Sonifex RB-IPE IP Extender for GPIO & Analogue Control Signals

RB-IPE IP Extender for GPIO & Analogue Control Signals

The RB-IPE is a 1U rackmount unit designed to provide remote control of GPIO and analogue control voltages over an Ethernet network. Configured using a built-in web server, two units can control each other across an Ethernet network, or a single unit can be controlled via Ethernet commands and the web server interface. The unit can be used in any position where you need to remotely acquire GPO signals or remotely control equipment, for example controlling equipment at unmanned posts, outstations or transmitter sites.

Each unit has 16 x general purpose inputs on 8 x RJ45 connectors, consisting of 8 x isolated current sink inputs and 8 x pull to ground protected inputs; and 16 x general purpose outputs on 8 x RJ45 connectors using 8 x isolated relay change-over contacts and 8 x opto-isolated contacts. These rear panel RJ45 connectors have an LED for each GPIO which shows its state.

On another 8 x RJ45 connectors there are also 8 x 0 to 3.3V/5V/12V input signals and 8 output signals nominally at 0 to 3.3V output, with other output voltage configurations possible. The outputs can all be controlled from the inputs of another RB-IPE, or from Ethernet commands.

This allows any tallies and control signals, together with analogue potentiometer movements, to be sent across a network, e.g. for remote alarm points, to trigger failure alarms at a transmitter site and to control remote equipment.

When two units are connected together at different sites, if a general purpose input state changes at one site the unit sends the new state to the other site and the appropriate opto-isolator output changes on that unit. Similarly input voltage controls are monitored and the changing voltage is sent to the remote unit where an output voltage changes accordingly.

The signals can be routed and distributed such that a single input signal to a unit on one site can be routed to multiple outputs in a unit on another site and/or have the logic inverted and distributed to multiple outputs. Also, the state of the GPOs when the unit is powered on can be configured, allowing more reliable recovery of external connected equipment from a power-fail condition.

The analogue I/O control signals can be mapped to give different ranges between the incoming and outgoing signal, e.g. 0V to 5V input giving a 0V to 12V output, or a linear input mapped to a log scale output. Also, by programming threshold values, analogue input voltages can be mapped to GPO pins, e.g. for sending a signal to a GPO when a volume knob is turned too high.

The web server in the RB-IPE can be configured with a static IP address or by using DHCP.

The three front panel green LEDs give an indication of Ethernet connectivity, i.e. they show when commands are being sent/received. The CONNECTED LED shows link status, the GPIO LED illuminates whenever a GPIO state changes and the ANALOGUE LED indicates a change in state of the analogue voltage signals.

The RB-IPE is powered from a universal mains input between 85-264V AC at 47-63Hz.

For more information on the Sonifex RB-IPE IP Extender for GPIO & Analogue Control Signals, click here!

The Company agrees to repair or (at its discretion) replace Goods which are found to be defective (fair wear and tear excepted) and which are returned to the Company within the Warranty Term provided that each of the following are satisfied:

1. (i) notification of any defect is given to the Company immediately upon its becoming apparent to the Purchaser;
2. (ii) the Goods have only been operated under normal operating conditions and have only been subject to normal use (and in particular the Goods must have been correctly connected and must not have been subject to high voltage or to ionising radiation and must not have been used contrary to the Company's technical recommendations);
3. (iii) the Goods are returned to the Company's premises at the Purchaser's expense;
4. (iv) any Goods or parts of Goods replaced shall become the property of the Company;
5. (v) no work whatsoever (other than normal and proper maintenance) has been carried out to the Goods or any part of the Goods without the Company's prior written consent;
6. (vi) the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or specified by the Purchaser;
7. (vii) the Goods have been assembled or incorporated into other goods only in accordance with any instructions issued by the Company;
8. (viii) the defect has not arisen from a design modified by the Purchaser;
9. (ix) the defect has not arisen from an item manufactured by a person other than the Company. In respect of any item manufactured by a person other than the Company, the Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or guarantee provided by such manufacturer to the Company.