The SFC-6901 is a high-quality multi-channel UHD SDI conversion solution designed for use within the openGear family of products. It functions as an SDI to Fiber I/O Converter, allowing for the conversion of SDI signals to fiber optic signals and vice versa, supporting various HD and UHD formats. This device is a modular system, comprising two sub-systems: a main PCB that connects to the rear module and the openGear frame midplane, and a daughter card that connects to the main PCB and the rear module. The rear module is a P/N 8322AR-335, which provides physical connectors for the SDI inputs and SFP modules.
Function Description
The SFC-6901's primary function is to convert and manage SDI signals, supporting up to 12Gbps data rates for single fiber communications. It features a gearbox that enables multiplexing and demultiplexing of up to four 1.485Gbps, 2.97Gbps, 5.94Gbps, or 11.88Gbps SDI signals into a single 6G or 12G signal to reduce fiber cabling requirements. This individual muxed signal preserves all of the VANC/HANC space and all full recovery of the audio and metadata. The device can operate in two main gearbox modes: De-multiplexing (DEMUX) and Multiplexing (MUX). In DEMUX mode, a single-link 5.94Gbps SDI input signal is demuxed into four 1.485Gbps output signals, or a single-link 11.88Gbps SDI input signal is demuxed into four 2.97Gbps output signals. In MUX mode, four 1.485Gbps input signals are muxed into a single-link 5.94Gbps output signal, or four 2.98Gbps input signals are muxed into a single-link 11.88Gbps output signal.
The SFC-6901 also supports a bypass gearbox mode, where the default I/O mapping depends on the type of SFP modules installed in the rear module. The SDI ports can be mapped as required, and only the SFP ports are read-only. The I/O designation of each SFP port is automatically detected when the port is populated.
Important Technical Specifications
The SFC-6901 supports a wide range of video formats, including HD formats (720p 50Hz to 1080p 60Hz) and UHD formats (2160p 23.98Hz to 2160p 60Hz).
- Number of Inputs: 4 bi-directional
- Connector Type: HD-BNC
- Standards Accommodated: 1.485Gbps Component, SMPTE 292M; 2.97Gbps Component, SMPTE 424M; 5.94Gbps Component, SMPTE 2081; 11.88Gbps Component, SMPTE 2082
- Impedance: 75ohm
- Return Loss: >15dB to 1.5GHz, >10dB to 3GHz, >7dB to 6GHz, >4dB to 12GHz
- Equalization (Belden 1694A cable): >200m (656ft) @ 1.485Gbps, >125m (410ft) @ 2.97Gbps, >70m (229ft) @ 5.94Gbps, >50m (164ft) @ 11.88Gbps
SDI Outputs:
- Number of Outputs: 4 bi-directional
- Connector Type: HD-BNC
- Impedance: 75ohm
- Return Loss: >15dB to 1.5GHz, >10dB to 3GHz, >7dB to 6GHz, >4dB to 12GHz
- Signal Level: ± 800mV 10%
- DC Offset: 0V +/- 50mV
- Rise and Fall Time (20-80%): 1.485Gbps: <270ps, <100ps difference; 2.97Gbps: <135ps, <50ps difference; 5.94Gbps: <80ps, <30ps difference; 11.88Gbps: <45ps, <18ps difference
- Jitter: <1.0UI 10Hz-100kHz, <0.2UI above 100kHz (1.485Gbps); <2.0UI 10Hz-100kHz, <0.3UI above 100kHz (2.97Gbps); <2.0UI 10Hz-100kHz, <0.3UI above 100kHz (5.94Gbps); <2.0UI 10Hz-100kHz, <0.3UI above 100kHz, band limit @1188MHz (11.88Gbps)
- Overshoot: <10%
Environment:
- Maximum Ambient Temperature: 40°C (104°F)
Power:
- Maximum Power Consumption: 10W
Supported SFP Modules:
The SFC-6901 supports various SFP modules, including:
- SFP-FIBER-12G: A single optical transceiver module supporting data rates up to 12Gbps.
- Features: SMPTE 297-2006 compatible for SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 12G-SDI; compliant with SFS-8472, SMPTE 297, SMPTE 259, SMPTE 292, SMPTE 424, SMPTE 2081, and SMPTE 2082; 1310 DFB laser diode with CML logic interface; duplex LC receptacle; up to 10km on 9/125µm SMF; single 3.3V power supply; operating temperature range: 0°C to 70°C; SFP package size: 56.5mm x 13.4mm x 8.6mm.
- Absolute Maximum Ratings: Supply Voltage 0V to +3.6V; Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C; Relative Humidity 5% to 95%.
- Recommended Operating Environment and Electrical Ratings: Supply Voltage +3.2V to +3.4V (typical +3.3V); Supply Current - to 300mA; Operating Case Temperature 0°C to +70°C; Data Rate - to 11.88Gbps.
- Receiver Optical Specifications: Max Input Power 0dBm; Operation Center Wavelength 1260nm to 1580nm; Loss of Signal Assert -25dBm, De-assert -11dBm; LOS Hysteresis 1dB.
- Transmitter Optical Specifications: Output Sensitivity -11dBm; Maximum Output Power -5dBm (typical 1dBm); Wavelength 1290nm (typical 1330nm); Extinction Ratio 3.5dB.
- SFP-FIBER-12G-2R: A dual optical receiver module supporting data rates up to 12Gbps.
- Features: Non-MSA compliant; SMPTE 297-2006 compatible for SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 12G-SDI; compliant with SFS-8472, SMPTE 297, SMPTE 259, SMPTE 292, SMPTE 424, SMPTE 2081, and SMPTE 2082; 1310 DFB laser diode with CML logic interface; duplex LC receptacle; up to 10km on 9/125µm SMF; single 3.3V power supply; operating temperature range: 0°C to 70°C; SFP package size: 56.5mm x 13.4mm x 8.6mm.
- Absolute Maximum Ratings: Supply Voltage 0V to +3.6V; Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C; Relative Humidity 5% to 95%.
- Recommended Operating Environment and Electrical Ratings: Supply Voltage +3.2V to +3.4V (typical +3.3V); Supply Current - to 300mA; Operating Case Temperature 0°C to +70°C; Data Rate - to 11.88Gbps.
- Optical Specifications: Receiver Sensitivity -11dBm; Maximum Input Power 0dBm; Operation Center Wavelength 1260nm to 1580nm; Loss of Signal Assert -25dBm, De-assert -11dBm; LOS Hysteresis 1dB.
- SFP-FIBER-12G-2T: A dual optical transmitter module supporting data rates up to 12Gbps.
- Features: Non-MSA compliant; SMPTE 297-2006 compatible for SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 12G-SDI; compliant with SFS-8472, SMPTE 297, SMPTE 259, SMPTE 292, SMPTE 424, SMPTE 2081, and SMPTE 2082; 1310 DFB laser diode with CML logic interface; duplex LC receptacle; up to 10km on 9/125µm SMF; single 3.3V power supply; operating temperature range: 0°C to 70°C; SFP package size: 56.5mm x 13.4mm x 8.6mm.
- Absolute Maximum Ratings: Supply Voltage 0V to +3.6V; Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C; Relative Humidity 5% to 95%.
- Recommended Operating Environment and Electrical Ratings: Supply Voltage +3.2V to +3.4V (typical +3.3V); Supply Current - to 300mA; Operating Case Temperature 0°C to +70°C; Data Rate - to 11.88Gbps.
- Optical Specifications: Maximum Output Power -5dBm (typical 1dBm); Wavelength 1290nm (typical 1330nm); Extinction Ratio 3.5dB.
Usage Features
The SFC-6901 is managed through the DashBoard Control System, which allows users to monitor and control openGear frames and cards. The DashBoard software provides an intuitive graphical user interface for configuring the device.
Installation:
- The SFC-6901 card is installed into an OG3-FR or OGX-FR series frame.
- Blank plates must be removed from the designation frame slots, and the required rear module must be installed into the frame rear panel.
- The SFC-6901 card is then inserted into the openGear frame.
- Physical cabling involves connecting external devices to the SDI inputs and outputs on the SFC-6901 rear module. For fiber optic connections, care must be taken to insert connectors properly to avoid damage and ensure optimal performance.
Configuration:
- Launching DashBoard: Ensure DashBoard software version 9.5.0 or higher is running. Launch DashBoard by double-clicking its icon on your computer desktop.
- Accessing the SFC-6901 Interface: The SFC-6901 interface is accessed by double-clicking the SFC-6901 node in the DashBoard Tree View. The basic Tree View of DashBoard locates the openGear frame, and the openGear frame node displays a list of sub-nodes. Each sub-node represents a slot in the frame that is populated with an openGear card. Double-click the SFC-6901 sub-node to display its interface in the DashBoard window.
- Gearbox Setup: Configure the SFC-6901 for De-multiplexing or Multiplexing modes using the "Configuration" tab in DashBoard. Select the desired "Gearbox Mode" (DEMUX SL 6G -> QL 1.5G, DEMUX SL 12G -> QL 3G, MUX QL 1.5G -> SL 6G, MUX QL 3G -> SL 12G).
- Bypassing the Gearbox: Set the "Gearbox Mode" to "Bypass Gearbox" in the "Configuration" tab. Configure SDI BNCs by selecting "SDI Direction" (Input/Output) and "SDI Output Source" in the "Configuration" tab.
- Monitoring: The DashBoard provides various menus to monitor the device's status and parameters:
- Signal Tab: Displays information about SDI signals and SFP modules, including signal lock status, alarm status, unsupported formats, and incompatible video.
- Product Tab: Shows read-only information about the product, supplier, hardware version, rear module, board S/N, and software revision.
- Hardware Tab: Provides details on voltage, current, CPU headroom, RAM, configuration bank, uptime, SFP vendor, SFP P/N, SFP status, temperature, Rx power, and Tx power.
- Configuration Tab: Summarizes the options displayed in the Configuration tab, including Gearbox Mode, Gearbox Status, Port #, Output Source, and Status.
- Alarms Tab: Summarizes hardware and gearbox alarms, indicating loss of specified signal or incompatible format.
- Settings Tab: Allows modification of edit permissions and factory defaults.
Maintenance Features
Routine maintenance for the SFC-6901 is not typically required. However, in the event of problems, troubleshooting and software upgrades are supported.
Troubleshooting:
- Visual Review: Perform a quick visual check for any physical damage or loose cables.
- Card Check: Verify that the main card is seated correctly in its frame slot and is fully mated to its rear module.
- Power Check: Verify the power indicator LED on the distribution frame front panel for the presence of power. If the power LED is not illuminated, verify that the power cable is connected to a power source and that power is available at the power main. Confirm that the power supplies are fully seated in their slots. If the power LED is still not illuminated, replace the power supply with one that is verified to work.
- Input Signal Status: Verify that the source equipment is operating correctly and that a valid signal is being supplied.
- Output Signal Path: Verify that the destination equipment is operating correctly and receiving a valid signal.
- Unit Exchange: If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, exchanging a suspect unit with a unit that is known to be working correctly is an efficient method for localizing problems.
- In the unlikely event of a complete card failure, a complete software reload on the SFC-6901 can be performed by ejecting the card from the frame, pressing and holding the Bootload button while re-inserting the card into the frame, and then releasing the button.
- The OK/ERROR LED flashes green while the card is waiting for a new software load.
- If a new software load is not sent to the card within 60 seconds, the card will attempt to re-start with its last operational software load.
- Software loads can be sent to the SFC-6901 via the connection on the rear of the frame.
Upgrading the Software:
- Contact Ross Technical Support for the latest software version file.
- Ensure the Ethernet cable is connected to the Ethernet port on the openGear frame.
- From the Tree View, expand the node for the SFC-6901.
- Double-click the Global sub-node to display the interface in the right-half of DashBoard.
- Select Upload, located near the bottom of the interface, to display the Select file Upload dialog.
- Navigate to the *.bin file you want to upload.
- Click Open.
- If upgrading a single card: Click Finish to start the upgrade. Proceed to step 10.
- If upgrading multiple cards: Click Next > to display the Select Destination menu. This menu provides a list of the compatible cards. Specify the card(s) to upload the file to by selecting the check box(es) for the cards you want to upload the file to. Verify the card(s) you want to upload the file to. The Error/Warning fields indicate any errors, such as incompatible software or card type mismatch. Click Finish.
- Monitor the upgrade. An Upload Status dialog enables you to monitor the upgrade process. Notice that each card is listed in the dialog with a button. This button is replaced with a Reboot button once the software file is loaded to that card.
- Clicking the individual Reboot buttons until all cards have successfully completed the file upload process and the OK button, located in the bottom right corner of the dialog, is enabled.
- Click OK to reboot all the cards listed in the Uploading to Selected Devices dialog.
- The Reboot Confirm dialog displays, indicating the number of cards that will reboot. Click Yes to continue the upgrade process. Note that clicking Cancel or No returns you to the Uploading to Selected Devices dialog without rebooting the card(s).
- The card(s) are temporarily taken offline during the reboot process. The process is complete once the status indicators for the Card State and Connection return to their previous status.
Warranty and Repair Policy:
The SFC-6901 is warranted to be free of any defect with respect to performance, quality, reliability, and workmanship for a period of FIVE (5) years from the date of shipment from the factory. In the event that your SFC-6901 proves to be defective in any way during this warranty period, Ross Video Limited reserves the right to repair or replace this piece of equipment with a unit of equal or superior performance characteristics. This warranty is limited to direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including loss of profits) incurred by the use of this product.
In Case of Problems:
Should any problem arise with your SFC-6901, please contact the Ross Video Technical Support Department. A Return Material Authorization number (RMA) will be issued to you, as well as specific shipping instructions, should you wish your factory to repair your SFC-6901. If required, a temporary replacement frame will be made available at a nominal charge. Any shipping costs incurred will be the responsibility of you, the customer. All products shipped to you from Ross Video Limited will be shipped collect. The Ross Video Technical Support Department will continue to provide advice on any product manufactured by Ross Video Limited, beyond the warranty period without charge, for the life of the equipment.
Need help?
To Next Page
General