BN328

BN328 - 8K UHD Fiber Optic Interface

Features

  • Supports four independent SDI video signals across 12G, 6G, 3G, HD, and SD formats,, with internal signal reclockers.
  • Accommodates one or two gigabit Ethernet data streams for device control and additional connectivity.
  • Transports video and data over a single fibre-optic link, supporting distances up to 20 km*.
  • An LC "EXP" port allows cascading with additional BN328 units or other optical sources operating on separate wavelengths, doubling the capacity of the single fibre link.
  • Available in “High Band” (1470–1610 nm) and “Low Band” (1270–1410 nm) variants, enabling simultaneous use of both bands to further increase capacity.
  • Handles remote video production, 8K camera connections, and high-bandwidth data transport for various broadcast and live production needs.
  • 12V DC input with a robust 4-pin XLR power connection.
  • Compact, robust and rugged weatherproof enclosure optimised for demanding Outside Broadcast (OB) applications.
  • 5-year warranty ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind.

BN328

Quad 12G and Ethernet over Fibre

Description

The BN328 Series is a versatile range of compact, stand-alone fibre-optic interfaces designed to support remote video applications up to 8K resolution. These units enable the transport of up to four independent SDI video signals, compliant with SD, HD, 3G, 6G, or 12G standards, along with one or two gigabit Ethernet data streams over a single fibre-optic cable for distances up to 20 km*. Ideal for 8K cameras with quad 12G outputs and Ethernet control, the BN328 is also well-suited for other scenarios requiring reliable, long-distance transport of multiple SDI signals and control data.
 
The BN328 Series incorporates a wide range of features to meet the demands of modern broadcast and live production. It includes integrated signal reclockers for all SDI inputs and outputs, ensuring signal integrity and minimising jitter even over extended distances. Power is delivered through a robust 4-pin XLR connection, providing reliable DC input for uninterrupted operation. Each unit is enclosed in a compact and weatherproof housing, making it suitable for use in challenging outdoor environments and remote setups.
 
Connectivity is streamlined with four BNC connectors for SDI video and one or two RJ45 Ethernet ports, alongside a dual LC optical port for fibre communication. The optical expansion port allows cascading with additional BN328 units or other optical sources operating on different wavelengths. High Band units, operating in the 1470–1610 nm range, can interconnect with Low Band units in the 1270–1410 nm range, doubling the signal capacity on a single fibre link.
 
The BN328 Series consists of four models, each which exists in two variants. These are:
  • High Band Variant (1470–1610 nm):
    • BN328T: Quad SDI inputs and Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • BN328R: LC fibre input to quad SDI outputs and Ethernet.
    • BN328TD: Quad SDI inputs and dual Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • BN328RD: LC fibre input to quad SDI outputs and dual Ethernet.
  • Low Band Variants (1270–1410 nm):
    • BN328T-L: Quad SDI inputs and Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • BN328R-L: LC fibre input to quad SDI outputs and Ethernet.
    • BN328TD-L: Quad SDI inputs and dual Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • BN328RD-L: LC fibre input to quad SDI outputs and dual Ethernet.

Optical Expansion and Scalability:

An LC "EXP" port enables the BN328 to operate as a scalable solution. High Band units can interconnect with Low Band units via their optical expansion ports, effectively doubling the transport capacity. This configuration allows up to eight 12G-SDI video signals and four Gigabit Ethernet streams to pass over a single fibre link. Additional optical signals can be accommodated as long as they operate on unused wavelengths.
 

Connectivity and Design:

Each BN328 unit features four BNC connectors for SDI video and one or two RJ45 Ethernet ports. The standard optical port is a dual LC connector, ensuring compatibility with industry-standard fibre systems. Compact and robust, the BN328 is engineered for reliable performance in demanding environments.
 
The BN328 Series is the ultimate solution for high-capacity, long-distance signal transport in modern broadcast and live production setups.

Schematic Diagram

Specifications

SDI Electrical Input

Connector
75 Ohm BNC per IEC 60169-8 Amendment 2
Return Loss
<-15dB to 1.485GHz
 
<-10dB to 3GHz
 
<-7dB to 6GHz
 
<-4dB to 12GHz
Standards
SMPTE ST 2082, SMPTE ST 2081, SMPTE ST 424, SMPTE ST 292, SMPTE ST 259,  DVB-ASI
Polarity
Non-inverting
Equalisation
Automatic rate detection and cable equalisation
 
70m @ 11.88Gbps
 
90m @ 5.94Gbps
 
170m @ 2.97Gbps
 
240m @ 1.485Gbps
 
400m @ 270Mbps

SDI Electrical Output

Connector
75 Ohm BNC per IEC 60169-8 Amendment 2
Return Loss
<-15dB to 1.485GHz
 
<-10dB to 3GHz
 
<-7dB to 6GHz
 
<-4dB to 12GHz
Standards
SMPTE ST 2082, SMPTE ST 2081, SMPTE ST 424, SMPTE ST 292, SMPTE ST 259,  DVB-ASI
Polarity
Non-inverting
Signal Level
800 mV +/- 10%
DC Offset
0 +/- 0.5 V

Ethernet Electrical Input/Output

Connector RJ45
Number
BN328T & BN328R: 1
BN328TD & BN328RD: 2
Format
Full duplex 100/1000Base-FX Data Transmission
10/100/1000BaseT half/full duplex auto-negotiation
Standard
IEEE 802.3
802.3 10 BaseT
802.3u 100 BaseT
802.3ab 1000 BaseT

Optical Input

Connector
LC/PC
Wavelength
High Band Variant: 1470–1610 nm
Low Band Variants: 1270–1410 nm
Standards
SMPTE ST 297
Sensitivity @12G
-13dBm (max)
Sensitivity @<=6G
-14dBm (max)
Receiver Overload
-2dBm (min)

Optical Output

 
Connector
LC/PC
Standards
SMPTE ST 297
Power
1 to -5 dBm

Power

 
Connector
XLR4
Voltage
5-17VDC
Power
BN328T & BN328R: 7.5W typ
BN328TD & BN328RD: 9W typ

General

 
Dimensions (HxWxD)
112 x 46 x 165mm excluding connectors
112 x 46 x 178mm including connectors
Weight
500g
Operating Temperature*    
0 to +70°C
Warranty
5 Years
* Specifications determined by SFP fitted. Typical values shown

Open/Download

Title Description Date Open / Download
BN328 Datasheet Datasheet PDF Open Download
BN328 QSG Quick Start Guide PDF Open Download

Ordering Information

"High Band" optical wavelengths in the range 1470 to 1610 nm

BN328T Transmitter       
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs plus Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
BN328R Receiver       
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Outputs plus Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included. 
BN328TD Transmitter       
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs plus Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
BN328RD Receiver              
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Outputs plus Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.

Low Band" optical wavelengths in the range 1270 to 1410 nm.  

BN328T-L Transmitter       
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs plus Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
BN328R-L Receiver       
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Outputs plus Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
BN328TD-L Transmitter       
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs plus Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
BN328RD-L Receiver           
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Outputs plus Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
 

Related Products

Chronos Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 2x Sync I/Os, single/dual Ethernet to an LC fibre output with expansion port.
BC365        
Dual channel 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI to Optical Module (Modular)
Dual channel 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI to Optical Module (BlueNano throw-down unit)
Dual channel 3G/HD/SD-SDI to Optical Module (BlueNano throw-down unit)
Contact your local distributor for more information.

 

Contact us

Unit 2, The Quadrant, Howarth Rd, Maidenhead SL6 1AP, UK
+44 1628 510055, sales@bluebell.tv