This chapter provides an introduction to the Onyx2 Digital Video Multiplexer (DPLEX) option product and introduces information necessary to understand the basic functions of the option.
The Onyx2 DG5 with DPLEX option is a board assembly that installs in the Onyx2 graphics module in the same way (and same location) as a standard DG5-2 board. It provides specialized, high-resolution, digital and analog imagery capabilities for Onyx2 deskside and rackmount systems.
The DPLEX hardware option consists of an external low voltage differential signalling (LVDS) balanced cable, and a DG5 with DPLEX board set. All necessary genlock and swap ready cables are installed either at the factory or by Silicon Graphics trained field personnel. This hardware users guide is recommended for any customer wishing to modify the physical cabling of the DPLEX after the initial installation.
Each DPLEX option assembly is essentially composed of a DG5-2 board with an attached DPLEX daughter card. DPLEX allows you to join or “cascade” the video outputs of two or more graphics pipes and output them to a single monitor or other video device (such as a video projector). The pipes in the DPLEX cascade are always linked using LVDS, swap ready, and genlocking (sync) cables.
 | Note: The DPLEX option is always initially configured by a field installer either when the Onyx2 system is installed or when it is upgraded. Any reconfiguration of the pipes after installation should be carefully considered. See the hardware cabling and configuration information in Chapter 2. For customer support information see the section “Product Support”. Chapter 3 provides information on using the ircombine interface to modify the DPLEX cascade configuration. |
An LVDS cable connects each DPLEX board to the next DPLEX in the group. This group is referred to as a “cascade.” Two or more DPLEX boards cascade their video frame data out through a single DPLEX video connection. Figure 1-1 shows the DG5 and DPLEX board assembly and its connectors.
Some key uses for DPLEX are distortion correction (required for Dome Simulators) and interactive visualization of massive polygonal datasets, as in full-product digital prototype applications.
See Chapter 4 for a theory of operations overview of the DPLEX board.
The DPLEX boards are not compatible with the Onyx2 DD02 (also called DVP2) option. The two options can be operated in the same Onyx2 rack system, but may not share the same graphics pipe. You cannot connect the two options together.
There are two versions of the monitor adapter cable (018-0634-002 in Figure 2-2) in the field. This cable is also known as a 13W3M to 13W3F 2BNC cable. You should always use the -002 version of this cable with DPLEX. If you encounter a situation where you must use 018-0634-001, note that in the -001 cable assemblies the horizontal/vertical pinouts are reversed. If you are using the -001 version, you must use the V Sync connector as the genlock input. All the instructions in this manual assume that you are using 018-0634-002.
Other important DPLEX information to remember:
The DPLEX option cannot be used in older Onyx InfiniteReality systems.
The DPLEX option requires IRIX release 6.5.3 or later.
Application software must be modified for multipipe DPLEX operation.
Silicon Graphics provides a comprehensive range of product support for its products. If you are in North America and would like support for your Silicon Graphics products, contact the Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-800-4SGI or your authorized service provider. If you are outside North America, contact the Silicon Graphics subsidiary or authorized distributor in your country.