Intercom System
1. General System Description
The purpose of the Intercom System shall be to provide voice communication capability in “simplex”, “duplex” or “full duplex” mode selectable for each subscriber separately. The system shall also provide extensive group call, all call features and pre-programmable conferences and flexible conferences with an unlimited number of subscribers in each conference.
The System shall be microprocessor controlled and shall incorporate modular components. All circuitry and components shall be arranged on slide-in printed circuit boards using SMD-Technology. Each module shall have its own microprocessor and a fault in one module shall not affect the function of the whole system. The modules shall have diagnostic LED’s for maintenance and fault detection.
The system shall be able to utilize DSP (digital signal processor) technology for subscriber cards and stations (master stations and substations). It shall be possible to upgrade DSP system features by simply uploading a software upgrade without the need for hardware modifications. Field devices (stations) shall be upgradeable from any location within a networked system. Replacing of firmware chips shall not be acceptable.
Line supervision of each station shall be possible and line failure shall be reported to predefined stations. On selected stations (with built in DSP processor) microphone/speaker supervision shall be possible to guarantee station operation and shall immediately report any failure to preprogrammed station(s). Testing interval shall be programmable.
The switching of the voice signals shall be digital and the system shall be capable of supporting analog (4-wire) and/or digital (2-wire) stations. The internal processing of the voice signals shall be digital. The architecture of the Intercom System shall support digital networking of several locations by means of fiber optic, LAN/WAN/Ethernet, 2-wire HDSL or other digital transmission systems (microwave, satellite,..).
The digital networking shall provide at least 10 speech channels between centrals based on a 2Mbit data transmission rate and shall also support remote programming to any central from any central within the network.
Ethernet/LAN/WAN networking shall be accomplished with a plug-in networking card for direct access to a 10baseT Ethernet connection without the need of an external modem/interface. No additional programming device or software for configuration shall be required.
The system shall be expandable to 5760 subscribers in increments of four. Each central shall provide 48 digital audio lines (total non-blocking system) and 12 or 28 analog audio lines depending on the selected central model. The system shall automatically assign appropriate speech channel (analog and/or digital) for each conversation.
In addition each central shall include one auxiliary external audio input and shall provide 90 group functions and 48 conference channels (radio conference).
2. Intercom Server
System description
The INTERCOM SERVER shall be fully digital, microprocessor based, modular design. All programming for each subscriber shall be possible from any central on the network or via RS-232 connection. In addition programming shall be possible utilizing a dial-up connection via modem (dial-up shall be password protected). The configuration of the subscriber features shall be programmed via PC and stored in the internal non-volatile memory of the central – no batteries shall be required to maintain configuration programming. All software required for programming the system shall be provided as part of the central at no extra cost.
Subscribers can be added at any time by using additional subscriber boards in the central. Each subscriber board provides 4 subscriber ports. It shall be possible to choose subscriber feature-level (A,B,C,D) by selecting the appropriate subscriber card. The higher-letter cards include features of the lower ones plus additional features. Therefore non-required features do not have to be purchased. All subscriber cards shall be interchangeable within the system. Feature upgrade of specific stations shall be possible by simply replacing the subscriber card with a higher-letter card. Subscriber card shall be changeable without any re-wiring required.
Basic subscriber features
Each subscriber shall be capable of calling any other subscriber in the system unless restricted by programming. Unless otherwise specified clear hands-free duplex conversation shall be established upon connection. “Full-Open Duplex” conversations shall be possible hands-free and without the need of handsets or gooseneck/directional/noise canceling microphones utilizing DSP stations.
It shall be possible to assign a subscriber dialing numbers of 1-, 2-, 3- or 4 digits in length. The system shall allow programming of direct dialing functions for each subscriber individually.
Dialing “00” shall initiate “All Calls”, announcements can be suspended by pressing the “T” button once. The called party may answer the call from any station by simply dialing “TT”. It shall be possible to restrict via programming any station from initiating or receiving “All Calls”, “Group Calls” and/or “Conference Calls”.
Volume control shall be programmable for each type of call for each subscriber individually. Maximum volume level for call types individually shall be assigned to subscriber via programming. Volume may be adjusted on selected models of stations by pressing the “Up” or “Down” key.
Personal directory of all programmed stations and features available to a specific subscriber shall be displayed via high-resolution graphic LCD-screen (on selected models)
A substation can be programmed to call a specific master station, substation or special features such as “All Call” or “Group Call”.
Station name and/or number shown on the alphanumeric display at a master station shall identify calls, call requests, emergency calls, alarms and status of inputs.
It shall be possible to restrict features and dialing sequences for any subscriber individually.
Privacy mode may be selected by simply dialing the appropriate code at the station. This feature may be enabled/disabled individually per subscriber via programming. When in privacy mode incoming calls shall be announced by special tone and flashing red LED. Pressing any button shall start conversation.
Calls may be transferred from one station to a preprogrammed “Secretary Station” by simply placing the station on its side (for desktop stations) or dialing the appropriate code.
If the called party is busy the calling station may leave a recall-request by pressing “5”.
Once call connection is established, normal conversation shall take place in the preprogrammed mode. If desired manual control of the direction of the conversation shall be possible by pressing the “T” button (press to talk, release to listen).
During conversation a person shall be able to momentarily mute the microphone on any station by pressing “7”. Pressing “7” again shall un-mute microphone and restore normal conversation.
It shall be possible to enable/disable a minute tone during conversation for each subscriber via programming.
Once a call is connected it shall be possible to place the call on hold by pressing “0”, dialing and conversing with a third party, switching back and forth or transferring the call.
The system shall allow up to 8 conferences with unlimited numbers of subscribers in each group. Dialing the preprogrammed conference code shall automatically initiate the conference call, each subscriber in the group shall be able to speak to the group by holding down the “T” button on their station. Each group member shall be able to leave the conference by pressing the “X” button. Conference stations can be programmed as “listen only”.
Additionally the system shall support up to 40 radio conferences for 2-way radio integration (up to 40 channels). Utilizing a DSP subscriber card in the system it shall be possible for master stations to listen to up to 4 radio channels simultaneously. The master stations shall be able to selectively answer to each radio channel individually. It shall be possible to adjust the volume of each selected radio channel on the master station (selected models) individually. The DSP subscriber card shall support the connection for 4 digital stations.
The System shall allow up to 90 programmable group calls with unlimited numbers of subscribers in each group.
The system shall allow up to 40 channels of music or other audio signals to be distributed to all programmed stations. Each Station may select the desired channel by simply dialing the channel code, volume shall be adjustable at the station and/or programming and a maximum volume level shall be assigned via system programming. Channel shall be interrupted during intercom calls and return automatically upon completion of the call.
If called station is busy call-waiting feature shall be activated by pressing “0” at calling station, when the called station disconnects the call shall automatically be placed.
Follow-Me function may be activated by placing the station on its side (desktop stations only) or dialing the “secretary transfer code”. At the target station enter “transfer code + own station number”. Calls to station will automatically be transferred to target station.
Calls from stations programmed as door stations to any other programmed subscriber or group of subscribers shall be able to utilize one or more assigned relay contacts activated from the called station by pressing the preprogrammed button.
3. Master Stations
A master station shall include the following controls; dialing button 0-9, “T’-button, “X”-button, scroll/volume up/down buttons, “Enter”-button and three function keys “F1”,”F2” and “F3” (on selected models).
It also shall provide a large graphic LCD-display with 8 lines x 14 characters or a single line 6-character alphanumeric display depending on selected model. The Master station shall incorporate ergonomic design being no larger than 3”x10”x3”.
All master stations shall have a “handset function” enabling user to switch from loudspeaking operation to handset mode by simply lifting station and placing to ear (exception: desktop models with gooseneck microphone).
Master station shall provide RJ-11 connector for standard CAT5-cabeling connection and shall be available in analog (4-wire), digital (2-wire) and digital-DSP (2-wire) configuration.
Analog Version
Analog version shall interface to the appropriate version of subscriber card in the INTERCOM SERVER; connection shall be established by using 2 twisted pair cables.
Versions of analog master stations shall include: desktop, wall-mount (flush or surface), with or without display, gooseneck microphone for full duplex or high-noise environment.
Station shall incorporate high sensitive microphone to provide clear conversation from a maximum range of at least 20 ft.
The minimum frequency range shall be 200-9500Hz.
Digital Version
Digital version shall interface to the appropriate version of subscriber card in the INTERCOM SERVER; connection shall be established by using 1 twisted pair cable.
Versions of digital master stations shall include: desktop, wall-mount (flush or surface), with or without display, gooseneck microphone for full duplex or high-noise environment. Large graphic LCD-Display (8 lines x 14 characters) shall be available on selected digital models.
Station shall incorporate high sensitive microphone to provide clear conversation from a maximum range of at least 20 ft.
The minimum frequency range shall be 200-7000Hz.
Selected digital master station models shall provide: subscriber directory with direct access, pre-programmable function menus, selectable language, and adjustable display contrast.
Digital DSP Version
Digital version shall interface to the appropriate version of subscriber card in the INTERCOM SERVER; connection shall be established by using 1 twisted pair cable.
Versions of digital master stations shall include: desktop, wall-mount (flush or surface), with or without display, gooseneck microphone for high-noise environment. Large graphic LCD-Display (8 lines x 14 characters) shall be available on selected digital models.
“Full-Open Duplex” hands-free conversation shall be possible between selected digital DSP stations without the need of gooseneck/directional/noise canceling microphones or handsets. Stations shall provide an integrated 1.5W amplifier for use with optional attachable loudspeaker. Desk master station shall provide connector for external headset.
Firmware/feature upgrades shall be made available via download through the intercom server. No local modification on the station shall be required.
Station shall incorporate high sensitive microphone to provide clear conversation from a maximum range of at least 20 ft.
The minimum frequency range shall be 200-7000Hz.
Selected digital master station models shall provide: subscriber directory with direct access, pre-programmable function menus, selectable language, and adjustable display contrast.
IoIP Version
IoIP (intercom over IP) version shall interface to the appropriate version of subscriber card in the INTERCOM SERVER; connection shall be established by using 1 Network cable to the LAN/WAN.
It shall be possible to connect any Commend master station (digital or analog), with the use of the Commend #ET-901 IoiP intercom Station adapter, directly to an network static IP address, with no limit or compromise to station audio quality or function. In addition, due to the DSP functionality of the ET –901, all analog stations connected via ET-901 shall have all DSP functions normally associated with Commend Digital/DSP stations. These functions include Full Open Duplex communication, with or without gooseneck microphone or handset, integral audio threshold monitoring (D level firmware) and speaker and microphone monitoring (D level firmware).
Versions of IoiP master shall include: any station in the Commend intercom station range. Large graphic LCD-Display (8 lines x 14 characters) shall be available on selected digital models. “Full-Open Duplex” hands-free conversation shall be possible on all analog and digital stations without the need of gooseneck/directional/noise canceling microphones or handsets. Stations shall provide an integrated 1.5W amplifier for use with optional attachable loudspeaker. Desk master station shall provide connector for external headset.
As an option, a two input / output plug in board shall be available in addition to the contact closures and inputs found on various models of intercom station.
Firmware/feature upgrades shall be made available via download through the intercom server over the IoiP network. No local modification on the station shall be required.
Station shall incorporate high sensitive microphone to provide clear conversation from a maximum range of at least 20 ft.
The minimum frequency range shall be 200-7000Hz.
Network Requirements.
Bandwidth requirement 160 Kb/s per active conversation.
Network latency 100ms (Max) 10/100 Full duplex.
Selected digital master station models shall provide: subscriber directory with direct access, pre-programmable function menus, selectable language, and adjustable display contrast.
4. Substations
Each Intercom substation shall be equipped with microphone, loudspeaker and in-use LED, all housed in one unit with configurable front pushbutton(s).
Additional features on selected models shall include: duplex-controller, volume control and microphone sensitivity adjustment as well as on board relay contacts and inputs, connectivity for up to 3 pre-programmable function/dialing pushbuttons and speech control buttons “T” and “X”, onboard amplifier for external loudspeaker.
Substations may be available as: desktop (with or without display), wall mount (flush or recessed), single gang or double gang with no adapters required.
All double gang substations shall be weather resistant, equipped with stainless steel faceplate and tamperproof pushbuttons. Selected tamperproof models shall have a second protective plate between faceplate and speaker/microphone.
Digital DSP Substations
Digital DSP substations shall be available in 2-Gang versions with silver button or red mushroom button, tamperproof and weather resistant. Each digital substation shall only require one twisted pair.
Station shall also provide one input and one controllable/programmable relay output on-board. Station shall utilize DSP technology to provide full speaker/microphone supervision and fully adjustable (volume/timing threshold programmable via intercom server) audio monitoring. Feature upgrade shall be made available via download through the intercom server. No local modification shall be required.
IoIP Substations
It shall be possible to connect any Commend master station (digital or analog), with the use of the Commend #ET-901 IoiP intercom Station adapter, directly to an network static IP address, with no limit or compromise to station audio quality or function. In addition, due to the DSP functionality of the ET –901, all analog stations connected via ET-901 shall have all DSP functions normally associated with Commend Digital/DSP stations. These functions include Full Open Duplex communication, with or without gooseneck microphone or handset, integral audio threshold monitoring (D level firmware) and speaker and microphone monitoring (D level firmware).
As an option, a two input / output plug in board shall be available in addition to the contact closures and inputs found on various models of intercom station.
Firmware/feature upgrades shall be made available via download through the intercom server over the IoiP network. No local modification on the station shall be required.
Network Requirements.
Bandwidth requirement 160 Kb/s per active conversation.
Network latency 100ms (Max) 10/100 Full duplex.
5. Industrial Stations
Industrial stations shall be comprised of microphone (electret or noise-canceling), dialing module with keypad or programmable pushbuttons, high-impact resistant ABS-housing with the flexibility to incorporate additional loudspeaker, amplifiers and control relays to complement various applications and industrial environments.
All industrial stations shall be IP65 / NEMA 4 / NEMA 4X rated.
Industrial stations shall have modular design that can be extended to accommodate up to 99 direct call buttons and operate in areas with ambient noise levels up to 107dB. All external components (microphones, pushbuttons, speaker) shall be of rugged design to provide protection against impact, moisture, dust, spill and corrosion.
6. Flexible Intercom Kits
The manufacturer of the Intercom system shall also provide flexible intercom kits to support specific customer applications (shape of housings, buttons, mounting material can be individually adapted for all situations where an intercom station is permanently mounted).
To cover different configurations analog (4-wire) and digital (2-wire) modules shall be available.
The digital station modules shall employ DSP-technology (selected models), full microphone and speaker supervision shall be provided at each DSP-equipped station and accommodate up to 18-button keypad and up to 2 programmable Inputs/ Outputs. Failure of microphone and/or speaker shall be reported to a designated master station(s).
Full Open Duplex shall be available between DSP station module and DSP master stations.
Selected models shall support single-line alphanumeric display or graphic LCD.
All speakers / microphones shall be weatherproof.
Selected models shall have Duplex-controller on board.
Weatherproof modules shall be available
IoIP Version is available for all substation Types see IoIP Master Station for specification.
A & E Specifications