With the new XPA amplifier series, INDUSTRONIC is not only launching a technological advancement, but a solution designed from real-world experience and developed to meet the demands of tomorrow. High power density, intelligent monitoring, and maximum reliability come together in a compact, well-thought-out design.

Behind this development are the engineers Robert Persch and Mathias Amend. In this interview, they provide personal insights into the creation of the XPA, discuss technical challenges, key decisions in the development process, and the moments that particularly shaped the project:

1. How would you describe the XPA in one sentence? What makes this amplifier range so special?

The XPA is an intelligent high-power amplifier for the INTRON-X system that combines high power density with comprehensive monitoring and built-in redundancy capabilities.

2. How does the XPA differ from conventional PA amplifiers as well as from previous INDUSTRONIC models? On which improvements did you focus?

Unlike commonly available amplifiers, the XPA offers extensive monitoring functions and an interface that is optimally adapted to the INTRON-X system.

We were able to significantly increase the power density compared to previous models. At the same time, we improved the backup ratio to 1:10. Reducing system costs was also an essential requirement.

3. Which technical requirements or challenges have particularly influenced the development – for example with regard to power density, thermal design or continuous load capacity?

A particular challenge was the arrangement of the individual components within the amplifier housing, as well as the mechanical design of the housing itself. Especially under continuous load, it is important that the internal design prevents heat accumulation and that the heat can be reliably dissipated.

At the same time, we wanted to achieve a high-power density in a very compact design with a reduced installation depth.

Redundancy also played an important role. Our goal was to integrate a redundancy option within the device as well as to provide the option of using a separate backup amplifier. All of this could be achieved with a single device.

4. For which industrial applications and markets is the XPA best suited – and how do features such as redundancy or compact design support reliable use in various projects?

The XPA has been designed for a wide range of industrial applications. There are two versions available: 1600 W and 800 W. Thanks to the flexible expansion options with the zone selector module XPAZ to up to 64 zones, both small and large areas can be covered.

To ensure high system availability, the XPA supports the following redundancy features:

• Device redundancy
• Audio synchronization (A+B system)
• Power supply redundancy
• Controller redundancy
• Network redundancy

In addition, the amplifier provides comprehensive self-monitoring functions. The connected speaker circuits can also be monitored and can be configured either as a loop or as a line.

The compact design of the XPA also makes it ideal for modernization or upgrade projects where installation space is often limited.

5. What decisions were made during the development process to ensure long-term use and investment protection?

A major goal in developing the XPA was to ensure that it supports all INDUSTRONIC systems with an IP interface, allowing the amplifier to be used in both existing and future system generations.

This provides investment protection and simplifies upgrades without the need to completely replace existing systems.

6. What makes you personally proud of the XPA development – or can you think of a special moment in the project that stayed in your memory?

One memorable moment was when we put the first functional prototype into operation. The team had been working towards this point for a long period of time.

Holding the finished product in our hands and realizing that we had achieved our development goals made us very proud.

With this interview, we conclude our insights into the development of the XPA. Many thanks to Robert Persch and Matthias Amend for their exciting perspectives and personal impressions.

If you’d like to take a closer look at what the XPA can do, we’d be happy to connect and discuss it with you. You can also find more details on our website.