The MCVE02-01 “Meteorite” is an ultra-rugged, small, lightweight multi-channel video encoder, processing, and distribution system with up to 8 channels of NTSC composite video input and up to 4 GigE Vision Ethernet outputs. It is designed to provide the highest level of video encoding performance possible in a fully ruggedized, conduction-cooled and sealed system, operating from -40°C to +85°C. This system architecture simplifies deployable MIL-SPEC technology by integrating several key functions in a small form factor chassis: multiple video stream channels (2, 4, 6 or 8) with lossless video capture; nearly zero latency video distribution over Gigabit Ethernet via GigE Vision protocol; and serial camera control. The MCVE02-01’s small, ultra-rugged enclosure presents the greatest possible video encoding, distribution and camera control performance per dollar and per watt on the market.

The MCVE02-01 supports up to eight video inputs in NTSC Composite Video format, with two video inputs being supported by each video encoder module subsystem. Standard versions of the “Meteorite” are offered with either 6 or 8 channels, although 2 and 4 channels can be available as variant options in a smaller chassis. Each encoder sub-system is based on a Texas Instruments DaVinci Video Processor System on a Chip (SoC) for the greatest processing, encoding and reliability.

This DSP-based encoding sub-system minimizes latency to under a frame (< 33ms) between the source input and the output to the GigE port. This near real-time video processing rivals other video encoder/distribution systems that can add several frames’ worth of delay. Applications include surveillance, sensor-to-shooter, counter/interdiction, and C4ISR.

Each input channel can be independently enabled or disabled and can also be configured for color or monochrome operation, as well as de-interlace method. In addition, each video sub-system supports serial interface drivers, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), program memory, and GMS-proven point-of-load power supplies.

The MCVE02-01 system also supports up to four Gigabit Ethernet ports, the GigE Vision protocol per the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), and up to eight RS-232 serial ports for camera/Host control. Each Ethernet output port provides two channels of encoded video (30Hz progressive scan video without compression) and is configurable to use DHCP addressing, or can be manually configured for IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. A single multicast address can also be assigned to each interface. Each RS-232 channel is capable of bi-directional communication for Camera Control. Configurable parameters include the IP port address, Baud rate, and a serial device assignment name. Also configurable are the retry timeout, and maximum number of retries.

“Meteorite” can be managed remotely through a configuration utility using telnet, one session per two-channel module. This configuration interface can be used to access system status and to start/stop the streaming from the two video ports associated with that subsystem. The configuration interface is also used to force an update of previously configured settings, and to also write the configuration information to flash memory to set a new boot-up configuration. Finally, the interface can also be used to command a reboot/restart of each individual sub-system.

The MCVE02-01 system provides LED indicators for video input channels via a tri-color LED located on the front panel. The status indicator shows power supply status, video link status, Ethernet link status, and Ethernet traffic.

Each encoder module within the MCVE02-01 system uses flash memory to store all operating system and application files. The flash memory is also used to store various operating parameters of the system (network configuration, serial ports for camera control, and so on). However, the MCVE02-01 does not support video recording functionality and includes neither mass storage devices nor recording-related capability(ies). Other GMS products can be used with “Meteorite” to facilitate recording and storage.