NovaStar CVT-Rack320 Fiber Converter Overview
The NovaStar CVT-Rack320 is a rack-mount single-mode fiber converter that extends 16 Gigabit Ethernet LED display control links over optical fiber for distances of up to 15 km. It converts the electrical Ethernet signals coming from a sending card or video controller into optical signals, and converts the optical signals back into Ethernet at the display end, so a controller located in the control room can drive a screen wall several kilometers away. The CVT-Rack320 is developed by Xi’an NovaStar Tech as part of the CVT-Rack fiber converter family.
Unlike single-port converters, the CVT-Rack320 keeps 16 channels in one 19-inch rack chassis, with 16 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 16 single-mode twin-core LC fiber connectors whose optical modules (1.25 Gbit/s, 1310 nm, hot-swappable) are installed at the factory. No driver installation is required: connect the Ethernet and fiber patch cords, switch the unit on, and the link is ready.
Because the CVT-Rack series is also available in 4-, 8- and 12-channel models, you can match the channel count to the number of Ethernet runs in the project while keeping the same 15 km single-mode reach.
Key Specifications
| Model | CVT-Rack320 (16-channel). The CVT-Rack series is also available in 4-, 8- and 12-channel versions. |
|---|---|
| Fiber type | Single-mode twin-core optical fiber with LC connectors (multi-mode version: CVT-Rack310) |
| Fiber ports | 16 x LC fiber connectors with factory-installed optical modules |
| Optical module | 1.25 Gbit/s transmission rate, 1310 nm wavelength, hot-pluggable |
| Transmission distance | Up to 15 km over single-mode fiber |
| Ethernet ports | 16 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports |
| 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 x 240.5 mm x 90.0 mm (19-inch rack-mount chassis) |
| Weight | 7.1 kg |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, IC |
| Driver installation | Not required |
Front Panel and Rear Panel at a Glance
Front panel: ON/OFF power switch and an AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz power input.
Rear panel: 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 16 single-mode twin-core LC fiber connectors and four indicator groups that make commissioning and fault finding straightforward:
- POWER: power indicator.
- FX/ACT: fiber indicator. When two CVT-Rack320 units are cascaded, both FX/ACT indicators are on to show that optical communication between them is healthy; if one or both are off, the optical link is abnormal.
- TP/ACT: on steady means Ethernet communication between the sending card and the CVT-Rack320, or between the CVT-Rack320 and the receiving card, is normal.
- DATA: flashes quickly on the receiving-card side only when both FX/ACT and TP/ACT are on steady.
Why Use the CVT-Rack320?
- 16 channels in one rack chassis: Replace up to 16 individual single-port fiber converters with one 19-inch rack-mount unit that is easier to install, label and maintain.
- 15 km reach on single-mode fiber: Ideal when the control room, rack or production area is far from the LED screen and copper Ethernet distance is the limitation.
- Gigabit Ethernet throughput: 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports keep full LED display data bandwidth on every channel.
- Immune to electrical interference: Optical fiber carries no ground loops or electromagnetic noise, which keeps the data link stable in stadium, studio and outdoor environments.
- Fast fault finding: FX/ACT, TP/ACT and DATA indicators let technicians verify each optical and Ethernet link without extra test equipment.
- Plug and play: No drivers, no software configuration and no IP settings are needed.
- Low running cost: Rated power consumption of only 3.5 W, with an AC 100-240 V input that covers mains supplies worldwide.
- Certified for export projects: CE, FCC and IC certified, so the unit suits LED projects in Europe, North America and other regulated markets.
Typical Applications
The NovaStar CVT-Rack320 suits projects in which several Ethernet data runs must travel a long distance between the control position and the LED display:
- Large outdoor advertising LED screens and building facades, with the media player in a distant equipment room.
- Stadium, arena and sports venue screens where the control room is separated from the display perimeter.
- Rental and stage LED walls, with the processor at front of house and the screen wall on stage.
- Broadcast studios, theaters and exhibition centers where signal runs pass between buildings.
- Airport, railway station, shopping mall and transport hub LED signage with equipment rooms far from the screens.
- Upgrades of installations where copper Ethernet or multi-mode fiber can no longer cover the required distance.
How to Deploy a CVT-Rack320 Link
- Mount the CVT-Rack320 in a 19-inch rack near the sending device and make sure the unit is safely grounded.
- Connect the Gigabit Ethernet outputs of the sending card, video processor or media player to the CVT-Rack320 RJ45 ports with standard Ethernet cables.
- Run single-mode twin-core fiber patch cords with LC connectors between the CVT-Rack320 and the matching converter at the display end, keeping within the bend radius limits of the cable.
- Power the unit from an AC 100-240 V supply and switch it on.
- Check the POWER, TP/ACT and FX/ACT indicators. When the DATA indicator on the receiving side flashes, both the optical and the Ethernet links are healthy.
- Never plug or unplug fiber or Ethernet connectors while the power is on: always power the unit down before changing connections.
Choosing Between CVT-Rack320 and CVT-Rack310
| Model | CVT-Rack320 | CVT-Rack310 |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber type | Single-mode twin-core, LC connectors | Multi-mode twin-core, LC connectors |
| Transmission distance | Up to 15 km | Up to 300 m |
| Ports | 16 x Gigabit Ethernet + 16 x fiber | 16 x Gigabit Ethernet + 16 x fiber |
| Best for | Long runs between buildings, sites or distant equipment rooms | In-venue runs that reuse existing multi-mode fiber |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the NovaStar CVT-Rack320 do?
It converts electrical Gigabit Ethernet LED display signals into optical fiber signals, and converts them back again at the far end, so control data can travel up to 15 km between the sending device and the LED display instead of being limited by copper Ethernet cable.
What is the difference between the CVT-Rack320 and the CVT-Rack310?
The CVT-Rack320 is the single-mode model and reaches up to 15 km, while the CVT-Rack310 is the multi-mode model and reaches up to 300 m. Both provide 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 16 LC fiber connectors, so choose the version that matches the fiber already installed in your venue.
How far can the CVT-Rack320 transmit?
Up to 15 km over single-mode twin-core optical fiber with LC connectors. The factory-installed optical modules are rated at 1.25 Gbit/s with a 1310 nm wavelength.
How many Ethernet and fiber ports does the CVT-Rack320 have?
It has 16 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports and 16 single-mode LC fiber connectors. The CVT-Rack series is also available in 4-, 8- and 12-channel models if your project needs fewer channels.
Does the CVT-Rack320 need drivers or software?
No. The unit is plug and play. No driver installation, software configuration or IP setting is required, so it can be put into service as soon as the Ethernet and fiber patch cords are connected.
Can two CVT-Rack320 units be cascaded?
Yes. When two CVT-Rack320 units are cascaded, both FX/ACT indicators light up to confirm that the optical link between them is good. Use the FX/ACT, TP/ACT and DATA indicators to verify each connection during commissioning.
What fiber cable and connectors should I use?
Use single-mode twin-core (duplex) optical fiber with LC connectors. The optical modules are installed at the factory at 1.25 Gbit/s and 1310 nm, so no extra module purchase or assembly is needed, and they are hot-pluggable for servicing.
Is the CVT-Rack320 the same as the CVT320?
No. The CVT320 is a compact Ethernet single-mode fiber converter for a single link, while the CVT-Rack320 is a 16-channel rack-mount fiber converter. Choose the CVT320 for one run and the CVT-Rack320 when many channels must be managed from one rack.
How is the CVT-Rack320 packed and shipped?
It ships in a NovaStar-printed kraft cardboard carton measuring 550 mm x 400 mm x 175 mm, with a suitcase-style inner box (530 mm x 140 mm x 370 mm) and a separate accessory box (350 mm x 145 mm x 70 mm). The unit weighs 7.1 kg, so allow for freight handling when ordering several units.
More Pictures of the NovaStar CVT-Rack320 Fiber Converter
Download the Official Specification
Download the NovaStar CVT-Rack320 Fiber Converter Specifications (PDF, V1.1.0).
Explore more LED control card accessories, compare the multi-mode CVT-Rack310 fiber converter and the single-mode CVT10-S fiber converter, or browse all NovaStar products. Contact EagerLED to confirm compatibility with your NovaStar control system.
