Telex 38109-977 manual Introduction to Matrix Intercom Systems, Definitions

C H A P T E R

4

INTRODUCTION TO MATRIX

INTERCOM SYSTEMS

RALPH STRADER

Introduction

While there is an extensive glossary in the back of this book, some definitions will be given here to aid in the following chapter.

Definitions

Ports Refers to the number of connections available to external devices from the matrix. In typical usage a logical port consists of an audio input to the matrix, which is used to bring the talk signal from a user station, an audio output used to take listen audio to the same panel, and a bi-directional data signal for control and status information between the matrix and the user station. In the RTS™ ADAM™ intercom system, the inputs and outputs can be assigned to completely separate functions, allowing the port to be “split.” A typical application would use the output portion of a port for a feed to a paging speaker, while using the input portion to provide program audio to be used with IFB feeds.

Matrix The audio router that establishes communications paths from user to user. A matrix must not only provide the routing, it must do so reliably, remembering configuration and status and reporting on them. They must also have some degree of reliability – which, as with all things in the world, is related to needs and budget.

User Station Also referred to as a keypanel. Using the telephone system analogy, the matrix is the central office switch or PBX and the keypanel or user station is the telephone instrument. These devices can range in complexity from a simple microphone with a single push button and a loudspeaker to a fully programmable keypanel with alphanumeric displays, DSP signal processing, user programmable features and volume controls. The RTS™ KP- 32 (see figure 4.1) is a good example of the latter.

C h a p t e r 4 - I n t r o d u c t i o n t o M a t r i x I n t e r c o m S y s t e m s 45