The new fibre optic cable carrier for 4K video signals

At Emelec VíasCom we are always working to offer our customers the latest technologies in signal transmission for both audio and video applications. Now, we are pleased to present a new product based on optical fibre that allows transporting video signals at 4K@60Hz definition in long lengths of up to 400 meters in a comfortable way thanks to being mounted on cable carriers.

The new fibre optic cable carrier for 4K video signals is built with 4-channel OM3 multimode optical fibre with double inner Kevlar protection and LC connectors. Through these 4 channels, it is possible to work with 12G-SDI signals (4K-UHD) and HDMI 2.0 signals (4K-DCI).

12G-SDI is the digital video signal based on the SMPTE 2082 standard. It supports 4K-UHD 3,840×2,160 resolution up to 60 fps. The use of optical fibre to transport this signal allows it to be transported in RGB mode without colour subsampling (4:4:4) at 12 Gbps. SDI signals are sent and received using coaxial cables so a Fibre Optic to BNC converter is required at each end of the cable to transform the Fibre SDI signal to a coaxial SDI signal, and vice versa.

Coaxial Copper to Fibre Optic Converter (EMISOR)

Fiber Optic to Coaxial Copper Converter (RECEIVER)

HDMI 2.0 is a digital video and audio mixed signal based on the standard of the same name. In this case, it supports 4K-DCI 4,096×2,160 resolution at up to 60 fps. As in the case of the SDI signal, the use of optical fibre to transport it allows it to be transported in RGB mode without colour subsampling (4:4:4) but at 18 Gbps. The operation is the same as with the SDI signal, the fibre is used to carry the signal over long distances but then a Fibre Optic to HDMI converter must be used at each end of the cable to transform the Fibre HDMI 2.0 signal to a 19+1 copper conductor HDMI signal, and vice versa.

The mainadvantages of fibre compared to copper cables:

High capacity - Enables much higher bandwidth compared to copper cables.
Long distances - Due to the low attenuation of the signal carried on fibre, the signal can be sent much further without the need for repeaters.
Low power - Due to its low attenuation, low power transmitters can be used.
Less interference - The signal travelling through fibre optics is resistant to electromagnetic interference. Unlike copper cables, there is no need for conductive shields.
Reduced size and weight - Not only does fibre use slimmer cables than copper, it is also much lighter in weight.
Security - Meets the security requirements demanded by most government, military and medical applications for the transmission of sensitive data.

The fibre cable is constructed with 4-channel multimode OM3 fibre. Multimode fibre can be classified into five fibre types: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5. They are differentiated by the following characteristics:

OM1 fibre

It has a 62.5 µm core through which the signal travels.
It supports 10 Gb/s up to 33 metres but is most commonly used for 100 Mb Ethernet applications.

OM2 fibre

The core is smaller, 50 µm.
It supports 10 Gb/s up to 82 metres but is typically used for 1 Gb/s bandwidth.

OM3 fibre

The core is 50 µm as in OM2 fibre but the cable is optimised for laser-based equipment.
It supports 10 Gb/s up to 300 metres but is also capable of transmitting 100 Gb/s bandwidth up to 100 metres.

OM4 fibre

Compatible with OM3 fibre, it was developed specifically for VSCEL laser transmission.
It supports 10 Gb/s up to 550 metres and 100 Gb/s up to 150 metres.

OM5 fibre

It is known as broadband multimode fibre.
It is specially designed to support at least four WDM channels with a minimum speed of 28 Gb/s per channel.

The cable is produced using a military sheath following the MIL-C85045 standard and has an outer diameter of Ø8.00 mm. Being based on the military standard MIL-C-85045, it has an operating temperature range of -20 to +70 °C and offers high crush resistance.

It is designed for use in adverse conditions, it has a polyurethane coating and this allows it to be used on any type of floor and in any environment, it is even resistant to contact with chemical products.

Each of the 4 channels is protected with a helical flexible metal armouring in addition to the watertight fanout distributor at the output.

The connectors are LC type and can be clearly differentiated thanks to an intuitive RGBY multicolour code.

These fibre cable carriers with LC connectors are subjected to mechanical and environmental tests according to IEC 60794-1-21.

You can find them already available at Emelec VíasCom in any length on demand.

FIBRE OPTICAL CABLES for 4K VIDEO

Supported signals: 12G-SDI (4K-UHD) and HDMI 2.0 (4K-DCI)
- 12G-SDI / 4K-UHD: 3,840 x 2,160 - 60 fps (RGB 4:4:4:4 12 Gbps)
- HDMI 2.0 / 4K-DCI: 4,096 x 2,160 - 60 fps (HDR, HDCP 2.2, RGB 4:4:4 18Gbps)
High signal propagationspeed and minimal attenuation.
2m cable (included in length) at the front.
Cable holder with soft, ergonomic handle and elasticated carrying strap.
Front closing door with crank handle for easy winding and locking brake at the rear.
Assembly carried out by experienced personnel and individually tested to ensure perfect functioning.