The Extron FOX Matrix 320x is a high performance, modular fiber optic matrix switcher for complete, end-to-end digital AV signal transmission and routing over fiber optic cable. The matrix switcher is expandable from 16x16 up to 320x320 and is fully compatible with the FOX Series of fiber optic transmitters and receivers. It features high-speed, all-digital switching of pixel-perfect standard definition video, high resolution computer-video, HDMI, DVI, and multi-rate SDI. Equipped with integrator-friendly features common to Extron matrix switchers, together with hot-swappable I/O boards and fan, real-time system monitoring, and redundant, hot-swappable power supplies, the FOX Matrix 320x delivers highly reliable, enterprise-wide switching of fiber optic AV and control for mission-critical environments.
Fiber Matrix Architecture
The FOX Matrix 320x is a modular design featuring 20 board slots. Each slot accepts a FOX Matrix I/O 1616 Board having sixteen ports populated with LC-type fiber optic connectors. Two versions of the board are available. The FOX Matrix I/O 1616 Board - MM supports multimode fiber at 850 nm, which is typically used within buildings or facilities with moderate-range transmission distances. The FOX Matrix I/O 1616 Board - SM supports singlemode as well as multimode fiber at 1310 nm. Singlemode fiber offers long-range transmission capability over extreme distances of several kilometers or miles. It is used in very large facilities, such as hospitals and stadiums, and for connecting over very long distances between facilities such as university campuses.
The FOX Matrix 320x can be configured with all or some of the board slots occupied. The I/O boards are hot-swappable and may be added at any time in the field for easy and quick upgradeability or expansion. The FOX Matrix 320x also accommodates any combination of singlemode or multimode I/O boards. This can allow, for example, a multimode fiber link input to the matrix switcher from a multimode transmitter, and a singlemode output from the switcher for transmission over extreme distances to a singlemode receiver.
I/O Configuration
Each fiber optic port comprises two individual fiber links. In the standard I/O configuration for the FOX Matrix 320x, these links are defined as a separate input and a separate output. Therefore, up to 320 single fiber link inputs and 320 single fiber link outputs are possible when configuring and controlling the matrix switcher with the Extron control software.
However, through RS-232 serial control, each fiber optic connection can also be defined as a “linked” input or output, with the two fiber optic links supporting bidirectional capabilities for a FOX Series product. Any group of linked connections, anywhere on the rear panel can function as inputs or outputs, enabling the creation of a custom I/O configuration. For example, a FOX Matrix 320x, populated with two I/O boards and 32 available linked connections, may be operated as a 24x8 bidirectional switcher. In the standard I/O configuration, these same two boards would support 32x32 switching with single fiber link inputs and outputs. For added flexibility, the FOX Matrix 320x can function with a combination of linked and single fiber link inputs and outputs.
Multi-Rate SDI Signal Switching and Distribution
The FOX I/O 1616 HD-SDI board is available as an option for the FOX Matrix 320x, and enables connection to local multi-rate SDI-equipped devices. This board offers an 16x16 configuration for switching and distribution of multi-rate SDI signals up to 2.97 Gbps, including SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI. With this board, the FOX Matrix 320x can be configured as a dedicated multi-rate SDI matrix switcher up to 320x320, or for a combination of multi-rate SDI and fiber optic matrix switching. The FOX I/O 1616 HD-SDI board is compliant with SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M, and ITU digital video standards. Each input and output on the hot-swappable board is individually buffered to maximize performance with virtually no crosstalk. To optimize SDI signal transmission to and from the board, input signals are automatically equalized and output signals are reclocked.
The FOX I/O 1616 HD-SDI board enables a local BNC connection to the FOX 3G HD-SDI fiber optic extender for Multi-Rate SDI. Incoming multi-rate SDI signals from the FOX 3G HD-SDI can then be routed to the board's BNC outputs, or through the fiber optic outputs to remote FOX 3G HD-SDI units. Similarly, local BNC inputs can be output on fiber or BNC. In broadcast and production applications, a multi-rate SDI-equipped FOX Matrix 320x, together with several FOX 3G HD-SDI units, offers expanded opportunities for system integration. For example, the matrix switcher can be used to route signals to and from local editing equipment, while also providing the capability to receive or transmit multi-rate SDI signals very long distances to devices in remote locations, such as cameras and production monitors.
The Extron FOX 3G I/O 1616 SM P board is available as an option for the FOX Matrix 320x modular fiber optic matrix switcher, and enables the transmission and distribution of fiber optic multi-rate SDI signals, including pathological signals, over singlemode fiber optic cabling. The board offers a 16x16 configuration for switching and distribution of multi-rate SDI signals up to 2.97 Gbps, including SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI. With the board, a FOX Matrix switcher can be configured as a dedicated multi-rate SDI matrix switcher, or with a combination of multi-rate SDI and fiber optic matrix switching solutions. The FOX 3G I/O 1616 SM P board is compliant with SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M, RP 178 and RP 198 for pathological immunity, and ITU digital video standards.
Familiar, Integrator-Friendly Matrix Switcher Features
Up to 64 memory presets are available for saving and recalling commonly used input and output ties. Furthermore, a rooming feature enables the creation of 10 rooms by groups of outputs, each with separate presets.
Self-Monitoring and Hot-Swappable
The FOX Matrix 320x is designed for optimum performance and reliability in applications requiring continuous operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, such as in government, military, and medical installations. A real-time monitoring system continuously provides self-diagnostics of the I/O boards, fiber links, power supplies, internal fans, and general functions of the switcher. LED indicators on each I/O board provide a quick verification of input signal presence as well as the status of fiber links with the transmitters and receivers. The FOX Matrix 320x can be configured to trigger an external control system, generate SNMP traps, or send e-mail alerts when an inbound fiber link has been lost.
Each I/O board is hot-swappable so that the matrix switcher can be serviced or reconfigured without interrupting all signal routing by powering down the unit. The FOX Matrix 320x also features a hot-swappable fan, and four redundant and hot-swappable power supplies to ensure continuous, uninterrupted power.
Control
The FOX Matrix 320x offers convenient remote system access for configuration, operation, and monitoring through the front and rear panel RS-232 serial control ports and Ethernet control. The FOX Matrix 320x is also compatible with the FPC 5500 Front Panel Controller and MKP 3000 X-Y Remote Control Panel, which provides a convenient user interface to control the matrix switcher from remote locations.