Digital audio matrices

The Cerberus PACE audio matrices process audio signals from the digital network, the internal digital memory (flash), the micro SD card, and the analog audio inputs. The audio matrices automatically digitize analog audio signals so they can be processed further. Each audio signal is assigned to an audio channel. A Cerberus PACE digital audio matrix can manage up to 255 audio channels.

Cerberus PACE audio matrices are standard network participants. Audio matrices are connected to the network using Ethernet switches.

The parameters for audio transmission within the network are configured using the 'PACE-Design' system software. The audio matrices have sampling frequencies of up to 48 kHz / 24 bit to ensure compliance with the most stringent audio quality requirements. The Cerberus PACE audio matrices transmit up to 64 audio channels simultaneously within the network. The constant latency of 4.6 ms presents in audio signals from the analog input, e.g., a microphone, up to the point of being converted back to analog and output at the speaker lines. This very slight delay allows for Cerberus PACE systems to be used in 'pro sound' applications.

The network transmits all of the control signals simultaneously with the audio signals.

The Cerberus PACE audio matrices PC2001-A1, PC2002-A1, and PC2003-A1 monitor the correct function of the connected amplifiers. In case of a fault, PC2003-A1 can switch to the installed backup amplifiers.

The Cerberus PACE audio matrices PC2001-A1, PC2002-A1, and PC2003-A1 monitor the connected speaker lines for open lines, short circuits and ground faults. The monitoring can be conducted via speaker line impedance supervision or via EOL elements PCA2004-A1. Speaker loops with short circuit isolators PCA2005-A1 can be connected to the audio matrices PC2003-A1.

Ethernet switches

Ethernet switches are used to connect individual Cerberus PACE network components, such as Cerberus PACE audio matrices and call stations. The Ethernet switches can be connected to a 'PACE-Net' network of up to 1350 network participants.

The Cerberus PACE network component features two independent network connections. These Ethernet connections combined with Ethernet switches can be used to build a fully redundant network.

All Cerberus PACE Ethernet switches feature standard Ethernet sockets (RJ45) for the connection of Cerberus PACE network components. Adapters can be fitted to create further interfaces for maximum flexibility in network cable selection. Users can choose between 100 Mbit/s Ethernet and various fiber-optic adapters in any frequency range, from multi-mode to single-mode.

Media converter

The media converter converts a CAT5 copper-based Ethernet section to fiber-optic based Ethernet section.

Call stations

Cerberus PACE offers a range of call stations for various applications.

The alarm and standard call station PT2001-A1 is a network based 'PACE-Net' desk call station with 19 buttons and indicators. This is designed for the following applications:

  • Control and monitor the Cerberus PACE system by users
  • Selecting speaker circuits
  • Selecting an audio source
  • Playback of announcements recorded in advance
  • Transmitting live announcements via mounted gooseneck microphone
  • Allows a redundant system structure
  • For other applications, see Call stations

Up to four additional button modules PTO2001-A1 can be fitted to extend the network-based desk call station PT2001-A1 to a maximum of 115 buttons.

The call station buttons of PT2001-A1 and PTO2001-A1 are basically freely operable.

An optional key switch module PTO2002-A1 or PTO2003-A1 enables all or individual call station buttons to be released or locked individually.

The longer PTO2004-A1 can be used here as an alternative to the standard gooseneck microphone.

The desk call station PT2008-A1 is designed for small standard applications.

The call station buttons of PT2008-A1 are freely operable.

The desk call station PT2008-A1 may only be used for standard applications rather than alarm applications.

The desk call station PT2009-A1 is designed for small to medium-sized standard applications. It communicates via the 'PACE-Bus' and a 0 dB symmetrical analog audio transmission.

Up to three additional button modules PTO2006-A1 can be fitted to extend the desk call station PT2009-A1 to a maximum of 32 buttons.

The call station buttons of PT2009-A1 and PTO2006-A1 are freely operable.

The PT2002-A1 is a network-based 'PACE-Net' fire brigade call station and allows a redundant system structure. The fire brigade call station PT2003-A1 communicates via 'PACE-Bus' and 0 dB symmetrical analog audio transmission.

They are designed for use by the fire brigade or trained security personnel. The alarm and system status can be monitored.

  • The integrated hand-held microphone can be used to make live announcements.
  • The pre-configured alarm announcement buttons can be used to play stored alarm and evacuation announcements.

Live announcements or stored alarm and evacuation announcements can be played throughout the entire building or in single areas (zones). The system interrupts all other audio outputs throughout the building or in the single areas as soon as:

  • an alarm announcement button is pressed or
  • hand-held microphone is taken from the hook or
  • the push-to-talk button on the hand-held microphone is pressed.

Operating terminals

The operating terminals display with color-coded LEDs the operating and fault status of the system, and provide color-coded buttons to trigger, reset and silent alarms. The operating terminals offer the following applications and functions:

  • Control and monitor the Cerberus PACE system by users
  • Visual indicator for operational readiness
  • Visual and acoustic message regarding the alarms and faults in the system
  • Manual activation, silencing, or resetting of an alarm
  • Acknowledging fault messages

Power amplifiers

Power amplifiers PV20xx amplify low-level audio signals to 100 V line voltage. The power amplifiers use the latest digital technology for maximum effectiveness.

The power amplifiers PV20xx feature an integrated mains voltage supply and can be operated temporarily with DC 24 V in the event of emergency power operation. If a fault is detected in the mains voltage supply, the power amplifiers PV20xx switches automatically to the 24 V emergency batteries.

In emergency power operation, the power amplifiers boast lower power consumption in standby mode.

The front of the power amplifiers is equipped with LEDs to indicate the operating condition. The electrical connections are located on the rear.

The power amplifiers offer sound level adjuster to adapt the output sound level.

The power amplifiers are also fitted with circuit breakers to provide protection against idling, short circuits, overheating, and power surges.

Power supplies and batteries

The power supply units provide DC 24 V to all system components.

The power supply units ensure that the Cerberus PACE voice alarm system continues to operate without interruption in case of an 'AC 230 V' line voltage failure by providing a DC 24 V from the emergency batteries.

The power supply units also charge, monitor, and protect all emergency batteries. The batteries are charged in accordance with the standard EN 54‑4 based on their nominal capacity.

The power supply units are equipped with converters, overvoltage protection switches, and battery deep discharge protection. The deep discharge protection ensures that the batteries never fully discharge, in order to prevent battery damage.

The power supply units are suitable for use in a supply system with a nominal voltage of 230 V / 50 Hz.

Fault messages are displayed visually on the front of the unit.

19" cabinets

19" cabinets provide a space-saving and secure solution for accommodating Cerberus PACE system components, such as audio matrices, power amplifiers, Ethernet switches, and the power supply.

Thanks to their modular design, these cabinets can be used flexibly and provide enough space for small announcement and evacuation applications, such as schools, as well as for large-scale applications, such as airports and large office buildings.

They are pre-assembled in accordance with the requirements for Cerberus PACE system components to provide maximum protection, even in difficult ambient conditions.

The Cerberus PACE cabinets provide an active ventilation system to guarantee that system components can be operated to their maximum functions within the specified operating temperatures. This ensures that system components work reliably even at the limits of the specified workload and the outside temperature.

Cabinets with a swivel frame provide ease of access to system components even when space is limited at the installation site, minimizing the amount of time and money to be spent on maintenance and repair.