Freeway
Freeway
Overview
Combining groundbreaking performance with the ultimate in flexibility, Freeway offers the widest range of solutions for small to medium scale routing requirements. The combination of two frame options, a highly modular switching card architecture and an extensive integrated control system enables Freeway to be tailored for applications in the broadcast, transmission, post production and outside broadcast environments. The Freeway family is based around two frame sizes, a switching modularity of 16 channels and is available in 3RU and 6RU frames, dependant upon the maximum size that the system is planned to grow to.
Freeway 64
Enables a maximum configuration of 64x64 per level, using four modules. In the 3U frame one 64x64 level can therefore be assembled, and in the 6U frame two levels. All signal formats are available in this series.
Freeway 128
Freeway 128 is available for stereo analog audio and AES/EBU digital audio permitting systems up to 128x128 to be assembled, using 8 modules in the 6U frame. Freeway 128 Timecode and RS422 variants permit system up to 128x128 and 128 ports, respectively, to be assembled within the 3U frame using 4 modules each providing 32 channels. For analog video, a range of 16 channel splitters and combiners is available, allowing four 64x64 levels to be interconnected to provide a 128x128 router.
Features
- Two frame options
- Up to 8 discrete switching levels
- Digital upgrade in the field
- Ease of expansion
- Dual PSU
- Dual controller
Architecture
Freeway boasts a versatile router architecture using a mixture of 64 and 128 series modules for the various signal formats can be freely assembled to suit requirements. The key to this is the use of rear panels which carry the I/O connectors and which are fitted to suit the corresponding switching card inserted from the front. This approach ensures that all module positions can be employed for the maximum flexibility within a frame. It even allows analog modules to be replaced with digital, in the field, and without having to disturb signal wiring.
Further more, a typical Freeway system is not limited by the amount of switching modules that can be combined in any one frame. The internal control system can accommodate up to eight discrete switching levels, allowing each to be separately broken away. A dedicated control bus is employed, ensuring control of multiple frames by the control system, resident in any one of the frames.
This allows easy expansion after an installation is complete as extra switching levels can be installed and added to an existing Freeway system without difficulty.
Finally, both Freeway frame options provide dual PSU and dual controller capability, ensuring total security for mission critical environments.
