Installation and Operation Manual BLE*/* Broadband Line Extender 2 MB SE L ED AS 6 IN O 4 M EXIC 5 1 3
Caution These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the Installation and Troubleshooting Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Special Symbols That Might Appear on the Equipment This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage levels are present within the equipment.
Copyright © 2004 by Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation or adaptation) without written permission from Motorola, Inc. Motorola reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of Motorola to provide notification of such revision or change.
Contents Section 1 Introduction Using This Manual ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1-3 Related Documentation................................................................................................................................................................... 1-3 Document Conventions............................................................................
ii Contents Return Path Alignment...................................................................................................................................................................3-12 Before You Begin...................................................................................................................................................................3-12 Alignment Procedure .........................................................................................................
Contents iii Figures Figure 1-1 BLE*/* - closed .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-1 Figure 1-2 BLE*/* - open ................................................................................................................................................................. 1-2 Figure 2-1 BLE*/* base with electronics module..............................................................
Section 1 Introduction The Motorola STARLINE® series of broadband line extenders, BLE*/*, accept a single input and provide 28 through 32 dB of operational gain (depending on model) to a single output. The BLE*/* series of line extenders meets Telcordia GR-1098 core voltage surge requirements using surge waveforms as described in IEEE C62.41. The BLE*/* is also FCC, CE, and CCC approved.
1-2 Introduction Figure 1-2 illustrates an open BLE*/*: Figure 1-2 BLE*/* - open +24V DC TEST POINT -20 dB RCB87 Align Dots JXP MID 87 75 55 S J A K E M T MAN JXP IN IN BLE BODE FWD EQ -20 dB ADU JXP G CHECK VOLTAG E SE LECTOR REFER TO MANUAL H LDR L MAN AC TEST POINT FUSE H L -20 dB RTN EQ JXP THERM AUTO STATUS MONITOR ADU JXP IN FUSE OUT TDU JXP OUT ADU ICS C A U TION : C ON TA INS PA R TS A N D A SSE M B LIES S US CE PTIBLE TO D A M AG E B Y E LE C TR O STATIC D IS C HA
Introduction 1-3 Using This Manual The following sections provide information and instructions to bench test, install, and operate the BLE*/*. Section 1 Introduction provides a brief description of the product, identifies the information contained in this manual, and gives the help line telephone number and repair return information. Section 2 Overview describes the BLE*/* and includes details on the various options and their functions.
1-4 Introduction If You Need Help If you need assistance while working with the BLE*/*, contact the Motorola Technical Response Center (TRC): Inside the U.S.: 1-888-944-HELP (1-888-944-4357) Outside the U.S.: 215-323-0044 Motorola Online: http://businessonline.motorola.com The TRC is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Saturday. When the TRC is closed, emergency service only is available on a call-back basis.
Section 2 Overview The BLE*/* is a two-way capable line extender used in CATV distribution systems. The BLE*/* is powered by the 60/90 Vac cable supply and can be configured to pass this power to additional line extenders. Installation of the optional return path enables two-way signal flow.
Introduction 1-5 Calling for Repairs If repair is necessary, call the Motorola Repair Facility at 1-800-642-0442 or e-mail nogrepaircenter@motorola.com for a Return for Service Authorization (RSA) number before sending the unit. The RSA number must be prominently displayed on all equipment cartons. The Repair Facility is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
2-2 Overview Configuration The BLE*/* is fully configured in the Motorola factory per customer request. It is recommended that you verify the configuration listed on the outside of the shipping carton with the configuration you ordered. The shipped configuration is also noted on labels located on the side of the housing and the side of the electronics module.
Overview 2-3 Housing The BLE*/* is furnished in a BLE-HSG/15 aluminum housing that protects the electronics from weather and dissipates internally generated heat. Figure 2-3 illustrates the BLE-HSG/15 housing and provides its dimensions: Figure 2-3 BLE-HSG/15 housing and dimensions 10.6 2 MB SE L I N M 5 1 ED AS 6 O 4 8.0 EX IC 3 4.7 Coaxial cable connections to the housing are made using conventional 5/8 inch × 24 threads per-inch stinger-type connectors.
2-4 Overview Gaskets Each housing is equipped with a recessed woven-wire RF gasket and a silicone-rubber gasket to provide a seal between the housing base and lid. These gaskets provide efficient ground continuity, RF shielding, and weather protection. Both gaskets must be in place and in good condition to ensure proper operation and protection of the station. The weather gasket should be lightly coated with silicone grease each time the BLE*/* is opened.
Overview 2-5 Port Locations Two housing ports provide connection for coaxial cables. Four port plugs in the cover enable access to internal test points. All ports are protected by factory-inserted threaded plugs or plastic cap plugs. Discard the plastic cap plugs when you install the cable connectors.
2-6 Overview Power Supply The BLE*/* power supply is a separate circuit board mounted to the underside of the amplifier module and is capable of 60 Vac or 90 Vac powering. The power supply provides a regulated 24 Vdc output over an ac input between 38 Vrms and 90 Vrms with a line frequency from 50 Hz through 60 Hz. Potentiometer R25 adjusts the output voltage to 24 Vdc, however, this is set at the factory and field adjustment is not recommended.
Overview 2-7 Forward Path The operational gain of the E-GaAs BLE*/* amplifiers is 28 dB or 32 dB (depending on model) with 16 dB of return loss. The operating gain includes provisions for the insertion loss of the input cable equalizer and required reserve gain to operate the Bode equalizer in the middle of its range. The low-noise figure, pre-amplifier stage, is a conventional 870 MHz hybrid followed by a power-doubled output stage.
2-8 Overview The input and output of the return path each include a JXP-*B pad facility. You can also use either pad socket as a test point or a signal injection point. The return output pad value is normally selected to control the return signal level into the next upstream amplifier. Select an appropriate return input pad to attenuate excessive input signal. The return-input test point and the return-output test point are −20 dB directional couplers.
Overview 2-9 Model Description Function SFE-*-* Starline Forward Equalizer This bandwidth specific (750 or 870 MHz) equalizer compensates for cable properties in 1 dB increments from 2 dB through 22 dB. The appropriate value must be installed. See the product catalog for additional information. SRE-*-* Starline Return Equalizer This bandwidth specific equalizer compensates for cable attenuation in 1 dB increments from 0 dB through 12 dB for S-split (2 dB increments for all other splits).
2-10 Overview Figure 2-8 illustrates the location of options and accessories in the BLE*/*: Figure 2-8 BLE*/* options and accessories Forward equalizer or Cable simulator (SFE- * - * or SCS- *) TP forward input Manual level Midstage pad (MAN) (JXP MID) Optional RCB (JXP Input Drive control jumper pad select jumper Bode (JXP IN) MAN/AUTO board LDR shown) ADU pad TP (ADU JXP) forward output (use for Diplex status filter monitor) SFE-XX-XX SRE-X-XX TP return output Diplex filter TDU or ADU (shown) P
Section 3 Amplifier Setup This section provides instructions for fully configuring the BLE*/* and describes the proper forward and return path alignment procedures. It is recommended that you read this entire section before you install the BLE*/*.
3-2 Amplifier Setup Perform a bench alignment. Pre-aligning the BLE*/* response on the bench (Section 4, “Bench Testing”) for a system signature simplifies field alignment. Field-sweep the entire bandwidth of the amplifier to correct frequency response for passive signature and roll-off. Close the housing in accordance with the instructions in Section 5, “Installation.
Amplifier Setup 3-3 Substituting this information in equation (1) provides the following result: 10.0 dB + 27 dB – 15.0 dB – 8.0 dB = 14 dB The slope of the required equalizer is 14 dB. Table 3-1 and Figure 3-1 show that 14 dB of slope is caused by approximately 18 dB of cable at 870 MHz. Therefore the correct equalizer is model SFE-87-18. When selecting an equalizer, choose the next lower value if the exact value is not available or in cases where the calculated value makes two choices possible.
3-4 Amplifier Setup Figure 3-1 illustrates a graph of the equalizer slope versus equalizer value information presented in Table 3-1. The amount of cable equals the equalizer value.
Amplifier Setup 3-5 STARLINE Cable Simulators STARLINE cable simulators, model SCS-*, are used in place of fixed equalizers in systems where: (1) the amplifiers are located close together, (2) there are large amounts of flat loss from passive components, or (3) it is necessary to compensate for reverse cable tilt. The simulators fit in the same location as the equalizers. Table 3-2 and Figure 3-2 help you choose the correct simulators.
3-6 Amplifier Setup The information in Table 3-2 is shown as a graph in Figure 3-2: Figure 3-2 Frequency versus cable slope 0 Cable slope (dB) -1 -2 SCS-1 -3 SCS-2 -4 SCS-3 -5 SCS-4 -6 SCS-5 -7 870 800 750 700 650 600 550 500 450 SCS-10 400 SCS-9 350 -11 -12 300 SCS-8 250 -10 200 SCS-7 150 -9 100 SCS-6 40 -8 Frequency (MHz) Input and Midstage Pads Install Model JXP-*B pads to attenuate the signal per system design drawings.
Amplifier Setup C3 produces a peak that is centered approximately 300 MHz above the lowest forward frequency and varied in amplitude by R3. This adjustment provides more mid-band alignment flexibility. C6 adjusts for maximum gain at Fmax (870 MHz). C7 and R8 adjust for the flattest response in the mid- to upper-portion of the band. C8 adjusts for the flattest response in the low-to mid-range of the band.
3-8 Amplifier Setup Figure 3-4 illustrates BLE87* flatness and control ranges: Figure 3-4 Typical flatness and control ranges CH2 S21 /M log MAG BLE87S/12/G 1 dB/ 25 Jun 2001 10:22:15 4: 30.757 dB REF 30.49 dB 870.000 000 MHz 1: 30.434 dB 52 MHz 2: 30.306 dB 200 MHz 3: 30.394 dB 800 MHz 4 1 3 2 PRm C? Del 14.7 dB P3-412 @870.0 MHz START 52.000 000 MHz STOP 900.
Amplifier Setup 3-9 Amplifier Level Control Signal levels vary in a cable system primarily because cable attenuation changes with temperature. Other components such as passives and amplifier hybrids are also affected by temperature changes. To automatically compensate for these signal level fluctuations and control output level, you must select the optional ADU or TDU. For improved output level stability, use of the ADU or TDU is recommended.
3-10 8 Amplifier Setup Check the amplifier output tilt by measuring the high band- and low band-edge carriers. High = channel 116 (745.25 MHz) or channel 136 (865.25 MHz) Low = channel 2 (55.25 MHz) or channel 3 (61.25 MHz) If the tilt is less than required, install a higher value input equalizer. If the tilt is greater than required, install a lower value input equalizer.
Amplifier Setup 3-11 2 Position the drive control select jumper (Figure 2-8) temporarily in the MAN position and perform the complete procedure described in Manual Gain Control if not already completed. 3 Position the drive control select jumper to AUTO. 4 Connect a signal-level meter to the FWD OUT test point and tune the meter to the high band-edge carrier.
3-12 Amplifier Setup ADU Pads and Levels This subsection provides information regarding the proper ADU padding requirements for the BLE*/*. A JXP-*B pad is installed in the input line to the ADU location. This pad adjusts the ADU input level for the standard application of the BLE*/*. You can change this pad depending on the operational output of the BLE*/*. In general, a JXP-6B pad is recommended in the BLE*/* ADU circuit or a JXP-0B for the QAM ADU.
Amplifier Setup 3-13 It is recommended that you: Do not use wire jumpers to bypass the SRE-*-* location Perform the return optical link set up before performing amplifier set up Specify reverse alignment design levels for a single carrier Consider sweep equipment as a single carrier and operate at design levels Do not include injection point losses in reverse design levels If JXP THERM devices (JXP-TH*C) are specified for level control, they should be installed in the JXP THERM pad fac
3-14 Amplifier Setup Powering and Surge Protection In conventional applications, the BLE*/*s are powered through the input port. CAUTION! To avoid damage to the hybrids, it is recommended that you remove the input pad (JXP-IN) before you apply power to the BLE*/*. A 20-ampere, blade-type fuse is furnished in the amplifier module and provides overcurrent protection for ac power applied to the input. You can power the BLE*/* from the output without passing power through to the input port.
Section 4 Bench Testing Motorola’s recommended procedure for placing a new BLE*/* into service is to fully test it on the bench before it is field installed. There are specific alignment procedures that ensure proper functioning of all components and simplify final installation. If the BLE*/* is properly aligned on the bench only minor adjustments may be required in the field. The following subsections provide instructions to bench align the BLE*/*.
4-2 Bench Testing Test Equipment and Connections The equipment typically used for testing the BLE*/* consists of a network analyzer such as the HP 8712 or 8713 series, a 60/90 Vac bench power supply, a cable simulator, a Motorola model SSP-PIN power combiner, and a variety of jumper cables, adapters, and fittings. CAUTION! To protect the network analyzer and sweep comparator, you must configure the SSP-PIN power combiner to block ac power from the input port.
Bench Testing 6 4-3 Measure the gain at mixed forward frequency using the procedure outlined in the operator manual provided with the test equipment in use. To correct this number, add the insertion loss of the SSP-PIN power combiner (0.5 dB at 550 MHz, 0.6 dB at 750 MHz, or 0.7 dB at 870 MHz), the loss of the cable simulator at mixed forward frequency, and the loss of the cable equalizer (1.0 dB), if it is installed. Example: The test equipment indicates a measured gain of 14.
4-4 Bench Testing Testing Return Gain and Response After configuring the return path, you can test the return bandpass to ensure compliance with specifications. When testing the return amplifier, remember that it is a flat amplifier. Therefore, the cable simulator must remain in the test set-up and must remain set to the same cable equivalent as in the forward sweep test. This provides an approximate indication of the frequency response, which you can achieve in the field.
Section 5 Installation The field installation procedures presented in the following subsections assume that the amplifier was previously tested and bench aligned. Cable power and RF signal must be available on the system. Although it is desirable to have a full complement of channels available for balancing, you can adjust the BLE*/* adequately with a limited number of channels. You can install the BLE-HSG/15 on a messenger strand (aerial) or on a pedestal.
5-2 9 Installation Check the ac voltage setting (jumper J1, Figure 2-6). J1 position Description LO The voltage must be greater than 38 Vac as read with a true rms voltmeter or 42 Vac when using a conventional, average reading, ac voltmeter. HI The voltage must be greater than 55 Vac when read with a true rms voltmeter or 61 Vac when using a conventional, average reading, ac voltmeter. 10 Check the dc voltage. Verify that it is between 23.6 V and 24.4 V and re-install the input pad.
Installation 5-3 Pedestal Installation Pedestal installation is similar to aerial installation with the exception of temperature and mounting procedure. In an aerial installation, the cable and amplifier are subject to the same temperature. In contrast, pedestal installation provides a stable temperature environment for the buried cable while subjecting the elevated amplifier to higher temperatures.
Section 6 Operating Tips This section describes using amplifiers in lower frequency systems and in lower gain systems. Using Amplifiers in Lower Frequency Systems When using the BLE*/* in 750 MHz or 550 MHz systems, you must consider the best method for handling the reduced bandwidth and channel-loading requirement. The following information helps you determine the best approach.
Appendix A Specifications Specifications are valid over the given passband and operating temperature range of −40°F to +140°F (−40°C to +60°C). Specifications stated are typical unless otherwise noted, and are subject to change. Refer to the Motorola BCS web site or contact your account representative for the latest specifications.
A-2 Specifications Model BLE87S/G* Specification Forward Amplifier Passband (S-split) 52 through 870 MHz Gain Full Operational 32 dB (with SFE-*-*) 28 dB (with SFE-*-* and slope reserves) Flatness 52 through 870 MHz ±0.
Specifications A-3 RA-Kit/L Return Amplifier Parameter Specification Passband (S-split) Gain, station (minimum) 5 through 40 MHz 19 dB Flatness ±0.
Appendix B Torque Specifications Torque specifications are valid for all models of the BLE*/*. Torque Fastener Screw Size Wrench Size In-lbs Ft-lbs N-M Strand clamp/pedestal mounting 5/16-18 1/2 inch 120-144 10-12 13.6-16.3 Housing/lid closure 1/4-20 7/16 inch 72 6.0 8.1 Test point plugs 5/8-24 1/2 inch 25-40 2.1-3.3 2.8-4.5 Seizure screw #8-32 3/16 inch or Phillips 12 1.0 1.4 Hybrid #6-32 Phillips 10-12 0.8-1.0 1.1-1.4 Chassis (E-pack) #10-32 5/16 inch 18-22 1.5-1.
Abbreviations and Acronyms The abbreviations and acronyms list contains the full spelling of the short forms used in this manual.
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