Ecler NPA User Manual [en, de, es, fr]

USER MANUAL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES NOTICE D'EMPLOI BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

USER MANUAL

1. IMPORTANT NOTE 04

1.1. Precautions 04

2. INTRODUCTION 04

3. INSTALLATION 05

3.1. Location, assembly, ventilation 05

3.2. Mains connection 05

3.3. Signal input connections 06

3.4. Output connections 06

3.5. Ethernet port 06

3.6. RS-232 port 06

3.7. FAULT connector 06

4. OPERATION AND USAGE 07

4.1. Start up 07

4.2. Front panel LED indicators 07

4.3. Front panel handling 08

5. CLEANING 12

6. FUNCTION LIST 13

7. FUNCTION DIAGRAM 13

8. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 47

9. BLOCK DIAGRAM 50

All numbers subject to variation due to production tolerances. ECLER S.A. reserves the right to make changes or improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specifications.

1. IMPORTANT NOTE Congratulations! You are the owner of a carefully designed and manufactured equipment. We thank you

for trusting on us and choosing our amplifier NPA SPM (Networked All purpose Switching Power Mosfet). In order to obtain maximum operativity and perfect functioning order, it is most important to carefully read all considerations taken into account in this manual before connecting this amplifier. We recommend our authorised Technical Services if any maintenance task should be needed so that optimum operation shall be achieved.

1.1. Precautions The amplifier should have an earth connection in good conditions (earth resistance, Rg=30Ω or less).

The environment must be dry and dustless. Do not expose the unit to rain or water splashes, and do not place liquid containers or incandescent objects like candles on top of the unit. Do not obstruct the

ventilation grilles with any kind of material. In case there is some type of intervention and/or connection-disconnection of the amplifier, it is most important to previously disconnect the mains power supply. Do not manipulate the output terminals to the loudspeakers when the amplifier is switched on, there are voltages up to 400Vpp. The output cabling should be connected by a qualified technician. Otherwise only use premade flexible cables. There are no user serviceable parts inside the amplifier.

2. INTRODUCTION

With the PAM amplification series, ECLER introduced in early 90's a new concept to the world of professional audio: The use of switching field effect transistors. The integration of these parts for audio applications represents a firm and spectacular enhancement comparing to conventional amplifiers. These advantages can be outlined as follows:

a) Lower internal resistance than bipolar transistors, which leads to less heating of the amplifier and more

powerful and controlled bass; conventional Mosfets have a 4 to 7 times higher internal resistance than switching Mosfets.

b) The extremely high speed of these devices gives a transparency to the upper frequencies till now only

achieved by tube amplifiers. This fact also reduces TIM (transitory intermodulation) to very low levels.

The SPM-Technology (Switching Power Mosfet) has been developed and patented by ECLER Laboratorio

de Electro-Acústica, S.A. NPA line of amplifiers is a new step forward in the development of SPM amplification technology, following in the successful DPA series footsteps.

SOA Contour following protection: the SOA is the safe operating area of transistors. A good protection system should respect this area and its shiftings, as the SOA changes as a function of the operating temperature. So, at 80°C it is considerably narrower than at 25°C, the start-up temperature. Some manufacturers decide to use protection systems which compromise on the performance of the components. You get a fair protection, but the performance remains mediocre. Others prefer to leave "dark" areas between the safe operating area and the activation of protection, which is very risky indeed.

The new SOA contour following protection systems built into the NPA amplifiers guarantees total protection of the amplifier at any output power, load or operating temperature, as the intelligent electronic circuitry permanently watches for changes in the safety area, adapting itself to any situation.

Maximum damping factor: In NPA series traditional output relays have been replaced with a CROWBAR electronic system. This device short-circuits the signal if surges that can damage the loudspeakers connected to the amplifier are detected. On the contrary, any type of relay used in the conventional method introduces a mechanical contact in the audio signal path to the speaker, contact that is exposed to wear and a significant decrease in the amplifier damping factor.

Ecler NPA2500T/4000T makes use of a twin power supply and N-channel mosfets. This technology, which

has been successfully implemented in the industrial product line ENVIRO, allows for very high output power without the use of bridge configurations. The NPA2500T/4000T keeps its "All the Power All the Time" philosophy, even when driving 4 ohm speakers with a musical programme at maximum level.

NPA series incorporates in addition important technological innovations concerning digital processing and remote management via Ethernet, turning it into the perfect candidate to address mobile applications and fixed installations, both centralized and distributed, requiring high level remote control and monitoring and integration with standard Ethernet networks. NPA amplifiers include as standard an EclerNet internal module for DSP processing and remote management, allowing physical connection between the amplifier and an Ethernet network and its management and remote supervision from any point of it, using Windows EclerNet Manager* software. Please refer to the EclerNet Manager software manual for more information.

* EclerNet Manager software is available on www.ecler.com.

3. INSTALLATION

3.1. Location, assembly, ventilation

The NPA2500T/4000T amplifiers are 3 RU high 19'' rack modules. It is important that the amplifier, as a heat source, is not placed next to other equipment nor exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, the ventilation path should be kept free to allow fresh air entering the forced ventilation tunnel. This system pulls air from the front, directly guiding it to the power modules and transformers, diverting a part towards capacitors and forcing its output through the rear panel of the amplifier.

In order to optimize as much as possible the correct thermal dissipation of equipment installed in a closed rack, it is advisable not to place power amplifiers under other appliances, but upon these ones.

All NPA amplifiers are supplied with plastic washers in order not to damage the rack ears when tightening

the screws.

3.2. Mains connection The NPA amplifiers are fed with alternate currents, depending on the country, of 110-120, 220-240V

47/63Hz. (see characteristics in the back of the unit). WARNING!: By convention, the mains wire colour assignment is the following:

- BROWN = Phase

- BLUE = Neutral

- YELLOW/GREEN = Earth

The mains cables must not be near the shielded cables carrying the audio signal, as this could cause humming.

3.3. Signal input connections

NPA Series rear panel has analog and digital inputs. Input selection is performed from the front panel

menu or from EclerNet Manager control software. Please refer to the EclerNet Manager software manual for more information.

• Analog inputs:

The signal input connectors are of XLR-3 type (19), electronically balanced. The pin assignment is as follows:

HOT or direct signal > Pin 2 COLD or inverted signal > Pin 3 GROUND > Pin 1

For unbalanced connection short-circuit pin 3 to pin 1. The "STK OUTPUT" (18) are in parallel with the inputs and are used to supply the same input signal to

other amplifiers or sound systems. The input impedance is 22KΩ (balanced) with a nominal input sensitivity of 0dBV(1V). This impedance

makes possible to parallel several amplifiers without loosing audio quality.

• Digital inputs: There is an XLR-3 connector for AES/EBU digital input as well as a matching digital output to re-send this

signal towards other devices.

3.4. Output connections The "OUTPUT" section on the back panel is provided with Speakon® connectors (23).

STEREO/PARALLEL/BRIDGE operating modes are selected from the from panel menu or from EclerNet Manager control software. Please refer to the EclerNet Manager software manual for more information.

The connection cable that joins the amplifiers outputs and the loudspeakers must be of good quality,

sufficient section and as short as possible. This is most important when the distances to cover are long ones i.e. up to 10 meters it is recommended to use a section not inferior to 2.5mm

and for superior distances 4mm2.

3.5. Ethernet port

An RJ45 connector allows connecting the equipment to an Ethernet network and its management from

EclerNet Manager software. Please refer to the EclerNet Manager software manual for more information.

3.6. RS-232 port

A DB9 connector for RS-232 allows a serial connection between the equipment and an external control system, like AMX, Crestron, Medialon, etc. (non functional at the date of printing of this manual, will be available in a future implementation).

3.7. FAULT connector

3 pins connector, potential-free closing contact (Normally Closed, Normally opened). Its status changes when an internal amplifier failure is detected, placing this one out of service.

4. OPERATION AND USAGE

4.1. Start up

If the POWER (17) switch is operated on the rear panel, the amplifier receives mains power and can be

turned on locally or remotely (see Control panel section).

In a complete audio installation, it is important to start up the equipment in the following sequence: sound

sources, mixer, equalizers, active filters and finally power amplifiers. To turn them off the sequence should follow an inverse pattern.

4.2. Front panel LED indicators

NPA amplifiers have a simple and effective indicators system:

• THERMAL protection indicator (2):

It indicates that the cooling tunnel temperature has exceeded the minimal risk threshold for the equipment.

The amplifier automatically restarts once the temperature drops enough.

NPA amplifiers have a thermal protection per channel. This means each protection operates independently. It

can be activated for one channel only while the other is running smoothly.

• PROTECT indicator (3):

It indicates the absence of signal at the speaker output. It can light up for the following reasons:

o At start-up and during the STANDBY time necessary to settle the amplifier internal voltages. o Because of equipment fault preventing the normal booting (the LCD shows “PERSISTENT

PROTECT”).

o When the amplifier is delivering a very low frequency signal that could damage the speakers. o When more than 4 short-circuits have been detected at the amplifier output over a period of 40

seconds (the LCD shows “REPETITIVE PROTECT”).

o When an internal fault occurred and the amplifier needs to be fixed (the LCD shows “FAULTY

AMPLIFIER”).

In any case, permanent lighting of these indicators is a symptom of faulty operation and the cause that led to this activation should be investigated.

• CLIP indicator (4):

It lights up when the signal delivered to the speakers is near clipping. The CLIP system considers possible voltage fluctuations of power supply, always giving a real indication even if they exist. It is normal for CLIP indicators to be lit at the bass frequencies rhythm for high operating levels, as these frequencies have the higher energy content. You must take care that these indicators do not permanently light up during normal operation of the equipment.

• SIGNAL presence indicator (5):

It indicates a signal presence at the amplifier inputs. These indicators light up when the input signal exceeds -40 dB.

• DATA transfer indicator (11):

It blinks to indicate data transfer activity between the amplifier and a remote control PC running EclerNet Manager.

4.3. Front panel handling

The front panel includes a series of controls and indicators:

o Backlit LCD display for displaying menus, settings and amplifier parameters. o On / Off key (POWER ON). o Menu navigation keys (MENU / PREVIOUS / NEXT). o Rotary/push controls for adjusting parameters (CHANNEL 1 / CHANNEL 2). o LED indicators (see section 4.2).

To power up the unit, press and hold the POWER key until the boot sequence starts. The shutdown will also require pressing and shortly holding the same key.

POWER ON key has an integrated LED indicator lighting up in orange when the amplifier is in STAND BY mode, in green when ON, and in red during the boot sequence or when the amplifier is in protect mode.

Once the power amplifier in on, the main screen appears in the LCD display, looking like the following:

From this main screen you can perform a number of basic functions on the amplifier:

• Change the volume of channel 1 or 2 (turning rotary controls CHANNEL 1 or CHANNEL 2):

A window briefly appears to show the setting in dB (-47 dB in the given example) and the volume ramp indicator changes for this channel.

Note: when both channels are linked, the CHANNEL 1 rotary knob adjusts simultaneously both channels volume.

• Activate / deactivate a channel muting (by pressing and holding the CHANNEL 1 or CHANNEL 2 rotary

knob):

A label with the text "MUTE" is displayed when this feature is activated.

• Show text labels assigned to the unit and to its amplification channels (by clicking on the TAG button):

This window, named TAGS, disappears after a short time, and the main window returns.

The top line of the screen also displays the active PRESET number and name. When you modify any setting of the amplifier a "M" label appears in the upper right corner of the screen to indicate that the PRESET has been modified (for example, moving a volume control is sufficient to make it happen).

All other amplifier functions and settings are accessed through the menu structure as described in the following diagram:

• MONITOR menu VU-meters monitoring scale selection:

o Output power (Watts), RMS or peak. o Output voltage (Volts), peak or RMS. o Input signal voltage, RMS.

Display through dedicated screens:

o Load impedance, in ohms. o Temperature, in % of the alarm triggering temperature. o AC power supply voltage. o Cumulative operating time of the amplifier, in hours: minutes. o Events: digital counter of protection alarms, thermal, load impedance, AC power supply

voltage (note: from within this menu, alarm counters can be reset (value = 0) for each channel by holding down the rotary knob for a short period of time).

• SETTINGS menu Amplifier operating mode menus:

o INPUT SOURCE: selects the input signal for the amplifier to work with, amongst the available

ones (Analog 1, Analog 2, Digital 1, Digital 2 and internal generator).

o LINK VOLUME: determines whether the volume controls on both channels of the amplifier will

be linked (ON) or independent (OFF). In linked mode, the CHANNEL 1 rotary knob sets the volume for both channels simultaneously and the label "LINK" is displayed.

o GAIN: selectable amplifier gain between 26, 32 or 38 dB. o OUTPUT MODE: operating mode selection for amplified outputs between stereo, parallel or

bridge. For the two last ones, the label "PARAL" or "BRIDGE" is displayed.

o POLARITY: phase selection for the input signal, normal or inverted. The label "INV" is

displayed if the phase is inverted.

o ANTICLIP LEVEL: anti-clipping circuit level selection between soft (allowing a large clipping),

medium or hard (allowing a minimum clipping, almost negligible).

o PEAK LIMITER: allows defining a maximum voltage for the unit amplified outputs.

• PRESETS menu Amplifier PRESETS selection in a list of 10 available memories.

Note: when loading a PRESET, its number and name appear on the top line of the display. When you modify any setting of the amplifier an "M" label appears in the upper right corner of the screen to indicate that the PRESET has been modified (for example, moving a volume control is sufficient to make it happen).

• ADVANCED menu Amplifier advanced features:

o LCD CONTRAST: adjusts the LCD contrast. o FINDER: enables / disables the display backlight flashing, useful to identify a physical unit with

its virtual equivalent in EclerNet Manager software (see EclerNet Manager manual for more information).

o INFO: shows the amplifier model and firmware version. o NETWORK: allows setting IP address, mask and gateway for the amplifier Ethernet interface

(The default port is 2210. You can not change it with local controls, but with EclerNet Manager software only).

o POWER ON MODE: allows selecting the amplifier behavior at power-up (POWER switch on

the rear panel). The amplifier can start up in STANDBY mode, ON or recover its last status before the last power supply interruption, for example in the event of a mains power recovery after a mains power failure (LAST STATE).

o RESTORE: allows resetting all amplifier parameters to their default value, except the

cumulative operating time (erases passwords, PRESETS, DSP parameters, setup settings, alarms counters and Ethernet network setup).

o PASSWORD: allows assigning the amplifier a user or administrator password.

• USER: once this password has been set, the unit will request it each time you try to use any control or adjustment in the amplifier setup (on, off, volume adjustment and access to menus).

• ADMIN (administrator): once this password has been set, only main screen controls can be used: power on, power off, volume adjustment and muting. To adjust the amplifier setup (access to menus, MENU key) the password is requested.

Note: To disable a password you need to rewrite it with a blank one. Most functions described above have their equivalent in EclerNet Manager software. Please refer to the

EclerNet Manager software manual for more information.

5. CLEANING The front panel should not be cleaned with dissolvent or abrasive substances because silk-printing could

be damaged. To clean it, use a soft cloth slightly wet with water and neutral liquid soap; dry it with a clean cloth. Be careful that water never gets into the amplifier through the holes of the front panel.

6. FUNCTION LIST

1. Input attenuator

2. Thermal protection indicator, THERMAL

3. Protection indicator, PROTECT

4. Clip indicator, CLIP

5. Signal present indicator, SIGNAL

6. Display

7. Navigation key, MENU / CANCEL

8. Navigation key, PREVIOUS

9. Navigation key, NEXT / TAG

10. On / Off key, POWER ON

11. Data transfer indicator, DATA

12. RS-232 port

13. Ethernet port

14. Binding post block, FAULT

15. Digital input XLR connector, AES-EBU INPUT

16. Digital output XLR connector, AES-EBU OUTPUT

17. Start-up switch

18. Output XLR connector to other amplifiers, STK OUTPUT

19. Input XLR connector, INPUT

20. Earth terminal, GND

21. Mains cable

22. Switch to disconnect chassis earth / electrical Ground, GND LINK

23. Speakon® connectors to the loudspeakers

7. FUNCTION DIAGRAM

MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

1. NOTA IMPORTANTE 15

1.1. Precauciones 15

2. INTRODUCCIÓN 15

3. INSTALACIÓN 16

3.1. Ubicación, montaje, ventilación 16

3.2. Conexión a red eléctrica 16

3.3. Conexiones de entrada de señal 17

3.4. Conexiones de salida 17

3.5. Puerto Ethernet 17

3.6. Puerto RS-232 17

3.7. Conector FAULT 17

4. FUNCIONAMIENTO 18

4.1. Puesta en marcha 18

4.2. Indicadores LED del panel frontal 18

4.3. Manejo del panel frontal 19

5. LIMPIEZA 23

6. LISTA DE FUNCIONES 24

7. DIAGRAMA DE FUNCIONAMIENTO 24

8. CARACTERÍSTICAS TÉCNICAS 47

9. DIAGRAMA DE BLOQUES 50

Todos los datos están sujetos a variación debida a tolerancias de producción. ECLER S.A. se reserva el derecho de realizar cambios o mejoras en la fabricación o diseño que pudieran afectar las especificaciones. 14

1. NOTA IMPORTANTE ¡Enhorabuena!. Vd. posee el resultado de un cuidadoso diseño y una esmerada fabricación. Agradecemos

su confianza por haber elegido nuestro amplificador NPA SPM (Networked All Purpose Switching Power Mosfet). Para que pueda conseguir la máxima operatividad y un funcionamiento perfecto, antes de su conexión es MUY IMPORTANTE que lea detenidamente las consideraciones que se detallan en éste manual. Para asegurar el óptimo rendimiento del aparato, su mantenimiento debe ser realizado por nuestros Servicios Técnicos.

1.1. Precauciones La etapa debe conectarse a una toma de tierra en correctas condiciones (Resistencia de tierra, Rg =

30Ω o menos). El ambiente de trabajo deberá ser seco y estar totalmente libre de polvo. No exponga el aparato a la caída de agua o salpicaduras, no ponga encima objetos con líquido ni fuentes de llama desnuda, como velas. No obstruya los orificios de ventilación con ningún tipo de material. En caso de

requerir alguna intervención y/o conexión-desconexión del amplificador debe desconectarse previamente la alimentación. No manipular los terminales de salida hacia el altavoz con la etapa en marcha; se hallan presentes tensiones de hasta 400 Vpp. El cableado de la salida debe ser realizado por personal técnico cualificado o usar cables flexibles ya preparados. En el interior del amplificador no existen elementos manipulables por el usuario.

2. INTRODUCCIÓN

Con los PAM, ECLER introdujo a principios de los 90 un nuevo concepto en el audio profesional: el empleo de los transistores de efecto de campo de conmutación (MOSFET). Su incorporación a la amplificación de audio significa una firme y espectacular mejora en relación a los sistemas convencionales. Las ventajas de los MOSFET de conmutación pueden resumirse así:

a) Resistencia interna menor que los bipolares, lo cual redunda en un menor calentamiento de la etapa de potencia y en unos graves poderosos y muy bien controlados; los MOSFETs convencionales de audio presentan una resistencia interna de 4 a 7 veces superior a los de conmutación. b) La enorme rapidez de estos dispositivos confiere a los agudos una transparencia hasta ahora sólo lograda con amplificadores a válvulas, al tiempo que una TIM (Distorsión por lntermodulación de Transitorios) muy reducida.

La tecnología SPM (Switching Power MOSFET) fue desarrollada y patentada por ECLER Laboratorio de Electro-Acústica S.A. La línea de amplificadores NPA es un nuevo paso al frente dentro de la evolución de la tecnología de amplificación SPM, siguiendo la estela de la exitosa serie DPA.

Protecciones por seguimiento de contorno de SOA: la SOA es el área de operación segura del transistor (Safe Operating Area). Un buen sistema de protecciones debe respetar esta área y sus cambios dado que la SOA varía en función de la temperatura de trabajo. Así, a 80 grados es considerablemente menor que a 25 grados, cuando se conecta el amplificador. Algunos fabricantes optan por protecciones que limitan las prestaciones de los componentes, se obtiene seguridad pero el rendimiento es mediocre. Otros en cambio dejan zonas oscuras entre el área de seguridad y la activación de las protecciones, lo cual es muy arriesgado.

El nuevo sistema de seguimiento de contorno de la SOA de los amplificadores NPA garantiza la protección total del amplificador a cualquier nivel de potencia, carga o temperatura ya que un circuito electrónico inteligente evalúa permanentemente el área de seguridad, adaptándose a cada situación puntual.

Máximo factor de amortiguamiento (DAMPING): En la serie NPA los tradicionales relés de salida han sido sustituidos por un sistema electrónico CROWBAR. Este dispositivo deriva directamente a masa la señal en el caso de detectar sobretensiones que puedan dañar los altavoces conectados al amplificador. Por el contrario, cualquier tipo de relé de los empleados en el método convencional introduce un contacto mecánico en el camino de la señal de audio hacia el altavoz, contacto que está expuesto a un desgaste y una importante disminución en el factor de amortiguamiento del amplificador.

En las NPA2500T / 4000T Ecler incorpora doble fuente de alimentación y MOSFETs de canal N. El uso de esta nueva tecnología sobradamente probada en la línea de producto industrial ENVIRO posibilita la obtención de muy altas potencias sin necesidad de emplear configuraciones en puente. En las NPA2500T / 4000T se continúa manteniendo la Filosofía "All the Power All the time", toda la potencia todo el tiempo, incluso a máxima potencia y carga de 4 ohms con programas musicales.

La serie NPA incorpora además importantes innovaciones tecnológicas a nivel de procesamiento digital y gestión remota vía Ethernet, que la convierten en el perfecto candidato para acometer aplicaciones móviles e instalaciones fijas, tanto centralizadas como distribuidas, que requieran de control y supervisión remotos de alto nivel e integración con redes Ethernet estándar. Los amplificadores NPA incluyen de serie un módulo interno de procesamiento DSP y gestión remota EclerNet, que permiten el conexionado físico del amplificador a una red Ethernet y su gestión y supervisión remota desde cualquier punto de la misma, empleando para ello la aplicación Windows EclerNet Manager*. Consulte el manual de la Aplicación EclerNet Manager para obtener más información.

* La aplicación EclerNet Manager se encuentra disponible en www.ecler.com.

3. INSTALACIÓN

3.1. Ubicación, montaje, ventilación Los amplificadores NPA2500T / 4000T se presentan en módulo rack de 19" y tres unidades de altura.

Es muy importante que, como elemento generador de calor que es, el amplificador no esté completamente encerrado ni expuesto a temperaturas extremas. Por ello debe favorecerse el paso de aire fresco a través del túnel de ventilación forzada. Este sistema toma el aire de la parte frontal, dirigiéndolo directamente a los módulos de potencia y transformadores, desviando una parte hacia los condensadores y obligándolo a salir por la parte trasera del amplificador.

Con el objeto de favorecer en la medida de lo posible la correcta disipación térmica de los equipos instalados en armarios rack, es aconsejable no colocar los amplificadores de potencia debajo de otros aparatos, sino encima de éstos. Todos los amplificadores NPA se suministran con arandelas de plástico con el fin de poderlos montar en un rack sin dañar las orejas de fijación.

3.2. Conexión a red eléctrica Los amplificadores NPA se alimentan con corriente alterna, según el país, de 110-120, 220-240 V y

47 / 63Hz (ver placa de características en el aparato). ¡ATENCIÓN! Por convención, la asignación de colores de los cables de red es la siguiente:

- MARRÓN = Fase

- AZUL = Neutro

- AMARILLO / VERDE = Tierra

Debe evitarse que el cable de red se entremezcle y discurra paralelo a los cables blindados que transportan la señal de audio, ya que ello podría ocasionar zumbidos.

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