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

Breakthrough in brain implant data transmission.

Researchers at Belgium's IMEC research center have unveiled the second generation of the Neuropixels 2.0 brain implant for studying and stimulating brain cell activity. The devices are used in laboratory applications, to conduct research on brain function, as well as diagnostic and medical applications, e.g. to restore lost functions in the case of hearing implants, or to support patients with Parkinson's disease, depression or epilepsy when drug treatment is unsuccessful. The latest version has reduced the size of the motherboard and more than doubled the number of probes, allowing for more data recording and more extensive electrical stimulation.

The most interesting aspect is the significant advancement in wireless communication, both with external devices and with the probe itself. Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, with a wide bandwidth of radio energy distribution, was used to communicate with external devices. The low spectral power density provides resistance to attenuation and minimizes interference, resulting in high throughput with minimal power consumption. Initially, a record-breaking (for implants) data rate of 1.66 Gbps at a distance of 2 cm was achieved. However, these parameters proved insufficient, especially for wireless communication from the probe to the external device, where a transmission range of more than 10 cm is recommended to improve the reliability of the wireless link in case of, for example, antenna deflection.

IMEC has successfully solved this problem by proposing an innovative hybrid pulse modulation scheme. This approach combines traditional pulse-based modulation schemes with continuous wave elements. The signal hybridization improves immunity of communication, maintaining signal integrity during transmission through biological tissues. The telemetry system developed increases the communication range from 2 cm to 15 cm, while maintaining a high data rate of 1.43 Gbps, without increasing the overall power (energy consumption of 5.8 pJ per bit). These parameters are at least 16 times better than current solutions.

Current implants have a cable connection between the probe and the head-mounted or subcutaneous module. The problem is that the brain moves like jelly and the probe is rigid, causing stress and scarring around the probe, which can distort the quality of recorded signals. The solution to this problem is to completely remove cables between the skull and the probe. The IMEC team decided to use body channel communication (BCC). Instead of traditional wireless methods such as radio waves or electromagnetic fields, BCC relies on the conductivity of the human body to transmit signals. BCC connections are commonly used for body-to-body communication or to communicate with implants using electrodes attached to the skin. Devices that communicate from the implant to the probes admittedly exist, but do not provide sufficient bandwidth. IMEC has developed a system that includes a miniature implantable transmitter that transmits data from the neurosonde at an incredible data transmission rate of more than 250 Mbps. In addition, this system tolerates a horizontal deviation of up to 4 mm, which matches the range of relative brain motion reported by the study.

Research on brain implants focuses on reducing the size of the devices, increasing the number of probes, while keeping energy consumption low. Such devices can have a variety of applications, from medical to entertainment to body "enhancement." They can be used to better understand the brain, the most unexplored human organ, in diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. They regulate neuronal activity to alleviate the symptoms of brain-related diseases and damage, such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
In addition, these technologies have the potential to improve sensory function in people with visual impairment, hearing impairment and psychiatric conditions, as well as in restoring motor function. Another application is brain-machine interaction. Advanced brain implants can enable direct communication between the brain and electronic devices, allowing electronics to be controlled by signals generated by the brain.

Sunell products comply with the European NIS2 cyber security directive.

The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Systems 2) is an update to the original NIS Directive, introduced by the European Union in 2016 to enhance cyber security resilience in the critical infrastructure sector. The directive has been in effect since 2023 and covers various sectors, including energy, transportation, banking, and healthcare. CCTV systems, which are an integral part of the infrastructure, are subject to the directive's compliance requirements. It means that products and network architecture must meet certain digital security standards to protect against cyber attacks and maintain the integrity of systems. Sunell products are compliant with this directive.

Satellite signal in IP standard.

IPTV is a method of delivering TV content that uses technologies applied in computer networks instead of the traditional ways, based on coaxial cable. DIPOL now offers an IP streamer that enables distribution and management of DVB-S2X/S2/S satellite TV offerings through an Ethernet network (LAN), based on a twisted-pair cable.

Why cannot UPC and APC fiber optic connectors be combined?

Installers new to fiber optics often overlook the fact that fiber optic connectors can come in two versions of ferrule bevel: UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact). This difference affects the connector's ability to attenuate reflected signals and is used in systems operating in transmission window III and higher.

In the case of Ethernet systems up to 10 Gbps, CCTV systems, LANs, automation, etc., it does not matter whether UPC or APC type connectors are used, unless the manufacturer of active equipment top-down imposes the necessity of using a specific type of connector. Nevertheless, it is important that, when deciding on a particular type of connector, one should try to maintain a single standard throughout the transmission path. It will not be wrong to use APC-type disconnect connections in the middle of the system while UPC connectors will be used at the beginning, but it is absolutely forbidden to mix plugs within a single connection.

Typical attenuation of a fiber optic connector is 0.2 – 0.5 dB. The "mixed" connection shown above generally generates 4-6 dB of additional attenuation. This has a huge negative impact on transmission regardless of the system. Another issue is the large reflection of the signal on such a connection. Even if the power budget turns out to be sufficient, a large number of reflections interfering with the transmitter can negatively affect the operation of the system.

Update of expansion modules connected to Hikvision IP/2-Wire video door station.

Expansion modules connected to DS-KD8003-IME1(B) G73652 or DS-KD8003Y-IME2 G73646 modular door stations can be upgraded from the main door station using the iVMS-4200 application. After adding the main door station with properly connected modules to the iVMS-4200 client application, go to the main door station settings and then: System -> Maintenance-> Upgrade. Select the Display module tab or Sub modules and provide the link to the previously downloaded firmware and confirming with Upgrade. The upgrade process begins.

Basics of IP addressing – part 6 – DNS.

Another important parameter is the DNS (Domain Name System). This is the address of the server used to convert public (external) IP addresses from numeric to domain form. Hence, there is no need to remember the addresses e.g. in the 62.121.130.38 format, but just a much more friendly www.dipolnet.com instead.

Translation of the domain name into the set of numbers is performed by the appropriate DNS server, to which the computer sends a request for the translation of the address. After receiving the response with the numeric address, the computer connects to the relevant computer/server.

Sunell surveillance system management software. SunView CMS is a professional, free CMS tool (Central Management Software) for managing a surveillance system. It works within a client-server architecture, which makes it a scalable and centralised system. This means that it can be easily adapted to different sizes and monitoring needs, while being managed from one central point. With a variety of features, it is able to meet a wide range of requirements for video surveillance solutions. The basic functions include live video viewing with configurable views, viewing and downloading of video recordings, access and user management, real-time alarm handling, event retrieval from smart camera functions or system visualization in the form of e-maps (image files and online and offline GIS maps – OpenStreetMap)...>>>more