SCT SC2444 User manual

6815 – 8 StreetNE, Suite 295
Calgary, AB T2E7H7 Canada
www.signalcraft.com
This documentcontains proprietary informationand shall notbe disclosed, in whole or in part,to any party
without the expressed and written consent of anauthorizedrepresentative ofSignalCraft TechnologiesInc. ©2020
GettingStartedGuide
SC2444–mmWaveFrequency Converter
Number: SCT-UM2A61VC
Date: 2022-07-28

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 2of 11
Revision History
Revision Date Author Description
1.0 2022-07-26 W. Loo Initial Release
1.1 2022-07-28 W. Loo Minor clarifications

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 3of 11
Table of Contents
Revision History............................................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents..........................................................................................................................................................3
1. Purpose.................................................................................................................................................................4
2. Electromagnetic Compatibility..............................................................................................................................4
3. Unpacking and Installation....................................................................................................................................4
3.1 OtherEquipment..........................................................................................................................................4
3.2 Installing the SC2444 Hardware....................................................................................................................4
4. Hardware Connections..........................................................................................................................................6
4.1 Overview......................................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Control and ConfigurationPorts....................................................................................................................7
4.3 IF, I/QandLO Port Connectors......................................................................................................................7
4.4 24 to 44 GHz PortConnectors.......................................................................................................................7
5. Programming the SC2444......................................................................................................................................8
5.1 Configure usingtheConsoleProtocol viaUSB...............................................................................................8
5.2 DefaultPower Up State................................................................................................................................8
6. IF Loopback Test Setup........................................................................................................................................10
6.1 FDDMode..................................................................................................................................................10
6.2 TDDMode..................................................................................................................................................11

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 4of 11
1. Purpose
This document explains how to install, configure, and perform a quick functional verification test of the SCT Radio
Thorium SC2444mmWave frequency converter.
2. Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product has been designed (but has not yet been tested) to meet regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). These requirements and limits provide reasonable protection against harmful
interferencewhen the product is operatedin the intendedoperationalelectromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in laboratory environments. However, harmful interference may occur in some
installations, when the product is connected to a peripheral or test device, or if the product is used in residential or
commercial areas. To minimize interferencewith radio and televisionreception and prevent unacceptable performance
degradation, install and use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.
CAUTION: To minimize the risk ofEMC interference, operate thisproduct with shieldedcablesand
accessories.
3. Unpacking and Installation
CAUTION: To prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging the device, ground yourself using a
grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as acomputer chassis. Never touch the exposed
pins of any connectors.
Touch the antistatic packageto a metal part of a computer or other groundedtest equipment.
Remove the devicefrom the package andinspectthe deviceforloose componentsor any other sign ofdamage.
Notify your reseller if the device appears damaged in any way. Do notattempt toinstall a damaged device.
Store the devicein the antistatic package whenthe device is not in use.
3.1 Other Equipment
There are several required items not includedin your devicekit thatare requiredto operate the SC2444.
AC mains power cable with C13 plug
USB Type C cable
SMA(m) to SMA(m)RF cables
2.4 mm (m) to2.4 mm (m) RF cables
Additional items will also be useful for most applications:
Coaxial male to female attenuators with SMA connections and 2.4mm connections
3.2 Installing the SC2444 Hardware
Remove plastic protection caps from any SMA and 2.4 mmRF port connectors that will be used during testing.
It is recommendedto leave the caps onunused portsto keep them free of dustand debris.

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 5of 11
Connect any RF cables between the SC2444 and external test equipment as required (See section 4.3 and 4.4
for further details).
CAUTION: Apply external signals onlywhile the SC2444 is powered on. Applying external signals while the
device is powered offmay cause damage.
CAUTION: The 2.4 mm connectors look very similar to SMA connectors. However, the two types are not
mechanically compatible. Damage will occur if an attempt is made to mate an SMA connector to 2.4 mm
connector orvice versa.
Connect the AC mains power cord (not included) to the 12V AC/DC adapter and to an AC mains outlet. Ensure
the outletis properlygrounded.
Connect the USBType C cable between the SC2444and host computer (See section 4.2 and section 5.1)
Apply power to theSC2444 bypluggingin the barrel connectorfromthe 12V AC/DC adapter to thepower input
of the SC2444.

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 6of 11
4. Hardware Connections
4.1 Overview
The Hardware interfaces available are detailedin Figure 1and Figure 2.
Figure 1– SC2444Converter - Side View
Figure 2– SC2444Converter - Top View

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 7of 11
4.2 Control and Configuration Ports
USB Control Interface – This port provides a CDC USB device class that utilizes the Console Protocol defined in
document SCT-SW1A61vc (“SC2444 Configuration and Control API”).
Auxiliary Control Interface – This port interfaces with the optional external TX IQ Filter Bank (part number
SC4710) or provides aUART Serial Bus supportingthe Console Protocol.
Expansion Port – This port enablessupportformulti-unit configurations byvertically stacking uptofour SC2444
units. This port utilizes the high-speed Binary Protocol over an SPI interface. Custom hardware containing an
FPGA or microprocessor can access this port to implement application-specific control. The Binary Protocol is
defined in document SCT-SW1A61vc (“SC2444Configuration and Control API”).
Antenna Interface – This portprovides control to other devices such as an Antenna Array.
Config Port–This portsets the operatingmode andidentification of unit.It is alsousedenablein-field firmware
updates. See the API Guide forPort Settings.
4.3 IF, I/Q and LO Port Connectors
Connector Use Connector Type
TX TX I IN Frequency upconverter baseband Iinput. SMA (f)
TX Q IN Frequency upconverter baseband Q input. SMA (f)
TXIFIN Frequency upconverter IFinput SMA (f)
TX EXT LO IN Frequency upconverter externalLO clock input SMA (f)
RX RX I IN Frequency downconverterbaseband I output. SMA (f)
RX QIN Frequency downconverterbaseband Q output. SMA (f)
RX IF IN Frequency downconverter IFoutput SMA (f)
RX EXT LO IN Frequency downconverter external LO clock input SMA (f)
EXT REF IN/OUT 10 MHz reference clock usedto synthesize internally generated LO clocks. SMA (f)
Table 1- SC2444IF, I/Q, and LOPort Connector Descriptions
4.4 24 to 44 GHz Port Connectors
Connector Use Connector Type
TX FDD OUT Frequency division duplexing(FDD) outputpath from the frequency
upconverter 2.4 mm (f)
RX TDD IN Frequency division duplexing(FDD) input path to the frequency
upconverter 2.4 mm (f)
RX/TX TDD Shared time divisionduplexing (TDD) outputpath from the frequency
upconverter andinput path tothe frequencydownconverter 2.4 mm (f)
Table 2- SC244424 to 44 MHzPort Connector Descriptions

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 8of 11
5. Programming the SC2444
5.1 Configure using the Console Protocol via USB
The most convenient means to control the SC2444 is via USB Control Interface. This port is a USB Type-C connector
operating at USB 2.0 high speed. Use an appropriate USB cable to connect the USB Control Interface of the SC2444 to a
host computer.
Onceconnectedtoahostcomputer,theSC2444willenumerateasavirtualserialport.Mostcommonterminalemulation
programsmay be usedto communicate withthe SC2444(examples include “Putty” and“Tera Term”).
The serial and terminal settings for the virtualserial port arelisted below.
Parameter Setting
Baud Rate 115200
Parity Even
Data Size 8 bits
Stop Bits 1
Flow Control None
Table 3- SC2444Serial PortSettings
Parameter Setting
TerminalType VT100
New-lineReceive AUTO
New-lineTransmit CR
Coding UTF-8
Table 4- SC2444TerminalSettings
Once connected andsetup, commandsmay be issued tothe SC2444 following the Console Protocol as defined in
document SCT-SW1A61vc (“SC2444 Configuration and Control API”).
To quickly confirm connectivitywith the unit, users can issue the ‘help’command at the prompt. A replyof available
command optionswill be provided.
5.2 Default Power Up State
The defaultpower on stateof the SC2444 has the following characteristics.
Feature Configuration
10 MHz reference Internal 10 MHz reference isused (“EXT REF IN/OUT” port disabled)
TX LO Internally generatedTx LO at 24GHz (“TX EXT LO IN” input disabled)
RX LO Internally generatedRxLO at 24 GHz (“RX EXT LO IN” input disabled)
TX Input Path “TX IF IN” input port enabled (“TXI IN” and “TX Q IN” baseband input ports
disabled)

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 9of 11
RX Output Path “RX IF OUT” output portenabled (“RX I OUT”and “RX Q OUT” baseband output
ports disabled)
RF Path FDD mode selected.
“TX FDD OUT” output port enabled
“RX FDD IN” input port enabled
RX/TX TDD portdisabled
Table 5- SC2444Default Power-on Characteristics

Document# SCT-UM2A61VC Page 10 of 11
6. IF Loopback Test Setup
6.1 FDD Mode
A simple loopbackconfiguration using an IF signal canbe performed with minimal equipmentusing the defaultpower
up settings. No additional commands need to be issued over thecommand console to conduct this test.
Additional equipmentrequired:
Signal generator to generateTxIFCW inputsignal in range of 2 to 6 GHz
Spectrumanalyzer to monitor Rx IF CW outputsignal in range of 2 to 6 GHz.
Short 2.4 mmmale to 2.4mm male RF cable (recommended total lengthless than 15cm).
Coaxial 2.4 mm male to femaleattenuator(s) providing 20 dB ofattenuation
The following procedure can be used tosetup the IF loopback.
1. Set the Config Port DIP switches to be a MASTER unit with an ID of 0. The DIP switch should match the table
shown below:
Name
Description
Master/Slave MasterRole =Down
Channel
ID0/ID1 ID1 = Down
ID0 = Down
BOOT0/1 BOOT0 = Up
BOOT1 = Down
Table 5- Configuration DIP Switch
2. Remove the blackplastic caps from thefollowing SMAports
TXIFIN
RX IF OUT
3. Connect the signal generator to the “TX IF IN” port of the SC2444. Ensure that the signal generator output is
disabled when making this connection.
4. Connect the spectrum analyzer to the“RX IF OUT” port of the SC2444.
5. Remove the blueplastic caps from thefollowing RF 2.4 mm ports:
TX FDD OUT
RX FDD IN
6. Connect a short RF cable with 2.4mm connectors from the TX FDD OUT port to the RX FDD IN port including a
20 dB coaxial attenuator in the path.
7. Apply power to the SC2444 and wait for at least 5 seconds for the unit to be fully operational. Note that the
default power up settings of the SC2444 support this IF Test mode and no additional programming will be
required.
8. Set the signal generator to 2 GHz with an output power level of -40dBm.
9. Use the spectrum analyzer tomonitor the outputsignal of“RX IFOUT”port. If successful, youshould observea
CW signal at 2GHz.