Chronos

Chronos - remote connection solution

Features

  • Supports two independent SDI video signals across 12G, 6G, 3G, HD, and SD formats, with internal signal reclockers.
  • Dual genlock outputs on transmitters and a genlock input with looped output on receivers.
  • Single or Dual gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • An LC "EXP" port allows cascading with additional Chronos units - Allowing up to 4x 4K cameras to be controlled over a single fibre.
  • 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.

Chronos

2x 12G, Sync and Ethernet to Optical Interface

Description

The Chronos Series is an advanced remote connection system designed to transport 12G-SDI, genlock, and multi-rate Ethernet signals over a single fibre link. This versatile transmitter and receiver pair is specifically tailored to meet the needs of modern broadcasting, providing seamless connections between remote 4K cameras, control signals, and synchronisation signals at base stations.
 
In addition to supporting SDI, Genlock Sync and Ethernet signals, Chronos features an LC fibre optical input, allowing an additional singlemode optical signal to be transmitted over the same fibre. This capability enhances flexibility, making Chronos an ideal solution for complex setups, particularly in demanding Outside Broadcast (OB) environments due to its compact and weatherproof housing.
 
Connectivity is streamlined with four BNC connectors for 2x SDI video, 2x genlock in/out and one or two RJ45 Ethernet ports, alongside a dual LC optical port for fibre communication. The optical expansion port allows cascading with additional Chronos 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 Chronos Series consists of four models, each which exists in two variants. These are:
  • High Band Variant (1470–1610 nm):
    • Chronos-T: Dual SDI inputs, 2x Sync outputs and single Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • Chronos-R: LC fibre input to dual SDI outputs, 1x sync in with sync loop out. and single Ethernet.
    • Chronos-TD: Dual SDI inputs, 2x Sync outputs and dual Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • Chronos-RD: LC fibre input to dual SDI outputs, 1x sync in with sync loop out. and dual Ethernet.
  • Low Band Variants (1270–1410 nm):
    • Chronos-T-L: Dual SDI inputs, 2x Sync outputs and single Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • Chronos-R-L: LC fibre input to dual SDI outputs, 1x sync in with sync loop out. and single Ethernet.
    • Chronos-TD-L: Dual SDI inputs, 2x Sync outputs and dual Ethernet to LC fibre output.
    • Chronos-RD-L: LC fibre input to dual SDI outputs, 1x sync in with sync loop out. and dual Ethernet.

Optical Expansion and Scalability:

An LC "EXP" port enables the Chronos 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 four 12G-SDI video, four sync outs and and four Gigabit Ethernet streams to pass over a single fibre link - allowing control of four cameras. Additional optical signals can be accommodated as long as they operate on unused wavelengths.

Connectivity and Design:

Each Chronos unit features four BNC connectors for 2x SDI video, genlock 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 Chronos is engineered for reliable performance in demanding environments.

Chronos 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

Sync Electrical Input/Output

Standards Composite 1V pk-pk PAL, NTSC, SECAM
Connector 75 Ohm BNC
Diff. Phase < 1º
Diff. Gain < 1% (at sub-carrier 3.58/4.43 MHz)

Ethernet Electrical Input/Output

Connector
RJ45
Number
Chronos-T & Chronos-R: 1
Chronos-TD & Chronos-RD: 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
Chronos-T & Chronos-R: 7.5W typ
Chronos-TD & Chronos-RD: 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
Chronos Datasheet Open Download

Ordering Information

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

Chronos-T Transmitter
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 2x Sync output, Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
Chronos-R Receiver
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 1x Sync in plus loop-out, Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
Chronos-TD Transmitter       
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 2x Sync output,  Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
Chronos-RD Receiver             
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 1x Sync in plus loop-out,  Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.

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

Chronos-T-L Transmitter       
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 2x Sync output, Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
Chronos-R-L Receiver
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 1x Sync in plus loop-out, Single Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
Chronos-TD-L Transmitter       
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 2x Sync output,  Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
Chronos-RD-L Receiver
Dual 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs, 1x Sync in plus loop-out,  Dual Ethernet to LC fibre with expansion port. Power Supply (PS12) included.
 

Related Products

BN328
Quad 12G/6G/3G/HD/SD-SDI Inputs plus 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