AJA KONA XM 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Ultra-Low-Latency PCIe Card – Fanless

AJA KONA XM Fanless 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Ultra-Low-Latency PCIe Card

The AJA KONA XM fanless PCIe video I/O card is designed for OEM developers building advanced medical video systems, real-time imaging applications, and AI- and AR-powered workflows. Featuring ultra-low-latency video processing, dual 12G-SDI connections, HDMI 2.0 input and output, and GPUDirect RDMA support, KONA XM enables high-performance video capture and playback with minimal delay.

This passive-cooling version has no integrated fan, making it suitable for systems designed around fanless video I/O hardware. Proper chassis airflow is still required for reliable operation.

Key Features

• Fanless, passive-cooling design with no integrated fan
• Ultra-low-latency video I/O for real-time applications
• Dual unidirectional 12G-SDI connections: one input and one output
• Full-size HDMI 2.0 input and output
• Supports 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD video formats up to 60p, depending on format and interface
• GPUDirect RDMA support for direct data transfers between host memory and compatible hardware accelerators
• Supports 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 and 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 workflows
• HLG and HDR10 support via HDMI
• Designed for Windows and Linux OEM development using the AJA SDK
• Supports NVIDIA IGX and Holoscan-based medical and AI workflows

Ultra-Low-Latency Video for Medical and AI Applications

KONA XM is designed for demanding applications where video timing and responsiveness are critical. Its streaming DMA architecture supports GPUDirect RDMA, enabling video data to move between host memory and compatible accelerators without using local FPGA memory as a temporary buffer. This helps developers build real-time video processing systems with sub-frame latency in supported workflows.

Potential applications include medical imaging, surgical visualization, real-time analysis, and custom AI/AR video systems.

12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Connectivity

KONA XM provides two full-size 12G-SDI BNC connections, with one dedicated to input and one to output. It also includes full-size HDMI 2.0 input and output connections for compatible video sources and displays.

The card supports a range of video formats, including 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD. Supported color formats include 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 and 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2, with capabilities varying by format and interface.

Fanless Passive Cooling

This version of KONA XM uses passive cooling rather than an integrated fan. It is intended for OEM system designs that require a fanless video I/O card, but the host chassis must provide adequate airflow across the card's heatsink. Confirm that the system's cooling design meets AJA's airflow requirements before installation.

OEM Development and Software Support

KONA XM is built for developers creating specialized video hardware and applications. The AJA SDK provides a development path for supported Windows and Linux systems, while GPUDirect RDMA support helps enable low-latency processing with compatible accelerators.

The card also includes an in-firmware microcontroller to support OEM code and supervisory functions.

• SDI Video Formats
  • (4K) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K) 2048x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080PsF 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30
  • (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94
• HDMI Video Formats
  • (4K CEA) 4096x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (UltraHD) 3840x2160p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (2K CEA) 2048x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60
  • (HD) 1920x1080i 50, 59.94, 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1600x1200p 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1280x1024p 60
  • (HD) 1280x720p 50, 59.94, 60
  • (VESA DMT) 1024x768p 60
  • (VESA DMT) 800x600p 60
  • (SD) 625i 50
  • (SD) 525i 59.94
  • (VESA DMT) 640 x 480p 60
  • Note: Additional VESA (DMT) formats supported for certain applications
• Video Inputs Digital
  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082, 12-bit, 10-bit
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • 6G-SDI, SMPTE-2081, 10-bit
  • 3G-SDI, SMPTE 425
  • RGB 4:4:4 12-bit, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
  • 1.5G-SDI, SMPTE 292M
  • Single Link HD-SDI YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit  
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
  • HDMI v2.0
  • 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 6 Gbps per color component
  • 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • Connectors are full-size BNC / full-size HDMI
  • HDMI Inputs and Outputs support VESA (DMT) rasters and at limited rates
• Video Outputs Digital
  • 12G-SDI, SMPTE-2082*, 12-bit, 10-bit
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • 6G-SDI, SMPTE-2081*, 10-bit
  • 3G-SDI, SMPTE 425
  • RGB 4:4:4 12-bit, YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
  • 1.5G-SDI, SMPTE 292M
  • Single Link HD-SDI YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit
  • 270 Mbps SDI, SMPTE 259M-C
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit, 8-bit
  • HDMI v2.0
  • 30/36-bits/pixel, RGB or YUV, 6 Gbps per color component
  • 4K, UltraHD, 2K, HD, and SD
  • YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit up to 60p, RGB 4:4:4 12-bit up to 30p
  • Connectors are full-size BNC / full-size HDMI
  • HDMI Input and Output support VESA rasters
  • *Compliant with subsets of specification for supported formats
• HDR
  • SDI: VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry, and Luminance
  • HDMI: HDR10 Support - HDR Infoframe metadata, compatible with HDMI 2.0a/CTA-861.3
  • HDMI: HLG Support - compatible with HDMI 2.0b/CTA-861-G
• SDI I/O (Via PCIe Bracket)
  • 2x full-size 12G-SDI connections
  • SDI connections are one for input and one for output
  • Single channel SDI capture (plus simultaneous SDI pass-through monitoring)
  • Single channel SDI output
• HDMI I/O (Via PCIe Bracket)
  • 2x full-size (Type A) HDMI 2.0 connections
  • HDMI connections are uni-directional (1x Input, 1x Output)
  • Single channel HDMI input
  • Single channel HDMI output
• HDMI Monitoring for SDI Inputs
  • HDMI output connector supports
  • Single channel SDI source monitoring
• Video I/O Performance: Capable of two channel 4K p60 capture or playback
• Audio Support
  • KONA XM card is equipped with on-board hardware to support embedded audio, and the optional KONA Xpand board contains the hardware to support AES/EBU digital audio and discreet analog audio (and other functions).
  • However, audio functionality is controlled by firmware programming.  If you require audio functionality with KONA XM, please consult AJA SDK Support for more information.
• Downstream Keyer: Supports graphics up to 4K/UltraHD with alpha channel over video, matte or framebuffer, or framebuffer content over incoming video or matte
• Reference
  • Analog Color Black (1V) or Composite Sync (2 or 4V) or HD Tri-Level Sync (1V)
  • Reference input is terminated into 75 ohms when Genlock is set to Ref In
  • Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card
• Timecode
  • LTC timecode input
  • LTC timecode output
  • Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card
• Electrical Interface: PCIe Gen 3x4
• Machine Control
  • RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol
  • 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:
  • 1: GND
  • 2: RX-
  • 3: TX+
  • 4: GND
  • 5: No Connection
  • 6: GND
  • 7: RX+
  • 8: TX-
  • 9: GND
  • Shell: GND
  • Note: Available via optional KONA Xpand card or via customer supplied breakout connection to internal card
• Noise
  • <50dBA (A-weighted at 1m in free air) <40-45dBA preferred (Phase 01 )>
  • Fan is rated at 33.1dBA
• Regulatory Compliance
  • RoHS 3
  • IEC 62368-1: 2014 2nd Edition safety standard
  • Performed testing to the IEC/EN 60601-1-2: 2015 + A1: 2021 EMC standard
  • EMC testing against other EMC standards, including EN 55032 and EN 55035
• Size
  • Passive Configuration (no fan): 190.5 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (7.5" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
  • Active Configuration (with fan): 247.7 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (9.75" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
  • Xpand Card: 108.0 x 15.9 x 98.6 mm (4.25" x 0.63" x 3.88")  Bracket Height: 127 mm (5.0")
• Weight
  • PCIe Card: Active (with fan): 290.3g (10.2oz), Passive (no fan): 217.7g (7.7oz)
  • Xpand Card: 90.7g (3.2oz)
• Power
  • 20W typical with 16W on +12V and 4W on +3.3V
  • PC Internal or PCi Aux Power Connector: Molex part number 45558-0003
  • Note: Card can utilize PCIe power from a 6 pin PCi 2x3 Aux Power  connector or from the PCIe slot
• Environment
  • Safe Operating Temperature: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F)
  • Safe Storage Temperature (Power OFF): -40 to 60 C (-40 to 140 F)
  • Operating Relative Humidity: 10-90% noncondensing
  • Operating Altitude: <3,000 meters (<10,000 feet)

• AJA KONA XM 12G-SDI/HDMI Video I/O PCIe Card for AI/AR Medical Devices (Passive Cooling)
• Heat Sink
• Warranty: Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty