Quartz Q256-DA/AA User guide

Quartz Q256-DA/AA System Manual MANUAL-09
Issue 1.02 edited: 12 February 2004 Page 1
QUARTZ
Q256-DA/AA
ROUTING SWITCHER
SYSTEM MANUAL
Quartz Electronics Limited
59 Suttons Business Park
Reading
England
RG6 1AZ
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
Web Site www.quartzuk.com
Sales e-mail [e-mail]
Technical Support [phone]
Emergency Technical Support Mobile [phone]
Technical Support E-mail [email protected]
MADE IN ENGLAND
© Copyright Quartz Electronics Limited 2004
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be adapted or reproduced in any form without the prior
written consent of Quartz Electronics Limited.

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CUSTOM SECTION
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CUSTOM SECTION
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Safety
WARNING: Dangerously high voltages are present inside this equipment.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain
or moisture.
WARNING: This equipment uses power/mains connectors fitted with earth pins. It is most
important as a matter of personal safety that the equipment is properly earthed.
CAUTION: This equipment may have more than one power supply cord. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, disconnect all power supply cords before servicing.
CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions
unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, plug each power supply cord into separate branch
circuits employing separate service grounds.
NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning components.
NEVER operate this product with any covers removed.
NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
NEVER bypass any fuse or replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
NEVER block the airflow through ventilation slots.
NEVER expose this product to extremely low or high temperatures.
This product complies with the requirements of the product family standards for video, audio, audio-visual
entertainment, and lighting control apparatus for professional use as mentioned below.
EN60950 Safety
EN55103-1: 1996 Emission
EN55103-2: 1996 Immunity
Quartz Electronics Ltd
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.

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Contents
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................10
GENERAL DESCRIPTION................................................................................................10
Key Features ................................................................................................................11
Applications ..................................................................................................................11
Ordering Guide..............................................................................................................12
Systems up to 256x256................................................................................................12
Sub-Loaded Systems...................................................................................................12
Systems above 256x256...............................................................................................13
Options & Spares ........................................................................................................13
Technical Specification.................................................................................................15
System Overview...........................................................................................................16
Front View, Doors Removed..........................................................................................16
Rear View ...................................................................................................................17
Nomenclature..............................................................................................................18
Audio..........................................................................................................................18
Internal Audio Clocks ...................................................................................................19
Control........................................................................................................................19
Input Fin: AES Balanced (D-Type)...................................................................................20
Input Fin: AES3id Un-balanced (BNC)..............................................................................21
Input Fin: Analog ...........................................................................................................22
Input Fin: Expand Audio.................................................................................................23
Crosspoint Module.........................................................................................................24
Output Fin: AES Balanced (D-Type)................................................................................25
Output Fin: AES3id Un-balanced (BNC)...........................................................................26
Output Fin: Analog.........................................................................................................27
Output Fin: Cascade Audio.............................................................................................28
Control Module..............................................................................................................29
Status LED’s...............................................................................................................29
Functional Block Diagram.............................................................................................29
Software Chip..............................................................................................................30
RS232 Connector.........................................................................................................30
Audio Reference..........................................................................................................30
Reference Rear I/O Module.............................................................................................31
Ethernet Rear I/O Module...............................................................................................32
Serial Rear I/O Module...................................................................................................33
Q-Link Rear I/O Module..................................................................................................34
Monitor Module..............................................................................................................35
Power Supply................................................................................................................36
System Control Architectures .........................................................................................37
Serial Control, Single Chassis.......................................................................................37
Serial Control, Multiple Chassis.....................................................................................37
SC-1000 Control, Single Chassis...................................................................................38
SC-1000 Control, Multiple Chassis ................................................................................39
INSTALLATION................................................................................................................41
Unpacking the Q256-DA/AA ...........................................................................................41
Operating Conditions & Cooling.......................................................................................41
Power Supplies .............................................................................................................41
Audio Connections.........................................................................................................43
Reference.....................................................................................................................46
Serial RS232 Port (front of processor)..............................................................................46
Ethernet Port.................................................................................................................47
Serial RS422/485 Ports (rear panel).................................................................................48

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Q-Link Ports (rear panel) ................................................................................................49
Audio Monitoring Connectors ..........................................................................................49
Alarm Connector............................................................................................................49
Multi-rack Systems........................................................................................................50
Signal Monitoring.........................................................................................................50
Connecting The Inter-Rack Cables.................................................................................50
Typical Q256 AES3id System: 512 Inputs by 512 Outputs...............................................51
Typical Q256 System: 1024 Inputs by 1024 Outputs.......................................................52
Typical Rack Layouts...................................................................................................53
MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................55
WinSetup Diagnostics....................................................................................................56
Low Level Diagnostics....................................................................................................57
Fans.............................................................................................................................58
Power supply ................................................................................................................59
Adjusting the PSU voltages...........................................................................................60
APPENDIX 1: TELNET COMMANDS.................................................................................61
Help .............................................................................................................................61
General Help (cmd: hw)................................................................................................61
Configuration Help (cmd: confighelp)..............................................................................61
Route Status Help (cmd: routehelp)...............................................................................61
Monitoring Help (cmd: monhelp)....................................................................................62
Signal Monitoring...........................................................................................................62
Input Fin Carrier Detect (cmd: ipcd) ...............................................................................62
Output Fin Carrier Detect (cmd: opcd)............................................................................63
Crosspoint Card Standard Detect (cmd: xptstd)..............................................................63
Monitor Inputs (cmd: monip <fin>,<duration>,<Mon op>,<xpt>)........................................63
Monitor All Inputs (cmd: monallip <duration>,<Mon op>,<xpt>)........................................64
Monitor Outputs (cmd: monop <output fin>,< duration>,<Mon op>)..................................64
Monitor All Outputs (cmd: monallop < duration>,<Mon op>).............................................64
Test All Routes (cmd: testops <src>)............................................................................64
Alarm Monitoring ...........................................................................................................65
Alarm Monitoring (cmd: amon) ......................................................................................65
Temperature Status (cmd: temps).................................................................................65
Voltage Status (cmd: volts)...........................................................................................65
Fan Status (cmd: fans).................................................................................................66
Configuration.................................................................................................................67
Configuration Status (cmd: config).................................................................................67
Product Inventory Set (cmd: piset).................................................................................67
Comm Port Setup (cmd: commssetup)..........................................................................67
Set Ethernet Address (cmd: setmacaddr).......................................................................68
Get Ethernet Address (cmd: getmacaddr) ......................................................................68
Set Manufacturing Data (cmd: epset).............................................................................68
Get Manufacturing Data (cmd: epget).............................................................................68
Interrogate and Set Routes .............................................................................................69
Interrogate Route (not implemented) ..............................................................................69
Set Route (cmd: take <source>,<destination>................................................................69
Set All Destinations (cmd: allto <src>)...........................................................................69
Set Diagonal Route (cmd: xtoy).....................................................................................69
Step Sources (cmd: incsrcto <destination>)...................................................................69
Miscellaneous Commands..............................................................................................70
Software Version (cmd: ver) ..........................................................................................70
Installing New Software (cmd: flashwritefile, addr, “file”)...................................................70
Set the Time (cmd: settime)..........................................................................................70
Set the Date (cmd: setdate)..........................................................................................70
Get the Time (cmd: gettime) .........................................................................................70
Get the Date (cmd: getdate)..........................................................................................70

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Serial Port Diagnostics (cmd: InterfaceDump x)..............................................................71

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Introduction
Thank you for selecting Quartz products for use in your video/audio system. The Q256-DA/AA family of
products offers outstanding quality and value, and will provide a long and cost effective working life with the
minimum of maintenance. In order to offer the best in customer support, Quartz supplies the Q256-DA/AA
series of products with a full two-year manufacturing warranty.
This guide is intended as a reference to the use of the Q256-DA/AA audio routing switcher, and should contain
all the information you will want to know about using these products. In the event of further product information
or assistance being required, please contact Quartz or your local Quartz distributor.
Quartz Electronics Ltd
59 Suttons Business Park
Reading
England
RG6 1AZ
Tel: [phone]
Fax [phone]
Sales e-mail [email protected]
Technical Support [phone]
Emergency tech support mobile [phone]
Tech support e-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.quartzuk.com
There are many other products in the Quartz range in router sizes from 8x2 up to 128x128, not including the
Q256 range, in all signal formats including HD, SDI, AES, analog video and analog audio. We can also supply
a range of data, tally, and relay routers.
General Description
The two building blocks of the Q256-DA are 8U and 16U rack frames. The 8U rack frame will support any mix
of AES balanced (D-Type), AES unbalanced (BNC) digital audio, or stereo analog audio to form a matrix of
128x128. The frame can also support 256x256 mono analog audio. The 8U rack frame can be expanded above
128x128 after installation by adding further 8U or 16U frames, contact the Quartz sales office for further advice.
The Q256-DA 16U rack frame that is capable of a audio matrix of 256x256. The Q256 can be expanded above
256x256 after installation by adding further 8U or 16U frames, contact the Quartz sales office for further advice.
Both products are available in sizes from 32x32 and are expandable in blocks of 32 inputs or outputs. By using
four Q256-DA 16U chassis, it is possible to build a compact 512x512 routing switcher in just 64U of rack
space. This expansion is carried out without the need for separate distribution amplifiers and switches for
cascading outputs.
Both products can be fitted with optional in-built signal monitoring, redundant control, and power supply.

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Key Features
•128x128 Audio router in 8U, balanced, unbalanced, stereo analog, or a mixture.
•256x256 Audio router in 16U, balanced, unbalanced, stereo analog, or a mixture.
•Expandable in blocks of 32 inputs or outputs.
•Supports all common digital audio standards, 32K, 44K, 48K.
•Supports the newer 96K digital audio standard.
•Supports Dolby-E
•Flexible control system, can work stand-alone or with the Quartz System Controller,
SC-1000
•System-wide environmental monitoring.
•Optional input and output signal monitoring.
•Modular architecture for large sizes.
•Compact design.
•Field expandable.
•Field software and firmware updates.
•Remote monitoring over Ethernet.
•Optional built-in diagnostics.
•Optional power supply redundancy.
•Optional control card redundancy.
•Automatic input synchronisation (sample rate conversion), with bypass to allow
standards independent operation or data signals such as Dolby-E.
•Supports AES audio sub-packet routing.
•Supports audio processing such as soft switch.
Applications
The Q256-DA routing switchers are designed for use in large audio installations where a flexible expandable
routing switcher is required. The Quartz router control system also allows control from multiple devices
simultaneously, allowing replacement of smaller separate routing switchers.
By allowing any mixture of balanced (D-Type), unbalanced (BNC), or analog audio input and output fins, the
router can be upgraded in the field in stages.

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Ordering Guide
Systems up to 256x256
The standard router sizes are listed below:
Q256J00040004C11A Digital Audio routing switcher, Balanced, 8U, 128x128, all options
Q256J00400040C11A Digital Audio routing switcher, Un-balanced, 8U, 128x128, all options
Q256M00080008C11A Digital Audio routing switcher, Balanced, 16U, 256x256, all options
Q256M00800080C11A Digital Audio routing switcher, Un-balanced, 16U, 256x256, all options
Other sizes and options can be specified, please contact the factory with you requirements. For a spare
controller order Q256-FU. For spare power supply order Q256-A-PS, see the table below for correct quantity.
Q256-A (16U)
Up to 128x128 Q256-A (16U) 128x128 -256x256
Q256-A-PS 2 fitted (note 1) 2 fitted (note 2)
Note 1 The 16U chassis loaded as 128x128 can be configured for two different input numbering plans. The standard
numbering plan requires two PSU’s for normal operation (four for redundancy). A non-standard numbering plan
allows the unit to operate with one PSU (two for redundancy) but would require input fins to be moved once the
unit is expanded above 128 outputs or a full complement of input fins fitted.
Note 2 Two extra Q256-A-PS required giving a backup power supply.
Quartz products are subject to continuous product improvement as part of our quality programme. As a
consequence, all specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sub-Loaded Systems
Both the Q256-A 8U and 16U routers can be purchased in a sub-loaded format, without all the routing modules
installed. In these cases it is necessary to specify the exact part number. As this is a complex process and
mistakes are likely to be costly it is best to seek advice directly from Quartz. The following table clarifies which
parts are required
Q256-A-08 (8U)
Up to 128x128 Q256-A-16 (16U) Up to 128x128 Q256-A-16 (16U) 128x128 -256x256
Input Fin 1 to 4 2 or 4 6 or 8
Output Fin 1to 4 1 to 4 5 to 8
Fin blanking As required As required As required
Crosspoint Module 1 to 4 1 to 4 (note 6) 5 to 8
Controller Module 1 fitted (note 1) 1 fitted (note 1) 1 fitted (note 1)
Fan Module All fans fitted All fans fitted All fans fitted
Power Supply 1 fitted (note 2) 2 fitted (note 5) 2 fitted (note 3)
Signal Monitor Not fitted (note 4) Not fitted (note 4) Not fitted (note 4)
Ethernet Module Always fitted Always fitted Always fitted
Serial Module Not fitted (note 7) Not fitted (note 7) Not fitted (note 7)
Q-Link Module Not fitted (note 7) Not fitted (note 7) Not fitted (note 7)
Note 1 One extra Q256-FU required to give a backup controller
Note 2 One extra Q256-A-PS required to give a backup power supply.
Note 3 Two extra Q256-A-PS required to give a backup power supply.
Note 4 One Q256-A-SM signal monitor can be fitted as an option.
Note 5 The 16U chassis loaded as 128x128 can be configured for two different input numbering plans. The standard
numbering plan requires two PSU’s for normal operation (four for redundancy). A non-standard numbering plan
allows the unit to operate with one PSU (two for redundancy) but would require input fins to be moved once the
unit is expanded above 128 outputs or a full complement of input fins fitted.
Note 6 For units that will never be expanded above 128 inputs there is a special build of the crosspoint module that
removes unwanted components to save cost.

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Note 7 Both the 8U and 16U chassis will accept 3 rear I/O modules allocated as required to Serial I/O, Q-Link I/O, or
blanking plates.
Any system with more than 128 outputs requires 2 x Q256-A-PS for normal operation and 4 x Q256-A-PS for
backup power supplies.
Systems above 256x256
For system above 256x256 contact the Quartz sales office. Multi-rack routers are built from 4 basic chassis
types, designated A, B, C, and D frames.
Router Type (A, B, C, or D) Input Fin Type Output Fin Type
A chassis BNC Input Fin BNC Output Fin
B chassis BNC Input Fin Cascade Fin
C chassis Expand Fin BNC Output Fin
D chassis Expand Fin Cascade Fin
From these four basic router types it is possible to build a 1024x1024 router.
Inputs 1-256 Inputs 257-512 Inputs 513-768 Inputs 769-1024
Outputs 1-256 A chassis B chassis B chassis B chassis
Outputs 257-512 C chassis D chassis D chassis D chassis
Outputs 513-768 C chassis D chassis D chassis D chassis
Outputs 769-1024 C chassis D chassis D chassis D chassis
There is a general description of a 512x512 router in the Installation section of this manual.
Options & Spares
The following items can be purchased at any time to add extra facilities to the Q256 or as spares.
Q256-A-08 Empty 8U Chassis (includes fans, Ethernet module, & door)
Q256-A-16 Empty 16U Chassis (includes fans, Ethernet module, & doors)
Q256-A-PS Power supply
Q256-FU Control processor
Q256-A-SM Signal Monitoring Module
Q256-QL Rear Q-Link Module
Q256-RS Rear RS422 Module
AK-0013 Multi-router expansion cable (SCSI), specify length required.
Q256-DA-IN-BS AES Input Fin with D-Type connectors and SRC.
Q256-DA-OUT-BAES Output Fin with D-Type connectors.
Q256-DA-IN-US AES Input Fin with BNC connectors and SRC.
Q256-DA-OUT-UAES Output Fin with BNC connectors.
Q256-AA-IN Analog Input Fin with D-Type connectors.
Q256-AA-OUT Analog Output Fin with D-Type connectors.
Q256-A-XP-256 Crosspoint & Output Module, 256 inputs
Q256-A-REF-BReference Module, Balanced
Q256-A-REF-UReference Module, Un-Balanced
Q256-A-IN-EInput Fin with Expand connectors
Q256-A-OUT-EOutput Fin with Expand connectors

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The Q256-DA/AA routers have a matching video router, the Q256-SV/HD. This is available in both an 8U
chassis for 128x128, and a 16U chassis for 256x256. Contact Quartz for more information.

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Technical Specification
General
AC voltage: 85-264V
AC frequency: 50/60 Hz
Power consumption:
300W maximum (AES, 8U, fully loaded) 600W maximum (Analog, 8U, fully loaded)
600W maximum (AES, 16U, fully loaded)
1200W maximum (Analog, 16U, fully loaded)
Power Factor: 0.94
Cooling: Air drawn from
right hand side, expelled left hand side.
Maximum temperature rise of cooling air is 18°C.
Temperature operating range: 10°to 30°Celsius, specification maintained
Audio inputs, AES3
Input signal type: AES, 32K, 44.1K, 48K, or 96K sample rate
Signal Level: 0.2V –7V pk-pk
Impedance: 110 ohm +/-20%, Transformer coupled.
DC on input +/-50V
Connector type: D50 (D-Type, 50 pin, three row)
Audio outputs, AES3
Input signal type: AES, 48K (other rates available, see manual)
Signal Level: 2V –5V pk-pk
Output Impedance: 110 ohm +/-20%, Transformer coupled
Output jitter:
AES Ref:
Video Ref:
<0.2UI pk-pk
1.3nS
4.7nS
Connector type: D50 (D-Type, 50 pin, three row)
Audio inputs, Analog
Input signal type: Analog, balanced, 0dBu nominal, +20dBu max
Impedance: 20K ohm
Common mode rejection:
20Hz –3KHz:
3KHz –20KHz:
-80dBu
-60dBu
Connector type: D50 (D-Type, 50 pin, three row)
Audio outputs, Analog
Input signal type: Analog, balanced, 0dBu nominal, +20dBu max
Impedance: 40 ohm
Insertion Gain: +/-0.1dB
Frequency Response:
20Hz –20KHz:
20KHz –150KHz:
+/-0.25dB
Unspecified
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.02% Typical, -10dBu to +20dBu and
20Hz to 20KHz
DC on output +/-50mV
Connector type: D50 (D-Type, 50 pin, three row)
Mechanical Specification
Width
Height 19" (483mm) Up to 128x128 = 8RU or 14" (356mm)
Up to 256x256 = 16RU or 28" (712mm)
Depth
Weight 20.3" (515mm) Q256 8U = 46Kg max
Q256 16U = 94Kg max

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System Overview
Front View, Doors Removed
Main Power Supply
for upper section
Backup Power Supply
for upper section
Xpt
Fan
Xpt
Fan
Main Controller
Backup Controller
Monitor Module
Xpt
Fan
Xpt
Fan
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 1-32
Main Power Supply
for lower section
Backup Power Supply
for lower section
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 33-64
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 65-96
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 97-128
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 129-160
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 161-192
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 193-224
Xpt Module: Inputs 1-256
Outputs 225-256

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Rear View
AES Balanced (D-Type) Router.
AES3id Unbalanced (BNC) Router.

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Nomenclature
Expansion refers to expanding the number of outputs of a system beyond 256. This is achieved by copying the
inputs to one or more additional chassis.
Cascade refers to increasing the number of inputs of a system beyond 256. This is achieved by utilising the in-
built combiner switch at the output of the crosspoint card.
Fins are rear plug-in modules which allow the signals in or out of the system.
Audio
A basic Q256, a 256x256 matrix consists of one 16U rack, which allows the system to be configured in steps
of 32 inputs and 32 outputs. A fully loaded system consists of eight Input Fins, eight Output Fins, eight
Crosspoint cards, two Control Cards (optional), a Monitor Card (optional) and two sets of redundant Power
Supplies (optional).
The frame is organised in two 8U sections with the first 128 inputs and outputs in the top half and the second
128 inputs and outputs in the lower half. The lower half of the frame replicates the signal switching only; with
the control function provided by the top half. The first diagram below shows the architecture for the top half of
the frame, with the second diagram showing how this arrangement is repeated in the lower half to form the
complete system.
Input:
SRC & Buffer
32
Input:
SRC & Buffer
32
Output:
Cable Driver
32
Output:
Cable Driver
32
Output:
Cable Driver
32
Output:
Cable Driver
32
Input:
SRC & Buffer
32
Input:
SRC & Buffer
32
Crosspoint Card:
256x32 Crosspoint & Process
128 Internal Expand
Crosspoint Card:
256x32 Crosspoint & Process
Crosspoint Card:
256x32 Crosspoint & Process
Crosspoint Card:
256x32 Crosspoint & Process
128 Internal Expand
Dual Redundant PSU:
Control & Support Card Cage:
Dual Redundant Control Cards
Ref Generator
Output Monitor
8 U
Height
Block Diagram for the Upper 8U Section

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Dual Redundant Control Cards:
Dual Redundant PSU:
4 x Crosspoint Cards:
256x128 Crosspoint & Process
Output:
Cable Driver
Input:
SRC & Buffer
Input:
SRC & Buffer
Dual Redundant PSU:
Crosspoint Card:
256x128 Crosspoint & Process
Output:
Cable Driver
Input:
SRC & Buffer
Input:
SRC & Buffer
64
128
64
64
128
64
16 U
Height
System Block Diagram
Internal Audio Clocks
There is a complex arrangement of internal audio rate clocks used to run all the audio switching and processing
circuitry. The rear reference module has a video and audio reference input, and the processor modules have a
stable audio rate oscillator. These audio clock sources are used to drive three internal clock busses that are
made available to all Input Fins, Output Fins, and Crosspoints.
Control
The control structure is shown below.
Processor
Master CC
PCI
Bridge
PCI
Bridge
Genlock
Module
Ethernet
UARTS
GPIs
Fpga
UART’s Serial and
Infra-red Control
Memory Core
Processor
Fpga
UART’s
Serial and
Infra-red Control
Memory Core
Control Bus
to crosspoints
Expansion Bus
Slave CC

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Input Fin: AES Balanced (D-Type)
Input signals are handled via the rear mounted ‘input fins’. These provide the interface between signals arriving
from the D-Type connectors.
Cable D-Type inputs are equipped with Sample Rate Conversion on the fins and the digital signals are then
buffered before driving the crosspoint modules via the motherboard and the ‘expansion out’ connector.
32 Input Sample
Rate Converters
To expand output connectors
Block Diagram of Balanced AES Input Fin.
32 inputs on 2
D50 connectors
Inputs 1-32 to crosspoint cards 1-4
Inputs 1-32 to crosspoint cards 5-8
Clock1
Clock2
Clock3
The LED’s at the rear of the Fin provide an indication of:
•3V3: Indicates the Fin is powered
•ENG: For later use
•RATE: Which core audio clock is being used, slow flash=48K, fast flash=96K
•REF: Which reference is being used, slow=audio, fast=video, Intermittent=Free Run
Input status for ‘No Signal’ can be obtained from the control system via the Ethernet port.
The AES Balanced Input Fin uses two D50 connectors to bring in the 32 signals. The D50 connector has the
following pin-out: