Sennheiser GuidePort, GuidePort SR 3000-2, GuidePort AM 3000, GuidePort Receiver, Identifier Transmitter System Manual

GuidePort – EMP

System Manual

Version 1.0 of 27 July 2000

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG

Am Labor 1

30900 Wedemark

Germany

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 2

1 GuidePort Wireless Audio Transmission

GuidePort is a local area broadcast system for use in museums, visitor centers and at
exhibitions. GuidePort features a characteristic cell structure, the so-called cells being
defined areas of information and entertainment. These areas are supplied by Cell
Transmitters which send digitally coded information via an Active Antenna Unit to
portable Receivers. The transmitted data can be any audio information, for example
comments or music. The audio signals are picked up by bodypack receivers which play
the audio program directly via headphones. The various audio programs (events) can
be triggered automatically by magnetic field identifiers.

The diagram on the next page shows GuidePort’s system hierarchy. At the top level are
the GuidePort installations. Each installation carries a specific code transmitted via RF.
Whenever a GuidePort receiver recognizes a new installation code, it will automatically
collect the installation-specific control data. This data is mainly the so-called Event
Assign Table which defines the receiver’s “reactions” to the 255 possible event
numbers available in each installation, making the receiver compatible with other
separate, independent GuidePort installations.
An installation can be seen as a macro cell. Each installation can be organized in up to
255 cells and contains up to 255 real-time audio events.

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 3

GuidePor

t

Installation

INST. No. 1

GuidePor

t

Installation

INST. No. 3

GuidePor

t

Installation

INST. No. 2

cell 1

cell 2

cell 3

cell 4

…
cell 255

cell 5

GuidePort Cell

with one or more
Cell Transmitters

Event 1 Event 2

Event 3

Event 5

Event 4

Event 6

Event

One installation

can handle up to 255 events
which may be organized in
up to 255 cells

GuidePort System Hierarch

y

One

cell transmitter

can handle up to 4
mono audio channels
and transmit them on
one RF channel

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 4

Cell Transmitte

r

Central Unit PC with

• GP Central Unit

Software

• Sound card with a

samplingrateof
32 kHz

• G7++ converter and

announcement
software

Base Station PC

with
Cell Transmitter
Loader Software

Base Station PC

with
Cell Transmitter
Loader Software

Audio Source 1 -4

PC Network

Base Station PC

with
Cell Transmitter
Loader Software

USB Hub

USB

USB Hub

Audio Source 1 -4

Active

Antenna Unit

RF CH 1

Cell Transmitte

r

Active

Antenna Unit

RF CH 4

Cell Transmitte

r

Event

#3

Event

#4

Event

#5

Event

#6

GP

Receiver

Ext.

Antenna

(

opt.

)

Event

#2

Event

#1

Exhibition

room 1

Exhibition

room 2

Exhibition

room 3

Exhibition

room 7

Technical

room 1

LVDS

LVDS

USB

Exhibition

room 5

Exhibition

room 6

Exhibition

room 4

Technical equipment required for an exhibition with GuidePort

Supervisor

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 5

2 Hardware Components of the System

2.1 Central Unit PC

The Central Unit PC with its Central Unit Software is at the heart of the GuidePort
system. It serves to configure the entire GuidePort installation with its cells,
transmitters, events and identifiers. Via a network, the Central Unit PC is connected
with all Base Station PCs of the GuidePort installation.

2.2 Base Station PC

The Base Station PC with its Cell Transmitter Loader Software detects the IDs of all
Cell Transmitters connected to it via a USB. The Base Station PC will transmit the
configuration files created by the Central Unit Software to the Cell Transmitters.

2.3 Cell Transmitter

2.3.1 Description

A Cell Transmitter is a digital unit which picks up prepared MTS data and combines
them with installation-specific control tables and the real-time audio information from its
four analog audio inputs. Via an LVDS interface, the entire data stream is sent to an
Active Antenna Unit where FSK modulation and RF conversion take place. The
transmission of the MTS data is done in a cyclic manner. The cable length between the
Cell Transmitter and the Active Antenna Unit may amount to up to 150 m, which
ensures a convenient installation of the local antennas.

1234

Analog RTA Inputs

Cell Controller

Unit

USB

Interface

LVDS

Interface

Data
Download

To Active Antenna Unit

Base Station

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 6

2.3.2 Hardware Interfaces

a) Front panel

Headphone Outputs

Allow you to monitor the audio signals transmitted to the receivers.

b) Rear panel

USB IN:

Input socket for the USB cable from the Base Station PC.

ANALOG IN SYM.:

Inputs for connecting your audio sources to the transmitter. There are four balanced
inputs, you can either connect 4 mono sources, 2 mono sources and 1 stereo source or
2 stereo sources. For a stereo audio source, you will need two sockets (left and right
channel), please use inputs 1 & 2 and/or 3 & 4. Connect the left audio channel to
socket No. 1 or 3, the right audio channel to No. 2 or 4, respectively.

The following table shows how to connect your audio sources to the GuidePort Cell
Transmitter:

Number and kind of audio

sources

Input No. 1 Input No. 2 Input No. 3 Input No. 4

4 mono (m) m m m m

2mono(m),1stereo(s) m m s,left s,right

2 stereo (s) s, left s, right s, left s, right

AAU OUT

Output for connection of an Active Antenna Unit. Use a shielded, 8-wire twisted pair
cable (4 individually twisted pairs) for connection. This cable supplies the Active
Antenna Unit with DC and the digital data stream to be transmitted.

SET SET

GuidePortSR3000

-2

TX I TX II

TX II

AAU OUT

0

I

USB IN

ANALOG IN SYM.

TIP: +

-

1

234

TX I

AAU OUT

USB IN

ANALOG IN SYM.

TIP: +

-

1

234

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 7

2.3.3 User Interface (Display and Controls)

Menu layout of the GuidePort Cell Transmitter:

AAU SETTINGS

SET SET

AAU 01

AAU 02

AAU 08

RF CHxx

EXT ANT xx

MTS xx

RF ATTEN xx

SET

SET

SET

1...95
NC

ON

OFF

NC

01
02

OFF

00...06

TX OK

CCU ID xxx

SET

SET

RTA VOL VOL xx

SET

Max. 32
Default 16
Min. 1

SET

RTA CH ON

OFF

SET

SET

SET

CH 01 xx

CH 02 xx

CH 04 xx

SET

N.B.: If there is no input for about 90 secs

the display will show “TX OK”

SET

SET

RTA ID

SET

CH 01 {event name} { event ID}

CH 02 {event name} { event ID}

CH 12 {event name} { event ID}

SET

e.g.
CH 01 Jimi Hendrix 005
N.B.: Text will be scrolled.

CH 12 NC

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 8

2.3.4 Technical Data

AF IN

Frequency 40 - 14,000 Hz

Input level mV

rms

Impedance 660

Ω

balanced input

Audio sources 4 mono

2stereo

1 stereo, 2 mono

AF IN 1, 2, 3, 4
AFIN1&2(1=left,2=right)

3&4; (3 = left, 4 = right)
AF IN 1&2 or 3&4 (stereo);
remaining inputs for mono
sources

USB IN

AAU OUT

DC output +15 V

I

ma

x

200 mA

Data rate 1,024 Mbit/s

Output level 350 mV

pp

LVDS standard

Headphone Output

Output level mV

pp

AF input level 350mV

rms

Output impedance 32

Ω

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 9

2.2 Active Antenna Unit

2.2.1 Description

The Active Antenna Unit receives the data stream from the Cell Transmitter via an
LVDS interface. The data stream is then FSK modulated onto an RF carrier in the 2.4
GHz ISM Band and transmitted to the GuidePort receivers. Settings for transmission
frequency, RF output power and the antenna to be used (internal or external antenna)
are controlled by the Cell Transmitter.

2.2.2 Hardware Interfaces

MTS IN

Connects the Active Antenna Unit to the GuidePort Cell Transmitter. The connection
cable supplies the Antenna Unit with both DC and the digital data stream to be
transmitted. When the associated Cell Transmitter is switched on, it will automatically
configure the Antenna Unit.

MTS OUT

For connecting (daisy-chaining) a second Active Antenna Unit. The second Antenna
Unit will transmit the same data stream, but on another RF carrier. This feature is not
available in this customized version, instead you can connect measuring equipment to
MTS OUT.

RF OUT

For connecting an optional, external directional antenna. If you want to use an external
antenna, you have to select the “External Antenna” option when configuring the Cell
Transmitter with the Central Unit software.

2.2.3 User Interface

ADDRESS

The Active Antenna Unit is automatically configured by the Cell Transmitter when the
transmitter is switched on. The default address is No. 1. Presently, other addresses are
not supported.

RF OUT ADDRESS OUT M TS IN

GuidePort AM 3000

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 10

2.2.4 Available RF Channels

The following RF Channels can be chosen when configuring the Active Antenna Unit
via the Central Unit Software. The highlighted channels (grey) are preferred channels.
Please do not forget a minimum channel spacing of 3 channels within one cell.

RF Ch. Frequency [MHz] RF Ch. Frequency [MHz] RF Ch. Frequency [MHz]

1 2401.920 34 2430,432 67 2458.944
2 2402.784 35 2431,296 68 2459.808
3 2403.648 36 2432,160 69 2460.672
4 2404.512 37 2433,024 70 2461.536
5 2405.376 38 2433,888 71 2462.400
6 2406.240 39 2434,752 72 2463.264
7 2407.104 40 2435,616 73 2464.128
8 2407.968 41 2436,480 74 2464.992

9 2408.832 42 2437,344 75 2465.856
10 2409.696 43 2438,208 76 2466.720
11 2410.560 44 2439,072 77 2467.584
12 2411.424 45 2439,936 78 2468.448
13 2412.288 46 2440.800 79 2469.312
14 2413.152 47 2441.664 80 2470.176
15 2414.016 48 2442.528 81 2471.040
16 2414.880 49 2443.392 82 2471.904
17 2415.744 50 2444.256 83 2472.768
18 2416.608 51 2445.120 84 2473.632
19 2417.472 52 2445.984 85 2474.496
20 2418.336 53 2446.848 86 2475.360
21 2419.200 54 2447.712 87 2476.224
22 2420.064 55 2448.576 88 2477.088
23 2420.928 56 2449.440 89 2477.952
24 2421.792 57 2450.304 90 2478.816
25 2422.656 58 2451.168 91 2479.680
26 2423.520 59 2452.032 92 2480.544
27 2424.384 60 2452.896 93 2481.408
28 2425.248 61 2453.760 94 2482.272

29 2426.112 62 2454.624
30 2426.976 63 2455.488
31 2427.840 64 2456.352
32 2428.704 65 2457.216
33 2429.568 66 2458.080

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 11

2.2.5 Technical Data

RF transmission frequency range f 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz

Max. radiated RF peak power P 1

0

mW

dBm

ERP for North America in
compliance with FCC

P1010mW

dBm

ERP for Europe in compliance with
ETS 300 440

RF antenna internal chip antenna, mounted on board

external directional, wall-mounted antenna

(opt.)

RF channel bandwidth f 2.6 MHz

Total number of RF channels 94

Transmission range of cell transmitter
for quasi error-free reception, no walls

s

s

>30

>50

mm1 mW RF peak power

10 mW RF peak power

Spurious frequencies outside the ISM
band

in compliance with ETS/FCC

Modulation type 2-FSK binary frequency shift keying

Modulation index µ 0.5 ... 0.7

µ =2*∆f/f

bit

Modulated data rate f

bit

/channel 1024 kbit/s

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 12

2.3 Receiver

2.3.1 Description

The GuidePort Receiver automatically reacts to the magnetic fields created by
Identifier Transmitters (see 2.4). These Identifiers transmit a number which is related

to a certain audio event. When receiving this number, the receiver will transfer the
corresponding audio information to the Mollie System. Mollie then decides on the action
to be taken, for example to play the audio information. The GuidePort Receiver uses a
prestored assignment table for translating the numbers into the correct action.

2.3.2 Mollie Interface

The physical interface consists of:

Function No. of lines Direction

Analog:

Analog audio signals (L, R) 2 from GP receiver to Mollie

3.3 V power line, digital 1 from Mollie to GP receiver

5 V power line, analog 1 from Mollie to GP receiver

Analog ground 1 or more

Digital:

Parallel data 8 bi-directional

'Interrupt_1' (Active Low) 1 from Mollie to GP receiver

'Read/Write' 1 from Mollie to GP receiver

'Reset' (Active Low) 1 from Mollie to GP receiver

'Frame Clock' 1 from GP receiver to Mollie

'Interrupt_2' 1 from GP receiver to Mollie

Digital ground 1 or more

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 13

Logical level of all digital lines: according to LVTTL (3.3V)
Interface Connector GP receiver: JST flat multicore cable, type 24FLZ-SM1-TB

Pin Assignment of Interface Connector 24FLZ-SM1-TB:

Pin No. Function

1 analog ground for audio, from GP receiver
2 left audio channel, from GP receiver
3 analog ground for audio, from GP receiver
4 right audio channel, from GP receiver
5 analog ground for audio, from GP receiver
6 digital ground for digital interface
7 data bus, bit 0, LSB
8 data bus, bit 1

9 data bus, bit 2
10 data bus, bit 3
11 data bus, bit 4
12 data bus, bit 5
13 data bus, bit 6
14 data bus, bit 7, MSB
15 Read/Write
16 Frame Clock
17 Interrupt_2
18 Reset
19 Interrupt_1
20 digital ground for digital interface
21 3.3 volts digital power, from Mollie
22 digital ground from Mollie
23 analog ground from Mollie
24 5 volts analog power from Mollie

3.3 Volt, digital

analog audio R

analog audio L

AGND

DGND

Read/Write

8Data

Frame Clock

Reset

DSP

56 303

Mollie

GuidePort

Receiver PCB

PB0.....PB7

PB8

PB9

Interrupt_1

IRQA

SCLK

Interrupt_2

5 Volt, analog

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 14

Mounting of PCB and Position of Connectors:

It is of the utmost importance to mount the GP receiver board in a vertical position:

'Reset': reset is active when 'low', internal connection on GuidePort receiver PCB: MR of

MAX811 (pin 3)

'Interrupt_1 ': Interrupt_1 is active when 'low'. Mollie’s read or write procedures always start

with the interrupt request. The first interrupt tells the GP receiver that Mollie has
put an address word on the bus. During the power on procedure or a Reset from
Mollie the line must be in the high ohmic state or 'High'. Interrupt_1 is not allowed
if Interrupt_2 is active (low).
Connection on GP receiver: IRQA of DSP56303.

'Read/Write': When Mollie has activated the interrupt and put an address word on the bus, the

Read/Write line determines whether Mollie wants to read from or write into the
related register. 'High' means 'read', 'Low' means 'write'. Connection on GP
receiver: PB 8 of DSP 56 303.

8-bit parallel data: bi-directional data bus

Connection on GP receiver: PB 0.........PB 7 of DSP56303

LSB = PB 0, MSB = PB 7

'Frame Clock': The Frame Clock coming from the GuidePort receiver indicates that the receiver

has synchronized with the received bit stream and that real-time audio is
available.
'Frame Clock' = low: no synchronization, no audio
'Frame Clock' = high: frame synchronization has taken place, audio is available

'Interrupt_2': This is an impulse from the GuidePort receiver indicating Mollie that certain

conditions have been fulfilled. These conditions are:

Either • there is a change in the identifier number register
and/or • the bit error statistic exceeds the limit defined in the Error Limit

register (Bit Error Statistic Register)

and/or • a new GP Message is available(GP Message Register)

During register updating, Interrupt_2 is 'low'. As the time required is very short

(≈100ns), the detection of the Interrupt_2 signal should be edge controlled using

the positive edge. All above mentioned registers are updated within one write
cycle, which means that more than one register may change its content. This
makes sense because if there is an old error message in the GP Message
Register from the last update, it is now deleted if it is invalid (see also appended
flow charts).
Interrupt_2 is not allowed during Mollie’s Read/Write routines.

Pin 1

Pin 24

24FLZ connector for
GP/Mollie interface

Cable direction

Identifier

coil

Connectors for RF antennas

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 15

Specification for the Reset Procedure between GuidePort/EMP and Mollie

Simplified hardware diagram:

Remark: Other lines of the GP/Mollie interface are not of interest for this subject.

1. Case: Power is switched on

When the 3.3 V power line becomes high the IC Max811 generates a ≈ 280 ms reset

impulse.

2. Case: Reset from Mollie (during power on)

receiver ready

power

285ms 40ms

DSP
reset

IRQA

Reset IC
Max 811

Reset for
DSP56303

Master
Reset

GPMollie

Reset line
from Mollie

IRQA of DSPInterrupt_1

3.3 VDC for digital circuit

10k

Vcc

reset from
Mollie

IRQA

DSP
reset

Tmr = 5 to 10us

285 ms

40ms

receiver ready

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 16

2.3.3 Technical Data

RF receiving frequency range f 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz

Input sensitivity at antenna input P -93 dBm BER 10

-3

RF antenna connector MMS female

Input impedance 50

Ω

Power supply

Analog Voltage U 5 V 10% tolerance

Max. current I 110 mA

Digital U 3.3 V 10% tolerance

Max. current I 120 mA

AF output

Headphones R

L

32

Ω

Max. AF output level

U

OUT

V

rmsfin

=1kHz,Uin350 mV

rms

at Cell Transmitter, R

L

=32Ω

Frequency response f 40 ... 14,000 Hz

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 17

2.4 Identifier Transmitter

2.4.1 Description

The Identifier transmits a binary code, which enables the GuidePort receivers to identify
the audio event belonging to it. The identifier transmitter is programmable via a palmtop
with the necessary GuidePort software. The parameters to be programmed are
identifier number, transmission power, and the times for switching the identifier
transmission on and off.

The Identifier is fitted with two LEDs which indicate its operating states (see below).

Functions and Electrical Parameters

• Operation indicator: Time Management will automatically switch the

identifier on, the green LED will start flashing for
about 30 minutes. Operation will be possible for at
least 12 hrs.

• Low battery warning: If the green LED does not flash after switching the

identifiers on, the batteries are flat. Please replace.

• Data storage time without batteries ≤ 3 min. (for replacing the batteries)

• Automatic off function: Time Management will switch the transmission off

automatically, while the data storage remains on
(data integrity). The red LED will light up briefly.

• Time Management: Max. deviation per year: 0.5 h. Time Management is

programmed and checked via the IrDa interface.

• Programming interface: IrDa interface, reading and programming of data

protocol, clock, RF output power and burst rate.

• RF output power: Programmable via IrDa interface, adjustable in steps

of 10% between 10% and 100%

• Possibility of connecting an induction loop via internal screw terminals

• Max. cable length between transmitter and induction loop: 10 m

• Max. burst period of protocol: 1 s or 0.5 s, switchable via IrDa

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 18

2.4.2 Technical Data

Transmission frequency f 127 kHz

Modulation type 2 - FSK

FM deviation 4 kHz

Data rate 8 kbit/s

Maximum transmission range with
internal antenna

3 m (isotropic pattern)

Maximum area covered by external
induction loop

9sq.m.

Power supply*
External DC
4 AA-size batteries

7.5–15

1.5

VVexternal power supply

inserted into identifier

Operating time with batteries

≥

3 months

P

out

= 100%,

T

on

= 8h/day

T

period

=1s

Programmable parameters ID code, RF output power, on/off

times, int./ext. antenna, burst rate

Setting of ID parameters via infrared data interface (IrDa)

with palmtop

Indoor operating temperature +10.........+50 °C

* N.B.: When the identifier is powered by an external DC supply, the battery supply will
be automatically cut off. We would recommend to use both external DC and batteries,
as this ensures that (a) no data will get lost in case of a mains power failure; (b) you
can conveniently program the battery-powered identifiers before they are mounted in
their final position and connected to an external DC supply.

GuidePort: System Manual 27. November 2000 Seite 19

3 Software

3.1 Central Unit Software

The Central Unit Software runs on the Central Unit PC. It serves to configure the entire
GuidePort installation with its cells, transmitters, events and identifiers.

3.2 Cell Transmitter Loader Software

The Cell Transmitter Loader Software runs on the Base Stations. Via a USB, the
software detects the IDs of all Cell Transmitters connected to a Base Station. The Base
Station PCs transmit the configuration files – previously created by the Central Unit
Software–totheCellTransmitters.