Optical SDI Networks: Evaluating Robustness in Your SDI Network

Abstract

The continued transition to high-definition television and the advent of 1080p50/60 production, three-dimensional television production, digital cinema production, and higher-resolution or higher bit depth formats are all factors driving the build out of 3 Gbit/s serial digital interface (SDI) capable broadcast infrastructure and the increased prevalence of optical fiber interfaces. Though optical networking provides a number of advantages, the technology is new to the broadcast industry and not yet well understood by many broadcasters and equipment suppliers. As a result, optical SDI networks are being specified and deployed without a proper understanding of the robustness of those optical links, leading to the selection of marginal optical technology and putting mission-critical links at risk. This article outlines some best practices on how robustness of an optical link can be evaluated. Presented are best practices in optical transmitter, receiver, and system testing, as well as a case study contrasting results from a robust and marginal optical transmit/receive pair.