The Extron FOX Matrix 320x is a high performance, modular fiber optic matrix switcher for complete, end-to-end digital AV signal transmission and routing over fiber optic cable. The matrix switcher is expandable from 16x16 up to 320x320 and is fully compatible with the FOX Series of fiber optic transmitters and receivers. Supporting video resolutions up to 4K, it features high speed, all‑digital switching of DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, 3G‑SDI, RGB, HD component, and standard definition video. Equipped with integrator-friendly features common to Extron matrix switchers, together with hot-swappable I/O boards and fan, real-time system monitoring, and redundant, hot-swappable power supplies, the FOX Matrix 320x delivers highly reliable, enterprise-wide switching of fiber optic AV and control for mission-critical environments.
Modular Fiber Optic I/O Boards
The FOX Matrix 320x is a modular design featuring 20 board slots. Each slot accepts a FOX Matrix I/O 1616 Board having sixteen ports populated with LC-type fiber optic connectors. Two versions of the board are available. The FOX Matrix I/O 1616 Board - MM supports multimode fiber at 850 nm, which is typically used within buildings or facilities with moderate-range transmission distances. The FOX Matrix I/O 1616 Board - SM supports singlemode as well as multimode fiber at 1310 nm. Singlemode fiber offers long-range transmission capability over extreme distances of several kilometers or miles. It is used in very large facilities, such as hospitals and stadiums, and for connecting over very long distances between facilities such as university campuses.
The FOX Matrix 320x can be configured with all or some of the board slots occupied. The I/O boards are hot-swappable and may be added at any time in the field for easy and quick upgradeability or expansion. The FOX Matrix 320x also accommodates any combination of singlemode or multimode I/O boards. This can allow, for example, a multimode fiber link input to the matrix switcher from a multimode transmitter, and a singlemode output from the switcher for transmission over extreme distances to a singlemode receiver.
Flexible I/O Configuration
Each fiber optic port comprises two individual fiber links. In the standard I/O configuration for the FOX Matrix 320x, these links are defined as a separate input and a separate output. Therefore, up to 320 single fiber link inputs and 320 single fiber link outputs are possible when configuring and controlling the matrix switcher with the Extron control software.
However, through RS-232 serial control, each fiber optic connection can also be defined as a “linked” input or output, with the two fiber optic links supporting bidirectional capabilities for a FOX Series product. Any group of linked connections, anywhere on the rear panel can function as inputs or outputs, enabling the creation of a custom I/O configuration. For example, a FOX Matrix 320x, populated with two I/O boards and 32 available linked connections, may be operated as a 24x8 bidirectional switcher. In the standard I/O configuration, these same two boards would support 32x32 switching with single fiber link inputs and outputs. For added flexibility, the FOX Matrix 320x can function with a combination of linked and single fiber link inputs and outputs.
Streamlining Migration to 4K Video Distribution
Designed with uncompromising quality and proven performance, FOX Matrix Switchers are designed to work with all FOX and FOX II Series products. When used with FOX II 4K Series extenders, Extron FOX Matrix Switchers accept and route 4K video, multi-channel audio, and control, enabling a 4K video distribution system up to 1000x1000 and larger. This capability enables existing FOX systems to be easily upgraded to 4K resolutions without requiring any cabling, hardware, software, or firmware updates to the matrix, streamlining the migration path to 4K resolutions. Extron FOX Matrix Switchers are ideal for 4K video distribution in a wide variety of applications, including simulation, defense, medical, entertainment, digital cinema, and other environments.
Designed for Secure Systems
The FOX Matrix 320x uses two methods to ensure sensitive data is properly segregated and protected – Priority Switching and Secure Partitioning. Priority Switching assigns a security level to each input and output. Six security levels are available, with the sixth being the highest level. An output can only be tied to an input at the same security level or lower, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. For example, an output at security level five can be tied to inputs that are security level five or lower. However, an output at security level one, the lowest level, can only be tied to inputs that are also security level one. Priority Switching is useful in systems with multiple security classification levels.
Secure Partitioning enables the matrix switcher to be divided into smaller sub-switchers for segregating sources and destinations into partitions. Sources can only be routed to destinations within the same partition. Any attempt to tie an input and output in different partitions is prohibited, returning an error code. Up to 12 partitions are available. Secure Partitioning is useful for separating secure and unclassified data.
3G-SDI Signal Switching and Distribution
The FOX I/O 1616 HD-SDI board is available as an option for the FOX Matrix 320x, and enables connection to local 3G-SDI-equipped devices. This board offers a 16x16 configuration for switching and distribution of signals up to 2.97 Gbps, including 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, and SDI. With this board, the FOX Matrix 320x can be configured as a dedicated 3G-SDI matrix switcher up to 320x320, or for a combination of SDI and fiber optic matrix switching. The FOX I/O 1616 HD-SDI board is compliant with SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M, and ITU digital video standards. Each input and output on the hot-swappable board is individually buffered to maximize performance with virtually no crosstalk. To optimize signal transmission to and from the board, input signals are automatically equalized and output signals are reclocked.
The FOX I/O 1616 HD-SDI board enables a local BNC connection to the FOX 3G HD-SDI fiber optic extender for 3G-SDI. Incoming signals from the FOX 3G HD-SDI can then be routed to the board's BNC outputs, or through the fiber optic outputs to remote FOX 3G HD-SDI units. Similarly, local BNC inputs can be output on fiber or BNC. In broadcast and production applications, a 3G-SDI-equipped FOX Matrix 320x, together with several FOX 3G HD-SDI units, offers expanded opportunities for system integration. For example, the matrix switcher can be used to route signals to and from local editing equipment, while also providing the capability to receive or transmit 3G-SDI signals very long distances to devices in remote locations, such as cameras and production monitors.
Familiar, Integrator-Friendly Matrix Switcher Features
Up to 64 memory presets are available for saving and recalling commonly used input and output ties. Furthermore, a rooming feature enables the creation of 10 rooms by groups of outputs, each with separate presets.
Self-Monitoring and Hot-Swappable
The FOX Matrix 320x is designed for optimum performance and reliability in applications requiring continuous operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, such as in government, military, and medical installations. A real-time monitoring system continuously provides self-diagnostics of the I/O boards, fiber links, power supplies, internal fans, and general functions of the switcher. LED indicators on each I/O board provide a quick verification of input signal presence as well as the status of fiber links with the transmitters and receivers. The FOX Matrix 320x can be configured to trigger an external control system, generate SNMP traps, or send e-mail alerts when an inbound fiber link has been lost.
Each I/O board is hot-swappable so that the matrix switcher can be serviced or reconfigured without interrupting all signal routing by powering down the unit. The FOX Matrix 320x also features a hot-swappable fan, and four redundant and hot-swappable power supplies to ensure continuous, uninterrupted power.
Control
The FOX Matrix 320x offers convenient remote system access for configuration, operation, and monitoring through the front and rear panel RS-232 serial control ports and Ethernet control. The FOX Matrix 320x is also compatible with the FPC 6000 Front Panel Controller and MKP 3000 X-Y Remote Control Panel, which provides a convenient user interface to control the matrix switcher from remote locations.