ViaLite HRX-Y-HB-2 User manual

Mil-Aero RF over fibre link Handbook
10MHz –6GHz
User Guide
HRX-Y-HB-2
CR5048 21/04/2022
Pulse Power & Measurement Ltd, 65 Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Watchfield, Swindon, Wiltshire SN68TY, UK
Tel [phone] Email [email protected] Web www.vialite.com

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Instrument Care and Safety Information
Please read the whole of this section before using your ViaLiteHD product. It contains important safety
information and will enable you to get the most from your Fibre Optic link.
Electrical Safety
The ViaLiteHD chassis is a Safety Class 1 product (having metal chassis directly connected
to earth via the power cable).
When operating the equipment note the following precautions:
Hazardous voltages exist within the rack mounted equipment.
There are no user serviceable parts inside; the covers MUST NOT be removed.
There are no user replaceable fuses in the chassis mounted equipment or OEM modules.
The chassis earth stud SHOULD be connected to the safety earth.
When using a 2 pin power supply cable the chassis earth stud MUST be connected to
the safety earth.
The ViaLiteHD Power Supply Modules do not have an isolating switch on the mains
voltage inlet. For this reason, the ViaLiteHD chassis MUST be installed within easy
reach of a clearly labelled dual pole mains isolation switch, which supplies the equipment.
PSU modules are fused on the mains live feed only. A second fuse should be used for
the neutral connection where the polarity of the connectors can be reversed; rating should
match those given in section Error! Reference source not found..
ESD Precautions Precautions for handling electro-static sensitive devices should be observed when handling
all ViaLite modules. Technicians should ensure that they use effective personal grounding
(i.e. ESD wrist strap etc.) when servicing the equipment. Any equipment or tools used
should be grounded to prevent static charge build-up. Good practice should be observed at
all times. For reference see relevant standards.
EN 61340-5-1, “Protection of Electronic Devices from Electrostatic Phenomena – General
Requirements”
Optical Safety The ViaLite RF Transmitter and Transceiver modules contain laser diode sources operating
at nominal wavelengths of 1270nm to 1610nm.
These devices are rated as EN60825-1 CLASS 1 radiation emitting devices. A class 1 laser
is safe under all conditions of normal use.
When operating the equipment note the following precautions:
Never look into the end of an optical fibre directly or by reflection either with the naked
eye or through an optical instrument.
Never leave equipment with radiating bare fibres –always cap the connectors.
Do not remove equipment external covers when operating.
Hot surface The ViaLite systems may have hot surfaces when operating under full load. The hot
surfaces are not accessible when fitted in an approved chassis installation. Hot surfaces
will be appropriately marked
Suitable precaution should be taken when handling this device.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes
Do not touch metallic surfaces or printed circuit board when hot.
When handling, hold front panel and handle only.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Typical deployment.............................................................................................................................5
1.2 ViaLiteHD compatibility.......................................................................................................................5
1.3 Care of fibre optic connectors.............................................................................................................5
2SETUP AND OPERATION OF THE FIBRE OPTIC LINK........................................................................... 6
2.1 Module Type overview........................................................................................................................6
Rack card .................................................................................................................................6
Blue OEM.................................................................................................................................7
Power supply.............................................................................................................7
Black IP rated OEM..................................................................................................................8
Mounting and sealing................................................................................................8
Power supply.............................................................................................................8
2.2 Fibre optic interface............................................................................................................................9
Connector and cable types.......................................................................................................9
Connecting and disconnecting.................................................................................................9
Cleaning optical connectors, cleaning before every use..........................................................9
Cleaning optical connectors, high levels of contamination ......................................................9
FC/APC Connectors...............................................................................................................10
SC/APC Connectors...............................................................................................................10
Minimum bend radius.............................................................................................................11
2.3 RF Interface......................................................................................................................................11
SMA connections ...................................................................................................................11
2.4 Front panel indicators.......................................................................................................................12
Rack card LEDs......................................................................................................................12
Blue and Black OEM LED......................................................................................................12
2.5 I/O connections and features............................................................................................................13
Analogue monitors .................................................................................................................13
RF Bias-T ...............................................................................................................................13
Active antenna failure detection (AFD) ..................................................................................14
Alarm voltage..........................................................................................................................14
Blue OEM 10 pin user connector ...........................................................................................14
Receiver RLL AGC function...................................................................................................15
2.6 Dual rack card variants.....................................................................................................................15
2.7 USB CLI command and control........................................................................................................15
Connection configuration........................................................................................................16
Command set.........................................................................................................................16
2.8 Rack card web interface via the HRC-3 ...........................................................................................17
3SYSTEM INTEGRATION........................................................................................................................... 18
3.1 Link gain ...........................................................................................................................................18
Transmitter gain......................................................................................................................18
Fibre loss................................................................................................................................18
Receiver gain..........................................................................................................................18
Gain selection for optimum link performance.........................................................................19
3.2 Frequency response.........................................................................................................................20
3.3 VSWR...............................................................................................................................................20
3.4 Noise Figure .....................................................................................................................................20
Noise figure vs link loss..........................................................................................................20
3.5 P1dB Compression...........................................................................................................................21
3.6 IP3 Linearity......................................................................................................................................21
3.7 Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR)...........................................................................................21
SFDR vs link loss ...................................................................................................................21
3.8 Link delay..........................................................................................................................................22
3.9 Deviation from linear phase..............................................................................................................22

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4MECHANICAL DETAILS ........................................................................................................................... 23
4.1 Blue OEM module dimensions .........................................................................................................23
4.2 Blue OEM connector positions .........................................................................................................23
4.3 Black OEM module dimensions........................................................................................................24
4.4 Black OEM connector positions........................................................................................................24
5PART NUMBERING .................................................................................................................................. 25
6TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................ 26
7MAINTENANCE AND FAULT FINDING.................................................................................................... 27
7.1 Green status indication.....................................................................................................................27
7.2 Red status indication ........................................................................................................................27
8PRODUCT WARRANTY............................................................................................................................ 28

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1 Introduction
The ViaLiteHD RF Fibre Optic Links (FOLs) are a family of fibre optically coupled link systems designed for the
transmission of RF analogue signals over long distances for the communications market.
This handbook covers the following ViaLiteHD RF Link part numbers:
Transmitter modules (electrical »optical) with part numbers starting:
oHRT-Y
Receiver modules (optical » electrical) with part numbers starting:
oHRR-Y
Transceiver modules (optical » electrical + electrical »optical) with part numbers starting:
oHRX-Y
Dual Receiver modules (2x optical » electrical) with part numbers starting:
oHRV-Y
Dual Transmitter modules (2x electrical »optical) with part numbers starting:
oHRU-Y
For complete information and product familiarisation, this handbook should be read in conjunction with all other
relevant handbooks for your ViaLiteHD system.
ViaLiteHD is a product brand manufactured by Pulse Power and Measurement Ltd (PPM).
ViaLite Communications is a division of Pulse Power and Measurement Ltd (PPM).
1.1 Typical deployment
The user’s RF electrical signal is input to the transmitter module, which contains RF signal conditioning and
laser control circuitry. The module modulates the intensity of a beam of light with the RF signal.
The light travels through an optical fibre to the receiver module. The distance between transmitter and receiver
can range from 1m to 100km; distance in excess of 100km can be achieved with more complex optical transport
systems, depending on the system specified.
The receiver module converts the modulated light back into an electrical signal, which is available at the output
of the module.
1.2 ViaLiteHD compatibility
The RF and optical interfaces are compatible with all ViaLiteHD Rack cards, ViaLiteHD Blue OEM modules
and ViaLiteHD Black IP rated outdoor modules.
18 Laser wavelength options are available for multiplexed applications using CWDM.
Contact ViaLite Communications or your local ViaLite agent for more details.
1.3 Care of fibre optic connectors
When the fibre optic cables are not connected, it is essential that the cable and equipment connectors are
protected by the dust caps provided with the system. Failure to do so may result in damage to the fibre ends
which are critical to the system performance. Please refer to section 2.1.3.2 for further details.

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2 Setup and operation of the fibre optic link
This section describes the setup and operation of the fibre optic link in the various form factors available.
2.1 Module Type overview
Rack card
All ViaLiteHD plug-in modules are hot-swappable, so it is not necessary to
power-down the chassis before inserting a module. All standard optical
connectors are retained by the module, so it will be necessary to either
disconnect any cables or have a sufficiently long service loop when
removing modules.
To install a 5HP standard module and matching interface plate:
The protective covers on the connectors may be left in place.
Push the release button of the module handle down and simultaneously
pull the top of the handle towards you.
Align the module upright and perpendicular to the front face of the chassis
so that the PCB slides into the “crow’s feet” card guides top and bottom.
Gently push the module down its guide, applying pressure via the handle,
you may also apply pressure between just above the LEDs.
As the module is fully mated the top of the handle should snap back and
lock in position.
The pawls of the handle should be fully engaged in the matching slots.
If power is applied to the chassis the module power LED should light as soon as the module is fully inserted.
Remove protective covers on the rear interfaces and connect the cables.
To remove a 5HP Standard module
Disconnect the rear interface cables and fit protective covers.
Push the release button of the module handle down and simultaneously pull the top of the handle forwards.
Apply pressure via the handle and gently withdraw the module from the chassis.

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Blue OEM
The Blue link module is fully enclosed and built with connectorised interfaces with electromagnetic shielding.
This allows system integrators and equipment manufacturers an easy route to build RF/optical interfaces into
their own equipment. The small form factor and integrated design should allow the module to be effortlessly
integrated into end user equipment. Ensure all RF and optical ports are terminated to user equipment and
cabling prior to supplying DC power.
Power supply
The Blue OEM is supplied with a 12V power supply for international operation by way of the accompanied
fittings. Replacements can be ordered using ViaLite part number 73502. The power supply has capacity to
power external RF amplifiers by way of the blue module’s internal bias-T.

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Black IP rated OEM
The Black link module is an IP55 sealed enclosure suitable for outdoor use. It is ideal for placing close to
antennas that are open to the elements. The high gain transmitter module with its low noise figure can in some
cases be used without the need for an antenna LNA in downlink applications. If an LNA is required, the built-in
Bias-T offers the user a convenient application path.
Mounting and sealing
To ensure the IP rating is met, please make sure the USB port bung is replaced after any configuration or
maintenance work. Furthermore, ensure the RF and optical connections are wrapped in self-amalgamating tape
with the unit mounted vertically such that the cables exit beneath the unit. This will prevent moisture pooling
around the connector fittings by allowing gravity to drain it away.
For optimal performance and product longevity, always mount the module shaded from direct sunlight. Ensure
all RF and optical ports are terminated to user equipment and cabling prior to supplying DC power.
The IP55 rating is only achieved when the USB bung is tightly sealed and when the RF
and Optical ports are wrapped in self-amalgamating tape and vertically mounted with
the cables hanging beneath the module. Installation should be carried out by a suitable
trained technician.
Power supply
The black OEM module is supplied with a power connector and 2m power tails only. Replacements can be
obtained using ViaLite part number 73955. The power connector is a Hirose part HR30-6PA-3S(71).
The Black OEM can be optionally supplied with the outdoor IP rated power supply module 70094. The IP rated
power supply has capacity to power external RF amplifiers by way of the black OEM module’s internal bias-T.
The AC input must be user terminated inside the box with the available site mains and sealed via the cable
gland. The DC side comes pre-fitted with a sealed 2m length of cable and black OEM power connector. For
further details, please consult the handbook supplied with the 70094 PSU.

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2.2 Fibre optic interface
Connector and cable types
All ViaLiteHD RF modules use single-mode (9µm/125µm) cable terminated in a range of optical connectors
detailed below. Cross-site fibre optic cables are available from ViaLite Communications as either standard
patch leads or heavy-duty multicore cables.
Warning!
Angle polished (APC) and standard (PC) connectors must not be confused. The two
connector types are not interchangeable and mating one with the other may damage both
the cable and the module connectors.
The specification of optical connector is critical to the performance of the complete fibre
optic link. System performance can only be guaranteed with fibre optic cables and
connectors supplied by ViaLite Communications. When FC/APC connectors are specified
they must be “narrow key width”.
Connecting and disconnecting
Before connecting optical fibres to the module or to each other, ensure that the mating connectors are clean
(see below).
Cleaning optical connectors, cleaning before every use
Optical connectors MUST be cleaned before use, even where they have been protected with dust caps.
A large percentage of performance issues can be attributed to dirty fibres.
For more details please read the cleaning instruction which accompanies the connector cleaning kit.
Cleaning optical connectors, high levels of contamination
If there are performance issues that are not resolved by basic cleaning in section 2.2.3, then the following
procedure should be used. If the level of contamination is high it will be necessary to repeat this procedure.
Cleaning items required
Lint free fibre cleaning tissues and/or cleaning sticks (normal cosmetic tissues produce dust and are not
acceptable).
Reagent grade Isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
Air duster or filtered compressed air line.
Cable Connector Cleaning
Dampen a patch of cleaning tissue with IPA and clean all surfaces of the plug ferrule.
Peel the plastic cover from an unused “N”
cleaning pad.
Hold the connector between your thumb and
forefinger
Clean the connector using firm pressure by
swiping in a pendulum motion through each
segment of the “N” shape, following the
diagram
Do not swipe over the same space twice.

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Using a dry cleaning tissue, dry the ferrule and clean the end face.
Using the air duster, blow away any residue from the end of the connector.
Module Female Receptacle Cleaning (only recommended if problems are being experienced)
Either use an optical cleaning stick or twist a cleaning tissue to form a stiff probe, moisten either with IPA.
Gently push the probe into the receptacle and twist around several times to dislodge any dirt.
Repeat the above process with a dry tissue.
Using the air duster, blow away any residue from the receptacle.
Important Notes
IPA is flammable. Follow appropriate precautions / local guidelines when handling and storing.
IPA can be harmful if spilt on skin. Use appropriate protection when handling.
It should only be necessary to clean the female receptacles on the modules if problems are being
experienced.
Never inspect an optical fibre or connector with the naked eye or an instrument unless
you are certain that there is no optical radiation being emitted by the fibre. Remove all
power sources to all modules, and completely disconnect the optical fibres.
FC/APC Connectors
To connect FC/APC optical connectors follow these steps:
Remove the dust caps and align the white ceramic centre ferrule on the cable connector with the mating
receptacle.
There is a key (lug) on the side of the ferrule, which must match the keyway (gap) in the receptacle shroud.
When they are aligned, gently push the plug home.
Finger tighten the knurled collet nut onto the threaded receptacle.
To disconnect follow these steps:
Using fingers fully unscrew the knurled collet nut, gently withdraw the connector.
Replace the dust caps on both the receptacle and the cable plug.
Warning! It is possible to tighten the knurled collet without aligning the lug and gap. This will
result in poor light transmission. Check that the lug and gap are aligned before tightening the
knurled collet
SC/APC Connectors
To connect SC/APC optical connectors follow these steps: