IntroductionOverview
The Model 400 SDI-Over-Fibre Transport System consists of two single-rack-space components. The Model 400-12T is a 12-channel electrical-to-optical (E2O) unit, while the companion Model 400-12R is a 12-channel optical-to-electrical (O2E) unit. The front panel of each unit features a day-/night-readable display, menu navigation buttons, status LEDs, and a power switch. The back panels include connections for AC mains and DC power, four ST optical connectors, 24 BNC connectors, and an RJ45 jack for Ethernet interface.
Technology
The Model 400 System uses a novel hardware implementation to transport 12 SDI signals over four single-mode optical fibres. The Model 400-12T's 12 SDI inputs are arranged as four groups, with each group of three SDI signals being transported over one fibre at wavelengths of 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm. In typical applications the launch power is such that signals can be transported over a minimum distance of 10 kilometres.
The system supports SD (270 Mb/s), HD (1.485 Gb/s), and 3G (2.97 Gb/s) SDI signals. 3G signals can be in either Level A or Level B format. The system also supports video signals in the DVB-ASI (270 Mb/s) format. Each of the Model 400's 12 SDI channels is independent, allowing any combination of these formats to be transported.
For special applications up to 24 HD-SDI, signals can be pre-multiplexed into 12 3G (SMPTE 424M) Level B signals. The Model 400 will then transport those 24 HD signals over the four fibres.
Each of the Model 400-12T's inputs has an associated re-clocked output. This can be extremely useful, allowing a signal source to be routed to another Model 400 input or to the input on another SDI-compatible device.
The Model 400-12R receives the four single-mode fibre signals that originate in the Model 400-12T, de-multiplexes them into 12 optical channels, and converts them into electrical signals. These SDI signals are then re-clocked and sent to two independent output drivers associated with each of the 12 output channels.
Dual Power Capability
The Model 400-12T and Model 400-12R allow an AC mains source of 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz to be connected. The units can also be DC powered using a 10-18 volt source connected via a broadcast-standard 4-pin XLR connector.
If both AC and DC power sources are connected to a Model 400, the unit will be powered by the AC mains supply. Only if the AC mains source fails will a load be placed on the DC source. This allows a source of DC, typically a battery pack, to serve in a backup capacity. With this arrangement normal SDI-over-fibre transport operation can continue in the event that AC mains power is lost.
Remote Monitoring and Configuration
The Model 400-12T and Model 400-12R each have an embedded web server that allows the user to monitor system status through any web-enabled device such as a personal computer or smartphone. Status can also be communicated using SNMP, making it possible to integrate the unit's monitoring information into a custom software application.
The Model 400-12T's main monitoring screen lets the operator check the presence of AC and DC power sources as well as individual SDI input channel status, data format, and whether the optical transmitters are enabled. The Model 400-12R's main monitoring screen displays the received signal strength for each of the four fibres, a particularly useful feature for system troubleshooting.
The embedded web server also provides a configuration menu, allowing a variety of monitoring parameters to be set. These include alarms for loss of AC or DC power, operating temperatures, and low optical receive level. Additional screens provide access to SNMP, network IP address, and front-panel display configurations. Advanced diagnostics permit monitoring of system power consumption, internal temperature, firmware revisions, and error status.
Simple Installation
While the Ethernet-accessed monitoring and configuration functions enhance the utility of the Model 400 units they are not necessary for SDI-over-fibre transport operation. The Model 400-12T and Model 400-12R will deliver reliable, high-quality performance with no other user actions outside of making SDI-over-coaxial cable, fibre, and power connections. All back panel connectors are clearly labelled for simple, fast, and intuitive use.
ApplicationThe system is compatible with all common broadcast serial digital video formats and is suitable for remote trucks, live-event video distribution, and fixed links between production centres and remote sites.
FeaturesModel 400 General Features
• Multi-channel electrical-to-optical (E2O) and optical-to-electrical (O2E) SDI transport
• 12 format-independent SDI data paths over four single-mode optical fibres
• Supports 3G (SMPTE 424M), HD (SMPTE 292), and SD (SMPTE 259M) SDI, as well as DVB-ASI
• Fibre transport based on SMPTE 297 standard
• Dual power capability: AC mains or DC; when both sources are present system is AC mains powered and DC supply acts as a backup
• Ethernet port provides system configuration and performance monitoring using web pages or SNMP
• Front-panel features include status display, navigation buttons, power switch, and LED indicators
• 1U enclosure weighs less than 2.7 kg
Model 400-12T E2O Unit Features
• 12 SDI inputs, each with re-clocked loop-through output
• Four single-mode optical outputs, each transmitting three SDI signals using CWDM multiplexing
Model 400-12R O2E Unit Features
• Four single-mode optical inputs, CWDM de-multiplexed to 12 re-clocked SDI signals
• Monitoring of optical receive levels
• 12 SDI output channels, each with two independently buffered outputs
Other available configurations include:
• Model 400-6T/6R
• Model 400-9T/3R
• Model 400-3T/9R
• Model 400-6T
• Model 400-6R
• Model 400-3T/3R
Downloads Studio Technologies model 400 data sheet
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