Cobalt Digital Inc 9253 User manual

9253 Manual V1.2
1/30/2014
9253
Dual 1 x 4 AES/EBU Distribution Amplifier-75 Ohm with SRC
User Manual
CDI Part number: 9253
V1.2

2
9253 •
••
•Dual 1 x 4 AES/EBU Distribution Amplifier-75 Ohm with SRC, User Manual
•Cobalt Digital Part Number: 9253
•Document Version: 1.2 (Jan 2014)
•Printed in the USA.
The information contained in this User Manual is subject to change without notice or
obligation.
Copyright
© 2014 Cobalt Digital Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission
of Cobalt Digital Inc. Reproduction or reverse engineering of copyrighted software is
prohibited.
Notice
The material in this manual is furnished for informational use only. It is subject to change
without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Cobalt Digital Inc. Cobalt
Digital Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies that may appear in
this manual.
Trademarks
•is a registered trademark of Ross Video Limited.
•is a registered trademark of Cobalt Digital Inc.
•All other product names and any registered and unregistered trademarks
mentioned in this manual are used for identification purposes only and remain the
exclusive property of their respective owners.

3
Important Regulatory and Safety Notices
Before using this product and any associated equipment, refer to the “Important Safety
Instructions” listed below so as to avoid personnel injury and to prevent product damage.
Products may require specific equipment, and /or installation procedures be carried out to satisfy
certain regulatory compliance requirements.
Symbol Meanings
This symbol on the equipment refers you to important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions within the Product Manual
Documentation. Failure to heed this information may present a major risk of
damage or injury to persons or equipment.
Warning
The symbol with the word “Warning” within the equipment manual indicates
a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Caution
The symbol with the word “Caution” within the equipment manual indicates a
potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Notice
The symbol with the word “Notice” within the equipment manual indicates a
situation, which if not avoided, may result in major or minor equipment
damage or a situation which could place the equipment in a non-compliant
operating state.
ESD
Susceptibility
This symbol is used to alert the user that an electrical or electronic device or
assembly is susceptible to damage from an ESD event.
Important Safety Instructions
Caution
Refer to the frame manual for important safety instructions regarding the
proper installation and safe operation of the frame as well as it’s component
products.
Warning
Certain parts of this equipment namely the power supply area still present a
safety hazard, with the power switch in the OFF position. To avoid electrical
shock, disconnect all A/C power cords from the chassis' rear appliance
connectors before servicing this area.
Warning
Service barriers within this product are intended to protect the operator and
service personnel from hazardous voltages. For continued safety, replace all
barriers after any servicing.
This product contains safety critical parts, which if incorrectly replaced may
present a risk of fire or electrical shock. Components contained within the
product’s power supplies and power supply area, are not intended to be
customer serviced and should be returned to the factory for repair.
To reduce the risk of fire, replacement fuses must be the same type and
rating. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
EMC Notices

4
US FCC Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A Digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case users will be required
to correct the interference at their own expense.
Notice
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Cobalt
Digital Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CANADA
This Class “A”digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerique de classe “A”est conforme àla norme NMB-003 du Canada.
EUROPE
This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of CE
Directive 93/68/EEC.
INTERNATIONAL
This equipment has been tested to CISPR 22:1997 along with amendments A1:2000 and A2:2002 and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A Digital device.
Notice
This is a Class A product. In domestic environments this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may have to take adequate
measures.
Maintenance/User Serviceable Parts
Routine maintenance to this product is not required. This product contains no user serviceable parts. If
the module does not appear to be working properly, please contact Technical Support using the numbers
listed under the “Contact Us”section on the last page of this manual. This product is covered by a
generous 5-year warranty and will be repaired without charge for materials or labor within this period.
See the “Warranty and Repair Policy”section in this manual for details.

5
Environmental Information
The equipment that you purchased required the extraction and use of natural resources for
its production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the
environment.
To avoid the potential release of those substances into the environment and to diminish the need
for the extraction of natural resources, Cobalt Digital Inc. encourages you to use the appropriate
take-back systems. These systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials from your end-of-life
equipment in an environmentally friendly and health conscious manner.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use these systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse, and recycling systems, please contact your
local or regional waste administration.

6
Introduction
This chapter contains the following sections:
•Overview
•Functional Block Diagram
•Features
•Documentation Terms
Overview
The 9253 is a Dual AES/EBU distribution amplifier designed for broadcast use. It can provide
four copies of each incoming signal. It may also be used to provide up to eight outputs that
are sample rate converted.
The 9253 supports audio sampling frequencies from 30kHz to 192 kHz. Cable equalization
and reclocking techniques enable the 9253 to recover the incoming digital audio signal
reliably.
The 9253 is housed in the HPF-9000 or similar 20-slot frames.

7
Functional Block Diagram
1-1
1-3
AES
OUTPUTS
1-2
1-4
CABLE EQ RECLOCK
>>
>>
>>
>>
2-1
2-3
AES
OUTPUTS
2-2
2-4
>>
>>
>>
>>
GN
TALLIES
RD
YL
GN
RD
X
ON
LOCK
NOLOCK
EQ
COM
ERROR
CAN BUS
12345 678
CONTROL
DIP SWITCHES
TERMINATION
ADDRESS
CAN ADDRESS
TONE SRC
CABLE EQ RECLOCK
X
ON
TONE
GN
RD
YL
LOCK
NO LOCK
EQ
CH 1 CH 2
1
2
REF 1
REF 2
INPUTS
<
<
<
<
<
<<
<<
Figure 1. Simplified Block Diagram of the 9253 Functions
Features
The following features make the 9253 the best solution for digital audio distribution.
•Cable equalization and data reclocking on the incoming AES/EBU signal
•Supports audio sampling frequencies from 30kHz to 192 kHz
•5 year warranty
•Fits HPF-9000 and similar series 20-slot frames
Documentation Terms
The following terms are used throughout this guide:
•“Frame”refers to the HPF-9000 or similar 20-slot frame that houses the 9253
card.
•“Operator”and “User”refer to the person who uses the 9253.
•“Board”, and “Card”refer to the 9253 card itself, including all components
and switches.

8
Installation and Setup
This chapter contains the following sections:
•Static Discharge
•Unpacking
•Rear Module Options
•Board Installation
Static Discharge
Whenever handling the 9253 and other related equipment, please observe all static discharge
precautions as described in the following note:
ESD
Susceptibility
Static discharge can cause serious damage to sensitive
semiconductor devices. Avoid handling circuit boards in
high static environments such as carpeted areas, and
when wearing synthetic fiber clothing. Always exercise
proper grounding precautions when working on circuit
boards and related equipment.
Unpacking
Unpack each 9253 you received from the shipping container, and check the contents against
the packing list to ensure that all items are included. If any items are missing or damaged,
contact your sales representative or Cobalt Digital Inc. directly.

9
Rear Module Installation
If you are installing the card into a slot with no rear module, you should have ordered and received an
appropriate 9253 rear module. You will need to install it in your frame before you can connect cables.
Use the following steps to install a rear module in the frame:
1. On the rear of the frame, locate the card frame slot.
2. As shown in Figure 2, seat the bottom of the rear module in the seating slot at the
base of the frame’s back plane.
Figure 2. Rear Module Installation
3. Align the top hole of the RM-9253-A with the screw hole on the top edge of the
frame back plane.
4. Using a Phillips driver and the supplied screw, fasten the rear module to the frame
back plane. Do not over tighten.
All modules are installed using the same method above.
The following section contains a drawing of the RM-9253-A module.

10
Rear Module Options
All connections are 75 Ohms. Rear module RM20-9253-A uses BNC type connectors. Rear
modules RM20-9253-A/S, RM20-9253-B/S-DIN and RM20-9253-B/S-HDBNC are “split”rear
modules that accommodate 2 cards per rear module in adjacent slots. The –B/S module is
available with DIN 1.0/2.3 or HD-BNC connectors.
RM20-9253-A RM20-9253-A/S RM20-9253-B/S
Figure 2. 9253 Rear Modules

11
Board Installation
Use the following procedure to install the 9253 in a frame.
1. Refer to the frame User Manual to ensure that the frame is properly installed
according to instructions.
2. After selecting the desired frame installation slot, hold the 9253 card by the
edges and carefully align the card edges with the slots in the frame. Then
fully insert the card into the frame until the rear connection plugs are properly
seated on the midplane and rear module.
This completes the procedure for installing the 9253 in the frame.

12
User Controls
This chapter contains a description of the 9253 user controls:
•EQ Switch
•LEDs
•DIP Switch Settings
•Remote Control
.
User Controls
Figure 3. Card-edge User Controls

13
EQ Switch — SW1 and SW2
The EQ Switches (SW1 and SW2) are used to insert the cable equalizer into the incoming AES/EBU
signal. The 9253 can recover digital audio signals conforming to AES/EBU specifications and
transmitted over 75ohm, coaxial cable, up to 600 metres (2000 ft) long without equalization. For cable
lengths in excess of 600 metres, we recommend that the input equalization be activated. Note that
switching the EQ in and out can cause audible artefacts.
•Pressing the EQ Switches SW1 or SW2 will activate the appropriate yellow EQ
LED to indicate this feature is activated.
•While the EQ Switches SW1 or SW2 are activated pressing it again will disable
the EQ and the yellow EQ LED will go off.
LEDs
The front-edge of the card features LEDs that display the status of the input signals.
As selections are made in the menus, (refer the subsequent chapter for complete menu
descriptions), the LEDs display the status of the input signals. Descriptions are provided in the
following table:
LED Color Location Display and Description
Lock 1 Green Top of the
card
When illuminated there is a valid AES/EBU signal at the input of
AES1.
No Lock
1Red Second
from the
top
When illuminated a valid AES/EBU signal is not present at the input
of AES 1
EQ 1 Yellow Third from
the top
When illuminated this indicates that the cable EQ for AES 1 has
been inserted by pressing SW1 or that feature has been enabled
through Dashboard.
Lock 2 Green Fourth from
the top
When illuminated there is a valid AES/EBU signal at the input of AES
2.
No Lock
2Red Fifth from the top When illuminated a valid AES/EBU signal is not present at the input
of AES 2.
EQ 2 Yellow Sixth from
the top
When illuminated this indicates that the cable EQ for AES 2 has
been inserted by pressing SW2 or that feature has been enabled
through Dashboard.
Com
Activity Green Seventh
from the
top
When illuminated this indicates that the 9253 is communicating to
Dashboard through the CAN bus.
Error Red Eighth from
the top When illuminated this indicates that there is an error in the communications to Dashboard through the CAN bus.
Table 1. Status LED Descriptions

14
DIP Switch Settings

15
REMOTE CONTROL
DashBoard Control
This card may be monitored or controlled by a remote computer through DashBoard the free
configuration monitoring software available to openGear users.
With DashBoard installed on your computer the following menus are available when
interrogating a 9253 card:
MENU ITEM DISPLAY DESCRIPTION
Product 9253 Product identification code
Name Dual Unbalanced AES Distribution
Amplifier Product functional description
Supplier Cobalt Digital Inc. Manufacturer of the card
Software Rev. ## Three digit software revision code
Card Info
(Read
Only)
Web site www.cobaltdigital.com Manufacturer’s web address
MENU ITEM DISPLAY DESCRIPTION
Green Dot - OK Card is functioning properly and
appropriate signals are connected
Card
Status Red Dot –No AES signal detected AES signal is not present at either
input
Locked AES signal is presentAES Input 1
Unlocked AES signal is not present
Locked AES signal is present
Card
Status
(Read
Only)
AES Input 2
Unlocked AES signal is not present
MENU ITEM BUTTON SELECTION DESCRIPTION
1 x 8 Functions as a 1 in 8 out AES DA
1 x 4 Functions as dual 1 in 4out AES DA
Card
Settings
(Button
selection)
Mode
1 x 8 w/SRC Functions as a 1 in 8 out AES DA with
Sample Rate Conversion.
A sampling signal must be connected
to AES input 2 or jumpers on card
may be set to select between AES2 or
frame reference 1 or 2

16
AES INPUT 1
MENU ITEM BUTTON SELECTION DESCRIPTION
Enabled Equalizer is on to assist in recovering
signals over long cable runs
Equalizer
Disabled Cable equalizer is turned off
Enabled Tone generator for AES 1 turned on
Card
Settings
(Button
selection) Tone
Generator Disabled Tone generator for AES 1 turned off
AES INPUT 2
MENU ITEM BUTTON SELECTION DESCRIPTION
Enabled Equalizer is on to assist in recovering
signals over long cable runs
Equalizer
Disabled Cable equalizer is turned off
Enabled Tone generator for AES 2 turned on
Card
Settings
(Button
selection) Tone
Generator Disabled Tone generator for AES 2 turned off

17
Specifications
Technical Specifications
DIGITAL INPUT
Resolution 24 Bit
Input Level 0.2-7 Vp-p
Input Impedance (transformer balanced) 75Ω,110 Ω, HiZ
Sampling Frequency Range 30 kHz to 192 kHz
DIGITAL OUTPUT
Resolution 24 Bit
Output Level 1 V p-p nominal
Output Impedance 75Ωunbalanced
Sampling Frequency Range 30 kHz to 192 kHz
Jitter Less than 5 ns
GENERAL
Power Requirements +12 V,4Watts, MAX
Dimensions 3.025" high x 12.800" deep
Weight approx.0.115 kg (0.252 lbs)
Cobalt Digital Inc. reserves the right to change performance specifications without prior notice.

18
Cobalt Digital Inc. Limited Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
five (5) years from the date of shipment to the original purchaser, except that 4000, 5000,
6000, 8000 series power supplies, and Dolby®modules (where applicable) are warranted to
be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year.
Cobalt Digital Inc.'s (“Cobalt”) sole obligation under this warranty shall be limited to, at its
option, (i) the repair or (ii) replacement of the product, and the determination of whether a
defect is covered under this limited warranty shall be made at the sole discretion of Cobalt.
This limited warranty applies only to the original end-purchaser of the product, and is not
assignable or transferrable therefrom. This warranty is limited to defects in material and
workmanship, and shall not apply to acts of God, accidents, or negligence on behalf of the
purchaser, and shall be voided upon the misuse, abuse, alteration, or modification of the
product. Only Cobalt authorized factory representatives are authorized to make repairs to the
product, and any unauthorized attempt to repair this product shall immediately void the
warranty. Please contact Cobalt Technical Support for more information.
To facilitate the resolution of warranty related issues, Cobalt recommends registering the
product by completing and returning a product registration form. In the event of a warrantable
defect, the purchaser shall notify Cobalt with a description of the problem, and Cobalt shall
provide the purchaser with a Return Material Authorization (“RMA”). For return, defective
products should be double boxed, and sufficiently protected, in the original packaging, or
equivalent, and shipped to the Cobalt Factory Service Center, postage prepaid and insured
for the purchase price. The purchaser should include the RMA number, description of the
problem encountered, date purchased, name of dealer purchased from, and serial number
with the shipment.
Cobalt Digital Inc. Factory Service Center
2406 E. University Avenue Office: [phone]
Urbana, IL 61802 USA Fax: [phone]
www.cobaltdigital.com Email: [e-mail]
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR
LIABILITIES ON COBALT'S PART. ANY SOFTWARE PROVIDED WITH, OR FOR USE
WITH, THE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED “AS IS.”THE BUYER OF THE PRODUCT
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS WERE MADE OR RELIED
UPON WITH RESPECT TO THE QUALITY AND FUNCTION OF THE GOODS HEREIN
SOLD. COBALT PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE IN LIFE SUPPORT
APPLICATIONS.
COBALT'S LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY, OR OTHERWISE,
IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, AT ITS OPTION, OF ANY DEFECTIVE
PRODUCT, AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

19
Ordering Information
Standard Equipment
9253 AES/EBU Distribution Amplifier 75 Ohm
Optional Equipment
RM20-9253-A 20-Slot Frame Rear I/O Module (Standard Width) 2 AES Input BNCs, 8
AES Output BNCs
RM20-9253-A 20-Slot Frame Rear I/O Module (Standard Width) 2 AES Input BNCs, 8
AES Output BNCs
RM20-9253-A/S 20-Slot Frame Rear I/O Module (Split) AES IN 1 Input BNC, 4 AES
DA Output BNCs (connections are per card)
RM20-9253-B/S-HDBNC 20-Slot Frame Rear I/O Module (Split, High Density) 2 AES
Input BNCs, 8 AES Output BNCs (connections are per card; all connectors HD-BNC)
RM20-9253-B/S-DIN 20-Slot Frame Rear I/O Module (Split, High Density) 2 AES Input
BNCs, 8 AES Output BNCs (connections are per card; all connectors DIN1.0/2.3)
HPF-9000-CN High-Power 20-Slot Frame; 2RU with fans, cover plates for unused slots.
Includes one PSU-9000 Power Supply Module and MFC-8320-N Network Controller
Card.
OG3-FR 20-Slot Frame and Power Supply with Cooling Fans
(2RU, holds 20 cards maximum)

20
Contact Us
Contact our friendly and professional support representatives for the following:
•Name and address of your local dealer
•Product information and pricing
•Technical support
•Upcoming trade show information
General Business
Office and Technical
Support 217 •344 •1243
PHONE
Fax 217 •344 •1245
General Information [email protected]
E-MAIL Technical Support [e-mail]
POSTAL
SERVICE Cobalt Digital Inc. 2406 E. University Ave.
Urbana, IL 61802 USA
Visit Us
Please visit us at our website for:
•Company information
•Related products and full product lines
•On-line catalog
•Trade show information
•News
www.cobaltdigital.com