Blonder tongue Broadband User manual

www.blondertongue.com
BROADBAND REFERENCE GUIDE
Rev 8.0
One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
[phone] •Fax [phone]
www.blondertongue.com
$8.95 U.S.A.
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
BROADBAND
REFERENCE GUIDE

Thank you for requesting our Broadband Reference Guide. We
hope you find this latest update helpful as we strive to provide
technical information for the broadband industry in a convenient
pocket size book.
Remember to look for previous versions of the reference guide on
the Blonder Tongue website. We welcome any suggestion for further
improvement, simply e-mail: [email protected].
Bob Pallé
President
One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
732-679-4000 • Fax: [phone]
www.blondertongue.com
©2008 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject
to change without notice. Trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

Company Profile .......................................................... 1
Headend Products ....................................................... 2
Headend Product Overview - Comparison Tables ................. 3
Switch Settings - AP/AD-1 ................................................... 4
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator .......................................... 6
AQD Quick Set-Up Instruction Guide ................................. 18
AQM - Agile QAM Modulator ........................................... 19
AQT - ATSC to QAM Transcoder ........................................ 26
AQT Quick Set-Up Instruction Guide ................................. 36
DAP - Digital to Analog Processor ...................................... 37
DAP Quick Set-Up Instruction Guide .................................. 49
QT - Modular QPSK/QAM Transcoder ................................ 50
QPSK/QAM Transcoders ..................................................... 53
Broadband Amplifier Specifications Chart .......................... 58
Directional Couplers Insertion Loss .................................... 59
MegaPort Components ..................................................... 60
Addressable Products ................................................ 68
Jamming Capability ............................................................ 69
VMI System Design ............................................................ 70
TVCB Systems Design ........................................................ 72
TVCB Installation................................................................ 75
TVCB-PC (Parental Controlled) System Design .................. 77
ii
Table Of Contents

TVCB-PC Installation .......................................................... 78
SMI System Design ............................................................ 81
SMI Installation .................................................................. 86
AMT System Design ........................................................... 90
AMT Installation ................................................................. 93
Basic Cable Theory Useful Technical Data ................. 95
Power Conversions ............................................................. 96
Standard Resistor Color Codes and Values ......................... 98
System Calculations ......................................................... 100
20 Log Function Derate Chart .........................................113
10 Log Function Derate Chart...........................................114
Combining Two X-MOD or
CTB Performance Ratings (20 Log) ...................................115
Combining Two CNR or
SSO Performance Ratings (10 Log) ...................................115
Beat Packet Quantity.........................................................116
Fiber Optics ..............................................................118
Frequency Charts..................................................... 125
CATV Channels, North America ....................................... 126
CATV QAM Channel Center Frequency
54 MHz to 860 MHz ........................................................ 130
Off Air Channels, North America
(CCIR Standard M; NTSC) ............................................... 132
PAL B Channels ................................................................ 133
iii
Table Of Contents (cont.)

PAL G Channels................................................................ 135
PAL D Channels ................................................................ 137
PAL K Channels ................................................................ 139
PAL I Channels ..................................................................141
FM Broadcast Channel Frequencies (MHz) ...................... 145
International Channel Standards ...................................... 146
CCIR Television Transmission Characteristics .................... 148
Cable TV Channel Format ................................................ 149
US Frequency Spectrum .................................................. 150
FCC Aeronautical Band Frequencies ................................151
North American Satellite C & Ku-Band ............................ 152
Programming Services ..................................................... 153
Conversion Factors .................................................. 155
Ohm’s Law & Joule’s Law ................................................ 155
Table of Conversions ........................................................ 156
Return Loss, Reflection Coefficient,
and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) ....................... 158
Return Loss Ratio (RLR) .................................................... 159
Conversion Factors ........................................................... 160
Temperature Conversion Nomograph .............................. 164
Wire Gauge Data (AWG) .................................................. 165
Current Ratings for Electronic Cables ............................... 166
Cable Substitution Chart (Per NEC*) ................................ 167
Table Of Contents (cont.)
iv

Common CATV Symbols .......................................... 168
Digital "L-Band" Distribution Symbols .............................. 170
Passive & Coaxial Cable Characteristics .................. 172
Cable and Equalizer Formulas .......................................... 172
Cable Loss Conversion Chart ............................................ 174
Cable Loss and Temperature ............................................ 175
Typical Cable Attenuation Chart ..................................... 176
Miscellaneous Data & Constants ............................. 177
75 Ohm Attenuator Table & Equations ............................ 177
Ghosts .............................................................................. 179
Echo Rating Graph ........................................................... 180
Signal to Interference Limits Non-Coherent Carriers ........ 181
Error Corrections Chart .................................................... 182
Heterodyne Modulator - Analog ...................................... 183
Heterodyne Processor - Analog ........................................ 184
Broadband RF Network Powering .................................... 185
FCC Rules ................................................................. 187
Cumulative Leakage Index ............................................... 187
Maximum Leakage Levels ................................................ 189
Highlights of FCC Rules & Regulations Part 76 ................ 192
Broadband Communication Design &
Performance Standards .................................................... 202
Table Of Contents (cont.)
v

Wavelength & Antennas ......................................... 204
Dipole Antenna Equations ................................................ 205
Multiplexers ..................................................................... 206
Antenna General Information ........................................... 207
Antenna Stacking ............................................................. 208
Antenna Spacing .............................................................. 209
Antenna Spacing Chart .................................................... 210
Antenna Phasing ...............................................................211
Pre-Amp Noise Figure vs. Carrier To Noise ...................... 212
System Planning .......................................................213
Headend HVAC Considerations ........................................ 213
Digital Signal Analysis ..............................................215
Station List .............................................................. 224
Acronyms ................................................................. 274
How to Reach Blonder Tongue ................................ 277
Table Of Contents (cont.)
vi

1
Company Profile
Have you looked at us lately?
Founded in 1950, Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. has been an
innovative designer and manufacturer of products for the cable
television industry. Initially, the focus was to develop technology for
niche cable television applications, and this focus gave the Company
a dominant position in the private cable market. The Company has
evolved from a manufacturer of electronic equipment for the private
cable market to a principal provider of integrated network solutions
and technical services to broadband service providers in several
related markets. The Company designs, manufactures, and supplies a
comprehensive line of equipment to deliver video (Analog, Standard
Digital, and High Definition Digital), high speed data and voice
services over existing integrated coaxial and fiber optic broadband
networks and maintains ongoing research and development efforts
to enable the delivery of such services over packet based, Internet
Protocol networks of the future.
The Company serves both the franchised and private cable markets
and is a provider of integrated network solutions to all of the related
video markets, including the multi-dwelling unit "MDU" market, the
lodging/hospitality market and the institutional market consisting of
hospitals, prisons and schools.
Our philosophy is to offer the highest quality in both product and
services. The Blonder Tongue Technical Solutions Group, supported
by our Engineers and Product Managers, can handle your most
challenging questions and provide expert product information, site
surveys, installation, on-site system engineering, turn-key system
construction, system design or complete test and measurement of
any installed system.
From our MASTERBUILT pre-built headends, to the latest in Digital and
High Definition technology – we have the products, and your solution!
For more information about Blonder Tongue, visit our website at:
www.blondertongue.com

2
Headend Products
A specification summary is provided in this section to aid in
installing and setting up common headend equipment. For more
detailed information, please see Blonder Tongue’s full line catalog,
website or the instruction manual(s) provided with the individual
headend equipment. Blonder Tongue provides a full line of headend
equipment such as:
• 8VSB/QAM Demodulators
• Digital to Analog Processors
• QPSK/QAM Transcoders
• Integrated Receiver/ Descramblers
• Commercial Satellite Receivers
• Commercial Digital Satellite Receivers
• Agile Audio/Video Modulators
• Channelized Audio/Video Modulators
• Channelized Agile Audio/Video Modulators
• Modular Headend Systems
• Agile Heterodyne Processors
• Agile Audio/Video Demodulators
• Stereo Encoders
• Combiners
• 8VSB Heterodyne Processors
• QAM Modulators
• Channel Elimination Filters
• Headend Racks & Housings
• Low Cost Headend Products
• Complete Headend Fabrication Services

3
Headend Product Overview - Comparison Tables
AM-60-860 860 76 Agile Single +60 dBmV
AM-45-550 550 76 Agile Single +45 dBmV
AM-60-550 550 76 Agile Single +60 dBmV
AM-60-806 806 76 Agile Single +60 dBmV
FAxM-860 860 70 Agile No +50 dBmV
AMCM-860 860 78 Agile No +45 dBmV
AMM-806 806 75 Agile No +45 dBmV
MICM-45C/S 860 95 Channelized No +45 dBmV
CAMS-60 860 110 Channelized Agile Single +60 dBmV
MAVM-40 860 95 Channelized Agile Single +40 dBmV
MAVM-60 860 110 Channelized Agile Single +60 dBmV
BAVM-860SAW 860 90 Channelized No +55 dBmV
Maximum
Frequency Broadband IF Output
Analog MHz Noise Type Loops Level
Modulators
Processors
AP-60-550B 806 550 76 Agile Single +60 dBmV
AP-60-750B 806 750 76 Agile Single +60 dBmV
AP-40-550B 806 550 76 Agile Single +40 dBmV
AP-40-750B 806 750 76 Agile Single +40 dBmV
Maximum
Frequency
MHz Broadband IF Output
Analog Input Output Noise Type Loops Level
AQM 860 75 Agile No +40 dBmV
DQX 860 75 Agile No +40 dBmV
Digital
DHDP 806 806 (8VSB) 76 Agile No +45 dBmV
DAP 860 860 (Analog) 77 Agile Single +60 dBmV
AQT 860 860 (QAM) 75 Agile No +40 dBmV
Digital Input Output
Demodulators
AD-1 Analog 806 Agile No A/V
AQD Digital 860 Agile No A/V
Maximum
Frequency IF Output
MHz Type Loops Level

44
Switch Settings - AP/AD-1
Blonder Tongue has improved the simplicity of the channel tuning
switch settings for the following products:
1234
SWITCH 1
STD
IRC
HRC
Broadcast
Sub Band
(optional)
Switch 2 is used to set the unit
output channel number.
Channel setting is accomplished by setting
the switch to the desired output channel.
Switch 2 is divided into 2 sections,
the Tens section and the Ones section.
In each section, there are 4 switches labeled
8,4,2,1. This corresponds to the switch value.
To set the switch, a user invokes the
corresponding value of the switch.
The values are then added and equated into a
channel number by the unit microprocessor.
A simple chart, shown on the next page, gives the
corresponding switch position for numbers 1 to 12.
The user then sets the Tens section and the Ones
section together to reflect the desired channel.
Example: For CH 116, you set 11 Tens and 6 ones for 116.
For single digit channels, the Tens switch is set
to zero.
2 banks of switches are presented. Switch 1 has 4 positions and
Switch 2 has 8 positions. Position 1, 2 & 3 of Switch 1 are used
to set the unit operating mode and position 4 turns the FCC
Offsets ON or OFF.
Stock No. Model Stock No. Model
59802 AP-40-550B 59803 AP-40-750B
59817 AP-60-550B 59818 AP-60-750B
5932 AD-1B

55
Switch Settings
= 0
= 2
= 3
= 4
= 1
= 5
= 6
= 7
= 8
= 9
SWITCH 2
8421
Ones
Tens
8421
0 =
2 =
3 =
4 =
1 =
5 =
6 =
7 =
8 =
9 =
10 =
11 =
12 =
8421
SWITCH 2
Te ns Ones
#00-12 #0-9
8421
Examples:
= CH 2
= CH 58
= CH 87
= CH 116
For previous AP/AD-1 model switch settings, see the Reference Card with the
unit or please visit our website: www.blondertongue.com/switchsettings
Below are examples of the switch settings.

66
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
The Blonder Tongue ATSC/QAM Demodulator is a modular unit
that allows the reception and demodulation from a modulated
8VSB or QAM signal input to a baseband NTSC video & audio
output. The unit is designed to lock to an off-air 8VSB or QAM
annex B digital signal and provide a NTSC video and audio output
to permit the easy interface with any equipment which accepts
baseband video & audio inputs such as TV displays or existing
Blonder Tongue analog modulators.
Features
• 8VSB, QAM 64 & QAM 256 (Annex B) Modulated RF Input Transport
Streams Supported
• Modular & Compact Units Permit High Density — 8 Modules in 3
Rack Height
• Easy Set-up & Configuration via Front Panel LCD Controls
• Remote Computer Control Capability via Internet or RS-232 Interface
• Demodulates any of the 18 ATSC Video Formats
• Left & Right Stereo Audio Output
• NTSC Video Output

77
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
Unit Front Panel
1. Unit Status Indicator - Provides feedback to user based on the following LED conditions:
Solid Green ON - Indicates valid lock to the RF input signal Flashing Green LED -
Indicates Not Locked or Scanning in process
2. Backlit LCD - 16 character, 2 line Liquid Crystal Display screen used to interact with user
to display unit information
3. Push Button Navigation Controls - Buttons used to navigate between menus and
operate the units
4. 9-Pin RS-232 Connector - Used for Future AQD Module upgrade only

8
Unit Rear Panel
1. Power Cord Socket - The unit power cord plug socket 2. Fuse Holder - 4.0 Amp., 250V DC, Slo Blo fuse 3. Module Power/Data Cable Sockets - 2 cable sets with a 12-pin male connector used
to deliver power and data to each AQD unit
4. RS232 Serial Data Ports - Used to plug into and daisy chain AQD units for remote
monitoring and configuration
5. Power IN - 12-pin female connector used to plug-in the optional Standby Power unit 6. Video OUT - NTSC Composite Video output via F Connector 7. 8VSB/QAM INPUT - RF Connector for feeding appropriate 8VSB off-air or QAM modulated
RF input signal
8. Left/Right Audio OUT - RCA Connectors for Left/Right Audio Output
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator

9
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
Operating Interface Instructions
Boot-Up Display Sequence
When the unit is first plugged in for use, the PCM displays the appro-
priate module condition on the LCD readout as depicted below.
Boot-Up Display Sequence
1. Each control module has a unique module address that is set
at the factory which is displayed immediately following the
primary or secondary power source status. This address is used
for remote software capability only.
2. Each module status is identified and reported on the LCD. If a
module is identified it is listed as PRESENT or NOT PRESENT if
not connected or identified by the PCM.
3. Upon completion of the boot-up sequence the AQD is ready
for use and will proceed to the loop display sequence.

10
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
Loop Display Sequence & Left/Right Sequence
After the unit has displayed the boot-up sequence it proceeds
to the loop sequence. In this mode the LCD displays the actual
module status as depicted by the right column in the diagram
below. This is referred to as the loop sequence because this
information is constantly displayed in a scrolling fashion on the
LCD readout. The loop sequence may be interrupted at any time
by pressing the any of the arrow keys. The diagram is divided into
8 rows to reflect the eight respective modules that can populate
the rack chassis. Information for Modules Not Present is not
displayed during the loop sequence.
AQD - Left/Right Sequence
The Left/Right Sequence will display two basic LCD screens for
each installed module. This information will be displayed when a
user depresses the t (L) or u (R) arrow navigation keys. The AQD
NOT PRESENT LCD messages will only be displayed when using
the t (L) or u (R) arrow keys. Then L/R Sequence allows the user
to scroll to a particular module to which specific setting adjustments
are desired in the Interactive p (UP) / q (DN) Menu.

11
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
Left/Right Sequence Details
• SNR is displayed when an AQD module locks to an input
program channel and indicates the signal to noise ratio of
the input signal and is expressed in dB. The following are
the desired input SNR ranges for the appropriate signal
modulation type:
• NO PROGRAM will be displayed if a valid lock is acquired
but no program signal is actually being detected
• NO SIGNAL indicates that the input signal was not
detected (no RF input)
• PLEASE SCAN indicates a scan was not performed or is
required again
• AUDIO ONLY indicates no video signal
• NO AUDIO indicates no audio signal present
• SCRAMBLED PRG indicates the signal has encryption
NOTE: The AQD Not Present message will be displayed when
the optional Remote Configuration Server (RCS) Module is
installed in a particular chassis slot.
Excellent = >30 dB >38 dB >38 dB
Good = 25—30 dB 30—38 dB 35—38 dB
Marginal = 18—25 dB 23—30 dB 30—35 dB
Non-Functional = <18 dB <23 dB <30 dB
8VSB 64 QAM 256 QAM

12
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
Interactive & Up/Down Sequence
The interactive menu is easily accessible by depressing the p (UP)
or q (DN) arrow keys on the front of the control module. The
user may scroll through the menu screens depicted by continuing
to press the up and down navigation keys. The following diagram
depicts the available variables with the modify options listed below.
See the following page for specific variable function details.
AQD - LCD Interactive Variable Sequence

13
AQD - ATSC/QAM Demodulator
Programming a Variable
1. Use the t (L) or u (R) arrow navigation keys to scroll to the
installed module you desire to adjust.
2. Press the ▲ (UP) or ▼ (DN) arrow navigation keys to scroll to
the desired interactive variable.
3. When a user arrives at a screen whose variable needs
to be changed, the user should depress the ENTER
button until the blinking cursor is displayed.
4. After the blinking cursor is displayed the user simply
presses the ▲ (UP) or ▼ (DN) arrow buttons to
increment or decrement to the appropriate desired value.
5. When the user reaches the desired value the user should press
the ENTER button again to apply the change to the PCM
memory. The PCM then programs the corresponding module
to the new setting.
6. The LCD displays an affirmative response after information
is entered correctly for several of the variables.
The controller will display the “Entry Accepted” response as
demonstrated below.
Entry Accepted