LED Receiving Cards & Signal Distribution
How receiving cards distribute video signals across large LED display arrays.
Receiving cards are the interface between the LED controller and the LED modules in each cabinet. They receive the processed video data over standard Ethernet and drive the LED matrix directly. Understanding receiving cards is essential for specifying large-format video walls where signal distribution chain design determines image quality and system reliability.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Signal input
- Standard Cat5e / Cat6 Ethernet from controller
- Max pixels per card
- Novastar A8s: 655,360 pixels
- Cascade limit
- Typically 8–16 receiving cards per sending card output
- Redundancy
- Loop-through backup — second Ethernet cable for failover
How Receiving Cards Work
The LED controller sends processed, calibration-corrected pixel data over standard Gigabit Ethernet at extremely high bandwidth. Each receiving card in the cascade receives its portion of the frame, converts the data into the specific LED PWM (pulse-width modulation) signals required by the LED driver ICs, and drives the LED matrix directly. A Novastar A8s receiving card drives up to 655,360 pixels and can cascade to the next receiving card in the row, creating a daisy-chain distribution network across the entire display.
| Novastar Receiving Card | Max Pixels | Input | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRV210 | 163,840 | Cat5e | Entry level |
| MRV300 | 327,680 | Cat5e | Mid-range commercial |
| A8s | 655,360 | Cat6 | High performance, most popular |
| A10s Plus | 1,310,720 | Cat6 | Ultra-high pixel density |
Redundant Signal Path
Professional installations route two Ethernet cables to each receiving card — primary and backup. If the primary cable fails or a receiving card in the daisy chain malfunctions, the backup signal path activates automatically within milliseconds, preventing any visible interruption to the display. This is the loop-through redundancy topology recommended by Novastar for all mission-critical installations.
Always use shielded Cat6 cables for receiving card connections in outdoor or electrically noisy environments. Unshielded cables in environments with strong electromagnetic interference can cause periodic pixel corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many receiving cards do I need for a 10m × 4m P2 display?
A 10 × 4 metre P2 display contains 5,000 × 2,000 = 10,000,000 pixels. At 655,360 pixels per A8s card: 10,000,000 ÷ 655,360 = approximately 16 receiving cards.
Can I mix receiving card models in one installation?
It is possible but not recommended. Mixing models can create calibration inconsistencies. Specify the same receiving card model throughout an installation.
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