Norsat ATOMSKU Series User manual

1
ATOM Ka 25/40W/50W BUC & SSPA
USER MANUAL
ATOM Ku 80W BUC & SSPA

© Norsat International Inc. (“Norsat”) All Rights Reserved
2022-07-04 908236 Rev C 2
ATOM 80W 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 [phone]
[email protected]om

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Table of Contents
1.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Features....................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Safety........................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 J1 & J6–Inputs and Grounding ...................................................................................11
2.3 J3 –DC/AC Power ......................................................................................................11
2.4 J2 –Monitor and Control Interface...............................................................................13
2.5 J4 –RF Output............................................................................................................27
2.6 Ground Connection .....................................................................................................27
2.7 Indicators / LEDs.........................................................................................................27
3.1 ATOM Installation........................................................................................................28

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3.2 Fans & Baseplate Cooling ...........................................................................................29
3.3 Accessories.................................................................................................................29
3.4 General Specifications.................................................................................................29
3.5 Standard Warranty ......................................................................................................30

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List of Figures
Figure 2-1: Input Connections for ATOM 80W DC Unit………………………………………. 9
Figure 2-2: Input Connections for ATOM 80W AC Unit………………………………………. 10
Figure 2-3: Standard Waveguide Output for ATOM 80W units……………………………… 10
Figure 2-4: Optional Waveguide to Coax adaptor…………………………………………….. 10
Figure 2-5: DC Unit J3 Connector Pinout……………………………………………………….12
Figure 2-6: AC Unit J3 Connector Pinout……………………………………………………….13
Figure 2-7: J2 M&C Connector Pin Arrangement……………………………………………... 14
Figure 2-8: RJ-45 Plug Pinout……………………………………………………………………18
Figure A-3-1: 80W SSPA with AC Input & SMA Output……………………………………….31
Figure A-3-2: 80W BUC/SSPA with DC Input WR62/75 Output, Fan Cooled……………… 32
Figure A-3-3: 80W BUC/SSPA with DC Input WR62/75 Output, Baseplate Cooled………. 33

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List of Tables
Table 1-1: Input and Outputs..................................................................................................... 7
Table 2-1: DC Unit J3 Connector Pinout ..................................................................................12
Table 2-2: AC Unit J3 Connector Pinout...................................................................................13
Table 2-3: M&C Interface Options.............................................................................................14
Table 2-4: J2 Pinouts for ATOM Configurations........................................................................15
Table 2-5: ATOM Mute Control Behavior ..................................................................................16
Table 2-6: RS-485 Address Assignment ...................................................................................17
Table 2-7: Ethernet Cable Pinout..............................................................................................18
Table 2-8: Serial Port Interface Setup......................................................................................19
Table 2-9: Getident Parameters and Data Types......................................................................22
Table 2-10: Getstatus Parameters and Data Types ..................................................................23
Table 2-11: Getmute Parameters and Data Types....................................................................24
Table 2-12: Indicators / LEDs....................................................................................................28
Table 3-1: General 80W ATOM Specifications..........................................................................29
Table B-3-1: Acronyms and Abbreviations................................................................................34

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Introduction
1.1 Overview
This operator’s manual applies to all ATOM SSPAs and BUCs with the following marketing numbers:
ATOMSKUxxx (080W)
ATOMBKUxxx (080W)
This includes any ATOM that uses the 80W (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.
1.2 Features
Inputs and Outputs Table 1-1: Input and Outputs
80W
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.

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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.
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 (80W 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.

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Interface Control
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
•J6 –Ground terminal
Figure 2-1: Input Connections for ATOM 80W DC Unit
J1
J6
J2
J3

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On the output side, there is one connector:
•J4 –WR75 or WR62 waveguide RF output
•Optional Waveguide to Coax adaptor
J6
Figure 2-2: Input Connections for ATOM 80W AC Unit
J1
J2
J3
J4
Figure 2-3: Standard Waveguide Output for
ATOM 80W units
Figure 2-4: Optional Waveguide to Coax
adaptor

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2.2 J1 & 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 DC-blocked.
Do not exceed +/- 7VDC on this port.
J6 –Ground Terminal
A #10–32 screw and lock washers are used to ground ATOM. Ensure the unit is grounded before powering
it on by a skilled person.
2.3 J3 –DC/AC Power
The 80W ATOM power input requires either 20V to 56V DC power (DC unit) or 3-phase 208V AC power
(AC unit). Each ATOM is supplied with a mating connector for the power interface. Only instructed person
may provide connection to the supplied connector per instructions below.
DC Power Option
The DC unit typically requires 20V to 56V DC power (80W 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 80W ATOM).

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DC Unit J3 Connector Pinouts
Figure 2-5: 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
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.
3 Phase 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.

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AC Unit J3 Connector Pinouts
Figure 2-6: 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.
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 80W 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.

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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 2-7: J2 M&C Connector Pin Arrangement
Table 2-4 summarizes the various pinout options for the 80W 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.

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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

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Ground Pin(s): Pin 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.
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.

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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.
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: RS-485 Address Assignment 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 2-8 summarize how to
construct an Ethernet M&C cable to access the web interface.

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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 2-8: RJ-45 Plug Pinout
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.

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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.
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

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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;
}
Command Response
The CLI operates on a command + response paradigm. Each time a command is entered, a response will
be displayed.
If the device’s RS-485 address is between 0 and 6 (inclusive), the response format will be:
<CR><LF><response><CRC><CR><LF>
If the device’s RS-485 address is 7, the response format is:
<CR><LF><response><CR><LF>