TSL announce ‘intelligent’ mains rack distribution

Television Systems Limited (TSL), UK-based independent broadcast systems integrator and manufacturer, have announced the development of new ‘intelligent’ mains distribution units that take rack intelligence to a higher level.
TSL designed up to 800 intelligent mains distribution units with Ethernet control and monitoring, which were required for its systems integration contract for the BBC's new Broadcast Centre.
There are three units in the new range: the MDU12-3, the MDU12-3E and the MDU12-3ES. The MDU12-3 is the basic 12-way unit for cost-effective mains distribution and sets new standards for quality and durability.
The MDU 12-3E introduces a layer of intelligence to make the life of a modern broadcast engineer considerably easier. With the addition of Ethernet connectivity, the MDU12-3E provides remote monitoring of rack equipment via web pages and SNMP. This unit also has 16 opto-isolated GPI inputs to collect simple alarms within a rack so that the equipment can be powered and monitored for alarm conditions from one MDU 12E unit. Each output fuse and the state of the GPIs are monitored and any change is automatically notified via the network using SNMP alarm traps. Using battery back up, even in the event of mains input failing, the unit remains active and sends an alarm to this effect.
An easy-to-use web interface controls the unit using any browser. Username and password authentication is also provided to prevent unauthorised access. The MDU 12-3 E can be configured by an operator so that the management station can instantly identify a problem when it arises. Text descriptions can be set in the MDU for location, alarm type etc.
The MDU-12-3ES adds individual relay-controlled outputs to the specifications of the MDU-12-3E. As is well recognised in the broadcast world, sequential powering up and powering down is often crucial to preserve the life of a given piece of equipment or to make a system manageable.
The unit can be set-up by an operator to power up and power down in a predetermined manner. The web interface allows additional flexibility in case of equipment malfunction; providing the ability to remotely power up or power down selected equipment using any browser (or alternatively via a SNMP management station).
The MDU12-3E and ES units also have an RS232 port for initial IP setup and for future applications.
(KmcA)