I’m working on a project that requires the ability to convert ITU-R BT 601 digital output into NTSC analog signals. So I’m looking into making my own NTSC encoder card.
I’ve been looking at the Analog Devices ADV7176A chip as the encoder IC. The data sheet is located here: http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Dat … A_6A_c.pdf
On page 28 they discuss board design recommendations. They recommend having a separate analog and digital power plane as well as a ground plane.
What I’m wondering is how foolhardy is it to consider designing a 2-layer board using this chip. I’m not asking for someone to design this or to promise that it is definately possible, I just need to know if trying to attempt this is out in left field or not. This is my first time doing pcb design and this project is probably more complicated than what would be wise for a first attempt, but I need an encoder board, and well what’s more fun than diving in with both feet 
As an aside, would it be insane to attempt to breadboard this using one of those PQFP to DIP sockets?
I’m not expecting everything to work perfectly on the first attempt, which is why I’m reluctant to do a 4-layer (or more) design (where I’ll have to pay for 5 boards or whatevever the minimum number of pieces is at most pcb manufacturers).
Also, if anyone can recommend some sources that discuss design issues for mixed analog/digital board design, it would be very much appreciated.
I have not had much luck looking around to find if there are some pre-made boards available that don’t use ECL (ITU-R 656) parallel connections to transfer the ITU-R data.
Corbin