IDM-VDA4200 Series 4-Channel Video Optical Multiplexer: One Fiber Carries 4 Video Channels, 4 Data Channels and 2 Ethernet Ports, Saving One Switch
The 4-channel video optical multiplexer is a compact multi-service signal optical fiber transmission product tailored by our company for the security surveillance market. It can transmit up to 4 unidirectional video channels, 4 data channels, 1 bidirectional audio channel and 2 Ethernet channels over a single optical fiber, meeting a wide range of user requirements. It adopts internationally advanced all-digital uncompressed video technology to transmit two video signals and multiple bidirectional data channels over optical fiber in real time, synchronously, without distortion and with high quality. Its high-quality video performance and bidirectional data transmission can meet many kinds of user needs; the plug-and-play design makes installation simple and easy with no on-site adjustment required, its optical module and core circuit both use standard components for high stability, and all optical and electrical interfaces comply with international standards, making it suitable for different working environments.
The IDM-VDA4200 series (including IDM-VDA4200, IDM-VDA4020 and IDM-VDA4420) 4-channel video optical multiplexer is a compact multi-service signal optical fiber transmission device developed by Beijing Ruiguang Jiyuan Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Raytrans) for the security surveillance market. It is a multi-service optical multiplexer launched by a professional optical multiplexer manufacturer, used to aggregate the 4 unidirectional video channels of front-end cameras together with data, audio and Ethernet services onto a single optical fiber for real-time synchronous transmission. This video optical multiplexer adopts all-digital uncompressed video technology: the video signal is sampled into a digital signal, transmitted directly over the optical fiber and restored distortion-free at the remote end, so the video performance meets the viewing and recording requirements of the surveillance center. The plug-and-play design makes installation simple and easy with no on-site adjustment required, the optical module and core circuit both use standard components for high stability, and all optical and electrical interfaces comply with international standards, making the device suitable for different working environments and able to provide users with a reliable security surveillance optical fiber transmission solution. The device provides video lossless regenerative repeater support, making it suitable for long-distance cascading networking applications.
Key Specifications at a Glance: 4 unidirectional video channels · 4 data channels · 1 bidirectional audio channel · 2 Ethernet channels · single-mode fiber (SMF), multimode fiber (MMF) optional · FC optical port (SC customizable) · transmission distance 20 km · overall power consumption ≤6 W
What Kind of Device Is the 4-Channel Video Optical Multiplexer?
The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer is an optical fiber transmission access device between surveillance sites and the surveillance center. It is used in pairs as a transmitter and a receiver, sending the video signals of 4 cameras together with on-site data and audio signals to the remote end for restoration and output, and it can carry 4 unidirectional video channels, 4 data channels, 1 bidirectional audio channel and 2 Ethernet services simultaneously over one optical fiber. As a typical multi-service optical multiplexer, it integrates video, audio, data and Ethernet service access capability in a single device, which is also one of the product forms that Ruiguang Jiyuan (Raytrans) promotes most strongly in security surveillance optical fiber transmission solutions.
Traditional surveillance sites transmit video over coaxial cable, and once the distance exceeds a few hundred meters a repeater amplifier has to be added; the signal is also easily affected by electromagnetic interference and ground potential differences, and picture quality degrades with distance. The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer digitizes the video signal and transmits it over optical fiber, with a standard transmission distance of 20 km and an optional long-distance optical module for longer fiber transmission distances. It is free from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), and is suitable for security surveillance projects with concentrated monitoring sites and a large number of cameras at a single site. For scenarios that need to transmit video and control signals over one optical fiber at the same time, this video optical multiplexer effectively simplifies the cabling structure and reduces construction complexity.
Figure 1: IDM-VDA4200 Series 4-Channel Video Optical Multiplexer main unit appearance and BNC video interfaces
How Does All-Digital Uncompressed Video Technology Guarantee Picture Quality?
The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer adopts all-digital uncompressed video technology: the transmitter samples the video signal at an 8-bit sampling bit width and a 0 Hz~6.5 MHz video bandwidth and transmits it directly over the optical fiber without compression encoding, and the receiver restores it without distortion to an analog video output. The device therefore achieves a video signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ≥70 dB (weighted), a luminance non-linearity of <3%, a differential phase (DP) of <0.7° and a differential gain (DG) of <0.7%; video quality reaches broadcast-grade standard and audio quality reaches CD-grade standard. This all-digital uncompressed video optical multiplexer architecture avoids the picture quality loss caused by compression encoding in principle, and it is the core technical approach of the Ruiguang Jiyuan (Raytrans) video optical multiplexer product line.
Because the video signal does not pass through an encoding/decoding stage, the processing delay and stream jitter caused by compression algorithms are not introduced on the link, so the synchronization between the 4 video channels and the multiple bidirectional data channels is maintained, which is critical in scenarios where the surveillance center watches multiple pictures while operating on-site equipment. The device is compatible with PAL, NTSC, SECAM and other video formats, uses transparent data encoding, and is compatible with the products of major camera manufacturers. For ultra-long-distance transmission requirements, the device provides video lossless regenerative repeater support, regenerating and amplifying the optical signal in the middle of the link to ensure that remote-end picture quality is not affected.
What Functions Does the IDM-VDA4200 Series Provide?
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| SNMP network management | Supports SNMP network management for real-time online monitoring of device operating status |
| Video quality | Video quality reaches broadcast-grade standard, with uncompressed synchronous transmission of 4 video channels |
| Audio quality | Audio quality reaches CD-grade standard, with a 16-bit audio sampling bit width and a 32 kHz sampling frequency |
| Multi-format compatibility | Compatible with PAL, NTSC, SECAM and other video formats |
| Process and protection | Surface mount technology (SMT), with multiple lightning and surge protection on ports |
| Video lossless regenerative repeater | Provides video lossless regenerative repeater support, free from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) |
| Transparent data transmission | Transparent data encoding, compatible with the products of major camera manufacturers |
| Adaptive, adjustment-free | Automatically adapts to line conditions, with no on-site electrical or optical adjustment required during use |
| Structural design | Compact design with a small structure for flexible and convenient installation |
Technical Specifications
Optical Interface Parameters
| Item | Parameter/Specification | Description/Applicable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Interface type | FC (SC, etc. customizable) | Optical port connector type |
| Fiber mode | Single-mode (multimode optional) | Selected according to the type of optical (fiber) cable on site |
| Receiver receive/transmit rate | 1.25G bps / 84M bps | Receive/transmit rate at the receiver |
| Receiver receive/transmit wavelength | 1310 nm / 1550 nm | Receive/transmit wavelength at the receiver |
| Transmitter receive/transmit rate | 84M bps / 1.25G bps | Receive/transmit rate at the transmitter |
| Transmitter receive/transmit wavelength | 1550 nm / 1310 nm | Receive/transmit wavelength at the transmitter |
| Transmit (optical) power | -12~-7 dBm | Optical power output by the transmitter |
| Receiver sensitivity | Better than -21 dBm (1310 nm) | Lower limit of the optical power the receiver can receive normally |
| Transmission distance | 20 km | An optional long-distance optical module enables longer fiber transmission distances |
Video Interface Parameters
| Item | Parameter/Specification | Description/Applicable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Interface type | BNC | Analog video input/output |
| Luminance non-linearity | <3% | Linearity of the video channel |
| Video sampling bit width | 8-bit | Digital sampling precision |
| Video bandwidth | 0 Hz~6.5 MHz | Covers standard definition (SD) video baseband bandwidth |
| Differential phase (DP) | <0.7° | Phase distortion specification of the chrominance signal |
| Differential gain (DG) | <0.7% | Amplitude distortion specification of the chrominance signal |
| Input overload voltage | 1.5 VP-P (typical) | Non-saturating voltage at the input |
| Input/output voltage | 1 VP-P (typical) | Standard video signal level |
| Input/output impedance | 75 Ω (unbalanced) | Impedance matching with conventional video equipment |
| Video SNR | ≥70 dB (weighted) | Weighted measurement basis |
High-Fidelity Audio Parameters
| Item | Parameter/Specification | Description/Applicable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Interface type | RJ45 connector | Audio channel interface |
| Audio sampling bit width | 16-bit | Digital sampling precision |
| Input/output impedance | ADC: 100 kΩ / DAC: 10 kΩ | Impedance at the input/output end |
| Input/output voltage | 1.5 VP-P (typical) | Audio signal level |
| Audio sampling frequency | 32 kHz | Sampling rate |
| Audio SNR | ≥90 dB | Signal-to-noise ratio of the audio channel |
| Audio bandwidth | 20 Hz~20 kHz | Covers the audible frequency range of the human ear |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD) | <1% | Distortion specification of the audio channel |
Data and Ethernet Parameters
| Item | Parameter/Specification | Description/Applicable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Data interface type | RJ-45 | Data channel interface |
| Data type | RS-232, RS422 (4-wire), RS485 (2-wire) | Can connect to control and acquisition devices |
| Ethernet interface type | RJ-45 | Ethernet channel interface |
| Ethernet transmission rate | 10M/100M adaptive | Supports IEEE 802.3 |
| Ethernet operating mode | Full-duplex / half-duplex / adaptive | Adaptively negotiated with the peer device |
Power, Power Consumption and Environmental Conditions
| Item | Parameter/Specification | Description/Applicable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Power supply mode | AC 220 V / DC -48 V | Selected according to equipment room and on-site power conditions |
| Overall power consumption | ≤6 W | Power consumption of the unit in operation |
| Operating temperature | -15 °C ~ +65 °C | Operating temperature range of the standard model |
| Storage temperature | -25 °C ~ +75 °C | Storage ambient temperature range |
| Industrial-grade temperature | -40 °C ~ +85 °C | Temperature range of the industrial-grade model |
| Relative humidity | 0~95% (non-condensing) | Operating environment humidity |
| Product dimensions | 240×138×30 (mm) | Length × depth × height |
Model Selection: How to Choose Between IDM-VDA4200, IDM-VDA4020 and IDM-VDA4420?
| No. | Model | Service Configuration | Application Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IDM-VDA4200 | 4 unidirectional video channels, 2 data channels | Where 2 control/acquisition data channels must be returned in addition to the 4 surveillance video pictures |
| 2 | IDM-VDA4020 | 4 unidirectional video channels, 2 bidirectional audio channels | Where 4 surveillance video pictures are needed together with two-way voice intercom with the site |
| 3 | IDM-VDA4420 | 4 unidirectional video channels, 4 data channels, 2 bidirectional audio channels | Where 4 data channels plus 2 bidirectional audio channels are required, giving a more complete channel configuration |
When choosing a 4-channel video optical multiplexer, first count the service channels at the site: if you only need to send 4 pictures back to the surveillance center together with 2 data channels, choose the IDM-VDA4200; if two-way calling and intercom are needed between the surveillance center and the site, choose the IDM-VDA4020 with 2 bidirectional audio channels; if both data channels and bidirectional audio are required, choose the IDM-VDA4420. The three models have identical video specifications and optical interface parameters, and differ only in the number of service channels configured. As a professional optical multiplexer manufacturer, Ruiguang Jiyuan (Raytrans) recommends confirming the fiber type (single-mode or multimode), the transmission distance and the optical port type at the same time during selection; for long-distance links it is advisable to calculate the optical power budget before deciding on the optical module.
What Are the Application Scenarios of the Video Optical Multiplexer?
Industrial Park and Building Security Surveillance
Industrial park entrances and exits, perimeter walls and underground garages have many cameras and are hundreds of meters to several kilometers away from the surveillance center, and laying new coaxial cable between buildings is difficult. The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer aggregates 4 video and data services onto one existing or newly built single-mode fiber, and the receiver outputs BNC video directly to a DVR, NVR or monitor, replacing long-distance coaxial cable solutions and avoiding the picture streaking and distortion caused by ground potential differences and electromagnetic interference. A single site gives coverage of the 4 surveillance views of one entrance, making it a practical security surveillance optical fiber transmission solution.
Road and Traffic Surveillance
Road surveillance poles are scattered, and power supply and cabling conditions are complex; video signals laid along the road are susceptible to electromagnetic interference from vehicle ignition and variable-frequency equipment. The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer uses an all-digital uncompressed video optical multiplexer architecture, is free from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), and provides video lossless regenerative repeater support, so the signal can be regenerated stage by stage over a long link to ensure that intersection camera pictures are transmitted back to the road-section surveillance center stably. The device is small in size with power consumption of ≤6 W, making it easy to install in a pole-side enclosure.
Power and Substation Surveillance
Substations, distribution rooms and similar locations have a strong electromagnetic environment, and the distance between cameras and the main control room as well as the insulation isolation requirements are relatively high. The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer uses optical fiber as the transmission medium, its optical and electrical interfaces comply with international standards, and the transmitter and the receiver are electrically isolated from each other, effectively avoiding interference with video signals in a strong electromagnetic environment; with a standard operating temperature of -15 °C ~ +65 °C and an industrial-grade temperature range of -40 °C ~ +85 °C, a suitable model can be selected according to the ambient temperature of the site.
Plant and Mining Area Perimeter Surveillance
Plants and mining areas cover a large area, the surveillance lines from the perimeter and key equipment sites span a long distance, and there is dust, vibration and temperature variation. The compact design of the IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer makes it easy to install nearby in a site enclosure, and multiple lightning and surge protection on the interfaces together with surface mount technology (SMT) processes improve stability during long-term outdoor operation; only one optical fiber is needed from the site to the surveillance center, reducing the number of cables and the subsequent maintenance workload.
Figure 2: Point-to-point networking diagram of the 4-channel video optical multiplexer for security surveillance
Optical Port Types and Transmission Distance of the Video Optical Multiplexer
The optical interface of the IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer is the standard FC type, and interfaces such as SC can be customized according to project requirements, while the fiber mode is single-mode by default with multimode optional. The standard transmission distance of the device is 20 km, the transmit (optical) power is -12~-7 dBm, and the receiver sensitivity is better than -21 dBm (1310 nm); the difference between the two is the available optical power margin of the link, used to compensate for optical attenuation in the fiber itself and for losses at splice points and connectors.
If the site is more than 20 km away, an optional long-distance optical module can be installed to achieve a longer fiber transmission distance. During project selection, the optical power should be calculated segment by segment according to the actual optical cable length, cable attenuation coefficient and splice and connector losses, with an aging and maintenance margin reserved; because multimode fiber and single-mode fiber have different attenuation characteristics, the transmission distance must be determined only after they are matched with the optical module type.
Which Video Formats Does the Video Optical Multiplexer Support?
The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer is compatible with PAL, NTSC, SECAM and other video formats. The video channels use BNC interfaces for input and output, with an input/output impedance of 75 Ω (unbalanced) and an input/output voltage of 1 VP-P (typical), and can be connected directly to conventional analog cameras, DVRs, NVRs and monitors without additional format conversion equipment.
The device uses transparent data encoding and is compatible with the products of major camera manufacturers; the all-digital uncompressed video optical multiplexer transmission link contains no encoding/decoding stage, so the synchronization between video and data stays consistent throughout the link, making it convenient for the surveillance center to issue PTZ control and alarm collection data while watching the pictures.
Conclusion
The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer concentrates 4 unidirectional video channels together with data, audio and Ethernet services for transmission over one optical fiber, uses all-digital uncompressed video technology to guarantee broadcast-grade picture quality, offers a transmission distance of 20 km and an overall power consumption of ≤6 W, and in its compact, plug-and-play form adapts to many kinds of security surveillance sites such as industrial parks, roads, power facilities, plants and mines. As a multi-service optical multiplexer manufacturer deeply engaged in the optical communication field, Ruiguang Jiyuan (Raytrans) can select the corresponding model from the IDM-VDA4200, IDM-VDA4020 and IDM-VDA4420 for a security surveillance project according to the number of service channels at the site, the cable type and the transmission distance.
Road surveillance poles are scattered, and power supply and cabling conditions are complex, so video signals laid along the road are susceptible to electromagnetic interference from vehicle ignition and variable-frequency equipment. The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer uses an all-digital uncompressed video optical multiplexer architecture, is free from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) interference (RFI), and provides video lossless regenerative repeater support, so that the signal can be regenerated stage by stage over a long link, ensuring that intersection camera pictures are transmitted back to the road-section surveillance center stably; the device is small in size with power consumption of ≤6 W, making it easy to install in a pole-side enclosure.
Power and Substation Surveillance
Substations, distribution rooms and similar locations have a strong electromagnetic environment, and the distance between cameras and the main control room as well as the insulation isolation requirements are relatively high. The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer uses optical fiber as the transmission medium, its optical and electrical interfaces comply with international standards, and the transmitter and the receiver are electrically isolated from each other, effectively avoiding interference with video signals in a strong electromagnetic environment; with a standard operating temperature of -15 °C ~ +65 °C and an industrial-grade temperature range of -40 °C ~ +85 °C, a suitable model can be selected according to the ambient temperature of the site.
Plant and Mining Area Perimeter Surveillance
Plants and mining areas cover a large area, the surveillance lines from the perimeter and key equipment sites span a long distance, and there is dust, vibration and temperature variation. The compact design of the IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer makes it easy to install nearby in a site enclosure, and multiple lightning and surge protection on the interfaces together with surface mount technology (SMT) improves stability during long-term outdoor operation; only one optical fiber is needed from the site to the surveillance center, reducing the number of cables and the subsequent maintenance workload.
Figure 2: Point-to-point networking diagram of the 4-channel video optical multiplexer for security surveillance
Optical Port Types and Transmission Distance of the Video Optical Multiplexer
The optical interface of the IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer is the standard FC type, and interfaces such as SC can be customized according to project requirements, while the fiber mode is single-mode fiber (SMF) by default with multimode fiber (MMF) optional. The standard configuration of the device provides a transmission distance of 20 km, the transmitter optical output power is -12~-7 dBm, and the receiver sensitivity is better than -21 dBm (1310 nm); the difference between the two is the available optical power margin of the link, used to compensate for the attenuation of the optical fiber itself and the losses at splice points and connectors.
If the site is more than 20 km away, an optional long-distance optical module can be installed to achieve a longer optical fiber transmission distance. During project selection, the optical power should be calculated segment by segment according to the actual optical cable length, the cable attenuation coefficient and the splice and connector losses, with an aging and maintenance margin reserved; because multimode fiber and single-mode fiber have different attenuation characteristics, the transmission distance must be determined only after they are matched with the optical module type.
Which Video Formats Does the Video Optical Multiplexer Support?
The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer is compatible with video formats such as PAL, NTSC and SECAM. The video channels use BNC interfaces for input and output, with an input/output impedance of 75 Ω (unbalanced) and an input/output voltage of 1 VP-P (typical), and can be connected directly to conventional analog cameras, DVRs, NVRs and monitors without additional format conversion equipment.
The device uses transparent data encoding and is compatible with the products of major camera manufacturers; the all-digital uncompressed video optical multiplexer transmission link contains no encoding/decoding stage, so the synchronization between video and data stays consistent throughout the link, making it convenient for the surveillance center to issue PTZ control and alarm collection data while watching the pictures.
Conclusion
The IDM-VDA4200 series 4-channel video optical multiplexer concentrates 4 unidirectional video channels together with data, audio and Ethernet services for transmission over one optical fiber, uses all-digital uncompressed video technology to guarantee broadcast-grade picture quality, offers a transmission distance of 20 km and an overall power consumption of ≤6 W, and in its compact, plug-and-play form adapts to many kinds of security surveillance sites such as industrial parks, roads, power facilities, plants and mines. As a multi-service optical multiplexer manufacturer deeply engaged in the optical communication field, when selecting a 4-channel video optical multiplexer for its security surveillance projects, Ruiguang Jiyuan (Raytrans) can choose the corresponding model from the three models IDM-VDA4200, IDM-VDA4020 and IDM-VDA4420 according to the number of service channels at the site, the optical cable type and the transmission distance.