Pendulum FDA-301 User manual

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Frequency Distribution Amplifier
FDA-301
User’s Manual
4031 600 30001
2019 – 1st Edition
© 2019, Pendulum Instruments

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Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................................. 5
About this Manual............................................................................................................................... 5
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Declaration of Conformity................................................................................................................... 5
2. PREFACE........................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 6
Powerful and Versatile Functions ....................................................................................................... 6
3. PREPARATION FOR USE................................................................................................................... 7
Safety................................................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 7
Safety Precautions........................................................................................................................... 7
Caution and Warning Statements ................................................................................................... 7
If in Doubt about Safety .................................................................................................................. 8
Environmental Considerations ............................................................................................................ 8
Product End-of-Life Handling .......................................................................................................... 8
Equipment recycling........................................................................................................................ 8
Unpacking............................................................................................................................................ 8
Check list.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Installation........................................................................................................................................... 9
Type number and Serial number..................................................................................................... 9
Supply Voltage............................................................................................................................... 10
Grounding...................................................................................................................................... 10
Power switch ................................................................................................................................. 10
Orientation and Cooling ................................................................................................................ 10
Fold-Down Support ....................................................................................................................... 11
Rackmount Adapter – one instrument (Option 22/90)................................................................. 11
Assembling the Rackmount Kit (Option 22/90)............................................................................. 12
Reversing the Rackmount Kit ........................................................................................................ 12
Rackmount Adapter – two instruments (Option 22/05) ............................................................... 13
Assembling the Rackmount Kit (Option 22/05)............................................................................. 14
4. USING THE CONTROLS................................................................................................................... 16
Front Panel – Inputs .......................................................................................................................... 16
LED – status ....................................................................................................................................... 16

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Rear Panel – Outputs......................................................................................................................... 17
Signal types........................................................................................................................................ 18
Sine ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Pulse .............................................................................................................................................. 18
E1 clock and data........................................................................................................................... 18
Time of Day.................................................................................................................................... 18
Start and Usage ................................................................................................................................. 19
Power on ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Input source redundancy with auto-changeover.......................................................................... 19
Power supply redundancy with auto-changeover ........................................................................ 19
Configuration examples .................................................................................................................... 20
A: Local distribution of a 10 MHz reference via coax to 12 local users......................................... 20
B: Local distribution of a 10 MHz & 1-pps via coax to 8 local users.............................................. 20
C: Remote distribution of 10 MHz, 1 site, 12 users....................................................................... 21
D: Remote distribution of 10 MHz, 6 sites, 72 users..................................................................... 21
E: Remote distribution of 10 MHz & 1-pps, 6 sites, 24 users........................................................ 21
F: Remote distribution of E1 clock & data, 9 sites, 54 users ......................................................... 22
G: Remote distribution of IRIG DCLS time code, 6 sites, 72 users ................................................ 22
Input and output connectors ............................................................................................................ 22
Fiber Optic Ports............................................................................................................................ 22
BNC Ports....................................................................................................................................... 23
5. QUICK PERFORMANCE CHECK....................................................................................................... 25
Recommended Test Equipment........................................................................................................ 25
Power On test.................................................................................................................................... 25
Check of one Distribution unit in local mode (coax in/coax out)...................................................... 26
Sine input coax test ....................................................................................................................... 26
Pulse input coax test ..................................................................................................................... 26
Sine output coax test..................................................................................................................... 27
Pulse output coax test................................................................................................................... 27
Check of two FDA-301 Distribution Amplifiers with fiber in between (coax – fiber – coax) ............ 28
Sine input coax test - transmitter unit .......................................................................................... 28
Pulse input coax test – transmitter unit........................................................................................ 28
Sine output fiber test - transmitter unit........................................................................................ 29
Pulse output fiber test - transmitter unit...................................................................................... 29

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Sine input fiber test - receiver unit................................................................................................ 29
Pulse input fiber test - receiver unit.............................................................................................. 29
Sine output coax test - receiver unit ............................................................................................. 30
Pulse output coax test - receiver unit ........................................................................................... 30
6. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................... 31
Fan Replacement............................................................................................................................... 31
7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................... 32
Inputs................................................................................................................................................. 32
Outputs.............................................................................................................................................. 32
Power Supply..................................................................................................................................... 33
Dimensions and Weight .................................................................................................................... 33
Environmental conditions ................................................................................................................. 33
8. SERVICE.......................................................................................................................................... 34
Sales and Service office ..................................................................................................................... 34
USA: ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Rest of the world:.......................................................................................................................... 34

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
About this Manual
This manual contains instructions on how to install and use the FDA-301 Frequency Distribution
Amplifier.
Warranty
The Warranty Statement is part of the folder Important Information that is included with the
shipment.
Declaration of Conformity
The complete text with formal statements concerning product identification, manufacturer and
standards used for type testing is available on request.

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2. PREFACE
Introduction
Congratulations on your choice of instrument. It will serve you well for many years to come. Your
instrument is designed to bring you the most efficient way of distributing a reference frequency and
pulsed signals. It gives significantly increased performance compared to traditional Distributors of
signals. The FDA-301 offers the following advantages:
-Multiple signal types:
Low noise sine wave (default 10MHz)
Timing reference signals, 1-pps and IRIG DCLS
Serial ToD
Telecom signal E1 clock & data
-Distribution via optical fiber or electrical coax
-No noise pick-up, no ground current loops and up to 2km range using fiber
-Three modular output boards providing up to 12 coax, or 18 fiber outputs
-Power source redundancy: AC and optional DC power
Powerful and Versatile Functions
A unique feature of your new instrument is modularity. The output signal cards are interchangeable,
which allows for any configuration chosen by the user without the need to send the instrument to
the manufacturer. One of the advantages of distribution via fiber is transmission to remote sites,
over long distances, up to 2 km.

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3. PREPARATION FOR USE
Safety
Introduction
Please take a few minutes to read through this part of the introductory chapter carefully before
plugging the power cable into the wall outlet. This instrument has been designed and tested for
Measurement Category I, Pollution Degree 2, in accordance with EN 61010-1:2011 and EN 61326
:2013, increased test levels according to EN 61000-6-2:2008, Group 1, class B, CE. It has been
supplied in a safe condition. Study this manual thoroughly to acquire adequate knowledge of the
instrument, especially the section on Safety Precautions hereafter and the section on Installation on
next pages.
Safety Precautions
All equipment that can be connected to line power is a potential danger to life. Handling restrictions
imposed on such equipment should be observed. To ensure the correct and safe operation of the
instrument, it is essential that you follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the
safety precautions specified in this manual. The instrument is designed to be used by trained
personnel only. Removing the cover for repair, maintenance, and adjustment of the instrument must
be done by qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved.
The warranty commitments are rendered void if unauthorized access to the interior of the
instrument has taken place during the given warranty period.
Caution and Warning Statements
CAUTION: Shows where incorrect procedures can cause damage to, or destruction of equipment or
other property.
WARNING: Shows a potential danger that requires correct procedures or practices to prevent
personal injury.
Shows where the protective ground terminal is connected inside the instrument.
Never remove or loosen this screw.
This symbol is used for identifying the functional ground of an I/O signal. Itis always
connected to the instrument chassis.

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If in Doubt about Safety
Whenever you suspect that it is unsafe to use the instrument, you must make it inoperative by doing
the following:
- Disconnect the line cord
- Clearly mark the instrument to prevent its further operation
- Inform your Pendulum-Instruments representative.
For example, the instrument is likely to be unsafe if it is visibly damaged.
Environmental Considerations
This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.
Product End-of-Life Handling
Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:
Equipment recycling
Production of this equipment required the extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment
may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if improperly
handled at the product's end of life. To avoid release of such substances into the environment and to
reduce the use of natural resources, we encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate
system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled appropriately.
This symbol indicates that this product complies with European Union requirements
according to Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste electrical and
electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries.
Batteries
This product does not contain any built-in battery
Unpacking
Check that the shipment is complete and that no damage has occurred during transportation. If the
contents are incomplete or damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately. Also notify your local
Pendulum sales or service organization in case repair or replacement may be required.

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Check list
The shipment should contain the following:
-FDA-301 with options installed according to your ordered configuration
-Line cord
-Important Information fact sheet
-Certificate of Calibration
-CD including the following documentation in PDF format:
oUser's Manual
The actual configuration of your ordered instruments is readable from the last 5 digits in the “NC”
field of the product label on the rear panel.
NC: 9446 130 XYZZZ
X = Input options
Y = Power options
Z = Output options (3 slots)
X=1: 10 MHz only (std)
X=2: 10 MHz, pulse
X=3: 10 MHz, ToD
X=4: 10 MHz, E1 clock & data
X=5: 10 MHz, pulse + ToD
X=6: 10 MHz, pulse + E1 clock & data
X=7: 10 MHz, ToD + E1 clock & data
X=7: 10 MHz, pulse, ToD + E1 clock & data
Y=1: AC power
Y=2: AC + DC power
Z=0: module not installed
Z=1: 4x10 MHz coax
Z=2: 6x10 MHz fiber
Z=3: 4x pulse coax
Z=4: 6x pulse fiber
Z=5: 4x ToD electrical
Z=6: 2x 2.048 MHz + 2x 2.048 Mbps coax
Z=7: 3x 2.048 MHz + 3x 2.048 Mbps fiber
Example: NC = 9446 130 11021 = FDA-301 with 10 MHz input only (X), no DC option (Y) plus one empty output
slot, one 6x 10 MHz fiber output, and one 4x 10 MHz coax output (ZZZ).
Installation
Type number and Serial number
The products type number label, including the configuration (NC) and the serial number (SN), is the
best way for Pendulum Instruments to identify the product. If the serial number is not noted on your
delivery notes, please add the serial number to your own product documentation. This will be useful
at future contact with Pendulum Instruments.

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Supply Voltage
-Setting
The Frequency Distribution Amplifier may be connected to any AC supply with a voltage rating of
90 to 265 Vrms, 45 to 440Hz.The Frequency Distribution Amplifier automatically adjusts itself to
the input line voltage.
-Fuse
The secondary supply voltages are electronically protected against overload or short circuit. The
primary line voltage side is protected by a fuse located on the power supply unit. The fuse rating
covers the full voltage range. Consequently there is no need for the user to replace the fuse
under any operating conditions, nor is it accessible from the outside.
CAUTION: If this fuse is blown, it is likely that the power supply is badly damaged. Do not
replace the fuse. Send the Frequency Distribution Amplifier to the local Service Center.
Removing the cover for repair, maintenance and adjustment must be done by qualified and
trained personnel only, who are fully aware of the hazards involved.
The warranty commitments are rendered void if unauthorized access to the interior of the
instrument has taken place during the given warranty period.
Grounding
Grounding faults in the line voltage supply will make any instrument connected to it dangerous.
Before connecting any unit to the power line, you must make sure that the protective ground
functions correctly. Only then can a unit be connected to the power line and only by using a three-
wire line cord. No other method of grounding is permitted. Extension cords must always have a
protective ground conductor.
CAUTION: If a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment, condensation may cause a shock
hazard. Ensure, therefore, that the grounding requirements are strictly met.
WARNING: Never interrupt the grounding cord. Any interruption of the protective ground
connection inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of the protective ground terminal is
likely to make the instrument dangerous.
Power switch
There is no power switch in this Distribution Amplifier. The unit is automatically powered when
connected to an AC source. It is also automatically powered when connected to a DC source, when
option 49 is installed.
Orientation and Cooling
The Frequency Distribution Amplifier can be operated in any position desired. Make sure that the air
flow through the ventilation slots at the side panels is not obstructed. Leave 5 centimeters (2 inches)
of space around the unit.

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Fold-Down Support
For bench-top use, a fold-down support is available for use underneath the counter.
Rackmount Adapter – one instrument (Option 22/90)
This rackmount adapter can hold any standard Pendulum ½ * 19” unit, like FDA-301, CNT-9x, GSG-5,
GSG-6, GPS-12x etc.

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If you have ordered the Option 22/90, 19-inch rack-mount kit for one instrument, it has to be
assembled after delivery of the instrument.
The rackmount kit consists of the following:
- 2 brackets, (short, left; long, right)
- 4 screws, M5x8
- 4 screws, M6x8
Assembling the Rackmount Kit (Option 22/90)
- Turn the device upside down
- Remove the rubber feet in the plastic stand
- Loosen the screws underneath the rubber feet
- Remove the plastic stands
- Remove the four decorative plugs that cover the screw holes on the right and left side of the front
panel.
- The long bracket in Option 22/90 has an opening so that cables for Input signals can be routed
inside the rack.
- Mount the rackmount kit with the included screws
Reversing the Rackmount Kit
The instrument may also be mounted to the right in the rack. To do so, swap the position of the two
brackets.

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Rackmount Adapter – two instruments (Option 22/05)
This rackmount adapter can hold any two standard Pendulum ½ * 19” unit, like FDA-301, CNT-9x,
GSG-5, GSG-6, GPS-12x etc.
If you have ordered the Option 22/05 rack-mount kit for two instruments, it has to be also assembled
after delivery of the instrument. The rackmount kit consists of the following:
-4 Brackets, rear
-1 Hinge Spring Latch
-2 Ear, rack
-1 Assembly instruction, SXS Rack kit
-2 Screws M4x8
-8 Screws M5x10
-1 Spacer M4x16

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Assembling the Rackmount Kit (Option 22/05)
- Turn the devices upside down
- Remove the rubber feet in the plastic stand
- Loosen the screws underneath the rubber feet
- Remove the plastic stands
- Remove the four decorative plugs that cover the screw holes on the right and left side of the front
panel.
Use the following steps to complete the side by side rack mount installation for your products. If
necessary, refer to the item numbers in the following diagram for additional detail.
-Determine where you would like each unit positioned (i.e., on the right or left side)
-If plugs exist on the mounting holes on the front left and right side of product cover, remove
and discard them
-Using screwdriver, screw the rack ear (Item #2) into place using the supplied 10mm screws
(Item #5)
-Pinch the hinge pins together to separate the right and left hinge halves (Items #3 and 4)
-Attach hinge halves to the unit with hinge facing towards the front (as displayed in diagram)
-Using a screwdriver, remove the existing rear brackets on the back of each unit
-Using existing machine screws removed in previous steps, attach the rear brackets supplied
with the mounting kit (Item #1)
-Pinch the hinge pins together into the stored position. Align the hinge halves together
between the two units, and swing together side by side. The hinge pins should snap into
place securing the front of the two units together
-Take the supplied Hex Spacer (Item #7) and place between middle rear brackets, and secure
using the supplied 8mm screws (Item #6)
-Assembly is now ready for installation into standard 19” rack

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4. USING THE CONTROLS
The purpose of the Frequency Distribution Amplifier is to distribute a stable reference signal, or a
timing/synchronization signal, from the source to one or more remote receivers. It can also act as an
Electrical-to-Optical signal converter or Optical-to-Electrical converter
The operation of the Frequency Distribution Amplifier is extremely simple. There are no settings
controls whatsoever on the FDA-301, not even a power switch. The operation is truly plug-and-play.
Just plug in the FDA-301 to the mains power, and connect your input source – coax or fiber – to the
relevant input connector.
Front Panel – Inputs
Every signal type input has dual connectors, one BNC coax connector on top, for connecting an
electrical signal, and an ST-fiber connector below for connecting an optical signal. The ToD input has
two identical 6-pole mini-DIN connectors.
Your actual configuration depends on the ordered options. Non-ordered options will have a plastic
cap at their front panel position, stating “Option not installed”
LED – status
LED indicators are located on the front panel of the instrument. They can individually take the state
of red or green.
Green input LED indicates that the input has detected a signal within the input limits. Signal is good.
Red input LED indicates that the input signal is outside the input limits, as when there is no signal
attached. Red also indicates that the signal path for this input is blocked.

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The Power indicators show the status of the power supplies. If DC power supply option is not
installed, that LED is always Red
If LED’s are turned off/black, there is no power supplied to the FDA-301.
Note that the Input Status indicators do not evaluate the quality of the input signals, only the
amplitude.
Rear Panel – Outputs
The rear panel contains three slots for up to three output modules, the AC input power connector,
and the +24V DC input power connector (if option 49 is installed).
The example below shows one mounted 10MHz coax output signal module, and two unused slots. If
you want to use more modules, you must remove the sticker on the rear panel, carefully insert a new
module into the slot using the guide rails, and fasten with the included screws. It does not matter in
which position the modules are inserted.
The output modules could be for the same signal type, e.g. sine, or for different signal types,
distributed in parallel, e.g. sine AND pulse.
The output modules could be a mix of fiber or coax outputs

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Signal types
Sine
The Sine input channel is intended for narrowband reference frequency distribution. The signal path
is bandpass filtered to reject frequencies other than the desired.
The default sine frequency is 10 MHz, but FDA-301 could be modified to distribute other common
reference frequencies instead, from 200 kHz up to 40 MHz. Please contact Pendulum Instrument
about desired frequency, before ordering.
The input signal range is from 0.2 to 2Vrms, and the output signal level is 1Vrms nominal into 50
ohm.
Pulse
The Pulse input channel is intended for distribution of broadband timing reference or
synchronization pulses from 1 Hz to 20 MHz.
Example of timing reference pulse signals are 1-pps and IRIG (DCLS).
The input and output signal range is TTL-levels into 50 ohm
E1 clock and data
The E1 clock and data channel is intended for distribution of telecom synchronization signals. There
are two parallel input channels for distributing the unframed synchronization clock (2.048 MHz),
together with the framed data signal (2.048 Mbps).
The output module for E1 clock/data distribution is split between the clock and data signals. There
are either 2 clock + 2 data Coax outputs, or 3 clock + 3 data Fiber outputs.
The input signal shall fit the G.703 mask for both clock and data signals.
The output signal is ±1.2V nominal in 75 ohm according to G.703.
Time of Day
The Time of Day (ToD) channel is intended to distribute time code messages, e.g. in NMEA format, to
multiple users over RS-232.
The connectors are of Mini Din type, 6 pins Female. Unlike the other signal types, there is no long
range fiber distribution
Pin number of connector:
1: Reserved
2: Reserved
3: Electrical ground
4: NC
5: Electrical ground
6: Message input (level RS232C, ASCII message)

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Start and Usage
Power on
Connect the power supply to the instrument using the included power cord. Allow FDA-301 to warm-
up for some minutes. Wait to connect fiber or coax signal to the inputs until Input Status indicators
are red.
The unit should normally always be continuously powered. The only instance when power should be
disconnected is when adding or replacing output modules.
Input signals can be added, removed or changed without any power off.
Input source redundancy with auto-changeover
The FDA-301 can be configured for automatic change-over of the input source. Then the Master
reference shall be connected to the lower fiber port, and the Slave reference to the upper coax port.
As long as both inputs signals are valid, and the coax and fiber LED's are green at the same time, the
fiber input has priority and is used for distribution. The coax input signal path is internally blocked. If
the Master reference should fail, the Slave reference at the BNC-input automatically takes over.
If valid ToD signal levels are detected at both ToD input connectors, meaning both LEDs are Green,
then the lower input will be used and the signal path of the upper connector is internally blocked.
Power supply redundancy with auto-changeover
When the DC power supply option, Option 49, is installed and connected to +24V, the FDA-301 is set-
up for automatic change-over of the power source. Normally, the internal secondary power voltages
are generated from the AC supply, but in the case of a power line failure, the DC supply option
automatically takes over. When the power line is restored, then internal power via the AC supply is
resumed.

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Configuration examples
There are no parameters to be configured or set.
The FDA-301 can be used in many distribution situations. For example:
-Local Coax distribution (coax in – coax out) to up to 12 users (1 FDA-unit)
-Remote Coax distribution (coax in/fiber out – fiber in/coax out) to up to 216 users (multiple
FDA-units)
-Electrical to Optical conversion and splitting
-Optical to Electrical conversion and splitting
-ToD distribution to multiple users
Some typical examples of possible distribution configurations are listed below
A: Local distribution of a 10 MHz reference via coax to 12 local users
Each user receives 1x 10 MHz
3 coax (sine) output slots used in FDA-301
B: Local distribution of a 10 MHz & 1-pps via coax to 8 local users
4 users receives 1x 10 MHz sine and 1x 1-pps pulse
4 users receive 1x 10 MHz sine only
2 coax (sine) output slots used in FDA-301
1 coax (pulse) output slot used in FDA-301