Operations Other

About i.LINK

This section explains the general specifications and major features of i.LINK. Read this section before doing any i.LINK-related operation.

Note that i.LINK connections and operations may vary, depending on the component. For details regarding the connection of i.LINK components to this unit, see “Audio Component Hookups” on page 6.

i.LINK functions

i.LINK is a serial digital interface that supports the bidirectional transmission of audio and video signals, commands, and even component status information. All that is needed to hook up i.LINK components with i.LINK connecting cables. Audio and video components connected within an i.LINK configuration can be used to perform a wide range of operations and data exchanges that is sure to expand as the number and variety of i.LINK components grows.

Since i.LINK allows data to be transmitted from one component to other components to which it is not directly connected, there is no need to pay attention to connection order. However, due to differences in characteristics or specifications, operation of or data exchange with certain i.LINK components may not be possible, even when they are connected.

zWhat is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a trademark proposed by Sony Corporation and accepted by companies throughout the world as an easy-to- remember name for the IEEE 1394 world standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

i.LINK connections

The use of i.LINK connecting cables to connect i.LINK components as shown below is called a “daisy chain” configuration.

i.LINK connecting cable

i.LINK

 

i.LINK

 

i.LINK

 

i.LINK

 

i.LINK

component

 

component

 

component

 

component

 

component

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data can be transmitted between any two components even if they are indirectly connected.

Branch connections

•Any i.LINK component with three or more i.LINK connectors can serve as a branch point.

•Up to 63 i.LINK components can be connected in a

single configuration. However, the maximum number of components that can be daisy-chained in a single route is 17 (i.e., a maximum of 16 i.LINK connecting cables in a row). Each i.LINK cable used in a single route is called a “hop.” For example, there are six hops

in the route between A and C in the illustration below, and three hops in the route between A and D.

A B

D

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each route between A and B; A and C; A and D; B and C; B and D; and C and D in the illustration above can have 16 hops (i.e., 17 components).

Loop-connection

A signal output from one component is transmitted to all other components. A loop connection should thus be avoided to prevent the return of a signal to its source.

 

Correct

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incorrect (looped)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26GB