Bench Talk

Cutting-Edge Audio/Video and Motor Controls in Stadium Venues

New Tech Tuesdays

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Large-scale stadium venues have evolved significantly, becoming high-tech marvels that host some of the most significant events in sports and entertainment. From the Super Bowl to the World Cup to the recent Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Mouser's backyard of Arlington, Texas, the technology behind these venues is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past few weeks, we have seen the Olympic Games in Paris showcase a variety of venue types that integrate all sorts of innovative technology that both enhances fan experiences and shapes how competitions take place now.

In this three-part New Tech Tuesday series on stadium electronics, we will examine the different technologies that are all around us when we go see our favorite team or musician on the big stage.  

The Role of Advanced Audio/Video Systems

Attending a sporting event or a live concert offers an unparalleled experience. Modern stadiums utilize advanced technology to immerse spectators in a dynamic atmosphere of sights and sounds. Massive screens and robust audio systems create an unforgettable and engaging environment.

Immersive Visual Experiences with High-Resolution Displays

The heart of any modern stadium experience lies in its audio and visual capabilities. Massive high-resolution displays, like the ones installed at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (Figure 1), provide an immersive visual experience. These displays are often made up of thousands of LED panels, offering unparalleled clarity and brightness. The sheer size of these screens ensures that every seat in the stadium has a clear view, enhancing the overall spectator experience.

Figure 1: When installed, the Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision^® video boards at AT&T Stadium were the world's largest HD video screens. The screens measure ~22m high (72 feet) by 49m wide (160 feet) and weigh 600 tons. The screens are suspended 27m high (90 feet) over the center of the field. (Source: By Klobetime - originally posted to Flickr as Wall-to-wall band, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8872556)

Audio Engineering for Crystal Clear Sound

Equally important is the audio engineering that ensures every cheer, announcement, and piece of music is heard with perfect clarity. Modern stadiums employ sophisticated sound systems that utilize an array of strategically placed speakers. These systems are designed to provide uniform sound coverage, minimizing echo and ensuring that audio is synchronized with visual displays.

Motor Controls for Retractable Roofs and More

Motor controls are crucial in managing various mechanical systems within stadiums, particularly retractable roofs. The engineering behind these systems is complex, involving precision motors, sensors, and control systems that work in harmony to deliver seamless operation and efficiency.

The retractable roof mechanism typically involves a series of motors, gears, and tracks that work in unison to move the roof panels. These systems must be robust enough to handle the weight of the roof while being smooth and quiet in operation. Also crucial are the power and control systems driving the motors, often backed by redundant power supplies to ensure reliability. Control systems provide the interface for stadium operators to open or close the roof, often integrating with weather monitoring systems to automate operations based on real-time conditions.

The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs^®

This week’s New Tech Tuesday features products from Silicon Labs and Infineon Technologies. These products are key to the impressive technology in large-scale stadiums.

The Silicon Labs EFR32BG22E Wireless Gecko family of System-on-Chips (SoCs) offers robust solutions for large venues such as stadiums, enhancing applications with advanced features. These SoCs support Bluetooth^® direction finding, enabling precise indoor navigation and positioning, which is essential for guiding attendees to their seats or amenities. Additionally, they power beacons and asset tags, providing real-time location tracking and management of assets, thus improving operational efficiency. The EFR32BG22E excels in ambient IoT applications, facilitating seamless communication between numerous IoT devices within the stadium.

Infineon Technologies CoolSiC™ 650V G2 MOSFETs are ideal for large venues, offering advanced solutions for motor drive applications and backup power supplies. These silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs ensure efficient and reliable operation of retractable roof panels, enabling smooth and precise movement with high energy efficiency. The G2 MOSFETs also play a critical role in backup power supplies, providing robust and reliable power to control systems and ensuring uninterrupted operation even during power outages. Their high voltage tolerance and fast switching capabilities enhance system performance and reliability, making them a perfect fit for demanding applications in immense stadiums and arenas.

Tuesday’s Takeaway

The integration of cutting-edge audio/video systems and advanced motor controls is transforming the stadium experience, making it more immersive, flexible, and engaging. As technology continues to advance and stadiums are built even bigger, we can expect even more innovative solutions that will enhance our experience of live events.

Stay tuned for our next NTT in the series, where we will explore the environmental controls and digital infrastructure, including the powerful Wi-Fi^® connectivity that ensures smooth operations and enjoyable fan experiences.