Axon Synapse SCV12 User manual

____________________________________________
SCV12
High-end 12 bit SDI to composite/component/RGB encoder
with Frame synchronizer and de-embedding capability

Lange Wagenstraat 55
NL-5126 BB Gilze
The Netherlands
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.axon.tv
TECHNICAL MANUAL
SCV12
High-end 12 bit SDI to composite/component/RGB encoder
with Frame synchronizer and de-embedding capability

3
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
●ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before cleaning any component. The product
frame (SFR18 or SFR04) must be terminated with three-conductor AC mains power cord that includes an
earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must always be used.
●NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning components.
●NEVER operate this product if any cover is removed.
●NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
●NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
●NEVER block airflow through ventilation slots.
●NEVER bypass any fuse.
●NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
●NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your local Axon distributor.
●NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures.
●NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Warranty: Axon warrants their products according to the warranty policy as described in the general terms.
That means that Axon Digital Design BV can only warrant the products as long as the serial numbers are not
removed.
Copyright © 2001 – 2008 AXON Digital Design B.V.
Date created: 11-03-08
Date last revised: 11-03-08
Axon, the Axon logo and Synapse are trademarks of Axon Digital Design B.V.
This product complies with the requirements of the product family standards for audio, video, audio-visual
entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use as mentioned below.
EN60950
EN55103-1: 1996
EN55103-2: 1996
Safety
Emission
Immunity
Axon Digital Design SCV12
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

4
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction to Synapse
An introduction to Synapse
Local Control Panel
Remote Control Capabilities
Chapter 2 Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking
Locating the card
Chapter 3 A Quick Start
When powering-up
Default settings
Changing parameters and settings
Front Panel Control
Example of changing parameter using
Front Panel control
Synapse SetUp Software
Menu Structure Example
Chapter 4 The SCV12 card
Introduction
Key Features
Chapter 5 Settings Menu
Chapter 6 Status Menu
Chapter 7 Events Menu
Chapter 8 LED Indication
Chapter 9 Block Schematic
Chapter 10 Connector panel

5
1 Introduction to Synapse
An Introduction to
Synapse Synapse is a modular system designed for the broadcast industry.
High density, intuitive operation and high quality processing are
key features of this system. Synapse offers a full range of
converters and processing modules. Please visit the AXON Digital
Design Website at www.axon.tv to obtain the latest information on
our new products and updates.
Local Control Panel The local control panel gives access to all adjustable parameters
and provides status information for the Synapse device being
controlled. The local control panel is also used as the input device
for uploading (backing-up) and restoring card settings. Please refer
to the RRC18, RRC10, RRC04, RRS04 and RRS18 manuals for a
detailed description of the local control panel and the way to set-up
a remote by IP and for frame related settings and readings.
Remote Control
Capabilities The remote control options are explained in the rack controller
(RRC18/RRC10/RRC04/RRS04/RRS18) manual. The method of
connection to a computer using Ethernet is described in the RRC
manual.
! CHECK-OUT: “SYNAPSE CORTEX” SOFTWARE
WILL INCREASE SYSTEM FLEXIBILITY OF ONE OR
MORE SYNAPSE FRAMES
Although not required to use Cortex with a frame, you are strongly
advised to use a remote personal computer or laptop PC with
Cortex installed as this increases the ease of use and understanding
of the modules.

6
2Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking The Axon Synapse card must be unpacked in an anti-static
environment. Care must be taken NOT to touch components on the
card – always handle the card carefully by the edges. The card
must be stored and shipped in anti-static packaging. Ensuring that
these precautions are followed will prevent premature failure from
components mounted on the board.
Locating the card The Synapse card can be placed vertically in an SFR18 frame or
horizontally in an SFR04 frame. Locate the two guide slots to be
used, slide in the mounted circuit board, and push it firmly to
locate the connectors.
Correct insertion of card is essential as a card that is not located
properly may show valid indicators, but does not function
correctly.
REMARK: On power up all LEDs will light for a few seconds, this
is the time it takes to initialise the card.

7
3A Quick Start
When Powering-up On powering up the Synapse frame, the card set will use basic data
and default initialisation settings. All LEDs will light during this
process. After initialisation, several LEDs will remain lit – the
exact number and configuration is dependant upon the number of
inputs connected and the status of the inputs.
Default settings By default the SCV12 functions as a 4 channel SDI distribution
amplifier, with 4 down converted CVBS (composite) outputs. By
default channels 1 till 8 of the embedded audio of the input are de-
embedded to the synapse bus.
Changing settings
and parameters The front panel controls or Cortex can be used to change settings.
An overview of the settings can be found in chapter 5, 6 and 7 of
this manual.
Front Panel Control Front Panel Display and Cursor
Settings are displayed and changed as follows;
Use the cursor ‘arrows’ on the front panel to select the menu and
parameter to be displayed and/or changed.
Press ►To go forward through the menu structure.
Press ◄To go back through the menu structure.
Press ▲To move up within a menu or increase the value of
a parameter.
Press ▼To move down through a menu or decrease the
value of a parameter.
REMARK: In the settings menu, pressing ►twice will reset the
value to its default
[
No Alarms]

8
Example of
changing
parameters using
front panel control
With the display as shown below
Pressing the ►selects the SFS10 in frame slot 01.
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 has been selected.
In this example the Settings menu item is indicated.
Pressing the ►selects the menu item shown, in this example
Settings
(Pressing ▲or ▼will change to a different menu eg Status,
Events)
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 Settings menu
item SDI-Format has been selected and shows that it current
setting is Auto.
Pressing the ►selects the settings item shown, in this example
SDI-Format.
(Pressing ▲or ▼will change to a different setting, eg Mode,
H-Delay)
The display changes to indicate that the SFS10 Edit Setting
menu item SDI-Format has been selected.
To edit the setting of the menu item press ▲or ▼.
All menu items can be monitored and/or changed in this way.
Changing a setting has an immediate effect.
RRC18 [Select Card]
>
S01=
S
FS10
SFS10 [Select Menu]
>
Settings
SFS10 [Settings]
>
SDI
-
F
ormat=Auto
SFS10 [Edit
S
etting]

9
Cortex software Cortex can be used to change the settings of Synapse modules
from a PC, either locally or remotely. The software enables
communication based on TCP/IP between the setup PC and
Synapse frames/modules.
Each Synapse frame is addressed through its rack controller’s
unique IP address, giving access to each module, its menus and
adjustment items. Cortex has access to data contained within the
Synapse module and displays it on a GUI. The software has an
intuitive structure following that of the module that it is
controlling.
For instructions and operation of Cortex, please refer to the Cortex
help files.
Menu Structure
Example
Slot Module Item Parameter Setting
▲
▲
S02 Identity
▲▲
S01 SFS10 ►Settings ►SDI-
Format ►Auto
▼▼▼▼
S00 RRC18 Status Mode 625
▼▼▼
Events Ref-Input 525
▼
H-Delay
▼
▼
REMARK: Further information about Front Panel Control and can
be obtained from the RRC18, RRC04, RRS18 and RRS04
operational manuals.

10
4 The SCV12 Card
Introduction The SCV12 is an SDI to Composite or Component or RGB
converter with frame synchronizer or video delay and video proc-
amp. The encoder has a very flexible timing circuit that allows for
multiple output phase options. In addition, it has an 8 channel de-
embedding function in combination with 1 or 2 ADD-ON cards.
The synchronizer function can be used to synchronize a non-
synchronous signal or to compensate a delay. The unit has four
composite outputs in CVBS mode. The black & burst reference is
connected through the central gen-lock input of the SFR18, SFR08
or SFR04.
Features Following features are included in the SCV12:
•12 bit encoding
•4 reclocked SDI and 4 composite video outputs
•Frame synchronizer (not for SD-SDI reclocked outputs)
•Fully adjustable output delay up to 1 frame (with respect to
the SDI input or B&B reference in 1/16 pixel increments)
•Adjustable Sub-H phase or sub carrier reference phase in
between -89 and 89 degrees
•Colorbar generation adjustable for 100%, 75%
•Auto detecting of format (525/625)with correct reference
input selection (SFR18 only)
•Vertical interval blanking
•Selectable NTSC setup
•Proc-amp
•EDH detection
•Selectable panic freeze or manual freeze
•2 Group de-embedder in combination with DAC24,
DAC20 or DAS24
•Compatible with fiber I/O panels

11
5Settings Menu
Introduction The settings menu displays the current state of each setting within
the SCV12 and enables the item to be changed or adjusted.
Settings can be changed using the front panel of the Synapse
frame (SFR18 or SFR04) or Cortex software.
Please refer to chapter 3 for information on the Synapse front
panel control and Cortex.
Sources The SCV12 accepts an SDI Input, additionally it is capable of
generating internal test patterns. Sources select between the
SDI input and the choice of 2 test patterns, Colorbar75
(75% Color Bars) and Colorbar100 (100% Color Bars). The
default setting is SDI.
Format This item controls the detection of the input format and the mode
of the internal test signal generator. The settings of Format are
Auto detection, 625, 525.
The default setting is Auto.
LockMode LockMode determines the mode by which the SCV12 is locked
to the video stream. The settings of LockMode are Ref_1,
Ref_2. Auto-Ref, SDI-Lock. Is Ref 1 or 2 are selected the
card is locked to the Black&Burst signal that is connected to the
SFR18/04 central input. SDI-Lock means that the timing is
derived from the SDI signal and the composite output is in phase
with this signal. Set to auto-ref the card automatically locks to
either Ref 1 or ref 2, depending on where it finds a valid
reference.
The default setting is SDI-Lock.
Output This sets the output format of the analog video outputs. Can be
Composite, Y_Pr_Pb or RGB. By default it is set to
Composite.
Standard This sets the output standard of the analog video outputs. Can be
set to NTSC, PAL_BGHID, PAL_M or PAL_N. Can also be set to
Auto, which sets the card to select a standard automatically. By
default, the setting NTSC is used.

12
Freeze Freeze enables the capture of one Video Field or Frame
(depending on the setting of Frz-Mode). The settings of Freeze
are On or Off.
The default setting is Off.
Panic-Frz Panic-Frz enables the capture of the last video information
when the input signal is lost. Panic freeze always uses Field mode
irrespective of the settings of the Freeze-mode menu item.
The settings of Panic-Frz are On or Off.
The default setting is input Off.
Frz-Mode Frz-mode gives the choice of storing a complete Video Frame
or Field (double written) for the above Freeze Menu and the
external freeze input.
The default setting is Field.
Pedestal Sets the pedestal (or setup) of the video signal to a defined level.
Can set according to On or Off. The default setting for
Pedestal is Off.
Halfline In order to maintain the half line necessary for PAL interlacing,
Halfline enables line 23 to be active or to have the first half of
the line blanked. The settings for Halfline On or Off. The
default setting of Halfline is Off.
V-Blanking V-Blanking determines if you blank the Vertical interval (line
6 until line 23) or not.
The default setting of V-Blanking is Off.
EDH-Det This setting allows the user to choose between Active-Picture
(Active-P) or Full-Field (Full-F) EDH detection.

13
Luma-filter Luma-Filter allows the selection of filters with different
characteristics that can be used to enhance Luminance
performance. Luma-Filter can be set to LPF_NTSC,
LPF_PAL, Notch_NTSC, Notch_PAL, SSAF, CIF and QCIF.
The filter can also be set to Auto, which sets the Luma filter
automatically.
Some technical specifications of some of the settings:
SSAF has a frequency response of -3dB at 6,45Mhz and -
80dB at 8Mhz and a pass band ripple of 0,04
CIF has a frequency response of -3dB at 3.02 Mhz and pass
band ripple 0,127 , low pass filter
QCIF has a frequency response of -3dB at 1,5 Mhz and pass
band ripple Monotonic, low pass filter
The default setting is LPF_NTSC.
Chroma-filter The Chroma-Filter setting adjusts the bandwidth of the
chroma channel. Selection is made between 0.65Mhz,
1.0Mhz, 1.3Mhz, 2.0Mhz, 3.0Mhz, QIF and QCIF.
Some technical details about some of the settings:
CIF has a frequency response of -3dB at 0,65 Mhz and pass
band ripple Monotonic, low pass filter
QCIF has a frequency responcy met -3dB at 0,5 Mhz and pass
band ripple Monotonic, low pass filter
The default setting is 3.0Mhz.
H-Delay The H-Delay setting allows adjustment of the horizontal phase of
the output signal with respect to the selected reference input.
The H-Delay setting gives a delay in addition to the reference
timing. For example, if H-Delay is set to 10 samples, the output
signal will be delayed by the reference timing + 10 samples of
37ns, therefore the delay = Ref timing+ 37ns x10. The signal is
delayed (advanced) with respect to the phase of the reference
signal.
In 625/50 the adjustment range of H-Delay is 0-1727 samples,
0..64 μs (one PAL TV line).
In 525/60 the adjustment range of H-Delay is 0-1715 samples,
0…63.556 μs (one NTSC TV line).
The default setting is 0 samples. The delay of the card is indicated
by the tracking pulse on the BNC output. This can be used, for
example, to track an audio delay.

14
V-Delay V-Delay setting allows adjustment of the vertical phase of the
output signal with respect to the selected reference input.
The V-Delay setting gives a delay in addition to the reference
timing. For example, if V-Delay is set to 10 TV lines, the output
signal will be delayed by the reference timing + 10 TV lines. The
signal is delayed (advanced) with respect to the phase of the
reference signal.
In 625/50 the adjustment range of V-Delay is 0-624 lines (one TV
frame).
In 525/60 the adjustment range is 0-524 lines (one TV frame).
The default setting is 0 lines.
The delay of the card is indicated by the tracking pulse on the
BNC output. This can be used, for example, to track an audio
delay.
ScH-Phase The ScH Phase of the PAL output can be set using ScH-Phase.
ScH-Phase has a range of –89 degrees to 89 degrees in steps
of 1 degree. The reference point for ScH Phase is Line 1 of Field
1. The default setting of ScH-Phase is 0degrees.
Hue The setting hue adjusts the position of the wavelength in
degrees. The available setting range is from –22 to 22 degrees in
steps of 1 degree.
The default setting is 0degrees.
Y-Gain Y-Gain adjusts the Y component of the composite output. Y-
Gain has an adjustment range of 0% to 199.8%. The default
setting of Y-Gain is 100%.
Cr-Gain Cr-Gain adjusts the Cr component of the composite output.
Cr-Gain has an adjustment range of 0% to 199.8%. The
default setting of Cr-Gain is 100%.
Cb-Gain Cb-Gain adjusts the Cb component of the composite output.
Cb-Gain has an adjustment range of 0% to 199.8%. The
default setting of Cb-Gain is 100%.
R-Gain R-Gain adjusts the level of the R component in a range of 0% to
199.8%.
The default setting is 100%

15
G-Gain G-Gain adjusts the level of the G component in a range of 0%
to 199.8%.
The default setting is 100%
B-Gain B-Gain adjusts the level of the B component a range of 0% to
199.8%.
The default setting is 100%
R-Black R-Black adjusts the black level of the R component in a range
from -128 bit to 127 bit.
The default setting is 0 bit.
G-Black G-Black adjusts the black level of the G component in a range
from -128 bit to 127 bit.
The default setting is 0 bit.
B-Black B-Black adjusts the black level of the B component in a range
from -128 bit to 127 bit
The default setting is 0 bit.
Black Black controls the total R-G-B Black gain in a range from
-128 bit to 127 bit.
The default setting of Black is 0 bits.
Dem-sel A1 ~
Dem-sel A4 The SCV12 has an eight channel de-embedder. The Synapse bus
outputs 1 to 8 can contain one out of the 16 possible audio
channels available in the SDI domain (Ch_1 till Ch_16). De-
embedder A outputs 4 channels to the first AddOn output group.
Default for Dem-sel A1 ~ Dem-sel A4 are respectively
Ch_1 to Ch_4.
Dem-sel B1 ~
Dem-sel B4 The SCV12 has an eight channel de-embedder. The Synapse bus
outputs 1 to 8 can contain one out of the 16 possible audio
channels available in the SDI domain (Ch_1 till Ch_16). De-
embedder B outputs 4 channels to the second AddOn output
group. Default for Dem-sel B1 ~ Dem-sel B4 are
respectively Ch_5 to Ch_8.

16
6Status Menu
Introduction The status menu indicates the current status of each item listed
below.
SDI-Input This status item indicates if a valid serial digital video signal is
present at the input. SDI-Input indicates if an input signal is
NA (not available) or Present.
Ref-Input This status item recognises a valid reference input on the chosen
reference input. Status is not feedback when there is no input.
Reference indicates if a reference input is NA (not available)
or Present.
Format-Det 625-Lines and 525-Lines standards can be detected as the
valid input signal format, 625/50 and 525/60 are recognised as
valid inputs.
GrpInUse GrpInUse indicates the audio groups that are already present in
the incoming SDI signal. The indication of a group, or groups
being present is as follows,
Display
____
1___
_2__
12__
__3_
1_3_
_23_
123_
___4
1__4
_2_4
12_4
__34
1_34
_234
1234
When no groups are
present GrpInUse
indicates ____.

17
Add_on A1 ~
Add_on B4 This item indicates the status of the audio, which is present in
addon A1 till addon B4. OK indicates that the audio channels are
present, NA indicates the audio is not available.
ANC-stat ANC-stat, Ancillary Status, indicates that embedded audio is
present and valid. ANC-stat indicates if an input signal is OK,
NA (not available) or Error.
EDH- Stat EDH-Stat, indicates the status of the EDH within the incoming
SDI signal. OK is indicated if the status of the detected EDH
does not indicate errors.
UES is shown if an EDH data block is not present.
EDA is displayed if an EDH error has previously been detected by
another card in the SDI chain.
EDH is displayed if a previously undetected EDH error is detected
by this device.
FILT-Stat This status item displays the current active status of the Luma-
filter setting. Can be one of the following statuses:
-LPF_NTSC
-LPF_PAL
-Notch_NTSC
-Notch_PAL
-SSAF
-CIF
-QCIF
Standard-Stat This status item displays the current active status of the Standard
setting. Can be one of the following statuses:
-NTSC
-PAL_BGHID
-PAL_M
-PAL_N

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7Events Menu
Introduction An event is a special message that is generated on the card
asynchronously. This means that it is not the response to a request
to the card, but a spontaneous message.
What is the Goal of
an event? The goal of events is to inform the environment about a changing
condition on the card. A message may be broadcast to mark the
change in status. The message is volatile and cannot be retrieved
from the system after it has been broadcast. There are several
means by which the message can be filtered.
SCV12 Events The events reported by the SCV12 are as follows;
Announcements Announcements is not an event. This item is only used for
switching the announcement of status changes on/off. 0=off,
other =on
Input Input can be selected between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255 is the
priority setting.
Reference Reference can be selected between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255
are the priority setting. If the reference is lost an Event will be
generated at the priority.
EDH status EDH status can be selected between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255
is the priority setting.
ANC status ANC status can be selected between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255
is the priority setting.

19
What information is
available in an
event?
The message consists of the following items;
1) A message string to show what has happened in text, for
example: “INP_LOSS”, “REF_LOSS”, “INP_RETURN”.
2) A tag that also shows what happens, but with a predefined
number: e.g. 1 (= loss of input), 2 (= loss of reference), 129(=
1+128 = return of input). For a list of these predefined tags
see the table on the next page.
3) A priority that marks the importance of an event. This value is
defined by the user and can have any value between 1 and
255, or 0 when disabled.
4) A slot number of the source of this event.
The Message String The message string is defined in the card and is therefore fixed. It
may be used in controlling software like Synapse Set-up to show
the event.
The Tag The tag is also defined in the card. The tag has a fixed meaning.
When controlling or monitoring software should make decisions
based on events, it is easier to use the tag instead of interpreting a
string. The first implementation is the tag controlled switch in the
GPI16.
In cases where the event marks a change to fault status (e.g. 1 for
Loss of Input) the complement is marked by the tag increased by
128 (80hex) (e.g. 129 (81hex) for Return of Input).
Defining Tags The tags defined for the SCV12 are:
Event Menu Item Tag Description
Announcements 0 or NA 0 or NA Announcing of report
and control values
Input 01hex=INP_LOSS 81hex=INP_RETURN primary input lost or
returned
Reference 02hex=REF_LOSS 82hex=REF_RETURN reference lost or
returned
EDH-Status 03hex=EDH_ERROR 83hex=EDH_OK EDH error occurred
ANC-Status 04hex=ANC_ERROR 84hex=ANC_OK ANC status error

20
The Priority The priority is a user-defined value. The priority is set as the
value of the event-object in the card. Any nonzero value will
enable the announcement of the related event. The value itself
may be used to filter events at the client. The definition of that
filter is completely free to the user. The client could, for instance,
only show events with priority between 20 and 30, while another
client display all events with priority at least 50.
The Address Together with the message string or the tag, the slot number or
address of the card is relevant to be able to assign the event to a
certain card.