BSS BLU-GPX – Network-Controlled GPIO Expander for Soundweb London

Product Overview

The BSS BLU-GPX is a network-controlled GPIO expander for the Soundweb London platform, providing 36 control inputs, 23 logic outputs, and 8 relay outputs in a 1U rack-mount chassis. It is designed for commercial AV installations that require additional analog control, interfacing, and relay switching beyond what is available on core Soundweb London processing devices. The BLU-GPX is powered and communicated via two PoE-enabled Ethernet ports, eliminating the need for a separate power supply in standard deployments. It is EN 54-16 certified for life safety applications and fully configurable through HiQnet Audio Architect, sharing the same logic object library as other Soundweb London devices.

Product Description

The BSS BLU-GPX adds large-count GPIO capability to Soundweb London systems that need more control inputs, logic outputs, and relay contacts than a standard processing chassis provides. Its 36 control inputs accept contact closures for binary parameter control, resistor ladders for multi-state parameter control, and potentiometers for continuous parameter control—all within the same terminal block connections. Two- or three-wire mode is configurable per input bank, and 47 common (ground) connections and 12 reference connections for three-wire operation simplify field wiring by reducing the need to span commons across connector blocks.

The 23 logic outputs drive voltage-controlled electrical components such as LEDs, relays, and logic-level circuits directly from the terminal block outputs. The 8 integrated relay outputs each provide both normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) terminals, and will open or close in response to HiQnet parameters without requiring external relay modules. These built-in relays are suitable for controlling mains-voltage switching circuits, HVAC interfaces, lighting control triggers, and other resistance-controlled loads found in commercial AV and building integration projects.

The BLU-GPX is powered via IEEE 802.3af PoE from either of its two Ethernet ports, which also carry configuration, control, and monitoring traffic. A secondary 12VDC input provides power backup for installations where PoE availability may be interrupted. The front panel features 48 software-programmable multi-color LEDs (red, green, or yellow), a monochromatic LCD with 80x16 resolution for text-based status display, and a 4 kHz piezo buzzer for audible indication of user-defined events. One opto-isolator output provides fault monitoring capability. The BLU-GPX is available from Creation Networks at https://creationnetworks.net.

Key Features

• 36 Control Inputs (GPI) — Accept contact closures, resistor ladders, or potentiometers for binary, multi-state, or continuous parameter control; configurable for 2-wire or 3-wire mode per input bank.
• 23 Logic Outputs (GPO) — Drive voltage-controlled components such as LEDs and external relays directly from terminal block outputs in response to HiQnet parameters.
• 8 Integrated NC/NO Relay Outputs — Built-in relays with normally open and normally closed terminals eliminate the need for external relay modules; switch in response to HiQnet parameters for lighting, HVAC, and mains-level circuit control.
• 47 Common Connections — Abundant ground references minimize inter-connector wiring jumpers and simplify termination of external control and feedback devices.
• 12 Reference Connections — Dedicated reference terminals support 3-wire mode operation for potentiometer and variable-resistance control wiring.
• Dual PoE-Enabled Ethernet Ports — Primary power (IEEE 802.3af PoE) and redundant network communications via either port; a single Cat 5e cable can power, configure, control, and monitor the device.
• 12VDC Secondary Power — Backup power connector for installations where PoE availability cannot be guaranteed; front panel LED indicates active power source.
• 48 Software-Programmable Front Panel LEDs — Multi-color (red, green, yellow) LEDs assignable to user-defined HiQnet parameters for local status indication in rack or wall-mount installations.
• Front Panel LCD — 80x16 monochromatic display shows user-defined text for status, zone, or mode indication without a connected laptop.
• 4 kHz Piezo Buzzer — Software-programmable audible indicator for alert or status events defined in HiQnet Audio Architect logic programming.
• 1 Opto-Isolator for Fault Monitoring — Provides isolated output for system fault signaling to external monitoring or building management systems.
• EN 54-16 Life Safety Certification — Certified for use in voice alarm and emergency sound systems, satisfying compliance requirements for commercial and government installations.
• RS-232 Serial Port — Enables control and monitoring via serial protocol from third-party control systems or serial-native devices.
• HiQnet Audio Architect Configuration — Same drag-and-drop logic object library used across the Soundweb London family; bi-directional locate for commissioning and identification.

Typical Applications

• Conference room control expansion adding wall panel inputs and relay outputs beyond core DSP GPIO capacity
• Boardroom AV integration with HVAC interlock, lighting trigger, and shade control relay switching
• Government space audio systems requiring EN 54-16 life safety compliant control infrastructure
• Multi-purpose room systems with large numbers of control input zones and indicator output points
• House of worship AV control networks with distributed GPIO for stage, front-of-house, and lobby zones
• Commercial meeting space automation combining audio control inputs with building system relay interfaces
• Auditorium and training room installations requiring centralized GPIO consolidation in rack infrastructure

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the BLU-GPX connect to a Soundweb London system?

A: The BLU-GPX connects via either of its two PoE-enabled Ethernet ports, which carry HiQnet control and monitoring traffic. It does not participate in the BLU link digital audio bus—it is a control and GPIO expander, not an audio I/O device. It is discovered and configured in HiQnet Audio Architect alongside other Soundweb London devices.

Q: What types of devices can be connected to the BLU-GPX control inputs?

A: The 36 control inputs accept contact closures (binary), resistor ladders (multi-state), and potentiometers (continuous), making them compatible with standard wall panel switches, multi-position selectors, and analog control voltage sources. Inputs can be wired in 2-wire or 3-wire mode, configurable per bank.

Q: Can the built-in relays switch mains-voltage circuits?

A: The 8 NC/NO relay outputs are designed to switch resistance-controlled electrical components and circuits. For mains-voltage applications, verify the relay contact rating against your specific load requirements and comply with applicable electrical codes. The integrated relays eliminate the need for external relay modules in low-voltage control applications.

Q: Does the BLU-GPX require a separate power supply?

A: In standard deployments, the BLU-GPX is powered by IEEE 802.3af PoE from a connected PoE switch or injector—no separate power supply is needed. A 12VDC secondary power connector (19W) is provided for installations where PoE availability cannot be guaranteed, functioning as a backup power source.

Q: Is the BLU-GPX suitable for EN 54-16 life safety voice alarm systems?

A: Yes. The BLU-GPX carries EN 54-16 certification, qualifying it for integration in voice alarm control and indicating equipment systems. Specifiers should verify full system compliance requirements with their certifying authority.

Q: How are the front panel LEDs and LCD programmed?

A: All 48 LEDs and the LCD are programmed in HiQnet Audio Architect by assigning them to HiQnet parameters and logic states. LED color (red, green, or yellow) and display text are set in the software design environment without any hardware modification.

Q: Where can I purchase the BSS BLU-GPX?

A: The BSS BLU-GPX (SKU: BSSBLUGPXFX) is available from Creation Networks at https://creationnetworks.net. Contact the team for system design support, compatibility questions, and integration assistance with Soundweb London projects.