ASL INTERCOM iPAM400 User manual

Product Manual
ASL Document Ref.: U-0629-0171.doc
Issue: 04 complete, approved - Date: 29/04/10
iPAM400
Intelligent 400 W PA Amplifier Mainframe with Amplifier
and Loudspeaker Line Monitoring
iPAM400 fitted with
2 x MX200 Amplifier Modules for
illustrative purposes.
(Audio I/O Expansion Module is optional and shown for illustrative purposes.)

iPAM400 – Product Manual
Copyright © 2010 Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited
Application Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited
Unit 17 Cliffe Industrial Estate
Lewes - East Sussex
BN8 6JL - UK
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.asl-control.co.uk
All rights reserved.
Information contained in this document is believed to be accurate, however no representation or warranty is given and Application
Solutions (Safety and Security) Limited assumes no liability with respect to the accuracy of such information.
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This equipment is designed and manufactured to conform to the following EC standards:
EMC: EN61000-6-4:2007, EN61000-6-2:2005, EN55103-1/E1:1996,
EN55103-2/E5:1996, EN50121-4:2006, ENV50204:1995
Safety: EN60065:2002
Failure to use the equipment in the manner described in the product literature will
invalidate the warranty.
A ‘Declaration of Conformity’ statement to the above standards, and a list of auxiliary
equipment used for compliance verification, is available on request.
This product must be disposed of in accordance with the WEEE directive.

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Contents
1Overview .....................................................................................................................................................7
2Functional Description .............................................................................................................................10
2.1 Controller ..................................................................................................................................11
2.1.1 External Interfaces............................................................................................................11
2.1.2 VIPA Software Functionality ..............................................................................................11
2.1.2.1 IP Connectivity.........................................................................................................11
2.1.2.2 Audio Broadcasts ....................................................................................................12
2.1.2.2.1 PC/DVA (PC based Digital Voice Announcer) ................................................12
2.1.2.2.2 Local Paging Microphone..............................................................................12
2.1.2.2.3 Local Paging from Other Equipment ............................................................12
2.1.2.2.4 OGG File Playback .........................................................................................12
2.1.2.2.5 Text-to-Speech Broadcasts ..........................................................................12
2.1.2.3 Audio Signal Processing..........................................................................................12
2.1.2.4 Timing......................................................................................................................12
2.1.2.5 Surveillance Tone Generation.................................................................................13
2.1.2.6 Night Time Volume Control.....................................................................................13
2.1.2.7 Listen-in Facility......................................................................................................13
2.1.2.8 BMB01 Remote I/O Unit...........................................................................................13
2.1.2.8.1 BMB01 Digital Inputs ....................................................................................13
2.1.2.8.2 BMB01 Analogue Inputs................................................................................14
2.1.2.8.3 BMB01 Digital Outputs..................................................................................15
2.2 Amplifier Motherboard..............................................................................................................16
2.2.1 Mains and Battery Power Supply ......................................................................................16
2.2.2 Auxiliary Power Supply Output..........................................................................................16
2.3 Amplifier Modules.....................................................................................................................17
2.4 Amplifier Health Monitoring .....................................................................................................17
2.4.1 Surveillance Tone Frequency and Level Compatibility .....................................................17
2.4.2 Pulsed Surveillance Tones ................................................................................................17
2.4.3 Loudspeaker Line Monitoring using DC Surveillance.......................................................18
2.4.3.1 Loudspeaker Line Monitoring .................................................................................18
2.4.3.1.1 Line Open Circuit Fault .................................................................................20
2.4.3.1.2 Partial Line Short Circuit Fault.....................................................................20
2.4.3.1.3 Total Line Short Circuit Fault or Amplifier Failure ......................................20
2.4.3.2 DC Blocking Capacitor Values.................................................................................21
2.4.4 Loudspeaker Line Monitoring using AC Surveillance .......................................................21
2.4.5 Loudspeaker Line Earth Leakage Monitoring...................................................................22
2.5 Auxiliary Control .......................................................................................................................22
2.6 Fault and Status Monitoring......................................................................................................22
2.7 Commissioning and System Maintenance ................................................................................22
3Controls and Indicators ............................................................................................................................23
3.1 Front Panel Indicators and Controls.........................................................................................23
3.2 Rear Panel Indicators and Controls..........................................................................................25
4Installation................................................................................................................................................27
4.1 Main Components......................................................................................................................27
4.2 Installation Requirement ..........................................................................................................28
4.2.1 Equipment and Tool Requirements...................................................................................28
4.2.2 External Cabling Requirements ........................................................................................29
4.3 Recommended Installation Procedure .....................................................................................30
5Connections ..............................................................................................................................................39
5.1 Terminal Allocation...................................................................................................................41
5.1.1 AC Mains Inlet....................................................................................................................41

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5.1.2 DC Supply Input: BATTERY IN............................................................................................41
5.1.3 100 V Line Outputs: SLOT 1, SLOT 2, SLOT 3, and SLOT 4.................................................41
5.1.4 100 V Line Standby Input: STANDBY IN.............................................................................42
5.1.5 Audio In/RS485 Ports: INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 ....................................................................42
5.1.6 Auxiliary DC Output: AUX OUT...........................................................................................42
5.1.7 Audio-CAN Bus / RS485 Port: STATUS PORTS..................................................................43
5.1.8 RS232 Port.........................................................................................................................43
5.1.9 Ethernet Port.....................................................................................................................44
5.1.10 USB Ports 1 and 2..............................................................................................................44
5.1.11 VGA Port.............................................................................................................................44
5.1.12 Audio I/O Expansion Module Inputs and Outputs (optional)..............................................45
5.1.12.1 Audio Inputs: IN 3 and IN 4......................................................................................45
5.1.12.2 Audio Outputs: OUT 1, OUT 2, OUT 3, and OUT 4 .....................................................45
5.2 Connection Diagrams ................................................................................................................46
5.2.1 Microphone Connection.....................................................................................................46
5.2.2 BMB01 Remote I/O Connections .......................................................................................48
5.2.2.1 BMB01 and ANS Sensor Connection .......................................................................49
5.2.2.2 BMB01 and Routing Contact Interface Connection for LLPA/CIS...........................51
5.2.2.3 BMB01 and Monitored Fault Input Connection for Third-Party Equipment Fault
Monitoring ...............................................................................................................53
5.2.2.4 BMB01 and Non-Monitored Fault Input Connection for Third-Party Equipment
Fault Monitoring......................................................................................................55
5.3 Connection of External Amplifiers............................................................................................57
5.4 Avoiding Ground Loop Problems...............................................................................................58
6Commissioning .........................................................................................................................................59
6.1 Generating a Configuration File ................................................................................................59
6.2 Connecting to the iPAM400 .......................................................................................................59
6.2.1 Connecting Remotely via PuTTY (for a host PC running Windows)...................................60
6.2.2 Connecting Remotely via a SSH (Secure SHell) Session (for a host PC running Linux) ...61
6.2.3 Connecting Locally to the RS232 Serial Port (via Terminal Emulator) .............................62
6.2.4 Connecting Locally via a Monitor and USB Keyboard .......................................................63
6.3 Setup Tool..................................................................................................................................64
6.3.1 Using the Setup Tool..........................................................................................................64
6.3.1.1 Getting the Software Build Version.........................................................................65
6.3.1.2 Updating or Restoring the Software Version ..........................................................66
6.3.1.2.1 Updating or Restoring the Software Version Using a USB Memory Stick ....66
6.3.1.2.2 Updating or Restoring the Software Version Using the RAM Disk ...............67
6.3.1.2.3 Restoring the Software Version Using the Build Directory ..........................68
6.3.1.3 Updating or Restoring the iPAM400 System Configuration....................................69
6.3.1.3.1 Updating or Restoring the System Configuration Using a USB Memory Stick
.......................................................................................................................69
6.3.1.3.2 Updating or Restoring the System Configuration Using the RAM Disk........70
6.3.1.3.3 Updating or Restoring the System Configuration the Using the
Configuration Directory ................................................................................71
6.3.1.4 Changing the System Setup ....................................................................................72
6.3.1.4.1 Configuring the System IP Address ..............................................................72
6.3.1.4.2 Safeguarding the ALSA Audio Settings.........................................................73
6.3.1.4.3 Creating a Backup of the Current Configuration ..........................................74
6.3.1.5 Playing Test Tones and Test Messages ..................................................................75
6.3.1.5.1 Playing a 1 kHz Test Tone to an iPAM400 Local Output................................75
6.3.1.5.2 Playing Pink Noise to an iPAM400 Local Output...........................................76
6.3.1.5.3 Playing a 1 kHz Tone and Pink Noise to an iPAM400 Local Output ..............77
6.3.1.5.4 Playing the Built-in Test Message to an iPAM400 Local Output...................78
6.3.1.5.5 Playing the Built-in Test Message to a Configured Zone..............................79

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6.3.1.5.6 Playing a Message Stored in a USB Memory Stick to a Zone .......................80
6.3.1.6 Restarting the iPAM400 Software...........................................................................81
6.3.1.6.1 Restarting the iPAM400 Software With Event Logging Disabled..................81
6.3.1.6.2 Restarting the iPAM400 Software With Event Logging Enabled ..................81
6.3.1.7 Copying Log and Configuration Files to a USB Memory Stick.................................82
6.3.1.8 Deleting Log Files ...................................................................................................82
6.3.1.9 Collating DVA Filenames to a USB Memory Stick...................................................83
6.3.1.10 Clearing the Amplifier Mainframe Configuration ...................................................84
6.3.1.11 Rebooting the iPAM400 ...........................................................................................85
6.3.2 Setup Tool Menu Structure ...............................................................................................86
6.4 Audio Settings ...........................................................................................................................88
7Fault Finding.............................................................................................................................................91
8Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................99
8.1 Removing the Front Panel.........................................................................................................99
8.2 Powering the Mainframe Off ...................................................................................................100
8.3 Removing an Amplifier Module from the Mainframe .............................................................101
8.4 Installing an Amplifier Module into the Mainframe................................................................102
8.5 Powering the Mainframe On ...................................................................................................103
8.6 Fitting the Front Panel ............................................................................................................104
8.7 Removing the Mainframe Lid ..................................................................................................104
8.8 Removing the Mainframe from the Rack ................................................................................105
8.9 Installing a Mainframe into the Rack ......................................................................................106
8.10 Amplifier Module Replacement ..............................................................................................107
8.11 iPAM400 Mainframe Replacement..........................................................................................108
8.12 Battery Replacement ..............................................................................................................110
8.13 Fuse Replacement...................................................................................................................111
8.13.1 AC Mains Supply / Battery Supply / Auxiliary DC Supply Output Fuses..........................111
8.13.2 iPAM400 Internal Fuses ..................................................................................................112
8.13.3 MX Amplifier Module Internal Fuses...............................................................................113
8.14 Loading Configuration into the iPAM400.................................................................................114
8.15 Spare Parts and Accessories ..................................................................................................116
9Product Specification..............................................................................................................................119
9.1 iPAM400...................................................................................................................................119
9.2 MX100 ......................................................................................................................................121
9.3 MX200 ......................................................................................................................................122
9.4 MX400 ......................................................................................................................................123
10 Mechanical Dimensions..........................................................................................................................124
11 Appendix A – Three Line LLPA Interface................................................................................................125
11.1 Installation Requirements ......................................................................................................125
11.2 Cabling Requirements.............................................................................................................125
11.3 Implementation .......................................................................................................................126
11.3.1 Audio Input Signal 1.........................................................................................................126
11.3.2 Routing Audio Input Signal 1 into Zone 1.........................................................................126
11.3.2.1 Busy Signal for routing Audio Input Signal 1 into Zone 1......................................126
11.3.2.2 Access Request Signal for routing Audio Input Signal 1 into Zone 1....................126
11.3.2.3 Access Granted Signal for routing Audio Input Signal 1 into Zone 1 ....................127
11.3.3 Routing Audio Input Signal 1 into Zone 2, Zone 3, etc .....................................................127
11.3.4 Audio Signals 2, 3, 4, etc..................................................................................................127
12 Safety and Precautions...........................................................................................................................129
12.1 Environmental.........................................................................................................................129
12.2 Electrical Safety ......................................................................................................................129
12.3 ESD Precautions......................................................................................................................129
12.4 Weight Safety...........................................................................................................................130

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12.5 Cabling.....................................................................................................................................130
12.6 EMC .........................................................................................................................................130
12.7 Ground Loops ..........................................................................................................................130
12.8 Lithium Battery .......................................................................................................................130
12.9 Unpacking and Handling .........................................................................................................131
12.10 Packing for Return for Repair.................................................................................................131
13 Reference Documents ............................................................................................................................132
14 Abbreviations..........................................................................................................................................133
15 Index .......................................................................................................................................................135

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1 Overview
The iPAM400 Intelligent Public Address Amplifier Mainframe with Loudspeaker Line Surveillance is a 2U
rack mount unit which combines amplification, routing, and Ethernet connectivity, and includes
loudspeaker line monitoring.
Amplification is provided by high efficiency and low quiescent current modular amplifiers using ASL
proprietary Adaptive Class D technology, whilst Voice over IP and Digital Voice announcement are provided
by an embedded controller supporting the ASL VIPA software suite.
The iPAM400 can be fitted with the ASL MX series 100 V PA/VA amplifier modules1in any of the following
standard combinations:
• 4 x 100 W2
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
100W
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
100W
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
100W
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
100W
Modular Power Amplifier
iPAM400
fault
sync
process or
ethernet
aux
battery
mains
faultselect
supply faultselectsupply faultselectsupply faultselectsupply
• 2 x 200 W2
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
200W
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
200W
Modular Power Amplifier
iPAM400
fault
sync
process or
ethernet
aux
battery
mains
faultselect
supplyfaultselectsupp ly
• 1 x 400W
Modular Power Amplifier
iPAM400
fault
sync
process or
ethernet
aux
battery
mains
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
400W
faultselectsuppl y
• 1 x 200 W + 2 x 100 W2
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
200W
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
100W
-0dB
-20dB
-40dB
100W
Modular Power Amplifier
iPAM400
fault
sync
process or
ethernet
aux
battery
mains
faultselect
supply faultselectsupplyfaultselectsupply
The amplifier modules are inserted from the front of the mainframe, and are protected by a removable
front panel.
1The iPAM400 is designed to use the MX Series Amplifier Modules, and is not compatible with the M100, M200, and M400 M Series
Amplifier Modules. These two series of amplifier modules are electrically identical, but have different mechanics and connectors.
2The mainframe is fully populated in the standard configurations. However the mainframe does not need to be fully populated with
amplifiers, for example three MX100 amplifiers could be fitted, or a single MX200 amplifier.

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Loudspeaker line monitoring can be provided using either AC or DC Line Surveillance:
• AC Line Surveillance:
AC line surveillance is BS EN5839 Part 8 compliant and requires one ASL AEL01 or AEL02 Active End of
Line Device to be fitted at the end on the loudspeaker circuit across the 100 V line.
The AEL01 and AEL02 enable line monitoring of either single (A) or dual A&B loudspeaker circuits
without the need for DC blocking capacitors in the loudspeakers. In dual A&B loudspeaker circuits
application the surveillance system identifies and isolates the faulty circuit in the event of short circuit.
Please refer to the AEL01 or AEL02 customer documentation for further details; see Table 7 (page 132).
• DC Line Surveillance:
DC line surveillance is BS EN5839 Part 8 compliant and requires all loudspeakers to be fitted with DC
blocking capacitors, and uses ASL EOL10K End of Line Resistors, with up to ten spurs per amplifier
slot.
With DC Line Surveillance the iPAM4400 features 4 relay isolated outputs which enable multiple small
speaker runs to be fed from single amplifiers. In the event of short circuit the surveillance system
identifies and isolates the faulty circuit, which enables the other circuits fed by the same amplifier to
operate unaffected.
The mainframe is designed to operate with dual power supplies: a 230 V AC mains supply and/or a 24 V DC
battery supply, and provides two multifunction audio input and RS485 serial I/O ports, one Ethernet port,
one RS232 serial port, one VGA port, and two USB ports.
The two multifunction audio input and serial I/O ports enable the connection of any of ASL’s general paging
microphones, the ASL BMB01 Remote I/O Unit, or other audio sources. The BMB01 unit in turn enables the
connection of ASL Ambient Noise Sensors and remote control units, and also provides flexible general
purpose analogue and digital I/O connectivity. Microphones connected to these ports can be configured for
paging and DVA routing locally at the host iPAM400, or elsewhere over the network.
The iPAM400 can be controlled from an ASL or third-party workstations elsewhere on the IP network, or
can have a directly connected monitor, mouse and keyboard, or touchscreen. The diagram in Figure 1
shows an example of the iPAM400 in system context.
Each iPAM400 is a self-sufficient VIPA unit with local intelligence and can be configured to run as stand-
alone unit or in a network. The iPAM400 supports full peer-to-peer IP communications for both voice and
control. This provides an IP enabled distributed operating platform for ASL software and other
applications, with connectivity, control, and monitoring functions. In the event of network unavailability or
central controller failure (if any), all remote units will operate with full local functionality. All local DVA
messages, local microphones, and local schedules continue to operate. In addition any peer-to-peer paging
between remote units will continue to function if the central controller fails, if any.
ASL’s Voice over IP solution allows the iPAM400s audio outputs to be synchronised across the network, and
allows the use of both high and low bandwidth codecs as appropriate to the application.
The base iPAM400 VIPA1software set includes: Operating System, Voice over IP, PC/DVA back end,
interfaces to ASL microphones, and IP interfaces for control and fault reporting.
The software can be controlled and upgraded either locally or remotely.
1The iPAM400 uses Acapela speech technologies licensed from the Acapela Group.
Acapelatext-to-speech processing software can optionally be installed in order to provide text-to speech broadcasts.

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Figure 1 System context example
IP NETWORK
CIS
(Customer Information System)
PC/DVA System
iPAM400
BMB01
Remote I/O Unit
ANS
(Ambient Noise Sensor) LOUDSPEAKER
CIRCUITS
PAGING
MICROPHONE
iPAM400
LOUDSPEAKER
CIRCUITS
PAGING
MICROPHONE
BGM
(Background Music)
iPAM400
LOUDSPEAKER
CIRCUITS
PAGING
MICROPHONES
MONITOR/ MOUSE/
KEYBOARD

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2 Functional Description
The iPAM400 is functionally split into four main blocks as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 iPAM400 block diagram
CONTROLLER
AUDIO IN
AUX
CONTROL
MODULE
(*)
GSM-R/DTMF/
AUDIO
EXPANSION
LANETHERNET
AUX AUDIO IN
(ASL PAGING
MICROPHONE OR
OTHER SOURCE)
ASL MICROPHONE
OR BMB01 COMMS
COMMISSIONING
LAPTOP
AMPLIFIERS
AUDIO OUT
(4x)
OR
PERIPHERALS
VGA DISPLAY
(*): Aux Control Module is optional and provides expansion options: GSM-R interface (future option), DTMF interface (future option), or
Audio Expansion.
ANS: ASL Ambient Noise Sensor
BMB01: ASL Remote I/O Unit
CAN = Controller Area Network
DTMF = Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency
GSM-R = Global System for Mobile communications - Railway
GSM-R
DTMF
RS232
DC POWER
iPAM400
POWER FOR
ASL MICROPHONE,
BMB01, OR ANS
DC POWER
RS485
RS485
DC POWER
AUDIO IN
RS232/USB
VGA
USB (2x)
100 V AUDIO OUT
100 V AUDIO OUT
100 V AUDIO OUT
100 V AUDIO OUT
AMPLIFIER
MOTHERBOARD
230V AC
MAINS
OR
2 x AUDIO IN
(from DTMF interface)
AUDIO I/O
(from/to AUDIO
EXPANSION) 4 x AUDIO OUT
RS232
(TTL)
AUDIO IN (LISTEN-IN)
POWER
SUPPLY
24V DC
CAN/RS485
(FOR ASL USE)

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2.1 Controller
The Controller is a sophisticated platform which provides all control and routing functions, supports the
ASL VIPA software suite, and provides a number of analogue audio and control interfaces for VoIP, PC/DVA,
and other advanced functions.
2.1.1 External Interfaces
The following external interfaces are provided:
• 1 x Ethernet port for IP connection.
• 2 x multifunctional audio/data ports.
Each port provides a balanced audio input, a RS485 interface, and a DC power supply (18-36 V). These
ports are for connection of either: an ASL microphone, ASL BMB01 Remote I/O Units, or other audio
sources such as background music. One can also be used for the incoming audio stream from the
optional DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) interface; see Section “2.5 Auxiliary Control”
(page 22).
Note that the BMB01 can share one port with an audio source, provided that this is not an ASL
microphone.
• 1 x RS232 port for connection of a PC for commissioning and diagnostic purposes.
• 1 x VGA port for commissioning and diagnostic purposes.
• 2 x USB ports (type A) on the rear panel for connection of peripherals such as memory sticks,
keyboards, etc., to aid in software upgrade and diagnostics.
2.1.2 VIPA Software Functionality
The VIPA software suite is being continually developed. At the time of the publication of this manual the
base functionality provided for the iPAM400 is as described in the following sections.
2.1.2.1 IP Connectivity
The iPAM400 provides 100 Mbit/s Ethernet connectivity over CAT5 cable with Control and Voice over IP
(VoIP) functions. This enables control of the iPAM400 and broadcast over an IP network from the ASL
PC/DVA System, other PC/DVA system, or a Customer Information System (CIS).
The transmission of audio between the iPAM400 and other VIPA units such as the VIPET IP Audio Controller
and the iPA400 Amplifier Mainframe uses PMC (Portable Media Carrier) protocol1capable of multicast
operation where there is one source and multiple simultaneous destinations. The iPAM400 and other VIPA
units can however be configured for unicast operation with one source to only one destination, on networks
that do not support multicast.
In multicast operation a star topology network with router and active switches that support layer 2 (MAC-
based) multicast is recommended for maximum bandwidth savings.
A private local network is recommended for secured data transfer. If required, connections across a shared
or open network should use a dedicated VPN (Virtual Private Network) in order to secure all data transfer.
Refer to “PMC Software Modules” Product Overview for further details; see Table 7 (page 132).
1Standard IPv4 UDP multicast with IGMPv3, which is compatible with all modern desktop and server operating systems, such as
Windows, MacOS, Linux, Solaris, AIX, HP/UX, BSD, etc.

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2.1.2.2 Audio Broadcasts
2.1.2.2.1 PC/DVA (PC based Digital Voice Announcer)
The iPAM400 has built-in PC/DVA functions which use internally stored pre-recorded complete DVA
messages, or message fragments which are assembled into complete messages under the control of a
Customer Information System (CIS).
A full third-party OEM API can be provided which allows both immediate and scheduled announcements on
the unit to be triggered from a CIS system. Please contact ASL for details of the API and associated SDKs.
2.1.2.2.2 Local Paging Microphone
The iPAM400 provides two balanced audio inputs which are fully compatible with all ASL paging
microphones. Microphones which are connected to either of these inputs can be configured to selectively
page any combination of zones from the local iPAM400, or on other VIPA units across the network.
The priority of these microphones is configurable to be higher, the same, or lower than the IP derived
broadcasts at each VIPA unit.
2.1.2.2.3 Local Paging from Other Equipment
The two audio inputs and the additional input on the optional Audio Expansion Module can be used to
provide audio broadcasts from other equipment, third-party microphones, and PC/DVA, CIS or LLPA (Long
Line PA) systems.
2.1.2.2.4 OGG File Playback
The iPAM400 can receive an OGG Vorbis encoded audio file with sampling frequency from 22 kHz to 48 kHz,
decompress it at 10 x real-time speed, and play it into any combination of amplifiers.
2.1.2.2.5 Text-to-Speech Broadcasts
The iPAM400 can optionally perform text-to-speech broadcasts from free format typed-in text input using
Acapelatext-to-speech processing software, which uses the English (UK) ‘Rachael’ voice as standard.
2.1.2.3 Audio Signal Processing
The iPAM400 provides a 3-band parametric equaliser featuring high and low shelving (with adjustable
frequency and slope) and a sweep-able mid band (with adjustable Q).
2.1.2.4 Timing
When used with a number of other VIPA units the system time is synchronised by use of the NTP (Network
Timing Protocol). This enables synchronised broadcasts to be made across the network, for instance by
multiple VIPA units broadcasting across a single site.
The master NTP clock can be an external unit or can be defined as one of the VIPA units in the network.
The iPAM400 has a Real Time Clock (RTC) which can be configured during commissioning.
Time delays can be programmed between multiple amplifiers used to broadcast to a single zone. This
enables tuning of the system acoustics where banks of speakers are located at different distances from the
audience, e.g. with zones with ceiling mounted speakers located on combined low canopies and high roofs.

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2.1.2.5 Surveillance Tone Generation
The Controller generates the necessary audio surveillance tones required by the Amplifier Motherboard in
order to perform the loudspeaker line monitoring; see Section “2.2 Amplifier Motherboard” (page 16).
2.1.2.6 Night Time Volume Control
The iPAM400 provides a Night Time Volume Control function. This is a facility for automatically limiting the
volume of announcements at configurable times of the day, usually during the night.
Any new route established when a Night Time Volume Control period is active will be subject to the
configured volume capping.
2.1.2.7 Listen-in Facility
The listen-in facility enables a remote Control System across the network to monitor each of the audio
outputs of an iPAM400.
While the ‘listen-in’ function is active, the audio-mix will update accordingly if the routed audio source
change to the selected output.
2.1.2.8 BMB01 Remote I/O Unit
The input ports which are used for connection of ASL microphones to the iPAM400 are also fully compatible
with the ASL BMB01 Remote I/O Unit.
The BMB01 provides twelve analogue inputs, twelve digital inputs, and twelve digital outputs.
The inputs can be configured as contact for routing of local inputs or for external fault reporting. The
analogue inputs can also interface to the ASL Ambient Noise Sensors (ANS) . The outputs can be configured
to indicate the busy state of any local output or group of outputs when being driven by any input or group of
inputs. 1
2.1.2.8.1 BMB01 Digital Inputs
Digital inputs 1 to 12 provide a contact input function via an opto-isolated interface. The contact is asserted
when the opto-isolator is turned on. These may be used to interface a simple contact closure as follows.
Contact Closure to Ground
A simple contact closure to a local or remote ground
may be connected as shown.
BMB01
DIGITAL INPUT (1 TO 12)
I
OPTO ON
WHEN CONTACT
CLOSED
+
-
12-40 V
CONTACT
CLOSURE
TO GROUND
1BMB01 input and output capabilities are dependent on software version. Refer to ASL for details.

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Contact Closure to Supply (+ve going Input)
In this method a contact closure is not made to
ground, but to a local or remote supply, with a fused
connection to ground. This may be appropriate,
depending on the signal source.
BMB01
DIGITAL INPUT (1 TO 12)
I
OPTO ON
WHEN CONTACT
CLOSED
+
-
12-40 V
CONTACT
CLOSURE
TO SUPPLY
Contact Closure to Positive Voltage Source
(+ve going Input)
As per Contact Closure to Supply, but to an
alternatively switched voltage source, such as a
suitable output from another piece of equipment.
BMB01
DIGITAL INPUT (1 TO 12)
I
OPTO ON
WHEN CONTACT
CLOSED
+
-
12-40 V
FROM
REMOTE
EQUIPMENT

For reliable operation in all examples it is recommended that the 0 V reference be taken back
to the 0 V of the equipment that supplies the +ve signal be it the local or a remote supply.
2.1.2.8.2 BMB01 Analogue Inputs
Analogue inputs 1 to 12 provide a contact input function via a non-isolated analogue interface with an
internal pull-up (4k7 ohms) to 5 V.
The contact input operates in two modes: ‘non-monitored’ and ‘monitored’. Each contact is individually
selectable between these two modes.
Non-Monitored Contact1
Simple contact closure.
BMB01
ANALOGUE
INPUT
(1 TO 12)
CABLING TO CONTACT
+5 V
4k7 ohms
0 V
THRESHOLD= 2.5V
AL 1 - 12
1Non-monitored contact is not implemented in the iPAM400 application at the time of publication of this document.

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Monitored Contact
This interface enables the iPAM400 to monitor the
interface to the contact closure. The contact must
be fitted with 6k8/470R resistors.
A resistance of 7270 ohms indicates inactive (switch
open) and resistance of 470 ohms indicates active
(switch closed). Open and short circuit cable
conditions are thus readily detected by resistance
values outside this range.
MONITORED
CONTACT
470 ohms
6k8 ohms
CABLING TO CONTACT
+5 V
4k7 ohms
0 V
AL 1 - 12
BMB01
ANALOGUE
INPUT
(1 TO 12)
Ambient Noise Sensors
Alternatively the analogue inputs can interface to
the ASL Ambient Noise Sensors (ANS) .
The ANS sensors enable the broadcast volume of
any local zone to be adjusted automatically to a level
above the ambient noise level which is present at
the start of an announcement. The broadcast level is
frozen during the announcement.
CURRENT
BMB01
ANALOGUE
INPUT
(1 TO 12)
CABLING TO ANS SENSOR
+5 V
4k7 ohms
0 V
AL 1 - 12
ANS SENSOR
SENSE RESISTOR
2.1.2.8.3 BMB01 Digital Outputs
Digital outputs 1 to 12 are active-low open-collector outputs.
These can be configured as ‘Busy Outputs’. Each such output can be configured to correspond to the busy
state of any local audio output or group of outputs when being driven by any local or remote audio input or
group of inputs. In the case of a group of local outputs, it operates as an OR function of the busy state of the
local outputs, i.e. if any of them are busy with any of the selected inputs, then the digital output is driven.

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2.2 Amplifier Motherboard
The Amplifier Motherboard houses the power supply circuit, interfaces the audio to the amplifier modules,
and monitors the integrity of the loudspeaker lines, using AC line surveillance with the AEL01/AEL02 Active
End of Line Device or DC line surveillance using ASL EOL10K End of Line Resistors.
With loudspeaker line surveillance enabled the presence of open or short circuit or earth fault is indicated
for each amplifier by an LED indicator on the iPAM400 front panel. These faults are also reported to a
connected control system over the IP network.
The Amplifier Motherboard also provides the interface for the controls and indicators located on the
iPAM400 front panel.
2.2.1 Mains and Battery Power Supply
The iPAM400 is designed to operate with either or both of two power supplies:
• 230 V AC mains supply (European standard): 230 V, 50 Hz, +/–10%
• 24 V DC battery supply: 21 to 27.6 V (from a nominal 24 V lead acid battery pack)
Each of the two power supplies has its own power ON/OFF switch. These switches are protected from
inadvertent operation by the mainframe front panel when this is fitted.
Mains/battery changeover is achieved by simple diode changeover to give uninterrupted changeover in the
event of mains failure.
In order to prevent battery discharge the power supply circuit is designed to ensure that the DC supply
voltage does not fall below the battery voltage under the worst-case combination of low mains and full
amplifier load.
The power supply electronics is split into two halves. One half feeds amplifier slots 1 & 2, the other slots
3 & 4. This allows amplifiers in the separate halves of the same frame to be used for multiple circuits
without a common point of failure in the power supply circuits affecting all amplifiers.
2.2.2 Auxiliary Power Supply Output
The iPAM400 provides an auxiliary supply output (21 V to 38 V) which can be used to supply other pieces of
equipment up to a limit of 1 A. This supply output is derived from the mains and battery supplies. The
auxiliary power supply output and the integrity of the auxiliary supply fuse are monitored and indicated via
a front panel LED.

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2.3 Amplifier Modules
The MX amplifier modules use ASL proprietary Adaptive Class D technology to achieve high efficiency and
low quiescent current. They are designed to produce 100 V RMS across their rated load being stable into
loads from short to open circuit. The MX series1of amplifier modules comprises the following modules:
• MX100 100 W Amplifier Module
• MX200 200 W Amplifier Module
• MX400 400 W Amplifier Module
The MX100, MX200, and MX400 amplifier modules respectively occupy one, two or four slots in the iPAM400
mainframe. A front fascia panel is fitted to the mainframe to provide protection for the amplifier module(s)
and annotations for the LED indicators.
The amplifiers are designed such that audio performance will not be significantly affected when the battery
voltage drops to 21 V, ensuring that the full audio output (+0, –1dB) is attained at this battery voltage.
ASL amplifiers on 230 V mains power can produce full output, with normal programme material, into loads
25% greater than those specified. In these conditions, a MX100 will deliver full output with 125 W of load
connected, a MX200 will deliver full output with 250 W of load connected, and a MX400 will deliver full
output with 500 W of load connected.
2.4 Amplifier Health Monitoring
Amplifier health monitoring is accomplished by detection of infrasonic tones at the amplifier output and
input terminals. The detection of surveillance tone and the fault threshold levels must be configured during
the system commissioning.
Amplifier input fault is reported when the measured input surveillance level falls below the commissioned
threshold which is 70% of the measured value. The fault is reported within 100 seconds of the fault being
induced.
Discrimination between amplifier failure and output signal failure is accomplished by logical process; see
Section “2.4.3.1.3 Total Line Short Circuit Fault or Amplifier Failure” (page 20).
2.4.1 Surveillance Tone Frequency and Level Compatibility
Amplifier health monitoring is compatible with sinusoidal surveillance tones in the 20 Hz-40 Hz frequency
range with 1-2 V RMS amplifier output.
2.4.2 Pulsed Surveillance Tones
The amplifier health monitoring system accepts pulsed surveillance tones within the following parameters:
• Repetition: continuous to 50 seconds
• Duration: 1 second to continuous
1These amplifier modules are electrically identical to the M series amplifier modules, but with different mechanics and connectors
to match the iPAM400 mainframe.

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Figure 3 Interval between surveillance tones
Tone Tone
Interval
 1) A typical system is configured to accept pulses of 1 second every 20 seconds. Once set,
the system must see pulses at this interval or more regularly. If pulses are not received
within this interval a fault will be reported.
2) The iPAM400 temporarily superimposes a continuous surveillance tone on its outputs
when requested by the amplifier motherboard. This happens during the fault diagnostic
process. When the amplifier motherboard detects a fault, it requests the iPAM400 to
superimpose a continuous surveillance tone on the required output for the duration of
the diagnostic process in order to be able to isolate the faulty lines quickly.
3) The design ensures that indication of a fault is made within 100 seconds of the
occurrence of the fault regardless of whether the surveillance tone is active at the time.
2.4.3 Loudspeaker Line Monitoring using DC Surveillance
2.4.3.1 Loudspeaker Line Monitoring
Open circuit and short circuit faults on loudspeaker lines are detected by the measurement of a small
direct current through ASL EOL10K End Of Line resistors1. One EOL10K resistor is required in parallel with
the terminations of the last physical loudspeaker of each loudspeaker line. Any associated spurred cabling
runs require additional EOL10K resistors to be fitted.
The system caters for a minimum of one EOL10K resistor per loudspeaker circuit. Each circuit in multiple
circuit configurations can have different number of EOL10K resistors (or spurs) provided that the total
number of EOL10K resistors (or spurs) per amplifier slot does not exceed ten; see example in Figure 4.
The number of EOL10K resistors fitted is configured during system commissioning.
All loudspeakers connected to the system must be fitted with DC blocking capacitors; see Section “2.4.3.2
DC Blocking Capacitor Values” (page 21).
For further details of the End of Line Resistors and DC blocking capacitors, please refer to EOL10K user
documentation; see Table 7 (page 132).
1EOL resistors must be of the high stability ASL EOL10K type.

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Figure 4 Loudspeaker lines using DC surveillance
C = DC BLOCKING CAPACITOR
C C C C
EOL10K
EOL10K
CIRCUIT
SPUR C
C
EOL10K
C C C C EOL10K
C C C C EOL10K
CC C
EOL10K
CIRCUIT
SPUR C
C
EOL10K
CIRCUIT
SPUR C
C
AMPLIFIER SLOT 1
iPAM400
OUTPUT 'A'
OUTPUT 'B'
OUTPUT 'C'
OUTPUT 'D'
AMPLIFIER SLOT 2
OUTPUT 'A'

1) Maximum number of EOL10K resistors (or spurs) per amplifier slot = 10.
2) Each circuit can have different number of EOL10K resistors.

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2.4.3.1.1 Line Open Circuit Fault
The system reports a line open circuit fault when the DC surveillance indicates that the total number of
spurs has decreased below the commissioned value for the amplifier. The total number of spurs is the sum
of spurs commissioned for the amplifier slot.
Line open circuit fault for an amplifier is reported within 100 seconds of the fault being induced provided
that no partial or total short circuit faults have been reported for the amplifier.
The faulty loudspeaker circuit within an amplifier can be identified in the case of a single line open circuit
fault.
2.4.3.1.2 Partial Line Short Circuit Fault
The system reports a line short circuit fault when the DC surveillance indicates that the total number of
spurs appears to have increased above the commissioned value for the amplifier, i.e. the overall resistance
is lower, due to a partial short circuit. The total number of spurs is the sum of spurs commissioned for the
amplifier slot.
Line short circuit fault for the amplifier is reported within 100 seconds of the fault being induced provided
that no open circuit or total short circuit faults have been reported for the amplifier.
The faulty loudspeaker circuit within an amplifier can be identified in the case of a single partial line short
circuit fault.
2.4.3.1.3 Total Line Short Circuit Fault or Amplifier Failure
Amplifier failure is determined when the output surveillance level falls below the commissioned threshold
(60% of the measured value) AND the amplifier input surveillance is OK. This condition will also be caused
by a total short circuit on the amplifier output.
In order to differentiate between the two fault conditions the system isolates all outputs configured for the
amplifier, and then checks the output surveillance level:
• If the output surveillance level is now OK, then the fault is a line short and a line short circuit is
reported. After reporting the line short circuit fault the system determines which of the circuits the
short occurs on and isolate the faulty circuit(s).
In order to do this, the system removes the isolation and performs an output level measurement for
each circuit fed by the amplifier. If the output level is still OK then other circuit(s) fed by the amplifier is
faulty. If the reading is now below the commissioned threshold then the connected circuit is faulty, and
it is isolated again. Therefore all faulty circuits will be isolated and identified at the end of the
diagnostic process.
• If this is still below the commissioned threshold then an amplifier failure is reported and faulty
amplifier is switched over to the standby amplifier if a standby amplifier (internal or external) is
available.
Fault is reported within 100 seconds of the fault being induced.
The system performs this diagnostic process for an amplifier whenever it detects that the output
surveillance level is bellow the commissioned threshold AND the amplifier input surveillance is OK.