GeckoFlex 8972PX Protection Switch

The 8972PX is a full-time signal protection switch. It is a highly robust primary/secondary changeover switch for HD-SDI, SD-SDI, or ASI signals. It can be controlled by autonomous switching to a backup signal using in-built detection of signal failure, switched by manual controls, or driven by an external GPI system to switch on command.

The 8972PX fulfils the basic requirement of any protection system by not adding failure modes to the existing signal path. In the event of a power failure, or even if the front control module is completely removed, the Program Output signal will continue to pass from the previously selected input as a fail-safe relay path will latch the selected signal to the output. In driven mode it can be configured by GPI or Ethernet.

All parameters can be configured via the web browser interface and main parameters via the Newton™ Control Panel. NetConfig™ and NetCentral™ are supported respectively for remote configuration and product health monitoring. Asserting GPI control or other manual controls will disable autonomous control.

Key Features

Two-input robust failure-proof changeover switch
Third alternate input, available for switching, non relay-protected
Supports HD-SDI, SD-SDI, and DVB ASI with auto-sensing capability
Will maintain signal path in the event of power failure or when the front card is removed
Eight outputs, including:
- One main relay-protected output with passive bypass path
- One electronic output follows main
- Three output pairs can be set to follow main or backup or can be switched to primary, secondary or alternate inputs
Line switching in driven switch mode (HD/SD-SDI syncronous input signals)
External control via GPI or Ethernet
Autonomous control by:
- Signal (carrier) loss detection
- Incorrect signal format
- EDH/CRC error (selectable threshold)
- DVB-ASI PID loss
- DVB-ASI packet loss
GeckoFlex dual-slot rear module
Asserting external control of the module automatically turns off autonomous control

Application

Select between primary, secondary, and alternate inputs paths
Switch to alternate input (i.e., apology/technical difficulties slide) when primary and secondary inputs are both failing

Specifications

Supported Frame Types
GeckoFlex with 8900NET (Net Card) for configuration

Power Rating
9.0 Watts – dual slot

Inputs
HD/SD-SDI or ASI: Three

Input equalization: up to 125m HD/330m SD/ASI (when signal is not bypassed)
Formats supported: 1080i @ 59.94, 50, 720p @ 59.94, 50, 480i @ 59.94 576i @ 50
DVB ASI: yes

Outputs
Protected outputs: One
Insertion loss on protected output when bypassed: Equivalent to less than 20m of Belden 1694A cable
Return loss: <15 dB (when signal is not bypassed)
Distributed outputs: Seven
Return loss: <15 db
GPI

Switch to primary input
Switch to secondary input
Switch to alternate input

GPO
Primary input status (failed/good)
Secondary input status (failed/good)
Alternate input status (failed/good)
Switch state (primary/secondary/alternate)

Control and Monitoring
SNMP: Monitoring and switching control
Web page configuration: Yes
Local configuration: Switching control only
Newton™ support: Yes
NetConfig™ support: Monitoring only

Data Sheet