Core SWX PD Pro Power Connection Explained – Solves SDI Power Protocol Issues?

by Francesco AndreolaApril 17^th, 2024

At NAB 2024, we stopped by Core SWX’s booth to learn more about their PD Pro power solution, HyperCore G3 series, and Powerbase Edge Snap battery packs. Particularly, their new PD Pro seems promising, as it seems to tackle an industry-wide issue – the infamous SDI power protocol. Let’s take a look!

Breaking news, the Core SWX Powerbase Edge Snap has just received one of our NAB 2024 Show Awards in the “Camera Support, Control, and Accessories” category. Congratulations to the company!

If you’re a RED KOMODO user, then you’ve probably heard about the SDI power protocol, a specific procedure that you need to follow when connecting SDI and power cables to prevent damage to your camera’s SDI port, especially when powering monitors, video transmitters, and other SDI accessories using a D-Tap connection.

RED itself describes the procedure in this article here. But while many people think this is a RED-related concern, it affects the whole industry, as demonstrated by this video posted by ARRI. Everyone working with an SDI connection, especially 12G-SDI ones, should be aware of the problem, as it can be very frustrating to deal with.

A possible solution is to use pretty expensive SDI isolators like the LEN 4K 12G SDI Galvanic Isolator or the Mutiny 12G Isolator, for example. However, CoreSWX is coming up with a new auxiliary power connector that seems to eliminate the problem at its root.

Core SWX PD Pro – Making SDI Protocol obsolete?

Core SWX PD Pro is a power connector that essentially combines the benefits of the modern USB-C Power Delivery standard with those of a good old D-Tap connector. Indeed, it features a wide voltage range spanning from 5 up to 48V, poses no polarity concerns, is fully backward-compatible with USB-C ports, and has a secure locking design.

But most importantly, while with D-Tap connectors the positive pole can hit first causing a ground loop that can potentially fry your SDI port, this simply cannot happen with PD Pro, according to Core SWX. And this makes it a game-changing innovation that could be widely adopted by other manufacturers.

Core SWX already produces a few different PD Pro power cables, including PD Pro to USB-C PD, female D-Tap, 24V 3-pin Fischer, 12V 2-pin Lemo, 2-pin for Blackmagic Design camera, and flying leads. All come with a LED indicator that informs the user on power status. The PD Pro connector can already be found on the company’s new HyperCore G3 and Powerbase Edge Snap battery series.

Core SWX HyperCore G3 and Powerbase Edge Snap

The Core SWX HyperCore G3 are V-mount and Gold Mount power bricks available in 99 and 144Wh capacities. They feature a robust casing, RGB LEDs with user-customizable colors, a side status display, 20A power draw capabilities, two PD Pro ports as well as one D-Tap port. The batteries can also be recharged using 100W PD power over PD Pro.

On the other hand, the Powerbase Edge Snap are compact and lightweight (376g/0.83lbs.) 49Wh power bricks that can be stacked on top of each magnetically to create a redundant power solution. These have dual D-Tap as well as two PD Pro ports. Additionally, the company developed a dedicated quick-release plate with 1/4”-20 threads and a hidden V-lock mount to help you rig the Powerbase Edge Snap on your camera.

Price and availability

The price of the Core SWX PD Pro cables ranges from $19 up to $55. The HyperCore G3 99Wh and 144Wh retail for $399 and $549, respectively. Finally, the Powerbase Edge Snap costs $195, while the dedicated QR plate is priced at $39.

For more information, please visit Core SWX’s website (PD Pro / Hypercore G3 / Powerbase Edge Snap).

Have you had any issue with your SDI port? What do you think of this solution by Core SWX? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!