Norsat ATOM Series User manual

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
1
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
ATOM 100-250W
BUC & SSPA
Operator’s Manual
Document Number: 908236
Revision 2.2
Norsat International Inc.
110 –4020 Viking Way
Richmond, British Columbia
Canada V6V 2L4

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
2
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
The information in this document has been fully reviewed and is believed to be entirely reliable. However,
Norsat International Inc., hereinafter referred to as Norsat, reserves the right to modify any products to
improve reliability, function, or design. Norsat does not assume any liability arising out of the application
or use of any product or circuit described herein. Norsat does not convey any license under its patent
rights or the rights of others.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
This manual provides engineers with information necessary to operate the applicable system. Technical
support is available from Norsat.
Norsat International Inc.
Attn: Technical Support
110 –4020 Viking Way
Richmond, BC
Main: 1 [phone]
Support: 1 800 644 4562
[email protected]om

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
3
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
REVISION HISTORY
Rev
CO
#
Reason For Change
Reviewed
By
Author
Date
yy/mm/dd
1.0
5521
Initial Release
BP
FL
13/11/14
1.1
5764
Add details on screw lengths for RF
Output and Ground Connection
JG
FL
14/04/29
1.2
5964
Update Address
JL
FL
14/09/05
2.0
6518
Update for Ethernet Interface
Update M&C Protocol
SM
JG/CW
15/12/15
2.1
7127
Update IP Address Restore Info
-
JG
16/01/26
2.2
7204
Update M&C Interface Options;
Update to include 250W
JG
AY/JG
16/02/16
Non-Digital Approval (Only if required)
Scan this page with signature and attach to Change Order if this section used
Approver Name:
Approver Signature:
Date:

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
4
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Operator’s Manual................................................................................................................................................2
Technical Support................................................................................................................................................2
Revision History...................................................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................................4
List of Figures.......................................................................................................................................................5
List of Tables........................................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
SECTION 1.1 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................6
SSPA –Solid State Power Amplifier....................................................................................................................6
BUC - Block Up Converter and Amplifier .............................................................................................................6
SECTION 1.2 FEATURES .............................................................................................................................7
Inputs and Outputs...............................................................................................................................................7
Electrical Interface................................................................................................................................................7
SECTION 1.3 SAFETY .................................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2 INTERFACE CONTROL .........................................................................................................9
SECTION 2.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................9
SECTION 2.2 J1, J5, &J6–INPUTS AND GROUNDING.................................................................................12
J1 –IF/RF Input .................................................................................................................................................12
J5 –Trigger Input for Mute/Unmute (Optional for ATOM 100W ).......................................................................12
J6 –Ground Terminal ........................................................................................................................................12
SECTION 2.3 J3 –DC/AC POWER ............................................................................................................13
DC Power Option...............................................................................................................................................13
3 Phase AC Power Option.................................................................................................................................14
SECTION 2.4 J2 –MONITOR AND CONTROL INTERFACE..............................................................................15
Monitor and Control Interface Pinout..................................................................................................................15
Serial Port Interface (RS-485 & RS-232) ...........................................................................................................19
Ethernet Interface (ATOMWeb)..........................................................................................................................25
SECTION 2.5 J4 –RF OUTPUT ..................................................................................................................27
SECTION 2.6 GROUND CONNECTION.........................................................................................................27
SECTION 2.7 INDICATORS /LEDS..............................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 3 MISC. INFO...........................................................................................................................29
SECTION 3.1 ATOM INSTALLATION...........................................................................................................29
Mounting............................................................................................................................................................29
Outdoor Use.......................................................................................................................................................29
SECTION 3.2 FANS &BASEPLATE COOLING...............................................................................................29
SECTION 3.3 ACCESSORIES......................................................................................................................30
SECTION 3.4 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................30
SECTION 3.5 STANDARD WARRANTY.........................................................................................................31
A
AP PP PE EN ND DI IX X A A
MECHANICAL DRAWINGS ........................................................................................32
A
AP PP PE EN ND DI IX X B B
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.........................................................................36

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
5
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Input Connections for ATOM 100W DC Unit.................................................................................................9
Figure 2-2 Input Connections for ATOM 100W AC Unit...............................................................................................10
Figure 2-3 Input Connections for ATOM 250W Unit.....................................................................................................10
Figure 2-4 Standard Waveguide Output for ATOM 100W units ...................................................................................11
Figure 2-5 Optional Waveguide to Coax adaptor.........................................................................................................11
Figure 2-6 Standard Waveguide Output for ATOM 250W units ...................................................................................11
Figure 2-7: DC Unit J3 Connector Pinout.....................................................................................................................13
Figure 2-8: AC Unit J3 Connector Pinout....................................................................................................................14
Figure 2-9: J2 M&C Connector Pin Arrangement........................................................................................................15
Figure 2-10: RJ-45 Plug Pinout....................................................................................................................................18
Figure A-3-1: 100W SSPA with AC Input & SMA Output.............................................................................................32
Figure A-3-2: 100W BUC/SSPA with DC Input WR62/75 Output, Fan Cooled............................................................33
Figure A-3-3: 100W BUC/SSPA with DC Input WR62/75 Output, Baseplate Cooled...................................................34
Figure A-3-4: 250W BUC/SSPA with DC Input WR62/75 Output, Baseplate Cooled...................................................35
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1: Input and Outputs ........................................................................................................................................7
Table 2-1: DC Unit J3 Connector Pinout.....................................................................................................................13
Table 2-2: AC Unit J3 Connector Pinout.....................................................................................................................14
Table 2-3: M&C Interface Options...............................................................................................................................15
Table 2-4: J2 Pinouts for ATOM Configurations...........................................................................................................16
Table 2-5: ATOM Mute Control Behavior.....................................................................................................................17
Table 2-6: RS-485 Address Assignment.....................................................................................................................18
Table 2-7: Ethernet Cable Pinout.................................................................................................................................18
Table 2-8: Serial Port Interface Setup.........................................................................................................................19
Table 2-9: Indicators / LEDs........................................................................................................................................28
Table 3-1: General 100-250W ATOM Specifications ...................................................................................................30
Table B-3-1: Acronyms and Abbreviations...................................................................................................................36

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
6
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 1 1
I
In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n
Section 1.1
OVERVIEW
This operator’s manual applies to all ATOM SSPAs and BUCs with the following marketing numbers:
ATOMSKUxxx (100-250W)
ATOMBKUxxx (100-250W)
This includes any ATOM that uses the 100-250W (P1dB) Ku Extended Band (13.75-14.5GHz)
mechanics, such as a custom frequency band or power derated output unit.
SSPA –SOLID STATE POWER AMPLIFIER
If this unit is a SSPA, the RF input signal is amplified to the specified power.
BUC -BLOCK UP CONVERTER AND AMPLIFIER
If this unit is a BUC, the IF input signal is upconverted to Ku-Band RF frequencies and then amplified to
the specified power.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
7
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Section 1.2
FEATURES
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Table 1-1: Input and Outputs
100-250W
Input Type
Female N-Type Connector (standard)
Female SMA-Type Connector (optional)
Output Type
Waveguide WR75 (standard)
Waveguide WR62 (optional/frequency dependent)
ELECTRICAL INTERFACE
M&C Connector –a ten-pin connector is used to interface with a host computer. See Section 2.4 J2 –
Monitor and Control Interface for detailed description of the pinouts.
Power Connector –DC Units use a four-pin connector and AC units use a six-pin connector to provide
power to the ATOM. See Section 2.3 J3 –DC/AC Power for detailed description of pinouts.
Ground Terminal –a #10-32 screw is used to ground the chassis during use.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
8
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Section 1.3
SAFETY
W A R N I N G
Leakage Current
The ATOM may exhibit high leakage current during use.
Ensure that the ground terminal is grounded according to local
electrical codes prior to powering on the ATOM.
W A R N I N G
RF Radiation Hazard
The ATOM emits high power RF energy which is harmful to
the human body. Do not operate ATOM unless the RF output
flange is either terminated in an RF load (100W min) or
connected to the feed of a terminal.
Do not obstruct the RF output or feed output with any body
part.
W A R N I N G
Do not allow equipment to be standing in water.
While the BUC/SSPA is designed to be used outdoors, the
equipment is not designed to operate in standing water.
Failure to follow this precaution could result in electric shock
and injury to persons.
C A U T I O N
Do not allow any items to fall into the unit from the waveguide
opening.
C A U T I O N
Apply voltage to the AC/DC input connector only as specified
in the original configuration of this unit. Application of a voltage
outside the specified range may cause the unit to become
damaged or non-functional.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
9
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 2 2
I
In nt te er rf fa ac ce e C Co on nt tr ro ol l
Section 2.1
INTRODUCTION
The unit has three connectors on the input side of the housing and one waveguide port on the output
side. The interface for these connectors is detailed in this document.
On the input side, there are the following connectors:
J1 –IF or RF Input; N-Type Jack or SMA-Type Jack
J2 –Ten-pin circular connector for M&C
J3 –Four-pin circular power connector for DC unit or six-pin circular power connector for AC unit
J5 (optional and not shown for ATOM 100W units) –Female SMA mute/unmute trigger input
J6 –Ground terminal
J6
J1
J2
J3
Figure 2-1 Input Connections for ATOM 100W DC Unit

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
10
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
J1
J6
J2
J3
Figure 2-2 Input Connections for ATOM 100W AC Unit
J1
J2
J3
J5
J6
Figure 2-3 Input Connections for ATOM 250W Unit

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
11
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
On the output side, there is one connector:
J4 –WR75 or WR62 waveguide RF output
Optional Waveguide to Coax adaptor
J4
Figure 2-6 Standard Waveguide Output for ATOM 250W units
J4
Figure 2-5 Optional Waveguide to Coax adaptor
Figure 2-4 Standard Waveguide Output for
ATOM 100W units

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
12
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Section 2.2
J1,J5,&J6–INPUTS AND GROUNDING
J1 –IF/RF INPUT
The IF/RF input connector is a 50 ohm coaxial connector (N or SMA Type). This connector is NOT DC-
blocked, and appears as a 50 ohm load at DC. Do not exceed ±7 VDC on this port. An external DC
block is required if the modem or signal source supplies a DC voltage.
J5 –TRIGGER INPUT FOR MUTE/UNMUTE (OPTIONAL FOR ATOM 100W )
The TRIG input is a 50 ohm type-SMA connector. This is an optional feature to be specified at time of
order. The input must be at TTL-compatible voltage levels (0/5V±0.25V).
J6 –GROUND TERMINAL
A #10–32 screw and lock washers are used to ground ATOM. Ensure the unit is grounded before
powering it on.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
13
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Section 2.3
J3 –DC/AC POWER
The 100W ATOM power input requires either 20V to 56V DC power (DC unit) or 3-phase 208V AC power
(AC unit). On the other hand, 250W ATOM power input requires 36V to 56V DC power. Each ATOM is
supplied with a mating connector for the power interface.
DC POWER OPTION
The DC unit typically requires 20V to 56V DC power (100W ATOM) or 36V to 56V DC power (250W
ATOM). Refer to specific configuration of the unit for the exact voltage range. Power is supplied through a
four pin type cylindrical connector. Two pins are used to deliver the positive connection and two pins are
used for the negative connection in order to reduce resistance. The negative connection is internally
connected to case ground. The negative power connection may alternatively be applied directly to the
ground screw terminal on the aluminum housing.
Connector Type
The J3 connector for the DC unit is a four pin cylindrical connector (Amphenol®MS3102E22-22P). The
connector is a receptacle with pins and requires the mating connector to be a plug with sockets (e.g
Amphenol®MS-3106E22-22S). A range of plug-compatible mating connectors may be used to add
options to the plug such as right-angle, stress relief clamp, metal color/finish, etc. Please contact the
connector manufacturer for more information and/or refer to the Amphenol®catalog 12-070. Ensure the
supply cable is capable of supplying at least 540W of power (for 100W ATOM) or 1150W of power (for
250W ATOM).
DC Unit J3 Connector Pinouts
Figure 2-7: DC Unit J3 Connector Pinout
Table 2-1: DC Unit J3 Connector Pinout
Pin
Name
A
V-/Ground
B
V+
C
V+
D
V-/Ground

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
14
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
For the DC input units, the positive terminals are pins B/C and the negative terminals are pins A/D. Pins
A and D are connected to case ground internally; pins B and C are connected together internally. It is
recommended to apply the supply voltage evenly to both pairs of pins to evenly share the current among
both sets of wires/pins.
The internal capacitance between the V+ and V- terminals is approximately 120 microfarads.
3PHASE AC POWER OPTION
The 3 Phase AC Power option allows the unit to be powered with 208VAC. The input power frequency
range is 60 to 400 Hz and the maximum current draw is 4 A.
Power is supplied through a six pin cylindrical type connector. Three pins are used to deliver the 3-
phases of the AC power, one pin is connected to the case ground of the unit, and two pins are
unconnected.
Connector Type
The J3 connector for the AC unit is a six pin cylindrical connector (AMPHENOL DL3102A18-12P). The
connector has a Pre-Earth/First-Make Last-Break feature where the ground terminal mates first and
provides a path for any stray voltage to be shunted to a safe ground avoiding harm to the operator and
voltage sensitive equipment. The mating Amphenol connector DL3106A18012S must be used to
maintain the First-Make Last-Break feature.
AC Unit J3 Connector Pinouts
Figure 2-8: AC Unit J3 Connector Pinout
Table 2-2: AC Unit J3 Connector Pinout
Pin
Name
A
208V AC Phase 1
B
208V AC Phase 2
C
208V AC Phase 3
D
Ground
E
No Connection
F
No Connection
For the 208V AC 3-phase input, one phase is applied to pin A, another phase is applied to pin B, and the
third phase is applied to pin C. Earth ground is connected to pin D, which is internally connected to the
case ground.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
15
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Section 2.4
J2 –MONITOR AND CONTROL INTERFACE
The M&C interface is used to control the unit with a host computer. All on-board sensors are accessed
through this interface. Use of this connection is optional. Each ATOM is supplied with a mating
connector for the M&C interface.
The standard M&C configuration includes RS-485 addressing capability. The 100-250W ATOM can be
ordered with web interface or RS-232 serial interface options. Table 2-3 summarizes the M&C interface
protocols available with each option.
Table 2-3: M&C Interface Options
Orderable Option
Communication Interfaces
RS-485 Addressable
RS-485
RS-232
Web Interface
Standard
X
X
RS-232 Option
X
Web Interface Option
X
X
MONITOR AND CONTROL INTERFACE PINOUT
The M&C interface is a ten pin miniature circular connector. This connector is a MIL-C-26482 Series 1
receptacle, shell size 12, 10 pin (Amphenol® part number 71-570123-10P). A mating connector is
Amphenol® part number PT06E-12-10S-SR. A range of compatible part numbers for the mating
connector may be used to add options to the plug such as right-angle, stress relief clamp, metal
color/finish, etc. Please contact the connector manufacturer for more information and/or refer to
Amphenol® catalog 12-070.
Figure 2-9: J2 M&C Connector Pin Arrangement

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
16
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Table 2-4 summarizes the various pinout options for the 100-250W ATOM. Note that the pin function
varies according to the M&C interface option that the ATOM was ordered with. The M&C interface option
cannot be changed by the user.
Table 2-4: J2 Pinouts for ATOM Configurations
Connector
Pin
Standard
Configuration
Web Interface
Configuration
RS-232
Configuration
Signal Description
A
RS-485 Tx-
RS-485 Tx-
Host computer Tx- signal (signal into unit)
NC
NA
B
RS-485 Tx+
RS-485 Tx+
Host computer Tx+ signal (signal into unit)
NC
NA
C
RS-485 Rx+
RS-485 Rx+
Host computer Rx+ signal (signal out of unit)
NC
NA
D
Mute
Mute
Mute
Controls Muting of Amplifier
E
RS-485 ADD0
RS-485 Address 0
Eth Tx+
Ethernet host computer Tx+ signal (signal into unit)
RS-232 Rx
RS-232 host computer Tx signal (signal into unit)
F
RS-485 ADD1
RS-485 Address 1
Eth Rx+
Ethernet host computer Rx+ signal (signal out of unit)
RS-232 Tx
RS-232 host computer Rx signal (signal out of unit)
G
GND
GND
GND
Ground reference for Ethernet/RS-485/RS-232 signals. This
is internally connected to case ground.
H
GND
Ground reference for RS-485 signals. This is internally
connected to case ground.
Eth Tx-
Ethernet host computer Tx- signal (signal into unit)
NC
NA
J
RS-485 Rx-
RS-485 Rx-
Host computer Rx- signal (signal out of unit)
NC
NA
K
RS-485 ADD2
RS-485 Address 2
Eth Rx-
Ethernet host computer Rx- signal (signal out of unit)
NC
NA
Ground Pin(s): Pins G & H
The GND pin is internally connected to the case ground. It is also used as a ground reference for the RS-
485 address signal. If the RS-485 addressing function is used, one of the GND pins should be connected
to the RS-485 ground. If the RS-485 addressing function is not used, these pins can be left floating or
they can be externally connected to the case ground if desired

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
17
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
Mute Control: Pin D
This pin controls the hardware mute state of the ATOM. When muted, the power transistors are turned
off, reducing power consumption and providing an RF output noise close to the thermal noise floor.
The operation of this pin is fully configurable through the M&C Interface. Pin D can be biased with either
an internal Pull-Down (to 0V) or an internal Pull-Up (to 4V). Pin D is also configurable to be either active
high (3-5V on Pin D will mute the unit) or active low (0-0.8V on Pin D will mute the unit). All voltages are
relative to Pin G or the Case Ground.
Because of the configurable pull-down / pull-up resistor, the unit can be configured to be active (i.e. not
muted) when Pin D is left floating. Therefore, it is possible to operate the unit with no connection pin D.
The ATOM mute control behavior is shown below in Table 2-5. Note that the ATOM may be factory
ordered with alternate configurations so the Default configuration shown in the table is not reflective of all
ATOM units.
Table 2-5: ATOM Mute Control Behavior
Configuration
Mute Line
Polarity
Mute Line
Bias
Sample
Input 1
Sample Mute
State 1
Sample
Input 2
Sample Mute
State 2
Sample
Input 3
Sample Mute
State 3
Default
0V = Unmute
Pull-Down
0V
Unmuted
5V
Muted
Floating
Unmuted
Sample 1
0V = Unmute
Pull-Up
0V
Unmuted
5V
Muted
Floating
Muted
Sample 2
5V = Unmute
Pull-Down
0V
Muted
5V
Unmuted
Floating
Muted
Sample 3
5V = Unmute
Pull-Up
0V
Muted
5V
Unmuted
Floating
Unmuted
Note that the ATOM mute state can also be controlled through the M&C interface. The software mute
setting takes priority over the hardware pin. Refer to Command Details section for details.
RS-485 Port: Pins A, B, C, J, G
These five pins form a standard four-wire RS-485 serial port, with Rx+, Rx-, Tx+, Tx-, and serial port
ground. Since communication with the ATOM is only half duplex, it is possible to deploy the ATOM on a
two-wire RS-485 network by connecting the Tx+ & Rx+ and Tx- & Rx- wires together.
Tx+ and Tx- are the differential pair which carries a signal from the host computer to the unit. Rx+ and
Rx- are the differential pair which carries a signal from the unit to the host computer. Connect these to
the host computer RS-485 port accordingly.
RS-485 Port Address: Pins E, F, K
These three pins configure the unit address of an ATOM when it is deployed on an RS-485 bus. To
change the unit address, connect some or all of the pins to ground/0V (i.e. Pin G, Pin H, or the chassis
ground). Up to seven unique ATOM units can be operated on a single RS-485 bus.
Devices whose RS-485 address is set to a value between 0 and 6 (inclusive) using these pins are said to
be operating in Addressed Mode, and will ignore all non-addressed commands and all addressed
commands that are sent to them unless the command contains the device’s address. Devices whose RS-
485 address is set to 7 will respond to addressed commands that contain address 7, and to non-
addressed commands. Please see the description of the Serial Port Interface for details.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
18
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
The RS-485 address pins each have a 10K-ohm pull up to 3.3V. If RS-485 addressing is not used, pins E,
F, & K should be left floating (i.e. disconnected).
Table 2-6 summarizes the unit address assignment configuration; 0 denotes a grounded pin and 1
indicates a floating pin.
Table 2-6: RS-485 Address Assignment
A2 (Pin K)
A1 (Pin F)
A0 (Pin E)
Unit Address
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
2
0
1
1
3
1
0
0
4
1
0
1
5
1
1
0
6
1
1
1
7
Ethernet Interface Option: Pins E, F, H, & K
These four pins form a standard 10/100Mbps Ethernet link. Table 2-7 and Figure 2-10 summarize how
to construct an Ethernet M&C cable to access the web interface.
Table 2-7: Ethernet Cable Pinout
ATOM
Connector
Twisted Pair
Cable
RJ-45
Connector
Description
E
Wht/Grn
1
Ethernet host computer Tx+ signal (signal into unit)
H
Grn
2
Ethernet host computer Tx- signal (signal into unit)
F
Wht/Org
3
Ethernet host computer Rx+ signal (signal out of unit)
-
Blu
4
-
-
Wht/Blu
5
-
K
Org
6
Ethernet host computer Rx- signal (signal out of unit)
-
Wht/Brn
7
-
-
Brn
8
-
Figure 2-10: RJ-45 Plug Pinout

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
19
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
RS-232 Port: Pins E, F, & G
These pins form a standard RS-232 serial port. Pin E carries a signal from the host computer to the unit
and Pin F carries a signal from the unit to the host computer. Pin G must be connected to the ground pin
on the host computer.
Note that it is possible to use an RS-232 interface to control a standard configuration equipped ATOM
through an RS-485 to RS-232 adaptor. Contact Norsat for details about the available adaptor kits.
SERIAL PORT INTERFACE (RS-485 &RS-232)
Port Settings
Communications to and from the serial interface is ASCII character based. Any standard “Terminal”
program with the port parameters shown in Table 2-8 may be used.
Table 2-8: Serial Port Interface Setup
Setup Parameter
Value
Bits per second
9600
Data bits
8
Parity
None
Stop Bits
1
Flow Control
None
The serial interface supports a command line interface (CLI) which provides an easy-to-use means for
gathering basic information. The CLI is supported through any terminal emulation software. The terminal
should be set to echo locally so that typed commands are shown on-screen for ease of entry. The CLI
does not provide a prompt; instead, commands can be entered at a blank line. The CLI requires that all
sent commands be terminated with either a carriage return character (denoted <CR> in the following
sections) if the device is operating in Non-addressed Mode, or with both a carriage return character and a
line feed character (denoted <CR><LF>) if the device is operating in Addressed Mode. The terminal
emulation software should be configured to automatically translate transmit line endings (which occur
when the “Enter”key is pressed) into either <CR> or <CR><LF> as appropriate.
Commands
Each CLI command can be sent as either an Addressed Command or a Non-addressed Command.
Addressed commands include an RS-485 address, and can thus be targeted at a specific device if
multiple devices are connected to the same RS-485 bus. Devices will only respond to addressed
commands if their RS-485 address is between 0 and 6 (inclusive) and if their RS-485 address matches
the address included in the command. Devices will only respond to Non-addressed Commands if their
RS-485 address is set to 7.
Note that addressed mode is not available if Ethernet option is present.
The command format for Addressed Commands is as follows:
<address>/<cmd><CRC><CR><LF>
Both a carriage return character and a line feed character are required for Addressed Command
termination.

ATOM 100-250W BUC & SSPA
Revision 2.2
908236
20
908236_r2.2 - Operator Manual ATOM KU
100-250W.doc
The command format for Non-addressed Commands is as follows:
<cmd><CR>
Only a carriage return character is required for Non-addressed Command termination.
In both cases, the <cmd> string is a command word (in ASCII text) followed by zero or more sets of
parameter-value pairs. While the parameter-value pairs are required for some commands, a few
commands have optional parameters that may be omitted without triggering an error response.
For Addressed Commands, the <address> value must match the device’s RS-485 address specified via
pins E, F, and K of the M&C connector. Addressed Commands sent to an address that does not match
the device’s RS-485 address will be ignored. Non-addressed commands will also be ignored by devices
with an RS-485 address between 0 and 6 (inclusive).
Addressed Commands (and their corresponding responses) also include a CRC character immediately
before the terminating <CR> and <LF>. This unsigned 8-bit CRC character can be any value between 0
and 255 (inclusive) and is calculated using the portion of the command string or response string that
precedes the CRC.
The following C code can be used to calculate the CRC:
unsigned char GetCRC(char * szAddressAndCommand)
{
const unsigned char crcTable[16] =
{
0x00, 0x1C, 0x38, 0x24, 0x70, 0x6C, 0x48, 0x54,
0xE0, 0xFC, 0xD8, 0xC4, 0x90, 0x8C, 0xA8, 0xB4
};
unsigned char crc = 0x00;
int numChars = 0;
int i = 0;
if (NULL != szAddressAndCommand)
{
numChars = strlen(szAddressAndCommand);
for (i = 0; i < numChars; i++)
{
crc = ((crc >> 4) & 0x0F) ^
crcTable[(crc & 0x0F)] ^
crcTable[(szAddressAndCommand[i] & 0x0F)];
crc = ((newCRC >> 4) & x0F) ^
crcTable[(crc & x0F)] ^
crcTable[((szAddressAndCommand[i] >> 4) & x0F)];
}
}
return crc;
}