Comtech EF Data SDM-300A User manual

Part Number MN/SDM300A.IOM Revision 4
SDM-300A
Satellite Modem
Installation and O
p
eration Manual

Copyright © Comtech EFData, 2000. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
Comtech EFData, 2114 West 7th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA, [phone], FAX: [phone].
SDM-300A
Satellite Modem
Installation and Operation Manual
Part Number MN/SDM300A.IOM
Revision 0
June 15, 2000
Comtech EFData is an ISO 9001
Registered Company.

Customer Support
Contact the Comtech EFData Customer Support Department for:
•Product support or training
•Information on upgrading or returning a product
•Reporting comments or suggestions concerning manuals
A Customer Support representative may be reached at:
Comtech EFData
Attention: Customer Support Department
2114 West 7th Street
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
[phone] (Main Comtech EFData Number)
[phone] (Customer Support Desk)
[phone] FAX
or, E-Mail can be sent to the Customer Support Department at:
[e-mail]
Contact us via the web at www.comtechefdata.com.
To return a Comtech EFData product (in-warranty and out-of-warranty) for repair or
replacement:
1. Request a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from the Comtech
EFData Customer Support Department.
Be prepared to supply the Customer Support representative with the model
number, serial number, and a description of the problem.
2. To ensure that the product is not damaged during shipping, pack the product in
its original shipping carton/packaging.
3. Ship the product back to Comtech EFData. (Shipping charges should be prepaid.)
For more information regarding the warranty policies, see Warranty Policy, p. xvii.

Rev. 4 ii
Table of Contents
Customer Support........................................................................................................................................................i
Overview of Revisions..............................................................................................................................................xiv
About this Manual ...................................................................................................................................................xiv
Related Documents................................................................................................................................................ xiv
Conventions and References................................................................................................................................... xv
Cautions and Warnings ...................................................................................................................................... xv
Metric Conversion.............................................................................................................................................. xv
Recommended Standard Designations............................................................................................................... xv
Trademarks......................................................................................................................................................... xv
Reporting Comments or Suggestions Concerning this Manual.............................................................................. xv
European EMC Directive........................................................................................................................................xvi
Warranty Policy......................................................................................................................................................xvii
Limitations of Warranty .......................................................................................................................................xvii
Exclusive Remedies..............................................................................................................................................xvii
Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................................xvii
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................1–1
1.1 Overview.....................................................................................................................................................1–2
1.1.1 Additional Features.............................................................................................................................1–3
1.1.2 Modes of Operation............................................................................................................................. 1–3
1.1.3 Modem Construction........................................................................................................................... 1–5
1.2 Options........................................................................................................................................................1–7
1.2.1 FAST Options ..................................................................................................................................... 1–8
1.2.2 Factory Options................................................................................................................................... 1–9
1.2.2.1 Factory-Installed Options........................................................................................................... 1–9
1.2.2.2 Factory- or User-Installed Options............................................................................................. 1–9
1.2.3 Breakout Panel.................................................................................................................................. 1–10
1.2.3.1 UB-300 Universal Breakout Panel........................................................................................... 1–10
1.2.3.2 UB-530 Breakout Panel............................................................................................................1–10

SDM-300A Preface
Rev. 4 iii
1.2.3.3 UB-54 Breakout Panel..............................................................................................................1–10
1.3 Modem Assemblies................................................................................................................................... 1–11
1.4 Typical Spectral Occupancy ...................................................................................................................1–13
1.5 Dimensional Envelope .............................................................................................................................1–14
CHAPTER 2. INSTALLATION....................................................................................2–1
2.1 Unpacking................................................................................................................................................... 2–1
2.2 Installation..................................................................................................................................................2–2
2.3 External Modem Connections...................................................................................................................2–4
2.3.1 Remote Connector and Pinouts (J6).................................................................................................... 2–6
2.3.2 Fault Connector and Pinouts (J7)........................................................................................................2–7
2.3.3 Data I/O Interface Connector (J8)....................................................................................................... 2–8
2.3.3.1 Data I/O Interface Connector (J8) Removal/Installation.......................................................... 2–14
2.3.3.1.1 Data I/O Connector (J8) Removal.........................................................................................2–15
2.3.3.1.2 Data I/O Connector (J8) Installation..................................................................................... 2–16
2.3.4 Auxiliary 1 Connector and Pinouts (J9)............................................................................................ 2–18
2.3.5 Alarms Connector and Pinouts (J10).................................................................................................2–19
2.3.6 RF Output Connector (CP1).............................................................................................................. 2–19
2.3.7 RF Input Connector (CP2) ................................................................................................................2–19
2.3.8 External Reference (CP3).................................................................................................................. 2–20
2.3.9 Power Entry.......................................................................................................................................2–20
2.3.9.1 AC Power Connector................................................................................................................2–20
2.3.9.2 48VDC Option .........................................................................................................................2–20
2.3.10 Ground Connector (GND) ............................................................................................................ 2–20
CHAPTER 3. OPERATION.........................................................................................3–1
3.1 Front Panel.................................................................................................................................................3–1
3.1.1 LED Indicators.................................................................................................................................... 3–2
3.1.2 Front Panel Keypad............................................................................................................................. 3–3
3.2 Menu System..............................................................................................................................................3–5
3.3 Front Panel Menu......................................................................................................................................3–7
3.3.1 Configuration Modulator..................................................................................................................... 3–9
3.3.2 Configuration Demodulator ..............................................................................................................3–13
3.3.3 Configuration Interface.....................................................................................................................3–18
3.3.4 Configuration Local AUPC...............................................................................................................3–27
3.3.5 Configuration MUX.......................................................................................................................... 3–29
3.3.6 Configuration Flex Mux.................................................................................................................... 3–32
3.3.7 Configuration Save............................................................................................................................3–35
3.3.8 Configuration Recall.........................................................................................................................3–35
3.3.9 Monitor..............................................................................................................................................3–37
3.3.10 Faults/Alarms................................................................................................................................ 3–39
3.3.10.1 Modulator Faults ......................................................................................................................3–40
3.3.10.2 Demodulator Faults.................................................................................................................. 3–40
3.3.10.3 Transmit Interface Faults.......................................................................................................... 3–40

Preface SDM-300A
iv Rev. 4
3.3.10.4 Receive Interface Faults...........................................................................................................3–41
3.3.10.5 Common Equipment Faults...................................................................................................... 3–42
3.3.10.6 Backward Alarms..................................................................................................................... 3–42
3.3.11 Stored Faults/Alarms .................................................................................................................... 3–45
3.3.11.1 Unavailable Seconds Fault .......................................................................................................3–45
3.3.12 Remote AUPC ..............................................................................................................................3–47
3.3.12.1 Remote AUPC Configuration................................................................................................... 3–47
3.3.12.2 Remote AUPC Monitor............................................................................................................ 3–47
3.3.13 Utility............................................................................................................................................3–49
3.3.13.1 Utility Modulator...................................................................................................................... 3–51
3.3.13.2 Utility Demodulator .................................................................................................................3–54
3.3.13.3 Utility Interface ........................................................................................................................ 3–58
3.3.13.4 Utility System........................................................................................................................... 3–62
3.3.13.5 Utility Modem Type Functions ................................................................................................3–68
3.3.13.6 Utility Factory Setup ................................................................................................................ 3–71
3.3.14 SDM-300A Custom Modem Defaults .......................................................................................... 3–74
3.4 Software Configuration...........................................................................................................................3–76
3.4.1 Modem Types....................................................................................................................................3–76
3.4.2 Operation...........................................................................................................................................3–77
3.4.2.1 IDR Operation.......................................................................................................................... 3–77
3.4.2.2 IBS Operation...........................................................................................................................3–78
3.4.2.3 D&I Operation.......................................................................................................................... 3–79
3.4.2.4 ASYNC/AUPC Operation........................................................................................................3–80
3.4.2.5 EFD Closed Network Operation............................................................................................... 3–81
3.4.2.6 Custom Operation..................................................................................................................... 3–82
3.4.2.7 SDM-100 Emulation Operation................................................................................................3–83
3.4.2.8 SDM-6000 Emulation Operation..............................................................................................3–84
3.4.2.9 Revision Emulation Operation .................................................................................................3–85
3.5 Clocking Options...................................................................................................................................... 3–86
3.5.1 EIA-232, EIA-422, or V.35 Master/Master.......................................................................................3–86
3.5.2 EIA-232, EIA-422, or V.35 Master/Slave......................................................................................... 3–86
3.5.3 IDR/IBS G.703 Master/Master .........................................................................................................3–87
3.5.4 IDR/IBS G.703 Master/Slave............................................................................................................3–87
3.5.5 D&I G.703 Master/Master ................................................................................................................3–93
3.6 Buffering................................................................................................................................................... 3–93
3.6.1....................................................................................................................................................................3–96
3.6.1 Buffer Size ........................................................................................................................................ 3–96
3.6.1.1 Doppler.....................................................................................................................................3–96
3.6.1.2 Plesiochronous..........................................................................................................................3–97
3.6.1.3 Frame/Multiframe Length ........................................................................................................ 3–98
3.6.1.4 Multiples of the Frame Length................................................................................................. 3–98
3.6.1.5 Total Buffer Length..................................................................................................................3–98
3.6.2 Converting Between Bits and Seconds..............................................................................................3–98
3.6.2.1 Bits to Seconds......................................................................................................................... 3–98
3.6.2.2 Seconds to Bits......................................................................................................................... 3–98
CHAPTER 4. THEORY OF OPERATION...................................................................4–1
4.1 Monitor and Control (M&C).................................................................................................................... 4–1
4.1.1 Theory of Operation............................................................................................................................ 4–2
4.1.2 Remote Baud Rate............................................................................................................................... 4–4

SDM-300A Preface
Rev. 4 v
4.1.3 Remote Address..................................................................................................................................4–4
4.2 Modulator...................................................................................................................................................4–5
4.2.1 Modulator Specifications ....................................................................................................................4–6
4.2.2 Theory of Operation............................................................................................................................ 4–6
4.2.3 Theory of Modulation Types............................................................................................................... 4–8
4.3 Demodulator............................................................................................................................................... 4–9
4.3.1 Demodulator Specifications..............................................................................................................4–10
4.3.2 Theory of Operation.......................................................................................................................... 4–10
4.4 Decoder..................................................................................................................................................... 4–12
4.5 Interface....................................................................................................................................................4–13
4.5.1 Interface Specifications..................................................................................................................... 4–15
4.5.2 Plesiochronous/Doppler/Buffer......................................................................................................... 4–15
4.5.3 Closed Network................................................................................................................................. 4–16
4.5.4 Open Network...................................................................................................................................4–16
4.6 Backward Alarm Theory and Connections...........................................................................................4–17
CHAPTER 5. MAINTENANCE....................................................................................5–1
5.1 System Checkout........................................................................................................................................ 5–1
5.1.1 Interface Checkout ..............................................................................................................................5–2
5.1.2 Modulator Checkout............................................................................................................................ 5–3
5.1.3 Demodulator Checkout .......................................................................................................................5–6
5.2 Fault Isolation ............................................................................................................................................5–8
5.2.1 System Faults/Alarms ......................................................................................................................... 5–8
5.2.2 Faults/Alarms Display....................................................................................................................... 5–12
5.2.3 Faults/Alarms Analysis.....................................................................................................................5–12
5.2.3.1 Modulator Faults ......................................................................................................................5–13
5.2.3.2 Demodulator Faults.................................................................................................................. 5–14
5.2.3.3 Transmit Interface Faults..........................................................................................................5–15
5.2.3.4 Receive Interface Faults...........................................................................................................5–16
5.2.3.5 Common Equipment Faults...................................................................................................... 5–18
5.2.3.6 Backward Alarms Faults .......................................................................................................... 5–19
APPENDIX A. OPTIONS ........................................................................................... A–1
A.1 FAST Accessible Options..................................................................................................................... A–2
A.1.1 FAST System Theory......................................................................................................................... A–3
A.1.2 Implementation .................................................................................................................................. A–3
A.1.2.1 Activation Procedure................................................................................................................. A–3
A.1.3 D&I .................................................................................................................................................... A–7
A.1.3.1 D&I Specifications.................................................................................................................... A–8
A.1.3.2 Theory of Operation................................................................................................................ A–12
A.1.3.2.1 Data Interference................................................................................................................. A–12
A.1.3.2.2 Transmitted MUX............................................................................................................... A–12
A.1.3.2.3 Receive DEMUX................................................................................................................ A–13
A.1.3.2.4 Plesiochronous Buffer......................................................................................................... A–13
A.1.3.2.5 Engineering Service Channel (ESC)................................................................................... A–14

Preface SDM-300A
vi Rev. 4
A.1.3.2.6 Backward Alarm................................................................................................................. A–14
A.1.3.3 D&I Framing Formats............................................................................................................. A–15
A.1.3.4 D&I Modem Defaults.............................................................................................................. A–18
A.1.4 Asynchronous Interface/AUPC........................................................................................................ A–19
A.1.4.1 AUPC ...................................................................................................................................... A–21
A.1.4.1.1 Self-Monitoring Local Modem AUPC Control................................................................... A–22
A.1.4.2 Remote AUPC......................................................................................................................... A–23
A.1.4.3 Theory of Operation................................................................................................................ A–23
A.1.4.3.1 Terrestrial Data Interfaces................................................................................................... A–23
A.1.4.3.2 ASYNC Data Interfaces...................................................................................................... A–23
A.1.4.3.3 MUX Operation .................................................................................................................. A–24
A.1.4.3.4 DEMUX Operation............................................................................................................. A–24
A.1.4.3.5 Buffer Operation................................................................................................................. A–24
A.1.4.3.6 Loop Timing Operation....................................................................................................... A–25
A.1.4.3.7 Baseband Loopback Operation ........................................................................................... A–25
A.1.4.3.8 Non-ASYNC Operation...................................................................................................... A–26
A.1.4.3.9 ASYNC Channel EIA-485 2- and 4-Wire Operation.......................................................... A–26
A.1.4.3.10 Valid ASYNC Baud Rates................................................................................................ A–27
A.1.4.4 Front Panel Operation.............................................................................................................. A–27
A.1.4.5 ASYNC Remote Operation..................................................................................................... A–28
A.1.4.5.1 Configuration #1 (Local EIA-232 to Remote EIA-232) ..................................................... A–30
A.1.4.5.2 Configuration #2 (Local EIA-232 to Remote EIA-485 [4-Wire]) ...................................... A–31
A.1.4.5.3 Configuration #3 (Local EIA-232 to Remote EIA-485 [2-Wire]) ...................................... A–32
A.1.4.5.4 Configuration #4 (Local EIA-485 [4-Wire] to Remote EIA-232) ...................................... A–33
A.1.4.5.5 Configuration #5 (Local EIA-485 [4-Wire] to Remote EIA-485 [4-Wire])....................... A–34
A.1.4.5.6 Configuration #6 (Local EIA-485 [4-Wire] to Remote EIA-485 [2-Wire])........................ A–35
A.1.4.5.7 Configuration #7 (Local EIA-485 [2-Wire] to Remote EIA-232) ...................................... A–36
A.1.4.5.8 Configuration #8 (Local EIA-485 [2-Wire] to Remote EIA-485 [4-Wire])........................ A–38
A.1.4.6 ASYNC/AUPC Modem Defaults............................................................................................ A–40
A.1.4.7 Sequential Decoder.................................................................................................................. A–41
A.1.4.7.1 Theory of Operation............................................................................................................ A–42
A.1.4.8 Viterbi Decoder....................................................................................................................... A–43
A.1.4.8.1 Specifications...................................................................................................................... A–44
A.1.4.8.2 Theory of Operation............................................................................................................ A–44
A.1.4.9 Reed-Solomon Decoder........................................................................................................... A–45
A.1.5 IDR................................................................................................................................................... A–46
A.1.5.1 IDR Specifications................................................................................................................... A–49
A.1.5.2 IDR Modem Defaults.............................................................................................................. A–50
A.1.5.3 IBS Specification s.................................................................................................................. A–53
A.1.5.4 IBS Modem Defaults............................................................................................................... A–54
A.1.6 Asymmetrical Loop Timing............................................................................................................. A–55
A.1.7 G.703................................................................................................................................................ A–58
A.1.7.1 G.703 Specifications................................................................................................................ A–59
A.1.8 Variable Data Rates.......................................................................................................................... A–59
A.2 Conventional Options......................................................................................................................... A–60
A.2.1 Reed-Solomon Codec....................................................................................................................... A–60
A.2.1.1 Specifications .......................................................................................................................... A–61
A.2.1.2 Theory of Operation................................................................................................................ A–62
A.2.1.3 Reed-Solomon Encoder........................................................................................................... A–62
A.2.1.4 Reed-Solomon Decoder........................................................................................................... A–65
A.2.1.5 Unpacking ............................................................................................................................... A–67
A.2.1.6 Installation............................................................................................................................... A–67
A.3 Software and Hardware Installation/Upgrades............................................................................... A–69

SDM-300A Preface
Rev. 4 vii
A.3.1 Overhead Interface PCB Installation................................................................................................ A–69
A.3.1.1 Installation............................................................................................................................... A–70
A.3.2 Hardware Upgrades.......................................................................................................................... A–72
A.3.2.1 Main PCB................................................................................................................................ A–72
A.3.2.2 Overhead Interface PCB.......................................................................................................... A–73
A.3.3 8-Channel Multiplexer Option......................................................................................................... A–74
A.3.3.1 Installation............................................................................................................................... A–75
A.3.3.2 Specifications Summary.......................................................................................................... A–77
A.3.4 Flex Mux.......................................................................................................................................... A–79
A.3.4.1 Installation............................................................................................................................... A–83
A.3.4.2 Pin Assignment........................................................................................................................ A–85
APPENDIX B. REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION ................................................... B–1
B.1 General...................................................................................................................................................B–1
B.2 Message Structure.................................................................................................................................B–2
B.2.1 Start Character.....................................................................................................................................B–2
B.2.2 Device Address ...................................................................................................................................B–2
B.2.3 Command/Response............................................................................................................................B–4
B.2.4 End Character......................................................................................................................................B–4
B.3 Configuration Commands/Responses..................................................................................................B–5
B.3.1 Modulator Configuration Commands .................................................................................................B–5
B.3.2 Demodulator Configuration Commands .............................................................................................B–7
B.3.3 Interface Configuration Commands....................................................................................................B–9
B.3.4 System Configuration Commands.....................................................................................................B–15
B.3.5 Automatic Uplink Power Control (AUPC) .......................................................................................B–16
B.3.6 MUX PCB Configuration Commands (MUX PCB Installed Only)..................................................B–18
B.3.7 Flex Mux Configuration Commands (Flex Mux PCB Installaed Only)............................................B–19
B.4 Status Commands/Responses .............................................................................................................B–22
B.4.1 Modulator Configuration Status........................................................................................................B–22
B.4.2 Demodulator Configuration Status....................................................................................................B–26
B.4.3 Error Performance.............................................................................................................................B–33
B.5 Stored Faults........................................................................................................................................B–36
B.6 Flex Mux Configuration Commands (Flex Mux PCB Installed Only) ...........................................B–54
APPENDIX C. SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................. C–1
C.1 Specifications......................................................................................................................................... C–1
C.1.1 General Specifications.........................................................................................................................C–1
C.2 Modulator Specifications..................................................................................................................... C–4
C.2.1 Digital Data Rate.................................................................................................................................C–4
C.2.2 Modulation and Encoding Types ........................................................................................................C–6
C.2.3 Scrambling Types................................................................................................................................C–7
C.2.4 Differential Encoder............................................................................................................................C–7
C.2.5 BPSK Bit Ordering .............................................................................................................................C–7
C.2.6 Interleaver (Reed-Solomon Codec).....................................................................................................C–7
C.2.7 Transmit Frequency (IF) .....................................................................................................................C–8

Preface SDM-300A
viii Rev. 4
C.2.8 Frequency Reference...........................................................................................................................C–8
C.2.9 Transmit Frequency Change Time......................................................................................................C–8
C.2.10 Phase Noise.....................................................................................................................................C–8
C.2.11 Transmit IF Output Switch.............................................................................................................C–9
C.2.12 Transmit IF Power..........................................................................................................................C–9
C.2.13 Modulator Power Offset .................................................................................................................C–9
C.2.14 Modulated IF Output Shape............................................................................................................C–9
C.2.15 Spurious Emissions.........................................................................................................................C–9
C.2.16 Modulator Phase Error..................................................................................................................C–10
C.2.17 Transmit IF Test Modes................................................................................................................C–10
C.2.18 Modulator Spectrum Rotation The operator can select Normal or Inverted spectrum of the of the
Modulator Output...............................................................................................................................................C–10
C.2.19 Encoding.......................................................................................................................................C–10
C.2.19.1 BPSK Encoding........................................................................................................................C–10
C.2.19.2 QPSK Encoding .......................................................................................................................C–10
C.2.19.3 OQPSK Encoding.....................................................................................................................C–11
C.2.19.4 8PSK Encoding ........................................................................................................................C–11
C.3 Demodulator Specifications............................................................................................................... C–12
C.3.1 Digital Data Rate...............................................................................................................................C–12
C.3.2 Demodulation and FEC Decoding Types..........................................................................................C–13
C.3.3 Descrambling Types..........................................................................................................................C–14
C.3.4 Differential Decoder..........................................................................................................................C–14
C.3.5 BPSK Bit Ordering ...........................................................................................................................C–14
C.3.6 Decoding...........................................................................................................................................C–14
C.3.6.1 BPSK Encoding........................................................................................................................C–14
C.3.6.2 QPSK Encoding .......................................................................................................................C–15
C.3.6.3 OQPSK Encoding.....................................................................................................................C–15
C.3.6.4 8PSK Encoding ........................................................................................................................C–15
C.3.7 Demodulator (Reed-Solomon Codec)...............................................................................................C–16
C.3.8 Demodulator Spectrum Rotation.......................................................................................................C–16
C.3.9 Receive Frequency (IF).....................................................................................................................C–16
C.3.10 Receive Input Power (Desired Carrier).........................................................................................C–16
C.3.11 Receive Input Power (Composite)................................................................................................C–16
C.3.12 IF Input Overload .........................................................................................................................C–16
C.3.13 Demodulator IF Input Shape.........................................................................................................C–17
C.3.14 Channel Spacing/Adjacent Carrier Performance ..........................................................................C–17
C.4 BER Performance Specifications ...................................................................................................... C–18
C.4.1 Performance with Noise, Viterbi Decoder, and Open Network Mode..............................................C–19
C.4.2 Performance with Noise, Viterbi Decoder, and Closed Network......................................................C–21
C.4.3 Performance with Noise, Viterbi Decoder, and Reed-Solomon (Optional) ......................................C–23
C.4.4 Performance with Noise, 56 kbit/s and Sequential Decoder (Optional)............................................C–25
C.4.5 Performance with Noise, 1544 kbit/s and Sequential Decoder (Optional)........................................C–27
C.4.6 Performance with Noise at 1544 kbit/s, Sequential Decoder, and Reed-Solomon (Optional)..........C–29
C.4.7 8PSK Performance with Noise and With/Without Reed-Solomon...................................................C–31
C.4.8 Performance with Noise, Viterbi Decoder, and OQPSK...................................................................C–33
C.4.9 Performance with Noise, Uncoded (1/1) BPSK, QPSK, and OQPSK..............................................C–35
C.4.10 BER Threshold .............................................................................................................................C–35
C.5 Acquisition Time................................................................................................................................. C–37
C.5.1 Receive IF Carrier Acquisition Range ..............................................................................................C–37
C.5.2 Receive IF Carrier Reacquisition......................................................................................................C–37
C.5.3 AGC Output......................................................................................................................................C–38