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

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

The AJA KONA XM with Fan is an active-cooled professional video I/O card designed for ultra-low-latency medical imaging, AI-assisted visualization, augmented reality (AR), and OEM video systems. Featuring a 4-lane PCIe 3.0 interface, dual 12G-SDI connections, and HDMI 2.0 input and output, KONA XM enables real-time video capture, processing, and display for demanding medical and industrial applications.

Its DMA architecture supports GPUDirect RDMA, allowing compatible applications to transfer video data directly between the video I/O card and host memory or supported hardware accelerators without relying on local FPGA buffers. This architecture helps minimize latency for applications that require responsive visualization, precise timing, and real-time analysis.

This version features active cooling with an integrated fan and is designed for OEM developers building next-generation medical video devices and other high-performance video processing systems.

Key Features

• Active cooling with integrated fan
• 4-lane PCIe 3.0 video I/O card
• Supports 4K/UltraHD, 2K/HD, and SD capture and playback up to 60p
• Ultra-low-latency processing, with sub-frame delay possible in supported workflows
• Two unidirectional 12G-SDI connections: one input and one output
• HDMI 2.0 input and output with VESA support
• 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 and 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 workflows
• GPUDirect RDMA support for compatible applications
• Support for graphics with alpha channels up to 4K/UltraHD
• HLG and HDR10 support over HDMI
• VPID signaling for SDR/HDR transfer characteristics, colorimetry, and luminance over SDI
• Audio access through the AJA Developer SDK
• OEM development support for Windows and Linux
• In-firmware microcontroller for limited firmware customization
• Tested to IEC 60601-1-2 EMI/ESD standards for medical device components
• Three-year manufacturer warranty

Ultra-Low-Latency Video I/O for Medical Devices

Medical imaging and surgical visualization systems require responsive video with predictable timing. The KONA XM is designed to support these demanding applications, helping OEM developers build systems where live video can be captured, analyzed, processed, and displayed with minimal delay.

Potential applications include surgical visualization, diagnostic imaging, medical camera systems, and real-time AI-assisted overlays. Actual latency depends on the application, hardware, and system configuration.

GPUDirect RDMA for Real-Time Processing

KONA XM supports application-driven GPUDirect RDMA, allowing compatible software to move video data directly between the video I/O subsystem and computer memory while bypassing the card's local FPGA buffers.

This architecture can help reduce processing latency and simplify handling of dynamic video, including sources with variable frame timing and generated video that must be output at precise moments.

Integration with NVIDIA IGX and Holoscan

KONA XM is designed to support OEM medical video solutions built around NVIDIA IGX edge computing platforms and NVIDIA Holoscan. These technologies enable developers to build real-time AI processing workflows that combine live video with analysis and graphical overlays.

The combination can help medical device manufacturers develop responsive AI-assisted visualization systems for applications where low-latency video and compute-intensive processing are essential.

12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 Connectivity

The KONA XM provides dedicated input and output connections for both SDI and HDMI workflows:

• 12G-SDI: One input and one output for professional video equipment.
• HDMI 2.0: One input and one output for compatible cameras, displays, and video devices.

Support for 4K/UltraHD, 2K/HD, and SD formats up to 60p gives OEM developers flexibility when designing systems for different video sources and display requirements.

High-Quality Video and HDR Support

KONA XM supports 12-bit RGB 4:4:4 and 10-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 video workflows for high-quality image processing. It also supports HLG and HDR10 over HDMI, along with VPID signaling for SDR/HDR transfer characteristics, colorimetry, and luminance over SDI.

Graphics with alpha channels up to 4K/UltraHD enable developers to combine video with overlays and other visual elements in supported applications.

Active Cooling for OEM Systems

This KONA XM configuration includes a fan for active cooling. AJA also offers a passive, fanless version for systems with different thermal and mechanical requirements.

When selecting a card for an OEM design, consider chassis airflow, thermal requirements, acoustic constraints, and the intended operating environment.

OEM Development with the AJA SDK

The AJA Developer SDK provides access to video I/O functionality for custom applications and OEM systems. Developers can use the SDK to integrate video capture, output, and audio functionality into software running on supported operating systems.

The KONA XM also includes an in-firmware microcontroller that allows limited customization for supported OEM requirements. Contact AJA SDK Support for information about available development options and firmware capabilities.

Operating System Compatibility

KONA XM supports OEM development on compatible versions of Windows and Linux, including specified Ubuntu and Rocky Linux releases. Verify the current AJA SDK documentation and release notes to confirm support for the intended operating system and system configuration.

Applications

• Medical imaging and surgical visualization
• AI-assisted medical video processing
• Real-time diagnostic imaging systems
• Medical camera and display integration
• AR overlays and real-time visualization
• NVIDIA IGX and Holoscan-based development
• OEM video processing devices
• Low-latency 4K video capture and playback

• 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 (Active Cooling)
• Cooling Fan
• Warranty: Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty