The audio (and GPIO) capabilities of Power Core can be expanded further by adding one or more Audio I/O Extenders.

Each Audio I/O Extender (AIOX) is a separate 1RU device that delivers up to 64 channels of I/O. Each device connects to the main frame using any available MADI/AIOX port (front or rear). Up to 20 AIOX devices can connect to a single Power Core, expanding its I/O capability to up to 1,280 audio inputs, outputs and GPIO.

The image below shows an example with three AIOX devices.

AIOX Frame

Each AIOX device uses the same frame/housing as a standard Power Core and comes with 2 x AIOX ports (at the front).

I/O Cards

The rear of the frame can be fitted with up to 8 x 8-channel expansion I/O cards. These are identical to the expansion I/O cards described earlier. Options include Mic/Line In, Line Out, Studio I/O, AES3 I/O and GPIO. Note that the MADI and DANTE I/O cards are not supported (as the maximum capacity of the AIOX connection is 64 channels).

Power

The AIOX frame is powered in the same manner as the main frame. If both AC and DC inputs are connected, then the two feeds provide main and redundant power. For more information, see Power Core - Power Supplies.

Airflow Requirements

The AIOX frame is cooled by temperature-controlled fans in the same manner as the main frame.

Ventilation holes are provided on the left and right. You must make sure that there is sufficient airflow around the frame for cooling.

For more information, please refer to Power Core - Installing the Frame.

Please note: The fan speed is controlled remotely from the main Power Core frame. If a main frame is not connected, then the fans run at high speed (to protect the internal components). 

Connecting the Main Frame

The connection to the main frame is always point-to-point, and is made using a proprietary high-speed, low-delay audio and control protocol. You will need 1 x MADI port for each connection. This can be any of the four MADI/AIOX ports on the front panel, or a MADI port on a rear expansion I/O card (if available). The port(s) must be configured for AIOX operation (by editing the system configuration using ON-AIR Designer).

To configure redundancy, you must connect both ports from the AIOX device. If these connections are made to two separate Power Core frames, then the system can be configured for full redundancy.

The type of connection, and its maximum length, is determined by the SFP module fitted to the frame. SFPs for coax, copper or single- and multi-mode fiber connections are available. For more information, see Power Core - SFP Transceivers.

Ordering Information

To specify the AIOX option, please follow these steps:

  1. Order the required number of AIOX frame(s) using the following part number: Power Core AIOX (970/12).
  2. Optional: add an external DC power supply for the AIOX frame(s). See Power Core - Power Supplies.
  3. Add the required number of expansion I/O cards - to populate the AIOX frame(s). All 8-channel card options are supported.
  4. Don't forget the SFP modules for the MADI/AIOX port(s) in the main frame and AIOX device.

Please note: To connect a Power Core AIOX device to a rear MADI/AIOX port on the main frame, you must use a MADI I/O card (710/50). The MADI SRC I/O (710/60) cannot be used for AIOX.

Backwards Compatibility

Power Core AIOX can be added to any revision of the Power Core main frame: 710/13, 710/11 or 710/10.

Further Information

Additional information can be found in the data sheet for the AIOX device (710/12). This is available from the Lawo Download-Center (after login).