DXLink Fiber Input & Output Boards
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Enova Digital Media Switchers - Hardware Reference Manual
DXLink Fiber Directional Modes
DXLink Fiber Directional Modes for control communication are comprised of Bidirectional Mode, Unidirectional Mode,
and Data Link-lost Mode. DXLink Fiber, Duplex hardware has a default setting of Bidirectional Mode, but can be
configured for Unidirectional Mode or drop into Data Link-lost Mode (when the return path is removed or not connected).
DXLink Fiber, Simplex hardware is limited to Unidirectional Mode only.
NOTE:
For instructions on configuring DXLink Fiber, Duplex Input and Output Boards, see "Duplex Hardware Directional
Mode Configuration" on page 143. For instructions on setting Duplex TX and RX units to a particular Directional Mode, see
their Hardware Reference Manual.
Bidirectional Mode
When data flows in two directions, the flow is bidirectional. For example, a source device sends audio, video, and
communication data to a TX. From the TX, all three signals are sent via fiber to an input board on the switcher. The input
board routes the audio and video to an output board, while the integrated Master processes the communication data.
The output board sends audio and video (along with any necessary communication data) via its RX to the destination
device. If needed, communication data from the destination device can return to the Master for processing via the same
path.
Bidirectional is the default Directional Mode for DXLink Fiber, Duplex hardware when both fiber strands are connected.
Enabling Unidirectional Mode on Duplex hardware requires sending a command to the boards (see page 144) and
setting DIP switch #4 Toggle on the TX and RX units to ON.
NOTE:
Removing or not connecting a return fiber path will drop the board/unit into Data Link-lost Mode (see the following
page).
Unidirectional Mode
When data flows in only one direction, the flow is unidirectional, i.e., only audio/video signals travel from a TX unit via the
switcher’s input/output boards to an RX unit and no signals are passed back to the TX. In Unidirectional Mode, the RX does
not send an optical signal trying to establish a return data path connection. Simplex hardware always operates in this
mode and does not require additional setup.
Unidirectional Mode is a configurable setting for DXLink Fiber, Duplex hardware and requires sending a command to the
boards (see page 143) and setting DIP switch #4 Toggle on the TX and RX to ON. Unidirectional is the only available
Directional Mode for DXLink Fiber, Simplex.
NOTE:
Simplex hardware is designed to only provide a single direction of data flow and not receive return data flow (i.e.,
transmits only video and audio signals in one direction).
Data Link-lost Mode
When Duplex hardware is configured for Bidirectional Mode (the default), but the data return path has been removed or
is not connected, the hardware is in Data Link-lost Mode.
In this mode, the TX only sends audio and video via the switcher’s I/O boards to the RX over a single fiber path, but the
boards are actively ready for the addition of the return path which will enable Bidirectional Mode.
For example, an audio/video signal travels from a TX via the switcher’s input/output boards to an RX and no signals are
passed back to the TX, but the RX and input board’s return lasers still transmit light and attempt to establish connections.
CAUTION:
In Data Link-lost Mode, the data return path is disconnected but both transceivers’ lasers are still active. If left
uncovered, transceiver lasers may constitute a health hazard. This hazard should be avoided by restoring Bidirectional
Mode (see page 144), configuring DXLink Fiber Boards for Unidirectional Mode (see page 143), or covering exposed
lasers.
IMPORTANT:
When using Duplex hardware in mixed modes (where boards and their units are configured for different
Directional Modes) or using both Duplex and Simplex hardware (where the Duplex hardware is in Bidirectional Mode), we
recommend that the hardware be configured to avoid Data Link-lost Mode.
Enova DGX DXLink Fiber Boards Specifications
Applies to Duplex multimode boards and Duplex single mode boards; also applies to Simplex multimode boards (input/
output) and Simplex single mode boards (input/output).
DXLink Fiber, Duplex and Simplex Specifications
Compatible Formats
HDMI video / audio / Ethernet
*
/ USB (HID)
*
/ control
*
Signal Type Support
DXLink Fiber
Connectivity between products requires matching model types, multimode to multimode or single
mode to single mode.
Transport Layer Throughput
10.3125 Gbps
Video Data Rate (max.)
4.95 Gbps / 5.568 Gbps**
Video Pixel Clock (max.)
165 MHz / 185.625 MHz**
Progressive Resolution Support
480p up to 1920x1200,60Hz
Interlaced Resolution Support
480i, 576i, 1080i
2K Resolution Support
2048x1024@47Hz; 2048x1080@60Hz; 2048x1152@60Hz; 2048x1536@24Hz
2K formats are only compatible with DVI, HDMI, and DXLink Fiber Input/Output Boards and require the
output or RX Scaler to be set in Bypass mode.
