Medical video systems demand the lowest latency possible and deterministic performance for real-time visualization, analysis, and intervention. KONA XM meets this need with a DMA architecture that supports GPUDirect RDMA, allowing direct transfers between host memory and hardware accelerators without relying on local FPGA buffers. This ultra-low latency design enables real-time workflows with no perceptible delay between video input, processing, and output.

KONA XM is a 4-lane PCIe 3.0 video I/O card with dual 12G-SDI BNC connectors and dual full-sized HDMI 2.0 ports, providing one input and one output for each interface. Designed to be the heart of next-generation medical video technology, KONA XM gives OEM developers a proven path to building reliable, high-performance devices for surgical and diagnostic applications.

Explore All AJA Medical Solutions

Features

• 4K/UltraHD/2K/HD/SD capture and playback, up to 60p
• Ultra-Low Latency: As low as sub-frame delay on processed video output
• 2x uni-directional 12G-SDI connections with 16-channel embedded audio
• HDMI 2.0 input and output, with VESA support
• RGB 4:4:4 12-bit workflows supported
• YCbCr 4:2:2 10-bit workflows supported
• Windows and Linux support for OEM applications via the AJA SDK
• In Firmware Microcontroller allows for limited firmware customization (contact AJA SDK Support for more information)
• Supports graphics up to 4K/UltraHD with alpha channel
• VPID signaling for SDR/HDR Transfer Characteristics, Colorimetry and Luminance via SDI
• HLG and HDR10 HDR support, via HDMI
• Audio accessed through the AJA SDK
• Available in active and passive cooling options
• Three-year warranty

Next Generation Medical Procedures with NVIDIA IGX and Holoscan
AJA KONA XM is the recommended video I/O solution for NVIDIA’s IGX edge computing AI hardware platform. KONA XM integrates seamlessly with NVIDIA Holoscan, a deployable software solution targeting IGX and other NVIDIA platforms. The combination of NVIDIA IGX and Holoscan makes it easy for medical device manufacturers to apply real time, low latency, high performance AI-driven overlays to live video in a variety of medical devices and create innovative medical video solutions.

Ultra-Low Latency / GPUDirect RDMA
KONA XM supports application driven GPUDirect RDMA; the DMA operation happens directly between the video I/O and computer buffer, completely bypassing the on-card memory. This enables OEM developers to achieve the lowest latency possible and a much simpler method of dealing with dynamic video (i.e., video whose frame rate may wander or generated video that needs to be generated much closer to the scan line its output).

KONA XM Augmented Reality Assisted Surgery Workflow Diagram
In this workflow example, the video signal is coming into the KONA XM inside a medical device computer system from two separate video sources: a remotely controllable PTZ camera, and the robotic surgical device up to UltraHD/4K.

The signal is then processed in the medical device's computing platform and the video signal with the AI/AR overlay is then fed into the surgical workstation.

Download Workflow

IEC 60601-1-2 EMI/ESD
KONA XM has undergone rigorous testing to meet the IEC 60601-1-2 EMI/ESD standards required for medical device components—one of the few video I/O cards on the market to do so.

AJA SDK
Developers who wish to use AJA’s world-class SDK (Software Development Kit) can choose between two different methods to gain access and start putting their creativity to work with this rich, deep and powerful set of video technologies. AJA’s SDK is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, including support for the latest Apple silicon.

For the quickest and easiest way to get up and running with the core AJA SDK, we recommend the AJA Open Source Developer path which is under the MIT license and hosted via GitLab.

For access to the AJA SDK including AJA proprietary technologies and world-class support, we recommend the AJA Developer Program path. This is accessed via the dedicated AJA SDK Support Site, and requires a signed agreement.

It is entirely possible for a developer to begin on the AJA Open Source Developer path, and if necessary in the future, apply to enroll in the AJA Developer Program path.

In Firmware Microcontroller
KONA XM OEM developers can run select code directly on the card with the In Firmware Microcontroller for functionality that might need to exist before the system containing the card fully boots. Contact SDK support for more information.

KONA XM Operating Systems Compatibility

• Linux Ubuntu support for 20.04 LTS, 22.04
• Linux Rocky 8.5 and Rocky 9.1
• Windows 11, 10 and updates

Two Cooling Options
KONA XM is available in both active (with fan) and passive (fanless) cooling versions.

Part Numbers:

Passive: KONA-XM-P-R0 $4,488 US MSRP

Active: KONA-XM-F-R0 $4,715 US MSRP

Industry Leading Developer Support
AJA’s SDK support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your KONA XM development, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA SDK Support will work with you to get up and running.

KONA products are covered by a generous three-year warranty.

Tech Specs:
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
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
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
Timecode: LTC timecode input; LTC timecode output
Electrical Interface: PCIe Gen 3x4
Machine Control: RS-422, Sony 9-pin protocol; 9-pin D-connector pinout is as follows:
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
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)