ATX SignalOn Series User manual

INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL
Forward Path Ampli er Products
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
FCC Compliance Statement ............................................................................................................................. iii
Standards........................................................................................................................................................... iv
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... iv
1. GENERAL.................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1. Compatibility with SignalOn®Product Line ........................................................................................ 1-1
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.1. Physical Description .......................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2. Functional Description....................................................................................................................... 2-2
3. INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1. Installing Forward Path Amplier....................................................................................................... 3-1
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1. Forward Path Amplier ...................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2. Power Supply .................................................................................................................................... 4-1
5. MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1. Power Supply Fan Replacement Procedure ..................................................................................... 5-1
5.2. Preventative Actions.......................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.3. Cooling Fan Maintenance.................................................................................................................. 5-3
6. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 6-1
7. SERVICE & SUPPORT.............................................................................................................................. 7-1
7.1. Contact ATX Networks....................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.2. Warranty Information ......................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.3. Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 7-1
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual i

Index of Figures and Tables
Figures
#1 30 dB Forward Path Amplier ................................................................................2-1
#2 Adjustable Gain Amplier Schematic.....................................................................2-2
#3 Forward Path Amplier Schematic.........................................................................2-2
#4 Amplier Installation 2RU Chassis.........................................................................3-1
#5 Amplier Installation 5RU Chassis.........................................................................3-2
#6 –48 VDC Power Supply.........................................................................................4-2
#7 AC Power Supply (Front View)..............................................................................5-1
#8 Power Supply Fan Replacement ...........................................................................5-2
Tables
#1 Front Panel Indicators and Test Point....................................................................4-1
#2 Specications.........................................................................................................6-1
ii SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual

About This Manual
The SignalOn Forward Path Ampli er product line includes gain ampli ers, power supplies, and power kits. The mechanical
dimensions, cable management, and aesthetics of the ampli er and power supplies are compatible with the SignalOn product
line. The system is designed to accommodate superior cable management and ease of use. Ampli er and power supplies
are designed to be installed in the 8- or 20-position SignalOn Series chassis. Each ampli er or power supply occupies two
positions in the chassis.
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
 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
Warning: Never install equipment in a wet location or during a lightning storm.
Warning: Before making any connections to the chassis, verify that the power is off (fuse removed at the fuse and alarm
panel) and that the plug-in module is removed from the chassis. Do not install plug-in module until after the chassis wiring is
completed.
Certication
The SignalOn Forward Path products have been tested and found to comply with the requirements of UL 60950, EN 1950,
and CSA 22.2 No. 0.7.
FCC Compliance Statement
The SignalOn Forward Path Ampli er product line has been certi ed to comply with the requirements for class A computing
devices per part 15 of the FCC regulations.
Warning: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with
limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause interference to TV and radio reception in which case the user, at their own expense, will be required to
take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
This equipment does not exceed Class A limits for radio emission for digital apparatus, set out in the radio interference
regulation of the authorization methods of Industry Canada. Operation in a residential area may cause unacceptable
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Ampli er Products – Installation & Operation Manual iii
PREFACE

PREFACE
iv SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual
interference to TV and radio reception requiring the owner or operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the
interference.
Standards
EN55022 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference Characteristics of Information
Technology Equipment
ISTA+7 International Safe Transit Authority
ANSI/SCTE 06 1999 Composite Distortion Measurements
ANSI/SCTE 01 1996 “F” Port (Female Outdoor) Physical Dimensions
NCTA Part 4 NTC REPORT No.7 Video Facility Testing
TR-TSY-000332 Reliability Prediction Procedure for Electronic Equipment
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
The acronyms and abbreviations used in this manual are detailed in the following list:
AWG American Wire Gauge
ANSI American National Standards Institute
BDFB Battery Distribution Fuse Bay
CATV Cable TV
CPE Customer Premise Equipment
CI Customer Interface
FCC Federal Communications Commission
GND Ground
MBB Make-Before-Break
MON Monitor
NID Network Interface Device
RCV Receive
TTL Transistor-Transistor Logic
XMT Transmit

PREFACE
GENERAL
1. General
The SignalOn system is a modular system that permits high isolation combining, splitting, and amplication of headend
signals in a CATV system. The system is designed to accommodate strong cable management, EMI shielding, and ease of
use. This facilitates easy reconguration and high performance within a dynamic headend environment.
Each amplier or power supply occupies two positions in a chassis. Up to nine ampliers and one power supply, or eight
ampliers and two load-sharing, redundant power supplies can be installed in a vertical 20-position SignalOn chassis. Ten
ampliers may be installed in the vertical 20-position SignalOn chassis if an external +24 VDC power source is used.
Each amplier or power supply occupies two positions in a chassis. Up to three ampliers and one power supply, or two
ampliers and two load-sharing, redundant power supplies can be installed in a horizontal 8-position SignalOn chassis. Four
ampliers may be installed in the horizontal 8-position SignalOn chassis if an external +24 VDC power source is used.
1.1. Compatibility with SignalOn®Product Line
The SignalOn ampliers and power supplies may be installed in the same chassis as the SignalOn Passive modules. They
are not physically compatible with the existing RF Worx®chassis.
SignalOn passive modules may be installed in MAXNET chassis, if mounting screws are replaced. Consult ATX technical
support for more info.
Refer to the SignalOn Chassis & Power Supply manual for more information.
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – 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 Forward Path Amplier, chassis,
100/120/240 VAC power supply, and –48 VDC power supply.
2.1. Physical Description
2.1.1. ForwardPathAmplier
Each Forward Path Amplier provides adjustable amplication with low distortion and low noise for the forward path.
The SignalOn Forward Path Amplier is available in the following variations:
• 20 or 30 dB adjustable gain (F Connectors)
• 10 - 20 or 20 - 30 dB adjustable gain
• 50 - 1002 or 50-1218MHz bandwidth
• F or BNC connector * (note that BNC not available for 1218MHz ampliers)
Each SignalOn Forward Path Adjustable Gain Amplier has two connectors for monitor ports on the front panel. Recessed
push buttons for gain and tilt control are also located on the front panel. Two RF connectors are located on the rear panel (RF
IN and RF OUT). Each amplier acquires its main and redundant +24 VDC power from the integral power connector located
at the top-rear of the amplier module. A front and rear view of the Forward Path Amplier is shown in Figure 1.
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual 2-1
CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Figure#1:30dBForwardPathAmplier
FRONT
VIEW
REAR
VIEW
30 dB AMP
50-1000 MHz POWER
CONNECT
OR
MON IN
-20 dB
MON OUT
-20 dB
POWER
+
GAIN
_
+
TILT
_
RF OUT
RF IN

2.2. Functional Description
2.2.1. ForwardPathAmplier
The SignalOn Forward Path Amplier is an electronically adjustable amplier, and is intended for CATV and other providers
requiring low distortion/noise signal amplication in the forward path (50 to 1000 MHz). Figure 6 shows a circuit block diagram
for the Forward Path Ampliers. Recessed push buttons located on the front panel are used to increment or decrement the
signal without signal interruptions.
2-2 SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual
CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
ADJUSTABLE
EQUALIZER
ADJUSTABLE
ATTENUATOR
CONTROL
VOLTAGES
SERIAL
DAC
MICROPROCESSOR
PUSH-PULL
AMPLIFIER
15 dB – 20 dB AMP.
22 dB – 30 dB AMP.
(APPROX.)
POWER-DOUBLER
AMPLIFIER
21.5 dB
(APPROX.)
TEST POINT
#1
TEST POINT
#2
RF
IN
RF
OU
T
-20 dB -20 dB
TILT INCREMENTGAIN INCREMENT
GAIN DECREMENT
TILT DECREMENT
Figure#2:AdjustableGainAmplierSchematic
Figure#3:ForwardPathAmplierSchematic
Forward Path Amplifier
RF
OUTPUT
MON OUT
-20 dB
MON IN
-20 dB
AMP AMP
RF
INPUT
EQ ATTN

CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
2.2.2. Power Supplies
The SignalOn power supplies use either 100/120/240 VAC or –48 VDC input power. AC/DC or DC/DC power supplies include
circuitry for the detection of a power supply failure. Alarm contacts are located on the rear panel of the power supply module.
These contacts support existing customer-supplied alarm systems. The DCALM contact is used to indicate DC power failure.
FANALM is used to indicate fan failure.
When power supply output drops below 18 VDC from its nominal value of 24 VDC the relay circuitry closes a switch completing
an external alarm circuit, resulting in an alarm.
2.2.3. A/B Redundancy
Power distribution backplane automatically accommodates power redundancy and load sharing when two power supplies
are inserted into any chassis position. If one power supply fails the other power supply picks up the entire load.
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual 2-3
CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

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CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
INSTALLATION
3. Installation
3.1. InstallingForwardPathAmplier
Each forward path amplier module occupies two slots in the chassis. Use the following procedure to install modules in the
SignalOn Series chassis.
1. Make sure the ATX logo (or any other front panel lettering) is readable. Align the power connector at the top of the
module with the power connector in the chassis. Slide the plug-in module into its designated location in the chassis.
2. Secure the module using its two captive retaining screws. See Figure 13 or Figure 14.
3. After each module is loaded into the chassis, refer to your work order, and connect the designated RF cables to the
appropriate F connectors on the modules in the chassis.
4. Carefully route cables through the cable management slots located on each side of the rear of the chassis. Use the
cable management guidelines found in this manual to route cable from the chassis to the rack/cabinet.
5. Perform any cabling or operational tests required at your facility.
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual 3-1
CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION
POWER CONNECTOR
(FACING CENTER
OF CHASSIS)
30 dB
AMPLIFIER
Figure#4:AmplierInstallation2RUChassis

3-2 SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual
CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION
30 dB
AMPLIFIE
R
Figure#5:AmplierInstallation5RUChassis

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. ForwardPathAmplier
An LED on the front of the Forward Path Ampli er lights green when the ampli er is operating. If no power is present at the
ampli er the LED is off.
4.1.1. Gain Adjustment
Ampli er gain is adjusted using the pushbuttons on the front of the ampli er module. There are two buttons, labeled “+” and
“–” for gain increment and decrement, respectively. The “+” button increments the gain by approximately 0.5 dB and the “–”
button decrements the gain by approximately 0.5 dB. There are 20 step increments in all, which is equal to about 10 dB.
The gain will quickly scroll up or down by pressing and holding the appropriate button for a duration of approximately one
second.
NOTE: Gain and Tilt settings are stored in the ampli er and are not lost if a power failure occurs.
4.1.2. Tilt Adjustment
Ampli er tilt is adjusted using the pushbuttons on the front of the ampli er module. There are two buttons, labeled “+” and “–”
for tilt increment and decrement, respectively. The “+” button increments the tilt by approximately 0.5 dB and the “–” button
decrements the tilt by approximately 0.5 dB. There are 20 step increments in all, which is equal to about 10 dB. The tilt will
quickly scroll up or down by pressing and holding the appropriate button for a duration of approximately one second. Tilt pivot
point is set at 860 MHz, and has a linear pro le. The maximum tilt settings attenuates the signal by 10 dB at 50 MHz.
4.1.3. Monitor Test Ports
Two –20 dB directional coupler monitor test ports are standard on the adjustable gain ampli ers, one before RF ampli cation
and one after.
4.2. Power Supply
The power supply front panel has LEDs to indicate fan and power conditions and a test point to verify the +24 VDC. There
are three LED indicators on the power supply front panel. Refer to Table 2 for a functional description of each indicator and
the test point. The location of the indicators and test point is shown in Figure 26.
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Ampli er Products – Installation & Operation Manual 4-1
CHAPTER 4: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
INDICATOR COLOR DESCRIPTION
FAN FAIL Green Fan fail alarms (green to red) on fan failure. Continues to
operate (Green) if current shared with another power supply.
Red Fan failure.
DC OUT FAIL Green Operating properly.
Off No DC power output to the chassis backplane.
POWER IN FAIL Green Operating properly.
Off No input power present.
24V TST PT N/A +24 VDC measured between + and – jacks.
Table #1: Front Panel Indicators and Test Point

4-2 SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual
CHAPTER 4: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FRONT
VIEW
REAR
VIEW
PWR SUPPLY
DC-DC
FAN
DC
INPUT
+
24V TST PT
_
DC
OUTPUT
REM INHB
PWR FAIL
DC FAIL
GND
FANALM
FANCOM
DCALM
DCCOM
DC INPUT
-48 VDC
Figure #6: –48 VDC Power Supply

MAINTENANCE
5. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements for the SignalOn series ampli ers and chassis covered in this manual are minimal, consisting
merely of periodic surface cleaning and fan  lter cleaning.
The outside of the chassis and components should be cleaned during routine of ce equipment maintenance. Care must be
taken to prevent dust and dirt from getting into any of the coaxial jacks or connectors.
NOTE: There are no customer serviceable parts in the ampli ers in this system; return all failed ampli ers to ATX Networks
for service or repair. Opening ampli er voids all applicable warranties.
5.1. Power Supply Fan Replacement Procedure
Each power supply module is equipped with a rear cooling fan that draws air in and pushes it through the power supply
module. The heated air is then exhausted through vent holes on the power supply module. This method of cooling is preferred
so that airborne contaminants are caught on the outside of the fan  lter. This reduces dust buildup on the fan blades, as well
as internally in the power supply. Over time, dust and airborne contaminants can cause the air  lter to become blocked. The
time it takes for the  lter to get suf ciently blocked is dependent on the environment that the unit operates in.
Due to the same environmental conditions, fan bearings may also wear out. This results in the red “FAN FAIL” LED to
illuminate on the front of the module as shown in Figure 27. The fan assembly is as a  eld replaceable component. Catalog
number for the fan replacement kit is: N-ACC-FAN-01 (with  lter) or N-ACC-FAN (without  lter). Please note that these fans
are not compatible with each other so be sure to order the correct replacement depending on the device purchased. Older
units do not have  lters (visible from outside). The fan replacement kit may be purchased through your local distribution
channel, or ATX Networks. Fan replacement may be performed while power supply is in service, or out of service.
CHAPTER 4: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Ampli er Products – Installation & Operation Manual 5-1
CHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE
FA
N
LED
Figure #7: AC Power Supply (Front View)

Use the following procedure to replace cooling fan:
1. Carefully move any cables away from the rear of the power supply that may be blocking fan.
2. Loosen the two thumbscrews that secure the fan assembly to the power supply module. See Figure 28.
3. Carefully withdraw fan assembly from power supply module until the wiring harness is exposed and connector is
accessible.
4. Depress latch release on the fan connector and unplug the connector from the connector on the wiring harness.
5. Plug new fan connector into the wiring harness connector.
6. Carefully push fan wiring and connector back into the power supply module making certain no to pinch or break the
fan wires.
7. Position fan assembly in the module and tighten thumbscrews.
8. If a fan failure caused the power supply to overheat and shut down, the power supply input voltage must be cycled.
For DC primary powered systems, remove the primary fuse feeding the SignalOn chassis from the BDFB fuse panel
and reinsert. For AC primary powered systems, remove and replace AC power cord connection from AC socket
located on the rear of the power supply.
9. Verify that the power supply starts, LED status for input and output voltage and fan are green, and that the fan is
operating properly.
10. Verify that all active modules located in the chassis are powered up and operational.
11. Re-tie any cables moved away from rear of the power supply module.
5-2 SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual
CCHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE
POWER
SUPPLY
MODUL
E
WIRING
HARNESS
FAN
ASSEMBLY
THUMBSCREWS
FAN
CONNECTOR
LATCH
Figure #8: Power Supply Fan Replacement

5.2. Preventative Actions
1. Regularly change facility air handling equipment lters every 30-60 days.
2. Stock a 1% spares inventory of fan assemblies to facilitate quick eld repairs.
3. Develop a maintenance plan for periodic visual inspection, and cleaning of the fan lters.
5.3. Cooling Fan Maintenance
Maintenance of the power supply cooling fan is a simple procedure that is quickly accomplished in usually less than 5
minutes.
1. Carefully move any cables away from the rear of the power supply that may be blocking fan.
2. Loosen the two thumbscrews that secure the fan assembly to the power supply module. See Figure 28.
3. Carefully withdraw fan assembly from power supply module by pulling straight back until the wiring harness is exposed
and the connector is accessible.
4. Depress latch release on the fan connector and unplug the fan connector from the connector on the wiring harness.
5. Holding the fan assembly, use compressed air to blow the dirt & dust particles out of the fan lter by rst blowing the air
through the fan assembly from the inside to outside. Next, use compressed air to blow off dirt particles on the external
side of the fan assembly.
6. An alternative to Step 5 would be to use a small shop vacuum cleaner to remove dirt & dust from the external side of
the lter.
7. Once the fan assembly has been thoroughly cleaned, re-insert the fan assembly into the power supply module using
Step 5 through Step 11 in the fan replacement procedure in this section.
NOTE: Depending on the environmental conditions and the location of where this equipment operates, power supply may
overheat and cause a thermal shut down if proper air ow is not supplied to the module. Do not allow power supplies to
operate without a fan assembly for any extended period of time.
For any other repairs, contact ATX Networks at the telephone number listed in Section 9, Service & Support, of this manual.
CCHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE
SignalOn®Series – Forward Path Amplier Products – Installation & Operation Manual 5-3
CHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE

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CHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE
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