3G and 4K SDI BNC connections

There are different types of SDI (Serial Digital Interface) digital video signals that can be transported through a connection composed of a coaxial cable with characteristic impedance of 75Ω and a BNC connector on each end specially designed to adjust the impedance also to 75Ω.

The different types of SDI signals have been created gradually as new video resolutions have appeared on the market. Each of them is defined by a different standard that marks the parameters that characterize it. Some of these parameters are the lines and pixels of which each image is composed, the amount of these images per second that can be displayed on the screen, the frequency at which the signal is transmitted, the aspect resolution that the screen must have, among others.

These standards are created by the American society SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers). This is an association of video engineers who act as Conductors by setting the characteristics that these signals must meet.

The first SDI standard to be highlighted was created to regulate standard definition signals. Named SMPTE 259m it was updated over the years to define the different types of PAL and NTSC signals until progressive video came out at 480p and 576p resolutions which was based on the SMPTE 344m standard.

The important change came with the introduction of high-definition signals. The first to arrive did so with a resolution of 720p and is defined within the SMPTE 292m standard. This encompasses both 720p progressive and 1080i resolution interlaced at 60 frames per second and with a bitrate of 1.50 Gbps. It is also known as HD-SDI.

True high definition, or Full HD, was not regulated until the SMPTE 424m standard was introduced. This allows 1080p resolutions, already progressive, at up to 60 frames per second and with a bitrate of 3 Gbps. That is why this signal is globally known as 3G-SDI.

A new, more demanding video resolution in terms of signal characteristics, commonly known as 4K, is now being implemented. This ultra-high-definition (UHD) signal, which is four times higher than the resolution offered by the 3G signal, is governed by two different standards. SMPTE 2081 defines 4K signal transmission at 30 frames per second, uses a 6 Gbps bitrate, and is also known as 6G-SDI. For 4K signal transmission at 60 frames per second, SMPTE 2082 is the standard that defines its features, uses a bitrate of 12 Gbps and is known as 12G-SDI.

Description of BNC connections for SDI signals

Our own cables and connectors are used to assemble the connections offered by Emelec.

Emelec digital video cables are tested for the different SDI signals explained above, so you can know for each of the cables what is the maximum length it can hold when transporting each of the signals.

The BNC connectors offered by Emelec are specially designed for our cables. We have an ideal connector for each cable that adapts to the cross sections of each conductor and the sizes of the insulators and covers. The pins of all the connectors are gold plated and, in addition, the 4K BNCs also have gold plated shielding that contacts the neutral.

We have, besides a wide range of 3G and 4K connections in different cable lengths depending on the need as explained in the following points, also the possibility to offer any connection made to measure using any of our video cables and Emelec 3G or 4K BNC connectors.

3G-SDI BNC connections

Emelec has several models of 3G-SDI video connections in different lengths and colours in stock. Some with multi-core cable and others where the conductor is single-core.

Series EQ150 y EQ150/VI - 3G-SDI Multiwire Video Connections. These connections use our multi-core cables Q11-234N in black and Q11-234 in purple, respectively, together with our 3G CC812 BNC connectors and their equivalent CC812-CAP caps. The fact that it is a multi-core cable gives the connection great flexibility.

EQ151 and EQ151/A Series - 3G-SDI Single Line Video Connections These connections use our Q11-3006N single-core cables in black and Q11-3006A in blue, respectively, together with our 3G CC812 BNC connectors and their equivalent CC812-CAP caps. As it is a single-core conductor, the connection has a higher section and robustness that allows it to carry the signal with less attenuation in the path.

EQ156 Series - 3G-SDI Multiwire Video Connection This connection uses our blue Q5004 multi-core cable together with our 3G CC820 BNC connectors. The fact that it is a multi-core cable gives the connection great flexibility.

EQ161 Series - 3G-SDI Single Line Video Connection. This connection uses our black Q11-3005N single-core cable together with our 3G CC806 BNC connectors and their equivalent CC805-CAP caps. As it is a single-core conductor, the connection has a higher section and robustness that allows it to carry the signal with less attenuation in the path.

4K-SDI BNC connections

Emelec has in stock 2 models of 4K 12G-SDI video connections in different lengths and colours. One with a multi-core cable and the other with a single-core cable.

Series EQ152 y EQ152/VI - 4K-UHD Multiwire Video Connections. These connections use our black Q11-234N and purple Q11-234 multi-core cables, respectively, together with our 4K CC912 BNC connectors and their equivalent CC812-CAP caps. Except for the distance of 40 meters where the flexible cable used is our Q11-243 multi-core. The fact that these are multi-core cables makes the connection very flexible.

EQ153 and EQ153/A series - 4K-UHD single wire video connections. These connections use our black Q11-3006N and blue Q11-3006A single conductor cables, respectively, along with our 4K CC912 BNC connectors and their equivalent CC812-CAP caps. As it is a single-wire conductor, the connection has a higher section and robustness that allows it to carry the signal with less attenuation in the path.

To learn more about these connections
3G-SDI and 4K-SDI BNC connections

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