IR plus Dist Emitter Array DEA up to 4 IR E4 emitters per IR M1 output

The Williams AV IR A4 is the distribution point for an IR+ distributed emitter array architecture. It allows one IR M1 output to support up to four IR E4 emitters, giving an installation the flexibility to place emitters together as a large-room array or distribute them across separate positions. Connected CAT5e cabling carries +48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband signals for IR transmission through RJ-45 jacks from the IR M1 and onward to the IR E4 emitters.

Ideal Use Cases

The IR A4 is suited to IR+ installations that need more than one emitter connected to an IR M1 output. It supports configurations in which multiple IR E4 emitters are stacked together to form an array for a large room, as well as layouts in which the emitters are distributed. This makes the unit applicable when emitter placement must be adapted to the size or physical arrangement of the installation while remaining within the supported four-emitter capacity.

Why Choose This Model

The defining benefit of the IR A4 is its ability to connect as many as four IR E4 emitters per IR M1 output. Its distributed architecture provides two documented configuration choices: build a concentrated array by stacking emitters or position them separately. A specified maximum cable length of 328 feet (100 meters) gives the installer a clear planning limit. The unit also combines power, communication, and IR baseband signal delivery over the CAT5e connections rather than requiring those functions to be described as separate connection paths.

Installation and Integration

Integration begins at the IR M1. CAT5e cable is inserted into an RJ-45 jack to carry +48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband IR transmission signals from the IR M1 through the IR A4 and out to the connected IR E4 emitters. The electrical specification is 48 VDC at 0.75A, and the maximum stated cable length is 328 feet (100 meters).

The chassis measures 7.6 inches wide by 6.6 inches deep by 1.1 inches high (193 x 168 x 28 mm) and weighs 2.4 pounds (1100 g). Its color is black. Plenum-space requirements need particular attention: the IR A4 is not rated for direct use in plenum spaces. When the installation location is within such an area, the unit must be installed in a plenum box.

Performance Highlights

The IR A4 supports up to four IR E4 emitters from each IR M1 output and accommodates both stacked and distributed emitter arrangements. Heat dissipation is specified at 1W. The listed approvals and compliance designations are CE, FCC, RoHS, RCM, WEEE, CB Scheme, ISED, and VCCI. Williams AV provides a two-year warranty. Together, these published details give system designers concrete capacity, cable-distance, electrical, thermal, physical, and installation parameters for planning the emitter array.

What Makes It Different

The IR A4 is specifically centered on flexible emitter-array distribution. Instead of limiting the system to a single placement pattern, it supports IR E4 emitters positioned together for a large-room array or distributed according to the installation layout. Its CAT5e and RJ-45 connection method carries three required functions: +48 VDC power, RS-485 communication, and baseband IR transmission signals. This combination, paired with support for four emitters per IR M1 output, defines the unit’s role within the IR+ architecture.

Final Assessment

The Williams AV IR A4 is a focused IR+ array component for installations requiring up to four IR E4 emitters on one IR M1 output. Its strongest practical attributes are the choice of stacked or distributed emitter placement, a documented 328-foot (100-meter) maximum cable length, and combined delivery of power, communication, and IR baseband signals over CAT5e. Installation plans should account for its 48 VDC, 0.75A power requirement and mandatory plenum-box use whenever it is placed in a plenum area.