Use - Data Sheet

Cerberus PACE Compact is a network-based public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) system that complies with the requirements of EN 54‑16 and allows for a decentralized and redundant system structure. It is an important feature of the system that the critical risks of single point of failure vulnerabilities are eliminated.

A typical Cerberus PACE Compact system is comprised of Cerberus PACE Compact voice alarm panels, operating terminals, and call stations. The voice alarm panels contain an audio matrix and power amplifiers. They can be extended with system operating and call station equipment.

Ethernet switches are used to link these components to a network via copper or fiber-optic cables.

Cerberus PACE Compact systems are configured in real-time using the 'PACE-Design' system software.

An EN 54‑4-certified power supply guarantees uninterrupted operation and high system availability.

Cerberus PACE Compact is designed for the following applications:

• Alarm and evacuation
• Automatic activation of acoustic alarm and evacuation announcements through a connected hazard detection system, such as a fire detection system
• Manual activation of acoustic alarm and evacuation announcements by trained staff
• Live announcements made by trained staff
• Playback of announcements recorded in advance
• Announcements
• Background music
• Live announcements, with optional delay feature
• Playback of announcements recorded in advance

Cerberus PACE Compact covers both applications within one integrated system. It complies with the stringent requirements that apply to voice alarm control and indicating equipment system in line with EN 54‑16 and the extremely high standards for the audio quality and convenience of a standard public address system.

The robust wall cabinet provides a space-saving and secure solution for accommodating Cerberus PACE Compact system components, such as the digital audio matrix board, power amplifiers, Ethernet switches, and the power supply.

It is pre-assembled in accordance with the requirements for Cerberus PACE Compact system components to provide maximum protection, even given tough ambient conditions.

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

The Cerberus PACE Compact audio matrices PC1001-A3 and PC1002-A3 process audio signals from the digital network, the internal digital memory (flash), the micro SD card, and the analog audio inputs. The digital audio matrices automatically digitize analog audio signals, so they can be processed further. Each audio signal is assigned to an audio channel. A digital audio matrix can manage up to 255 audio channels.

Cerberus PACE Compact audio matrices are standard network participants. Digital 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 digital 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 Compact systems to be used in 'pro sound' applications.

The network transmits all the control signals simultaneously as the audio signals.

The Cerberus PACE Compact audio matrices PC1001-A3 and PC1002-A3 monitor the correct function of the installed amplifiers. In case of a fault, they can switch to the installed backup amplifiers.

The Cerberus PACE Compact audio matrices 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 Cerberus PACE Compact audio matrices.

Power amplifiers PV1001-A1 amplify analog low-level audio signals to 100 V speaker line voltage with a maximum output power of 200 W. The power amplifiers use the latest digital technology for maximum effectiveness.

The power amplifiers PV1001-A1 are powered with DC 24 V.

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

Each power amplifier is equipped with a maintenance-free fanless cooling system. The power amplifiers are also fitted with circuit breakers to provide protection against idling, short-circuit, overheating and power surges.

The integrated AC 230 V power supply unit provides DC 24 V to all Cerberus PACE Compact system components.

The power supply unit ensures that the Cerberus PACE Compact system and the externally mounted components continue 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 unit also charges, monitors, and protects the emergency batteries. The batteries are charged in accordance with the standard EN 54‑4 based on their nominal capacity.

The power supply unit is equipped with a converter, an over-voltage protection switch, and the battery deep discharge protection. The deep discharge protection ensures that the batteries never fully discharge, thus preventing battery damage.

The power supply unit is suitable for a supply system with a nominal voltage of 230 V / 50 Hz.

Fault messages are displayed visually on the front and with relay outputs reported.