Synapse GDR108 User manual

GDR108
3Gb/s, HD, SD 1 to 8 distribution amplifier with
reclocked outputs (ASI/DVB compatible)
Installation and Operation manual

Hercules 28
NL-5126 RK Gilze
The Netherlands
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: I[email protected]
Web: www.axon.tv
TECHNICAL MANUAL
GDR108

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 – 2013 AXON Digital Design B.V.
Date created: 05-07-2013
Date last revised: 02-04-2014
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
GDR108
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
Introduction to Synapse 5
An Introduction to Synapse 5
Local Control Panel 5
Remote Control Capabilities 5
Unpacking and Placement 6
Unpacking 6
Placing the card 6
A Quick Start 7
When Powering-up 7
Changing settings and parameters 7
Front Panel Control 7
Example of changing parameters using front panel control 8
Axon Cortex Software 9
Menu Structure Example 9
The GDR108 Card 10
Introduction 10
Features 10
Applications 10
Block schematic 10
Settings Menu 11
Introduction 11
PLL_set_A 11
Reclocker_A 11
Mute_A 11
HDMI1-Format 11
HDMI1-DVI-Mode 12
HDMI1_Mute_All 12
CVBS1-In-Format 12
Status Menu 13
Introduction 13
SDI-Input_A 13
PLL-rate_A 13
Backplane-type 13
SFP1-Vendor 13
SFP1-Type 13
SFP1-Temp-Stat 13
SFP1-Volt-Stat 13
Port1/2-Enabled 13
Port1/2-Power 13
Port1/2-Power-Stat 14
Port1/2-Bias 14
Port1/2-Bias-Stat 14
Port1/2-Wavelength 14
Events Menu 15
Introduction 15
What is the Goal of an event? 15
Events 15
Announcements 15
Input_A 15
Lock-Status_A 15
What information is available in an event? 15
The Message String 15
The Tag 16
Defining Tags 16
The Priority 16
The Address 16
LED Indication 17
Connector Panels 19

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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 any of the cards in the Synapse
frame, including the Synapse rack controller. The local control
panel is also used to back-up and restore card settings. Please refer
to the RRC18, RRC10, RRC04, RRS18 and RRS04 manuals for a
detailed description of the local control panel, the way to set-up
remote control over IP and for frame related settings and status
information.
Remote Control
Capabilities
The remote control options are explained in the rack controller
(RRC18/RRC10/RRC04/RRS18/RRS04
) manual. The method of
connection to a computer using Ethernet is described in the
RRC/RRS manual.
!
CHECK-OUT: “AXON CORTEX” SOFTWARE WILL
INCREASE SYSTEM FLEXIBILITY OF ONE OR
MORE SYNAPSE FRAMES
Although not required to use Cortex with a Synapse frame, you are
strongly advised to use a remote personal computer or laptop PC
with Axon 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.
Placing the card The Synapse card can be placed vertically in an SFR18 frame or
horizontally in an SFR04 and SFR08 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.
NOTE: On power up all LED’s will light for a few seconds, this is
the time it takes to initialise the card.

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3
A Quick Start
When Powering-
up On powering up the Synapse frame, the card set will use basic data
and default initialisation settings. All LED’s will light during this
process. After initialisation, several LED’s will remain lit – the
exact number and configuration is dependent upon the number of
inputs connected and the status of the inputs.
Changing settings
and parameters The front panel controls or the Axon 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.
NOTE: Whilst editing a setting, pressing ► twice will reset the
value to its default.
[No Alarms]

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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=SFS10
SFS10 [Select Menu]
>Settings
SFS10 [Settings]
>SDI-Format=Auto
SFS10 Edit Setting]
SDI-Format>Auto

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Axon Cortex
Software
Axon 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. Axon 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 operation of Axon Cortex, please refer to the Cortex help files.
Menu Structure
Example
Slot
Module
Item
Parameter
Setting
▲
▲
S02
Identity
▲
▲
S01
SFS10
►
Set-
tings
►
Standard_dig
►
Auto
▼
▼
▼
▼
S00
RRC18
Status
Mode
625
▼
▼
▼
Events
Ref-Input
525
▼
H-Delay
▼
▼
NOTE:
Further information about Front Panel Control and
Synapse Cortex can be obtained from the RRC and RRS operational
manuals and the Cortex help files.

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4The GDR108 Card
Introduction
The GDR108 is a single channel 3Gb/s, HD, SD SDI reclocking
distribution amplifier with 8 outputs. This card is ASI/DVB
compatible
Features
Compatible with:
SD SDI 270 Mbit/s (SMPTE 259M)
HD SDI 1485 Mbit/s (SMPTE 292M)
3Gb/s SDI 2970 Mbit/s (SMPTE 424M)
ASI/DVB
Bypass function of the reclocker for non-standard frequencies
Optional SFP module on the input (only with BPH35) for fiber,
CVBS or SDI input
Optional SFP module on output 8 (only with BPH36) for 2x fiber,
2x CVBS, 2x SDI outputs or 1x HDMI output
Applications 
1 to 8 generic wideband 3Gb/s DA
Block schematic
GDR26GDR108
RACK
CONTROLLER
3Gb/s, HD, SD INPUT A Eq
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 1
+
µP
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 3
+
INTERNAL SYNAPSE BUS
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 2
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 4
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 5
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 7
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 6
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 8
+
RECLOCKER
WITH BYPASS

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5
Settings Menu
Introduction The settings menu displays the current state of each GDR108
setting and allows you to change or adjust it. Settings can be
changed using the front panel of the Synapse frame (SFR18, SFR08
or SFR04) or with Cortex. Also the SCP08 control can be used.
Please refer to chapter 3 for information on the Synapse front panel
control and Cortex.
Note: All items preceded with a #-sign are part of the presets.
SYSTEM SETTINGS
PLL_set_A The GDR108 is capable of re-clocking a range of 3Gbit/s, HD and
SD SDI transport stream bitrates. PLL_Set_A is used to set the
input of the GDR108 to the correct bitrate of the incoming signal.
PLL_Set_A can be set to Auto, 270 Mb/s, 1485 Mb/s and
2970 Mb/s. The default setting is Auto.
Reclocker_A The setting item Reclock_A determines if the incoming signal
will be reclocked by the GDR108. The settings are:
■Auto: Auto selection between Bypass and Reclocked.
■Bypass: Does not re-clock the incoming signal
■On: The GDR108 always attempts to re-clock the input
The default setting is Auto.
Mute_A Mute_A enables the input of the GDR108 to be muted. The settings
of Mute_A are On, Off, Input Loss or PLL Unlock. Set to
Input Loss will mute the input only in case a carrier loss is
detected on the input. Set to PLL unlock will mute the input in
case the PLL rate is not available. The Default setting is Off.
HDMI
HDMI1-Format
Here you select the output format of the SFP HDMI output module.
Possible modes are:
■RGB444 (default)
■YCrCb422
■YCrCb444

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HDMI1-DVI-Mode
With these settings you set the SFP HDMI output module to either
DVI-Mode or HDMI-Mode. Default is DVI-Mode.
HDMI1_Mute_All
Here you can mute all audio on the SFP HDMI output. Off means
no audio mute. On means all audio is muted. Default is off.
CVBS
CVBS1-In-Format
With these settings you select the analog input format of the SFP
CVBS input. Possible formats are:
■PAL-BGHID (default)
■PAL-N
■NTSC-M
■PAL-M
■NTSC-4.43
■NTSC-J
■PAL-60

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6
Status Menu
Introduction The status menu indicates the current status of each item listed
below. There are no defaults for status indicators. Status depends of
input signals being present or not.
SDI-Input_A This status item indicates the presence of a valid SDI signal on the
input . SDI_Input_A indicates if an input signal is Present,
Loss or NA (Not Available).
PLL-rate_A PLL_rate_A indicates the rate at which the PLL of input A is
locked when PLL_Set_A is set to auto. PLL_rate_A is a copy
of the PLL_Set setting that sets the input. The range of locking rates
is as follows: 270 Mb/s, 1485 Mb/s, and 2970 Mb/s
Backplane-type This status item indicates the type of backplane (I/O-panel) is
currently connected to the card.
SFP STATUS
SFP1-Vendor
These status item display the name of the vendor of the SFP module.
SFP1-Type
These status items display the type name/number of the SFP module.
SFP1-Temp-Stat
These indicate whether the temperature of the SFP module is
Too_High, High, OK, Low or Too_Low. Can also be NA in case
Temperature monitoring is not available or the module is not inserted.
SFP1-Volt-Stat
These indicate whether the voltage usage of the SFP module is
Too_High, High, OK, Low or Too_Low. Can also be NA in case
Voltage monitoring is not available or the module is not inserted.
Port1/2-Enabled
These item indicate whether the corresponding SFP output port is
enabled, disabled or NA (Not available, when no input signal is
available or a receiver is inserted)
Port1/2-Power
These status items indicate the current transmitter power of the
specified SFP output port between 0mW and 6.55mW. When a
receiver is installed or no SFP module is inserted this value is 0.

14
Port1/2-Power-Stat
These indicate whether the output power of the specified SFP output
port is Too_High, High, OK, Low or Too_Low. Can also be NA in
case of an receiver module or no module is inserted.
Port1/2-Bias
These status items indicate the current laser bias of the specified port is
between 0mA and 300mA. When there is a non fiber SFP or receiver
SFP installed, this value will be 0.
Port1/2-Bias-Stat
These indicate whether the laser bias of the specified SFP output port
is Too_High, High, OK, Low or Too_Low. Can also be NA when
a non fiber SFP or receiver module is installed.
Port1/2-Wavelength
Indicates the current wave length of the corresponding SFP output port
between 0nm and 2000nm. When there is a non fiber SFP or receiver
module installed, this value will be 0.

15
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.
Events
The events reported by the GDR108 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_A Input A status can be selected between 0 .. 255. 0= no event, 1..255 is
the priority setting.
Lock-Status_A Input A lock status can be selected between 0 .. 255. 0= no event,
1..255 is the priority setting.
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.

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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 card are:
Event Menu Item
Tag
Tag
Description
Announcements
0 or NA
0 or NA
Announcing of report
and control values
Input_A
01
hex
=INP_LOST
81
hex
=INP_RETURN
SDI input A lost or
returned
Lock-status_A
11
hex
=PLL_LOCKED
91
hex
=PLL_UNLOCKED
PLL input A locked
or unlock
The Priority The priority is a user-defined value. The higher the priority of the
alarm, the higher this value. Setting the priority to Zero disables the
announcement of this alarm. Alarms with priorities equal or higher
than the Error Threshold setting of the RRC will cause the error LED
on the Synapse rack front panel to light.
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.

17
8LED Indication
Error LED The error LED indicates an error if the internal logic of the GDR108
card is not configured correctly or has a hardware failure.
Input A LED
This LED indicated the presence of a valid video signal on input A.
Connected LED
This LED illuminates after the card has initialised. The LED lights for
0.5 seconds every time a connection is made to the card

18
9Block Schematic
GDR26
GDR108
RACK
CONTROLLER
3Gb/s, HD, SD INPUT A Eq
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 1
+
µP
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 3
+
INTERNAL SYNAPSE BUS
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 2
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 4
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 5
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 7
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 6
+
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 8
+
RECLOCKER
WITH BYPASS

19
10 Connector Panels
The GDR108 can be used with the BPH34, BPH35, BPH36 and
the relay bypass version BHX34. The following table displays the
pinout of these backpanels.
BPH34: Standard IO panel
BHX34: Bypass IO panel
BPH35: SFP option IO panel Receiver
BPH36: SFP option IO panel Transmitter
BPH34 BHX34
relay bypass
BPH35
BPH36
3Gb/s, HD, SD IN 1
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 1
3Gb/s, HD, SD IN 1
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 1
3Gb/s, HD, SD IN 1
(RX1 on Axon
supported SFPs)
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 1
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 2
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 2
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 2
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 3
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 3
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 3
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 4
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 4
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 4
3GB/S, HD, SD OUT 5
3GB/S, HD, SD OUT 5
3GB/S, HD, SD OUT 5
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 6
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 6
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 6
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 7
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 7
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 7/8
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 8
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 8
3Gb/s, HD, SD OUT 9