Version 4 27 Feb 08 MDC-900 MDC-2100 OWNER’S GUIDE RESEARCH ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL 455 Security Drive Algood, TN 38506 U.S.A. +1 931-537-6032 http://www.reiusa.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 TABLE of CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................... 2 TABLE OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ 2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 3 INSTALLING THE MDC-2100/MDC-900 ....................................................................
Version 4 27 Feb 08 INTRODUCTION The OSCOR Microwave Downconverter option (MDC-2100) expands the OSCOR ’s frequency range limit to 21GHz. The MDC-900 extends the OSCOR ’s range to 9GHz. Note: General descriptions of the MDC-2100 in this guide may not always include exceptions for the MDC-900, which does not cover the 9 to 21GHz spans. Microwave signals tend to be directional; therefore, the MDC-2100 features an array of high gain directional antennas.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 MDC-900 only 3 6 4.5 9 7.5 12 10.5 15 13.5 18 16.5 21 19.5 0 1.5 Antennas 3-9* 9-15 15-21 All Numbers in GHz. *The MDC-900 only covers the band 1 frequency range. Figure 2: ILLUSTRATION OF THE MDC-2100 DOWNCONVERSION PROCESS The OSCOR (version 5.0) displays up to six 1.5GHz (1500MHz) windows simultaneously, or the spectrum may be separated into three antenna frequency bands: 3 to 9GHz, 9 to 15GHz, or 15 to 21GHz with two 1.5GHz windows displayed simultaneously.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Installing the MDC-2100/MDC-900 In order to use the MDC with the OSCOR, a special connector (the OEP-2100) must be installed in the connector tray of the OSCOR. This connector should be installed permanently into the connector tray and provides for easy connection of the MDC while not affecting the OSCOR normal operation. Note the step numbers on Figure 4 below to assist in the installation. To install the OEP-2100: 1. Turn the OSCOR off and wait at least 30 seconds before proceeding.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Operational Control of the MDC-2100/MDC-900 OSCOR Version 4.0 Operational control of the MDC-2100 is provided by the OSCOR keypad using the normal OSCOR functional control. For example, in the OSCOR SWEEP or ANALYZE modes, pressing the F1 button will toggle through all of the OSCOR inputs including the MDC2100 frequency bands. Furthermore, in the SWEEP mode, pressing the RECALL button will display the OSCOR available inputs including the MDC inputs.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 o • • • • • You can choose to begin with MDCB-all if you wish. You must view both MDCAall and MDCB-all to see the entire spectrum. Set the span to 1.5GHz, if necessary. If a smaller span initially displays, press SWEEP/ANALYZE (CONTROL area) to select SWEEP. Press SHIFT (DATA FUNCTIONS area) and EXPAND (CONTROL area). Notice any signals displayed. Select MDCB-all. Use the same options discussed above. Set the span to 1.5GHz. Notice any signals displayed.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Figure 6A: ANALYZING AN MDC SIGNAL (OSCOR 4.0) Figure 6B: ANALYZING AN MDC SIGNAL (OSCOR 5.0) FIGURE 7: USING “IDENTIFY” TO VERIFY A SIGNAL (OSCOR 5.0) OSCOR Sweep and Analyze Modes with the MDC In the Sweep mode, the cursor frequency is no longer representative of a single frequency because of the folding principle described in the introduction of this manual.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 the F4 button to further analyze the signal, it is possible to analyze which antenna and filter that is actually receiving the signal. Figure 9 shows the proper antenna selected and the proper filter selected which corrects the signal shape. Furthermore, the unusual signal shape of Figure 8 indicates that this signal should be a Filter B signal. Note: The OSCOR 5.0 software will not allow this type signal to be displayed. The frequency span limits are always between 0 and 3GHz.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Figure 9: SELECTING THE PROPER MDC BAND AND FILTER (OSCOR 4.0) Storing a Sweep Span with the MDC Since the MDC down-conversion process displays multiple frequency bands at once, the easiest way to quickly view a specific frequency span is to type in a desired center frequency and then use the EXPAND and NARROW keys to adjust the span. To store a specific frequency span: 1. Ensure that the OSCOR is in the SWEEP mode and the MDC is connected. 2.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 includes the desired frequency span. The table below provides some examples and recommended search span for speed and accuracy. Example of a Desired Frequency Span: Recommended Implementation: 4 – 6GHz 6 – 8GHz 5.7 – 5.9GHz 8 – 10GHz 13 – 16GHz 3 – 9GHz (MDCA-1 & MDCB-1/OSCOR 5.0) 3 – 9GHz (MDCA-1 & MDCB-1/OSCOR 5.0) 5.8 GHz, 250MHz span 3 – 21GHz (MDCA-all & MDCB-all/OSCOR 5.0) 3 – 21GHz (MDCA-all & MDCB-all/OSCOR 5.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Microwave Transmission Considerations for the MDC There are important principles and considerations to understand when dealing with microwave frequency radiators. • As the frequency increases, the penetration of RF signals through building materials, foliage, etc. decreases rapidly. Therefore, microwave signals are considered to be a line-of-sight (LOS) communication link.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 it is absolutely necessary in order to save time. A good rule of thumb is to assume that the MDC has an antenna pattern that is about 100 degrees wide. In other words, it is necessary to point the MDC in at least 4 different directions around the room to cover the perimeter. Also, the MDC should be pointed up and possibly moved around the room to cover the ceiling, and down to cover the floor.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Using the MTU-2100 Microwave Test Unit The MTU-2100 is designed to provide a simple test to verify that the MDC is working properly. When the button is pressed on the MTU, low power signals are generated at about 5.9, 11.8, and 17.7GHz for 3 minutes. Each transmitted signal contains a modulated tone between 900Hz and 1KHz to verify that the signal is radiating from the MTU-2100. It is important to note that the frequency transmissions from the MTU may drift slightly.
Version 4 27 Feb 08 MDC-2100/MDC-900 SPECIFICATIONS Specifications MDC-2100 MDC-900 Frequency Range: 3-21GHz 3-9GHz Conversion output: 5MHz to 3005MHz 5MHz to 3005MHz Frequency Bands of Operation: Band 1: 3-9GHz Band 2: 9-15GHz Band 3: 15-21GHz Show All: 3-21GHz Band 1: 3-9GHz Antenna Gain: Band 1: 10 dB Band 2: 9 dB Band 3: 9 dB Band 1: 10 dB Band 1: -110 dBm Band 2: -110 dBm Band 3: -110 dBm Band 1: -110 dBm 300 milliamps at 12 volts 150 milliamps at 12 volts MDS - Minimum Detectable S
Version 4 27 Feb 08 Technical Bulletin 24 April 2002 For the MDC-900 and MDC-2100 This bulletin describes a calibration process to ensure the maximum technical performance for the MDC unit. Technical Background: Most Down-converter products contain a local oscillator (LO) reference signal that is utilized in the down-conversion process. While this LO frequency is vital to the downconversion process, it also creates a blind spot in the frequency spectrum that cannot be analyzed.
