Aetechron LVC 5050 User manual

Quick Start Guide
Table of Contents
Pre-Installation .................................................. 2
Safety Conventions ........................................... 3
General Descriptions ......................................... 4
Specifications .................................................... 5
Front Panel Functions........................................ 8
Back Panel Functions ........................................ 9
Details of Plug-In Mode.................................. 11
The CCIP Input Card....................................... 12
Installation....................................................... 14
Unpacking ....................................................... 14
Mounting ......................................................... 15
Cooling............................................................ 16
Making Connections ....................................... 17
Dual Channel Hook-up.................................... 18
Bridge Mono Hook-up .................................... 20
Parallel-Mono Hookup.................................... 21
Connecting Power ........................................... 22
Page 1

Pre-Installation
This section describes safety conventions used within this document
and provides essential information about the Model LVC 5050
amplifier. Review this material before installing or operating the
amplifier.
AE TECHRON is committed to continuous product improvement.
Technical progress may result in minor variations between this manual
and a particular unit. Any significant changes or customizations will
be reflected in revisions of this manual. Customers are encouraged to
promptly add any additional information, about their particular unit, to
this manual.
Page 2

Safety Conventions
The LVC 5050 amplifier is a highly sophisticated instrument. Special
hazard alert instructions appear throughout this guide. Note the
following examples:
NOTE: A Note represents information,
which needs special emphasis but does not
represent a hazard.
Page 3

General Description
The AE TECHRON Model LVC 5050 is a dual channel power supply
amplifier designed for use in high power systems. It can deliver up to
2,500 watts per channel into 2-ohm loads or 5,000 watts bridged into a
single 4-ohm load. It accomplishes this with extremely low harmonic
and intermodulation distortion and low noise.
All this power is concentrated into a 5-inch rack mount package. From
the front panel, you can control and monitor the input signals.
 A push button power switch activates an AMBER “ON”
indicator.
 Dual brightness indicator—dim indicates signal presence, bright
indicates amplifier is in OVERLOAD.
 Dual color (RED and GREEN) LED indicators show current limit
and load current.
On the back panel:
 Input is connected using bare wires.
 Loads connect to a unique output block, which combines heavy
duty binding bolts and dual banana connectors.
 A detachable cover on the output block protects against accidental
short circuits and dangerous electrical shock.
Other features include the ability to:.
 Switch from Dual mode to Bridge Mono or Parallel Mono mode
with a 3-position slide switch.
 Select three different gain values for either channel with two more
3-position slide switches.
Page 4

Specifications
Specifications are for units in Dual Mode driving both channels into 8-
ohm loads, (26 dB = 20 times voltage gain) and operating from 120
VAC, unless otherwise specified.
“Standard 1 kHz Power" refers to maximum average power in watts at
1 kHz with 0.1% THD.
“Full Bandwidth Power" refers to maximum average power in watts
from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with 0.1% THD.
Performance
Frequency Response: ± 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1
watt.
Phase Response: ±10 from 10 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 watt.
Signal to Noise Ratio: At 26-dB gain, better than 105 dB (A-
weighted) below full output.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.05% from 20 Hz to 1
kHz, increasing linearly to 0.1% at 20 kHz at full output.
I. M. Distortion: <0.05% from 410 milliwatts to full output
at 26-dB gain, with an 8-ohm load.
Slew Rate: >30 V per microsecond.
Load Impedance: Rated for 16, 8, 4, 2-ohm use. Safe with
all types of loads, even reactive ones.
Required AC Mains: 60 Hz, 120VAC with 30A service.
Convertible to 100/ 200/208/230/240VAC at 50/60 Hz.
Maximum Load: 250 Volts RMS, no load conditions.
Page 5

Controls
Front Panel: A push “On/Off” power switch; also, a signal
level control for each channel. The level controls are wired to
the PIP card and may be enabled or disabled.
Back Panel: A 3-position switch selects Dual, Bridge-Mono,
or Parallel- Mono mode. A 3-position switch selects 20, 70, or
140 voltage gain for each channel.
Internal: Switches behind the front grill allow selection of
normal VZ operation, lock to low voltage only, lock to high
voltage only, and lock to low voltage under ODEP conditions.
Indicators
Amber Enable Indicator shows on/off status of low-voltage
power supply.
A Green OVERLOAD indicator for each channel flashes
dim green to show a signal is present at the input, and flashes
brightly in the rare event distortion of any kind exceeds
0.05%, including input overload.
A bi-color (Green/Red) ILOAD/ILIMIT indicator for each
channel flashes green with the output signal (when under a
current load) and flashes red in the event of current limiting.
Input/Output
Input Impedance: Greater than 10 K ohms, balanced, and 5
K ohms, unbalanced.
Output Impedance: Less than 10 milliohms is series with
less than 2 microhenries.
Page 6

Connectors
Inputs: Euro-style screw terminals will accept up to 16 gauge
bare wire.
Outputs: Unique output bus with dual banana jacks on 3/4
inch centers, and high current ring or spade lug barrier
connectors.
AC Line: “TT" style, 3 wire, 30A grounded connector (for
120 VAC units).
Construction
Black splatter-coat steel chassis with specially designed flow-
through front to rear ventilation system with computer-
controlled forced air-cooling.
Dimensions: 19 inch (48.3 cm) wide, 5.25 inch (13.3 cm)
high, 16 inch (40.3 cm) deep behind front mounting surface,
and 2.875 inches (7.3 cm) in front of the mounting surface.
NOTE: Allow 4 inches in back for adequate airflow.
Weight: 77 lbs. (35.2 kg) net, 88 lbs. (40.2 kg) shipping
weight.
Mounting: Standard BIA 310 front-panel rack mount with
supports for supplemental rear corner mounting.
Page 7

Front Panel Functions
The following illustration, with captioned call-outs, provides a visual
location of the LVC 5050 front panel functions.
A. Dust Filters
The dust filters remove large particles from the air drawn in by the
cooling fans. Check the filters regularly to prevent clogging. The filter
elements can be easily removed for cleaning by gently pulling them
away from the front panel.
B. Level Control
The output level for each channel is set with these controls. Each
control has 31 detents for precise adjustment.
C. ILoad/ILimit Indicators
The flow of current to the load and the maximum current limit of the
amplifier are monitored by these two-color indicators. The I Load/I Limit
indicators glow green to show that load current is flowing and turn off
when there is no significant load current. The I Load/I Limit indicators
turn red if the amplifier has reached its maximum output current
capacity.
D. Overload Indicators
When a large input signal causes an input overload or output clipping,
these green indicators flash brightly with a 0.1 second hold, otherwise,
they indicate the presence of a distortion-free signal.
Page 8
A
B
B
C
C
E F
D
D

E. Power Indicator
This amber indicator lights when the amplifier is connected to AC
power and turned “ON”.
F. Power Switch
This push button is used to turn the amplifier “ON” and “OFF”. When
turned on, the output is muted for about four seconds to protect your
system from start-up transients.
G
H
I
J
J
K
Back Panel
The following illustration, with captioned call-outs, provides a visual
location of the LVC 5050 back panel functions.
G. Power Cord
Units set up for 100 to 120 VAC have a 10 AWG, 30 amp line cord,
while units set up for 200 to 240 VAC have a 12 AWG, 20 amp line
cord. North American units set up for 120 VAC, 60 Hz power are
shipped with a grounded 125 volt, 30 amp NEMA TT30P plug; units
shipped outside North America are provided without a plug.
Page 9

H. Output Connectors
This high-current output block is provided for output connection. Its
connectors accept banana plugs, spade lugs or bare wire. There is a
detachable output cover (not shown) used to protect against accidental
short circuits and dangerous electrical shock.
I. Parallel Mono/ Stereo/ Bridge Mono
This switch is used to select one of three- output modes; Parallel
Mono, Stereo or Bridge Mono.
J. Gain Switches
These three-position switches are used to select a voltage gain of 20,70
or 140 times for each channel.
K. Input Plug-in Module
The versatility of plug-in modules make it easy to customize the input,
and other functions of the amplifier, to your needs.
The amplifier should be “Off”
for at least 10 seconds before
changing this switch
Page 10

Page 11
Details of the Plug In Module
Pin Function
1,2, Available for additional features
3,4 Standby, When Pins 3 and 4 are shorted output section of
amplifier forced into standby.
5Ground pin for use with pins 6, 7, and 8
6Voltage monitor, will have 1/20th of voltage at output of
Channel 2. Pin 6 is inactive when amplifier is used in either
mono mode.
7Current monitor, will have 1 volt for every 4 amps of current
at output of Channel 2, pin is inactive when amplifier is used
in either mono mode.
9-11 Balanced input for Channel 2. Pins 9 or 11 can be connected
to Pin 10 if an unbalanced input is desired. Pins 9 and 11 are
not active when amplifier is used in either mono mode.
12 Ground pin for use with pins 13, 14, and 15.
13 Voltage monitor, will have 1/20th of voltage at output of
Channel 1, when operated in 2 channel or Parallel Mono
mode and 1/40th of the voltage when operated in Bridged
Mono mode. Pin 13 is active in all modes of operation.
14 Current monitor, will have 1 volt for every 4 amps of current
at output of Channel 1, when operated in 2 channel or Bridge
Mono mode. When operated in Parallel Mono mode 1 volt for
every 6 amps of output current. Pin 14 is active in all modes
of operation.
16-18 Balanced input for Channel 1. Pins 16 or 18 can be connected
to Pin 17 if an unbalanced input is desired. Pins 16 and 18 are
active in all modes of operation.

The CCPIP Input Card
Channel One Controls
VR8 Adjusts common mode rejection for balanced input on
Channel 1.
VR1 Adjusts DC offset of Channel 1 of input card (measured at Pin
7 of U4)
VR3 Adjusts the Channel 1 soft clip circuit:
 ~ 15V (CW) No Clip
 ~8V (Center) Minimum Clip
 0V (CCW) Max. Clip
VR10 Adjusts DC offset of Channel 1 of amplifier (measured at
output of amplifier). Should be adjusted if gain of amplifier is
changed.
JMPCC1
CV - Puts Channel 1 in Constant Voltage Mode
CC - Puts Channel 1 in Constant Current Mode
(CC or CV must be jumped for channel to operate)
CC1 - Constant Current compensation 1 for Channel 1
connects C 23 and R55
CC2 - Constant Current compensation 2 for Channel 1
connects C27 and R59
NOTE: C18 (Ch.1) C19 (Ch.2) - In parallel with
compensation, controls stability and bandwidth when in
Constant Current Mode
Channel 2 Controls:
VR9 Adjusts common mode rejection for balanced input on
Channel 2
VR2 Adjusts DC offset of Channel 2 of input card
(measured at Pin 7 of U3)
Page 12

Page 13
VR4 Adjusts the Channel 1 soft clip circuit:
 ~ 15V (CW) No Clip
 ~8V (Center) Minimum Clip
 0V (CCW) Max. Clip
VR6 Adjusts DC offset of Channel 2 of amplifier (measured at
output of amplifier). Should be adjusted if gain of amplifier is
changed.
JMPCC2
CV - Puts Channel 2 in Constant Voltage Mode
CC - Puts Channel 2 in Constant Current Mode
(CC or CV must be jumped for channel to operate)
CC1 - Constant Current compensation 1 for Channel 2
connects C24 and R53
CC2 - Constant Current compensation 2 for Channel 2
connects C26 and R61

Installation
This section describes general guidelines for installing the Model LVC
5050 amplifier with special emphasis on system installations.
Unpacking
Every AE TECHRON Model LVC 5050 is carefully inspected and
tested prior to leaving the factory. Carefully unpack and inspect the
unit for damage in shipment. Besides the amplifier, you should find
this manual and mounting hardware in the package.
1) Inspect the crating for ANY signs of damage.
a. Make written notes of any damage for future reference.
b. If damage is found notify the transportation company
immediately
c. Save the shipping carton and packing materials as evidence of
damage for the shipper's inspection.
d. If severe damage is apparent, DO NOT proceed until a
representative of the shipping company is present.
2) Uncrate/unpack the amplifier
3) Save the packing materials for later use in transporting or shipping
the unit.
AE TECHRON will cooperate fully in the case of any shipping damage
investigation. In any event, replacement-packing materials are
available from AE TECHRON.
NOTE: Never ship this unit without proper packaging.
Page 14

Mounting
The LVC 5050 is designed for standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) rack
mounting and "stack" mounting without a cabinet. For optimum
cooling and rack support, multiple units should be stacked directly on
top of each other.
To reduce the risk of ELECTRIC SHOCK
or FIRE HAZARD, DO NOT expose the
LVC5050 to rain or moisture.
Page 15

Page 16
Cooling
NEVER block the air vents in the front or back of the amplifier. These
amplifiers DO NOT need to be mounted with space between them. If
you must leave open spaces in a rack for any reason, close them with
blank panels or poor airflow will result. Allow for airflow of at least 75
cubic feet (2.1 cubic meters) per minute per unit. Additional airflow
may be required when driving low-impedance loads at consistently
high output levels.
NOTE: Refer to Section 3 Applications for detailed information on
thermal dissipation.
When mounting the amplifier in a rack cabinet, the back wall of the
rack should be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) away from the back of the
amplifier chassis as shown below.
If your rack has a door, provide adequate airflow by installing a grille
in the door or by pressurizing the air behind the door. Wire grilles are
recommended over perforated panels. A good choice for pressurizing
the air behind the rack cabinet door is to mount a "squirrel cage"
blower inside the rack (Option 1 above). Mount the blower so it blows
outside air into the space between the door and front of the amplifiers,
pressurizing the “chimney" behind the door. This blower should not
blow air into or take air out of the space behind the amplifiers.

Making Connections
Before beginning the installation of your amplifier, check the
following:
 Remove all power from the unit. Do not have the AC cord
plugged in.
 Turn input level control down (fully counter clockwise).
The input and output jacks are located on the back panel. Use care in
making connections, selecting signal sources, and matching loads.
During hookup take the following precautions:
1. Use only shielded cable on inputs. The higher the density of the
shield (the outer conductor), the better the cable. Spiral wrapped shield
is not recommended.
2. The output wire and connectors should be heavy enough to carry
the intended current to the load.
3. Use good quality connectors with proper strain relief.
 Do not use connectors that have any tendency to short circuit.
 Do not use connectors that can be plugged into AC power
receptacles.
4. Keep unbalanced input cables as short as possible. Avoid lengths
greater than 10 feet.
5. Do not run signal (input) cables together with high level wiring
such as load (output) wires or AC cords (lowers most hum and noise).
6. Do not short the ground lead of an output cable to the input
signal ground. Oscillations may result.
7. Operate the amplifier from proper AC current. Supply voltage
must be 50 to 60 Hz and no more than 10% above or below the
selected line voltage. Failure to comply with these frequency limits
may damage the unit and result in unreliable operation.
Page 17

8. Never connect the output to a power supply output, battery, or
power main. These connections will cause serious damage to the
amplifier.
9. Do not permit unqualified personnel to tamper with circuitry.
Do not make unauthorized circuit modifications. Serious damage to the
amplifier and/or safety hazards may result.
Page 18

Dual Channel Hookup
In Dual Mode, installation is very intuitive: input Channel 1 feeds
output Channel 1, and input Channel 2 feeds output Channel 2. To
activate Dual mode:
1. Turn off the amplifier
2. Wait 10 seconds for the power supply to discharge
3. Slide the Dual/Mono switch to the center position
4. Connect the output wiring as shown below.
The high-current output block has three sets of output connectors per
channel so multiple loads can be easily connected. Two sets accept
banana plugs, while the third set accepts spade lugs or bare wire.
Observe correct load polarity and be very careful not to short the two
outputs.
Page 19

Bridge-Mono Hookup
Bridge-Mono mode is intended for driving loads with a total
impedance of 4 ohms or more (see Section 2.4.3 if the load is less than
4 ohms). Installing the amplifier in Bridge-Mono mode is very
different from the other modes and requires special attention.
To activate Bridge-Mono mode:
1. Turn the amplifier off
2. Wait at least 10 seconds
3. Slide the Dual/Mono switch to the right (as you face the back
of the amplifier).
NOTE: Both outputs receive the signal from the channel 1
input with the output of channel 2 inverted so it can be
bridged with the channel 1 output.
AND
NOTE: The channel 2 input and level control are
disconnected in Bridge Mono mode. A signal-feeding
channel 2 will have no effect on the output.
1. Connect the load across the channel 1 and 2 positive (+)
terminals
2. Attach the positive lead from the load to channel 1.
3. Attach the negative lead from the load to channel 2. (This
cannot be connected to ground, chassis or amplifier, or it will
damage the amplifier.
The negative (-) terminals are not used and should not be shorted. This
cannot be connected to ground, chassis or amplifier, it will damage the
amplifier.
Page 20