3. Product Overview
MX-FR Series Modular Matrix Frames – User's Manual
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Applied CPU2 firmware: v3.5.7b8 | LDC software: v2.5.17b2
3.1. Hybrid Modular Matrix Concept
Lightware’s hybrid modular matrix routers allow building custom I/O sizes that meet the user’s requirements.
Different types of input and output boards give the maximum flexibility for rental and installation signal
transmission. The hybrid architecture allows signal routing between boards even if they have different
connectors. This way any input can be routed to any one or more outputs if the output interface is capable
of transmitting the signal. For example, a DVI source can be routed to an HDMI sink, but HDCP-encrypted
sources cannot be routed to non-HDCP capable DVI sinks.
Available interface types include DVI-D single- and dual-link, HDMI, fiber, and twisted pair cables as well.
3.2.
Router Frames
Different frame sizes are available from 9x9 up to 80x80. To fit user needs, various input and output interface
boards are available that can be mixed in the same frame without limitation.
Frame type
Rack height
Max. input
boards
Max. input
ports
Max. output
boards
Max. output
ports
MX-FR9
4U
1
9
1
9
MX-FR9R
4U
1
9
1
9
MX-FR17
4U
2
17
2
17
MX-FR17R
4U
2
17
2
17
MX-FR33L
6U
4
33
4
33
MX-FR33R
7U
4
33
4
33
MX-FR65R
15U
8
65
8
65
MX-FR80R
15U
10
80
10
80
INFO:
The maximum number of input and output ports includes the Test input and Preview output port of
the MX-CPU2 processor board.
3.3. I/O Board Configurations
The mute-, lock-, and crosspoint states are stored in the matrix, all other I/O board-related settings are stored
by the I/O board series. An I/O board and its variants with Audio add-on mean the I/O board series. E.g. if
an MX-TPS-IB had been installed previously in a matrix and an MX-TPS-IB-A board was installed later, the
previous settings would be applied to the board.
3.4.
MX-CPU2 Processor Board
The CPU board is necessary for the router frame to work. This board is responsible for controlling the matrix
and storing the settings.
Test Input and Preview Output Ports
The MX-CPU2 board has a
TEST INPUT
and a
PREVIEW OUTPUT
port. Although these ports have special
functions, they can be used as normal I/O ports as well. These ports are HDMI and HDCP capable.
MX-FR80R and MX-FR65R
Used in the MX-FR80R (and MX-FR65R) router frame, the Preview output is directly connected to the 80th
output port with a DVI splitter. Therefore this port always outputs the same signal as the 80th output (the 8th
port of the 10th output board), even if it uses a different interface (TP, OPT, etc.).
The 80th input port of the crosspoint is multiplexed between the Test input port and the 8th port of the 10th
input board. This switch is independent from the crosspoint state. The selected port (Test input or Input
board #10) will be available as the 80th input on the crosspoint switch.
Other Frames
All other frames use the Test input and Preview output just like any other ports. These ports are referred to
as the last port in the crosspoint.
Frame Type
Test Input
Preview Output
MX-FR9
in 9
out 9
MX-FR9R
in 9
out 9
MX-FR17
in 17
out 17
MX-FR17R
in 17
out 17
MX-FR33L
in 33
out 33
MX-FR33R
in 33
out 33
MX-FR65R
in 80
out 80
MX-FR80R
multiplexed in 80
distributed out 80
Other Connectors
The MX-CPU2 board has Ethernet, serial, and alarm ports as well.
