Quick Guides on 3G Digital Video SFPs

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Monica Geller

3 min read

Nov 3,

As high-definition (HD) content becomes the standard in video and broadcasting industries, there is an increased demand for higher standard digital video SFPs that can handle HD and even superior video transmission. This has led to the development of 3G digital video SFPs that are compatible with SD/HD/3G-SDI. To gain further insights into 3G digital video SFPs, continue reading this article.

SDI Standards

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SDI, or Serial Digital Interface, is a digital video interface standard developed by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). This interface transmits data through a single channel. Various SDI standards include HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, and 12G-SDI. HD-SDI was standardized under SMPTE 372M and supports a 1.485Gbps interface. On the other hand, 3G-SDI consists of a single 2.970Gbps serial link that can replace the dual-link HD-SDI systems.

3G Digital Video SFPs

3G Video SFPs, also known as Digital Video SFPs, are designed for SDI (Serial Digital Interface) data rates ranging from 50 Mbps to 3 Gbps, with a maximum transmission distance of 80 km using single-mode fiber. These SFP modules are expressly created to transmit optical serial digital signals based on SMPTE 297, ensuring robust performance against various SDI patterns as per SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 344M, SMPTE 292M, and SMPTE 424M.

Digital video SFPs offer several advantages: they are hot-pluggable, user-friendly, and represent the most effective optical solutions for transmitting digital video over fiber optics. The pinout design allows a single slot to accommodate various combinations like dual transmitters, dual receivers, single transmitters, single receivers, or transceivers. This cost-effective solution addresses challenges seen during optical digital video transmission and facilitates SDI and HD-SDI signal transport over MSA-compliant optical transport systems.

Types of 3G Digital Video SFPs

3G digital video SFPs consist of various types, including 3G SDI SFP, BiDi SFP, and CWDM SFP. Depending on different standards, they can be classified into multiple categories. Based on transmission mode, configurations include single Tx, single Rx, dual Tx, dual Rx, and TR transceivers; by standards they are separated into MSA and non-MSA types; and regarding operating wavelengths, they cover various nm ranges and CWDM wavelengths. Additionally, due to varied applications, there are 3G video SFPs and specific SFPs meant for handling 3G video pathological patterns.

So, what are 3G-SDI pathological patterns? These patterns, otherwise known as SDI proving ground, consist of a comprehensive test signal that must be executed during a blackout. These signals can be demanding for digital serial systems and are crucial for assessing system performance. Pathological patterns often feature rich low-frequency energy, statistically occurring once per frame. Such testing is a significant criterion for evaluating video SFP modules. The 3Gbps video pathological patterns SFPs are engineered to transmit optical serial digital signals at the specified rates defined in SMPTE 297, with capabilities to support signals between 50Mbps to 3Gbps across distances of up to 40km. Both single-mode and multimode options are on offer, with all modules being hot-pluggable and compliant with SFP MSA specifications. Applications for these SFPs include interfacing in 3G-SDI/HD-SDI/SD-SDI optical-electrical converters, camera systems, high-density digital video routers, and switches.

Conclusion

This article provides valuable information regarding 3G digital video SFPs. Our selection at Raycom includes a comprehensive range of competitively priced yet high-quality 3G digital video SFPs suitable for varying link distances of 300 m, 10 km, 20 km, 40 km, and 80 km. With the rise of the 4K (ultra-high-definition) market, the requirement for effective 4K transport is climbing sharply. We anticipate advancements in 6G-SDI or even 12G-SDI products being developed soon.