The Extron IPL T SF24 is a compact Ethernet control interface with a high performance Web server, two serial ports, and four Flex I/O ports. The IPL T SF24 is designed to integrate IP - Internet Protocol connectivity into AV systems, giving users the ability to remotely and proactively monitor and troubleshoot projectors, flat-panel displays, switchers, and other products.

The IPL T SF24 uses Extron's exclusive IP Link® technology, a high performance intelligent network integration solution specifically engineered to meet the needs of professional AV environments, from large universities and businesses to small home installations. Multiple Ethernet-enabled AV products can be managed and supported using a networked computer running Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.

Serial ports

The IPL T SF24 features two 9-pin D-sub serial ports that can control two RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial devices directly. When configured for pass-through mode, the IPL T SF24 can pass through commands from an existing control system without losing the ability to communicate with the AV device. The IPL T SF24 also includes two captive screw serial ports that are connected in parallel with the 9-pin serial ports.

Flex I/O Ports

Four Flex I/O ports allow the IPL T SF24 to accept an input voltage and then send out a serial command, send an e-mail or trigger another event. These ports can support TTL and analog signals from 0 to 24 volts, allowing a wide variety of devices to be controlled and monitored. The Flex I/O ports can be configured in three ways: analog in, digital in, or digital out.

Flex I/O ports can be configured to receive analog voltages for use with photo sensors, level feedback, strain gauges, thermocouples, variable potentiometers and other devices. Incoming analog voltages from 0 to 24 volts are sampled with 12-bit precision. For example, a thermal sensor installed in an equipment rack can be connected to one of the Flex I/O inputs, and the IPL T SF24 can be configured to send an e-mail message, turn on auxiliary cooling fans and turn off equipment if the rack temperature exceeds a specified temperature value.

Configured as digital inputs, the Flex I/O ports can connect to switches, motion sensors, moisture sensors and tally feedback. This provides the ability to receive status from a variety of devices including projector lifts, motorized projection screens, room partition switches, and push buttons.

When configured as digital outputs, the Flex I/O ports can drive LEDs, 24 volt incandescent lamps, or other devices that accept a TTL input signal. For applications that require contact closure control, the Flex I/O ports can interface with an Extron IPA T RLY4, an IP Link accessory featuring four isolated relays.

E-mail Capabilities for Proactive Service

With e-mail notification, technical support administrators can receive failure and service messages through an e-mail enabled cell phone, PDA, pager, or Internet e-mail account. For secure installations that do not allow Internet access, online monitoring can still be performed proactively. Within an existing secure infrastructure, e-mail notification of failures and repairs is possible without compromising system security.