With the new SFX7 Network Interface Controller, any product can be integrated with an Optocore low-latency audio network, combining 4Gbps fibre optical connections and two additional Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, in a module considerably compact, when compared with the previous existing Optocore interface boards. Thanks to this new network solution, the German company will be able to offer a complete network solution to even more manufacturers and integrators in the pro audio industry.
The fully IP based module is designed and produced by Optocore and was created to offer maximum flexibility, interoperability and integration for any product, combining a direct optical fibre connection and built-in switch, with the lowest latency on the market and plug and play operation, with and no power supply.
The pioneer of fiber networks for over 20 years, Optocore also conceived the interface to be fully functional within a single form factor. the Optocore SFX7 Network Interface Controller offers direct fiber connectivity, which features not only thousand channels of audio but also data for advanced control purposes. As a full IP system it will offer the built-in Ethernet switch to create one large IP network with all other nodes — without the need for any external equipment.
An Optore fibre optic network supports distribution of audio, video, IP and serial data, featuring a decentralised, single-channel audio router with up to 36.864 inputs and unlimited outputs, with a built-in and fully integrated Ethernet switch. The technology allows the creation of a redundant network ring, redundant point-to-point or redundant star connectivity, with up to 12.696 devices in the network, and up to 120km between two nodes. Optocore's fibre networks also offer the lowest system latency on the market – 41.6μs (42 microseconds).
As Maciek Janiszewski, Optocore's Application Engineer Manager stated at the presentation, “the Optocore SFX7 Network Interface Controller is bullet-proof, and provides fully-intelligent FPGA-based node and gateway to the Optocore ring and star network. It will provide access to thousands of products already in the marketplace, owned by rental companies, theatres, arenas and transportation hubs, with much more to come.
“What that basically means is that any product can be integrated with the most powerful audio network in the world — and that includes the complete Optocore portfolio as well as other manufacturers’ products equipped with the module.” The Optocore SFX7 Network Interface Controller boasts up to 512/512 channels per module, and features: two redundant Optocore links (hot-swappable SFP slots for multimode or singlemode LC); two SANE (Synchronous Audio Network with Ethernet) Cat5 extension of Optocore ports; two LAN ports, and a third party board integration slot.
Other key advantages include the high channel matrix between products, redundant fiber connectivity and LAN (IP-based control of products from one point, without the need for an additional network). It also offers super-accurate Word Clock generation, with no more digital audio clicks, and distribution between products.
Finally, the Optocore SFX7 Network Interface Controller is also assured by the support of an experienced R&D team during the implementation stage and further back-up from Optocore’s Application Engineering team in terms of sales, system design and training, both for OEM companies and its customers.
www.optocore.com
