Backup Amplifier
Exigo Network Amplifiers (ENA2200 and ENA2400) have inbuilt support for backup amplifier switchover where one amplifier can be designated as backup for up to six other amplifiers. If there is a problem in one of these amplifiers the backup amplifier will take over the configuration and output stage of the defect amplifier and continue with distributing audio out on the speaker loops.
Contents
Functional description
When the backup amplifier functionality is activated it will take over the configuration of the audio channels of the defect amplifier. This configuration contains information about which zones the speaker lines are part of and information about volume settings for the speaker line. Both speaker loops of the defect amplifier will be taken over by the backup amplifier instantly when the backup functionality is triggered and the configuration ensures that the correct audio is sent out on the speaker lines. Any relevant changes done to the configuration, such as volume adjustments, will be updated automatically and maintained by the backup amplifier
shows an example on how one backup amplifier takes over the output stage off one of the two amplifiers it is backup for. The output stages in the defect amplifier will be remote controlled from the backup amplifier which will work even if the defect amplifier have lost all power.
The backup amplifier will be monitoring the amplifiers it is backup for and decide when to activate the backup functionality. Faults such as power faults, faults affecting the internal amplifier module and loss of network connection will trigger the backup functionality.
Figure 1 shows an example on how one backup amplifier takes over the output stage off one of the two amplifiers it is backup for. The output stages in the defect amplifier will be remote controlled from the backup amplifier which will work even if the defect amplifier have lost all power.
The backup amplifier will be monitoring the amplifiers it is backup for and decide when to activate the backup functionality. Faults such as power faults, faults affecting the internal amplifier module and loss of network connection will trigger the backup functionality.
In addition, an optional function on a control input on the backup amplifier can trigger the backup functionality. This will ensure an even faster switchover if the defect amplifier has network or power issues.
Configuration
In situations where more than one amplifier is defect the backup amplifier will take over for the first defect amplifier unless priorities are activated. With this functionality activated the backup amplifier will take over for the defect amplifier with the highest priority and, if already activated, release defect amplifiers with lower priority.
Connections
The only required connections from the backup amplifier is control output and speaker loop connections to the amplifiers it is backup of. Figure 2 below shows how the control output of the backup amplifier overrides the output stage on the defect amplifier.
Control inputs and control outputs
Spare control inputs or control outputs on the backup amplifier can be used for other functions in the Exigo system, such as volume controls and starting activities.
On the normal amplifiers, control inputs and control outputs not used for backup functionality can be used for other functions. These will work as normal as long as the amplifier have power and network connection.
Resetting the amplifier functionality
After fixing the defect amplifier human intervention is required to reset the backup amplifier functionality. This is done by accessing the user interface in front of the backup amplifier. After the reset the backup amplifier will be back in standby and be ready to take over other defect amplifiers.
