- Signal Specifications
- Video Format Standards
- Power Supply Connection
- Power Consumption
- Video Sync Distribution

Signal Specifications

To provide bandwidth necessary for high frequency signals at an acceptable level of power consumption, signals within the LZX Visionary system are standardized to 0 to 1 Volt, DC-coupled levels. This standard is the same, whether the signal represents a video image, digital logic, audio, or low frequency control voltages.  Consequently, all control and signal inputs are equally suitable for all of these signal types, which opens up a powerful level of patching flexibility. In addition, all logic and sync inputs within the system are followed by a high speed comparator, which means any signal will be automatically transformed into a logic signal with a threshold of 0.5 Volts without requiring an external comparator module.

Signal input and output impedances are similar to most other modular synthesizers, meaning that signals may be passively split without additional buffers or a video distribution amplifier.  In other words, one output can be patched to several inputs at once without noticeable loss of signal gain.

Using EuroRack Audio & Control Voltages
While LZX Visionary modules expect to receive signals of 0 to 1 Volt levels, system inputs are still safe for audio and control voltages generated by other EuroRack modules with higher voltage levels. However, in many cases the voltage scaling will not be ideal, and you may want to conform such signals to a 0 to 1 Volt range before using them with an LZX Visionary module. For this purpose, we offer Voltage Interface I as a solution for precision scaling of signals such as line level audio and 10 Volt audio and control voltages.

All signals patched within the system utilize 3.5mm mono cables and jacks.

Video Format Standards

The Video Sync Generator and Color Video Encoder modules define video standards and sync rates for video generation within an LZX Visionary system. Currently, the two supported standards are NTSC (29.97fps) and PAL (25fps) video as Composite or YC (S-Video) signals. Within the system, a full color image is represented by three separate signals, each representing one aspect of a Triple Colorspace. The most common Triple Colorspace is RGB (Red, Green & Blue) and represents an optical approach to mixing colors. However until these signals are patched into the Color Video Encoder, these definitions are arbitrary, and the processing modules do not make any assumptions about the way you wish to use them.

NTSC or PAL operation may be selected by configurable jumpers on the Video Sync Generator and Color Video Encoder modules as shown.

Despite Composite video’s reputation as a low resolution format, the analog signal path and bandwidth of LZX Visionary modules still produce sharp, clear pictures which can be captured in pristine detail by quality video capture and upscaling devices for professional post-production workflows. Many alternative techniques for entering the modern digital video workflow also exist.

We feel confident in analog Composite video’s ability to remain viable as an effective artistic medium, however in the future and according to user demand, we may implement alternative sync generation and/or video output modules to support other video formats. Since these standards are not presumed by the system’s analog processing and signal generation modules, and their bandwidth performance is well above the requirements of NTSC and PAL video, different versions of these modules for alternative formats will not be required.

Recommended Reading
Maxim App Note 734 – Video Basics
Maxim App Note 1184 – Understanding Analog Video Signals
Maxim App Note 750 – Bandwidth Versus Video Resolution

Power Supply Connection

DC power is supplied to each module by a 16-Pin Dual Row IDC Cable.  In addition to supplying power to the module, some LZX Visionary modules make use of two extra connections (CV & Gate) on the power connector for convenient connection of sync signals from the Video Sync Generator module.  These two sync distribution busses are referred to as Sync Bus 1 & Sync Bus 2.

In some cases, larger EuroRack cases will have separate power supplies and power distribution boards, which will not pass the Sync Bus 1 & Sync Bus 2 rails between them. In order to circumvent this issue, ensure that your Video Sync Generator module is connected on the same power distribution board as modules which require the Sync Bus 1 & Sync Bus 2 connection. In larger system cases, in order to enable Sync Bus 1 & Sync Bus 2 connections on all distribution boards in a case, special cables to connect the distribution boards to each other will be required. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide cables for your specific needs.

Current modules using Sync Bus 1 & Sync Bus 2
Video Waveform Generator

Many EuroRack power supplies do not supply a +5V power rail, so LZX Visionary modules requiring +5V power include selection jumpers which may be configured to utilize the module’s internal +5V voltage regulator or an external +5V power rail.  By default, these jumpers are set to select the module’s internal +5V voltage regulator, which draws power from the +12V power rail.

All modules are protected against reverse polarity to a limited extent, and power headers are keyed with a notch on one side. However most EuroRack power distribution boards do not have keyed headers, so please take extreme care that power connectors are inserted in the proper orientation! The red line on the power cable should be oriented towards the -12V power rail both on the module and on the power distribution board.

For more information on the Doepfer power distribution standards, please visit the Doepfer A-100 Technical Details page.

A 10 inch power cable is included with each LZX Visionary module.

Power Consumption

LZX Visionary modules have slightly greater power supply demands than average EuroRack audio modules due to their high bandwidth circuitry. Our goal for system design power budget is no more than 10mA per HP unit in relationship to panel size, or 840mA per 3U row in standard case sizes. Most LZX Visionary modules do not consume quite this much power, but it can be used as a general baseline when gauging the power supply needs of your EuroRack case. Our recommendations on power supply sizes per case size are below. We are working with some case manufacturers to supply an out of the box video case solution, and we will augment this section with further details as this becomes available.

Video Sync Distribution

In the case of some modules, additional video synchronization signals must be passed from the Video Sync Generator via a special 14-Pin Dual Row IDC Cable. Our method for distributing video synchronization signals is an open standard which we encourage other manufacturers to implement in their own video modules where desired.

Current modules requiring video sync distribution
Color Video Encoder
Video Ramps

Video sync distribution cables are supplied with the modules that require them. Currently, most systems will only contain a single Color Video Encoder module, so a single cable is all that is required to connect it to the Video Sync Generator module. As we release more modules that require video sync distribution, we will offer daisy-chaining cables or busboard solutions. For the time being, if your system requires more than one Color Video Encoder, you will need a specialty cable to connect the additional modules to the Video Sync Generator module. Please contact us via e-mail with a copy of your module receipts and we will be happy to provide you with this cable free of charge.