The electronic (software) version ofthis document was developed at private expense; if acquired under an agreement with theUSA government
or any contractor thereto, it is acquired as "commercial computer software" subject to the provisions of its applicable license agreement, as
specified in (a) 48 CFR 12.212 of the FAR; or, if acquired for Department of Defense units, (b) 48 CFR 227-7202 of the DoD FAR Supplement; or
sections succeeding thereto. Contractor/manufacturer is Silicon Graphics, Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy 2E, Mountain View, CA 94043-1351.
TRADEMARKS AND ATTRIBUTIONS
Silicon Graphics is a registered trademark, and SGI, the SGI logo, and IRIS InSight are trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc. All other third party
brands and names mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Cover Design By Sarah Bolles, Sarah Bolles Design, and Dany Galgani, SGI Technical Publications.
For regulatory and compliance information, see Appendix A.
Record of Revision
VersionDescription
001January 2001
Initial Rev
002April 2001
Second Rev
007-4243-002iii
Contents
Record of Revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
This guide shows you how to install your SGI Video Breakout Box (VBOB).
The following topics are covered in this guide:
•Chapter 1, “VBOB Site Preparation and Specifications,” provides environmental
and technical information needed to properly set up and configure the VBOB
enclosure.
•Chapter 2, “Rackmounting and Hardware Overview,” explains how to mount the
VBOB into a rack and provides a technical overview of the system components.
•Chapter 3, “VBOB Chassis Connectors and Cabling,” describes all the connectors
and LEDs located on the back of the VBOB chassis.
•Chapter 4, “VBOB CD,” describes the VBOB software.
•Appendix A, “Regulatory Specifications,” lists all regulatory information related to
use of the VBOB in the United States and other countries.
Product Features
The VBOB is shipped for rackmounting in an SGI 3000 series rack or a user-supplied
rack. It can also be used as a table-top unit. The chassis is built in a 2U form factor. Some
of the VBOB’s features include:
•BNC input and output ports for High Definition and Standard Definition video
•LVDS input and output ports
•Genlock BNC connectors for High Definition and Standard Definition video
•RS-232 port for upgrades and system maintenance
•Optional TMDS digital video input ports
007-4243-002xi
About This Guide
Figure i shows the VBOB front panel.
Figure iVBOB Front Panel
Figure ii shows the VBOB rear panel. For labeling of the rear panel connectors, see
Chapter 3.
G
P I/O
1
2
Figure iiVBOB Rear Panel
xii007-4243-002
R
S-422
AB
C
SD
In
1
SD O
ut
1
2
D
2
R
S-232
H
D
O
u
t
1
H
D
SD
G
enlock
Present
Tim
ing O
In
1
2
ut
2
H
D
G
enlock
T
Present
M
D
S
A
T
M
D
S
B
LVD
S A
LVDS
B
Additional Information
Manuals are available in various formats on the World Wide Web at:
http://techpubs.sgi.com/library
Enter a keyword search, or search by title to find the information or manual you need.
Conventions and Terminology
This guide uses the following conventions:
•Document titles are in italics.
•Names of files appear in Courier.
•References to chapters and sections within this guide are in quotation marks.
•Characters that you type on your keyboard are in Courier bold.
•Procedures are explained in numbered steps. When necessary, an explanation
follows the step.
About This Guide
•Warnings that describe conditions that could cause injury or death are highlighted
with the lightening bolt icon, as shown in Figure iii.
Figure iiiInjury or Death Warning Icon
Product Support
SGI provides a comprehensive product support and maintenance program for its
products. If you are in North America, contact the Technical Assistance Center at
1-800-800-4SGI or your authorized service provider. If you are outside North America,
contact the SGI subsidiary or authorized distributor in your country.
007-4243-002xiii
About This Guide
Reader Comments
If you have comments about the technical accuracy, content, or organization of this
document, please tell us. Be sure to include the title and document number of the manual
with your comments. (Online, the document number is located in the front matter of the
manual. In printed manuals, the document number is located at the bottom of each
page.)
You can contact SGI in any of the following ways:
•Send e-mail to the following address:
techpubs@sgi.com
•Use the Feedback option on the Technical Publications Library World Wide Web
page:
http://techpubs.sgi.com
•Contact your customer service representative and ask that an incident be filed in the
SGI incident tracking system.
•Send mail to the following address:
Technical Publications
SGI
1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy., M/S 535
Mountain View, California 94043-1351
•Send a fax to the attention of “Technical Publications” at +1 650 932 0801.
SGI values your comments and will respond to them promptly.
xiv007-4243-002
1.VBOB Site Preparation and Specifications
Site Preparation
Chapter 1
The VBOB is shipped ready for rackmounting or it can be used as a table-top unit.
See Chapter 2, “Rackmounting and Hardware Overview” for information on mounting
a VBOB chassis in an SGI 3000 series rack.
Table 1-1 provides site preparation information for a single VBOB chassis.
Table 1-1Cooling and Power Requirements
SpecificationValue Per Server
Cooling requirements256 Btu/hour
Power consumption128 watts maximum
AC input to power supply100-120/200-240 Vac at 50-60 Hz, 4/2A (autoranging)
As shown inFigure 1-1, theairflow in the chassis flows through the mesh grill atthe front
of the chassis, through the power supply enclosure, and over the motherboard. The hot
air exhausts out the back of the chassis.
Caution: Always keep at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) of clearance at the back of the chassis
for cooling.
G
P
I/O
1
2
S
D
In
1
R
S
-4
2
2
A
B
C
D
S
D
O
u
t
1
2
2
R
S
-2
3
2
S
D
G
e
n
lo
c
k
P
T
re
im
s
in
e
n
g
t
O
u
t
H
D
O
u
t
1
H
D
In
1
2
2
H
D
G
e
n
lo
c
k
P
r
e
s
T
e
n
t
M
D
S
C
o
n
n
e
c
T
M
D
S
B
L
V
D
S
A
L
V
D
S
B
Figure 1-1Chassis Airflow Diagram
2007-4243-002
Technical Specifications
Table 1-2 lists physical and environmental specifications.
Table 1-2Physical and Environmental Specifications
SpecificationValue Per VBOB
Chassis Dimensions3.5” in height (2U) x 17.5” in width x 20.5” in length (8.9 cm
Technical Specifications
height [2U]x 44.4 cm width x 52 cm length) [Length includes rear
BNCs]
Weight (Installed
Installation OrientationAny, with 4 in. (10.2 cm) clearance at back
Acoustic noise50 dBA approximate
Air temperature
Operating
Non-operating
Thermal gradient
Operating
Non-operating
Altitude
Operating
Non-operating
Relative humidity
Operating
Non-operating
)36 lb (16.4 kg) maximum
+41 to +95 °F (+5 to +35 °C)
-40 to +149 °F (-40 to +65 °C)
18 °F (10 °C) per hour (maximum)
108 °F (60 °C) per hour (maximum)
10,000 ft (3,048 m) MSL (maximum)
40,000 ft (12,192 m) MSL (maximum)
10% to 85%, noncondensing
5% to 95%, noncondensing
007-4243-0023
1: VBOB Site Preparation and Specifications
Table 1-2(continued)Physical and Environmental Specifications
This chapter describes the VBOB hardware. The first section shows you how to mount
the VBOB unit in a rack, and the following sections explain the theory of operation.
Mounting VBOB in an SGI 3000 Series Rack
You can install the VBOB chassis as a free-standing table-top unit, or mount it in a rack.
This section explains how to install the VBOB chassis in an SGI 3000 series rack. Before
you begin, make sure that you have the hardware listed in Table 2-1.
Warning: Personnel could be seriously injured and equipment could be damaged if
the rack topples over. Install all equipment into the rack from the lowest available
position. Also, make certain that the rack has sufficient power for the VBOB’s needs.
Check with the appropriate facilities authorities before installing this unit in a rack.
Note: This installation requires two people and a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
This procedure presumes that internal rackmounting rails are already installed and that
a vertical space of 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) is available.
Table 2-1Rack Installation Hardware for VBOB
Part DescriptionQuantity
10-32 x 1/4 in. screws4
Front mounting brackets1 pair
007-4243-0025
2: Rackmounting and Hardware Overview
1.Find the two front mounting brackets and the four 10-32 x 1/4 in. screws in the
shipping container.
2. Place the VBOB on a flat surface and attach the front mounting brackets, as shown
in Figure 2-1.
3. With one person holding each side, place the VBOB on the desired slide rails, then
slide it inside the rack.
4. Attach the VBOB to the rack, as shown in Figure 2-2, using appropriate screws for
your rack.
The VBOB chassis is now securely attached to the rack.
Figure 2-1Installing the Mounting Brackets on VBOB
6007-4243-002
Mounting VBOB in an SGI 3000 Series Rack
Figure 2-2Installing VBOB in the Rack
007-4243-0027
2: Rackmounting and Hardware Overview
Theory of Operation
VBOB is a digital video switcher that routes video inputs from different sources to
various output formats.VBOB inputs include Serial Digital Standard Definition (SD) and
High Definition (HD) BNC connectors, a Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS)
video input connector, and an optional dual-link Transition Minimized Differential
Signaling (TMDS) input. VBOB outputs include dual-link Serial Digital Standard
Definition and High Definition BNC connectors, which you can use with applications
where Alpha signals accompany the YUV video. In addition, VBOB includes an LVDS
video output connector. Generator Locking Device (Genlock) input and loop-throughs
for both Standard Definition Video and High Definition Video, and a RS-232 port for
system upgrading and maintenance are also included.
Utilizing a highly advanced 80-bit parallel video crossbar, you can configure VBOB for
various I/O applications. VBOB complies with the following standards:
•High Definition SMPTE-292M
•Standard Definition SMPTE-259M
Note: HD and SD have separate connections, which allows you to switch between
operational domains without switching cables.
8007-4243-002
LVDS Interface
Genlock
Theory of Operation
LVDS is a new data interface standard that is defined in the TIA/EIA-644 and the IEEE
1596.3 standards. It transmits data at a high speed using a very low voltage swing
(approximately 350mV) over two differential circuit board traces or a balanced cable. The
LVDS drivers are current mode, so a termination resistor is required to complete the
current loop and limit reflections due to the sub-nanosecond transition times over the
transmission line.
Genlock is a device that enables VBOB to receive an external sync signal, which locks the
timing of the output video picture. This allows you to maintain a common timing across
multiple video devices, which enables smooth dissolves, wipes, and other effects
commonly used onbroadcast TV. VBOB has two BNC connectors for Standard Definition
genlock and twoBNC connectors for High Definition genlock. You can use either of these
connectors as an input or a loop-through.
TMDS Interface (optional)
TMDS is the basis of the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standard, which transmits data
using a differential interface with the data transitions minimized over a balanced cable.
Note: The TMDS Interface is optional. It is sometimes included as standard equipment
when VBOB is purchased with TMDS-related products, such as HD GVO.
007-4243-0029
2: Rackmounting and Hardware Overview
Input
connectors
HD ser
dig rcvr ch1
HD ser
dig rcvr ch2
SD ser
dig rcvr ch1
SD ser
dig rcvr ch2
(19:0)
(19:0)
SDPDVIN1
(9:0)
SDPDVIN2
(9:0)
SD
genlockHDgenlock
(19:0)(19:0)
(19:0)(19:0)
(19:0)(19:0)
motherboard
crossbar
(9:0)
(9:0)
VBOB
(19:0)(19:0)
(19:0)
(19:0)
(19:0)(19:0)
Output
connectors
HD ser
dig xmtr ch1r
HD ser
dig xmtr ch2
(9:0)
SD ser
dig xmtr ch1
(9:0)
SD ser
dig xmtr ch2
TMDS Daughtercard
(optional)
(19:0)(19:0)
LVDS
LVDS
rcvr
rcvr
LVDS connector
in
TMDS
into
Daughtercard
connection
LVDS
xmtr
LVDS connector
(19:0)
out
(19:0)
LVDS
xmtr
Figure 2-3Internal Operation Block Diagram
10007-4243-002
Chapter 3
3.VBOB Chassis Connectors and Cabling
This chapter describes all the connectors and LEDs located on the back of the VBOB
chassis.
Chassis Connectors
Figure 3-1 shows the rear panel connectors.
GP I/ORS-422
1
2
AB
CD
Figure 3-1VBOB Chassis Rear Panel Connectors
8
11
7
913
SD In
2222
RS-232
10
156
121241918
142120
SD Out
111
SD
Genlock
PresentPresent
Timing Out
HDOut
1
Genlock
HD
1617222328294523
252726
HD In
TMDS BTMDS A
LVDS ALVDS B
007-4243-00211
3: VBOB Chassis Connectors and Cabling
Table 3-1 lists the VBOB connectors and their functions.
Table 3-1Rear Panel Connectors
ID #Connector NameConnector Function
1.AC plug and switchAC power connection from chassis to power source
Follow these steps to connect the cables and boot the host system. See Figure 3-1 and
Table 3-1 for the location and functional descriptions of the rear panel connectors.
1.Be sure the VBOB power switch at the back of the chassis is in the Off (o) position.
2. Connect one end of the power cord to the VBOB power plug and the other end of
the cord to your AC power source.
3. Connect all other cables as applicable.
4. Turn the VBOB power switch to the On (-) position.
5. Boot the SGI host system.
Note: You can find cabling instructions for a specific configuration in the owner’s guide
provided with your VBOB-related product.
14007-4243-002
Chapter 4
4.VBOB CD
The VBOB is shipped with software 1.0 or later. VBOB is pre-programmed at the factory,
and you should rarely need to use this CD. The following components are included on
this CD:
•vbob_flash
A utility for flashing the VBOB PROMs. Without options, this utility flashes the
VBOB hardware with VBOB PROM images that are located in
/usr/dmedia/ucode/vbob. If you want to use inst to automatically update the
firmware, make sure VBOB is connected to your system. If VBOB is not connected, a
message appears that reminds you to connect VBOB to the system. To execute this
utility, enter vbob_flash. Superuser privileges are required.
For detailed instructions on using this utility, see the vbob_flash man page.
•Micro Code
The micro code used in the VBOB hardware, including the.MCSfiles for FPGA
components and the.BIN binary images of the operating code and bootloader.
Note: Electronic documentation in IRIS InSight format may also be included.
007-4243-00215
Appendix A
A.Regulatory Specifications
This appendix provides regulatory information related to the use of the VBOB in the
United States and other countries.
Manufacturer’s Regulatory Declarations
Caution: This device has several governmental and third-party approvals, licenses, and
permits. Do not modify this product in any way that is not expressly approved by Silicon
Graphics. If you do, you may lose these approvals and your governmental agency
authority to operate this device.
The device conforms to several national and international specifications and European
Directives listed on the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity. The CE insignia
displayed on each device is an indication of conformity to the European requirements.
CMN Number
The VBOB model number, or CMN number, is on the system label on the chassis.
To obtain the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity from SGI, you must either
provide the CMN number to your local SGI sales representative, or contact the Technical
Assistance Center at 1-800-800-4SGI.
Class A Compliance
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
007-4243-00217
A: Regulatory Specifications
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution: Users should note that changes or modifications to the equipment not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
18007-4243-002
Electromagnetic Emissions
This device complies with the Class A limits of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Also, this device complies with Class A electromagnetic emissions limits of C.I.S.P.R.
Publication 22, Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference
Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.
Japanese Notice
Manufacturer’s Regulatory Declarations
Industry Canada Notice (Canada Only)
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique német pas de perturbations radioélectriques dépassant les
normes applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe A préscrites dans le Règlement
sur les interferences radioélectriques établi par le Ministère des Communications du
Canada.
CE Notice
Marking by the “CE” symbol indicates compliance of the device to directives of the
European Community. A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the standards
has been made and is available from Silicon Graphics upon request.
007-4243-00219
A: Regulatory Specifications
Radio and Television Interference
The equipment described in this guide generates and uses radio frequency energy. If it is
not installedand used in accordance with the instructions inthis guide, it can cause radio
and television interference.
This equipment has been tested and complies with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These specifications
are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in an industrial
or office installation. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur
in a particular installation. This system is not certified for home use.
You can determine whether your system is causing interference by turning it off. If the
interference stops, it was probably caused by the workstation or one of the peripherals.
To tell if the interference is caused by one of the peripherals, try disconnecting one
peripheral at a time to see if the interference stops. If it does, that peripheral is the cause
of the interference.
If your workstation does cause interference to radio or television reception, try to correct
the interference by following one or more of these suggestions:
•Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.
•Move the workstation to one side or the other of the radio or television.
•Move the workstation farther away from the radio or television.
•Plug the workstation into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the radio or
television. (That is, make certain the workstation and the radio or television are on
circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.)
•For additional information, see the FCC Web site at
http://www.fcc.gov/cib/Publications/tvibook.html
Shielded Cables
The device isFCC-compliant under test conditions that include the use of shielded cables
between the workstation and its peripherals. Your workstation and any peripherals you
purchase from Silicon Graphics have shielded cables. Shielded cables reduce the
possibility of interference with radio, television, and other devices. If you use any cables
that are not from Silicon Graphics, be sure they are shielded. Telephone cables do not
need to be shielded.
20007-4243-002
Electrostatic Discharge
Silicon Graphics designs and tests its products to be immune to the effects of electrostatic
discharge (ESD). ESD is a source of electromagnetic interference and can cause problems
ranging from data errors and lockups to permanent component damage.
Note: While operating your workstation, keep all covers and doors, including the
plastics, in place. The shielded cables included with the workstation and its peripherals
should be installed correctly, with all thumbscrews fastened securely.
An ESD wrist strap is included with some products, such as memory and graphics
upgrades. The wrist strap is used when installing these upgrades to prevent the flow of
static electricity, and it should protect your system from ESD damage.
Manufacturer’s Regulatory Declarations
007-4243-00221
Index
Numbers
8-pin round, 12
9-pin subminiature, 12
A
AC input, 1
acoustic noise, 3
air temperature, 3
alpha signals, 8
altitude, 3
B
back panel
displayed, xii, 11, 14
back panel connectors, 11-13
BNC connectors
and High Definition Genlock, 9, 12-13
and High Definition Video, xi, 8
and Standard Definition Genlock, 9, 12
and Standard Definition Video, xi, 8
booting up, 14
brackets, 6
C
cables
connecting, 14
shielded, 20
Canadian regulatory notice, 19
CD components, 15
CE Notice, 17, 19
chassis
and airflow, 2
described, xi
dimensions, 3
installing, 5-7
mounting, 5-7
site preparation, 1-2
chassis connectors, 11-13
chassis LEDs, 13
chassis rear panel connectors, 11, 13
Class A compliance, 17-18
CMN number, 17
compliance, 17-18
connection
and cables, 14
separate, 8
connectors
described, 8
displayed, 11
VBOB rear panel, 12-13
cooling requirements, 1-2
customer service, xiii
Standard Definition Genlock loop-through, 9, 12
Standard Definition in, 12
Standard Definition out, 12
Standard Definition SMPTE-259M, 8
standards, 8, 9
system
booting, 14
T
technical support, xiii
television interference, 20
theory of operation, 8
thermal gradient, 3
timing out, 12
TMDS
and DVI, 9
described, 9
TMDS A connector, 13
TMDS B connector, 13
TMDS daughtercard
displayed, 10
TMDS interface, optional, 9
TMDS video input, xi, 8
Transition Minimized Differential Signaling. See
TMDS
U
UPS volt-amp rating, 1
V
VBOB
and flashing the PROM, 15
attaching to rack, 6
configuring, 8
features, xi