Overview

Ultra-Low-Latency Video over Fiber is an FPGA-based system that carries four 3G-SDI video channels over optical fiber with ultra-low latency. The same fiber link also carries Gigabit Ethernet, CAN FD and five UART channels, multiplexed and demultiplexed together with the video. The video path uses line buffering only, with no external DDR buffering.

Professional video, network and serial interfaces share one fiber, which does not pick up electromagnetic interference.

4× 3G-SDI video, Gigabit Ethernet, CAN FD and 5× UART on one fiber link between two FPGA boards

Implementation Status

• Already implemented in FPGA: the video link and the multiplexing of 3G-SDI video, Gigabit Ethernet, CAN FD and UART, with an Aurora link rate of up to 16 Gb/s.
• Tested on hardware: two boards connected by fiber.
• Customer delivered: the video-over-fiber solution has been delivered to customers.

How It Works

1. Input: the first FPGA board takes four 3G-SDI video channels.
2. Multiplex: the FPGAs multiplex the video with Gigabit Ethernet, CAN FD and five UART channels onto one Aurora link.
3. Transmit: the Aurora link carries them over the fiber at a link rate of up to 16 Gb/s.
4. Demultiplex and output: the FPGAs separate the streams again, and the four 3G-SDI channels are output on the second board.

The video path uses line buffering only, with no external DDR buffering.

Key Features & Advantages

• Ultra-low latency: video is transmitted with minimal delay.
• Four 3G-SDI channels: four video channels on one fiber.
• Gigabit Ethernet: a Gigabit Ethernet connection on the same fiber as the video.
• CAN FD and five UARTs: serial and bus interfaces share the link as well.
• High-speed link: Aurora link rate of up to 16 Gb/s between the two boards.
• EMI-immune medium: fiber does not pick up electromagnetic interference, unlike coaxial and other copper cables.
• Customizable: can be tailored to customer and industry needs.

Technical Specifications

Table 1: Technical Specifications of the Video-over-Fiber System

Parameter	Specification
Video	4 × 3G-SDI
Video Latency	Ultra-low
Video Buffering	Line buffering only, no external DDR buffering
Ethernet	Gigabit Ethernet
Other Interfaces	CAN FD, 5 × UART
Fiber Link	Aurora, link rate up to 16 Gb/s, between two boards
Implementation	FPGA, tested on hardware with two boards connected by fiber

Applications & Use Cases

Typical uses of video over fiber, with Ethernet, CAN FD and UART on the same link where needed:

A. Surveillance & Security

• CCTV and camera systems that need their video on fiber.

B. Industrial Systems

• Manufacturing environments where cameras are used for process monitoring.

C. Aerospace & Defense

• UAVs, military vehicles, and aircraft that use video for situational awareness.

D. Medical & Automotive Applications

• Transmission of medical imaging video over fiber.
• Automotive rear-view and parking camera systems in large transport vehicles.

Deliverables

Our deliverables are tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers. We offer flexible options, including:

1. FPGA Project with Source Code & IP Configurations

We provide a fully functional FPGA project, including all source code and IP configurations, ensuring complete transparency and flexibility. As part of our service, we offer:

• A comprehensive online training session covering project architecture and functionality.
• Detailed explanations of design blocks and their operation.
• A real-time demonstration of the working system.

2. Complete System Design with Custom PCBs

For customers requiring a turnkey solution, we deliver a complete hardware system, including:

• Custom PCB design tailored to the project requirements.
• Manufacturing options, including prototype assembly and mass production support.
• A dedicated online training session covering system architecture and integration.
• A live demonstration showcasing system performance and functionality.

3. Custom Configuration & Design Modifications

We offer fully customizable solutions beyond the standard scope described above. Our team can:

• Modify FPGA configurations and PCB layouts to meet specific needs.
• Integrate pre- or post-processing blocks for enhanced image or signal processing.
• Implement feature enhancements based on customer requirements.

As with all deliverables, we provide an online training session, a detailed technical briefing, and a real-time system demo.

Conclusion

Ultra-Low-Latency Video over Fiber carries four 3G-SDI video channels together with Gigabit Ethernet, CAN FD and five UART channels on the same fiber, with ultra-low latency and no external DDR buffering. It is implemented in FPGA, tested on hardware and delivered to customers.

Earlier Analog-Only Prototype

Before the multiplexed system, analog PAL/NTSC video was demonstrated over fiber on an FPGA prototyping board. This earlier prototype carries analog video only, without 3G-SDI, Ethernet, CAN FD or UART. The setup and resource figures below describe that prototype, not the system above.

Prototype Setup

An ADV7182 video decoder digitizes the camera signal into the ITU-R BT.656 format, the FPGA sends it over fiber through SFP modules, and an ADV7391 video encoder reconstructs the analog signal for a legacy monitor.

Setup of the earlier analog-only prototype

Prototype Resource Utilization

Resource utilization of the earlier analog-only prototype on AMD 7 series FPGAs, with default synthesis options of Vivado 2021.1. Table 2 covers both the transmitter and the receiver sides.

Table 2: Earlier analog-only prototype, transmitter and receiver

Resource	Utilization
LUT	1059
LUTRAM	37
FF	1963
BRAM	2
GT	2
BUFG	6
MMCM	2

Table 3 covers only the transmitter, where the decoded ITU-R BT.656 video stream is taken as input and sent through the fiber cable.

Table 3: Earlier analog-only prototype, transmitter only

Resource	Utilization
LUT	546
LUTRAM	22
FF	995
BRAM	1
GT	1
BUFG	6
MMCM	2

Table 4 covers only the receiver, where serial data is received from the fiber cable and the ITU-R BT.656 video stream is sent to the video encoder.

Table 4: Earlier analog-only prototype, receiver only

Resource	Utilization
LUT	521
LUTRAM	22
FF	970
BRAM	1
GT	1
BUFG	6
MMCM	2