I/O for Regulated Medical Imaging

I/O for Regulated Medical Imaging

Overview

Medical imaging workflows demand precision, immediacy, and dependable video performance. AJA video I/O provides ultra-low-latency, high-fidelity signal processing with proven reliability and long-term support—developed with NVIDIA for surgical systems, imaging platforms, and regulated medical devices.

Low-latency Video I/O for Surgical Systems and Medical Imaging

Design regulated medical platforms with up to uncompressed 4K60 SDI and HDMI capture, sub-frame latency, and DMA to GPU. Developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, these professional-grade video I/O cards support Clara, IGX, and other platforms. They are available with long-lifecycle support and are tested to meet IEC 60601-1-2 requirements for embedded surgical and diagnostic systems.

Used in Surgical Robotics, Diagnostic Platforms, and Real-time Imaging Systems

Medical imaging systems demand accurate, high-resolution video that responds in real time. Whether enabling surgical navigation, guiding a robot, or feeding AI-driven diagnostics, these applications rely on uncompressed formats, consistent timing, and low-latency transfer to GPU.

Support for Uncompressed HD and 4K60 Video with Sub-frame Latency and DMA to GPU

Capture and output up to uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 video over 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 interfaces, with support for 4K60 and multi-channel HD. The PCIe Gen 3 x8 interface ensures stable, high-throughput performance under continuous load. These systems maintain sub-frame latency, as low as 16 milliseconds, with consistent frame delivery, format fidelity, and timing.

Built with NVIDIA for Clara AGX, IGX, and GPU-driven Imaging Platforms

These video I/O cards were developed with NVIDIA to support real-time imaging and AI workflows on Clara AGX, IGX Orin, and other GPU-based systems. GPUDirect RDMA enables direct transfer of uncompressed video from input to GPU memory, eliminating CPU bottlenecks. The result is a tightly integrated architecture for inference, visualization, and closed-loop control in surgical and diagnostic platforms.

AR-Assisted Telesurgery

In this workflow example, the video signals from a robotic surgical device and a remotely controllable PTZ camera are input to the KONA XM within the medical computer system. The signals are processed by the computing platform to generate an AI/AR-enhanced video output, which is transmitted to the remote surgical workstation in real time for display and operator interaction.

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AR-Assisted Image-Guided Surgery

In this workflow example, the surgeon operates directly within the procedure room using a head-mounted camera that provides a live point-of-view feed. The KONA XM inside the medical computer system receives video from both the surgical instruments and the head-mounted camera, processes the signals to apply AI/AR overlays, and outputs the combined result to the HDMI display in real time with sub-frame latency.

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Built to Support Your Environment — Across OS, APIs, and GPU Platforms

Medical imaging systems are built on a range of platforms — from Linux or Windows to GPU-accelerated inference pipelines using GStreamer or V4L2. These environments demand I/O that integrates cleanly and performs predictably. AJA cards are validated on Ubuntu, Rocky Linux, Windows and macOS operating systems (see release notes for OS version support), with long-term driver support and full SDK documentation. NVIDIA Clara AGX / Jetson, IGX Orin, and GPUDirect RDMA are supported. Compatibility is established and production-proven.

Designed for Long-lifecycle, Safety-critical Environments

These cards support integration in medical systems that require consistent supply, electrical stability, and EMI performance suitable for safety-certified designs. KONA XM is tested to meet IEC 60601-1-2 standards, which helps streamline regulatory approval. All cards are designed and assembled in the USA, with published lifecycle expectations and optional fanless variants for thermally constrained or sealed enclosures.

Proven by Surgical Robotics and Imaging OEMs

Surgical robotics teams, imaging OEMs, and AI system integrators are already designing with AJA video I/O. Multiple ODMs (Original Design Manufacturers) offer NVIDIA and AJA-based inference servers today, and our SDK is established in regulated OEM workflows. We support professional developer programs, understand OEM development timelines, and work within structured integration and validation processes. You can count on over 25 years of OEM experience with AJA.

High Performance SDK with
Low-level Control and Flexible Access Options

AJA provides a robust video I/O SDK with direct control over key functions such as capture, playback, signal handling, and format management. Developers can get started immediately with open-source resources available on GitHub, while teams building regulated or commercial systems can enroll in AJA’s professional developer program for enhanced support. The SDK is maintained across Windows, Ubuntu, Rocky Linux, and macOS, with documentation, integration libraries, and example code provided for both open and supported paths.

Developer Program

AJA GitHub Page

Low-latency, High-precision Video I/O for Surgical and Diagnostic Systems

Medical imaging workflows require low latency and frame-accurate performance. AJA I/O cards equipped with NVIDIA GPUDirect RDMA deliver deterministic sub-frame latency and direct GPU transfer, ensuring real-time response for inference, visualization, and surgical control.. SDI and HDMI input/output options support HD to 4K/UHD resolutions at up to 60p, with uncompressed video and embedded audio. The result: precise timing and signal integrity — essential for the safe, responsive operation of surgical and diagnostic systems. Refer to  NVIDIA GPU Direct for details on supported systems.

AJA KONA XM at a Glance

Latency
Sub-frame, deterministic latency suitable for closed-loop systems

Video Interfaces
SDI (up to 12G), HDMI (1.4 / 2.0 as applicable)

Resolutions
HD, 2K, 4K/UHD

Frame Rates
Up to 60p

Color Support
4:2:2, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling

Audio Support
Embedded audio pass-through (SDI/HDMI)

Host Interface
PCIe Gen3/Gen4 x8 (or other)

DMA
GPUDirect RDMA compatible (with NVIDIA systems)

Driver Support
Windows, Linux, macOS

SDK Access
Open source and pro developer options

Compliance
Designed to comply with IEC 60601-1-2

Explore Other AJA Low-latency I/O Cards 

Ready to Get Started?

Access SDK documentation, open-source tools, contact our OEM team, or start with downloading the brochure. We'll help you get the information and support you need.

Professional Support Program

AJA professional support programs provide extended warranties, expert assistance, and software updates to keep you running smoothly.

AJA Support

Developer Tools
and SDK

Do you need a custom solution? Build with the AJA Video Developer Program’s developer components, tools, and SDKs.

Developer Program

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