Novastar CVT-Rack310 is a 16-channel multi-mode optical fiber converter from NovaStar (Xi’an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.) that converts Gigabit Ethernet signals into optical signals, so LED display data can be transmitted up to 300 m between the sending card and the receiving cards over multi-mode twin-core fiber with LC connectors. Each unit provides 16 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) ports and 16 × LC fiber connectors in one rack-mount chassis, and a pair of units works straight out of the box — no drivers and no software configuration. The product is also written as the “Novastar multi-mode optical fiber convertor CVT-Rack310”.
How the Novastar CVT-Rack310 Fiber Converter Works
The CVT-Rack310 converts electrical signals to optical signals and optical signals back to electrical signals, which is what allows a long copper Ethernet run to be replaced by fiber. In a typical LED display installation:
- The sending card, video processor or control computer connects to the CVT-Rack310 with standard RJ45 Ethernet cables.
- The CVT-Rack310 converts the Ethernet data to optical signals and transmits them over multi-mode twin-core fiber with LC connectors, up to 300 m.
- A second CVT-Rack310 installed at the screen converts the optical signals back to Ethernet data and feeds the LED receiving cards.
Because the data travels as light rather than as an electrical current, fiber transmission removes the 100 m copper distance limit of Cat5e/Cat6 cable, together with the electromagnetic interference, lightning surge and grounding problems that appear when Ethernet cable is run between cabinets, across a stage or through a building.
Novastar CVT-Rack310 Key Features
- 16 × optical fiber interfaces and 16 × RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports in one unit.
- Transmission distance up to 300 m over multi-mode twin-core optical fiber with LC connectors.
- Factory-installed, hot-pluggable optical modules — 1.25 Gb/s transmission rate and 850 nm wavelength.
- Plug and play — no drivers, no software installation and no configuration required.
- Wide-range power supply — AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; rated current 0.7 A, rated power consumption 3.5 W.
- Certifications — CE, FCC, RoHS and IC.
- Clear status LEDs — POWER, FX/ACT, TP/ACT and DATA indicators make link faults easy to locate.
- Rack-mount construction — 488.3 × 240.5 × 90.0 mm, 7.1 kg, with a front-panel ON/OFF switch.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Novastar CVT-Rack310, 16-channel multi-mode fiber converter |
|---|---|
| Function | Conversion between optical signals and electrical signals (Gigabit Ethernet to fiber) |
| Ethernet ports | 16 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) |
| Fiber interfaces | 16 × multi-mode twin-core optical fiber, LC connectors |
| Fiber type | Multi-mode (MM) |
| Transmission distance | Up to 300 m |
| Input voltage | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Rated current | 0.7 A |
| Rated power consumption | 3.5 W |
| Operating temperature | –20 °C to 70 °C |
| Storage temperature | –30 °C to 80 °C |
| Operating humidity | 10% RH to 90% RH |
| Dimensions | 488.3 mm × 240.5 mm × 90.0 mm |
| Weight | 7.1 kg |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, RoHS and IC |
| Driver / software | Not required — plug and play |
Optical Module Specifications
| Transmission rate | 1.25 Gb/s |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 850 nm |
| Transmission distance | 300 m |
| Fiber and connector | Multi-mode twin-core fiber, LC connector |
| Installation | Pre-installed at the factory; hot pluggable |
LED Indicators
| POWER | Power indicator — on when the unit is powered. |
|---|---|
| FX/ACT | Optical fiber indicator — on for both units when fiber communication between two cascaded CVT-Rack310 units is good; off on one or both units indicates a fiber link fault. |
| TP/ACT | Ethernet indicator — on when communication from the sending card to the CVT-Rack310, or from the CVT-Rack310 to the receiving card, is normal. |
| DATA | Data indicator near the receiving card — flashes quickly only when both FX/ACT and TP/ACT are on. |
CVT-Rack310 vs CVT-Rack320: Multi-Mode or Single-Mode Fiber
Novastar builds two rack-mount fiber converters for LED display data transmission. Choose the model that matches the fiber already installed on site:
| Model | Fiber type | Maximum distance | Ports |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVT-Rack310 | Multi-mode (MM) | 300 m | 16 fiber + 16 RJ45 |
| CVT-Rack320 | Single-mode (SM) | 15 km | 16 fiber + 16 RJ45 |
Use the CVT-Rack310 for in-building and on-site links up to 300 m, and the Novastar CVT-Rack320 single-mode optical fiber converter when the signal has to travel kilometres between buildings or across a campus.
Typical Applications
- LED display data transmission between the control room and the screen, where copper cable cannot reach.
- Stage, rental and touring LED walls that need repeatable, interference-free signal runs.
- Stadium, arena and building façade LED screens with long cable runs between cabinets.
- Airport, metro, shopping mall and broadcast studio LED displays.
- Any Gigabit Ethernet link that must be extended far beyond 100 m, or isolated against electrical noise, lightning and ground loops.
Installation and Safety Notes
- Only trained professionals should install the unit; ensure safe grounding and switch the power off before plugging or unplugging connections.
- Use the fiber that matches the model — multi-mode twin-core fiber with LC connectors for the CVT-Rack310.
- Keep the unit away from dust, water and long-term direct sunlight, and do not operate it in explosive or strong electromagnetic environments.
- Perform dust removal regularly and have maintenance carried out by NovaStar or an authorised professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum transmission distance of the Novastar CVT-Rack310?
300 m, using multi-mode twin-core optical fiber with LC connectors. The factory-installed optical module is rated for a 300 m link at an 850 nm wavelength.
How many ports does the CVT-Rack310 have?
The 16-channel CVT-Rack310 provides 16 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) ports and 16 × LC fiber connectors. NovaStar also offers 4-channel, 8-channel and 12-channel versions of the CVT-Rack310 for smaller installations.
Do I need drivers or software to use the CVT-Rack310?
No. The converter is plug and play: connect the Ethernet cables and the fiber, switch the power on, and the link stays transparent to the LED display system.
Do I need one CVT-Rack310 or two?
Two units are needed for a fiber link — one at the sending end to convert Ethernet to optical signals, and one at the screen to convert the optical signals back to Ethernet for the receiving cards.
What is the difference between the CVT-Rack310 and the CVT-Rack320?
The CVT-Rack310 uses multi-mode fiber and reaches 300 m; the CVT-Rack320 uses single-mode fiber and reaches 15 km. Both provide 16 fiber interfaces and 16 RJ45 ports.
What certifications does the CVT-Rack310 carry?
CE, FCC, RoHS and IC.
Download Specification
Novastar Multi-mode Optical Fiber Converter CVT-Rack310 300m Data Transmission Specification (PDF)
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