Barco PULSAR BG User manual

BARCO nv
Communication Systems
Th. Sevenslaan 106
B-8500 Kortrijk (Belgium)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.barco.com
TV MODULATOR
PULSAR BG
USER’S MANUAL
Serial Number:
Edition: November 10th 1998
Part Number: V598736/07

P ULSAR BG Contents
Page 1-1
CONTENTS
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................ 1-1
2 SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................................. 2-1
INTERNAL LAYOUT................................................................................................................................ 3-1
4 INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 RACK MOUNTING............................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 POWER CONNECTION ....................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Power Supply 230 VAC........................................................................................................... 4-2
4.2.2 Power Supply -48 VDC........................................................................................................... 4-2
4.3 INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTORS........................................................................................................ 4-3
4.3.1 RS-485 Remote Control.......................................................................................................... 4-5
4.3.2 Audio Input - Status & Control............................................................................................... 4-5
4.4 INSTALLING THE PULSAR ................................................................................................................. 4-7
4.4.1 Rear Panel of the PULSAR ....................................................................................................... 4-7
4.4.2 Use of the Pulsar in the analog HE ........................................................................................ 4-7
4.4.3 Audio Connections ................................................................................................................. 4-8
4.5 REMOTE CONTROL........................................................................................................................... 4-9
4.5.1 General.................................................................................................................................. 4-9
4.5.2 Communication Example And Installation For ROSA...........................................................4-10
5 OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................5-1
5.1 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................. 5-1
5.2 USING THE MENU KEYS..................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.3 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS ............................................................................................................... 5-4
5.3.1 Menu Overview...................................................................................................................... 5-4
5.3.2 Setting Up Communication..................................................................................................... 5-5
5.3.3 Configuration......................................................................................................................... 5-5
5.3.4 Alarms And Errors ................................................................................................................. 5-7
5.4 SETTINGS........................................................................................................................................ 5-8
5.4.1 Frequency Settings................................................................................................................. 5-8
5.4.2 RF Output Level..................................................................................................................... 5-9
5.4.3 S/V Ratio................................................................................................................................ 5-9
5.4.4 Calibration Slope ................................................................................................................... 5-9
5.4.5 Slope Control......................................................................................................................... 5-9
5.4.6 RF OUTPUT .......................................................................................................................... 5-9
5.4.7 Int. Sound Carrier.................................................................................................................. 5-9
5.4.8 Clamping-VAGC- Mod meter ................................................................................................. 5-9
5.4.9 White Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 5-10
5.4.10 Audio Preemphasis............................................................................................................... 5-10
5.5 MODULATION ............................................................................................................................... 5-11
5.5.1 Video.................................................................................................................................... 5-11
5.5.2 Audio ................................................................................................................................... 5-11
5.6 INPUT ........................................................................................................................................... 5-12
6 INSTALLATION FILTER MODULE ............................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................ 6-1
6.1.1 Opening The PULSAR: ............................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Opening The Converter:......................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.3 Installing The Filter Module................................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.4 Updating The Software Version.............................................................................................. 6-1
6.1.5 Closing The PULSAR................................................................................................................ 6-3

Contents P ULSAR BG
Page 1-2
6.2 LAYOUT......................................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.2.1 Installation Of A VHF Or An Agile Filter Module .................................................................. 6-4
Installation Of An UHF Filter Module................................................................................................... 6-5
6.3 SETTINGS ....................................................................................................................................... 6-6
7 OPTIONS.............................................................................................................................................7-1

P ULSAR BG General Description
Page 1-1
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
PULSAR: THE ULTIMATE MODULATOR
The PULSAR is a TV modulator used to convert baseband audio and video signals into RF output
signals ready to go into your cable network.
Barco’s PULSAR is one of the first intelligent TV modulators in the world. Thanks to its built-in intelli-
gence, all of the parameters important in a modulator, such as RF levels, modulation depth, audio
deviation etc., can be remote controlled.
Typical applications are in those cable TV distribution systems where unsurpassed reliability, zero
maintenance and excellent price/performance ratio are of the highest priority.
Standard features at a glance:
•Fits into any 19” inch rack and takes up only one unit of space
•Tuneable or fixed output frequency for better combined C/N performance
•Video AGC
•Auto RF level alignment in combination with BARCO’s HE supervisor, the FSM860 and ROSA.
•Monitoring of modulation depth , audio deviation and overmodulation.
•Intelligent white clipper to prevent overmodulation.
•SAW filter designed for real adjacent channel operation.
•State-of-the-art electronic design and use of PLL techniques for long term stability and extremely
high reliability.
•Front panel LCD and buttons for user friendly control.
•Full configuration and remote control via ROSA.
•Available for certain country specific delay precorrections
•A complete set of options transform the Pulsar to suit any possible application

P ULSAR BG Specifications
Page 2-1
2 SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications are measured with the RF output terminated with a passive load of 75 Ohm.
2.1 General Specifications
•Ambient temperature range
Within specs 10 to 40 °C ( 50 to 104 °F )
Operation 0 to 45 °C ( 32 to 113 °F )
Storage -20 to 80 °C ( -4 to 176 °F )
•Power supply 230 VAC ± 10 %, 48 - 62 Hz
•Power supply -48 V
Input voltage range -48 VDC ± 10 %
Type floating, reverse polarity proof
Filter input yes
Fuse 0.5 AT slow blow
Max. DC current < 15A, 60us
•Power consumption Max. 45 W
•Weight approx. 5.4 kg ( 12 lb. )
•Dimensions 1u x 19” x 467 mm
19” W x 1.75” H x 18.5” D
2.2 Inputs
VIDEO INPUTS
•Input impedance 75 Ohm
•Input level 1 Vpp ±5 dB for modulation depth : 90%
•Connector BNC
•Return Loss ≥
30 dB between 100 kHz and 6 MHz
•Hum rejection >
20 dB (Back-porch clamping)
•Alarm on Video Loss threshold level 0.50 Vpp ±0.1 V
AUDIO INPUTS
•Connector screw terminal on quick disconnect plug
mono
•Input impedance 600 Ohm or 10 kHz (balanced or unbalanced)
•Input level Nominal :+6 dBm for ± 50 kHz deviation
Range : -10 to +10 dBm, front adjustable
•Bandwidth 15 kHz
IRT two carrier stereo
•Input impedance 600 Ohm or 10 kHz (balanced or unbalanced)
•Input level Nominal :+6 dBm for ±30 kHz deviation
Range :-10 to +10 dBm
•Bandwidth 15 kHz

Specifications P ULSAR BG
Page 2-2
2.3 RF output
•Connector BNC
•Output impedance 75 Ohm
•Return loss ≥
15 dB between Fv - 1 MHz and Fv + 5.5 MHz; ref. = Fv
•Frequency 1 channel between 45 MHz and 600 MHz or
1 channel between 600 MHz and 890 MHz or
an agile module (option) for the ranges
5 MHz to 45 MHz
45 MHz to 600 MHz
600 MHz to 860 MHz
adjustable in steps of 12.5 kHz.
•Output level 50 to 60 dBmV; adjustable on front
tolerance on display value: ±1 dB
•C/N ratio ( 5 MHz BW) ≥ 67 dB
•Amplitude response measured video to RF
ref. = ( Fv + 250 kHz )
±0.5 dB : Fv - 0.5 MHz / Fv + 4.75 MHz
-2 dB : Fv - 0.75 MHz / Fv + 5 MHz
•Slope control ± 0.5 dB with flat channel filter
•Slope calibration ± 0.5 dB correction of channel filter tilt
•Phase noise >98 dBc/Hz @ 20 kHz offset
•Harmonics and spurious radiation ≥60 dB down (at max. output level)
•Sound / Vision ratio front adjustable; tolerance on display : ± 1 dB
Mono :-13 dB adj.: -8 dB to -20 dB
IRT Stereo :
Sound1: -13 dB adj.: -11 dB to -23dB
Sound2 : -20 dB adj.: -18 dB to - 23 dB
2.4 IF Loops
•Return loss ≥18 dB
•Connector Composite IF Loop : BNC, 50 Ohm
All other IF Loops: F, 75 Ohm
•Input, output levels Composite IF Loop: 40 dBmV ±0.5 dB
IF Vision before SAW: 46 dBmV ±2 dB (optional)
IF Sound (1): 34 dBmV ±2dB (optional)
2.5 Remote Control
•Communication port SubD 9 pins for RS-485
•Status & Control screw terminal on quick disconnect plug
2.6 Sound modulation spec.’s (measured in RF)
mono
•IF sound carrier 33.4 MHz
•Preemphasis 50 µs
•Frequency response 30 Hz - 15 kHz; tolerance : ± 0.5 dB; reference = 100 Hz
•Distortion 30 Hz - 15 kHz at ± 50 kHz : < 0.8%
•S/N ratio ≥ 65 dB at ± 50 kHz deviation @ 1 kHz audio signal

P ULSAR BG Specifications
Page 2-3
IRT two carrier stereo
•IF sound carriers 33.4 MHz and 33.158 MHz
•Preemphasis 50 µs
•Frequency response 30 Hz - 15 kHz; tolerance : ± 0.5 dB; ref. = 100 Hz
•Distortion 30 Hz - 15 kHz at ± 30 kHz deviation: < 0.5%
•S/N ratio ≥ 62 dB (Quasi Peak Detector) at ± 30 kHz deviation @
1 kHz audio signal; Video : sync only
•Crosstalk Dual sound at 1 kHz:> 60 dB
Stereo at 1 kHz : > 36 dB
2.7 Video modulation spec.’s (measured in RF)
Measured with modulation depth : 90%
DC restoration : Back-porch
WORST CASE TYPICAL
1 Luminance Bar Ampl. (rel. to 0.7 V) ≤±2% ≤±1%
2 Base line distortion ≤±2% ≤±1%
3 Luminance bar tilt ≤ ±2% ≤±1%
4 2T Amplitude ≤ ±3% ≤±1%
5 Line time non linearity ≤ ±2% ≤±1%
6 Color SubC on CCIR 331 ≤ ±5% ≤±2%
7 Color SubC on 20T ≤ ±5% ≤±2%
8 Intermod. on CCIR 331 ≤ ±2% ≤±1%
9 Intermod. on 20T ≤ ±2% ≤±1%
10 Chrominance to luminance delay ≤ ± 25 ns ± 25 ns
11 Residual picture carr. 10% ±1.5%
12 S/N ratio (unweighted) ≥ 59 dB 60 dB
13 Differential gain ≤ ±2% ≤±1%
14 Differential phase ≤ ±2° ≤±1°
15 Sync pulse amplitude ≤ ±3% ≤±2%
16 Burst amplitude ≤ ±5% ≤±3%

P ULSAR BG Internal Layout
Page 3-1
3 INTERNAL LAYOUT
MAIN
VIDEO
AUX
VIDEO
VIS
IF SND IF COMP IF
VID
OUT
RF
OUT
AUX CIF
ININ OUT
OUTOUT OUT
INMAIN AUX
IN IN IN
REF
VID
AUX
IF
IF CWREF
AUDIO
SUBC
AUDIO INPUTS
STATUS & CONTROL
FUSE
RS 485
CIF IN
RF OUT
UP CONVERTER
CHANNEL FILTER
RF AMPLIFIER
POWER SUPPLY
MAIN BOARD
FREQ LEVEL MODE
SETTINGS
> PULSAR
TV Modulator
SYSTEM
STATUS LOCK
CONFIG
AUDIO
VIDEO
MODULATION
INPUT
AUX AUTO
MAIN
RF TEST
-20 dB
ENTER ESC
USER
15
14
13
12
10
9
8
J45
J11
U69
U7 U65
J22
J17
J16
J19
J18
J10
J21
J24
J32
J54
14

P ULSAR BG Installation
Page 4-1
4 INSTALLATION
4.1 RACK MOUNTING
When mounting the PULSAR units, use 19 inch racks, preferably those with a depth of at least 70 cm.
The units should be mounted adequately, so as to secure optimal operation and reliability of your unit.
Use sliders compatible with the 19 inch racks used to support the PULSAR properly.
When mounting more than one unit, we advise you to leave a space of at least one unit in between.
These spaces can be covered afterwards with ventilation profiles. Mounting other units together with
the PULSAR obviously requires the air flow to be able to reach all units.
Additional components, such as combiners and netstrips are preferable to be mounted at the back of
the racks, so that the free air flow between the sides of the unit and the rack is not restricted.
At the bottom and the top of the rack, ventilation profiles should be mounted so as to allow the fresh
air to enter and the hot air to leave the rack. It is of great importance to place the racks in a condi-
tioned room with a constant temperature of about 25 °C.
When mounting five or more units on top of one another , the use of fans is necessary. The power of
the fan depends on the number of units mounted. For a rack containing 15 units with a free space of
one unit between the units, an airflow of 300 m³/hour is required. Mounting the fans requires taking
into account that the air should blow alongside the units and that it can enter the rack through the
lower ventilation profiles.
4.2 POWER CONNECTION
Before any other connection is made, the unit must be connected to a protected earth terminal in both
of the following ways (EMC requirements):
- Via the protected earth terminal.
- Via the three-wire power cable.
Failure to ground the unit properly can result in personal injury.
Do not defeat the earth-grounding protection by using an extension cable,
power cable or autotransformer without a protective ground conductor.
Before connecting the unit to the mains of the building installation, the proper functioning of the
protective earth lead of the building installation needs to be verified.
Check if your AC power source voltage corresponds to the appropriate power input voltage for the
apparatus. This voltage is noted on the rear side.
To change the mains fuse, disconnect the power cable. Pull up the cap and replace the fuse by a new
one.
The use of repaired (jumpered) fuses and/or the short circuiting of the fuse
holders is prohibited.
WARNING
WARNING

Installation P ULSAR BG
Page 4-2
4.2.1 Power Supply 230 VAC
The fuse is a 0.5 AT (slow blow) fuse, ordernumber C314115.
Use 250 V type fuses only.
4.2.2 Power Supply -48 VDC
The PULSAR can be equipped with a -48 VDC power supply, typically demanded in telecom environ-
ments. The -48 VDC power supply connector can be a D-type or a ComBiCon type connector. Look at
the following sections for a detailed information about the wiring.
The -48 VDC voltage has to be a SELV - voltage (SELV = Safety Electric
Low Voltage)
4.2.2.1 Power Supply -48 VDC; ComBiCon version
If the PULSAR is modified with a -48 VDC power supply with ComBiCon connector, connections indi-
cated in the figure below must be made. The fuse is a 2 AT (slow blow) type.
MAIN
VIDEO
AUX
VIDEO
VIS
IF SND IF COMP IF
VID
OUT
RF
OUT
IFs2
ININOUT
OUT
OUT
OUT
INMAIN AUX
IN IN IN
REF
VID
AUX
IF
IF CW
REF
AUDIO
SUBC
AUDIO INPUTS
STATUS & CONTROL
RS 485
FUSE
SUPPLY -48V DC +/- 20% 1A
Fuse: T 0.5A 250V
OUT
-48V ComBiCon Power Connector
+ Connections
4.2.2.2 Power Supply -48 VDC; D-type version
If the PULSAR is modified with a -48 VDC power supply with D-type connector, then the connections
indicated in the figure below must be made. The fuse is a 2 AT (slow blow) type.
MAIN
VIDEO
AUX
VIDEO
VIS
IF SND IF COMP IF
VID
OUT
RF
OUT
IFs2
ININOUT
OUTOUT OUT
INMAIN AUX
IN IN IN
REF
VID
AUX
IF
IF CW
REF
AUDIO
SUBC
AUDIO INPUTS
STATUS & CONTROL
RS 485
FUSE
SUPPLY -48V DC +/- 20% 1A
Fuse: T 0.5A 250V
OUT
-48V D-type Power Connector + Connections
WARNING
-48VGND
OV
-48V GND OV

P ULSAR BG Installation
Page 4-3
VIS
IF
OUT IN
4.3 INPUT & OUTPUT CONNECTORS
MAIN VIDEO
Baseband video signal input for the main program.
BNC type connector
(Loop through in option)
VIS IF (Optional)
Vision IF loop input & output. This IF loop can be used in
combination with IF loop scramblers.
F type connectors
SND IF (Optional)
Sound IF loop input & output. This IF loop can be used in
combination with IF loop scramblers.
F type connectors
COMP IF
Composite IF loop input & output. The composite IF signal can
be used in combination with scramblers and Nicam encoders.
BNC type connectors (F type optional)
RF OUT
Connector with the RF output signal.
BNC type connector (F type optional)
AUX VIDEO (Optional)
Baseband video signal input for the auxiliary program. This
input is always a loop through, so you can connect one signal
to more than one PULSAR.
BNC type connector
AUDIO SUBC (Optional)
Audio subcarrier input for the main program as well as for the
auxiliary input. The subcarrier input can be used to insert a
Nicam signal.
BNC type connector
REF IN (Optional)
The reference input is used if either the option external refer-
ence input or vision carrier reference input has been installed.
The reference signal is connected to this input.
BNC type connector
COMP
IF
OUT IN
SND
IF
OUT IN
MAIN
VIDEO
RF
OUT
AUX
VIDEO
AUDIO
SUBC
MAIN AUX
REF
IN

Installation P ULSAR BG
Page 4-4
IF CW OUT (Optional)
When the PULSAR is equipped with the reference carrier output
option or vision reference carrier output the signal will be
available on this connector
BNC type connector
AUX IF IN (Optional)
When the option composite IF auxiliary input is installed this is the
input connector for the IF signal.
BNC type connector
REF VID IN (Optional)
The reference input is used when the option main scrambled
aux unscrambled is installed in combination with a two carrier
stereo system. This input provides than the stereo coder with
clear / unscrambled video.
BNC type connector
IFs2 OUT (Optional)
When the option separate sound and vision IF output is in-
stalled in combination with a two carrier stereo system this
output connector provides the second sound carrier.
BNC type connector
VIDEO OUT (Optional)
The video output connector is used when the option audio /
video auxiliary input with additional video output for monitoring
is installed. The connector provides the video (after input
selector) at the output for monitoring purposes.
BNC type connector
RF TEST (On the front)
-20 dB test point on the RF output signal.
BNC type connector
IF CW
OUT
IN
AUX
IF
RF TEST
-20 DB
VID
OUT
IF
S2
OUT
REF
VID
IN

P ULSAR BG Installation
Page 4-5
4.3.1 RS-485 Remote Control
The RS-485 Remote Control connector is a 9-pins SubD male connector. All important modulator
parameters such as RF level, modulation depth, audio deviation and all possible functional selections
can be remotely controlled from a PC with BARCO’S ROSA software and/or the client-server
ROSA/COPERNICUS system. This makes it possible to use the PULSAR in applications such as digital to
analog nodes in super trunk systems and headends in rural or remote areas. Using the PULSAR with
other remote controllable equipment, such as FSM 860, SAT 200, QUASAR, allows the operator to have
complete control over the headend.
Pin Function Pin Function
1 Not Connected 6 Not Connected
2 TxB 7 Floating
3 RxB 8 Not Connected
4 TxA 9 Not Connected
RS 485
1
9
5RxA
•Pin 7 : floating or grounded, selectable with bridge BR2 on the mainboard.
4.3.2 Audio Input - Status & Control
4.3.2.1 Audio Inputs
The upper row of the screw terminal is used as input for the baseband audio signal, the configuration
of the terminal is:
PIN Function PIN Function
1 MAIN input left or mono (+) 7 AUX input left or mono (+)
2 MAIN input left or mono (-) 8 AUX input left or mono (-)
3 Ground 9 Ground
4 MAIN input right (+) 10 AUX input right (+)
5 MAIN input right (-) 11 AUX input right (-)
6 Ground 12 Ground
AUDIO INPUTS
STATUS & CONTROL
I
II
121

Installation P ULSAR BG
Page 4-6
4.3.2.2 Status & Control
The lower row of the screw terminal is used as a status & control connector. Via these hard contacts
(TTL level) it is possible to control certain parameters of the modulator.
PIN Function
1 MAIN / AUX output
2 B input MAIN sound coder control *
3 A input MAIN sound coder control *
4 B input AUX sound coder control *
5 A input AUX sound coder control *
6RF OFF input; active low
To disable the RF output, overrules all other settings
7FORCED PRESET input; active low ** This pin forces the modulator to switch to the forced preset. All other input selections
are overruled, also the AUX input pin 8.
8FORCED AUX input; active low Selects the auxiliary input, whatever the selection on the front with the MAIN, AUX or
AUTO key is.
9
ALARM output; active high ***
Whenever there is an alarm, the output becomes high
Video Fail
Video Low (AGC out of range)
Converter PLL unlock
PLL vision carrier unlock
Substitution input is selected (input AUTO/AUX)
Forced preset active
RF output OFF
White limiter active
Malfunction
10 Not connected
11 Not connected
12 Ground
* Sound coder control
MONO MONO + P STEREO DUAL SOUND
A0 0 1 1
B0 1 0 1
** To save settings to the forced preset memory push the four arrows simultaneously.
*** From ROSA 1.5 on the alarm that activate pin 9 can be configured.
AUDIO INPUTS
STATUS & CONTROL
I
II
121

P ULSAR BG Installation
Page 4-7
4.4 INSTALLING THE PULSAR
4.4.1 Rear Panel Of The PULSAR
MAIN
VIDEO
AUX
VIDEO
VIS
IF SND IF COMP IF
VID
REF
RF
OUT
AUX
CIF
ININOUT
OUTOUT OUT
IN
MAIN AUX
IN IN IN
REF
VID
AUX
IF
IF CW
REF
AUDIO
SUBC
AUDIO INPUTS
STATUS & CONTROL
FUSE
RS 485
RF OUTPUT
COMPOSITE IF LOOP
VIDEO IN
AUDIO INPUTS
POWER CORD
RS 485
4.4.2 Use Of The Pulsar In The Analog HE
Analog part HE
PULSARS
PULSAR
COMBINERS
MONITORING & CONTROL
RS485
RS485
SATELLITE RECEIVERS
SAT200
Router
SAT200 for
Back-Up
TIC 860
VSD200
VSD200 IF
video & audio from
sources for back-up
Signal Processors
CC200
BER
MARCO POLO

Installation P ULSAR BG
Page 4-8
4.4.3 Audio Connections
The impedance and the balance of the input can be changed by means of jumpers on the mainboard.
The factory setting is: balanced audio inputs with 600 Ohm impedance.
The factory settings correspond to the “___” sign on the jumpers BR17 to BR20
600 Ohm
600 Ohm
10k Ohm
10k Ohm
Balanced
Balanced
Unbalanced
Unbalanced
BR 17
BR 18
BR 19
BR 20
AUDIO
Right
AUDIO
Left
AUDIO INPUT SETTINGS ON THE MAINBOARD
L + / Mono L + / Mono
L- / Mono L- / Mono
R -
R+
R +
R -
Shielding
Shielding
Shielding Shielding
Main Input Aux Input
BALANCED
Main Input Aux Input
L / Mono L / Mono
Shielding Shielding Shielding Shielding
Right Right
UNBALANCED