Dante Bridge

Dante Bridge

  • Ethernet-based multi-channel PA system for alarming, evacuation, music and broadcasting
  • Simultaneous transmission of up to 64 digital audio channels in studio quality (48 kHz / 24 bit), with a constant latency period of 1.33 ms (digital)
  • Distributed audio system no „single point of failure“
  • Real-time configuration with ITECNET - NETDESIGN: Allows system configuration changes during normal operation of the system.
  • Real-time audio transmission: Constant latency of 4.6 ms analog-in/analog-out
  • Up to 4000 devices can work simultaneously together in a network
  • Up to 16,000 output zones in one audio network
  • Integrated 2 GB memory card for alarm texts and music files. Recording Capacity 256 files, total time about 3 hours!
  • Integrated real-time recorder for delayed announcements
  • Speaker impedance and line monitoring during program mode
  • AVC: automatic volume control
  • ITECNET application interface (TCP / IP) for connecting to security management systems
  • Remote maintenance, remote control, various interfaces for fire alarm systems
  • 24 VDC power for supply using EN54-4-certified energy supply equipment.
  • Backup concept conforming to standard, with option to switch to redundant amplifier output stage
  • System certified according to EN 54-16

In the future, safety PA systems are going to replace the classic siren alarm. The reason for this is that these days only few people react to siren alarms, and alarms, evacuation signals, alarm cancellations, etc. can no longer be differentiated.
In contrast, using clear voice instructions a building can be very efficiently evacuated in the event of fire or an emergency. The larger a building, and the more people there are in this building, the more important it is to install a modern safety PA system.

Our ITECNET Development team has considered these requirements from the very beginning. Complete system monitoring, surveillance of emergency microphones, amplifiers, speech memories, speaker lines, and of the energy supply. Thanks to the decentralised concept, ITECNET also allows for fully redundant systems at the highest safety level, and there is no single point of failure. A multitude of standards regulate planning, installation, operation and production of so-called safety PA systems. With ITECNET we did our part to meet the manufacturer requirements for EN 54-16 certification, and in many areas we even exceeded them.

Dante Bridge

The Dante Bridge in 19“/1U design is equipped with a Dante board from Audinate to transfer 8 digital Dante channels each. 2 network connections for the Dante module and 4 network connections for ITECNET enable the two networks to be separated. Communication takes place internally via a digital audio interface.

Other connection options: 1 serial port (RS232 / RS485) for control tasks,
8 analog inputs, 8 digital inputs, integrated 2 GB Micro SD Card Flash memory card as a voice mail. Online/realtime system-configuration with free ITEC PC-software NETDESIGN from every network accesspoint. Multiple access, realtime configuration of all system parameters including audion-functionalities!

The Dante Bridge has an integrated and monitored voice alarm text memory with a recording capacity of up to 3 hours. Alarm announcements are automatically controlled by the fire alarm system or can also be triggered manually.

Other features: Automatic volume control (AVC), DSP functionality for all outputs and inputs, compressor limiter, delay of up to 24.5 seconds (acoustically corresponds to 8 km delay time), TCP/IP interface, serial interface for control
systems, 8x8 audio matrix, Automixer, Ethernet switch, up to 192kHz/24Bit, Backup outputs, FFT.

The ITECNET components are networked via our standardised and certified network switch in accordance with Ethernet standard IEEE802.3u. Up to 4000 devices can be linked in a LAN.

Inputs and Outputs

GENERAL: up to 64 digital audio channels (default)
  IEEE802.3 Ethernet - based network with 100Mbit/s duplex
  8 digital Dante audio inputs and 8 digital Dante audio outputs
  lowest latency times due to high-performance DSPs
  Power supply: 24 VDC
INTERFACES / IOs: 8 digital control inputs, 8 digital control outputs
  1x RS232 / RS485
  4x Ethernet RJ45 socket ITECNET (switch)
  2x Ethernet RJ45 socket Dante
AUDIO FEATURES: 16/24 or 32-bit Digital Audio
  Sample Rate: 48 oder 96 kHz
  Adjustable latency: 1.3 / 2.6 ms

NETDESIGN Configuration, Maintenance, Control, and Interface Software

ITEC NET-DESIGN is a Windows-based application for configuring and monitoring the entire ITEC-NET network. Included is a TCP/IP interface (ITEC-NET API) allowing a direct link to other control systems, such as media control or security management systems. In addition NET-DESIGN offers the possibility to update the DSP- and control software from any point of the network. The huge number of monitoring and logging capabilities ensures a safe operation within this large audio and data distribution system.


Example:

Net-Design

Specifications

Dante Bridge
GENERAL
EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY 24 VDC (18 V < V < 32 V)
Current ca. 250 mA without applied load on the 10 V DC Voltage
OPERATING TEMPERATURE -5° C - +40° C
DIMENSIONS 482 mm x 44 mm x 180 mm (W x H x D), 19" / 1 RU
WEIGHT 2.6 kg
AUDIO
DANTE RJ45 CONNECTORS 100 Mbit/s, 1GBit/s
The data format is DANTE audio over IP technology.
(up to 8 channels in each direction)
ITECNET RJ45 CONNECTORS 100 MBit/s,
The data format is ITECNET Audio over Ethernet technology
(up to 64 channels)
SOUND PROCESSING
PER INPUT 2-band fully parametric equalizer ± 15 dB
1 low/high pass 1st order
PER OUTPUT 4-band fully parametric equalizer ± 15 dB, delay: 0.023-24.5 s
bandpassfilter: 1st - 4th order
  Compressor/limiter
Filter quality selectable from 0.1 to 70
SERIAL INTERFACES
RS 232/RS 485 9600, 19200, 57600, 115.200 baud
DIGITAL INPUTS 8 schmitt-trigger inputs on plug in-terminal strip
INPUT VOLTAGE Low < 1.6 V / High > 8 V
MAX. ALLOWABLE VOLTAGE 36 V
INPUT CURRENT (@10 V) about 4.5 mA
DIGITAL OUTPUTS 8 open-collector outputs on plug in-terminal strip
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE 36 V
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT 200 mA per output / total 500 mA (sum of all outputs switched)
DRY CONTACT ALARM RELAY  
MAX. VOLTAGE / MAX. SWITCHING POWER 48 VAC/DC / 500 mA
NETWORK Ethernet 100 Base-TX, IEEE 802.3u

No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information - Specifications subject to change