XT5 Hardware Interfaces

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Last updated: Dec 18, 2023Version comment
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This section describes the characteristics and operation of all connectors on the XT245, XT1145, and XT2145.

Ethernet 

This connection is used to connect an ethernet cable for internet access. The XT245, XT1145, and XT2145 wired ethernet connection is capable of 10/100/1000 Mbps.

HDMI Input

The HDMI®-in connector is used to receive digital video and audio from HDMI-enabled source devices. This connector on all XT5 devices is capable of accepting a maximum video resolution of 4096x2160x60p. HDMI input is not available on the XT245.

The HDMI signaling has CEC functionality. The CEC channel is electrically coupled to the corresponding signal on the HDMI output, and the CEC commands will pass through the player even when it does not have power.

HDMI Output

The HDMI-out connector is used to send digital video and audio to HDMI-enabled sink devices. The XT245 and XT1145 have an HDMI output and the XT2145 has two HDMI outputs. The HDMI output is capable of HDMI 2.1, and one of the HDMI outputs on the XT2145 is HDMI 2.1.

CEC control and AVI are supported over each HDMI interface independently, and it can maintain the configured multiscreen layout if one of the HDMI outputs loses sync.

Power Connector

The power connector for the XT245, XT1145, and XT2145, which connects the power cord to the device, is rated for 12V 3A. It uses a locking connector to prevent inadvertent disconnections.

GPIO 

The XT245, XT1145, and XT2145 have a 12-pin GPIO switch and an LED connector, which allows the player to control external LEDs or other devices requiring 24mA of current or less. The port can supply 3.3V@500mA to PWR pins.

3.5mm IR Input/Output

The IR blaster generates or receives a space-encoded NEC or Pronto Hex signal. The two transported bit values of the signal (0 and 1) are encoded using differing lengths of low-time IR pulses.

The 3.5mm IR in/out port has the following pinout:

  • Tip: 3.3V@50mA

  • Ring: IR Input

  • Sleeve: IR Output

The sleeve is used as a ground during input operations.

3.5mm Serial

This UART (asynchronous serial) interface is a 3.5mm (1/8") jack that connects a serial modem or other devices that use a serial connector. It uses TTL for communication. The receiver will tolerate input voltages between -30V and +30V, with anything below 3V interpreted as a logical 1. The transmitter drives +5V for logical 0 and 0V for logical 1. 

The default baud rate of the interface is 115200, with no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit. These settings can be configured in the software. The serial interface supports TX, RX, and ground only—RTS/CTS hardware flow control is not supported. The following diagram illustrates the behavior of the TX and RX signal:

The 3.5mm serial port has the following configuration (from the perspective of the player):

  • Tip: Receive

  • Ring: Transmit

  • Sleeve: Ground

BrightSign players are DTE devices, so communication with another DTE device that uses a 3.5mm port would require a null-modem cable or converter that transposes the TX/RX signals. If the device communicating with the player is a DTE device with a DE9 serial port (performing asynchronous transmission), the serial cable should be wired as shown in the following diagram:

USB

The XT245 does not have a USB port.

The XT1145 and XT2145 have one USB-A 2.0 and one USB-C port to connect USB-compatible devices. The USB-C port supports both device and host mode, and BrightSign USB accessories (for example, the USB-C to GPIO Panda device).

3.5mm Audio Connector

The XT245, XT1145, and XT2145 have a combination analog/optical audio jack. To transmit a digital audio signal, use a TOSLINK optical audio cable with a 3.5mm connector. Analog and digital audio cannot be transmitted simultaneously. EAC3 and AC3 are also supported.

The full-scale voltage output of the analog audio is 2V RMS. The minimum load impedance is 32Ω.

The analog audio connector has the following pinout:

  • Tip: Left audio

  • Ring: Right audio

  • Sleeve: Ground for audio signal

WiFi Antenna Connectors

The XT245, XT1145, and XT2145 have a two SMT type SMA connectors and an M.2 connector to allow easy installation of external WiFi antennas. Both devices contain an internal M.2 PCIe card that enables WiFi/Bluetooth.