Lightware PRC-16-312 Powered Rackmount Cage for 16 extenders - 91340036

Product Overview

The Lightware PRC-16-312 is a 3RU powered rackmount cage designed to house and power up to 16 Lightware HDMI-TPX, HDMI-TPN, HDMI-OPTX, HDMI-OPTN, and HDMI-TPS extender units with 12V DC inputs in any combination. The cage provides a consolidated 320W power distribution system with 16 individual 12V/2.5A outputs, built-in short circuit and overload protection on every output port, and silent forced-air cooling — replacing the need for 16 separate wall adapters or individual power supplies in rack-mounted extender deployments. The PRC-16-312 is a purpose-built infrastructure component for large-scale TPX and TPS extender systems in auditoriums, government facilities, broadcast studios, and enterprise campuses. Available from Creation Networks.

Product Description

The PRC-16-312 accepts 100–240V AC input at 50/60 Hz and distributes regulated 12V DC across 16 independent output ports, each rated at 2.5A (30W) with individual short circuit and overload protection. Compatible extender units slide into the cage and connect to the internal power rails, eliminating external cable management for power distribution in dense extender installations. The cage accommodates Lightware HDMI-TPX-TX106, TX106A, TX107 series transmitters and HDMI-TPX-RX106, RX107 series receivers, HDMI-OPTN, HDMI-OPTX, and HDMI-TPS series units — mixed device types can occupy the same cage without configuration changes.

Mounting brackets are included for securing extender units within the cage. Cable ties are supplied for cable management at the rear of the cage. The 3RU form factor occupies three rack units and mounts in a standard 19-inch rack. Operating temperature range is 0 to +50°C, consistent with standard equipment room conditions. The PRC-16-312 is CE certified and carries a 3-year warranty. For large TPX or TPS extender deployments, the PRC-16-312 significantly reduces rack space, cabling complexity, and single-point power failure risk compared to individual power adapters.

Key Features

• 16 Independent 12V/2.5A Outputs — Provides 30W per port for up to 16 simultaneously powered extender units.
• 320W Total Nominal Power — Sufficient capacity for a fully populated cage of Lightware TPX, TPN, OPTX, OPTN, and TPS extenders.
• Per-Port Short Circuit and Overload Protection — Each output is individually protected; a fault on one port does not affect others.
• Wide AC Input Range — 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz; compatible with US, EU, UK, and international facility power without modification.
• Mixed Device Type Support — TPX, TPN, OPTX, OPTN, and TPS series units with 12V DC inputs can occupy the same cage in any combination.
• Silent Operation — Designed for low-noise equipment rooms where fan noise is a concern.
• 3RU Rackmount Form Factor — Occupies three rack units in a standard 19-inch rack; consolidates 16 device power supplies into one rack appliance.
• Included Mounting Brackets and Cable Ties — Hardware for securing extenders in the cage and managing rear cabling is included in the box.

Typical Applications

• Centralized rack power distribution for large TPX extender deployments in auditoriums and conference centers
• Broadcast studio and production control room extender power infrastructure
• Government facility and operations center AV distribution rack builds
• House of worship multi-zone extender power consolidation
• Enterprise campus AV distribution rack installations
• Training room and all-hands room AV equipment racks

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different Lightware extender models in the same PRC-16-312 cage?

Yes. Any combination of Lightware HDMI-TPX, HDMI-TPN, HDMI-OPTX, HDMI-OPTN, HDMI-UCX-TPX-RX107, and HDMI-TPS series units with 12V DC input can occupy the same cage. The cage provides the same 12V/2.5A output to each slot regardless of device type.

Does the cage provide any signal routing or just power?

The PRC-16-312 provides power only. Signal routing is handled by the extender devices themselves and their connected matrix or switch infrastructure. The cage has no video or data switching functionality.

What happens if one extender draws too much current?

Each of the 16 output ports has independent short circuit and overload protection. A fault or overcurrent condition on one port shuts down only that port, leaving the remaining 15 ports operational.

Is the cage compatible with the HDMI-UCX-TPX-RX107 receiver?

Yes. The HDMI-UCX-TPX-RX107 is listed as a compatible device for the PRC-16-312 cage.

Can the cage power devices that require more than 2.5A at 12V?

No. Each port is rated at 2.5A (30W) maximum. Devices with higher power requirements than 2.5A at 12V are not compatible and should use separate power supplies.

How many rack units does the PRC-16-312 occupy?

The PRC-16-312 occupies 3 rack units (3RU) in a standard 19-inch rack. Plan for 3U of rack space when adding the cage to a rack layout.

Is the power supply auto-switching for international voltages?

Yes. The PRC-16-312 accepts 100–240V AC at 50/60 Hz, making it compatible with standard facility power in North America, Europe, and most international locations without a transformer.