RF Central microLite Transmitter User manual

MICRO L ITE T RANSMITTER
HD/SD COFDM Transmitter
User Manual
IMT PUBLICATION: M22-MLT-1M1, REV 1.2

microLite Transmitter User Manual
Revision 1.2 2
Revision History
Date Revision Modified By Description
05/16/2011 –
06/13/2011 0.0D DLA(MH) Initial release to approvers
06/20/2011 0.1D DLA / MH Ongoing updates and clarifications (WIP)
08/17/2011 0.2D MH Added regulatory text (FCC and IC)
10/12/ 2011 0.3D (BETA) MH Updated to new form factor
11/15/2011 0.4D DLA Updated LED indicator descriptions, 21MLT
01/25/2012 –
02/03/2012 .5D SMV Updated Specifications, formatting, outline drawings, physical description. Added new models released. Added Appendix A.
02/05/12 1.0 SMV Initial Release
09/15/12 1.1 SMV Added new Frequency Ranges
02/25/2013 1.2 JW Added 2.4GHz band in FCC , IC Statements and RP-SMA
note;
MICROLITE TRANSMITTER
User Manual
IMT Publication: M22-MLT-1M1 Rev 1.2
IMT, LLC.
200 International Drive
Mt. Olive, NJ, 07828, USA.
T [phone] F [phone]
www.imt-solutions.com
We make every effort to ensure our documentation is as accurate and as complete as possible. In the event that you find any errors or
omissions, please contact Customer Tech Support at [phone], or via email at se[email protected].
© Copyrighted 2011 - IMT, LLC - Mount Olive, New Jersey 07828

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This product has been approved by the following regulatory bodies at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz:
FCC (USA)
IC (Canada)
CE (EU)
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK. DO NOT REMOVE
COVERS.
................................................................Do not
remove any covers
................................................................Refer
servicing to qualified technicians only
................................................................Disconnect
all power before servicing
................................................................Read and
perform all instructions carefully
................................................................Failure to
follow suggested instructions and guidelines may void
all warranties
PRUDENCE!
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE. NE
SUPPRIMEZ PAS LES COUVERTURES.
...............................................................
N
e supprimez pas les couvertures
...............................................................
V
oir entretien à qualifiés Techniciens
seulement.
...............................................................
D
éconnectez tous les pouvoir avant
l'entretien.
...............................................................
L
ecture et effectuer toutes les instructions
attentivement.

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FCC CAUTION/ PRUDENCE DE FAC
Any change or modification not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
this device.
This device requires professional installation.
For operation within 2.4 – 2.4835 and 5.725 - 5.850 GHz frequency ranges, the maximum EIRP must be less than 36 dBm.
The qualified antenna types to be used with this device include:
Low Gain Collinear Omni Antenna (4.5dBi or 6 dBi)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
In order to maintain compliance with the FCC RF exposure guidelines, this device should be installed and operated with a
minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator, and the body of the operator and/or nearby persons.
Tout changement ou modification non approuvé par la partie responsable de la conformité pouvait annuler l'autorisation de
l'utilisateur pour l'exploitation de ce dispositif.
Ce dispositif nécessite l'installation professionnelle.
Pour l'opération au sein de la gamme de fréquences de 2.4 – 2.4835 and 5.725-5.850 GHz, la pire maximale doit être
inférieure à 36 dBm. Les types d'antenne qualifiés pour être utilisé avec ce dispositif, citons :
Antenne Omni colinéaires faible Gain colinéaires Omni antenne (4.5dBi ou 6 dBi).
Cet appareil est conforme à la partie 15 des règles de la FCC. Opération est soumis à deux conditions suivantes: (1) ce
dispositif ne peut pas causer de brouillage préjudiciable, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter toute ingérence a reçu, y compris
le brouillage qui peut provoquer l'opération non désirée.
Afin de maintenir la conformité avec les directives d'exposition RF FCC, ce dispositif doit être installé et exploité avec une
distance minimale de 20 cm entre le radiateur et le corps de l'opérateur ou à proximité de personnes.
FCC STATEMENT
This equipment (FCC ID: I4U-23MLT and I4U-58MLT) has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
DÉCLARATION DE FAC
Cet équipement (FCC ID: I4U-23MLT and I4U-58MLT) a été testé et de respecter les
limites pour une classe b dispositif numérique, conformément à la partie 15 des règles
de la FCC.

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IC Notice: IC Avis
1. Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna
of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To
reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that
necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain
de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité
nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
2. This radio transmitter (IC: 9479A-23MLT and 9479A-58MLT ) has been approved by Industry
Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and
required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in
this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly
prohibited for use with this device.
Le présent émetteur radio (identifier le dispositif par son numéro de certification ou son
numéro de modèle s'il fait partie du matériel de catégorie I) a été approuvé par Industrie
Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain
admissible maximal et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne
non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont
strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
Antenna Approved/Antenne approuvé
Type/Type Max. Gain/Max.
Gain Impedance/Impédance
Collinear Omni
Antennas/Colinéaires
Omni antennes
6 dBi 50 
3. This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil
ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.

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4. In order to maintain compliance with the IC RF exposure guidelines, this device should be
installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator, and the body of
the operator and/or nearby persons.
Afin de maintenir la conformité avec les directives d'exposition RF IC, ce dispositif doit être
installé et exploité avec une distance minimale de 20 cm entre le radiateur et le corps de
l'opérateur ou à proximité de personnes.

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MICROLITE TRANSMITTER
User Manual
Contents
1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________________________ 12
1.1 Manual Overview __________________________________________________________________ 12
2 microLite Description ___________________________________________________________________ 14
2.1 Theory of Operation ________________________________________________________________ 15
2.1.1 Functional Block Diagram______________________________________________________ 15
2.1.2 Power, Remote Control, and User Data Interface Connector ___________________________ 16
2.1.3 Audio and Video Input Connectors _______________________________________________ 16
2.1.4 User Data Input ______________________________________________________________ 16
2.1.5 MPEG4 Encoder (H.264 Part 10) ________________________________________________ 16
2.1.6 COFDM Modulator ___________________________________________________________ 16
2.1.7 RF Transmitter_______________________________________________________________ 16
2.1.8 Remote Control and Firmware __________________________________________________ 17
2.1.8.1 Remote Control via Serial Interface ________________________________________ 17
2.1.8.2 Firmware updates ______________________________________________________ 17
2.2 MicroLite Physical Features and Interfaces ______________________________________________ 17
2.3 External Signals ___________________________________________________________________ 20
2.4 RF Output ________________________________________________________________________ 20
2.5 Connector Pin Assignment Information _________________________________________________ 21
2.5.1 Power/Control Connector Pinout_________________________________________________ 21
2.5.2 Audio Input Connectors Pinout __________________________________________________ 22
2.5.3 Ext Connector Pinout__________________________________________________________ 22
2.5.4 Connector Part Numbers: ______________________________________________________ 23
3 Specifications _________________________________________________________________________ 25
3.1 RF ______________________________________________________________________________ 25
3.2 Modulation Modes _________________________________________________________________ 25
3.3 Video Modes supported _____________________________________________________________ 25
3.4 MPEG Encoder ____________________________________________________________________ 26
3.5 System___________________________________________________________________________ 26

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3.6 Power Requirements ________________________________________________________________ 27
3.7 Environmental_____________________________________________________________________ 28
3.8 Physical Specifications ______________________________________________________________ 28
3.9 Connectors _______________________________________________________________________ 28
4 Operation_____________________________________________________________________________ 30
4.1 microLite Set-up ___________________________________________________________________ 30
4.2 Powering Up the microLite___________________________________________________________ 31
4.3 microLite Pre-Configured Options _____________________________________________________ 31
4.4 Button and LED Interface ____________________________________________________________ 31
4.4.1 Unit Interface Buttons _________________________________________________________ 32
4.4.1.1 SET _________________________________________________________________ 32
4.4.1.2 TX/STBY ____________________________________________________________ 32
4.4.1.3 Hi /LOW_____________________________________________________________ 32
4.4.1.4 Bars or Fan ___________________________________________________________ 32
4.4.2 User Interface Alarm Indicators _________________________________________________ 32
4.4.2.1 Unit Fail or System Fail _________________________________________________ 32
4.4.2.2 Low Battery __________________________________________________________ 32
4.4.2.3 Over Temp/Fan Mode __________________________________________________ 32
4.4.2.4 Video _______________________________________________________________ 33
4.5 Select User Level Settings ___________________________________________________________ 33
4.6 Put the unit in Transmit Mode ________________________________________________________ 33
4.7 Select Power Level _________________________________________________________________ 33
4.8 Operation Verification ______________________________________________________________ 33
4.9 Accessory Kit _____________________________________________________________________ 33
4.10 Maintenance Information ____________________________________________________________ 33
Figures
Figure 2-1: Internal Block Diagram ___________________________________________________ 15
Figure 4-1: microLite Transmitter User Interface _________________________________________ 17
Figure 4-2: MLT Connectors_________________________________________________________ 17
Figure 4-4: microLite Outline Drawings (Dimensions in Inches)_____________________________ 19
Figure 4-5: Power/Control Connector Detail ____________________________________________ 21
Figure 4-6: Audio Connector Detail ___________________________________________________ 22
Figure 4-7: EXT Connector Detail ____________________________________________________ 23

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Figure 4-3: Detail of Air Ducts _______________________________________________________ 30
Figure 5-1: Unit Interface - Broadcast _________________________________________________ 31
Figure 5-2: Unit Interface - Sports and Entertainment _____________________________________ 32
Tables
Table 2-1: Summary of High Level Features and Benefits __________________________________ 14
Table 4-1: microLite Connectors______________________________________________________ 18
Table 4-2: Power and Control Cables __________________________________________________ 20
Table 4-3: Power/Control Pinout______________________________________________________ 21
Table 4-4: Audio 1 & 2 Pinout _______________________________________________________ 22
Table 4-5: Ext Pinout_______________________________________________________________ 22
Table 3-3: Environmental Specs ______________________________________________________ 28

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microLite Transmitter User Manual
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1Introduction
This document is a user manual for RF CENTRAL’s microLite microwave video
transmitter. The microLite is a compact transmitter that digitally encodes video signals
and transmits them using C FDM modulation over microwave frequencies. The unit
accepts HD-SDI, SD-SDI, or composite video inputs in NTSC or PAL format, and can also
accept User Data (e.g. NMEA GPS sentences) for transmission along with the main input
signals. It has a built in MPEG4 (H.264 part 10 AVC) encoder and C FDM modulator.
The microLite is housed in an ultra compact, lightweight enclosure.
Throughout this manual, the product is referred to as the “microLite”, the “microLite
Transmitter”, “MLT”, “microLite TX”, or simply the “transmitter.”
1.1 Manual Overview
The contents of this manual are as follows:
Chapter 2 – Describes the theory of operation and the features of microLite Transmitter.
Chapter 3 – Contains a list of the microLite Transmitter specifications. The
specifications include transmitter feature specifications, power
requirements, environmental specifications, and I/ specifications.
Chapter 4 – Describes operating and installation procedures for the microLite
Transmitter.
Appendix A – Explains the different default preset configurations

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2microLite Description
This chapter describes the microLite transmitter theory of operation, features, and physical
description. It also contains a block diagram of the MLT circuitry and a typical application
example.
The MLT has external connectors and features direct plug-in compatibility with off the shelf
equipment using industry standard interfaces.
The MLT internal circuitry encodes the audio and video signals, and organizes the compressed
data into digital video transport streams. The transmitter uses COFDM modulation and transmits
at microwave frequencies in the specific band supported by the unit.
Though the unit ships pre-configured, a graphical user interface that runs on a Windows PC is
available to modify the operating parameters.
IMT has the ability, should the need ever arise, to provide the user with firmware files and
instructions for local firmware installation, such as for feature upgrades, etc.
Feature Benefit
COFDM Microwave Digital Video Transmitter Microwave output frequencies in multiple bands.
Multiple Output Frequencies User orderable frequency band options. User
programmable channels and offsets within band.
ASI, HD-SDI, and SD-SDI Inputs Compatible with advanced video cameras.
NTSC or PAL Composite Video Inputs Compatible with industry standard SD video
cameras.
Stereo Audio Line Inputs Direct audio input option for use with video
signals that do not contain embedded audio.
Embedded Audios Direct SDI input for cameras with embedded
audio.
MPEG4 (H.264 Part 10) Encoder Industry standard compliant video compression.
Implements latest algorithms for high quality.
User Data Channel Data is transmitted along with audio and video to
the receiver.
Remote Control GUI for Programming the
MicroLite
Convenient menu and button based graphical user
interface for Windows PC’s.
Used to program the preset settings on the top
panel.
Compact Housing Fits in small form factor applications.
Table 2-1: Summary of High Level Features and Benefits

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2.1 Theory of Operation
2.1.1 Functional Block Diagram
Major blocks in the M ICRO L ITE TX include:
•Video Input Interfaces - ASI or HD-SDI, SD-SDI; NTSC or PAL
•Stereo Audio Input Interface
•MPEG4 Video Compression Circuit
•COFDM Modulator
•Microwave Transmitter and Antenna Connector
•Programmers Serial Interface for Remote Control Purposes
•Internal Microprocessor and Memory
•Power Circuitry
Figure 2-1: Internal Block Diagram

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2.1.2 Power, Remote Control, and User Data Interface Connector
The microLite Transmitter Power, Remote Control, and User Data interface includes
power and ground connections plus two RS-232 serial port interfaces.
2.1.3 Audio and Video Input Connectors
The microLite TX has two analog audio inputs and one video input. They are used for
stereo audio and HD/SD-SDI or NTSC/PAL video input. Refer to Chapter 3 for
specifications of these signals.
2.1.4 User Data Input
A data channel may be transmitted along with the audio and video information. The
data channel is accessed through a RS-232 serial interface in the EXT connector.
2.1.5 MPEG4 Encoder (H.264 Part 10)
The MLT encodes the input video signal before modulation and transmission to reduce
bandwidth. The microLite TX contains a built-in MPEG4 (H.264 part 10) encoder for
this purpose. The microLite TX features the latest compression methods utilizing I, P
and B frames for more accurate encoding of compressed video signals.
2.1.6 COFDM Modulator
The COFDM modulator receives data from the output of the MPEG4 AVC encoder
through a circuit that enhances the security of transmissions. The microLite TX is able
to transmit data at high data rates and with low error rates using COFDM modulation
techniques. The data rate used by the transmitter depends upon the CODFM modulator
settings used.
2.1.7 RF Transmitter
The microLite microwave circuits mix the signal to the desired microwave frequency.
The signal is filtered and boosted through a low noise output amplifier.
The microLite TX has a single SMA style antenna connector. The output impedance of
the antenna connector is 50 ohms.
Note: On 2.4 and 5.8GHz models that operate in USA, the connectors are RP-SMA
due to FCC requirements.
Refer to Chapter 3, “Specifications” for frequency band and channel tuning
specifications.

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2.1.8 Remote Control and Firmware
2.1.8.1 Remote Control via Serial Interface
An RS-232 command set is implemented to allow remote control of all
configuration options, as well as monitoring of internal status and settings.
Commands and responses are sent via the RS-232 serial interface located on
the Power/Control connector.
The IMT NanoController GUI is available for controlling the unit via the RS-
232 serial interface. A Windows compatible computer running Windows XP or
Vista with 500 MB of memory and 1 GHz Pentium or above can is needed.
Refer to Chapter 4, “Operation” and the NanoController Manual (M27-0001-
00A) for more information.
2.1.8.2 Firmware updates
The unit firmware is updated via the USB interface on the Power/Control
connector, using the IMT NanoTx Programmer software. A programming
cable (IMT part number 922-B963-01A-R) is required. Contact IMT Tech
Support for additional details.
2.2 MicroLite Physical Features and Interfaces
Figure 2-2: microLite Transmitter User Interface
Figure 2-3: MLT Connectors

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Table 2-2: microLite Connectors
Connector
(from left above) Label on Unit Description
Lemo 7 pin Power & Control Power, USB, RS-232 Remote Control Interface
Telocate Audio Left Audio Line Input
Telocate Audio Right Audio Line Input
Lemo 5 pin Ext ASI input, ASI Output, User Data, and USB
BNC Video & SDI Composite NTSC or PAL Input,
HD-SDI, SD-SDI Input
______________________________________________________________
! WARNING – DO NOT OPEN THE microLite
The microLite Transmitter contains no user serviceable parts. Do not open
the microLite housing. Failure to comply will result in voiding of the
warranty.
___________________________________________________________

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Figure 2-4: microLite Outline Drawings (Dimensions in Inches)

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2.3 External Signals
The microLite connectors include the following major interfaces:
•Power and Ground Plus RS-232 programming interface (7 pin Lemo)
•Video Input Connector - accepts Composite Video, ASI, or SDI with appropriate cables
(BNC)
•Analog Audio 1 and 2 Line/MIC Inputs (4 pin Telocate)
•User Data (5 pin Lemo)
IMT part # Cable Description Cable Type
922-B964-01A-R 7pin LEMO to Tamiya Male connector Power input cable
922-B962-01A-R 7pin LEMO to Tamiya Male connector, w/DB9 Power input cable
(w/Control)
922-B973-01A-R Anton Bauer D-tap to Tamiya Female connector Source cable
904-P088-00A-R 12vDC Power Supply with Tamiya Female connector Source cable
Table 2-3: Power and Control Cables
2.4 RF Output
RF Out is a single SMA female connector.
Note: Before applying power, ensure proper antenna termination is on RF output.