What are SDI-12G Connectors?

Meet the Connector: SDI-12G  Connectors

SDI-12G (Serial Digital Interface) is a professional digital video interface standard developed by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). SDI-12G connectors are part of the SDI family used in broadcast, production, and high-end video applications such as live sporting, music, and news broadcasts.

This circular connector solution is designed to handle ultra-high-definition (UHD) video up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS) using a single coaxial cable. SDI-12G simplifies system design and reduces cable bulk compared to earlier multi-link SDI connectors like 4×3G-SDI or 2×6G-SDI. SDI-12G provides high bandwidth, low latency, and is suitable for long cable runs, making it a go-to interface in broadcast and video production environments transitioning to 4K and HDR.

12G-SDI connectors are available in several circular formats, including BNC (most common), ultra tiny BNC, bulkhead, DIN, and PCB connectors. The standard was introduced along with the 6G-SDI interface in 2015 and was revised in 2018 (ST 2082-10:2018). 12G-SDI supports Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR). 12G-SDI cables fitted with 12G-SDI BNC connectors are available, supporting resolutions up to 4K at 60 FPS or 8K at 30 FPS. These assemblies are designed with full compatibility with existing 75-ohm SDI equipment, including SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, and 6G-SDI, ensuring backward compatibility and enabling hybrid systems that mix HD, 3G, 6G, and 12G equipment.

NEUTRIK’s rearTWIST UHD BNC series is not merely a refresh of the rearTWIST 3G-SDI connector; it represents a fundamentally new design. The series features refined material tolerances and intricate support mechanisms for both the dielectric and center pin, delivering bandwidth performance that exceeds the ST 2082-1 standard.”

Design Notes 

Standards: SMPTE ST 2082-1 is part of the SMPTE suite, detailed by IEEE. SMPTE ST 2082-1 defines the signal interface and ST 2082-2 defines mapping for UHD.

Data rate: 11.88 Gb/s nominal (often rounded to 12 Gb/s)

Bit depth: Up to 10-bit, optionally 12-bit for some applications

COAX Connectors’ 75Ω KORUS connectors are designed to match the characteristic impedance of 75Ω coaxial cables used for their low attenuation, low distortion characteristics. The true 75Ω 12G KORUS range of high-performance BNC connectors are widely used in the broadcast industry and are ideal in 4K/UHD broadcast applications. Testing is carried out at frequencies up to 18 GHz, which is higher than would be required to meet SMPTE ST 2082-1 for 12G SDI, 4K, and other high-definition standards. Video formats: 4K/60p, 4K/50p (UHD 2160p), and compatible down to HD and 3G-SDI formats.

Color sampling: 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 (depending on format and equipment)

Cable type: Standard 75Ω coax

Optical: For long runs or EMI-sensitive environments, 12G-SDI can run over fiber using SFP/SFP+ transceivers.

Samtec offers proprietary BNC and high-density BNC products, designed for use in pick-and-place machines for high-volume manufacturing. In addition, a full line of RF interconnects are available supporting frequencies from 6 GHz to 110 GHz.

Markets and Applications 

Consumer, Industrial, Medical

SDI-12G connectors are used in broadcast and live productions, sporting and live event venues, video filmmaking, infrastructure, and medical imaging and visualization systems where high-resolution, real-time video is critical.

Hirose’s BNC75 series complies with 12G-SDI standards, which enable long-distance transmission of 4K signals.

Suppliers 

SDI-12G connectors are available from Preferred suppliers including COAX Connectors, Hirose Electric, Neutrik, and Samtec.

Related products 

BNC

HDMI

XLR

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