DIPOL Weekly Review - TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN

A quantum computer for everyone?

IBM, one of the oldest American IT corporations, has created a 5-qubit chip for quantum computing. Free access to the platform called Quantum Experience is possible directly from any computer or mobile device through the IBM Cloud. The IBM processor consisting of five superconducting qubits is located in the heart of the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in New York. In the future, the so far most advanced quantum system could lead to the creation of a universal computer that would be able to perform any task much faster than the computers available today.

Click on and see the IBM Quantum Lab (360° movie)
(source: facebook.com)

The basic unit of quantum information is quantum bit called qubit. A bit represents a piece of information either as a 0 or 1. In contrast to the "classic" bit, a qubit stores information as 0, 1, and the superposition of all numbers between 0 and 1. This allows quantum computers to perform calculations much faster than conventional machines can.

According to IBM, the Quantum Experience project "will make it easier for researchers and the scientific community to accelerate innovations in the quantum field, and help discover new applications for this technology. This is the beginning of the quantum age of computing and the latest advance from IBM towards building a universal quantum computer."

Integration of HD-TVI security camera with video intercom.

Cameras built into video entry systems are usually of the fixed type with a strictly defined field of view and lack of zoom. Due to typical locations by the door, such a camera can be easily masked by the caller. An alternative can be the HD-TVI camera from Hikvision, DS-2CE16D5T-AVFIT3 M7576. The camera belongs to the D5T series equipped with two simultaneously operating video outputs. One on them provides the HD-TVI signal that can be used in a video surveillance system, the second generates CVBS signal compliant with the system used in video intercoms.

An HD-TVI security camera equipped with CVBS output
can be used as the source of signal in a video entry system

Video monitoring of an apartment house based on Signal IP cameras and Hikvision NVR.

The building is monitored by ten K1885 IP cameras (3MP, 2.8-12 mm adjustable focal length, 0.01 lx, IR range up to 40 m) mounted around it, and with six K1827 IP cameras (3MP, 2.8-12 mm adjustable focal length, 0.1 lx, IR range up to 30 m) placed inside the entrances to the staircases. This layout of the 3-megapixel cameras along with the individual adjustment of the focal length of each lens allows for full identification of the people around the building and entering it, including potential vandals etc. All the cameras are powered from the N29986 16-port PoE switch. In the case of the K1827 cameras it is necessary to employ M1896 48/12 VDC converters POE-802.3AF/C.
The video streams from the cameras are recorded by the K22161 16-channel NVR equipped with two M89285 hard drives, each with 3 TB capacity. The M3022 monitor connected to the NVR is used for live viewing of the images from the cameras and for the analysis of the recordings. After connecting the system to the Internet via the N3253 wireless router/AP and forwarding its ports, the access to the system is possible within the Wi-Fi network range or from anywhere via the Internet. The connections between the system components have been made with the use of the E1408 CAT 5e UTP cable.

Video monitoring of an apartment house based on Signal IP cameras and Hikvision K22161 NVR

SMATV system with fiber-optic infrastructure and conventional multiswitches.

SMATV systems with optical links are increasingly more popular in housing developments and large multi-family buildings. The use of fiber-optic links allows for long-range distribution of the signals to multiple locations, even dispersed over large area.

The diagram below shows an implementation of such SMATV system based on TERRA devices.

SMATV system with optical links, conventional multiswitches and copper cabling

The signals of satellite and terrestrial TV channels, digital and FM radio broadcasts, are provided via coaxial cables to the OT501W A9872 optical transmitter with output power of 6 dBm. The composite signal in optical form goes via a single-mode fiber-optic link to 2-output optical splitter and is further distributed via optical links to suitable locations with the TERRA OR501W A9877 optical receivers (QUATRO + DVB-T/DAB/FM). The receivers convert the optical signal into electrical signals - SAT IF signals and terrestrial DVB-T, DAB and FM broadcasts. They have 5 outputs, 4 of them providing the four pairs (VL–HL–VH–HH) of SAT IF signals (like typical QUATRO LNB), the fifth - the terrestrial broadcasts (DVB-T, DAB, FM). The OR501W A9887 receivers are powered directly from the SA-51 R70501 amplifiers. The amplified RF signals are distributed through vertical ducts by two groups of five coaxial cables to MV-516 R70716 multiswitches, connected via SD-520 R70518 taps. The taps are equipped with DC-transition switches that in "ON" position run current through "H" paths to both branches.

More on Fiber-optic TV systems

Connectors in WLAN/GSM installations.

Most WLAN devices are equipped with antenna connectors. To connect an external antenna, one needs a suitable complementary RF connector. Professional compression connectors are mounted with a compression tool, an alternative for users of home modems can be twist-on connectors.

Objective data on quality of connectors can be provided only by specific measurements performed with the use of expensive devices. However, when buying a connector, one can estimate the quality of the thread, galvanic coating, etc. The most visible fault of a coaxial connector is a deflection of the central tip/pin (so called - hot) from the axis of symmetry. It is recommended to pay attention to the defect after the connector has been mounted on the cable. It happens that the dielectric becomes overheated during soldering, which causes deflection of the central pin from the axis of symmetry.

Even the best connector causes a loss of signal. So, one should avoid excessive number of connectors within antenna feeder lines. A good manufacturer of connectors shows two important parameters, specifying signal loss. The first of them - VSWR - specifies what part of the signal power is being reflected back to the transmitter. The value for 2.4 GHz band shouldn't exceed 1.5 dB, which corresponds with reflection of ca. 4% of the signal power. The second of them is called insertion loss, the value of which shouldn't be larger than 0.2 dB, which corresponds to ca. 0.5% of the signal power.

Network switches and SFP modules - compatibility issues.

The selection of an appropriate SFP module for a given switch determines the proper operation of the installation. If the SFP port of a switch or media converter is marked as "Gigabit", "GbE", "1000 Mb/s", "1 Gbps" etc, the only choice should be a gigabit SFP module, otherwise there can be compatibility problems; when the SFP port is marked "10/100/1000 Mb/s" etc, the choice is broader, according to the needs. The table below will help to check the compatibility of an SFP module with a switch.

The ULTIMODE SFP-203/5G SC L1416 module can transmit data via a single-mode fiber
at rates up to 1.25 Gbps, over distances up to 20 kilometers

Despite the same standard, it happens that SFP modules from some manufactures have compatibility problems with switches from other producers. Ultimode SFP modules are compatible with ULTIPOWER and TP-LINK switches.

An application of ROPAM wireless control kit. The RF-4-2K G7060 kit can be used to control an alarm system, gates, ramps, etc. using key fobs. The controller has two relay and two OC outputs. The relay outputs can, for example, control two gates, whereas the two OC outputs can be used for other purposes. After employing the RM85-12V-1P G7055 relay modules, the user can remotely control any 230 VAC appliances... >>>more

The application of the ROPAM wireless control kit and relay modules for remote control of lighting systems

SIGNAL rack cabinets - performance and completeness