Introduction
With the world dominance of personal computer systems,
demand for long distance component video transmission is
increasing at an unprecedented pace. The applications
areas of greatest demand are KVM systems, server farms,
information message boards and educational classrooms.
This application note provides in-depth information on some
of the most important physical support technologies and
constraints; CAT-5 cable characteristics, SXGA video
standards and video amplifier/line drivers and receiver
bandwidth and slew rate requirements. The trade-offs of
differential line driver and receiver topologies are discussed
in detail. This application note also presents termination
techniques and video equalization strategies. Further design
issues involving power supply schemes and video timing
transmissions are also also described.
The goal of this application note is to present the most current
design methods for transmitting high bandwidth SXGA video
signal over long distances of CAT-5 cable (300m or more). The
enormous cost benefits of CAT-5 cable will also be discussed;
for instance, the average cost of a 100m of CAT-5 cable is $20
while the average cost of a 100m of Coax Cable could easily
exceed $240. Furthermore, wiring is reduced from a bulky hard
to manage bundle of 3 cables to 1 easily pulled cable.
Additionally, CAT-5 cable has a 4th twisted pair available, which
can be used for KVM signal, audio, timing or control signal
transmission.