The Extron PowerCage 401 is a compact, 1U rack-mountable enclosure that supports Extron modular fiber optic extenders. Engineered with uncompromising quality and proven performance, it provides an efficient way to power, manage, and mount multiple extenders. Front panel controls enable system setup and configuration without a computer. The four‑slot enclosure also features thermal management and dual-redundant power supplies to ensure reliability in mission-critical environments where continuous, 24/7 operation is essential. The hot‑swappable, modular design of the PowerCage® enclosure allows for addition or replacement of modules and power supplies in the field, without having to power down the system. The PowerCage 401 simplifies integration for large, rack-mounted systems as well as user workstations with multiple computers.
Modular Design Provides Maximum Flexibility
The PowerCage 401 can be populated with up to four dual-extender modules to meet system needs, making it an ideal solution for larger systems that need to support remote devices. For example, matrix switchers generally reside in equipment racks, which are typically at some distance away from both the source equipment and display devices. In general, a mixture of transmitters and receivers are utilized to distribute signals to and from these locations, often with the need to overcome specific challenges such as limited conduit space as well as distance limitations. The ability to accommodate multiple extenders within a single enclosure streamlines system design and installation. The modular hot-swappable design also offers a degree of future-proofing, whereby unpopulated slots are available to support system growth without additional rack space, system downtime, or equipment relocation.
System Monitoring and Control
The PowerCage 401 is ideal for use in applications with a centralized control system that require the long-haul transmission of video, audio, and control signals over fiber optic cabling. Bidirectional RS‑232 signals can be sent from a control system to the modules via the Ethernet port on the PowerCage enclosure. Each module can be configured to provide the RS‑232 signal on its local port or to insert the command data into the fiber optic signal, enabling RS‑232 control of a local or remote device and eliminating the need for separate control system wiring. Additionally, two independent control signals can be sent to each module to allow simultaneous control of up to eight devices, when used with the PowerCage 401 FOX D HD.
The front panel LCD display and real-time status indicators offer instant feedback for power status, communication, and alarm for each of the four slots. RS-232 and USB configuration ports on the enclosure enable communication to each module slot for configuration and convenient setup of the fiber optic extenders.
Robust Design for Mission-Critical Installations
For added power reliability, some 24-hour environments require two separate AC power sources, one as the primary source and the second for redundancy. The PowerCage 401 offers dual redundant and hot-swappable power supplies along with dual AC power inputs for continuous connection to both power sources. Exceptional thermal management enables optimal cooling and superior reliability. Air flows from the front of the unit, and exhausts out the rear of the enclosure for optimal cooling. These features ensure continuous operation in crucial installations.
Housed in a compact 1U enclosure, the PowerCage 401 can be mounted in a rack as well as within a lectern or under a desk. It eliminates the need to manage individual power supplies and minimizes required rack space when factoring in the dual transmission capabilities of each extender module and reduced rack units necessary for heat dissipation and cooling.