COEX Control System Solution

Change History

1 Backup Solution Overview

1.1 Redundant Backup

The COEX control system employs a dual-system hot backup solution for output redundancy. Any single point of failure, whether in controllers, fiber, or Ethernet cables, triggers an automatic switch to the backup system without manual intervention. This ensures uninterrupted display and is accompanied by an alert signal via the VMP.

• If any controller fails, the system performs a hot backup switch, preventing the LED screen from going black.
• In case of a fiber failure on any channel, the system performs a hot backup switch, maintaining a functioning LED screen.
• If any Ethernet cable malfunctions, the system performs a hot backup switch, ensuring continuous display on the LED screen.
• When using modular-design controllers, a failure in any output card triggers a hot backup switch, keeping the LED screen operational.

Note: In all backup scenarios, devices operating in backup mode cannot set parameters independently and can only receive signals from the primary device, Ethernet port, or OPT port. If the primary device disconnects, the backup device cannot generate commands, and system instructions cannot be transmitted through the backup device via VMP.

1.2 Backup Verification

After configuring backup settings, monitor Ethernet port changes via the LCD panel or the VMP interface for real-time connectivity monitoring. Successful backup configuration is indicated by a yellow triangle in the upper right corner of the backup Ethernet port, optical port, or output card.

Figure 1-1: Screenshot of the VMP interface showing the monitoring status of a controller. It displays controller details, port configurations, and system logs, with a visual indicator for backup status.

2 Ethernet Port Backup for a Single Controller (Using MX40 Pro as an Example)

2.1 Ethernet Port Output

This section illustrates how to configure Ethernet port backup using the MX40 Pro as an example.

2.1.1 Hardware Overview

The MX40 Pro is a versatile all-in-one LED display controller with 20 Ethernet ports, integrating video processing and control functionalities. It offers various video input interfaces (HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, 12G-SDI) and supports 20x Ethernet port outputs along with 4x 10G optical fiber interfaces. For optical port outputs, you can set the output mode to either 20 ports mode or 40 ports mode.

• 20 ports mode: OPT 1 transmits data from Ethernet ports 1 to 10; OPT 3 is the copy channel of OPT 1. OPT 2 transmits data from Ethernet ports 11 to 20; OPT 4 is the copy channel of OPT 2.
• 40 ports mode: OPT 1 transmits data from Ethernet ports 1 to 10. OPT 2 transmits data from Ethernet ports 11 to 20. OPT 3 transmits data from Ethernet ports 21 to 30. OPT 4 transmits data from Ethernet ports 31 to 40.

Figure 2-1: Illustration of the rear panel of the NovaStar MX40 Pro controller, showing various input/output ports including Ethernet ports and optical ports (OPT).

Figure 2-2: Illustration of the front panel of the NovaStar MX40 Pro controller, featuring a running indicator, standby button, USB 2.0 port, IPS touchscreen, and control knobs.

2.1.2 Hardware Connection

Connect the backup Ethernet cable to the corresponding Ethernet port. The hardware connection of the system should be configured as shown in the diagram below:

Hardware connection diagram for Ethernet port backup. It depicts a Control PC connected via an Ethernet cable to an MX40 Pro controller, with primary and backup output connections illustrated.

2.1.3 VMP Settings

1. Open VMP and select the 'Layout' icon.
2. On the Layout page, configure the screen parameters and ensure that all Ethernet ports are properly loaded and the LED screen display is functioning correctly.
3. Click the 'Backup' icon to access the backup settings page.
4. In the Backup Settings section, select 'Ethernet Backup' from the dropdown menu.

Configuration modes include:

• Mode 1 (Split Backup): Port 11 backs up port 1, port 12 backs up port 2, and so on.
• Mode 2 (Sequential Backup): Port 2 backs up port 1, port 4 backs up port 3, and so on.
• Custom Mode: Manually drag and drop Ethernet ports to create primary-backup relationships between two ports.

2.2 Optical Port Output (20 Ports Mode)

2.2.1 Hardware Overview

In this setup, one MX40 Pro is used with two CVT10 / CVT10 Pro fiber converters. Refer to section 2.1.1 for MX40 Pro details.

The CVT10 Pro is available with Neutrik Ethernet ports or the standard CVT10 with regular Ethernet ports. The CVT10 Pro model comes in two variants: CVT10 Pro-S (single-mode) and CVT10 Pro-M (multi-mode).

• 2x optical ports with hot-swappable optical modules, each with bandwidth up to 10 Gbit/s.
• 10x Gigabit Ethernet ports, each with bandwidth up to 1 Gbit/s.
• Highly water-resistant and capable of withstanding complete immersion.

Figure 2-3: Illustration of the rear panel of the CVT10 Pro.

Figure 2-4: Illustration of the rear panel of the CVT10.

2.2.2 Hardware Connection

Connect the primary and backup optical fibers to their respective fiber converters and then connect them to the corresponding Ethernet ports using Ethernet cables. The hardware connection of the system should be configured as shown in the diagram below:

Hardware connection diagram for 20-port optical output backup. It shows a Control PC connected to an MX40 Pro, which is linked via optical fibers to two CVT10/CVT10 Pro fiber converters, and then via Ethernet cables to output ports.

2.2.3 VMP Settings

The VMP setup for a single controller with two fiber converters for backup operates the same way as the backup setup for a single controller's Ethernet port output. For detailed instructions, refer to section 2.1.3 VMP Settings.

2.2.4 Important Notes

• It is recommended to connect the backup Ethernet cable before configuring all parameters (such as controller, cabinet, screen configuration, brightness settings, and backup information).
• The relationships between backup Ethernet ports can be freely assigned. For instance, port 4 can back up port 1, and port 2 can back up port 3, but ensure that the Ethernet cables are connected correctly.

2.3 Optical Port Output (40 Ports Mode)

2.3.1 Hardware Overview

In this setup, one MX40 Pro is used with four CVT10 / CVT10 Pro fiber converters. Refer to section 2.1.1 for MX40 Pro details and section 2.2.1 for CVT10 / CVT10 Pro details.

2.3.2 Hardware Connection

Connect the primary and backup optical fibers to their respective fiber converters and then connect them to the corresponding Ethernet ports using Ethernet cables. The hardware connection of the system should be configured as shown in the diagram below:

Hardware connection diagram for 40-port optical output backup. It illustrates a Control PC connected to an MX40 Pro, which is linked via optical fibers to four CVT10/CVT10 Pro fiber converters, and then via Ethernet cables to output ports.

2.3.3 VMP Settings

1. Open VMP and select the 'Layout' icon.
2. On the Layout page, configure the screen parameters and ensure that all Ethernet ports are properly loaded and the LED screen display is functioning correctly.
3. In the OPT Settings section on the right side of the interface, select '40 Ports Mode'.
4. Click the 'Backup' icon to access the backup settings page.
5. In the Backup Settings section, select 'Ethernet Backup' from the dropdown menu.

Configuration modes include:

• Mode 1 (Split Backup): Port 21 backs up port 1, port 22 backs up port 2, and so on.
• Mode 2 (Sequential Backup): Port 2 backs up port 1, port 4 backs up port 3, and so on.
• Custom Mode: Manually drag and drop Ethernet ports to create primary-backup relationships between two ports.

2.3.4 Important Notes

• It is recommended to connect the backup Ethernet cable before configuring all parameters (such as controller, cabinet, screen configuration, brightness settings, and backup information).
• The relationships between backup Ethernet ports can be freely assigned. For instance, port 4 can back up port 1, and port 2 can back up port 3, but ensure that the Ethernet cables are connected correctly.

3 Output Card Backup (Using MX2000 Pro as an Example)

3.1 2×1G Output Card Backup (Installing Two 4×10G Fiber Output Cards)

3.1.1 Hardware Overview

To use a 1G output bandwidth control system with output card backup, install two 4×10G fiber output cards. These will be paired with CVT10 / CVT10 Pro fiber converters and Armor series receiving cards such as A10s Pro.

The MX2000 Pro is a professional 8K LED display controller supporting up to 8 types of 8K, 4K, and VoIP input cards. For card backup, install either two 4×10G fiber output cards or two 1×40G fiber output cards. Each optical port on the two output cards has a one-to-one backup relationship.

• OPT 1 of output card 1 transmits data from Ethernet ports 1 to 10. OPT 1 of output card 2 is the copy channel of OPT 1 of output card 1.
• OPT 2 of output card 1 transmits data from Ethernet ports 11 to 20. OPT 2 of output card 2 is the copy channel of OPT 2 of output card 1.
• OPT 3 of output card 1 transmits data from Ethernet ports 21 to 30. OPT 3 of output card 2 is the copy channel of OPT 3 of output card 1.
• OPT 4 of output card 1 transmits data from Ethernet ports 31 to 40. OPT 4 of output card 2 is the copy channel of OPT 4 of output card 1.

Figure 3-1: Illustration of the rear panel of the NovaStar MX2000 Pro controller, detailing input card slots, output card slots, control card slot, MVR card slot, and power supply.

Figure 3-2: Illustration of the front panel of the NovaStar MX2000 Pro controller, showing running indicator, standby button, USB 2.0 port, IPS touchscreen, and control knobs.

Refer to section 2.2.1 for CVT10 / CVT10 Pro details.

3.1.2 Hardware Connection

Hardware connection diagram for 1x10G output card backup. It shows a Control PC connected to an MX2000 Pro controller, with primary and backup output cards connected to CVT10 Pro fiber converters.

3.1.3 VMP Settings

1. Select MX2000 Pro from the project list and click the 'Backup' icon to access the backup settings page.
2. In the Backup Settings section, select 'Card Backup' from the dropdown menu.
3. Select OUT 2 as the backup to OUT 1.

In this setup, output card 2 backs up output card 1, meaning port 1 of OUT 2 backs up port 1 of OUT 1, port 2 of OUT 2 backs up port 2 of OUT 1, and so on.

3.1.4 Important Notes

• The primary and backup output cards must have identical firmware versions.
• The relationships between backup cards can be freely assigned. For instance, OUT 2 can back up OUT 1, and OUT 1 can also back up OUT 2.

3.2 2×5G Output Card Backup (Installing Two 1×40G Fiber Output Cards)

3.2.1 Hardware Overview

To use a 5G output bandwidth control system with output card backup, install two 1×40G fiber output cards. These will be paired with a CVT8-5G fiber converter and 5G receiving cards such as CA50E or XA50 Pro. Refer to section 3.1.1 for MX2000 Pro details.

The CVT8-5G model is available in two variants: CVT8-5GS (single-mode) and CVT8-5GM (multi-mode).

• 1x optical port with hot-swappable optical module, bandwidth of a single port up to 40 Gbit/s.
• 8x 5G BaseT Ethernet ports, bandwidth of each up to 5 Gbit/s.

Figure 3-3: Illustration of the rear panel of the CVT8-5G.

3.2.2 Hardware Connection

Hardware connection diagram for 1x40G output card backup. It shows a Control PC connected to an MX2000 Pro controller, linked via optical fiber to a CVT8-5G fiber converter, and then via Ethernet cables to output ports.

3.2.3 VMP Settings

The VMP operations are the same as the backup setup for 1G output cards. For detailed instructions, refer to section 3.1.3 VMP Settings.

3.2.4 Important Notes

• The primary and backup output cards must have identical firmware versions.
• The relationships between backup cards can be freely assigned. For instance, OUT 2 can back up OUT 1, and OUT 1 can also back up OUT 2.

4 Backup Between Controllers (Using MX40 Pro Ethernet Port Output as an Example)

4.1 Hardware Overview

In this setup, two MX40 Pro controllers are used. Refer to section 2.1.1 for MX40 Pro details.

4.2 Hardware Connection

Connect the Ethernet cables of the primary and backup controllers to their respective Ethernet ports. The hardware connection of the system should be configured as shown in the diagram below:

Hardware connection diagram for backup between controllers. It illustrates two MX40 Pro controllers connected via Ethernet cables, with one designated as the primary and the other as the backup.

4.3 VMP Settings

1. Select MX40 Pro from the project list and click the 'Backup' icon to access the backup settings page.
2. In the Backup Settings section, select 'Device Backup' from the dropdown menu.
3. In the pop-up window, verify that the information for both the primary and backup controllers is correct.
4. Click 'OK' to complete the setup. You can view the backup status of the controllers in the project list.

4.4 Important Notes

• When performing controller backup, ensure that the model, version, and connection status of both controllers are identical. For modular-design controllers (MX6000 Pro or MX2000 Pro), also ensure that the number, slots, model, and firmware versions of the output cards are consistent.
• It is recommended to connect the backup Ethernet cable before configuring all parameters (such as controller, cabinet, screen configuration, brightness settings, and backup information).
• The relationships between backup Ethernet ports can be freely assigned. For instance, port 4 can back up port 1, and port 2 can back up port 3, but ensure that the Ethernet cables are connected correctly.
• For backup between controllers, connect the primary and backup controllers via serial cable before testing.

5 Receiving Card Loop Backup (Using MX40 Pro Ethernet Port Output as an Example)

5.1 Hardware Overview

• Dual receiving card backup: This involves two complete control systems, doubling the number of controllers and receiving cards.
• Dual loop backup for receiving cards and controllers: This requires four controllers, with the number of receiving cards doubled. Refer to section 2.1.1 for MX40 Pro details.

5.2 Hardware Connection

The signal source comes from one controller, and each cabinet contains two receiving cards, which form a loop with the primary and backup receiving cards.

• Solution 1: Dual receiving card backup
• Solution 2: Dual loop backup for receiving cards and controllers

Diagrams illustrating hardware connections for receiving card backup. Solution 1 shows a dual receiving card backup setup. Solution 2 shows a dual loop backup for receiving cards and controllers, involving multiple controllers.

5.3 VMP Settings

For dual receiving card backup, configure two devices with identical screen topology. First, configure one device, export and save the project file, then import it onto the second device.

1. Open VMP and select the 'Layout' icon.
2. On the Layout page, configure the screen parameters and ensure that all Ethernet ports are properly loaded and the LED screen display is functioning correctly.
3. From the menu bar, select Project > Export to export the configured project, which includes all cabinet topology information.
4. Switch to the second device, and select Project > Import from the menu bar to import the previously saved project file.
5. Once both devices are configured, refer to section 5.2 to complete the hardware connection.

5.4 Important Notes

• The essence of the dual receiving card backup is to back up the entire control system.
• It is recommended that all parameters of the backup setup (such as controller, cabinet, screen configurations, brightness settings, and backup information) match those of the primary setup completely.
• For dual receiving card backup, create two screens with identical topology.

6 Power Supply Backup (Only Supported by MX6000 Pro)

The MX6000 Pro supports dual power backup, enhancing system stability. It supports up to 8 types of input cards (8K, 4K, and VoIP) and 2 types of output cards: 4×10G and 1×40G fiber output cards. Input and output cards can be easily configured to meet the control system's 1G or 5G bandwidth requirements.

Figure 6-1: Illustration of the rear panel of the NovaStar MX6000 Pro controller, detailing input card slots, output card slots, control card slot, MVR card slot, and power supply units.

Figure 6-2: Illustration of the front panel of the NovaStar MX6000 Pro controller, featuring a running indicator, standby button, USB 2.0 port, IPS touchscreen, and control knobs.

Copyright and Statement

Copyright © 2024 Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be copied, reproduced, extracted or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.

Trademark: NOVA STAR is a trademark of Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.

Statement: Thank you for choosing NovaStar's product. This document is intended to help you understand and use the product. NovaStar may make improvements and/or changes to this document at any time without notice. If you experience any problems or have suggestions, please contact us via the information provided in this document. We will do our best to solve issues and evaluate suggestions.

Official website: www.novastar.tech

Technical support: support@novastar.tech