Comtec MBT-4000 User manual

Part Number MN/MBT4000.IOM Revision 6
MBT-4000
Multi-BandTransceiverSystem
Installation and Operation Manual
Part Number MN/MBT4000.IOM
Revision 6
June 8, 2022
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document supersedes all previously published
information regarding this product. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
Revision 6
Copyright © 2022 Comtech Satellite Network Technologies. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, 2114 West 7th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA, 480.333.2200, FAX: [phone]
Revision History
Rev
Date
Description
5
---
Initial Release.
6
5/12/2022
-Updated Chapter 3, Sections 3.2 and 3.2.1.1
-Change company name, logo and format throughout.

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Table of Contents TOC-1 MN/MBT4000.IOM
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................ 1
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................... 4
PREFACE................................................................................................................................... I
About this Manual.......................................................................................................................................i
Cautions and Warnings..............................................................................................................................i
Patents and Trademarks.............................................................................................................................i
Copyright...................................................................................................................................................i
Regulatory Compliance..............................................................................................................................ii
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance.................................................................................ii
EN 55022 –1998 Compliance...................................................................................................................ii
EN 55082-1 – 1997 Compliance...............................................................................................................ii
EN 60950 – 1997 Compliance..................................................................................................................ii
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)..................................................................................................................ii
Class I Pluggable Equipment Type A-Protective Earthing.......................................................................ii
Galvanic Isolator Use...............................................................................................................................iii
Restricted Access Location......................................................................................................................iii
International Symbols..............................................................................................................................iii
Federal Communications Commission (FCC).........................................................................................iii
Product Support.........................................................................................................................................iv
Comtech Headquarters .............................................................................................................................iv
Warranty Policy.........................................................................................................................................iv
Limitations of Warranty...........................................................................................................................iv
Exclusive Remedies..................................................................................................................................v
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1–1
1.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................1–1
1.2 Functional Description ...............................................................................................................1–1
1.3 Common Features.......................................................................................................................1–2
1.4 Options.........................................................................................................................................1–3
1.5 System Overview.........................................................................................................................1–3

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1.6 Summary of Specifications.........................................................................................................1–4
1.6.1 Environmental & Physical....................................................................................................1–4
1.6.2 BUC-4000 Block Up Converter ODU..................................................................................1–4
1.6.3 BDC-4000 Block Down Converter ODU.............................................................................1–5
1.7 Dimensional Envelope ................................................................................................................1–6
CHAPTER 2. INSTALLATION.............................................................................................2–1
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection..........................................................................................................2–1
2.2 Installation...................................................................................................................................2–2
2.3 Operation.....................................................................................................................................2–2
CHAPTER 3. EXTERNAL CONNECTORS..........................................................................3–1
3.1 External Connectors Overview..................................................................................................3–1
3.2 MBT-4000 External Connectors................................................................................................3–2
3.2.1 IF Signal Side Connectors.....................................................................................................3–3
3.2.1.1 POWER (J1) .....................................................................................................................3–3
3.2.1.2 COMM (J2).......................................................................................................................3–4
3.2.1.3 UNIT 1 COMM (J3).........................................................................................................3–5
3.2.1.4 IF Switch (J4)....................................................................................................................3–6
3.2.1.5 Ext Ref (External Reference) (J5).....................................................................................3–6
3.2.1.6 UNIT 2 COMM (J6).........................................................................................................3–7
3.2.1.7 Ground Connector.............................................................................................................3–8
3.2.1.8 IF IN (J4, BUC-4000 ONLY)...........................................................................................3–8
3.2.1.9 COMM (J6, BUC-/BDC-4000).........................................................................................3–8
3.2.1.10 IF OUT (J4, BDC-4000 ONLY)...................................................................................3–9
3.2.1.11 RF Signal Side Connectors...........................................................................................3–9
3.2.1.12 REDUNDANT LOOP (J7)...........................................................................................3–9
3.2.1.13 AUX COMM 2 (J8)....................................................................................................3–10
3.2.1.14 AUX COMM 1 (J9)....................................................................................................3–10
3.2.1.15 RF SWITCH (J10)......................................................................................................3–11
3.2.1.16 RF OUT (J5, BUC-4000 ONLY)................................................................................3–11
3.2.1.17 RF IN (J5, BDC-4000 ONLY)....................................................................................3–11
CHAPTER 4. SYSTEM OPERATING PARAMETERS.........................................................4–1
4.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................4–1
4.2 Remote Configuration, Monitoring and Control.....................................................................4–1
4.3 Block Up Converter Module (BUC-4000) Operating Parameters..........................................4–1
4.4 Block Down Converter Module (BDC-4000) Operating Parameters.....................................4–2

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4.5 Monitoring Operations via the LED Indicators.......................................................................4–2
CHAPTER 5. FLASH UPGRADING ....................................................................................5–1
5.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................5–1
5.2 Flash Updating via Internet.......................................................................................................5–1
5.2.1 Firmware File Transfer Procedure........................................................................................5–2
5.3 Flash Upgrade Procedure...........................................................................................................5–3
APPENDIX A. REMOTE CONTROL...................................................................................A–1
A.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................................A–1
A.2 RS-485.........................................................................................................................................A–1
A.3 RS-232.........................................................................................................................................A–2
A.4 Basic Protocol.............................................................................................................................A–2
A.5 Packet Structure.........................................................................................................................A–2
A.5.1 Start of Packet......................................................................................................................A–3
A.5.2 Target Address.....................................................................................................................A–3
A.5.3 Address Delimiter................................................................................................................A–3
A.5.4 Instruction Code...................................................................................................................A–3
A.5.5 Instruction Code Qualifier ...................................................................................................A–4
A.5.6 Optional Message Arguments..............................................................................................A–5
A.5.7 End of Packet.......................................................................................................................A–5
A.6 Remote Commands and Queries..............................................................................................A–6
APPENDIX B. FAULTS/EVENTS .......................................................................................B–1
B.1 LED Status Indicators............................................................................................................... B–1
B.2 Faults/Events.............................................................................................................................. B–2
B.2.1 Summary Faults ................................................................................................................... B–2
B.2.2 Configurable Summary Faults............................................................................................. B–3
B.2.3 Informational Events............................................................................................................ B–4
APPENDIX C. REDUNDANCY CONFIGURATION / OPERATION.....................................C–1
C.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................................C–1
C.2 Single-Base Redundancy Operation.........................................................................................C–1
C.3 Dual-Base Redundancy Operation..........................................................................................C–2

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C.4 External Fault Monitoring........................................................................................................C–7
C.5 LNA Power Supply Current Monitoring.................................................................................C–7
C.6 Gain Equalization of Redundant Units....................................................................................C–8
C.7 Operational Configuration Commands...................................................................................C–8
List of Tables
Table 3-1. MBT-4000 External Connectors ..............................................................................................3–2
Table 3-2. POWER (J1) Pin Connections.................................................................................................3–3
Table 3-3. COMM (J2) Connector Pinouts................................................................................................3–4
Table 3-4. UNIT 1 COMM (J3) Connector Pinouts...................................................................................3–5
Table 3-5. IF Switch (J4) Connector Pinouts............................................................................................3–6
Table 3-6. UNIT 2 COMM (J6) Connector Pinouts...................................................................................3–7
Table 3-7. UNIT 2 COMM (J6) Connector Pinouts...................................................................................3–8
Table 3-8. REDUNDANT LOOP (J7) Connector Pinouts .........................................................................3–9
Table 3-9. AUX COMM 2 (J8) Connector Pinouts..................................................................................3–10
Table 3-10. AUX COMM 1 (J9) Connector Pinouts................................................................................3–10
Table 3-11. RF Switch (J10) Connector Pinouts ....................................................................................3–11
Table 4-1. BUC-4000 C-, X-, Ku-, and Ka-Band Operating Parameters ..................................................4–1
Table 4-2. BDC-4000 C-, X-, KU-, and Ka-Band Operating Parameters..................................................4–2
Table B-1. MBT-4000 Summary Faults ....................................................................................................B–2
Table B-2. BDC-4000/BUC-4000 Summary Faults ..................................................................................B–2
Table B-3. MBT-4000 Configurable Summary Faults...............................................................................B–3
Table B-4. BDC-4000 Configurable Summary Faults...............................................................................B–4
Table B-5. MBT-4000 Informational Events..............................................................................................B–4
Table B-6. BDC-4000/BUC-4000 Informational Events............................................................................B–4
List of Figures
Figure 1-1. MBT-4000 Multi-Band RF Transceiver.....................................................................................1–1
Figure 1-2. MBT-4000 Operational Schematic .........................................................................................1–2
Figure 1-3. Operational Diagram for Dual-Base (Chain) Redundancy Option .........................................1–3
Figure 1-4. MBT-4000 Dimensional Envelope..........................................................................................1–6
Figure 3-1. MBT-4000 External Connectors.............................................................................................3–1
Figure 3-2. Unit 1 Base Module to Converter Module Connection...........................................................3–5
Figure 3-3. Unit 2 Base Module to Converter Module Connection...........................................................3–7
Figure 4-1. MBT-4000 Multi-Band RF Transceiver LED Indicators ............................................................4–2
Figure 5-1. Flash Update via Internet .......................................................................................................5–1
Figure B-1. MBT-4000 LED Indicators......................................................................................................B–1
Figure B-2. Faulted System Example .......................................................................................................B–2
Figure C-1. Dual-Base Chain Redundant Operation ............................................................................... C–3
Figure C-2. Dual-Base Single Redundant Operation............................................................................... C–4
Figure C-3. Dual-Base Dual Redundant Operation ................................................................................. C–5

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Units of Measurement
Unit / Symbol
Definition
Ω
Ohm
A
Ampere
AC
Alternating Current
bps
bits per second
˚C
Celsius (degrees)
DC
Direct Current
Hz
Hertz
kHz
kiloHertz
dB
decibel
dBc
Decibels relative to the carrier
dBm
Decibel-milliwatts
˚F
Fahrenheit (degrees)
Kbps
Kilobit per second
kg
kilogram
ksps
Kilosymbols per second
lbs.
pounds
mA
Milli-amp
Mbps
Megabit per second
MHz
Megahertz
mm
millimeter
ms
millisecond
Msps
Megasymbols per second
mW
milliwatt
in.
inch
Pps
Packets per second
ųF
100 micro-farads
W
Watt
V
Volt

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BLANK PAGE

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
Revision 6
Preface i
PREFACE
About this Manual
This manual gives installation and operation information for the Comtech Satellite Network
Technologies, Inc. (Comtech) MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System. Anyone who installs or
operates the unit must read this manual.
Cautions and Warnings
IMPORTANT or NOTE indicates information critical for proper equipment function.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury. CAUTION may also be used to indicate other unsafe
practices or risks of property damage.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Patents and Trademarks
See all of Comtech’s Patents and Patents Pending at http://patents.comtechefdata.com.
Comtech’s acknowledges that all trademarks are the property of the trademark owners.
Copyright
Copyright © Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc.,2022. All rights reserved.
IMPORTANT

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
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Preface ii
Regulatory Compliance
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference that
requires the user to take adequate protection measures.
EN 55022 –1998 Compliance
This equipment meets the radio disturbance characteristic specifications for information
technology equipment as defined per EN 55022 1998.
EN 55082-1 – 1997 Compliance
This equipment meets the EMC/generic immunity standard as defined per EN 55082-1 1997.
EN 60950 – 1997 Compliance
Applicable testing is performed routinely as a condition of manufacturing on all units to ensure
compliance with safety requirements of the European Union Low Voltage Directive (EN 60950).
This equipment meets the Safety of Information Technology Equipment specification as defined in
EN 60950.
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
This information is applicable for EN 60950:
Symbol
Description
<HAR>
Type of power cord required for use in the European Community.
CAUTION: Double-pole/Neutral Fusing
ACHTUNG: Zweipolige bzw. Neutralleiter-Sicherung
Class I Pluggable Equipment Type A-Protective Earthing
The cable distribution system/telecommunication network of this product relies on protective
earthing and the integrity of the protective earthing must be insured.
In Finland:
"Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan"
In Norway:
“Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt”
!

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
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Preface iii
In Sweden:
“Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag”
Galvanic Isolator Use
Equipment that is connected to protective ground via grounded wall socket and/or via other
equipment and at the same time connected to cable TV networks may in some cases be a risk of
fire. To avoid this, galvanic insulator should be provided between the equipment and the cable
TV network when the equipment is connected to the cable TV network.
Restricted Access Location
In Nordic Countries, equipotential bonding should be applied using the permanently connected
ground stud by a qualified service person
International Symbols
International Symbols
Symbol
Definition
Symbol
Definition
Alternating Current
Protective Earth
Fuse
Chassis Ground
For additional symbols, refer to Warnings, Cautions and Notes listed earlier in this
Preface.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference; in which case, users are required to correct the interference at their own expense.
NOTE
Correctly shielded cables for DATA I/O must be used. These cables must be
shielded from end to end, ensuring a continuous shield.

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
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Preface iv
Product Support
For all product support, please call:
+1.240.243.1880
+1.866.472.3963 (toll free USA)
Comtech Headquarters
http://www.comtechefdata.com
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc.
2114 West 7th Street
Tempe, Arizona USA 85281
+1.480.333.2200
Warranty Policy
Comtech products are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a specific
period from the date of shipment, and this period varies by product. In most cases, the warranty
period is two years. During the warranty period, Comtech will, at its option, repair or replace
products that prove to be defective. Repairs are warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty or a 90 day extended warranty, whichever is longer. Contact Comtech for the warranty
period specific to the product purchased.
For equipment under warranty, the owner is responsible for freight to Comtech EF Data and all
related customs, taxes, tariffs, insurance, etc. Comtech is responsible for the freight charges only
for return of the equipment from the factory to the owner. Comtech will return the equipment by
the same method (i.e., Air, Express, Surface) as the equipment was sent to Comtech.
All equipment returned for warranty repair must have a valid RMA number issued prior to return
and be marked clearly on the return packaging. Comtech strongly recommends all equipment be
returned in its original packaging.
Comtech’s obligations under this warranty are limited to repair or replacement of failed parts, and
the return shipment to the buyer of the repaired or replaced parts.
Limitations of Warranty
The warranty does not apply to any part of a product that has been installed, altered, repaired, or
misused in any way that, in the opinion of Comtech, would affect the reliability or detracts from
the performance of any part of the product, or is damaged as the result of use in a way or with
equipment that had not been previously approved by Comtech.
The warranty does not apply to any product or parts thereof where the serial number or the serial
number of any of its parts has been altered, defaced, or removed.

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
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Preface v
The warranty does not cover damage or loss incurred in transportation of the product.
The warranty does not cover replacement or repair necessitated by loss or damage from any cause
beyond the control of Comtech, such as lightning or other natural and weather-related events or
wartime environments.
The warranty does not cover any labor involved in the removal and or reinstallation of warranted
equipment or parts on site, or any labor required to diagnose the necessity for repair or
replacement.
The warranty excludes any responsibility by Comtech for incidental or consequential damages
arising from the use of the equipment or products, or for any inability to use them either separate
from or in combination with any other equipment or products.
A fixed charge established for each product will be imposed for all equipment returned for
warranty repair where Comtech cannot identify the cause of the reported failure.
Exclusive Remedies
Comtech’s warranty, as stated is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed, implied, or statutory,
including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The buyer shall pass on to
any purchaser, lessee, or other user of Comtech’s products, the aforementioned warranty, and
shall indemnify and hold harmless Comtech from any claims or liability of such purchaser, lessee,
or user based upon allegations that the buyer, its agents, or employees have made additional
warranties or representations as to product preference or use.
The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Comtech shall not be
liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on
contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System
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Preface vi
Notes:

1–1
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc (Comtech) MBT-4000 Multi-Band RF Transceiver,
shown in Figure 1-1, is designed to perform C-, X-, or Ku-Band RF to L-Band down conversion
and L-Band to C-, X-, or Ku-or Ka-Band RF up conversion.
Figure 1-1. MBT-4000 Multi-Band RF Transceiver
1.2 Functional Description
The MBT-4000 is designed to perform the following functions:
C-, X-, or Ku-Band RF to L-Band down conversion
L-Band to C-, X-, or Ku-Band RF up conversion
RF Band switching in minimal time without requiring tools
Easy expansion for providing a redundant system or other frequency bands
Automatic band identification for the Block Up converter (BUC), Block Down Converter
(BDC), and antenna feed (if the feeds provide an identifying connector)
System status verification via LEDs located behind a removable cover

1–2
Flexible configuration:
2 Ups
2 Downs
1Up / 1 Down
Figure 1-2 depicts the operation schematic for a typical MBT-4000 application.
Figure 1-2. MBT-4000 Operational Schematic
1.3 Common Features
Meets or exceeds MIL-STD-188-164A
Low phase noise
Auto band sensing capability
Functions in 1 MHz step sizes
From
Modem
To
Modem
70 MHz To C-Band HPA
From C-Band LNA
M&C
IF In
Ref In
Ref In
IF Out
IF Out
IF In RF Out
RF In
RF In
RF In
M&C
M&C
Ref In
IF Out
IF Out
L-Band
Splitter
LBC-4000
LBC-4000
IDU
70 MHz
To
Modem
To
Modem
70 MHz
70 MHz
L-Band
L-Band
L-Band
L-Band
5 MHz
RS-485
RS-485
RS-485
5 MHz
5 MHz
BUC-4000C
BDC-4000C
Multi-Band Transceiver
RF Out
RF IN

1–3
1.4 Options
Functions in 1 kHz step sizes
Dual-Base (Chain) Redundancy Operation (see Figure 1-3)
1.5 System Overview
The MBT-4000 Multi-Band Transceiver System is constructed in a modular configuration. Figure
1-3 illustrates the key components of this configuration.
Common to the configuration for any frequency band of operation is a base module, which provides
the Monitor and Control (M&C), Power Supply, and Reference function.
Band-specific BUC and BDC modules can be mounted to the base module with clip-type fasteners.
BUC and BDC modules for other bands and spares for all modules are stored in a transit case until
needed.
Figure 1-3. Operational Diagram for Dual-Base (Chain) Redundancy Option

1–4
1.6 Summary of Specifications
1.6.1 Environmental & Physical
Dimensions (excluding connectors)
See Figure 1-4
Temperature
Operating
ODU: BUC-4000
-40º–122ºF (-40º to 50ºC)
IDU: LBC-4000
14º –122ºF (-10º to 50ºC)
Non-operating
ODU: MBT-4000
-58º–160ºF (-50º to 71ºC)
Operational Humidity
5–95 non-condensing
Operational Altitude
10,000 ft above sea level
Prime Power
90 –260 VAC, 47-63 Hz
External Reference Input
Either 5 MHz or 10 MHz 5 dBm optional
Frequency Stability
Over time
1x10-9/day,1x10-7/year
Over temperature
40º–55ºC, 1x10-8
1.6.2 BUC-4000 Block Up Converter ODU
Input Frequency Range
950 –2000 MHz
Output Frequency
(by model)
BUC-4000C
5860 – 6650 MHz
BUC-4000X
7900 – 8400 MHz
BUC-4000Ku
13.75 – 14.50 GHz
BUC-4000Ka
30.00 – 31.00 GHz
27.50 – 28.50 GHz (optional)
28.50 – 29.50 GHz (optional)
29.50 – 30.10 GHz (optional)
Input/Output Impedance
50
Input Return Loss
15 dB minimum
Output Return Loss
18 dB minimum
Input Connector
Type ‘N’ Female
Output Connector
Type ‘N’ Female (C-, X-, and Ku-Band)
Gain
15 dB nominal at minimum attenuation
(18 dB for Ku-Band BUC)
User Attenuation Range
0–10 dB
Output Power, P1dB
+10 dBm minimum
Third Order Intercept
+20 dBm minimum
Spurious
Carrier Related
-60 dBc
Non-Carrier Related
-60 dBm

1–5
1.6.3 BDC-4000 Block Down Converter ODU
Output Frequency Range
950 –2000 MHz
Input Frequency
(by model)
BUC-4000C
3400 – 4200 MHz
BUC-4000X
7250 – 7750 MHz
BUC-4000Ku
10.95 – 12.75 GHz
BUC-4000Ka
20.20 – 21.20 GHz
17.70 – 18.70 GHz (optional band)
18.70 – 19.20 GHz (optional band)
19.20 – 20.20 GHz (optional band)
Input/Output Impedance
50
Input Return Loss
18 dB minimum
Output Return Loss
15 dB minimum
Input Connector
Type ‘N’ Female (C-, X-, and Ku-Band)
Output Connector
Type ‘N’ Female
Gain
15 dB nominal at minimum attenuation
User Attenuation Range
0 – 10 dB, in 0.25 dB steps (0.1 dB optional)
Output Power, P1dB
+12 dBm minimum
Third Order Intercept
+22 dBm minimum
Spurious (Carrier Related)
-60 dBc
Noise Figure
15 dB maximum @ 0 dB attenuation

1–6
1.7 Dimensional Envelope
Figure 1-4. MBT-4000 Dimensional Envelope