF-OFF-ON 51.25 MHz 55.75 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-OFF 67.25 MHz 71.75 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-ON 73.25 MHz...
  • Page 30 Supported RF Systems System M (1937): Negative video modulation, AM audio modulation, audio carrier level -6dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF Disabled OFF-OFF-OFF-ON 45.25 MHz 49.75 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-OFF 51.25 MHz 55.75 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-ON 67.25 MHz...
  • Page 31 Supported RF Systems System M (1934): Negative video modulation, AM audio modulation, audio carrier level -6dB Switch Positions Channel Video Audio 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Assignment Frequency Frequency OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF Disabled OFF-OFF-OFF-ON 44.75 MHz 47.00 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-OFF 49.75 MHz 52.00 MHz OFF-OFF-ON-ON 54.75 MHz...

  • Page 32: Available Models

    Supported RF Systems Available Models Model No. SCRF-343M NTSC to 343/30i with all System M (1937) and System M (1934) channels Model No. SCRF-343A NTSC to 343/30i with all System A channels Model No. SCRF-441NM NTSC to 441/30i with all System M (1946) and System M (1940) channels Model No.

  • Page 33: Firmware Revision History

    Revision 1.6, June 12, 2006: 1) Added Sleep Disable feature to Option switch position 7. 2) Modified SCRF-819F and SCRF819L units for dual RF system capability. Revision 1.5, May 18, 2006: 1) Increased accuracy of sine wave generator for internal test modes.

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