Studio Technologies 5150 User Manual V.1
Model 5150
Video Generator Module
User Guide
Issue 5, March 2014
This User Guide is applicable for
Model 5150 modules with the following order codes:
M5150, M5150-01, M5150-02, M5150-03X, and M5150-04X
with serial numbers 00151 and later
and firmware versions
MCU 2.2 and later (m5150.s19) and FPGA 2.2 and later (m5150.bit)
Copyright © 2014 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
www.studio-tech.com
50184-0314, Issue 5
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Video Generator
Model 5150
Module
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................... 5
Installation .................................................................... 8
Configuration ................................................................ 12
Operation ...................................................................... 19
Technical Notes ............................................................ 23
Specifications ............................................................... 29
Appendix A—Model 5150 Versions .............................. 30
Appendix B—DC Input/Data and GPI/GPO
Interconnection Details ................................................. 31
Appendix C—Model 5150 Front Panel and
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Dimensions ...................... 33
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Issue 5, March 2014 Model 5150 User Guide
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Video Generator
Model 5150
Introduction
The Model 5150 Video Generator Module
is a unique device suited for a variety of
custom broadcast, post-production, industrial, and corporate multimedia installations. As a member of the 5100-Series
of modules, the Model 5150’s compact
size belies its powerful video feature set.
Advanced circuitry within the Model 5150
supports the generation of a broadcaststandard high-definition SDI signal. And
rather than reproducing a fixed test pattern, the Model 5150 has the capability
to store and output two custom video images. The images, one for “720” and one
for “1080,” are based on bitmap (.bmp)
files that can be created using a personal
computer’s graphics program.
For convenience, the .bmp files are stored
in the module’s nonvolatile memory via a
standard USB flash drive. The appropriate
“720” or “1080” image is automatically connected to the SDI output whenever an SDI
input signal is not present. This ensures
that an SDI output signal is always sent to
equipment further along the signal chain.
The Model 5150’s video signal generation
capability can be extremely useful, serving as both a “keep-alive” signal as well as
allowing a detailed graphics image to be
displayed for identification purposes. When
Module
a valid HD- or 3G-SDI signal is connected
to the module’s input it will pass through,
unchanged, to the module’s SDI output.
Only when an input is not present will the
stored image be generated. The format
and rate of the stored image will match
that of the previously-connected SDI input
signal. This “learning” capability allows a
Model 5150 to automatically adapt to the
SDI format and rate utilized by a specific
facility or application.
An alternate operating mode can be selected, allowing the Model 5150 to serve
as a dedicated video signal generator. In
this mode an SDI signal connected to the
module will serve as an external timing
reference.
General Highlights
Applications for the Model 5150 include
sports broadcasting booth packages,
“POV” (point-of-view) remote-controlled
camera systems, stadium video interface
(I/O) locations, and government/corporate
facilities. The module’s performance is
completely “pro” with video quality, reliability, and installation flexibility matching that
of much larger-scale equipment.
For operation the Model 5150 only requires
connection of a few signals. These consist of SDI inputs and outputs, an external
Figure 1. Model 5150 Video Generator Module front and rear views
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Video Generator
Model 5150
Module
source of nominal 12 volts DC and, optionally, two wires associated with a local
RS-485 data bus. Some applications may
also utilize the general-purpose input (GPI)
and general-purpose output (GPO) functions (available only on modules with serial
numbers 00251 and later). Coaxial SDI in
put and output support is standard. Optical
input and output support is optional. The
acceptable DC input voltage range is 10 to
18, allowing a variety of power sources to
be utilized.
The Model 5150 uses standard connectors
for fast, convenient interfacing. Coaxial SDI
input and output signals use BNC connectors. An optional video SFP fiber optic
module can be installed at the factory. The
module supports interconnection of singlemode optical fibers using LC plugs. The
DC power input and data bus connections
use a 4-position, 0.1-inch header. The GPI
and GPO connections use a 3-position,
0.1-inch header. Low-cost IDC (insulationdisplacement connector) mating sockets
allow simple interconnection with a variety
of wire gauges. Four status LEDs offer
users both performance confidence and
troubleshooting assistance.
The Model 5150 is compatible with the
Studio Technologies’ Model 5190 Remote
Access Module. This will allow remote
configuration, monitoring and control, via
an Ethernet connection, of key module
operating and status parameters. A local
RS-485 data bus allows up to 16 of the
5100-Series modules to be connected to
a Model 5190.
A simple text file that reflects the desired
configuration is created and stored on the
USB flash drive. When inserted into the
appropriate socket on the Model 5150 the
file is read and stored. Updating the Model
5150’s firmware (embedded software) is
also possible using a USB flash drive loaded with factory-supplied files.
Model 5150 Video Generator Modules do
not include a mounting enclosure or chassis. They are intended for mounting in custom 19-inch rack panels, equipment boxes,
broadcast furniture, “NEMA” I/O boxes, or
other specialized enclosures. It is expected
that integration firms will create applications
that use Model 5150 modules as part of
complete broadcast, production, corporate,
and government solutions. Sophisticated
users will be able to easily create “one-off”
solutions to solve unique challenges.
SDI Inputs and SDI Outputs
High-definition SMPTE-compatible SDI signals with data rates of 1.485 Gb/s nominal
(HD-SDI) and 2.97 Gb/s nominal (3G-SDI)
can be connected. Virtually all of the commonly-utilized “720” and “1080” formats are
supported. Standard-definition SDI signals
with a data rate of 270 Mb/s nominal (SDSDI) are not supported. It was felt that users
looking for advanced solutions such as
those provided by the Model 5150 will not
typically be working with SD-SDI signals.
But be assured that many HD-SDI and
3G-SDI formats and rates are supported,
allowing the Model 5150 to be appropriate
for worldwide use.
Several Model 5150 operating parameters
can be configured to meet the needs of
specific applications. A USB flash drive
along with several DIP switches, are used
Coaxial (BNC) Support
Using standard BNC connectors, the Model
5150 supports one coaxial SDI input and
one coaxial SDI output.
to convey the configuration to the module.
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Optical Fiber Support
Factory-implemented options allow the
Model 5150 to support SDI signals that
are transported using single-mode optical
fibers. Using video SFP modules a range
of optical input, output, and transceiver
capabilities can be supported. For a list
of available Model 5150 versions refer to
Appendix A.
The standard 1310 nanometer optical
transmit wavelength is available, as are
the more-esoteric CWDM wavelengths. A
module that includes an optical SDI output
will always have its optical output active,
transporting the same SDI data as that
present on the coaxial (BNC) output. When
a Model 5150 has been provided with an
optical SDI input a configuration choice
selects whether it, or the coaxial (BNC)
input, is active.
Video Generation Capability
During typical operation an HD- or 3G-SDI
signal is connected to the Model 5150’s
selected SDI input. It’s then “passed
through” to the module’s SDI output(s)
and on to the next part of the signal chain.
But what happens when the external SDI
signal is not present? That’s when the
Model 5150’s internal SDI generator becomes active. When a signal is not present
on the selected SDI input the module will
generate a high-definition (HD- or 3G-SDI)
image that will serve as a “slate,” ID, or
“SDI-active” signal.
From the factory two bitmap (.bmp) image
files are stored in nonvolatile memory. One
file is used for generating the image for
1280 x 720 pixel formats and the other for
1920 x 1080 pixel formats. But alternate
bitmap image files can be created and
stored in the Model 5150. These alternate
images can supply site- or applicationspecific information useful to “downstream”
users. Using a personal-computer graphics program, such as Microsoft® Paint® or
Adobe® Photoshop®, generating custom
images and storing them in the appropriate
bitmap format is a simple matter.
A USB port, located on the Model 5150’s
front panel, allows direct connection of
a standard USB flash drive. If the Model
5150’s firmware (embedded software)
recognizes compatible FAT32 bitmap (.bmp)
files on the USB flash drive they will be automatically loaded into nonvolatile memory.
The USB flash drive can then be removed
with the custom images safely stored within
the Model 5150.
One subtle but important configurable
feature has been included for broadcast
applications which use the Model 5150’s
SDI output(s) “on-air.” When an SDI signal
is removed from the module’s selected SDI
input, the Model 5150 can be configured to
output a few seconds of solid-gray color before the stored image appears. This will help
to ensure that technicians or operators will
be visually “warned” that the module’s input
signal has been lost and that the stored image will soon be taking its place. It’s hoped
that the solid-gray video image will be innocuous for on-air viewers yet different
enough to encourage operators to switch the
module’s output away from being “on air.”
A unique feature of the Model 5150 is its
ability to automatically adapt to the format and rate of a connected SDI signal.
This allows the stored image to be output
at the same format and rate as that used
by the associated network, local facility, or
event. If, for example, a connected input is
“1080i/59.94” then the Model 5150 will automatically detect and store that information.
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Model 5150
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From then on whenever an SDI input signal is not present the internal generator will
output the stored image at “1080i/59.94.”
Changing the format and rate of the generator only requires connection of an SDI
signal with the desired characteristics.
(A minimum required connection time
helps to ensure that an accidental format/
rate change won’t occur.) However, there
may be situations where maintaining the
format and rate of the internally-generated
signal is important. To support this condition one configuration choice allows the
automatic format/rate selection function
to be disabled.
Video Generation with External
Reference
Some applications may benefit from the
Model 5150 serving as a full-time stand
alone video generator. A configuration
choice helps to support such applications
by using the selected SDI input only as
a timing reference. Unlike typical operation, when selecting this operating mode a
signal connected to the selected SDI input
would not pass through to the SDI. Its rate,
format, and specific timing characteristics
would be used as a reference for the internally-generated video output. Note that
bi-level or tri-level analog timing reference
signals are not supported. Only a HD-SDI
or 3G-SDI signal can serve as a reference
signal for the Model 5150.
GPI and GPO
Model 5150 modules with serial numbers
00251 and later offer a general-purpose
input (GPI) and a general-purpose output (GPO) function. The GPI allows the
connection of a switch or relay contact to
control the on/off status of a Model 5150
function. As of the date of this User Guide,
no GPI operating function has been implemented in the module’s firmware (embedded software). Future versions of the
firmware may implement a GPI-controlled
action.
The GPO function provides an indication
of the status of the selected SDI input. It’s
intended that the GPO will be connected to
an LED indicator. A configuration choice selects whether the GPO is active (+3.3 volts)
when the selected SDI input is valid or active when the selected SDI input is invalid.
(This can also be described as active “high”
or active “low”). This allows, for example, a
green LED to light whenever a valid signal
is connected to the selected SDI input,
thus providing an “input good” indication.
Alternately, a red LED could light when the
selected SDI input is not active, providing
an “input fail” indication.
Installation
Integration of the Model 5150 into a selected application should prove quite simple,
only connecting SDI input and output signals as well as DC power is required. Some
applications will also require connection
to the module’s data bus, GPI, and GPO
functions. The coaxial (BNC) input and output connections are compatible with most
HD-SDI and 3G-SDI signals. If the specific
Model 5150 being installed also includes
optical support one or two single-mode fiber
interconnections will be made. The fiber
connections utilize miniature LC plugs.
The DC power source is nominal 12 volts
with an acceptable range of 10 to 18 volts.
It’s possible that the module will be part of
a local RS-485 data bus that’s associated
with a Studio Technologies’ Model 5190 Remote Access Module. If so, two additional
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Video Generator
Model 5150
Module
wires are required to connect the module
to the data bus. GPI and GPO connections
are made using a 3-pin header. After all the
connections have been completed the module can then be secured into the designated
mounting location.
Coaxial (BNC) SDI Output
The Model 5150 provides an SDI output
that utilizes a broadcast-standard BNC
socket. This output is referred to as the
coaxial (BNC) SDI output. Refer to Figure 2
for a detailed view of the connector’s location on the rear of the module. The coaxial
(BNC) output, depending on operating
conditions, will be either a SMPTEcompliant HD-SDI (1.485 Gb/s nominal) or
a 3G-SDI (2.97 Gb/s nominal) signal. The
exact format/rate combinations supported
by the Model 5150 are listed in the Specifications section of this guide.
Coaxial (BNC) SDI Input
An SDI source can be connected to the
Model 5150 by way of a broadcast-standard BNC connector. This is referred to
as the coaxial (BNC) SDI input. Refer to
Figure 2 for a detailed view of the connec
tor’s location on the rear of the module.
The coaxial (BNC) input is compatible
with SMPTE-compliant HD (1.485 Gb/s
nominal) and 3G (2.97 Gb/s nominal) SDI
signals. It is not compatible with standard
definition SD-SDI (270 Mb/s nominal) signals. The exact format/rate combinations
supported by the Model 5150 are listed in
the Specifications section of this guide.
A configuration setting must be made for
the coaxial (BNC) SDI input to be active.
Refer to the Configuration section of this
guide for details.
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Figure 2. Detailed rear view of the Model 5150 Video Generator Module showing the MCU
and FPGA boards
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Video Generator
Model 5150
Module
Optical SDI Output
This section applies only when the specific Model 5150 module being installed
was configured at the factory to provide an
optical output. A video SFP (small formfactor pluggable) optical module is used to
provide the optical SDI output. A range of
SFP modules can be installed in the “cage”
at the back of the Model 5150. These include transceiver modules that have both
an optical output (transmitter) and an optical input (receiver), as well as output-only
(transmitter) modules. The technical char
acteristics of the optical output will depend
on the specific module installed. The most
common transceiver or output-only SFP
module used in the Model 5150 will have
an FP (Fabry-Perot) laser emitting “light” at
a wavelength of 1310 nanometers. Other
modules can utilize a higher-performance
DFB (distributed feedback) laser that is
manufactured to produce light at one of the
18 CWDM wavelengths. (For broadcast
applications, the common first-utilized
CWDM wavelengths are often 1490 and
1550 nanometers.)
An LC plug terminated on a single-mode
optical fiber is used to mate with the SFP’s
optical output. When referenced to the
front of an SFP transceiver or output-only
SFP module the optical output is located
on the SFP module’s left side. To indicate
the optical output port a graphic arrow icon
pointing “out” may be present on the top of
the module. Refer to Figure 2 for a detailed
view. When terminating the LC plug with the
socket on the SFP module be certain that
the plastic plug’s locking tab is fully engaged into the slot of the SFP module. This
will help prevent the LC plug from becom
ing disconnected due to physical stress or
vibration on the fiber. Also ensure that the
-
-
end (“face”) of the plug’s ferrule has been
cleaned using appropriate methods.
Note that as of the time this user guide
was written the Model 5150 supports only
single-mode optical cable. Contact Studio
Technologies should support for multimode fiber be required.
The Model 5150 module should remain
without power whenever its optical output
has not been terminated. This ensures that
the optical energy will not project into free
space and possibly into the eyes of installation personnel. The optical output power
of video SFP modules selected by Studio
Technologies adheres to the class 1 laser
standard. As such, they do not emit sufficient power to be considered hazardous.
But best safety practices require that the
optical output port and all unconnected
fiber ends not be directly viewed.
No configuration setting is required to
activate the optical output. It is always active and will contain the same SDI data as
that found on the coaxial (BNC) output. As
such there is no problem in simultaneously
connecting to both the optical and coaxial
(BNC) outputs.
Optical SDI Input
If supported by the specific Model 5150
module being installed, an HD- or 3G-SDI
signal transported on a single-mode optical fiber can be connected. For an input to
be present a video SFP transceiver or a
receive-only SFP module must have been
installed in the SFP “cage” in the back of
the unit. The optical receiver circuitry in an
SFP module is “broadband” and doesn’t
need to receive a specific wavelength of
single-mode optical signal for correct operation. As long as the optical signal has
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