Radyne ComStream SFC6400A User manual

SFC6400A/SFC1450A
Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
Installation and Operation Manual
TM106
Revision 1.1
Radyne ComStream Corp. •3138 E. Elwood St. •Phoenix, AZ 85034 •[phone] •Fax: [phone] •www.radn.com

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Warranty Policy
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 iii
Warranty Policy
Radyne ComStream Corporation (Seller) warrants the items manufactured and sold by Radyne
ComStream Corporation to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years
from date of shipment Radyne ComStream Corporation’s obligation under its warranty is limited in
accordance with the periods of time and all other conditions stated in all provisions of this warranty.
This warranty applies only to defects in material and workmanship in products manufactured by Radyne
ComStream Corporation. Radyne ComStream Corporation makes no warranty whatsoever concerning
products or accessories not of its manufacture. Repair, or at Radyne ComStream Corporation’s option,
replacement of the Radyne ComStream Corporation products or defective parts therein shall be the sole
and exclusive remedy for all valid warranty claims.
Warranty Period
The applicable warranty period shall commence on the date of shipment from Radyne ComStream
Corporation’sfacility to the original purchaser and extend for the stated period following the date of
shipment. Upon beginning of the applicable Radyne ComStream Corporation warranty period, all
customers’ remedies shall be governed by the terms stated or referenced in this warranty. In-warranty
repaired or replacement products or parts are warranted only for the remaining portion of the original
warranty period applicable to the repaired or replaced products or parts. Repair or replacement of
products or parts under warranty does not extend the original warranty period.
Warranty Coverage Limitations
The following are expressly not coveredunder warranty:
1. Any loss, damage and/or malfunction relating in any way to shipping, storage, accident, abuse,
alteration, misuse, neglect, failure to use products under normal operating conditions, failure to
use products according to any operating instructions provided by Radyne ComStream
Corporation, lack of routine care and maintenance as indicated in any operating maintenance
instructions, or failure to use or take any proper precautions under the circumstances.
2. Products, items, parts, accessories, subassemblies, or components which are expendable in
normal use or are of limited life, such as but not limited to, bulbs, fuses, lamps, glassware, etc.
Radyne ComStream Corporation reserves the right to revise the foregoing list of what is covered
under this warranty.
Warranty Replacement and Adjustment
Radyne ComStream Corporation will not make warranty adjustments for failures of products or parts,
which occur after the specified maximum adjustment period. Unless otherwise agreed, failure shall be
deemed to have occurred no more than seven (7) working days before the first date on which Radyne
ComStream Corporation receives a notice of failure. Under no circumstances shall any warranty exceed
the period stated above unless expressly agreed to in writing by Radyne ComStream Corporation.
Liability Limitations
This warranty is expressly in lieu of and excludes all other express and implied warranties, Including
but not limited to warranties of merchantability and of fitness for particular purpose, use, or
applications, and all other obligations or liabilities on the part of Radyne ComStream Corporation,
unless such other warranties, obligations, or liabilities are expressly agreed to in writing by Radyne
ComStream Corporation.

Warranty Policy SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
iv TM106 –Rev. 1.1
All obligations of Radyne ComStream Corporation under this warranty shall cease in the event its
products or parts thereof have been subjected to accident, abuse, alteration, misuse or neglect, or
which have not been operated and maintained in accordance with proper operating instructions.
In no event shall Radyne ComStream Corporation be liable for Incidental, consequential, special or
resulting loss or damage of any kind howsoever caused. Radyne ComStream Corporation’s liability
for damages shall not exceed the payment, if any, received by Radyne ComStream Corporation for
the unit or product or service furnished or to be furnished, as the case may be, which is the subject
of claim or dispute.
Statements made by any person, including representatives of Radyne ComStream Corporation,
which are inconsistent or in conflict with the terms of this warranty, shall not be binding upon
Radyne ComStream Corporation unless reduced to writing and approved by an officer of Radyne
ComStream Corporation.
Warranty Repair Return Procedure
Before a warranty repair can be accomplished, a Repair Authorization must be received. It is at this time
that Radyne ComStream Corporation will authorize the product or part to be returned to the Radyne
ComStream Corporation facility or if field repair will be accomplished. The Repair Authorization may be
requested in writing or by calling:
Radyne ComStream Corporation
3138 E. Elwood St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85034 (USA)
ATTN: Customer Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Any product returned to Radyne ComStream Corporation for examination must be sent prepaid via the
means of transportation indicated as acceptable to Radyne ComStream Corporation. Return
Authorization Number must be clearly marked on the shipping label. Returned products or parts should
be carefully packaged in the original container, if possible, and unless otherwise indicated, shipped to the
above address.
Non-Warranty Repair
When a product is returned for any reason, Customer and its shipping agency shall be responsible for all
damage resulting from improper packing and handling, and for loss in transit, not withstanding any defect
or nonconformity in the product. By returning a product, the owner grants Radyne ComStream
Corporation permission to open and disassemble the product as required for evaluation. In all cases,
Radyne ComStream Corporation has sole responsibility for determining the cause and nature of failure,
and Radyne ComStream Corporation’s determination with regard thereto shall be final.

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Preface
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 v
Preface
This manual provides installation and operation information for the Radyne ComStream Corporation
SFC6400A and SFC1450A Upconverters. This is a technical document intended for use by
engineers, technicians, and operators responsible for the operation and maintenance of the SFC
Upconverter.
Conventions
Whenever the information within this manual instructs the operator to press a pushbutton switch or
keypad key on the SFC Upconverter Front Panel, the pushbutton or key label will be shown
enclosed in "less than" (<) and "greater than" (>) brackets. For example, the Reset Alarms
Pushbutton will be shown as <RESET ALARMS>, while a command that calls for the entry of a ‘7’
followed by ‘ENTER’ Key will be represented as <7,ENTER>.
Cautions and Warnings
A caution icon indicates a hazardous situation that if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury. Caution may also be used to indicate other unsafe practices or risks of property damage.
A warning icon indicates a potentially hazardous situation that if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Trademarks
Product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.
Copyright
2003, Radyne ComStream Corporation. This manual is proprietary to Radyne ComStream
Corporation and is intended for the exclusive use of Radyne ComStream Corporation’s customers.
No part of this document may in whole or in part, be copied, reproduced, distributed, translated or
reduced to any electronic or magnetic storage medium without the express written consent of a
duly authorized officer of Radyne ComStream Corporation.

Preface SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
vi TM106 –Rev. 1.1
Disclaimer
This manual has been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy. All statements, technical information, and
recommendations contained herein and in any guides or related documents are believed reliable,
but the accuracy and completeness thereof are not guaranteed or warranted, and they are not
intended to be, nor should they be understood to be, representations or warranties concerning the
products described. Radyne ComStream Corporation assumes no responsibility for use of any
circuitry other than the circuitry employed in Radyne ComStream Corporation systems and
equipment. Furthermore, since Radyne ComStream Corporation is constantly improving its
products, reserves the right to make changes in the specifications of products, or in this manual at
any time without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes.
Record of Revisions
Revision
Level Date Reason for Change
1.0 4-7-03 Initial Release
1.1 6-26-03 Revised Sections 2 and 7 to comply with CE requirements.
Comments or Suggestions Concerning this Manual
Comments or suggestions regarding the content and design of this manual are appreciated. To
submit comments, please contact the Radyne ComStream Corporation Customer Service
Department.

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Table of Contents
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 vii
Table of Contents
Section 1 -Introduction
1.0 Description_______________________________________________________ 1-1
1.1 Protection Switch Versatility__________________________________________ 1-3
1.2 Chain Switching (Optional) __________________________________________ 1-3
Section 2 -Installation
2.0 Installation Requirements____________________________________________ 2-1
2.1 Unpacking________________________________________________________ 2-2
2.2 Removal and Assembly_____________________________________________ 2-2
2.3 Mounting Considerations ____________________________________________ 2-2
2.4 Initial Power-Up ___________________________________________________ 2-2
Section 3 -Operation
3.0 Theory of Operation________________________________________________ 3-1
3.1.1 Stand-Alone Operation ____________________________________________ 3-2
3.1.2 1:1 Switch______________________________________________________ 3-2
3.1.3 1:8 Switch______________________________________________________ 3-2
3.2 Optional Chain Switching Operation ___________________________________ 3-2
Section 4 –User Interfaces
4.0 User Interfaces____________________________________________________ 4-1
4.1 Front Panel User Interface___________________________________________ 4-1
4.1.1 Monitoring Ports _________________________________________________ 4-2
4.1.2 LCD Display ____________________________________________________ 4-2
4.1.3 Cursor Control Arrows ____________________________________________ 4-2
4.1.3 Front Panel Keypad_______________________________________________ 4-2
4.1.5 LED Indicators___________________________________________________ 4-3
4.2 Front Panel Control Screen Menus ____________________________________ 4-5
4.2.1 Main Menus _____________________________________________________ 4-5
4.2.2 Converter Menu Options and Parameters _____________________________ 4-5
4.2.3 Switch Menu Options and Parameters________________________________ 4-6

Table of Contents SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
viii TM106 –Rev. 1.1
4.2.4 Monitor Menu Options and Parameters _______________________________ 4-8
4.2.5 Alarms Menu Options and Parameters ______________________________ 4-10
4.2.6 System Menu Options and Parameters______________________________ 4-12
4.2.7 Test Menu Options and Parameters_________________________________ 4-16
4.3 Examples: Changing Parameters from the Front Panel___________________ 4-20
4.4 Remote Port User Interfaces________________________________________ 4-22
4.4.1 ASCII Serial Protocol_____________________________________________ 4-23
4.4.1.1 ASCII Command Structure ______________________________________ 4-23
4.4.2 RLLP Serial Protocol_____________________________________________ 4-23
4.4.2.1 RLLP Protocol Structure ________________________________________ 4-23
4.4.2.2 RLLP Protocol Wrapper_________________________________________ 4-24
4.4.2.3 Frame Description and Bus Handshaking___________________________ 4-25
4.4.2.4 Global Response Operational Codes ______________________________ 4-27
4.4.2.5 Collision Avoidance ____________________________________________ 4-28
4.4.2.6 Software Compatibility__________________________________________ 4-29
4.4.2.7 RLLP Summary_______________________________________________ 4-30
4.5 Terminal Port User Interface ________________________________________ 4-31
4.5.1 Terminal Main Menu _____________________________________________ 4-31
4.5.2 Terminal Converter Controls Menu__________________________________ 4-32
4.5.3 Terminal Switch Controls Menu ____________________________________ 4-32
4.5.4 Terminal Alarm Status & Masks Menu _______________________________ 4-33
4.5.5 Terminal Monitor Status Menu _____________________________________ 4-33
4.5.6 Terminal Test Controls Menu ______________________________________ 4-34
4.5.7 SNMP Controls Menu ____________________________________________ 4-34
4.5.8 Terminal Event Buffer Menu _______________________________________ 4-35
4.6 Ethernet Port User Interface ________________________________________ 4-36
4.6.1 Ethernet Port Configuration________________________________________ 4-36
4.6.1.1 Connecting the Terminal ________________________________________ 4-36
4.6.1.2 SNMP Option _________________________________________________ 4-37
4.6.2 Network Configuration____________________________________________ 4-37
4.6.2.1 Terminal Screens______________________________________________ 4-37
4.6.2.2 Logging on and Passwords ______________________________________ 4-37
4.6.2.3 Exiting SNMP Configuration______________________________________ 4-39
4.6.2.4 Logging On___________________________________________________ 4-39

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Table of Contents
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 ix
4.6.2.5 Changing the Logon Password ___________________________________ 4-39
4.6.2.6 Logging Off___________________________________________________ 4-39
4.6.2.7 Changing Your Authentication Password ___________________________ 4-40
4.6.2.8 Changing Your Privacy Password _________________________________ 4-40
4.6.2.9 Converter Ethernet Address _____________________________________ 4-40
4.6.2.10 Converter IP Address __________________________________________ 4-42
4.6.2.11 Server Ethernet Address________________________________________ 4-42
4.6.2.12 Server IP Address_____________________________________________ 4-42
4.6.2.13 Router IP Address_____________________________________________ 4-42
4.6.2.14 IP Address Mask _____________________________________________ 4-42
4.6.2.15 Boot Mode (Optional)__________________________________________ 4-43
4.6.2.16 Community__________________________________________________ 4-43
4.6.2.17 Trap Type and Trap Hosts______________________________________ 4-43
4.6.2.18 Trace Mode _________________________________________________ 4-43
4.6.2.19 SNMP V1 & 2 Access View _____________________________________ 4-43
4.6.2.20 Key Generation Mode__________________________________________ 4-43
4.6.2.21 Context Engine ID ____________________________________________ 4-45
4.6.3 Connecting the Ethernet Cable and Testing the Link____________________ 4-46
4.6.3.1 Ping Program_________________________________________________ 4-46
4.6.3.2 SNMP Test___________________________________________________ 4-47
4.6.4 Management Information Base Structure_____________________________ 4-47
4.6.4.1 Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) ______________________ 4-47
4.6.4.2 The Management Information Base (MIB)___________________________ 4-47
Section 5 –Rear Panel Interfaces
5.0 SFC Upconverter Connections _______________________________________ 5-1
5.1 Power___________________________________________________________ 5-1
5.2 10 MHz Ref In (J4) _________________________________________________ 5-1
5.3 10 MHz Ref Out (J3) _______________________________________________ 5-1
5.4 Test/Fault (J7) ____________________________________________________ 5-2
5.5 Operator Serial I/O (J8) _____________________________________________ 5-2
5.6 IF Out (J2) _______________________________________________________ 5-3
5.7 Terminal (J6) _____________________________________________________ 5-3
5.8 Ethernet (J9)______________________________________________________ 5-3

Table of Contents SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
xTM106 –Rev. 1.1
5.9 Equipment RS-485 (J10), Standard Backward Compatible Interface__________ 5-4
5.10 B/U Switch Interface (J5)___________________________________________ 5-5
5.11 RF In (J1) _______________________________________________________ 5-6
5.12 Monitor Ports ____________________________________________________ 5-6
5.12.1 IF Monitor Port__________________________________________________ 5-7
5.12.2 RF Monitor Port_________________________________________________ 5-7
5.13 Optional Chain Switching Module ____________________________________ 5-7
5.13.1 (J10) _________________________________________________________ 5-7
5.13.2 (J11) _________________________________________________________ 5-7
5.13.3 (J12 and J13)___________________________________________________ 5-7
5.13.4 (J14) _________________________________________________________ 5-7
5.13.5 (J16 and J17)___________________________________________________ 5-7
5.13.6 (J18) _________________________________________________________ 5-8
5.13.10 (J19) ________________________________________________________ 5-9
Section 6 -Maintenance and Troubleshooting
6.0 Periodic Maintenance_______________________________________________ 6-1
6.1 Failure Analysis ___________________________________________________ 6-1
6.2 DCE/DTE Operation (DIP Switch S3)__________________________________ 6-1
Section 7 -Technical Specifications
7.0 Introduction_______________________________________________________ 7-1
7.1 Output Characteristics______________________________________________ 7-1
7.2 Input Characteristics _______________________________________________ 7-1
7.3 Transfer Characteristics ____________________________________________ 7-1
7.4 Frequency Synthesizer Characteristics ________________________________ 7-3
7.5 Single Side Band Phase Noise _______________________________________ 7-3
7.6 Operator Interface _________________________________________________ 7-3
7.6.1 Converter Settings _______________________________________________ 7-3
7.6.2 Switch Settings __________________________________________________ 7-4
7.6.3 LED Indicators___________________________________________________ 7-4
7.7 Physical Characteristics ____________________________________________ 7-4
7.8 Environmental Characteristics________________________________________ 7-4

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Table of Contents
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 xi
Appendix A –Remote ASCII
A.0 Control Commands ________________________________________________A-1
A.1 Remote Help Menu (All)_____________________________________________A-2
A.2 Status Command (All)______________________________________________A-5
A.3 Data (All) ________________________________________________________A-8
A.4 Show Received Signal Strength Command (Upconverter Only)(S, P1:1, P1:8) A-10
A.5 Show Priority Command (B1: 8) _____________________________________A-10
A.6 Set Current Channel Frequency Command (S, P1:1, P1:8)________________A-11
A.7 Set Current Channel Gain Command (S, P1:1, P1:8) ____________________A-12
A.8 Set Channel Command (S, P1:1, P1:8) _______________________________A-12
A.9 Set Priority (B1: 8) ________________________________________________A-13
A.10 Store Current Channel Settings (S, P1: 1, P1: 8) _______________________ A-15
A.11 RF On/Off Command (Upconverter Only) (All)_________________________A-15
A.12 Change Input Attenuation Command (Upconverter Only)(S, P1: 1, P1: 8)____A-15
A.13 Clear Faults Command (All) _______________________________________A-17
A.14 Auto Mode Command (P1: 1, B1: 1, B1: 8)____________________________A-17
A.15 Manual Mode Command (P1: 1, B1: 1)_______________________________A-17
A.16 Manual Backup Command (B1: 8) __________________________________A-18
A.17 Set Stored Gain For a Specified Channel (S, P1: 1, P1: 8)________________A-18
A.18 Set Stored Frequency For a Specified Channel (S, P1: 1, P1: 8)___________A-18
A.19 Erase (All) _____________________________________________________A-18
A.20 Restart (All) ____________________________________________________A-19
A.21 Learn (B1: 1, B1: 8) ______________________________________________A-19
A.30 Read DAC Value by Index (All) _____________________________________A-21
A.31 Write DAC Value by Index (All) _____________________________________A-21
A.32 Get Gain Offset (Upconverter Only) _________________________________A-22
A.33 Set Gain Offset (Upconverter Only)__________________________________A-22
A.34 Dump Channel Table (All) _________________________________________A-22
A.35 Dump Calibration Table Set (All)____________________________________A-23
A.36 Get Current DAC Value (All) _______________________________________A-23
A.37 Get DAC Value for Frequency and Gain (All)___________________________A-23
A.37 Error Messages _________________________________________________A-24

Table of Contents SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
xii TM106 –Rev. 1.1
Appendix B –Remote RLLP
B.1 Converter Opcode Command Set ____________________________________B-1
B.2 Converter Queries_________________________________________________B-2
B.3 Switch Queries ___________________________________________________B-6
B.4 Converter Commands______________________________________________B-8
B.5 Switch Commands ________________________________________________B-9
Appendix C –SNMP MIB
Glossary

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Introduction
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 1-1
Section 1 -Introduction
1.0 Description
This manual discusses the Radyne ComStream Corporation SFC Synthesized Frequency
Upconverter family of products (Figure 1-1). These include the SFC6400A C-Band, and the
SFC1450A Ku-Band Synthesized Frequency Upconverters. They are high quality, rack mounted
satellite Upconverters that are intended for use in medium-to-large earth station installations where
multiple carrier uplinks need to be established. The SFC Upconverters are ready to be configured
into a variety of backup switch configurations, which include 1:1, and 1:N (to a maximum of N = 8)
configurations.
Figure 1-1. SFC Upconverter Front Panel
The SFC6400A Upconverter is a C-Band, 125 kHz resolution synthesized satellite upconverter
capable of converting either a 36 MHz bandwidth, 70 MHz IF input or optionally a 72 MHz
bandwidth, 140 MHz input to a C-Band uplink in the range of 5845 -6425 MHz (5845 -6650 MHz
extended band).
The SFC1450A Upconverter is a Ku-Band 125 kHz resolution synthesized satellite Upconverter
capable of converting either a 36 MHz bandwidth, 70 MHz IF input or optionally a 72 MHz
bandwidth, 140 MHz input to a Ku-Band uplink in the range of 14.00 -14.50 GHz (13.75 -14.50
GHz extended band).
All of the configuration, monitor, and control functions are available at the front panel. Operating
parameters such as frequency, channel, gain, gain offset, and switch settings (backup only) can be
readily set and changed at the front panel. Additionally, all functions can be accessed with a
terminal or personal computer via a serial link (RS-232, RS-485, or Ethernet) for complete remote
monitoring and control (M&C) capability. Extensive fault monitoring with masking capability, along
with time and date stamped event storage is available.
The units monitor local oscillator (LO) phase-locked loop faults in the converter at all times during
operation. If a fault is detected, the converter immediately goes into the Standby Mode. If multiple
converters are configured to provide backup protection switching, a summary fault will signal the
backup, which will put itself online and restore the failed circuit.
The RF Hardware consists of a broadband synthesizer, a fixed frequency phase locked oscillator,
and the first and second converter modules. The broadband synthesizer provides the synthesized
local oscillator for the conversion from L-Band to RF output. The LO that tunes from 4.6625 -
5.2425 GHz or 4.480 –5.285 GHz (SFC6400A), or from 11.98 –12.73 GHz (SFC1450A) performs
this conversion. The second mixer converts the 70 or 140 MHz IF input to L-Band. A fixed
frequency First IFLO performs this frequency conversion.
A 20 dB gain control attenuator at the RF output controls the power out of the converter. This
attenuator is capable of 0.1 dB resolution through a software linear interpolation of 1 dB calibration
values.

Introduction SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
1-2TM106 –Rev. 1.1

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Introduction
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 1-3
The internal IF is converted by the Second Mixer LO to 70 or 140 MHz. The 70/140 MHz IF chain
also performs filtering and phase equalization via an all-pass network. The gain calibration process
also provides gain slope across all bands to be within the specified ± 0.75 dB. Additional gain
compensation due to changes in ambient temperature provide for high gain stability over various
operating conditions.
The SFC Upconverters have been designed to provide performance that meets or exceeds all
industry standards in effect today for satellite communications earth station frequency converter
equipment found worldwide. In addition to providing robust performance, the SFC Upconverters are
loaded with features that will provide ease of integration and operation.
1.1 Protection Switch Versatility
Radyne ComStream Corporation SFC family of Converter Products feature ‘plug-and-play’ ease of
installation with the RCU101 1:1 or the RCU108 1:8 Redundancy Control Units. All converters can
be plugged into the backup slot and assume the role of protection switch controller. The backup
converter learns and stores the frequency, gain and channel settings of the primary converters. The
backup converter can be operated automatically, in which case an automatic backup of a faulted,
online Converter occurs after a user-programmed delay. The Backup may also be operated
manually, allowing the user to manually switch in the Backup Unit. The Front Panel controls and
indicators provide for automatic/manual configuration, as well as display of online/offline status
information. In the event the stored settings of the Primary Converter are changed, the backup
converter will notify the user.
All circuits are protected upon installation of the switch and completion of the learning process.
This eliminates the need for complicated software configurations that might otherwise leave a circuit
vulnerable. Likewise, replacing a failed converter is as simple as plugging in a replacement.
1.2 Chain Switching (Optional)
Chain Switching is available as an option for the SFC6400A and SFC1450A Upconverters. This unit
can be delivered with the optional Chain Switching Module in place, or may be purchased
separately and installed by the customer (no tools are required). When equipped with this module,
in the event of a unit failure (in a 1:1 or 1:N Configuration where N is less than or equal to 8), the
Upconverters themselves perform the switching. This eliminates the need for a separate converter
protection switch such as the Radyne ComStream Corporation RCU101 or RCU108.

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized FrequencyUpconverter Installation
TM106-Rev. 1.1 2-1
Section 2 -Installation
2.0 Installation Requirements
SFC Upconverters are designed to be installed within any standard 19 inch equipment cabinet or
rack, and requires 1 Rack Unit (RU) mounting space (1.75 inches, 4.44 cm) vertically and 19 inches
(48.26 cm) of depth. Including cabling, a minimum of 20 inches (50.8cm) of rack depth is required.
The rear panel is designed to have power enter from the left and cabling enter from the center and
right when viewed from the rear of the unit. Data and control cabling can enter from either side. The
unit can be placed on a table or suitable stable surface if required.
Before initially applying power to the unit, it is a good idea to disconnect
the transmit output from the operating station equipment. This is
especially true if the current SFC Upconverter configuration settings are
unknown, where incorrect setting could disrupt existing communications
traffic.
There are no user-serviceable parts or configuration settings located inside
the SFC Upconverter Chassis. There is a potential shock hazard internally
at the power supply module. DO NOT open the SFC Chassis under any
circumstances.
The SFC Upconverter contains a Lithium Battery. DANGER OF EXPLOSION
exists if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries in accordance with local and national regulations.

Installation SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
2-2TM106-Rev. 1.1
2.1 Unpacking
The SFC Upconverter was carefully packaged to avoid damage and should arrive complete with the
following items for proper installation:
SFC Upconverter Unit
Power Cord, 6 foot with applicable AC Connector (for North America)
Installation and Operation Manual
2.2 Removal and Assembly
SFC Upconverters are shipped fully assembled and do not require removal of the covers for any
purpose in installation.
Carefully unpack the unit and ensure that all of the above items are in the carton. If available AC
mains power available at the installation site requires a different cordset form the one included in the
package, then a suitable and approved cordset (for the country where the equipment is to be
installed) will be required before proceeding with the installation.
Should the Power Cable/AC Connector be of the wrong type for the installation, either the cable or
the power connector end should be replaced. The power supply itself is designed for universal AC
application. See specifications for the appropriate voltages and currents.
2.3 Mounting Considerations
When mounted in an equipment rack, adequate ventilation must be provided. The ambient
temperature in the rack should be between 10°C and 35°C, and held constant for best equipment
operation. The air available to the rack should be clean and relatively dry.
2.4 Initial Power-Up
Turn the unit ‘ON’ by placing the rear panel switch (above the power entry connector) to the ‘ON’
position. Upon initial and subsequent power-ups, the SFC Upconverter will test itself and several of
its components before beginning its main Monitor & Control Program. The Event Buffer LED will
illuminate and the unit will log setup events upon power-up. This allows the user to tell if there was
an accidental power failure or if the power was manually cycled for any reason while the unit was
left unattended. These events can be cleared after setup. If any failure is detected, an Alarm LED
will illuminate.

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Operation
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 3-1
Section 3 -Operation
3.0 Theory of Operation
The SFC Upconverters have been designed to minimize the amount of hardware in the system while
maximizing performance. Spurious performance in the Upconverter is critical and in particular, LO
related spurious In-Band is nonexistent.
The SFC Upconverters are double conversion microwave Upconverters. The basic block diagram is
shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. SFC Upconverter Block Diagram

Operation SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
3-2TM106 –Rev. 1.1
3.1 Converter Configuration
There are three basic operating configurations of the SFC Upconverters: Stand-Alone, 1:1 Switch,
and 1:8 Switch.
The Upconverter automatically detects the equipment to which it is connected and adjusts its
operation accordingly. Some user Menus, most notably the Switch Menu, are only available if the
Upconverter is connected as the Backup in a Redundancy Switch System.
Note: The Switch Systems may be referred to as either a Redundancy Switch, a Protection
Switch, or simply a Switch. In addition, in all switch configurations, the Backup Unit acts as
the master (it controls all switch operations).
3.1.1 Stand-Alone Operation
If J5 on the Back Panel of the SFC Upconverter (B.U. SWITCH INTERFACE) is not connected to a
Switch, the unit will automatically configure itself for Stand-Alone Operation. The user can set up
all configurable parameters using one of the four different Interfaces described in Section 4.
3.1.2 1:1 Switch
In the case of a 1:1 Switch System, the Upconverter detects to which connector on the Switch it is
connected (INTERFACE BACKUP or INTERFACE PRIMARY).
Note: The Primary is also sometimes referred to as the Prime.
If the Converter is connected as the Backup, then all the Switch controls are available to the user on
that unit.
Figure 3-2 illustrates a typical interconnection of a SFC Upconverter with an RCU101 1:1 Protection
Switch.
3.1.3 1:8 Switch
In a 1:8 Switch, the Converter detects whether it is connected as PRIMARY1 through PRIMARY8,
or as the BACKUP. The RCU108 is flexible in that it can be set up with anywhere from 1 through 8
Primary SFC Upconverters. However, there is only one Backup. Thus, only one Prime can be
backed up at one time.
Figure 3-3 illustrates a typical interconnection of a SFC Upconverter with an RCU108 1:8 Protection
Switch. The configuration shown is a 1:2 Switch.
3.2 OptionalChain Switching Operation
For Chain Switching, each converter in a 1:N configuration (where N is less than or equal to 8) will
contain an optional Chain Switching Module. During set up, one of the converters will be considered
the backup. This is usually the converter at the bottom of the rack. Once the system is set up and
properly wired, each converter then has an ID Address and can be programmed from the Front
Panel to set the priority level of each converter in the rack. If no priority is set from the Front Panel
then the priority will default to level one with the converter closest to the back up having the highest
priority and priorities incrementally decreased the further from the back up.

SFC6400A/SFC1450A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter Operation
TM106 –Rev. 1.1 3-3
Figure 3-2. RCU101 Typical Interconnection with SFC Upconverters
After all of the converters have been programmed, the back up converter is then set into a “Learn
Mode.” The backup poles each converter on a continuous basis and learns and stores the settings
of each converter. Because the switch modules are on a common protection bus, each converter
knows the address (position in the rack), and the fault status of all of the converters in the rack. In
the event of multiple failures, the highest priority converter that fails is backed up first.
The chain switch provides the primary through path between the converter RF output and the output
of the switch module without being powered. It is provided with redundant power from all converters
connected in the chain. In the event that a Upconverter needs to be replaced, the Chain Switching
Module can be removed from the back of the converter and left in place without breaking the
interconnections to adjacent converters in the chain.