String Assignment

String assignment is the process of mapping LED panel strings to processor output ports. This is one of the most critical parts of LED wall planning — it determines how data flows from the processor through the cabling to your panels.

What is a String?

A string is a chain of panels connected in series to a single processor output port. The maximum number of panels per string depends on:

• The processor's pixel capacity per output
• The operating bit depth (8, 10, or 12-bit)
• The operating frame rate
• The pixel count of each panel

For example, if your processor can drive 650,000 pixels per output at 10-bit/60Hz, and each panel has 65,536 pixels (256x256), you can fit 9 panels per string.

Auto-Assignment

The String Assignment panel provides automatic assignment with two modes:

Fill Mode

Assigns strings sequentially, filling each port before moving to the next. This results in some ports being fully loaded while others may be empty. Best when you want to minimize the number of switch ports in use.

Balance Mode

Distributes strings evenly across all available ports. This spreads the pixel load and provides more even utilization. Best for redundancy and balanced processing load.

Manual Assignment

You can manually reassign individual strings to different ports by dragging them in the String Assignment panel. This gives you full control over which panels go to which port — useful for complex installations where automatic assignment doesn't match your physical cabling plan.

Viewing Assignments

String assignments are visualized in several places:

• String Assignment Panel — Shows a list of all ports with their assigned strings and capacity utilization bars
• LED Mapping View — Color-codes panels by string/port assignment
• Panel Map Test Pattern — Overlays string numbers and data path arrows on the surface

Switch Configuration

For processors with 10G fiber trunk outputs (like the Brompton SX40 or Megapixel Helios), you need switches to convert from 10G trunks to individual 1G panel outputs.

Adding Switches

In the String Assignment panel, each trunk port can have a switch assigned. Click the + button on a trunk to add a compatible switch.

Switch Ports

Each switch provides multiple 1G output ports. Strings are assigned to these switch ports. The panel shows which strings are on which port of which switch.

Multiple Switches

Large installations may require multiple switches. Each trunk on the processor can have its own switch, and strings are distributed across all available switch ports.