ATX SignalOn Series User manual

INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL
Return Path Ampli er
www.atxnetworks.com
www.atxnetworks.com
1.2 GHz
D3.1/CCAP
™
Compliant
SignalOn
®
Series

SignalOn®Series, MAXNET®, HFC Enhance®, PCI Filters®, Q-Series®& FiberLinx®are registered trademarks of ATX in the United States and/or other countries. SMACSM is a
service mark of ATX in the United States and/or other countries. Products or features contained herein may be covered by one or more U.S. or foreign patents. Other non-ATX
product and company names in this manual are the property of their respective companies.
Although every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this document it may be necessary, without notice, to make amendments or correct omissions.
Specications subject to change without notice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
About This Manual ............................................................................................................................................ iii
Admonishments ................................................................................................................................................ iii
General Safety Precautions.............................................................................................................................. iii
Certication........................................................................................................................................................ iii
Standards........................................................................................................................................................... iii
1. GENERAL.................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1. Return Path Amplier......................................................................................................................... 1-1
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.1. Physical Description .......................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2. Functional Description....................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3. Technical Description......................................................................................................................... 2-2
3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.1. Monitor Test Ports.............................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2. Reverse Path..................................................................................................................................... 3-1
4. MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1. Preventative Maintenance................................................................................................................. 4-1
5. SERVICE & SUPPORT.............................................................................................................................. 5-1
5.1. Contact ATX Networks....................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2. Warranty Information ......................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.3. Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 5-1
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual i

Index of Figures and Tables
Figures
#1 SignalOn® Return Path Amplier ...........................................................................2-1
#2 Return Path Amplier Schematic Diagram ............................................................2-1
#3 Reverse Path Example..........................................................................................3-1
Tables
#1 Specications.........................................................................................................2-2
ii SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual

About This Manual
The SignalOn Return Path Ampli er covered in this user manual is part of the SignalOn family of plug-in modules. The Return
Path Ampli er provides gain ampli cation with low distortion and low noise for a broadband communications system return
path (5 MHz to 200 MHz).
The SignalOn system uses a modular design that allows for high isolation combining, splitting, ampli cation, redundant
switching, and status monitoring of the headend signals in a broadband communications system. The SignalOn system
provides strong cable management, EMI shielding, and ease of use, all of which facilitate recon guration and enhance
performance within a dynamic headend environment.
Admonishments
Important safety admonishments are used throughout this manual to warn of possible hazards to persons or equipment.
An admonishment identi es a possible hazard and then explains what may happen if the hazard is not avoided. The
admonishments — in the form of Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions — must be followed at all times. These warnings are
fl agged by use of the triangular alert icon (seen below), and are listed in descending order of severity of injury or damage
and likelihood of occurrence.
Danger: Danger is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial
property damage if the hazard is not avoided.
Warning: Warning is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial
property damage if the hazard is not avoided.
Caution: Caution is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury or property
damage if the hazard is not avoided.
General Safety Precautions
The following general admonishment applies to all the procedures in this manual.
Warning: To avoid electric shock or severe burns, be careful when working near power supplies. The Return Path Amplifi er
operates on –48 VDC offi ce power or 100–240 VAC.
Certication
The SignalOn active products have been tested and found to comply with the following requirements:
UL 1419
CE
CISPR-22
EN 60950 (Safety)
Standards
The following listing is a bibliography of applicable ANSI and Bellcore documents:
TR-EOP 000063 Bellcore Technical Reference for environmental testing, EMI, mechanical shock and vibration,
storage temperature, humidity, electrical grounding, etc.
TR-TSY 000332 Bellcore Technical Reference for predicting reliability.
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Ampli er – Installation & Operation Manual iii
PREFACE

PREFACE
iv SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual
MIL-STD-202 Military Standard for Thermal Shock Requirements.
FCC Part 15 and 76 Federal Communication Commission
CFR 47 Code of Federal Regulations

PREFACE
GENERAL
1. General
This user manual describes the features, functions, and installation procedures for the SignalOn Return Path Amplier,
chassis, power supply, and adapter kit.
1.1. ReturnPathAmplier
The Return Path Amplier provides gain amplication with low distortion and low noise for a broadband communications
system return path (5 MHz to 200 MHz).
The SignalOn Return Path Amplier is available in the following variations:
• Amplier module with 22 dB xed gain (F Connectors)
• Amplier module with 22 dB xed gain (BNC Connectors)
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual 1-1
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL

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CHAPTER 1: GENERAL
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CHAPTER 1: GENERAL
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
2. Product Description
This section provides physical, functional, and technical descriptions of the SignalOn Return Path Amplier, four-position
horizontal chassis, 100–240 VAC power supply, and –48 VDC power supply.
2.1. Physical Description
2.1.1. ReturnPathAmplier
The SignalOn Return Path Amplier is constructed of aluminum sheet metal with nickel plating. The amplier has two sets of
BNC-type or F-type RF connectors (depending on model ordered): Monitor Port Before Amp (MON IN) and Monitor Port After
Amp (MON OUT) located in the front of the module, and RF IN and RF OUT, located at the rear.
2.2. Functional Description
2.2.1. ReturnPathAmplier
The SignalOn Return Path Amplier is designed to be a gain amplier, and is intended for MSO and other providers requiring
signal amplication in the broadband communications system return path (5 to 200 MHz) with low distortion and low noise.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram for the Return Path Amplier. This diagram is shown on the top cover of the module.
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual 2-1
CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Figure#1:SignalOnReturnPathAmplier
RF-IN
RF-OUT
MON BEFORE
AMP -20 dB
MON AFTER
AMP -20 dB
AMP
Figure#2:ReturnPathAmplierSchematicDiagram
FRONT
VIEW
REAR
VIEW
22 dB AMP
5-200 MHz
22 dB AMP
5-200 MHz
MON IN
-20 dB
POWER
MON OUT
-20dB
POWER
CONNECT
OR
MON IN
-20 dB
MON OUT
-20 dB
POWER
RF OUT
RF IN

2.3. Technical Description
2-2 SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual
CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Table#1:Specications
Forward Path Amplier 20 dB FORWARD AMPLIFIER 30 dB FORWARD AMPLIFIER 30 dB FORWARD AMPLIFIER
BANDWIDTH 50-1002 MHz 50-1002 MHz 50-1218 MHz
MINIMUM RF INPUT(1) +20 dBmV per Channel +10 dBmV per Channel +10 dBmV per Channel
MINIMUM FULL GAIN 20 dB 30 dB 30 dB
GAIN FLATNESS +/- 0.4 dB from 50-870 MHz
+/- 0.5 dB from 870-1000 MHz
+/- 0.45 dB from 50-870 MHz
+/- 0.65 dB from 870-1000 MHz
+/- 0.45 dB from 50-870 MHz
+/- 0.65 dB from 870-1218 MHz
RETURN LOSS, INPUT & OUTPUT
PORTS
-19 dB from 50-870 MHz
-16.5 dB from 870-1000 MHz
-18 dB from 50-870 MHz
-15 dB from 870-1000 MHz
-16 dB from 50-1218 MHz
NOISE FIGURE 7.3 dB from 50-870 MHz
7.6 dB from 870-1000 MHz
5.7 dB from 50-870 MHz
6.2 dB from 870-1000 MHz
6.2 dB from 50-870 MHz
6.7 dB from 870-1218 MHz
GAIN/TILT ADJUSTMENT RANGE 10 +/- 1 dB @ 50 MHz in 0.5 dB Steps 10 +/- 1 dB @ 50 MHz in 0.5 dB Steps 10 +/- 1 dB @ 50 MHz in 0.5 dB Steps
CTB/CSO(2) -73/-81 dB
MONITOR PORTS -20 +/-1 dB Test Point for both RF Input and RF Output
OPERATING VOLTAGE/POWER
DISSIPATION
24 VDC +/- 5%, 17W (max)
POWER CONNECTOR Gold-on-Gold, Slide-on Contacts
THERMAL SHOCK Meets MIL-STD-202 Method 107
OFFICE VIBRATION Meets GR-63-Core Section 5.4.2
MECHANICAL SHOCK Meets MIL-STD-202 Method 213
ACCELERATED AGING Meets MIL-STD-202 Method 108
CERTIFICATIONS FCC Class A, U/L, NEBS Level 3
NOTES:
(1) Analog channel input level, regardless of channel load.
(2) Measured with 110 channel loading and optimum RF input level at full gain and no tilt. Specifications are typical worst-case numbers across the given frequency
range, unless otherwise noted.

CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3. Operating Instructions
There are no specic operating instructions for the SignalOn Return Path Amplier. Once the amplier is installed, it will
perform its designated RF signal management function without further attention. As detailed below, the amplier includes
convenient Monitor (MON) ports where test equipment can be connected to the system as necessary.
3.1. Monitor Test Ports
Two 20 dB monitor test ports are standard on the Return Path Amplier, one before RF amplication and one after.
3.2. Reverse Path
SignalOn modules can balance the reverse path combined signals and provide the balanced power from the reverse path
receivers to signal processing equipment (e.g., cable data modems, HDTs, etc.). (See example in Figure 3.)
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual 3-1
CHAPTER 3: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
RETURN PATH
RECEIVER
FROM
NODE
1
4 x 1
SPLITTER
4 x 1 WITH PLUG-IN
ATTENUATION PADS
AND MONITOR PORT
RETURN PATH
RECEIVER
2 x 1
COMBINER
2 x 1
COMBINER
FROM
NODE
1
4 x 1
SPLITTER
4 x 1 WITH PLUG-IN
ATTENUATION PADS
AND MONITOR PORT
RETURN
PATH
AMPLIFIERS
HOST
DIGITAL
TERMINAL
(HDT)
CABLE
DATA
MODEM
Figure #3: Reverse Path Example

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CHAPTER 3: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
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CHAPTER 3: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE
4. Maintenance
The only maintenance feature included for the Return Path Ampli er is the ability to remove and replace the unit.
Warning: Do not attempt to open or remove the cover of the SignalOn Return Path Amplifi er. No maintenance should be
attempted on this unit, as injury may occur. Remove and replace the defective unit.
4.1. Preventative Maintenance
No user maintenance is required on this unit.
NOTE: There are no customer serviceable parts in the SignalOn Return Path Ampli er. Return all failed units to ATX Networks
for service or repair.
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Ampli er – Installation & Operation Manual 4-1
CHAPTER 4: MAINTENANCE

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CHAPTER 4: MAINTENANCE
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CHAPTER 4: MAINTENANCE
SERVICE & SUPPORT
5. Service & Support
5.1. Contact ATX Networks
Please contact ATX Technical Support for assistance with any ATX products. Please contact ATX Customer Service to obtain
a valid RMA number for any ATX products that require service and are in or out-of-warranty before returning a failed module
to the factory.
RF Products
(MAXNET, SignalOn, HFC Enhance, PCI Filters, Q-Series, SCN, SMAC, FiberLinx)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Tel: [phone] – press *3 then press 2
Toll Free: [phone] – press *3 then press 2 (USA & Canada only)
Email: [email protected]
CUSTOMER SERVICE
ATX Networks
1-501 Clements Road West
Ajax, ON L1S 7H4 Canada
Tel: [phone] – press *1
Toll Free: [phone] – press *1 (USA & Canada only)
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free Fax: [phone] (USA & Canada only)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.atxnetworks.com
5.2. Warranty Information
All of ATX Networks’ products have a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturer’s defects or failures.
5.3. Safety
IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
WATER AND MOISTURE: Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The device should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the device.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of the device
is not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the device.
SERVICING: The user should not attempt to service the device beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other
servicing should be referred to qualied service personnel.
FUSING: If your device is equipped with a fused receptacle, replace only with the same type fuse. Refer to replacement text
on the unit for correct fuse type.
SignalOn®Series – Return Path Amplier – Installation & Operation Manual 5-1
CHAPTER 5: SERVICE & SUPPORT

ATX Networks
1-501 Clements Road West, Ajax, ON L1S 7H4 Canada
Tel: [phone] | Toll Free: 800.565.7488 | [email protected]
ISO
9001:15
REGISTERED
© 2018 ATX Networks
Printed in Canada
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
www.atxnetworks.com
Rev. 06/18 (ANW0847)