Overview; Introduction; Physical Formats - Bluebell BC368 Operation Manual

Overview

Thank you for purchasing this Bluebell Opticom professional broadcast video product. If you
are new to Bluebell products, or to the subject of transmitting video and/or other types of signal
over fibre links, please take the time to read through this document before putting the module
to use.

Introduction

The BC368 and
BC Series of modular fibre interfaces, designed primarily for Outside Broadcast (OB) and
studio applications. The modules are equipped with two empty SFP carriers: the BC368 is
configured for two transceiver cartridges each with an input (Rx) and an output (Tx), while
the BC368D is configured for one dual-channel receiver cartridge (dual Rx) and one dual-
channel transmitter cartridge (dual Tx). These will generally be fibre-optic cartridges of the
user's choice, though compatible cartridges with coaxial or other types of connector may be
installed if wished. Single-channel cartridges may be installed in either module type if only one
signal path is required.
Fitting suitable SFP cartridges to the two carriers allows the modules to perform a variety
of optical/optical (or optical/copper) operations often needed in OB and other broadcast
situations. These include bidirectional format conversion, signal monitoring and wavelength
management (conversion between optical wavelengths), and thus the BC368 and BC368D can
be regarded as useful engineer's "toolkit" items as well as forming part of a fixed installation.
The BC368 and BC368D are intended for use with SDI video signals (12G, 6G, 3G, HD or SD)
or DVB-ASI video signals. MADI, audio and Ethernet signals at bitrates between 150 Mbps to
11.88 Gbps are also supported.

Physical formats

BC368 and BC368D modules fit the Bluebell BC100 or BC160 19" modular frames. The
frames can house fifteen (BC100) or six (BC160) interface modules, and are fitted with dual
internal AC power supplies.
Alternatively, modules may be fitted into smaller aluminium chassis; the BC101 and BC102
hold one and two modules respectively and require an external DC power source, while the
BC120 holds three modules and has an integral mains PSU.
BC368 and BC368D modules are fitted with two SFP carriers. These will typically be fitted (by
users) with dual fibre optic cartridges, but cartridges with copper connectivity may be fitted
alternatively: options include composite video, SDI, HDMI and DVI.
For fibre optic implementation, singlemode operation will normally be at 1310 nm or
1550 nm; alternative CWDM grid wavelengths are also possible. The optical option is generally
specified at the time of order.
BC368D plug-in modules belong to the Bluebell
BC368-OperationGuide-v1
Opticom
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