FleXlink™
- 1080p HD and 2160p 4K SDI video over robust subsea UTP interconnects
- Works with CWDM optical multiplexers
- Native uncompressed SDI signals add no glass-to-glass latency
- Leverages existing SDI vehicle and top-side infrastructure
- Compatible with SMPTE 292M HD-SDI, 424M 3G-SDI, and ST 425-3 Dual Link 3G (4K) standards
Our exclusive FleXlink technology is a cost-effective and robust alternative to coaxial and fiber optic interconnects in subsea HD-SDI and 3G-SDI video transmission. FleXlink uses reliable unshielded twisted pair (UTP) conductors and readily available Ethernet-type interconnectors to reduce HD infrastructure cost and solve common problems for subsea HD video.
The core of the FleXlink technology is a proprietary cable driver that adapts the SDI signal for a UTP high-speed signal path. An HD SeaCam® configured with a FleXlink driver transmits HD or 3G-SDI video through up to 10 m of subsea cable. A media converter recovers the SDI signal in its original format without compression or adding latency, and outputs a standard SDI coax or fiber optic signal. The end-to-end FleXlink system meets the rigorous SMPTE 292M and SMPTE 424M broadcast video standards for HD video signal integrity.
The FleXlink Media Converter Board (MCB) uses widely available Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) video output modules to provide flexibility with coax or fiber optic outputs. Changing CWDM laser wavelengths on an MCB is as simple as swapping out the SFP module. An MCB has three integration options: our FleXlink housing rated to 6,000 m, a 1-atmosphere housing with suitable connections, or a pressure balanced oil-filled (PBOF) enclosure with an appropriate SPF module. Contact MOOG/Focal for their PBOF SFPs.
FleXlink makes integrating HD imaging technology to existing and new platforms easy and cost effective. Versatile UTP cables facilitate deployment of HD imaging systems where cyclic flexing or tight bends make both fiber and coax inadvisable. FleXlink can use the same spare component inventories such as sonar and other high-speed digital systems to minimize logistical costs of HD video.
