Abstract: A universal cable interface and associated system and method are provided for coupling a transmission medium to a processing device. The universal cable interface can selectively operate in a first (input) mode and a second (output) mode. The universal cable interface can also handle different types of data, such as standard definition video data and high definition video data. When operating in the first mode, the universal cable interface may receive serial data over the transmission medium and convert the serial data into a parallel format for transmission to the processing device. When operating in the second mode, the universal cable interface may receive parallel data from the processing device and convert the parallel data into a serial format for transmission over the transmission medium.

Abstract: A test system includes a test data generator to provide test data (e.g., a test pattern) to a subject circuit (e.g., a digital television video circuit). The test data is functionally to verify the subject circuit. The functional verification of the subject circuit is performed utilizing an output of the subject circuit generated responsive to the test data in accordance with an operational functionality of the subject circuit. The test data generator is also coupled to provide the test data to a built-in self-test (BIST) circuit so as to enable the built-in self-test circuit to receive the test data.

Abstract: A test system includes a test data generator to provide test data (e.g., a test pattern) to a subject circuit (e.g., a digital television video circuit). The test data is functionally to verify the subject circuit. The functional verification of the subject circuit is performed utilizing an output of the subject circuit generated responsive to the test data in accordance with an operational functionality of the subject circuit. The test data generator is also coupled to provide the test data to a built-in self-test (BIST) circuit so as to enable the built-in self-test circuit to receive the test data.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog (D/A) converter using cyclical current source switching to average out the errors in individual current sources. The D/A converter includes a current source switching circuit, a bank of constant current sources and a control circuit. The current source switching circuit, which is clocked by the control circuit, generates an upper and a lower pointer in accordance with a digital input signal. The upper pointer, which is advanced for an increasing digital input signal, connects current sources to an output bus. The lower pointer, which is advanced for a decreasing digital input signal, disconnects current source from the output bus. The upper and lower pointers continuously cycle through the bank of current sources to average out the errors in the individual current sources.