Ethernet public addressing system

Student: Kuan-Ming Chen

Supervisor: Neil Bergmann

Category: Engineering Thesis Project - Electronics

Since mid-1970s, the Ethernet has been widely accepted throughout the world due to it being a fast and efficient communications means with few wiring and expanded I/O. Today, Ethernet-based systems are becoming more popular as the hardware required for faster data handling is now less costly and readily available.

The aim of this project is to design an Ethernet Public Address System, which is an Ethernet application system suitable for large-scale environments such as in the Airport. Today, the common public address system installed in buildings consists of speakers and microphones that are hardwired and connected to main control devices. The use of Ethernet will develop an intelligent system that is easier to control and allow for a simple, single wire connected system. In this thesis, the hardware design of a circuit with a CODEC chip onboard that performs the data conversion is implemented. To allow for the receiving audio data to be converted to digital data while using the Ethernet standard, modules are constructed so that it can be dynamically added to an Ethernet network. Modules constructed include both speaker and sound input modules. Further, these modules are controlled through a web-based application sending appropriate control packets to the device.

A detailed analysis of hardware design and performance has been achieved, and a number of possible design improvements have been investigated. Overall this thesis is successful in developing a product-prototype, and in furthering professional engineering skills.

Thesis Document (PDF)