NXL-100S Advanced Tunnel Horn

The NXL-100S is a high-power 100 V horn loudspeaker with exceptional features. Its high SPL capability, excellent directivity properties, reliable design and low-profile mounting make it a perfect fit for cost-effective applications in Voice Evacuation systems implemented in Traffic Tunnels.

The NXL-100S incorporates unprecedented protection features that are based on integrated novel real-time diaphragm excursion monitoring and voice coil temperature measurement circuitry. The related smart internal electronics is self-powered from the 100 V audio input and is only activated for higher input levels. Of course the NXL-100S also offers the more common features such as High Pass Filter, ceramic terminal block, tap selection, internal thermal and self-resettable overcurrent fuses. A mechanical provision to ensure safety in case of exposure to extreme heat is included as well. Enhanced serviceability is provided by the internal subframe and replaceable ingress protection cartridge.

The NXL-100S is easy to install due to its moderate weight and dimensions, convenient rear cover retention strap and mounting brackets design. The device complies with the highest flammability rating (IEC 60695-11-20/UL 94 class 5VB, that outperforms class V0), offers the required ingress protection (IP 66) and is insensitive to the rough environmental conditions typically encountered in Traffic Tunnels.

Features are shown below. For further documentation consult the Downloads page.

The BEM-optimized asymmetrical waveguide is based on a novel approach. The waveguide is optimized for tight positioning on a reflective boundary plane while avoiding a neck shaped transition with sharp bends. Flare discontinuities are minimized resulting in a reduction of higher order modes and consequently a better controlled wavefront and improved directivity with negligible off-axis lobing. This design yields low structural losses and excellent directivity properties; a high and nearly constant Directivity Index for frequencies above ~ 800 Hz, reduced mouth diffraction, less vertical HF interference effects and a smooth off-axis behavior. This allows for a larger distance (> 50 m, depending on acoustical conditions) between devices in a typical delay-aligned set-up.

The NXL-100S is built around a custom developed high-power compression driver with 4” CCAR voice coil, featuring high reliability and high excursion capability yet good HF response. A special surround and lead wires design significantly reduces the chance of mechanical fatiguerelated failures. A reliable electrical connection with the protection circuit board is ensured by the application of screw terminals instead of spring-loaded binding posts.

Smart microcontroller-based electronics handles the internal protection and status monitoring. The electronics module is self-powered from the 100 V audio input and is only activated in case of sufficient input level. Linearity and very low power consumption are guaranteed by the multiregulator and multi-buffer design of the internal power supplies. Extremely short boot time ensures a fast response to thermal and mechanical overload conditions.

A custom developed integrated sensor accurately measures the compression driver’s diaphragm displacement in realtime. This novel approach does not derive the displacement from measured voice coil current/voltage and consequently does not depend on a priori knowledge concerning driver parameters and acoustical loading. The measuring method is robust, contactless and insensitive to environmental conditions.

The temperature of the voice coil is monitored in real-time during operation to ensure safe thermal operating conditions under all circumstances.

Diaphragm over-excursion is prevented by an internal filter that is controlled by the measured excursion. Thermal overload is prevented by momentarily reducing the secondary voltage based on the measured voice coil temperature. Both mechanisms effectively protect against damage due to incorrect system configuration. Protection be activated during normal operation of a properly dimensioned and configured system.

The smart protection scheme is complemented by a thermal fuse, as well as a self-resettable fuse that effectively protects against abuse.

A high-efficiency RGB LED provides a visual indication of the smart protection status during system commissioning. The protection status can also be monitored remotely by means of external load monitoring.

The NXL-100S supports standard external load monitoring schemes (HF pilot tone based).

BOSCH PRAESENSA PRA-EOL end-of-line compatible functionality is included and can be enabled during installation by means of an internal jumper.

Tight boundary plane mounting in conjunction with a limited device height ensures a maximum free space in Traffic Tunnel applications. The Reduced Height variant (NXL-100S-RH) offers a solution for projects with very limited free space.

The enclosure material complies with the highest flammability rating, IEC 60695-11-20 / UL 94 class 5VB as required by EN 54-24. The NXL-100S outperforms products that are only class V0 compliant.

A cartridge, using a stainless steel mesh with hydrophobic and dust repellent coating, offers good ingress protection and effective ferromagnetic dust collection. The mesh has a low acoustical insertion loss and is easy to clean or replace during maintenance.

100 W or 50 W tap is selectable by means of an internal wire jumper that can be set as required during installation. The 100 V feed is terminated into a screw terminal block with engineering ceramic body and nickel-plated brass inserts.

The compression driver, step-down transformer and electronics are mounted on an internal AISI 316 stainless steel subframe. This solution enhances serviceability as the complete assembly can be easily exchanged after removal of the rear cover. The subframe also increases the thermal handling capacity of the compression driver. Furthermore, the subframe is mechanically secured to the boundary plane (ceiling) when the device is mounted using the supplied AISI 316 stainless steel brackets. This increases safety in case of exposure to extreme heat.

The rear enclosure is IP 66 compliant. An effective venting provision, that equalizes internal pressure and minimizes condensation, reduces stress on the rear cover seal. This enhances the long-term sealing ability.

All external metal parts are stainless steel AISI 316, external fasteners are stainless steel A4.

Compression driver steel parts are protected against oxidation by cataphoresis treatment.

The modular enclosure significantly reduces shipping costs when assembled on site. All joints between enclosure modules are reliably sealed with durable gaskets that provide a low long-term compression set.

Low weight, modest dimensions and slotted mounting brackets allow for one-person mounting.

Industrial product with great looks, professional injection molded enclosure.

We offer several accessories, see Accessories section on NXL-100S downloads page.

  • ABF Compatible Mounting Plates Set
  • Filter Mesh
  • Filter Assembly
  • Cleaning Filter Mylar
  • Cleaning Filter Cover
  • Hex Tool

For further information see the NXL-100S downloads page or contact us directly.

NXL-100S