It appears you are referring to the **NET3** series of control hardware developed by **Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC)**. NET3 is a high-speed Ethernet-based protocol and hardware ecosystem used primarily in professional lighting systems to transport DMX512 data and RDM (Remote Device Management) information. --- ## 1. Core Hardware Components The hardware infrastructure of a NET3 system typically consists of several key electronic parts designed to interface between lighting consoles and luminaires. | Part Name | Description | Primary Function | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **DMX/RDM Gateways** | Physical boxes with XLR ports (1-port to 4-port variants). | Converts Ethernet data (ACN/sACN) into DMX512 signals for lights. | | **ShowControl Gateway** | Interface for MIDI, SMPTE, and serial triggers. | Synchronizes the lighting system with external audio or timecode. | | **I/O Gateway** | Hardware with contact closure inputs and outputs. | Allows the system to trigger events (e.g., a door sensor turning on lights). | | **Conductor** | A rack-mount server device. | Acts as the central "brain" for network management and error logging. | --- ## 2. Technical Specifications The electronic architecture of NET3 parts is built on standard IT networking principles but optimized for low-latency lighting control. ### Networking Protocols * **sACN (Streaming ACN):** The primary language used to send intensity levels across the network. * **RDM (Remote Device Management):** Allows the gateway to "talk back" to the console, reporting lamp hours or temperature. * **PoE (Power over Ethernet):** Most NET3 gateways do not require a separate power plug; they draw power directly from a PoE network switch. ### Internal Circuitry * **Opto-Isolation:** NET3 gateways feature optical isolation on the DMX outputs. This protects the expensive network infrastructure from high-voltage surges if a lighting fixture shorts out. * **LCD Interface:** Many gateways include an onboard screen for IP addressing and status monitoring. --- ## 3. Connection Workflow The electronic signal flow follows this general hierarchy: 1. **Console (Eos/Ion):** Generates digital control data. 2. **Network Switch:** Distributes the data packets via Cat5e/Cat6 cable. 3. **NET3 Gateway:** Receives the packets and translates them into physical voltage fluctuations (DMX). 4. **Lighting Fixture:** Receives the DMX and executes the command. ---