Matrix Expansion
All ETL switch matrices are design ed with expansion in mind. There are 2 types of expansion – Modular Expansion (ME) and Internal Expansion (IE). IE means inserting additional input or output cards to a part populated matrix switch. ME involves using fully populated matrices as building blocks for larger systems (currently up to 256x256). Larger matrices can be internally expanded while they are hot or in-service.
A 32x16 matrix for example can be built using a part-populated 32x32 switch matrix or by taking two 16x16 matrix modules and an output combiner – this is a ME of a 16x16 matrix. The former approach is more expensive initially but allows expansion (IE) while it is hot or in-service to 32x32. It also gives access to hot-swap power supplies, hot-swap card change-out in the event of failure, and expansion requires not additional cabling.
A matrix system, involving modular expansion of four 32x32 matrix modules to construct a 64x64 matrix is shown below:
 Fig
1 - 64 * 64 matrix system, with external PSU and controller |
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