AeroComm 50289-RBA-800MHz Administrator Guide

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PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL
BOOSTER AMPLIFIER
PBBA
OPERATION
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODEL 50289-RBA-800MHz
MD Office:
19516 Amaranth Drive
Germantown, MD 20874
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
NJ Office:
560 Sylvan Avenue, 3rd Floor
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
http://www.aerocomm.cc
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROPRIETARY TO AEROCOMM,
AND SHALL NOT BE RELEASED, DISCLOSED OR DUPLICATED FOR ANY PURPOSE
OTHER THAN EVALUATION, INSPECTION, OR MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT
DELINEATED HEREIN.
AEROCOMM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY EQUIPMENT REPAIRED OR ALTERED BY
PERSONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY AEROCOMM, OR NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
INSTRUCTIONS FURNISHED BY AEROCOMM. AEROCOMM IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
EQUIPMENT RENDERED DEFECTIVE AS A RESULT OF MISUSE, IMPROPER REPAIR, OR
ABNORMAL CONDITIONS OF OPERATION, NOR DOES AEROCOMM ASSUME ANY
LIABILITY FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY SUCH EQUIPMENT.
SERVICE CONTRACTS OR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE
FOR AEROCOMM PRODUCTS THAT REQUIRE MAINTENANCE AND/OR REPAIR.
AEROCOMM ALSO HAS AVAILABLE SERVICE AND CONSULTATION CONTRACTS FOR
ENTIRE SYSTEMS CONFIGURATIONS.

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PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMPLIFIER
PBBA
MODEL 50289-RBA-800MHz
P/N 50483-02-25

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................4
PURPOSE OF MANUAL:........................................................................................................................................4
GENERAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW:.......................................................................................................................5
PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMPLIFIER OVERVIEW:......................................6
II. SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................................................8
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:..............................................................................................................................8
SUB-ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS:.................................................................................................................9
ATTENUATOR AMP MODULE..........................................................................................................................9
MMIC #1..................................................................................................................................................................9
MMIC #2..................................................................................................................................................................9
III. INSTALLATION ...........................................................................................................................................10
IV. OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................................11
V. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.....................................................................................................................12
VI. THEORY OF OPERATION......................................................................................................................13
VII. TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................................................................................14
III. SCHEMATICS,..............................................................................................................................................15
ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS, PARTS LISTS..........................................................................................................15
PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMP............................................................................16
ATTENUATOR/AMPLIFIER MODULE #1......................................................................................................17
MMIC AMPLIFIER #1............................................................................................................................................18
MMIC AMPLIFIER #2............................................................................................................................................19
IX. PERTINENT DOCUMENTATION........................................................................................................20
X. RECOMMENDED SPARES ..........................................................................................................................21

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I. INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF MANUAL:
The purpose of this manual is to outline the installation, describe the operation,
and assist in the maintenance and trouble-shooting for the Programmable Bi-directional
Booster Amplifier (PBBA), Model 50289-RBA-800MHz.
MANUAL OUTLINE:
Section II: Section II covers the general specifications of the PBBA. This
section outlines the general, mechanical and electrical specifications including the
module specifications (sub-assemblies).
Section III: Section III covers the instructions for installing the PBBA, site
requirements, and equipment initialization.
Section IV: Section IV cover operating procedures.
Section V: Section V is the recommended schedule of periodic maintenance
of the PBBA.
Section VI: Section VI covers the general “Theory of Operations” of the logic
and modules of a PBBA. This section is designed to aid in the understating of the
PBBA.
Section VII: Section VIII consists of diagrams, tables and procedures to assist
in the troubleshooting of an PBBA. This section is designed to guide a technician in
locating system fault(s) to the module. Included in the section is a list of recommended
test equipment.
Section VIII: Section IX consists of the schematic, assembly drawings, and
parts list of the PBBA and it’s sub assemblies/
Section IX: Section X consists of pertinent documents and equipment
manuals to supplement sections III, VI, VIII and IX.
Section X: Section XI lists the recommend spares for the PBBA.

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GENERAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW:
(refer to drawing 50483-01-19)
In an off-the-air to radiating cable system, signals received from the air are
rebroadcast onto the cable. Signals received on the cable are rebroadcast over the air,
e.g., talk-in, talk-out.
In an off-the-air to radiating cable multiple Channel Booster application, the
PBBA is utilized to enhance the performance of the talk-out in long cable systems.
In general, the forward channel, talk-out signals are generated from lower power
sources, e.g., handheld transceivers.

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PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMPLIFIER OVERVIEW:
(refer to figure 1)
The Programmable Bi-directional Booster Amplifier (PBBA) is a software-driven
user-configurable unit for use in a multi-carrier low signal-level environment. It is
capable of eight (8) carriers and a composite power of –20dBm.
The forward channel covers 100 to 2000MHz and within this band a bandpass
filter defined window called the In-Band has a user settable gain. The factory
default setting is 20dB. The Out-of-Band gain 0dB. The reverse channel covers
100 to 2000MHz and utilizes passive components/elements to pass these
frequencies. This channel has fixed insertion loss due to the passive
components/elements.
The forward In-Band channel uses a broadband attenuator/amplifier module in
which the attenuation is digitally set via computer interface.
The forward In-Band channel has a high gain amplifier chain and a band pass
filter to boost a specific window of frequencies within the 100 to 2000MHz
frequency of operation.
Its small package and light-weight allows the user to conveniently install the unit.
Indicator lights allow the user to determine the status of the unit from a distance.
A user-friendly software enhances the unit’s performance and user interface.

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PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMPLIFIER
PBBA
MODEL 50289-RBA-800MHz
P/N 50483-02-25
FIGURE 1

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II. SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Reverse
100 –2000MHz
0dB nominal
+0 / -2dB
N/A
+40dBm (10Watts)
Composite
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
<1.3:1
Type N Female (Passivated
Stainless Steel)
-30°C to +60°C
120VAC / 60Hz
NEMA 4X
Forward Out of Band
100 –819MHz / 826 –2000MHz
0dB nominal
+0 / -2dB
N/A
+30dBm (1Watt) Composite
-12dBm/carrier
N/A N/A N/A N/A
<1.3:1
Type N Female (Passivated
Stainless Steel)
-30°C to +60°C
120VAC / 60Hz
NEMA 4X
Forward In Band
821 –824MHz
20dB +2dB / -2dB
+1dB
+17dBm
-20dBm Composite
-12dBm/carrier
-50dBc -40dBc -80dBc
20dB
<1.3:1
Type N Female (Passivated
Stainless Steel)
-30°C to +60°C
120VAC / 60Hz
NEMA 4X
Frequency Range:
Gain:
Flatness Gain:
RF Power Output
Capability
(1 carrier) 1dB
Compression Point:
Maximum Input Power: Maximum Input Power,
No Damage (8 tones):
IM Distortion:
Second Harmonic
Output:
Spurious Outputs:
Noise Figure:
I/O VSWR:
I/O Connector:
Operating Temperature
Range:
Supply Voltage:
Housing:
FCC type acceptance

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SUB-ASSEMBLY SPECIFICATIONS:
ATTENUATOR AMP MODULE
P/N 50483-02-26-01
MODEL #
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Range: 100 –2000 MHz
Attenuation: 0dB min, -15dB max
Gain @ 0dB attenuation: 18dB min, 20 dB max
Flatness: +1dB
Power: 12VDC @ 19mADC
I/O Connection: SMA female
Zin/Zout: 50 ohm
MMIC #1
P/N 50483-02-27
MODEL #
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Range: 819 –826 MHz
Gain: 10dB typical
Gain Flatness: <+1dB
Power: 12VDC @ 85mA
I/O Connection: SMA female
Zin/Zout: 50 ohm
MMIC #2
P/N 50483-02-30
MODEL #
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Range: 819 –826 MHz
Attenuation: 20dB typical
Gain Flatness: +1dB
Power: 12VDC @ 120mA
I/O Connection: SMA female
Zin/Zout: 50 ohm

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III. INSTALLATION
The Programmable Bi-Directional Booster Amplifier is housed in a steel
NEMA 4 enclosure. The enclosure has four mounting tabs on its rear surface
(refer to drawing 50483-05-17).In selecting a mounting surface, the size and
weight of the unit must be considered.
The RF cables to the radiators (distribution system) are connected to
female N-connectors on the bottom of the enclosure. Special care should be
taken in the dress and separation of theses cables to prevent signal coupling
between the input and output of the PBBA.
The PBBA requires a 110VAC power source. It is recommended, to
maintain the integrity of the NEMA enclosure, that the AC power should enter
using conduit or a connector. A cutout for a ¾” conduit connector is provided at
the bottom of the enclosure.
Connect the unit as follows:
RF CABLE CONNECTIONS (refer to drawing 50483-01-18):
1) Talk Out: to radiating cable run to 8-Channel Booster Amplifier.
2) Power: to AC conduit.
3) Com Port: for calibration only no connection required at installation.
4) Talk In: to radiating cable run to end of tunnel.
AC POWER INTERCONNECT(refer to drawing 50483-01-15):
The AC power signals are connected to an internal terminal block. The
terminal block is located on the top plate assembly at the right of the lower edge.
Connect the AC sources as follows:
1) The ground wire from the AC conduit connects to terminal 1.
2) The AC high wire from the AC conduit connects to terminal 2.
3) The neutral wire from the AC conduit connects to terminal 3.

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IV. OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT
The PBBA requires no operator settings or operation. It is designed for unattended
operation.
The following is all that is necessary for operation:
INSTALL
CONNECT
TURN-ON
WATCH LED

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V. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Programmable Bi-directional Booster Amplifier is designed for unattended
operation requiring minimal maintenance. General maintenance consists of equipment
inspection an operational tests. Periodical equipment tune-up and alignment is
recommended.
Cable Inspection:
The external and internal cables and connectors should be checked for
indication of corrosion.
Enclosure Inspection:
The interior of the enclosures should be inspected for evidence of
condensation.
LED Inspection:
Power LED: ON
Status LED: Flashing at a rate of 1Hz
Com LED: OFF
The performance of operations testing is recommended to be done bi-yearly.
Operational testing will indicate equipment status determining if an alignment is
necessary.

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VI. THEORY OF OPERATION
The PBBA is a broadband bi-directional amplifier. It has two channels, one is the
Forward In-Band and the other is Forward Out-of-Band/Reverse. The Forward In-Band
channel has a high gain amplifier chain and a band pass filter. This channel boosts the
signals that come through the filter. These are the inbound signals. Above and below
the filter passband are the outbound signals which are within the 100 to 2000 MHz range
and are handled by the other channel. The Forward In-Band channel uses a broadband
attenuator/amplifier module which has a 15dB dynamic range and a gain of around
20dB at 0dB attenuation setting. The attenuation, therefore the overall module gain/loss,
is digitally set via computer interface.
The Forward Out-of-Band/Reverse channel covers the frequency range of 100 to 2000
MHz. Due to the configuration of this channel it has a fixed insertion loss. With the two
channels integrated, the unit provides bi-directional amplification of inbound signals.

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VII. TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM SOLUTION ON-SITE-REMEDY
1) Power Indicator is off a) Check of the unit is
plugged into a 120VAC
source.
b) Check if the internal
circuit breaker on/off
switch is depressed
Plug in the unit to 120VAC
or depress internal circuit
breaker.
2) Power indication on but
status light is not blinking Check connection to the microprocessor board Microprocessor board fault. Pull out for repair
3) a) Com port does not
light up when unit is
programmed
Check serial cable
connections
4) Unit does not respond
when programmed Check serial cable connections
5) Unit does not provide
designed gain or unit does
not have gain at all or
intermittent operation
a) Check RF connection
between modules
b) Check Talk In/Talk Out
RF connections

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III. SCHEMATICS,
ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS,
PARTS LISTS
Programmable Bi-directional Booster Amplifier
50483-02-35 ASSEMBLY PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMPLIFIER
PL50703-02-35 PARTS LIST PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMPLIFIER
50483-05-55 POWER SUPPLY MOUNTING PLATE
50483-05-56 POWER SUPPLY SHIELD
50483-05-88 LOWER COMPONENT PLATE
50483-05-89 UPPER COMPONENT PLATE
50483-05-90 ROD FILTER MOUNTING PLATE
50483-05-92 DIRECTIONAL COUPLER MOUNTING PLATE
50483-05-93 ENCLOSURE
50483-03-45 PCB ASSY MICROPROCESSOR
PL50483-03-45 PARTS LIST MICROPROCESSOR
50483-04-45 SCHEMATIC MICROPROCESSOR
50483-07-45 FABRICATION MICROPROCESSOR
50483-02-26 ASSEMBLY ATTENUATOR AMP MOUDLE
PL50483-02-26 PARTS LIST ATTENUATOR AMP MODULE
50483-05-46 HOUSING
50483-05-47 COVER
50483-03-72 PCB ASSY PBBA ATTENUATOR / LNA
PL50483-03-72 PARTS LIST PBBA ATTENUATOR / LNA
50483-04-72 SCHEMATIC PBBA ATTENUATOR / LNA
50483-07-72 FABRICATION PBBA ATTENUATOR / LNA
50483-07-47 FABRICATION ISOLATOR INTERFACE
50483-02-27 ASSEMBLY MMIC AMP MODULE #1
PL50483-02-27 PARTS LIST MMIC AMP MODULE #1
50294-05-01 LNA HOUSING
50294-05-02 COVER MOUNTING PLATE
50483-03-46 PCB ASSY MMIC AMPLIFIER
PL50483-03-46 PARTS LIST MMIC AMPLIFIER
50483-04-46 SCHEMATIC MMIC AMPLIFIER
50483-07-46 FABRICATION MMIC AMPLIFIER
50483-02-30 ASSEMBLY MMIC AMP MOUDLE #2
PL50483-02-30 PARTS LIST MMIC AMP MODULE #2
50294-05-01 LNA HOUSING
50294-05-02 COVER MOUNTING PLATE
50483-03-54 PCB ASSY MMIC AMP #2
PL50483-03-54 PARTS LIST MMIC AMP #2
50483-04-54 SCHEMATIC MMIC AMP #2
50483-07-54 FABRICATION MMIC AMP #2

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PROGRAMMABLE BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER AMP

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ATTENUATOR/AMPLIFIER MODULE

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MMIC AMPLIFIER #1

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MMIC AMPLIFIER #2

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IX. PERTINENT DOCUMENTATION
Other documents needed for the operation of the Programmable Bi-directional Booster
Amplifier Include the following:
1) Programmable Bi-directional Booster Amplifier software manual