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No. 21/2015 (May 25, 2015)
Step forward in photonics.
IBM unveiled a monolithic integrated circuit capable of data transfers of 100 Gbps. The electrical and optical systems are integrated on a single silicon chip and the data is transmitted using optical signals instead of electrical impulses. This way the transmission is much faster, and the range can be extended, as well. The unit has optical input and output connectors. They can receive and transmit optical data at 4 wavelengths at 25 Gbps, which translates into the total rate of 100 Gbps.
View of the photonic IBM chips capable of 100 Gbps data transfers
The IBM structure is made in CMOS technology with transistor channel lengths of 90 nm. The choice of this technology is dictated by the desire to create affordable photonic circuits, accessible for commercial use. The fields of application are primarily the processors in large data servers or data centers providing services "in the cloud". The use of such photonic chips will allow to keep down the pin count of today's super-fast processors. This will also significantly reduce the size and power consumption of such processors.
The architecture of the IBM chip
Photonics is a field of science that combines electronics, ICT and optics to develop techniques and devices that use light for information processing. Photonics can be understood as analogous to electronic science, with photons as the basic information carriers, instead of electrons. The origins of this field of science are associated with the invention of laser in 1960, development of the first semiconductor light emitters in the early 1960s, and emergence of fiber optic technology in the mid-1970s. One of the basic directions of research of modern photonics are methods of transmitting information.
Silicon photonics deals with the process of integration of optical components in integrated circuits made in CMOS technology. The purpose is to streamline and accelerate data transmission, first of all in high-speed machines that require extremely high throughputs.
To meet the challenges posed by modern installations, DIPOL has introduced MASTER series of angle compression connectors which consists of F, BNC, and IEC types.
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Appropriate design and excellent manufacturing accuracy of the MASTER connectors eliminate any problems with installation on the ends of the dedicated cables. The value for money is excellent. We recommend these connectors for installation companies deploying small, medium, and large systems. The necessary accessory for compressing these connectors on the cables is a universal compression tool E80078.
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Compression of straight and angle MASTER connectors with the E80078 tool.
The necessary adaptation to a specific connector is performed with the adjustment screw
and the application of the appropriate tip.
How to increase the functionality of home router.
Home routers, normally used only to provide access to the Internet, often can be adapted to preform additional functions. Alternative software available on the Web can transform the router into NAS or print server and can increase its capabilities of traffic analysis and control.The alternative OpenWRT software based on Linux (with optional graphical user interface) can be uploaded on selected models of wireless routers/APs. The software greatly extends the capabilities of the devices. It should be emphasized that all operations associated with the modification of the firmware are done at the user's risk. The best option is to install the software via a USB port of the router (when it exists it can be also used to connect a hard drive, USB modem or printer; a USB hub enables simultaneous operation of several devices).
The OpenWRT software and additional information are available at its official site. In the case of other versions modified by some users, which can also be found on the Internet, one should pay particular attention to security issues. More on OpenWRT can be found in the article: OpenWRT or how to maximize the capabilities of your router.
Some connectivity problems with media converters.
Ethernet media converters, changing the transmission medium from copper cables to optical fibers, are very popular, especially in the case of longer point-to-point links. The links can be many times longer than those based on twisted pair cables, and without any additional means they ensure complete galvanic isolation, which is needed in many systems for safety reasons. Despite the fact that Ethernet media converters do not require any configuration, some novice installers make mistakes preventing the normal operation of the links:- incorrect selection of system - the mismatch between the type of media converter and the type of fiber (single-mode/multimode)
- in the case of media converters with SFP slots - inadequate selection of the SFP modules (fiber type, data transfer rate - e.g. an 1000BASE-T module in a 100BASE-T slot),
- in the case of WDM technology - inappropriate choice of SFP modules (the use of two identical modules, each transmitting and receiving on the same wavelengths)
- disregard for power balance, especially when the link is very short - although most Ethernet media converters can automatically reduce the output power of the transmitter and/or the sensitivity of the receiver, in some cases it is necessary to apply suitable attenuator
- incorrect selection of media converters to cooperating LAN devices, e.g. the use of 1 Gbps media converter for connection with 100 Mbps network adapter in a computer.
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The most common cause of a "dead" link is the last case. So, when selecting media converters, the installer must check the specifications of the network devices that will be connected on the both sides of the link. In the case where the link should cooperate with various devices, ether 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps, the solution is to employ media converters with auto-negotiation feature. With this choice, the users will avoid any problems associated with incompatibility of Ethernet ports.
Documentation of construction process with Hikvision camera.
Hikvision IP cameras have the ability to sequentially take pictures (Snapshot function). This useful function allows e.g. to create a history of the progress of construction of any facility, such as apartment house, school, shop, sports facility etc. This solution enables the user to save a large amount of disk/server space, while ensuring that the construction process is well documented. The time interval can range from 1 s to 7 days. Additionally, the schedule can be configured in such a way as to take the pictures during working hours i.e. at certain times of the days of the week, when the construction crew is on the spot, for example from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 - 17:00, with 1-hour interval (see below).
Configuration of Snapshot function with weekly schedule in a Hikvision camera
Some Hikvision cameras with Snapshot function:
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How to measure camera image quality?
A higher declared resolution of a camera do not always translate into better image quality. Unambiguous information about the actual image quality can be achieved by making measurements in accordance with ISO 12233. It is important to ensure adequate lighting and lens, as well as to switch off all functions that improve image quality (especially sharpening, image stabilization etc).The measurement procedures are given in ISO 12233. For example, the resolution can be measured by analyzing the test chart image (reading the value that corresponds with the maximum number of black and white lines that can be distinguished). In the case of IP cameras, there is some software that can measure it directly, for example free HYRES application.
The image of the ISO 12233 chart captured by a Sunell camera
 | HD-TVI TURBO HD Camera Hikvision DS-2CE56D5T-AVPIR3 M7537 has been designed for use in CCTV systems based on HD-TVI DVRs. The camera provides1080p video. With high sensitivity (0.01 lx) and built-in IR illuminator with range up to 40 m, the camera ensures high quality image in low light or even no-light conditions. The vandal-proof (IK10) camera can be used in various environments, thanks to IP66 rating and very wide operation temperature range. | |
 | HD-TVI Video Balun Hikvision DS-1H18 M16641 allows for transmission of video signal from one source via a twisted pair cable. Thanks to small size of the baluns and combination with BNC plugs there are no problems with direct connections to BNC sockets of DVRs, even when they are densely packed. | |
 | Fiber Cable Storage Box ULTIMODE-NX-661 600mm (covered rack) L5508 is used for storing fiber-optic cables in the vicinity of distribution points, in the event of disruption of optical links due to mechanical damage. The boxes can be mounted on walls or facades of buildings, or (with a suitable mount) on poles. The fiber cable storage box covers the steel rack (two crossed arms) with the cable and protects the spare cable from an accidental damage. | |
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