The AVN-GPIO is part of the AVN range of network interface boxes, which converts GPIO (General Purpose Inputs & Outputs) to network commands to control, and be controlled by, other equipment or software across a standard network.
It has 10 configurable GPIO's, 8 of which can be used for PTP based programming, together with a relay. It provides virtual GPIO that allow the device to trigger or be triggered by other Sonifex devices on the network using virtual GPIO without the need for extra wiring (virtual GPIO communication occurs via the ethernet connection). Units can either be interfaced together across a network, or you can use Ember+ and UDP commands to accept commands from, or drive, the AVN-GPIO.
The AVN-GPIO is a PTP (Precision Time Protocol) enabled GPIO device. IEEE1588-2008 PTPv2 is used to keep a hardware clock in sync with a PTP master, such as the AVN-GMCS Grandmaster Clock, to achieve a sub 10ns synchronisation to the master reference. This means that the AVN-GPIO can be used to accurately timestamp input events and to trigger outputs at configured times.
The AVN-GPIO supports Default and AES67 Media profiles, and also provides a Custom profile which can be configured by the user.
It is housed in a rugged aluminium box with side slots for screw-mounting and is powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet).
The device is configured via a built-in webserver. This allows the configuration of PTP as well as live monitoring of its status. A GPIO routing webpage is provided which allows physical, timed, and virtual inputs to be routed to physical, timed, and virtual outputs.
The AVN-GPIO provides a simple UDP messaging system that allows other devices on the network to query the device status information, for example to retrieve the time at which a change in input occurred. Custom applications can also be written to query this information via UDP.
Applications:
-Motor racing timing: PTP enabled time outputs can be used to start a race at a specified time, then PTP enabled time inputs can be used to accurately record the time when cars pass the finish line with a nanosecond resolution. The results can be queried via UDP messages with a history of previous recordings also stored for querying.
-To connect legacy equipment, with only hardware I/O, to a network for remote control purposes. There are many Redbox units with hardware remotes that could now be controlled over a network, for example, the RB-DD4, RB-SD1 or RB-OA3.
-Button presses can be converted to network commands, for example to act as inputs to software for event handling, or to control remote equipment.
-Inputs from mechanical buttons & switches, or devices, can control lights and equipment connected to the AVN-GPIO across a network.
-Timed control switching, e.g. switching lights on/off at specific times of the day, reconfiguring which light switch turns on/off which light and/or controlling light on/off via a webpage.
-Time control of power on/off to test equipment and heating systems, together with providing times at which tests are passed.