The Central Module in the Base Device:­ Interface, Logic and Decentralized Intelligence of the NEXUS System

Exactly one XCPU board is used for each Base Device. This takes over control and monitoring of all modules in the Base Devicet as well as the system administration of the unit itself. It also generates the NEXUS system clock and, if necessary, controls synchronization to the currently selected external clock source. All states of the entire NEXUS system are available at any time and on each individual XCPU module in the network; all volatile data are always stored immediately in a battery-buffered SRAM. This concept guarantees that a total failure can never occur in a NEXUS system and that, for example, newly switched-on Base Devices are ready for use and informed about everything within a few seconds.

Any XCPU card in the network can be used to connect external control computers or systems, from the native Matrix-5 control interface to the most complex control systems used in broadcasting stations. Integration into an SNMP system is also possible, which significantly enhances the already comprehensive security and monitoring functions of NEXUS networks. The board has an internal level and noise generator so that routing tests can also be carried out without external signals.

For the level measurement, the XCPU module determines and calculates the level data of the inputs and outputs in its Base Device. Due to the increased computing power from hardware version 09, the XCPU card can also perform tasks such as loudness metering and spectral analysis.

Signal Generator for System-Wide Use

This central module provides a systemwide test signal, which consists of a sine tone with adjustable level and frequency, a white or pink noise.

NEXUS Logic Control as Integrated Media Control

NEXUS Logic Control can be used to program the simplest to the most complex interactions and automations. Each Base Device has a stand-alone logic unit that communicates with the entire NEXUS system. For example, the status of crosspoints can be evaluated or the level of specific signals can be monitored. In combination with other NEXUS boards, certain additional functions are available. Thus, relay inputs can be queried and set with the XRI card.
In conjunction with complex conditions, Logic Control can trigger virtually any control functions throughout the NEXUS network, such as switching relay contacts, setting crosspoints, setting levels or even controlling mixer functions. This can also be used, for example, to integrate the NEXUS system into comprehensive external disaster systems or to trigger alarms.

Extensive Internal and External Synchronization Options

The NEXUS system can be synchronized and the internal clock can be output via the integrated word clock inputs and outputs. The board can also synchronize the NEXUS system to any digital input. A sync hierarchy can be created so that, in the event of a source failure, an uninterrupted and inaudible fade over to the next sync source.

System State Fail-Safe Memory

All volatile data is immediately stored on a battery-buffered SRAM memory and is retained in the event of a power failure or switch-off. This means that the system boots immediately to the last operating state and is ready for use again within seconds.

Determination of Level Data for Level Indication

The level measurement data converge on the XCPU card and can be visualized via the operating program.

XDEM Expansion Card with Serial Interfaces Optionally Available

The XDEM module is not a stand-alone plug-in board but an extension for the NEXUS boards XDED, XDEE, XHDI and XCPU. It provides two additional RS232- or RS422-compliant 9-pin D-Sub interfaces, which can be used to access the metadata ports of these boards. It is a simple, direct solution to pass metadata to or read metadata from these boards when none of the other higher-level solutions available with the NEXUS board are used.
The module has two ports that can be used in different constellations: One port each together with a Dolby module of an XDED Dual card or with the Dolby module of two XDED Single cards. Or one port each with the Dolby module of up to two XDEE cards. Or in combination with an XHDI card one port with the de-embedder of the card and the other port with its embedder. Alternatively as additional serial interfaces of the XCPU board in the formats RS232 and RS422.

System-Wide Level Monitoring of any NEXUS I/Os

The XCPU card calculates the level data of the inputs of the respective Base Device. By exchanging data with the other XCPU boards in the NEXUS network, each one can monitor and display the channel levels of the input and output boards of the entire audio network. The XCPU board forms the intelligent control center in every NEXUS Base Devicet: here, the operating computer is connected to display level values and offer the user the possibility of changing all parameters and querying the status. The XCPU modules communicate with each other via the fiber optic network and exchange information on the status of the modules, control information and the central synchronization clock clock.

Management of the Most Complex Networks without a Single Point of Failure

A total failure of a NEXUS network cannot be caused, especially not by the failure of a single Base Device, since each XCPU board knows the state of the entire system at all times. The burning process, which is part of commissioning, provides the control board with information about the number of NEXUS Base Devices, the cards they contain, and the intended network topology, so that discrepancies can be detected immediately. This means that in the event of a power failure, e.g. of a Base Device's power supply, only the Base Device and the associated I/Os are affected. Maintenance and operation can be performed from any point in the NEXUS network, since the XCPU modules continuously exchange the status information of the Base Devices.

NEXUS / NEXUS Star Technical Specifications

 

 

XCPU Technical Specifications