Plura RUB VM User manual

Functional Description and Specifications
Version: 3.1
June 19, 2020
RUB VM
Continuous Wave Distribution Amplifier
Supplement to the “Installation & Systems Manual RUBIDIUM SERIES”

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 3
CONTENTS
A1 REVISION HISTORY
A2 COPYRIGHT
A3 GENERAL REMARKS
1MODULE VM 6
1.1 DESCRIPTION 6
1.2 REAR PANEL AND CONNECTIONS 7
1.3 SPECIFICATIONS 8
1.4 TYPICAL APPLICATION DIAGRAMS 9
1.4.1 Example of a 10 MHz Distribution System, 12 Outputs 9
1.4.2 Example of a Redundant 10 MHz Distribution System, 17 Outputs 9
1.5 SOFTWARE UPDATE 10
2OPERATING DESCRIPTION 11
2.1 FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW 11
2.2 MONITORING AND STATUS INFORMATION 12
2.3 SIGNAL CHANGEOVER 14
2.4 ERRORS AND ALARMS 15
3STATUS MONITOR 18
3.1 STATUS MONITOR BY THE IE MODULE 18
3.2 STATUS MONITOR BY A PC PROGRAM 19
3.3 SYSTEM STATUS 20
3.4 STATUS OF FAN AND POWER SUPPLIES 22
4THE RUBIDIUM CONFIGURATION TOOLS 23
4.1 THE RUBIDIUM CONFIGURATION PC PROGRAM 23
4.2 THE RUBIDIUM SERIES HTTP SERVER 24
4.3 “FUNCTIONS“ 25
4.4 “KEYS“: KEYS, LAMPS AND LEDS 26
4.5 “DISTRIBUTION“: SET-UP THE CHANGEOVER AND ALARM
CHARACTERISTICS 28
4.6 “SYSTEM“: IDENTIFICATION, RESET, SNMP, FAN CONTROL 30

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 4
A1 Revision History
No.
Date
Subject
0.n
Preliminary documents, changes without notice.
1.0
November 11, 2005
First released document.
1.1
January 16, 2006
Revised.
2.0
December 07, 2006
Revised.
3.0
May 31, 2011
Completely revised.
3.1
September 4, 2019
Changed address of Plura Europe GmbH.
A2 Copyright
Copyright © Plura Europe GmbH 2002-2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, translated into another language, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise without the prior written consent of Plura Europe GmbH.
Printed in Germany.
Technical changes are reserved.
All brand and product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Information in this publication replaces all previously published information. Plura Europe
GmbH assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
For further information please contact your local dealer or:
Plura Europe GmbH
Binger Weg 12
D- 55437 Ockenheim
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.plurainc.com

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 5
A3 General Remarks
This manual is a supplement to the “Installation & Systems Manual RUBIDIUM SERIES”. Please
read the below listed chapters of the “Installation & Systems Manual RUBIDIUM SERIES”, as
these chapters are necessary for the safe and proper use of the Rubidium module “VM”.
•A3 Warranty,
•A4 Unpacking/Shipping/Repackaging Information,
•A5 Safety Instructions,
•A6 Certifications & Compliances,
•Plug-In a Module,
•Remove a Module.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 6
1 Module VM
1.1 Description
This module distributes and amplifies one continuous wave input (10 MHz) to six outputs. A
seventh spare output stage together with a change-over relay at each of the six outputs
enables completely redundant output signals. Each output stage is monitored for signal
failures. Alarm outputs are available as SNMP traps, GPI OUT, LEDs and lamps.
A PC or the RUB IE module is required for the configuration of this module.
The front panel label VM visibly identifies where each module is located. The serial number is
located on the bottom side of the lower circuit board of each module.
The standard hardware of this module has all of the following key features:
•“Hot Swapping“, i.e. it is possible to insert or remove a module without interrupting the
operation of other modules in this frame.
•Failure relay, connected to the FAIL_A and FAIL_B pins of the RLC connector at the rear of
the frame.
•RS232 and TC_link (RLC connector) interfaces to have access to the internal bus of the
chassis.
•Four programmable function keys, lamps and LEDs on the front panel (RUB1 version only).
•Flash memory containing the firmware, so configuration and updates are possible via a
PC connection. You can download the latest version of the program from:
https://www.plurainc.com.
•One continuous wave input.
•Six independent continuous wave outputs plus one spare output, individually monitored.
•Changeover relays enable completely redundant output signals.
•Alarm outputs indicating failures and warnings: Lamps and LEDs (RUB1 version only), GPI
OUTs and SNMP traps.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 7
1.2 Rear Panel and Connections
SIGIN
INPUT
OUT 2 OUT 6
OUT 4
OUT 1 OUT 5
OUT 3
GPI OUT
8 . . . . . 1
1 . . . . . 8
Pin assignments
INPUT
BNC
OUT 1 … OUT 6
BNC
GPI OUT
RJ45 jack
1: GND 8: GPI_4
2: GPI_1 3: GPI_5
6: GPI_2 4: GPI_6
5: GPI_3 7: GPI_7
SIG IN
RJ45 jack
3: GND
6: INPUT
All other: Not connected
Signal descriptions
GND
Signal ground.
INPUT
Continuous wave frequency input.
OUT 1 … OUT 6
Continuous wave frequency outputs.
GPI_1 … GPI_7
Output signals indicating failures.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 8
1.3 Specifications
INPUT
Connector
BNC (IEC169-8), 75 
DC range
5 V
Input impedance
75 Ω
Signal specifications
Frequency range: 10 MHz 5 %,
Amplitude range: 0.2 –2.5 Vpp signal input at 75 Ω
OUTPUT
Connector
BNC (IEC169-8), 75 
Output impedance
75 
Gain
1 ± 1 %
GPI_1 –GPI_7
Output specification
Open Collector output of an NPN Darlington transistor.
Max. power dissipation: 200 mW.
“High” state: external pull-up needed to a positive power source of
less than or equal to 30 VDC, typically 1 kΩwhen connected to an
external +5 VDC power source.
“Low“ state: output switched to GND. Maximum collector current =
200 mA DC, not fused.
Collector-emitter saturation voltage: @100 mA: typ. 0.9 V (1.1 V).
Others
Operating voltage
12 - 30 VDC
Power consumption
max. 1.5 W (GPI_1 –GPI_7 unconnected)
Weight
0.5 kg approx.
Dimensions
Standard circuit board (W x D): 100 x 160 mm/3.94 x 6.30 inch
Rear panel: Rub H1: 103 x 44 mm / 4.06 x 1.73 inch
Rub H3: 8HP, 3RU
Environmental charac-
teristics, operating
Temperature: 5 °C to 40 °C
Relative humidity: 30 % to 85 %, non-condensing
Environmental charac-
teristics, non-operating
Temperature: -10 °C to +60 °C
Relative humidity: 5 % to 95 %, non-condensing

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 9
1.4 Typical Application Diagrams
1.4.1 Example of a 10 MHz Distribution System, 12 Outputs
1
RLC
PC
PS
1
10MHz OUT GPI ABATT IN
REF OUT
ANTENNA PC/ GPI B
GNS
10MHz
VM
Antenna
10 MHz Cont Wave
~
SIGIN
INPUT
OUT 2 OUT 6
OUT 4
OUT 1 OUT 5
OUT 3
GPI OUT
8 . . . . . 1
1 . . . . . 8
VM
SIGIN
INPUT
OUT 2 OUT 6
OUT 4
OUT 1 OUT 5
OUT 3
GPI OUT
8 . . . . . 1
1 . . . . . 8
Primary Circuit
1.4.2 Example of a Redundant 10 MHz Distribution System, 17 Outputs
1
RLC
PC
1
RLC
PC
PS
1
10MHz OUT GPI A
BATT IN
REF OUT
ANTENNA PC/ GPI B
GNS
10MHz
PS
10MHZ IN 1 10MHZ IN 2
10MHZ OUT
SR
REF OUT REF IN 1
GPI OUT REF IN 2
Antenna
Primary Circuit 2
~
Primary Circuit 1
~
1
10MHz OUT GPI ABATT IN
REF OUT
ANTENNA PC/ GPI B
GNS
10MHz
Antenna
10 MHz Cont Wave
VM
10 MHz Cont Wave
SIGIN
INPUT
OUT 2 OUT 6
OUT 4
OUT 1 OUT 5
OUT 3
GPI OUT
8 . . . . . 1
1 . . . . . 8
VM
SIGIN
INPUT
OUT 2 OUT 6
OUT 4
OUT 1 OUT 5
OUT 3
GPI OUT
8 . . . . . 1
1 . . . . . 8
VM
SIGIN
INPUT
OUT 2 OUT 6
OUT 4
OUT 1 OUT 5
OUT 3
GPI OUT
8 . . . . . 1
1 . . . . . 8

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 10
1.5 Software Update
Software updates require a (windows operating system) computer and the “RUBIDIUM
CONFIGURATION“ program. You can download the latest version of the program from:
https://www.plurainc.com.
Please check the PC connector at your RUBIDIUM housing: There is an USB or RS232 (with a
DSUB9 connector) interface installed. You now need the same interface at your computer.
The new firmware should already be stored as a .tcf file at your computer.
Please now execute the following steps:
1. Connect your computer to the PC connector of that RUBIDIUM frame where the module
has been plugged.
In case of an RS232 interface: Use a straight (1:1) connection between the PC connector
at the RUBIDIUM frame and the RS232 of the computer.
In case of an USB interface: Use a USB A-B cable between your computer and the
RUBIDIUM frame.
Switch on the power of all units.
2. Execute “Rubidium Config.exe” on your computer. Select the “Port” according to the
interface (USB, RS232) you are using.
3. Select the module (unit 1, 2, 3 ...).
4. Select “Flash Update“ in the File menu.
5. Open the .tcf-file. Standard name: “Rubidium VM version.tcf“.
“version” stands for a revision no., e.g. 2.11.12.
Click the OK button, update starts. Click the OK button at the end.
6. Update is finished now. We recommend checking module’s configuration utilizing the
“RUBIDIUM CONFIGURATION“ program.
During the flash update the operation of the module stops!
The changeover relays will switch to their default position, the spare output functionality will
not be available during the flash update.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 11
2 Operating Description
2.1 Functional Overview
The basic functions are:
•Continuous wave distribution: One input to six outputs.
•Input and output monitoring.
INPUT
SPARE OUT
Monitoring
OUT 1
OUT 2
OUT 3
OUT 4
OUT 5
OUT 6
Changeover
Changeover
Changeover
Changeover
Changeover
Changeover
The monitoring part outputs the following status:
•Input signal status.
•Status of each output channel.
•State of all changeover relays.
•Error counters and error indications.
•Event monitor.
•Alarm signals.
PC programs are available for free: Configuration of the module = RubidiumConfig.exe,
status monitor = RubStatSE.exe.
The RUBIDIUM SERIES HTTP server, located in the Rub IE module, enables the configuration
of the module and offers a status monitor as well.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 12
2.2 Monitoring and Status Information
This module monitors the signals at the seven output stages with respect to frequency and
minimum amplitude (see chapter “Specifications” as well).
An error detected at the spare output could be considered as an error of the signal input.
There is a changeover relay at each of the six outputs. If an error is detected at an output
stage, the spare signal can be switched to the corresponding output.
The Status Monitor gives you all the relevant information.
Signal status if no input signal is connected:
Signal status if the input signal fails:
Signal status if one output stage fails:

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 13
Signal status during normal operation:
status: Informs about the current status of each output stage: ‘ok’ or ‘fail’.
•‘fail’ at spare output stage: Signal failure for one second or more.
•‘fail’ at channel 1 to channel 6 output stage: Signal failure for two seconds or
more.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 14
2.3 Signal Changeover
With the default set-up (“Factory Settings”), the changeover relays operate in the automatic
mode. After the power has turned on all the relays have their contacts open.
Utilizing the Distribution function with one of the configuration tools, you can switch between
automatic and manual changeover. In the manual mode you can open or close the contacts
at will. Regardless of automatic or manual mode not more than one changeover each second
will be allowed. Each relay can individually be set into one of the following modes:
Changeover Relay Auto
Open
Close
Auto
•After the power has turned on the monitor accepts a three minutes warm-up period of the
signal source. If no input signal can be detected during this time, an error will be
indicated but no alarm will be raised. After this period or after once a signal has been
detected the monitoring and changeover procedure starts.
Display at status monitor: “input signal status OK/failure“
“input signal received yes/no“
•An error at the spare output stage will not affect the changeover relays.
•The changeover relay will open its contacts if no error can be detected at both the spare
output and the corresponding channel output stages.
•The changeover relay will close its contacts if the spare output stage has no fault, but the
corresponding channel output fails, provided that the maximum number of simultaneous
changeover switching has not been reached.
Max. Simultaneous Changeover Switching: If several output stages have a failure and
the corresponding changeover relays close their contacts, the spare output stage will drive
all these output channels. This set-up restricts the simultaneous changeover switching to a
maximum value (1to 6).
Display at status monitor: “number of activated changeover relays 0 –6“
Manual modes: Open or Close
•The automatic mode is switched off.
•The relay is forced to open or close its contacts regardless of any signal status and
regardless of the maximum number of simultaneous changeover switching.
The status monitor informs about the last changeover
Please refer to chapter “System Status“ for details.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 15
2.4 Errors and Alarms
Overview
Each output stage has its own status, error counter, alarm counter, GPI output, and SNMP trap
functionality. GPI_1 to GPI_6 are assigned to output stages 1 to 6, GPI_7 is assigned to the
spare output (or input). An SNMP trap which belongs to a certain output stage contains the
corresponding number.
The GPI outputs and SNMP traps can individually be enabled or disabled by configuration.
Additionally, there are two overall counters: “total number of errors” and “total number of
alarms”. Any count value > 0 will be indicated by an LED or lamp at the module and/or by an
SNMP trap.
Errors
Any error detected on a signal always leads to the following error indications:
At the status monitor
•The “total number of errors” counter shows the sum of all individual errors. A count value
of > 0 indicates that at least one error has been detected. Maximum value = 65,535.
•Each output stage has its individual error counter. Maximum value = 65,535.
•Each output stage has its individual status showing ‘fail’ in case of an error.
RUB1 modules, i.e. modules plugged to an H1, D1, Q1, S1, or T1 chassis
•The LED in the “Error“ function lights up as long as the “total number of errors” counter
has a count value > 0.
Depending on configuration an SNMP trap can be sent: An individual Signal Failure trap
and/or a System Error trap. Please notice section SNMP Traps below.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 16
Alarms
Each output stage has its individual alarm counter and GPI output. Any error will become an
alarm if the corresponding GPI is enabled. Each GPI can individually be enabled or disabled
by configuration.
If GPI is enabled, an error will lead to the following alarms:
At the status monitor
•The “total number of alarms” counter shows the sum of all individual alarms. A count
value of > 0 indicates that at least one alarm has been raised. Maximum value =
65,535.
•Each output stage has its individual alarm counter. Maximum value = 65,535.
•GPI output: The corresponding GPI becomes active.
RUB1 modules, i.e. modules plugged to an H1, D1, Q1, S1, or T1 chassis
•The lamp/key in the “Fail/Counter Clear “ function lights up as long as the “total number
of alarms” counter has a count value > 0.
Depending on configuration an SNMP trap can be sent: System Failure. Please notice section
SNMP Traps below.
SNMP Traps
SNMP functionality for a RUBIDIUM system requires the installation of the RUB IE module with
option S(SNMP).
Utilizing one of the configuration tools, SNMP traps can be enabled and disabled at the
System page (please refer to chapter “’System’: Identification, Reset, SNMP, Fan Control”).
The “Any Trap” checkbox in general controls the SNMP traps functionality. Furthermore, there
are checkboxes corresponding to the different types of traps.
Recommended configuration: Check the “Any Trap” and “System Failure” checkboxes.
The Changeover and Signal Failure traps belong to a certain output stage. These traps contain
the corresponding number. Utilizing one of the configuration tools, these traps can be
disabled individually be checking the corresponding “disable” checkbox at the Distribution
page.
Changeover Check the “Changeover“ checkbox
This trap indicates any automatic or manual switching of a relay. This trap includes the
number of the output channel and the kind of switching. Each channel can have this trap
feature disabled.
System Error Check the “System Error“ checkbox
Active, as long as the “total number of errors” counter has a count value > 0.
This trap feature becomes active in any event of an error. This trap will be repeated in
an 8 hours interval as long as the alarm condition is present.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 17
System Failure Check the “System Failure“ checkbox
Active, as long as the “total number of alarms” counter has a count value > 0.
This trap feature becomes active in any event of those errors which simultaneously raise
a GPI alarm, i.e. the “disable“ checkbox is not checked. This trap will be repeated in an
8 hours interval as long as the alarm condition is present.
Signal Failure Check the “Signal Failure“ checkbox
This trap indicates an error at one of the output stages (1 to 7). This trap includes the
number of the output channel. Each channel can have this trap feature disabled. This
trap will be repeated in an 8 hours interval as long as the alarm condition is present.
Error and Alarm Reset
The following error indications are self resettable (reset, if no errors are present):
•The individual status bits at the status monitor.
•GPI outputs.
•The Signal Failure SNMP traps.
The following error indications remain as long as the overall counters have count values > 0:
”total number of errors“ > 0
“total number of failures“ > 0
•LED with Error function.
•SNMP trap System Error.
•Lamp with Fail function.
•SNMP trap System Failure.
A reset of these counters and –at the same time –a reset of all individual error counters can
be done by:
Keystroke
RUB1 modules, i.e. modules plugged to a H1, D1, S1, or T1 chassis, offer four
programmable keys. The following functions are provided for a reset:
Function
Description
Recommended
Key
Counter Clear
Resets all error counters to zero.
F1: FAIL
Reset
Complete reset of error counters and status.
F2: RESET
Configuration
Utilizing one of the configuration tools, a complete reset of error counters and status can
be done clicking the “Error Reset“ button at the Distribution page.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 18
3 Status Monitor
3.1 Status Monitor by the IE Module
The RUBIDIUM SERIES HTTP server, located in the RUB IE module, offers a status monitor.
Please refer to the “Functional Descriptions and Specifications IE” manual for a detailed
description of how to access the RUBIDIUM SERIES system and how to open the RUBIDIUM
homepage.
•Click on VM on the left.
•Click on the button Status Monitor to open the “VM” status monitor.
Requirements:
•Please have Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0 or higher installed (for example download
at www.java.com).
•Java should be installed as a browser plug-in (a Windows installation will do this
automatically if you download Java from the source mentioned above).
•The Status Monitor works with all operating systems which support Java.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 19
3.2 Status Monitor by a PC Program
The PC program RubStatSE.exe uses the PC interface (RS232 or USB) of the RUBIDIUM
housing. This program is part of the “Rubidium Series, config software” packet you can
download at:
https://www.plurainc.com.
Execute this program, select the COM port or USB connection and press the scan button to
get a list of the modules plugged to this housing. Select the module and press the connect
button.
Requirements:
•Please have Java Runtime Environment 1.6.0 or higher installed (for example download
at www.java.com).
•For a Windows operating system: Please follow the description of
RubStatSE_Readme.txt.
•For a Linux operating system: Available on request.

Functional Description and Specifications RUB VM
Page 20
3.3 System Status
This module monitors the signals at the seven output stages with respect to frequency and
minimum amplitude.
The status monitor informs about the state of each output stage and about the state of the
whole system.