阅读说明：本技术 公共广播装置和方法 (Public broadcasting apparatus and method ) 是由 B·许贝尔 T·科佩拉 于 2019-08-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于输出音频信号的公共广播装置,该公共广播装置具有用于输出输出信号的控制器、至少一个放大器和至少一个输出单元,其中,为了将输出信号提供给放大器,控制器与放大器借助第一信号线路连接,其中,借助放大器,施加在放大器上的输出信号能够被放大成经放大的输出信号,其中,为了将经放大的输出信号提供给输出单元,放大器借助第二信号线路与输出单元连接,该公共广播装置具有控制器与放大器之间的第一通信线路,该第一通信线路用于发送第一通信信号,其中,控制器具有检查单元,该检查单元构造用于能够基于第一通信信号检查第一信号线路。(A public address apparatus for outputting audio signals, having a controller for outputting output signals, at least one amplifier and at least one output unit, wherein, for supplying output signals to the amplifier, the controller is connected to the amplifier by means of a first signal line, wherein, by means of the amplifier, the output signals applied to the amplifier can be amplified into amplified output signals, wherein, for supplying amplified output signals to the output unit, the amplifier is connected to the output unit by means of a second signal line, has a first communication line between the controller and the amplifier for transmitting first communication signals, wherein the controller has an examination unit which is designed to be able to examine the first signal line on the basis of the first communication signals.)

1. Public address apparatus (1) for outputting audio signals, the public address apparatus having a controller (2), at least one amplifier (6) and at least one output unit (10), the controller (2) being adapted to output an output signal (7),

wherein the controller (2) is connected to the amplifier (6) by means of a first signal line (4) for supplying the output signal (7) to the amplifier (6),

wherein an output signal (7) applied to the amplifier (6) can be amplified into an amplified output signal (7) by means of the amplifier (6),

wherein the amplifier (6) is connected to the output unit (10) by means of a second signal line (9) in order to supply the amplified output signal (7) to the output unit (10),

characterized by a first communication line (16) between the controller (2) and the amplifier (6) for transmitting a first communication signal,

wherein the controller (2) has a checking unit (20), wherein the checking unit (20) is designed to be able to check the first signal line (4) on the basis of the first communication signal.

2. Public address device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a second communication line (17) between the controller (2) and the output unit (10) for transmitting a second communication signal, wherein the checking unit (20) is configured for being able to check the second signal line (9) based on the second communication signal.

3. Public address device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first communication signal comprises first reception information on the reception of the output signal (7) by the amplifier (6) and/or the second communication signal comprises second reception information on the reception of the amplified output signal (7) by the output unit.

4. Public address device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the checking unit (20) comprises theoretical connection information on the signal connection between the controller (2), the amplifier (6) and/or the output unit (10), wherein the checking unit (20) is configured for checking the correctness of the signal connection based on the theoretical connection information, the first communication signal and/or the second communication signal.

5. Public address device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amplifier (6) and/or the output unit (10) has position information, wherein the first communication signal and/or the second communication signal comprises the position information.

6. Public address device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the checking unit (20) is configured for determining the topology of the public address device (1) based on the first communication signal and/or the second communication signal.

7. Public address device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the check unit (20) is configured for amplifying an input channel by steering the amplifier (6) through the first communication line (16).

8. Public address device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (10) has a relay unit and a plurality of output channels (15), wherein the output channels (15) can be selected by means of the relay unit (11).

9. Public address device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by at least one end-of-line module in at least one output channel (15) for checking the integrity of the respective output channel (15).

10. Public address device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amplifier (6) has a first detection unit (19), wherein the detection unit (19) is configured for outputting a first communication signal related to a signal characteristic of the output signal (7).

11. Public address device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first detection unit (19) is constructed as an analog-to-digital converter.

12. Public address device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the controller (2) comprises a digital signal processor for outputting output signals (7) having different signal characteristics.

13. Public address device (1) according to one of the claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the controller (2) is configured for checking a plurality of first signal lines (4) and/or second signal lines (9) in parallel by providing output signals (7) having different signal characteristics.

14. Public address device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (10) has a second detection unit (19), wherein the detection unit (19) is configured for outputting a second communication signal which is related to the signal characteristics of the amplified output signal (7).

15. Method for monitoring a first and/or a second signal line (4, 9) in a public address device (1), characterized in that an output signal (7) is transmitted by a controller (2) via the first signal line (4), wherein a first communication signal is transmitted from an amplifier (6) to the controller (2) via a first communication line (16), wherein the first communication signal comprises information about the application and/or presence of the output signal (7) on the amplifier (6), wherein it is possible to check and/or evaluate whether the connection between the amplifier (6) and an output unit (10) is intact on the basis of the second communication signal.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a public address system for outputting audio signals, comprising a controller for outputting output signals, at least one amplifier and at least one output unit, wherein the controller is connected to the amplifier by means of a first signal line for supplying the output signals to the amplifier, wherein the amplifier is designed to amplify the output signals applied to the amplifier into amplified output signals, and wherein the amplifier is connected to the output unit by means of a second signal line for supplying the amplified output signals to the output unit.

Background

A public address apparatus is a public address system for outputting audio signals to the public. Audio signals can be provided in particular over a wide range by means of public address systems, for example distributed in buildings or for applications in stage technology.

The document EP 1813133B 1, which may constitute the closest prior art, describes a public address system comprising at least one monitoring device and a monitoring medium, wherein the monitoring device is connected to the transmission medium and is supplied with power by means of an alternating voltage present on the transmission medium and having a supply frequency. The monitoring device is designed to receive and transmit communication signals using a carrier frequency on the transmission medium, wherein the carrier frequency is different from the power supply frequency.

Disclosure of Invention

It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a public address apparatus for outputting audio signals. Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for outputting an audio signal. Preferred and/or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the description below and from the drawings.

A public address apparatus for outputting an audio signal is provided. The public address facility is in particular designed as a public address system. With the aid of public address means, audio signals can be transmitted in particular spatially distributed and/or at different spatial points. Public address systems are designed, for example, for transmitting voice messages or alarms by means of signal tones and are designed, in particular, as local broadcasting devices. Furthermore, the public address apparatus may be constructed as a public address system in a public building (e.g., an airport, a train station, or a supermarket). In particular, it can also be provided that the public address facility is designed as a facility for event technology (for example, stage technology and/or sound technology). The audio signal is in particular an analog electrical or acoustic signal.

The public address device has at least one controller. The controller is particularly referred to as a control unit. The controller is preferably a central controller. The controller can be designed in particular as a software or hardware unit. The controller preferably assumes the function and/or task of the control unit and/or the controller is used for controlling the common broadcast means. The controller is constructed, for example, from a computer unit or microchip or processor. The controller is configured in particular for outputting, receiving and/or processing data and/or signals. The controller is designed in particular to plan, control and/or undertake the coordination and/or distribution of the audio signals.

The public address device has at least one amplifier. The public address facility has in particular more than 20, preferably more than 50 and in particular more than 100 amplifiers. The amplifier and/or the amplifiers each have in particular at least one amplifier input, in particular at least two amplifier inputs. The amplifier has in particular at least one amplifier output, in particular at least two amplifier outputs. The amplifier is configured to amplify the applied signal.

The amplifier is connected to the controller by means of a first signal line. The controller is connected to one of the amplifier inputs, in particular by means of a first signal line. The controller can be connected to different amplifiers and/or amplifier inputs, in particular via different first signal lines. The output signal can be supplied to the amplifier by the routing controller through the first signal line. The amplifier is designed to be able to amplify the output signal applied to the amplifier. In particular, an audio signal applied to the amplifier, in particular to the amplifier input, can be selectively amplified by means of the amplifier. For example, the amplifier has a plurality of amplifier inputs, wherein different output signals can be applied to different amplifier inputs, so that in particular selected amplifier inputs and the output signals applied thereto can be amplified by means of the amplifier.

The public address apparatus has at least one output unit. The public address facility has in particular at least 10, preferably at least 50 and in particular at least 100 output units. These output units are in particular spatially distributed in the output region. The output area is constituted, for example, by a building to be filled with sound and/or a concert hall to be filled with sound. By means of the output unit, the audio signal can be output as an acoustic signal.

For example, the amplified output signal is supplied to an output unit, wherein the output unit is designed to output the amplified output signal as an acoustic audio signal. The output unit preferably has a loudspeaker and/or is configured as a loudspeaker. The public address device has, in particular, a number of output units which is equal to the number of amplifier outputs.

The output unit is connected to the amplifier, in particular by means of a second signal line, wherein the amplifier output is connected to the output unit, in particular by means of the second signal line. The amplified output signal can be transmitted, in particular, via a second signal line. The first signal line and the second signal line are preferably designed as electrically isolated cable lines. The first signal line and/or the second signal line are formed by XLR cables, for example.

The public address apparatus has a first communication line. A first communication line connects the controller with the amplifier. The public address device may in particular have a plurality of first communication lines, wherein each of these communication lines connects the controller to the amplifier. The first communication line is in particular different from the first signal line. The communication signal can be transmitted by means of the first communication line. Preferably, analog and/or digital signals and/or data can be transmitted as communication signals via the first communication line. The communication signal is, for example, an analog signal, alternatively a digital data signal. The amplifier is particularly configured to provide the communication signal to the controller. The controller is furthermore designed in particular for processing and/or using the communication signals in terms of data technology.

The controller has a checking unit. The checking unit is for example a software module. Alternatively, the checking unit may be constructed by hardware technology. The examination unit is in particular designed as a processor or microchip. The inspection unit is configured to inspect the first signal line based on the first communication signal. For example, the checking unit may be designed to evaluate the first signal line of the amplifier as being intact and/or present when the first communication signal is received from the amplifier. The amplifier is in particular designed to transmit the first communication signal to the controller when the output signal is received, so that the controller can evaluate the signal line as being intact when the first communication signal is received. The test unit is designed in particular to evaluate the first signal line to which the output signal is supplied as being intact and/or tested in the presence of a plurality of amplifiers and/or a plurality of first signal lines. Particularly, the following steps are set: the first communication signal has amplification information (e.g. the ID of the amplifier) so that the checking unit knows based on said first communication signal: the first signal line to the amplifier with the corresponding ID is checked for integrity and/or failure.

The invention is based on the following considerations: in complex public address installations, the determination of wiring and/or troubleshooting in the wiring is costly. Furthermore, troubleshooting and/or routing is typically not safe and reliable. The following possibilities are achieved by the public address arrangement provided: wherein the determination of the wiring and/or the integrity check of the wiring is performed automatically, in particular by using the checking unit and the first communication signal. Further, the public address apparatus yields the following advantages: by error-free and automatic inspection of the public address wiring, the exact location of the wrong wiring can be quickly known, costs and time in installation can be saved and manual errors can be reduced.

In one embodiment of the invention, the public address facility has a second communication line. The second communication line is preferably a cable technology connection. Alternatively, the second communication line may be a virtual (e.g. wireless) radio connection. A second communication line connects the controller with the output unit. The public address device may in particular have a plurality of second communication lines, wherein each of these communication lines connects the controller to the output unit. The second communication line connects, in particular, the controller output to the output unit. In particular, the number of second communication lines is less than or equal to the number of output units. A second communication signal can be transmitted via the second communication line. The second communication signal is in particular analog data, alternatively the second communication signal may be digital data. The output unit is in particular designed to output the second communication signal when the amplified audio signal is applied to the output unit. The checking unit is designed in particular for checking the second signal line on the basis of the second communication signal. The second communication signal may comprise, inter alia, information (e.g. an ID of the output unit). By way of example, the checking unit can be designed to check and/or verify, based on the second communication signal and/or the ID of the output unit, which signal line is intact — in particular which amplifier output and/or controller output is connected to the output unit. Furthermore, the checking unit may be configured for reconstructing and/or checking a signal path from the controller via the amplifier to the output unit on the basis of the first communication signal and the second communication signal. This configuration is based on the following considerations: a public address device is provided which can automatically check the wiring of the system, wherein the check of the public address device is particularly robust, in particular on the basis of two communication lines.

In particular, it is provided that the first communication signal comprises reception information about the reception of the output signal by the amplifier. Furthermore, it is provided, in particular, that the second communication signal comprises second reception information about the reception of the amplified output signal by the output unit. For example, the amplifier and/or the output unit are configured to output the communication signal only when the output signal or the amplified output signal is received. For example, the receive information is in response to receiving the output signal and/or the amplified output signal.

Particularly preferred are: the checking unit comprises theoretical connection information about the signal connections between the controller, the amplifier and/or the output unit. The theoretical connection information is stored and/or can be stored in the checking unit, in particular by data technology. Furthermore, it can be provided that the theoretical connection information in the test unit can be stored and/or set by the user and/or the installer. The theoretical connection information reflects, in particular, the wiring and/or topology of the public address, in particular the network topology. The connection information is used to describe the wiring and/or signal flow in the common broadcasting apparatus. Furthermore, the theoretical connection information includes, inter alia, the following information: which signal line is connected to which amplifier output, amplifier input, controller output and/or output unit input and/or output unit output. The checking unit is designed in particular to check the correctness of the signal connection on the basis of the theoretical connection information, the first communication signal and/or the second communication signal. For example, the checking unit is designed to check, by comparing the signal connection stored in the theoretical connection information with the first communication signal and/or the second communication signal: whether the corresponding signal connection is present and/or whether wiring to the correct input and/or output is present. The checking unit is designed in particular to check the topology, in particular the network topology, of the public address system on the basis of the first communication signal and the second communication signal. This configuration is based on the following considerations: in this way, an automatic check of the connection in the public address facility is achieved and, in particular, signal connections which are either faulty or defective can be traced.

In one embodiment of the invention, the amplifier and/or the output unit comprise position information. The location information may be, for example, an installation location, coordinates in space, and/or a GPS location. For example, the location information can be set by an installer or can be obtained from the environment. Furthermore, the position information may already be determined and/or set during manufacture. In this configuration, it is provided that the first communication signal comprises position information of the amplifier and/or the second communication signal comprises position information of the output unit. The checking unit is in particular designed to be able to check the signal line on the basis of the communication signal and the position information contained in the communication signal, and the measuring unit is designed to be able to perform a comparison with the theoretical connection information, for example.

Particularly preferably, the checking unit is designed to determine the topology of the public address facility on the basis of the first communication signal and/or the second communication signal. For example, the checking unit is designed to be able to reconstruct the connections between the controllers, amplifiers and/or output units on the basis of the communication signals, for example to be able to identify which controller outputs, amplifier inputs, output unit inputs and/or output unit outputs are connected to one another. The checking unit can thus in particular build up the topology of the signal stream in the public address. The checking unit is designed in particular to determine the topology using the position information in the communication signals. The checking unit is designed in particular to generate a graphical representation of the topology when determining the topology. The topology determined by the checking unit is particularly editable, for example graphically editable. This configuration is based on the following considerations: in such a public address device, the installation and debugging overhead is small, especially because the topology and wiring of the public address device are implemented independently.

Optionally, the checking unit is designed to amplify the input signal by means of a first communication line control amplifier. The test unit is designed, for example, such that the amplifier is designed to selectively amplify the input channel via the first communication line. The input channel is formed in particular by the amplifier input. Furthermore, it can be provided that the selection of which amplifier output the amplified output signal is output can be made by means of the checking unit and via the first communication line. This configuration is based on the following considerations: the signal profile, in particular of the output signal and of the amplified output signal, can be influenced and/or adjusted by means of the examination unit. Different output units can be selected by means of the checking unit. In particular, the integrity of the individual amplifiers and/or of the first and/or second signal lines can thus be checked one after the other and/or separately.

One configuration of the invention provides: the output unit has a relay unit and at least one output channel. Preferably, the output unit has a relay unit and a plurality of (in particular more than four) output channels. These output channels can be used by means of a relay unit. Preferably, a transducer is mounted at the end of the output channel, which converts the applied signal (e.g. the amplified output signal) into sound. The transducer is in particular designed as a loudspeaker. For example, the relay unit may be designed to transmit the amplified output signal applied to it and/or to output it to an output channel and/or not to transmit it and/or not to output it. The relay unit is used for a switching function and/or a switching function. The relay unit may in particular also have a plurality of inputs (for example two to eight inputs). The relay unit can also have a plurality of outputs, these outputs being generally referred to as field outputs. Particularly preferably, the relay unit is connected to the controller by means of a second communication line. The relay unit is designed in particular to provide the second communication signal. The second communication signal may further comprise, inter alia, the following information: the output signal is applied to and/or output at which input of the relay unit and/or at which output of the relay unit. In particular, it is provided that the controller and/or the checking unit is designed to control (for example, switch and/or switch) the relay unit via the second communication line in order to control the signal flow in the public address.

Optionally, an EOL module is arranged in at least one output channel. The EOL module is an End-Of-Line module (End-Of-Line-Module). The EOL module is used to monitor speaker lines, in particular output channels. The output channel can be monitored for a power short or a power open by means of the EOL module. For example, a core/cable break can thus be identified. The EOL module is configured to, among other things, identify the pilot tone and monitor for the presence of the pilot tone. The pilot tone is preferably an acoustic sound having a frequency greater than or equal to 20 kilohertz. The pilot tone particularly has a low level, e.g., less than-15 decibels. The EOL module is configured, inter alia, to provide results and/or data of the monitoring output channel to the relay unit and/or the controller. For example, the second communication signal includes data and/or results of the EOL module. This configuration is based on the following considerations: monitoring and/or topology acquisition of public address devices is extended to output channels and/or speakers. Particularly, the following steps are set: the speaker has an EOL module.

Particularly preferably, the amplifier has a first detection unit. The detection unit is designed to output and/or generate a first communication signal. The first detection unit is in particular designed to output a first communication signal which is dependent on a signal property of the output signal. For example, the first communication signal is output by the first detection unit only if the signal characteristics of the applied signal correspond to the desired signal characteristics and/or the conditions for the signal characteristics are fulfilled. Such as frequency, level and/or voltage value. For example, the detection unit is designed to output the first communication signal only when a desired frequency, a desired level or a desired voltage of the output signal is exceeded or reached. Furthermore, the first communication signal may depend on the signal characteristics of the output signal and reflect the signal characteristics in the first communication signal.

Particularly, the following steps are set: the first detection unit is configured as an ADC. The ADC is an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog output signal into a digital first communication signal. The converted first communication signal represents, for example, an integrated output signal. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first detection unit is designed as a DSP (digital signal processor). The DSP is preferably used in conjunction with the ADC and uses the digitized output signal as an input signal. The first communication signal may be based on, inter alia, processing by the DSP. For example, a DSP is used to frequency filter the applied signal, perform dynamic compression, or perform noise blanking. Furthermore, it may be provided that the detection unit is designed as a microcontroller. The microcontroller can be used to generate a first communication signal on the basis of the output signal.

Particularly preferably, the controller is designed to check a plurality of first signal lines and/or second signal lines in parallel. Parallel checking is to be understood in particular as a simultaneous checking. For example, simultaneous checking may be ensured by outputting output signals having different signal characteristics. In particular, it is provided here that the amplifier (in particular the amplifier input) reacts to different signal characteristics. Alternatively and/or additionally, it is provided that the first communication signal reflects and/or comprises a signal characteristic of the output signal, such that the checking unit is designed to be able to check the signal line and/or to be able to determine the topology of the public address based on the communication signal and the signal characteristic contained in the communication signal. For example, the controller is operated with output signals of different frequencies. Alternatively and/or additionally, the manipulation by means of the output signal can be achieved by means of having modulated pilot tones or data. Further, as the signal characteristic, a pattern (e.g., a frequency spectrum) of the output signal may be changed. This configuration is based on the following considerations: it is ensured that the connection can be checked efficiently and in a time-saving manner.

In one embodiment of the invention, the output unit has a second detection unit. The relay unit has in particular a second detection unit. The second detection unit is configured to output a second communication signal related to a signal characteristic of the amplified input signal. The second detection unit can in particular be of similar and/or identical design to the first detection unit. The checking unit is designed in particular to determine the integrity of the second signal line on the basis of signal characteristics stored in the second communication signal and/or to assign the communication signal to the respective second signal line.

Another subject of the invention is a method for monitoring a first signal line and/or a second signal line in a public address installation. This method for checking signal lines is constructed in particular by means of a public address system. In this case, the output signal is transmitted by the controller via the first signal line. A first communication signal is sent from the amplifier to the controller over a first communication line, wherein the first communication signal includes information about the output signal being applied to and/or present at the amplifier. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second communication signal is transmitted from the output unit to the controller via a second communication line. The second communication signal has, in particular, information about whether the amplified output signal is applied to the respective output unit. The checking unit is designed to be able to check whether the connection between the amplifier and the output unit is intact on the basis of the second communication signal. In particular, the topology of the public address can be generated by means of a method for detecting the first signal line and/or the second signal line.

Drawings

Further advantages, effects and configurations result from the figures and the description of the figures. The figures show:

fig. 1 schematically shows a public address apparatus;

fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a public address apparatus.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a public address apparatus 1. The public address system 1 is configured, for example, as a public address (becchallung) for public areas, in particular airports or train stations. Alternatively, the public address apparatus 1 may also be used for public address of concert halls and/or music festivals. The public address apparatus 1 has a controller 2. The controller 2 is configured, for example, as a central controller 2 and constitutes a control device of the public address device 1. The controller 2 is constituted by a computer unit. The controller 2 has a plurality of controller outputs 3. The controller output 3 is connected via a first signal line 4 to an amplifier input 5 of an amplifier 6. Here, the public address apparatus 1 has a plurality of amplifiers 6. The amplifiers 6 each have two amplifier inputs 5, however, the amplifiers 6 can also have more than two amplifier inputs 5. The first signal line 4 is in particular a cable connection and is designed for transmitting analog signals. The output signal can be output, in particular, by the controller 2. The output signal is configured as an analog signal. The analog output signal characterizes and/or describes the audio signal to be output. In particular, it is provided that the first signal line 4 can be selectively controlled by means of the controller 2, so that the amplifier 6 can be selectively supplied with an output signal. It may also be provided that different output signals are provided at different controller outputs 3.

The amplifier 6 is designed to convert the output signal 7 into an amplified output signal 7. The amplified output signal 7 is output by the amplifier 6 at an amplifier output 8. The amplifier 6 has in particular a plurality of amplifier outputs 8. The amplifier 6 is connected to an output unit 10 via a second signal line 9. Here, the output unit 10 has a relay unit 11 and a speaker 12. The relay unit 11 has a relay input 13. The amplified output signal 8 is supplied to a relay unit 11 via a second signal line 9. The relay unit 11 is configured to be able to adopt different switching states. By setting the switching state, the amplified input signal 13 can be output on different and/or alternative loudspeakers 12. For this purpose, the relay output 14 is connected to the loudspeaker 12 via an output channel 15. Thus, the loudspeaker 12 may output the amplified output signal 7 as sound.

The amplifier 6 is connected to the controller 2 via a first communication line 16, via which a first communication signal can be transmitted. Furthermore, the output unit 10 (in this case the relay unit 11) is connected to the controller 2 via a second communication line 17, wherein a second communication signal can be provided to the controller 2 via the second communication line 17.

Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the public address apparatus 1 in fig. 1. In particular, the communication between the controller 2, the amplifier 6 and the relay unit 11 via the communication lines 16 and 17 is to be discussed with the aid of this figure.

The controller 2 supplies the output signal to the amplifier via a first signal line 4.

For this purpose, the controller 2 has, in particular, a DSP 18, i.e. a digital signal processor, which serves as a signal generator. Output signals having different signal characteristics, such as different frequencies or amplitudes, can be provided by the DSP 18.

The amplifier 6 has a detection unit 19, the detection unit 19 being designed to detect the output signal 7 and in particular to detect a signal characteristic of the output signal 7. The detection unit 19 is designed to provide a first communication signal when the output signal 7 is applied to the amplifier input 5, the detection unit 19 being designed in particular to output a first communication signal which reflects the signal behavior of the output signal. For example, the first communication signal may be an integrated voltage of the output signal 7. The amplifier 6 is designed to supply a first communication signal to the controller 2 via a first communication line 17.

The controller 2 has a checking unit 20. The checking unit 20 is designed to determine the integrity of the connection between the controller 2 and the amplifier 6, in particular of the first signal line 4, on the basis of the first communication signal. For example, if different controller outputs 3 are connected to different amplifier inputs 5, it may be determined based on information about the signal characteristics contained in the first communication signal 1 that: which connection between the controller 2 and the amplifier 6 is intact, since the controller 2 knows, for example, which signal characteristic has been output to which amplifier output 3.

The amplifier 6 amplifies the applied output signal 7 into an amplified output signal, which is supplied from the amplifier output 8 to the relay unit 11 via the second signal line 9. The relay unit 11 likewise has a detection unit 19. The detection unit 19 is designed to detect whether the amplified output signal 7 is present at the relay unit 11. If the amplified output signal 7 is applied to the relay unit 11, the detection unit is designed to output a second communication signal and to supply this second communication signal to the controller 2 via a second communication line 18. The second communication signal has in particular information about the signal properties of the amplified output signal 7.

The controller 2 (in particular the checking unit 20) is designed to determine the integrity of the connection of the amplifier 6 to the relay unit 11 on the basis of the second communication signal. Especially after the second communication signal comprises information about the signal characteristics of the amplified output signal 7, the controller 2 and/or the control unit 20 may determine: which connection between the amplifier 6 and the relay unit 6 is checked and/or completed.

The output unit 10 has an end of line module 21. The line termination module 21 is configured to detect: whether the line between the relay unit 11 and the end of line module 21 is intact. Furthermore, the line termination module 21 is configured to detect: whether the entire signal connection between the controller 2 and the end of line module 21 (in particular via the amplifier 6 and the relay unit 11) is intact. For this purpose, the output signal 7 is provided, for example, with a pilot tone by the controller 2, wherein the end-of-line module 21 checks whether this pilot tone is present. The line end module 21 is connected to the controller 2 via a third communication line 22. The third communication signal is supplied to the controller 2 through the third communication line 22. The third communication signal comprises information of the probing of the end of line module 21. For example, the end of line module 21 outputs: whether the lines between the relay unit 11 and the termination module 21 and/or the lines between the controller 2 and the end of line module 21 are intact and/or unbroken.

Based on the third communication signal, the control unit 20 can determine: whether the connection between the relay unit 11 and the end of line module 21 is intact and/or whether the entire connection between the controller 2 and the end of line module 21 is intact.