Wireless can't get through
Reinforced concrete separates buildings, and basements, lift shafts and metal sheds absorb a lot of 5 GHz signal. The line-of-sight wireless range simply isn't achievable there.
Wired & Fiber
Wired & Fiber Extension Solution
Between buildings, across a site, or where the RF environment is difficult, wireless won't reach and HDMI cable can't run that far. The 4K60 and 4K30 modules include a 100M Ethernet PHY, so a network transformer and RJ45 on the carrier board are enough to run over network cable, through switches, or out to fiber media converters. The same modules work wireless or wired.
Building-to-building linksPlant and campus monitoringIndustrial sites with heavy interferenceBasements and tunnelsStadiums and large venuesServer room to remote desk
PAIN POINTS
Pain Points
HDMI can't cover the distance
HDMI degrades as cable length grows, so long runs need active or optical HDMI cables. Between buildings they go through conduit and cable trays, and one damaged cable means pulling a whole new run.
Unpredictable RF on site
Plants and campuses are crowded with Wi-Fi devices, and metal machinery and racking block and reflect signals. Channels are congested, and a dropped picture is unacceptable for monitoring or operator stations.
Two product lines to manage
In one project some points can go wireless and others must be wired. With separate wireless and wired products, selection, stock and after-sales support all have to be handled twice.
SOLUTION
How We Solve It
Source
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TX Module
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Cable / Fiber
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RX Module
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Display
Ethernet PHY built into the module
The 4K60 and 4K30 modules include a 100M Ethernet PHY, so the carrier board only needs a network transformer and RJ45, with no separate PHY chip. Wired mode carries video, audio and KVM data together, just like wireless.
Up to 500 m through switches
A single cable segment runs about 100 m. Through switches or routers the total distance reaches 500 m, which covers runs between floors or from a server room to desks in the same building.
Fiber extension to 20 km and beyond
Add fiber media converters for runs of 10 km, 20 km or more, depending on the converters and fiber type. Fiber is immune to electromagnetic interference, which suits cross-site links and noisy environments.
One module, two ways to connect
Wireless and wired points use the same module model, so there is one product to select and stock. Wired points add a network transformer and RJ45 to the carrier board; wireless points add antennas.
SELECTION
Selection & Design Notes
- For wired and fiber links, use the 4K60 (ATE9460/9461) or 4K30 (ATE9430T/R) models. The 8K30 model is in development and wired support is not yet decided.
- Add a network transformer and RJ45 to the carrier board. The PHY is already on the module, so don't add another PHY chip.
- A single cable segment is about 100 m. Go through switches or routers for longer runs, up to 500 m in total, and switch to fiber media converters beyond that.
- Fiber reach depends on the media converters and fiber type; pick 10 km, 20 km or longer-reach converters to match the project.
- VBUS must stay within 3.7-5.1 V; above 5.1 V damages the module. Step down 12 V or 24 V site supplies first.
FAQ
FAQ
Q1Do keyboard and mouse still work over cable?
Yes. Both wired and wireless modes carry video, audio and KVM data. USB keyboards, mice, touch panels, barcode scanners and other HID devices connect at the RX and are passed back to the host, which sees them as local USB devices.
Q2What is needed for fiber extension?
The module has a built-in Ethernet PHY. Bring out an RJ45 on the carrier board and connect it to fiber media converters. Runs of 10 km, 20 km or more are possible; the actual reach depends on the converters and fiber type.
Q3Can the 8K model run over cable or fiber?
The 8K30 model (ATE9860/9861) is still in development and its specifications are not final, so wired and fiber support is not yet decided. For wired and fiber links today, use the 4K60 or 4K30 models, both of which also run 1080p.
Q4Can you build the HDMI over fiber extender as OEM / PCBA?
Yes. We design the boards to your form factor, interfaces and range, handle ODM development and PCBA production, and offer white-label OEM; or buy the modules and design the carrier yourself. Validate link, range and picture with the ATE946X-KIT before prototyping.
Get a Recommendation for Your Project
Tell us the resolution, range and interfaces you need. We reply with the module set, carrier-board documents and sample pricing.
MORE
Other Applications
Meeting Rooms
Wireless Presentation
Cabling hassle and adapter chaos in meeting rooms, especially with BYOD guests.
View solution →KVM ExtensionWireless KVM Extender
The host must live in a rack or server room while the operator sits tens of metres away.
View solution →Film & BroadcastCamera Link & On-set Monitoring
Cameras move constantly while director, focus puller and client all need the same feed.
View solution →Portable DisplayWireless Portable Monitor
Portable monitors still need an HDMI or Type-C cable to the source, which gets in the way when moving around or sharing the screen.
View solution →Pro DisplayWireless DisplayPort Extension
Workstations, graphics cards and pro monitors mostly use DisplayPort. Going wireless means stacking DP-to-HDMI adapters, which is messy and hard to keep compatible.
View solution →Mobile CastingWireless USB-C Video
Laptops, tablets and phones often have only USB-C, so casting starts with hunting for an adapter, and guest devices in meeting rooms and showrooms vary widely.
View solution →DockingWireless Casting Dock (USB-C Hub)
Laptops have few ports, so monitors, keyboard and mouse, Ethernet and charging all need adapters, and casting in a meeting room means carrying yet another dongle.
View solution →In-Car ConnectivityWireless CarPlay & Android Auto
The head unit only supports wired CarPlay, so the phone has to be plugged in every trip, and rear passengers end up passing phones around to share content.
View solution →Medical & IndustrialIndustrial & Medical Imaging
Mobile probes tangle cables; routing between operating room and lecture hall is restricted.
View solution →GamingGaming Console Extender
Console lives in the living room but you want to play in the bedroom or study.
View solution →Digital SignageRetail Digital Signage
Ceiling-mounted screens are hard to wire and re-fitting means breaking walls again.
View solution →Long RangeDrone & Gimbal Downlink
Airborne video must reach the ground station in real time over long distances.
View solution →IndustrialIndustrial HMI & AGV
Harsh machine-side conditions rule out terminals, and mobile units cannot drag video cables.
View solution →