8101 OPERATOR’S MANUAL
14
Information subject to change
97-8101002_9-13-12
This section describes protections and diagnostic features of the 8101 amplifier.
4.1
Protection Systems
You AE Techron amplifier provides extensive protection and diagnostic capabilities, including fault indicators,
DC protect, AC under-/over-voltage protection, inrush limiting, and variable speed fans.
4.1.1
Fault
The amplifier will light the Fault LED if the amplifier output stage stops operating. If this happens, contact
AE
T
ECHRON
for servicing information.
4.1.2
Low-Pass Filters
Gaussian-approximation ultrasonic filters prevent ultrasonic feedback and HF burnout of transducers. This
type of filter preserves transient response better than a Butterworth filter.
4.1.3
AC Under/Over Voltage Protection
If the AC line voltage drops below 25% or rises above 15% of the nominal operating voltage of the amplifier,
the amplifier’s power supply turns off and the blue Power LED flashes. The amplifier will turn back on when
the AC line voltage returns to safe operating levels (15% /
-25%).
4.1.4
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker located near the IEC power inlet protects the amplifier from excessive AC current draw.
4.1.5
Inrush Limiting
A soft-start circuit in the power supply minimizes the amplifier’s current draw during power-on.
4.1.6
Variable-Speed Fans
Two continuously variable speed fans direct the airflow through the amplifier for cooling.
4.2
Advanced Features
4.2.1
Switching Power Supply
The switching Power Supply minimizes the amplifier’s weight.
Typical non-switching power supplies require large, heavy transformers in order to produce the required
power at the output stage. These transformers must be large to operate at 50 to 60 Hz (standard AC
supplied by the power company).
By contrast, switching power supplies can operate with a much smaller (and lighter) transformer because
they first convert the AC up to a much higher frequency, thereby reducing waste. The power supply is voltage-
specific, allowing use in regions using 120V or 240V.
4.2.2
Sleep Circuit
Lowers standby power consumption by shutting down the high-voltage supplies during idle periods.
4.2.3
Input Sensitivity Switches
To access the Input Sensitivity Switches, turn off the amplifier and remove the Input Panel. The switches are
in the top surface of the cavity behind the Input Panel (see
Figure 4.1
). One 3-position switch per channel
selects among these settings:
4
Advanced Features and Options
