GatesAir CZF Ranger CZ725F User Manual 2604s100

GatesAir, Inc. Ranger CZ725F 2604s100

Users Manual E

T.M. No. 888-2604-001© Copyright Harris Corporation 2007 All rights reservedPrinted: January 25, 2007Revision A, 03/08/07TECHNICAL MANUALAPEXTM ExciterIncorporating FLOTM Technology888-2604-001
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ Technology888-2604-001 March 8, 2007WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Returns And ExchangesDamaged or undamaged equipment should not be returned unless written approval and aReturn Authorization is received from HARRIS CORPORATION, Broadcast SystemsDivision. Special shipping instructions and coding will be provided to assure properhandling. Complete details regarding circumstances and reasons for return are to beincluded in the request for return. Custom equipment or special order equipment is notreturnable. In those instances where return or exchange of equipment is at the request of thecustomer, or convenience of the customer, a restocking fee will be charged. All returns willbe sent freight prepaid and properly insured by the customer. When communicating withHARRIS CORPORATION, Broadcast Division, specify the HARRIS Order Number orInvoice Number.UnpackingCarefully unpack the equipment and preform a visual inspection to determine that noapparent damage was incurred during shipment. Retain the shipping materials until it hasbeen determined that all received equipment is not damaged. Locate and retain allPACKING CHECK LISTs. Use the PACKING CHECK LIST to help locate and identifyany components or assemblies which are removed for shipping and must be reinstalled.Also remove any shipping supports, straps, and packing materials prior to initial turn on.Technical AssistanceHARRIS Technical and Troubleshooting assistance is available from HARRIS FieldService during normal business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Time). Emergencyservice is available 24 hours a day. Telephone 217/222-8200 to contact the Field ServiceDepartment or address correspondence to Field Service Department, HARRIS CORPO-RATION, Broadcast Systems Division, P.O. Box 4290, Quincy, Illinois 62305-4290,USA. The HARRIS factory may also be contacted through a FAX facility (217/222-7041)or a TELEX service (650/372-2976).Replaceable Parts ServiceReplacement parts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the HARRISService Parts Department. Telephone 217/222-8200 to contact the service parts departmentor address correspondence to Service Parts Department, HARRIS CORPORATION,Broadcast Systems Division, P.O. Box 4290, Quincy, Illinois 62305-4290, USA. TheHARRIS factory may also be contacted through a FAX facility (217/222-7041) or aTELEX service (650/372-2976).NOTEThe # symbol used in the parts list means used with (e.g. #C001 =used with C001)
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ Technology2604ti.fmMarch 8, 2007 888-2604-001 Page: iWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.MANUAL REVISION HISTORYAPEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ Technology888-2604-001Rev. Date ECN Pages AffectedA 3/8/07 54395 Released Manual
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyPage: ii 888-2604-001 March 8, 2007WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ Technology2604ti.fmMarch 8, 2007 888-2604-001 Page: iiiWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Guide to Using Harris Parts List InformationThe Harris Replaceable Parts List Index portrays a tree structure with the major items being leftmost in the index.The example below shows the Transmitter as the highest item in the tree structure. If you were to look at the bill ofmaterials table for the Transmitter you would find the Control Cabinet, the PA Cabinet, and the Output Cabinet. Inthe Replaceable Parts List Index the Control Cabinet, PA Cabinet, and Output Cabinet show up one indentation levelbelow the Transmitter and implies that they are used in the Transmitter. The Controller Board is indented one levelbelow the Control Cabinet so it will show up in the bill of material for the Control Cabinet. The tree structure of thissame index is shown to the right of the table and shows indentation level versus tree structure level.Example of Replaceable Parts List Index and equivalent tree structure:The part number of the item is shown to the right of the description as is the page in the manual where the bill forthat part number starts.Inside the actual tables, four main headings are used:Table #-#. ITEM NAME - HARRIS PART NUMBER - this line gives the information that corresponds to theReplaceable Parts List Index entry;HARRIS P/N column gives the ten digit Harris part number (usually in ascending order);DESCRIPTION column gives a 25 character or less description of the part number;REF. SYMBOLS/EXPLANATIONS column 1) gives the reference designators for the item (i.e., C001, R102,etc.) that corresponds to the number found in the schematics (C001 in a bill of material is equivalent to C1 on theschematic) or 2) gives added information or further explanation (i.e., “Used for 208V operation only,” or “Usedfor HT 10LS only,” etc.).Inside the individual tables some standard conventions are used:A # symbol in front of a component such as #C001 under the REF. SYMBOLS/EXPLANATIONS column meansthat this item is used on or with C001 and is not the actual part number for C001.In the ten digit part numbers, if the last three numbers are 000, the item is a part that Harris has purchased andhas not manufactured or modified. If the last three numbers are other than 000, the item is either manufactured byHarris or is purchased from a vendor and modified for use in the Harris product.The first three digits of the ten digit part number tell which family the part number belongs to - for example, allelectrolytic (can) capacitors will be in the same family (524 xxxx 000). If an electrolytic (can) capacitor is foundto have a 9xx xxxx xxx part number (a number outside of the normal family of numbers), it has probably beenmodified in some manner at the Harris factory and will therefore show up farther down into the individual partslist (because each table is normally sorted in ascending order). Most Harris made or modified assemblies willhave 9xx xxxx xxx numbers associated with them.The term “SEE HIGHER LEVEL BILL” in the description column implies that the reference designated partnumber will show up in a bill that is higher in the tree structure. This is often the case for components that maybe frequency determinant or voltage determinant and are called out in a higher level bill structure that is morecustomer dependent than the bill at a lower level.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyPage: iv 888-2604-001 March 8, 2007WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ Technology2604ti.fmMarch 8, 2007 888-2604-001 Page: vWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.WARNINGThe currents and voltages in this equipment are dangerous. Person-nel must at all times observe safety warnings, instructions and regu-lations.This manual is intended as a general guide for trained and qualified personnel who areaware of the dangers inherent in handling potentially hazardous electrical/electroniccircuits. It is not intended to contain a complete statement of all safety precautions whichshould be observed by personnel in using this or other electronic equipment.The installation, operation, maintenance and service of this equipment involves risks bothto personnel and equipment, and must be performed only by qualified personnel exercisingdue care. HARRIS CORPORATION shall not be responsible for injury or damageresulting from improper procedures or from the use of improperly trained or inexperiencedpersonnel performing such tasks.During installation and operation of this equipment, local building codes and fire protec-tion standards must be observed. The following National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) standards are recommended as reference:• Automatic Fire Detectors, No. 72E• Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers, No. 10• Halogenated Fire Extinguishing Agent Systems, No. 12AWARNINGAlways disconnect power before opening covers, doors, enclosures,gates, panels or shields. Always use grounding sticks and short outhigh voltage points before servicing. Never make internal adjust-ments, perform maintenance or service when alone or when fa-tigued.Do not remove, short-circuit or tamper with interlock switches on access covers, doors,enclosures, gates, panels or shields. Keep away from live circuits, know your equipmentand don’t take chances.WARNINGIn case of emergency ensure that power has been disconnected.If oil filled or electrolytic capacitors are utilized in your equipment, and if a leak or bulgeis apparent on the capacitor case when the unit is opened for service or maintenance, allowthe unit to cool down before attempting to remove the defective capacitor. Do not attemptto service a defective capacitor while it is hot due to the possibility of a case rupture andsubsequent injury.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyPage: vi 888-2604-001 March 8, 2007WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ Technology2604ti.fmMarch 8, 2007 888-2604-001 Page: viiWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.FIRST-AIDPersonnel engaged in the installation, operation, maintenance or servicing of thisequipment are urged to become familiar with first-aid theory and practices. The followinginformation is not intended to be complete first-aid procedures, it is a brief and is only tobe used as a reference. It is the duty of all personnel using the equipment to be prepared togive adequate Emergency First Aid and thereby prevent avoidable loss of life.Treatment of Electrical Burns1. Extensive burned and broken skinA. Cover area with clean sheet or cloth. (Cleanest available cloth article.)B. Do not break blisters, remove tissue, remove adhered particles of clothing, or apply any salve or ointment.C. Treat victim for shock as required.D. Arrange transportation to a hospital as quickly as possible.E. If arms or legs are affected keep them elevated.NOTEIf medical help will not be available within an hour and the victimis conscious and not vomiting, give him a weak solution of salt andsoda: 1 level teaspoonful of salt and 1/2 level teaspoonful of bakingsoda to each quart of water (neither hot or cold). Allow victim to sipslowly about 4 ounces (a half of glass) over a period of 15 minutes.Discontinue fluid if vomiting occurs. (Do not give alcohol.)2. Less severe burns - (1st & 2nd degree)A. Apply cool (not ice cold) compresses using the cleanest available cloth arti-cle.B. Do not break blisters, remove tissue, remove adhered particles of clothing, or apply salve or ointment.C. Apply clean dry dressing if necessary.D. Treat victim for shock as required.E. Arrange transportation to a hospital as quickly as possible.F. If arms or legs are affected keep them elevated.REFERENCEILLINOIS HEART ASSOCIATIONAMERICAN RED CROSS STANDARD FIRST AID AND PERSONAL SAFETYMANUAL (SECOND EDITION)
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyPage: viii 888-2604-001 March 8, 2007WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTable of Contents2604s100TOC.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: ixWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Table of Contents1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.1 Organization of Technical Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.2 General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11.3 Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21.4 Technical Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-41.5 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12.2 Installing Exciters Removed for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12.3 Signal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12.3.1 AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22.4 Installation of the GPS 1PPS Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22.5 Retrofitting Into Existing Transmitter System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32.5.1 Feedback Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-32.5.1.1 Feedback Signal Quality Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . .2-42.5.2 Typical Transmitter Systems Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-42.5.3 Atlas Mobile Transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-52.5.3.1 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - 1 PA Cabinet, 2 Exciters. . . . .2-52.5.3.2 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - 2 or More PA Cabinets. . . . . .2-62.6 Configuring the Exciter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72.6.1 Configuration of Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-72.6.2 Configuration of Status Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-92.6.3 Normal Settings for Diagnostic Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-102.7 Materials Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-113 Navigating the LCD Display Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13.1 Basic Operating Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13.1.1 Raising or Lowering Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.1.2 Exciter Fault Display - Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.1.2.1 Fault Warning - Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13.2 Starting Point: The Main LCD Touch Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23.2.1 Spectrum Response Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33.2.2 Exciter Status Series of Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33.2.3 Exciter Setup Series of Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33.2.4 FLO Measure Soft Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-43.3 LCD Display Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTable of ContentsPage: x 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4 Details of the Exciter Status Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-83.4.1 System Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-83.4.2 Transport Stream Status Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-93.4.3 Adaptive Processing Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-93.4.3.1 Adaptive Processing Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-113.4.4 Digital Processing Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-123.4.4.1 Modulator Board Status, Screen 1/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-123.4.4.2 ADC and DAC Boards Status, Screen 2/2 . . . . . . . . . 3-133.4.4.3 FLO FPGA Status, Summary, Screen 1/5. . . . . . . . . . 3-143.4.4.4 FLO FPGA, GPS & Clock Status, Screen 2/5 . . . . . . . 3-153.4.4.5 FLO FPGA, Transport Stream Status, Screen 3/5 . . . . . 3-163.4.4.6 FLO FPGA, SFN FIFO Status, Screen 4/5 . . . . . . . . . 3-173.4.4.7 FLO FPGA, MTI Status, Screen 5/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-183.4.5 IF & RF Processing Status Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-193.4.5.1 UDC Interface Board Status, Screen 1/4 . . . . . . . . . . 3-193.4.5.2 PLL Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-203.4.5.2.1 PLL Diagnostics 3-213.4.5.3 Up Converter Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-213.4.5.3.1 Up Converter Diagnostics 3-223.4.5.4 Down Converter Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 3-233.4.5.4.1 Down Converter Diagnostics 3-243.4.6 System Control Status Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-253.4.6.1 Controller Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-263.4.6.1.1 Controller Board Diagnostics 3-263.4.6.2 External I/O Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-273.4.6.2.1 External I/O Diagnostics 3-283.4.6.3 CAN Bus Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-303.4.6.3.1 CAN Diagnostics 3-303.4.6.4 Front Panel Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-303.4.6.5 GPS Status Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-313.5 Built In Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-323.6 Details of the System Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-323.6.1 Restore Defaults Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-333.6.2 Exciter Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-353.6.2.1 Power Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-383.6.3 RTAC Setup Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTable of Contents2604s100TOC.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: xiWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.3.1 Filter Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-403.6.3.2 Max Peak Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-403.6.3.3 RTAC Power On Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-403.6.3.4 RTAC Off Air Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-413.6.4 Display Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-413.6.5 External I/O Setup Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-423.6.5.1 VSWR Foldback Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-433.6.5.2 RF Present Cutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-433.6.5.3 External I/O Interface to Transmitter Control Logic . . . . 3-443.6.6 Serial I/O Setup Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-453.6.6.1 Serial Setup Screen 1 of 3, RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-453.6.6.2 Serial Setup Screen 2 of 3, Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-463.6.6.3 Serial Setup Screen 3 of 3, CAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-473.6.7 FPGA Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-483.6.7.1 FPGA Configure 1/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-483.6.7.2 FPGA Configure 2/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-493.6.7.3 FPGA Configure 3/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-503.6.7.4 FPGA Configure 4/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-513.6.7.5 FPGA Configure 5/5, Restore Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . 3-523.6.8 Change Passwords > Security Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-533.6.8.1 User Setup (Locked or Unlocked) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-543.6.8.2 Diagnostics Setup (Locked or Unlocked). . . . . . . . . . 3-543.6.8.3 Factory Setup (Locked or Unlocked) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-553.6.9 Restore Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-553.7 RTAC Operating Procedures, Main Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-553.7.1 From RTAC Section of Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-553.7.2 From Adaptive Precorrection Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 3-563.7.3 From Down Converter Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-563.7.4 From Down Converter Diagnostics Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-563.7.5 From RTAC Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-574 Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14.1 General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14.2 Transmitter Systems Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14.3 APEX Exciter Digital Assembly Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24.3.1 Controller Board Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-34.3.2 RTAC and Adaptive Precorrector Board Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTable of ContentsPage: xii 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.3.2.1 44.4 MHz Phase Lock Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-64.3.3 Exciter Output Spectral Response, RTAC Bypassed . . . . . . . . . . .4-64.4 APEX Exciter Analog Assembly Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74.4.1 Up Converter Board Block Diagram Description. . . . . . . . . . . . .4-84.4.1.1 Up Converter Board UHF/VHF Band Pass Filter. . . . . . .4-84.4.2 Down Converter Board Block Diagram Description . . . . . . . . . . .4-94.4.3 PLL Board - A4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-104.4.3.1 10 MHz Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-104.4.3.2 128.9 MHz IF PLL (First L. O.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-114.4.3.3 Main Phase Lock Loop (Second LO) . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-124.4.4 Output Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-134.5 DC Power Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-144.5.1 Main Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-144.5.2 Digital Deck Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-144.5.2.1 Controller Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-144.5.2.2 FPGA Modulator Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-154.5.2.3 Adaptive Processing Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-154.5.2.4 Power for DAC and ADC Boards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-154.5.2.5 External I/O Board Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-164.5.2.6 Front Panel Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-164.5.3 Analog Deck Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-164.5.3.1 UDC Interface Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-164.5.3.2 Exciter Cooling Fan Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-164.5.3.3 Down Converter Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-174.5.3.4 PLL Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-174.5.3.5 Up Converter Board Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-184.5.3.6 Output Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-185 Maintenance and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15.1 Exciter Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15.1.1 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15.1.2 Measuring PLL Board Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-65.1.2.1 Measuring Center Channel Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . .5-65.1.2.2 PLL Board 10 MHz Reference Oscillator Frequency. . . . .5-85.1.2.3 Measuring the 1st Local Oscillator Frequency . . . . . . . .5-85.1.2.4 Measuring the 2nd Local Oscillator Frequency. . . . . . . .5-85.2 Loading Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTable of Contents2604s100TOC.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: xiiiWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.3 Default Settings For DIagnostics Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-105.4 Typical Settings for the More Critical Exciter Setups . . . . . . . . . . .5-115.5 Exciter Troubleshooting Flow Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-125.6 General Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-165.6.1 Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-165.7 System Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-175.7.1 PA, HPF, or ADC Adaptive Processing Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-175.7.2 Transmitter Response Not Conforming to Mask Requirements . . . . 5-175.7.3 Checking Transmitter Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-185.7.4 ASI Transport Stream Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-185.8 Exciter Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-195.8.1 Frequency Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-195.8.2 Dark Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-195.8.3 Power Supply Voltages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-205.8.4 Troubleshooting Down to the Board Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-215.8.4.1 Digital Tray Transmission Data Path . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-215.8.4.2 Analog Tray Signal Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-215.8.5 Isolating Problem to the Analog or Digital Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-215.8.5.1 Checking Operation of the Entire Digital Tray . . . . . . . 5-215.8.5.2 Checking Operation of the Entire Exciter. . . . . . . . . . 5-225.8.6 Isolating a Faulty Board in the Digital Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-235.8.6.1 Modulator Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-235.8.6.2 Adaptive Precorrector Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-245.8.6.3 ADC and DAC Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-245.8.6.4 Front Panel Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-245.8.6.5 Controller Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-245.8.7 Analog Tray Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-256 Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1Appendix AExciter GUI Screen Captures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTable of ContentsPage: xiv 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyList of Figures2604s100LOF.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: xvWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.List of FiguresFigure 1-1 Rear Panel View APEX Exciter Incorporating FLO Technology . . . . . . . . . 1-2Figure 1-2 APEX Exciter Front Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Figure 2-1 Exciter Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2Figure 2-2 1PPS Signal Termination Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Figure 2-3 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - Single PA Cabinet - Dual Exciters . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Figure 2-4 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - Dual PA Cabinets - Dual Exciters. . . . . . . . . . . 2-6Figure 3-1 LCD Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2Figure 3-2 APEX Exciter LCD Display Flow Chart, Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5Figure 3-3 APEX Exciter LCD Display Flow Chart, Status Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6Figure 3-4 APEX Exciter LCD Display Flow Chart, Setup Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7Figure 3-5 System Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8Figure 3-6 Transport Stream Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9Figure 3-7 Adaptive Processing Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9Figure 3-8 Adaptive Processing Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11Figure 3-9 Modulation Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12Figure 3-10 Modulation Board Status, Screen 1/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12Figure 3-11 ADC and DAC Status, Screen 2/2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13Figure 3-12 FLO FPGA Status, Summary, Screen 1/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14Figure 3-13 FLO FPGA, GPS & Clock Status, Screen 2/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15Figure 3-14 FLO FPGA, Transport Stream Status Screen 3/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16Figure 3-15 FLO FPGA, FSN FIFO Status, Screen 4/5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17Figure 3-16 FLO FPGA, MTI Status, Screen 5/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18Figure 3-17 UDC Interface Board Status, Screen 1/4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19Figure 3-18 PLL Board Status Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20Figure 3-19 PLL Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21Figure 3-20 Up Converter Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21Figure 3-21 Up Converter Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22Figure 3-22 Down Converter Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23Figure 3-23 Down Converter Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24Figure 3-24 Controller Board Status Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-26Figure 3-25 External I/O Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-27Figure 3-26 External I/O Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-28Figure 3-27 CAN Bus Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-30Figure 3-28 Front Panel Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-30Figure 3-29 Front Panel Board Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-31
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyList of FiguresPage: xvi 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 3-30 Built In Tests Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-32Figure 3-31 System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-32Figure 3-32 Exciter Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-35Figure 3-33 Power Calibration Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-38Figure 3-34 RTAC Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-38Figure 3-35 Display Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-41Figure 3-36 External I/O Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-42Figure 3-37 Serial Setup Screen 1 of 3, RS-232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-45Figure 3-38 Serial Setup Screen 2 of 3, Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-46Figure 3-39 Serial Setup Screen 3 of 3, CAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-47Figure 3-40 FPGA Configure 1/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-48Figure 3-41 FPGA Configure 2/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-49Figure 3-42 FPGA Configure 3/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-50Figure 3-43 FPGA Configure 4/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-51Figure 3-44 FPGA Configure 5/5, Restore Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-52Figure 3-45 Security Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-53Figure 3-46 System Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-54Figure 4-1 APEX Exciter/ Transmitter - RF Interconnection Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . 4-2Figure 4-2 APEX Exciter - Signal Flow Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4Figure 4-3 The 44.4 MHz Phase Lock Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6Figure 4-4 Exciter Output Spectral Response, RTAC Bypassed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Figure 4-5 Up Converter Simplified Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9Figure 4-6 Analog Assembly Detailed Block Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10Figure 4-7 10 MHz Reference Oscillator Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11Figure 4-8 Block Diagram First LO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11Figure 4-9 Block Diagram Main Phase Lock Loop (2nd LO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12Figure 4-10 Output RF Amplifier Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13Figure 5-1 Top View of Exciter (Analog Side) With Cover Removed . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Figure 5-2 Bottom View of Exciter (Digital Side) With Cover Removed. . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Figure 5-3 APEX Exciter Wiring Diagram, Left Side (see Figure 5-4 for right side) . . . . . 5-4Figure 5-4 APEX Exciter Wiring Diagram, Right Side (see Figure 5-3 for left side) . . . . . 5-5Figure 5-5 Frequency Error Troubleshooting Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12Figure 5-6 Low or No Output Power Troubleshooting Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13Figure 5-7 Transmitter Fails Mask Test Troubleshooting Flow Chart. . . . . . . . . . . . .5-14Figure 5-8 Transmitter Has Excessive MER Troubleshooting Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . .5-15Figure 5-9 Exciter Output Spectral Response, RTAC Bypassed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyList of Figures2604s100LOF.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: xviiWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure A-1 Tera Term Pro Screen When Connected to Exciter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2Figure A-2 Stop Action Capture of Screen Down Load Scroll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2Figure A-3 Tera Term Log Window Selected When Download Has Completed . . . . . . . A-3
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyList of FiguresPage: xviii 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyList of Tables2604s100LOT.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: xixWARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.List of TablesTable 1-1 Harris APEX Exciter General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4Table 1-2 Harris APEX Exciter Service Conditions Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5Table 1-3 Harris APEX Exciter Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6Table 3-1 System Status Screen Circuit Board Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8Table 3-2 Location of System Setup Sub Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33Table 3-3 Settings Resulting From Restore Defaults Activation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33Table 3-4 UHF External I/O Parallel Control Interface Connector J1 . . . . . . . . . . . .3-44Table 4-1 Output Signal Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6Table 4-2 2nd LO Output Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12Table 4-3 Exciter Power Supply Voltages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14Table 5-1 Diagnostics Screens Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Table 5-2 Typical Settings For Some of the More Critical Exciter Setup Functions . . . .5-11Table 5-3 Exciter Power Supply Voltages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20Table 5-4 Analog Tray RF Input and Output levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25Table 5-5 Phase Noise Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26Table 5-6 Output Signal Bandwidth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyList of TablesPage: xx 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyOrganization of Technical Manual Introduction2604s100.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 1-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.1IntroductionThis technical manual contains installation, operating and maintenance procedures for theHARRIS APEX Exciter incorporating FLOTM technology1.1.1 Organization of Technical ManualThe manual is divided into these sections:• Section 1 - Introduction, describes the APEX exciter and lists the sections of this technical manual.• Section 2 - Installation, describes the mounting, environmental requirements and ini-tial setup of the exciter.• Section 3 - Navigating the LCD Display Screens, explains how to operate the exciter.• Section 4 - APEX Exciter Theory, explains the functioning of each part of the exciter as an aid to servicing the product.• Section 5 - Maintenance and Troubleshooting, describes checks and test which may be used to isolate a suspected problem in the exciter.• Section 6 - Parts List, is an indexed listing of field-replaceable parts for the APEX ex-citer.1.2 General DescriptionThis APEX exciter s a low power transmitter signal source for the FLO technology It receives the program material to be transmitted in the form of the ASI transport streamand generates a low-level on-channel RF signal. It performs pre-corrections for signaldistortions which occur in the transmitter RF power amplifiers, high power filter, andtransmission line. This APEX exciter incorporating FLO™ Technology is presently installed in the HarrisRanger and Atlas Mobile transmitters, and can also be used as a stand alone signal sourcefor testing purposes.FLO technology was designed for distribution of multimedia material. It uses orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing (OFDM). It achieves high spectral efficiency whilemeeting mobility requirements (it can be received at speeds up to 200 km/hour) in a largecell SFN (single frequency network). The FLO physical layer uses a 4K mode (yielding atransform size of 4096 sub-carriers). The individual sub-carriers are modulated by QPSK(quadrature phase shift keying) or 16-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation). OFDM modulation is also used by Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)2, Terrestrial DigitalVideo Broadcasting (DVB-T)3, and Terrestrial Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting(ISDB-T)4.1. FLO is a trademark of QUALCOMM Inc.2. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) system also referred to as Eureka 147 and defined in ETSI EN 300 401: “Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB); DAB to mobile, portable and fixed receivers.”3. Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB-T) as defined in ETSI EN 300 744: “Digital Video Broad-casting (DVB); Framing structure, channel coding and modulation for digital terrestrial television.”4. ISDB family includes System C of Recommendation ITU-R BT.1306, System F of Recommendation ITU-R BS.1114 and IDSB-S of Recommendation ITU-R BO.1408
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyIntroduction Physical DescriptionPage: 1-2 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.1.3 Physical DescriptionThe APEX exciter consists of a single rack mounted chassis with the analog sectionavailable from the top of the exciter and the digital section available from the bottom. The exciter is normally mounted in the transmitter on slides, permitting it to be extendedforward out of the cabinet for service.The exciter is 5.25" high and 19" wide to allow mounting in a 3 rack unit space in astandard 19" EIA rack. A minimum of 25" depth in the mounting rack is needed to allowspace for the exciter and connecting cables.The exciter contains a cooling blower mounted in the rear of the top side. Cooling air isdrawn into the assemblies from the rear and forced over the circuits.The top and bottom covers may be removed to provide access to the digital and analogcircuit boards, however, there are no adjustments on the circuit boards. The upper side ofthe chassis is the analog section, and the bottom side of the chassis is the digital section.Figure 5-1 shows the top (analog) view and Figure 5-2 shows the and bottom (digital) viewof the exciter with the covers removed. These drawings provide the names and locations ofthe various circuit boards of the exciter.All system interconnections are via the rear panel, see Figure 1-1. An RS232 diagnosticport is provided on both the front and the rear panels.Figure 1-1 Rear Panel View APEX Exciter Incorporating FLO TechnologyRefer to Figure 1-2 for a picture of the exciter. A front mounted (user interface) touch panelis provided for quick and easy configuration and operation, with minimum internal useradjustments. Extensive self diagnostics are included to aid the user.AC PowerOff/On Switch
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyPhysical Description Introduction2604s100.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 1-3WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 1-2 APEX Exciter Front Panel View
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyIntroduction Technical OverviewPage: 1-4 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.1.4 Technical OverviewThe exciter accepts an ASI transport stream. The modulation process is fully digital, withanalog circuits used after the D/A converter to up-convert the IF signal to the desiredchannel.For operation in the US, the exciter RF output can be set to any one of eight 6 MHZ wideUHF channels which cover a frequency span from 698 MHz to 746 MHz. The eight RFchannels are referred to as FLO RF Channel 1 through 8.For operation in other markets, the exciter supports bandwidths of 5, 6, 7 and 8 MHz andsupports center frequencies over a band of frequencies from 470 to 862 MHz.The RF output may be adjusted up to 250 mW average power.The analog chassis can accept a 10 MHz external frequency standard and a 1PPA (1 pulseper second signal from a GPS receiver) input via a rear-panel connectors. A 10 MHzexternal standard is used whenever the user requires either greater frequency precision. AnExternal 1PPS input along with the 10 MHz input provides greater frequency precision andor accurate super frame timing (for use with wide area single frequency networkoperation).The exciter uses RTAC™ (Real Time Adaptive Correction) to monitor and manage precorrection for the transmitter system linear and nonlinear distortions, no manual correctioncircuits are employed. Low power RF samples from various stages of the transmitter arerequired by the RTAC circuits. 1.5 Specifications Specifications for the exciter are listed in Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3.NoteSpecifications subject to changed without notice.Table 1-1 Harris APEX Exciter General SpecificationsSpecification ExplanationRF output connector SMA, 50 ohm impedanceRF sample, from the high power filter output SMA, 50 ohm impedance, exciter input level: -30 to 0 dBmRF sample, from the power amplifier output SMA, 50 ohm impedance, exciter input level: -30 to 0 dBmRF sample, IPA, not used. SMA, 50 ohm impedanceFrequency range Within US FLO RF Channel 1 through 8, 6 MHz channels, 698 to 746 MHzIn Other Markets 6, 7, or 8 MHz channels, from 470 to 862 MHzTransport stream input Data Input 1, low priority ASI, BNC Female, 75 ohms, 270Mbps, Standard = EN 50083-9Data Input 2, high priority10 MHz Reference input BNC, 50 ohms, 10 Mhz, sinusoidal, 0 to +10 dBm, > 20 dB return loss,1PPS (pulse per second) input Input is high impedance or 50 ohm, +5V TTL, triggers on rising edge
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologySpecifications Introduction2604s100.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 1-5WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.GPS antenna input Antenna connection is an active input with +5V on the center conductor. Signal frequency is 1575.42 MHz, level can range from -133 to -115 dBm, input impedance is 50 ohms.Table 1-2 Harris APEX Exciter Service Conditions SpecificationsSpecification ExplanationAmbient temperature 0° to 50° celsius (32° to 122° fahrenheit)Ambient humidity 0 to 90% relative, non-condensingAltitude Sea level to 10000 feet.Physical dimensions 19 inches wide, 5.25 inches high, 24 inches deepWeight 36 poundsElectrical Requirements Voltage 85-132/170-264VACCurrent 2.4/0.75 AMPSPower 200 VAFrequency 47-63HZFuse size T4A/250VTable 1-1 Harris APEX Exciter General SpecificationsSpecification Explanation
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyIntroduction SpecificationsPage: 1-6 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Table 1-3 Harris APEX Exciter Performance SpecificationsSpecification ExplanationMaximum power output 1 watt peak, 250 mW averagePower output range Programable 1 to 250 mW averageRegulation of output power 1% or lessFrequency stability 1 x 10-8 per 24 hours with no external reference1 x 10-9 for SFN (single frequency network) with external referenceResponse variation < 0.2 dB, with the exciter in loopback modeGroup delay < 2 nsec, with the exciter in loopback modePhase noise 10 Hz -50 dBm100 Hz -80 dBm1 kHz -90 dBm10 kHz -95 dBm100 kHz -110 dBm1 MHz -120 dBmSpurious output 1In band -68 dB (-45 dB as measured in 30 kHz RBW)Adjacent channels -68 dB (-45 dB as measured in 30 kHz RBW)Signal to noise ratio 36 dB typical, with the exciter in loopback modeNote 1. Signals referenced to center of channel, at rated output, measured with 30 kHz RBW.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyIntroduction Installation2604s200.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 2-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.2 Installation 2.1 IntroductionExciters sold as part of a transmitter will normally have been tested in the transmitterbefore shipment. The exciter may be removed for shipment, to be reinstalled after the trans-mitter is in place. Installation is a simple process, as described in 2.2 below.Exciters sold for retrofit into existing transmitter systems will not only require mountingand appropriate mounting hardware, but because this exciter requires two RF samples,additional sample cables may have to be installed.Exciters sold for use in test facilities can either be rack mounted or operated standing on awork surface.2.2 Installing Exciters Removed for ShipmentIf an exciter has been removed for shipment, the physical mounting hardware andconnecting harness should already be in place in the transmitter. Mount the exciter in itsmounting slides, fasten the flexible cable retractor (if used) to the rear and connect thecables to the rear panel as marked. The exciter should have been set up at the factory, and the settings recorded in the trans-mitter final test data. The information in Section 3, Navigating the LCD Display Screensand Section 2.6, Configuring the Exciter should be carefully studied before attempting tooperate the exciter or check the exciter setup against the factory final test data. 2.3 Signal ConnectionsMost of the input and output connections are at the rear of the exciter, only the RS232connections are available at the front and rear. Figure 2-1 shows the rear panel connections.• ASI #1 and ASI #2 are the (Isolated BNC) input connections for the low and high pri-ority ASI transport streams. For best common mode rejection, this cable shield should be grounded only at the source end.The input impedance for each connector is 75 ohms. Belden 8281 or similar high-quality video cable can be used to deliver this signal to the exciter over a dis-tance of up to 1000 feet.• ASI OUT is a sample output of the active transport stream.• ANT (GPS antenna input) is an active input with +5V on the center conductor. Signal frequency is 1575.42 MHz, level can range from -133 to -115 dBm, input impedance is 50 ohms.• 10MHZ REF IN (BNC) is the (Optional) 10 MHz reference frequency input. It is used when precise control of the exciter’s frequency is required. Normal signal input range is 0 to +10 dBm. The input impedance is 50 ohms.• 1PPS (1 pulse per second input from the GPS receiver) is used with the 10MHz input to time the super frames.• HPF RF SAMPLE IN (SMA) is the input signal connector for an RF sample from output of high power mask filter. It is used by RTAC™ (Real Time Adaptive Correc-tion) to correct for the linear distortions of the high power filter. Normal input signal range is -30 dBm to 0 dBm. The input impedance is 50 ohms.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyInstallation Installation of the GPS 1PPS SignalPage: 2-2 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• PA SAMPLE IN (SMA) is the input signal connector for an RF sample from the out-put of the transmitter power amplifier, taken before the HPF and after the PA combin-er for transmitters with multiple PAs. It is used by RTAC™ to correct for the nonlinear distortion caused by the power amplifier. Normal input signal range is -30 dBm to 0 dBm. The input impedance is 50 ohms.• IPA SAMPLE IN (SMA), not used• RF OUT (SMA) is the on-channel RF signal output from the exciter. Output level is adjustable up to 250 mW average. • EXC/CTRL UHF (25 Pin D) is the exciter control interface connector used to connect the UHF version of the exciter to the transmitter and the exciter switcher.• CAN (controller area network) is a provision for the exciter to communicate with the transmitter GUI (graphical user interface) system controller.• LAN 10Base-T is a provision for connecting the exciter to a local area network.• RS232 (on front and rear panels of exciter) is a 9 Pin D interface connector. They are used to communicate with various computer applications. The front and rear panel connections can be programmed and used independently of each other.2.3.1 AC PowerAC Power is applied through a standard power cord to the connector at the right side of therear panel as shown in Figure 2-1. The AC inlet connector also contains the power switch.The power supply will automatically select the AC input voltage in two ranges. The tworanges are 85 to 132 VAC or 170 to 264 VACFigure 2-1 Exciter Inputs and Outputs2.4 Installation of the GPS 1PPS SignalThe GPS (global positioning system) 1PPS (1 pulse per second) signal has a rise time in theorder of a few nanoseconds. It is delivered by a 50 ohm transmission line to the exciter.Improper termination can cause ringing on the pulse, which, if severe enough can causetiming errors in the system. The 1PPS signal must be properly distributed and terminatedto avoid the ringing problem. Figure 2-2 shows two methods of distributing the 1PPS signal.AC PowerOff/On Switch
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyRetrofitting Into Existing Transmitter System Installation2604s200.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 2-3WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 2-2 1PPS Signal Termination Methods.2.5 Retrofitting Into Existing Transmitter SystemOne of the most important aspects of installing the exciter into an existing transmitterconsists of providing the APEX with the appropriate feedback signals. It is impractical todiscuss every possible transmitter installation, the intent of this section is to provideenough information to the systems engineer to allow him to determine the optimumfeedback arrangement. The discussions below will address the most commonconfigurations.2.5.1 Feedback RequirementsThe APEX Exciter accepts two feedback signals. They are the HPF (high power maskfilter) and the PA samples. Each sample input accommodates an input level of -30 to 0dBm average RF power.The HPF sample monitors the output of the high power mask filter. It uses this sample tocharacterize the amplitude response and group delay response of the filter. For this appli-cation, a FLO Bandpass filter is used, although exciter selections allow for a standard “D”Mask filter or Asymmetrical “STF” (sharp tuned filter) for other applications. After theGPS 1PPSSource ApexExciterFor a single 1PPS run from source to exciter, set the exciter FPGA modulatorboard 1PPS input termination jumper (JP1) to position 1 - 2 (50 ohm termination).GPS 1PPSSourceApexExciter #2ApexExciter #1For a two exciters, the 1PPS signal can be bridged through exciter 1, 1. Keep the tee connector close to exciter 1’s 1PPS connector (within one foot)position 2 - 3 (high impedance).to avoid the ringing problem.3. Set exciter 2’s FPGA modulator board 1PPS input termination jumper (JP!) to position 1 - 2 (50 ohms).2. Set exciter 1’s FPGA modulator board 1PPS input termination jumper (JP!) to Do not position the tee connector more than one foot from exciter 1, because this will aggravate the ringing problem.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyInstallation Retrofitting Into Existing Transmitter SystemPage: 2-4 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.filter has been characterized the Apex exciter applies pre-correction such that the responseand delay have been optimized at the filter output. In addition to characterizing the maskfilter, any transmission line or antenna VSWR present at the monitoring point will also becompensated. The PA sample monitors the output of the final amplifying device. It uses this sample tocharacterize the AM to AM (linearity) and AM to PM (phase) distortions of the amplifierand apply pre-correction to optimize the spectrum response (adjacent channel shoulderlevel) and in band intermodulation products at the amplifier output. 2.5.1.1 Feedback Signal Quality RequirementsThe ability of the APEX exciter to correct transmitter system distortions depends on thequality of the feedback samples. Any frequency response errors introduced in the feedbacksystem will degrade the main signal path. This will occur since the APEX compares theideal signal in the exciter to the feedback signal presented to the rear panel. The correctionalgorithms, like any feedback loop, will drive the error to zero at the measurement point,which is at the rear panel. Use only a high quality 50-ohm coax such as RG223. Avoid theuse of multiple lengths of cable; multiple connectors can cause response errors in thefeedback path. Always terminate any unused ports on a coupler, splitter, combiner or otherRF device. Poor performance can generally be traced back to a faulty feedback path.2.5.2 Typical Transmitter Systems Block DiagramsThe block diagrams in Figures 2-3 through 2-4 show typical RF line-up for the AtlasMobile transmitters. The bold lines indicate the required transmitter additions. There isalso a recommended list of required materials in Section 2.7 on page 2-11. The required couplers are already installed in the main RF path for transmitter monitoring.These couplers can be used to provide the feedback samples to the APEX exciter. In theevent that a given coupler is dedicated to a transmitter function, that sample can be splitinto two paths using a coupler, with the output port of the added coupler connected to thetransmitter function input cable and the coupled port used for the APEX feedback signal. If a transmitter installation uses multiple PA cabinets, the PA sample is taken after the PAcombiner. The APEX corrects for the aggregate sum of the PA cabinets.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyRetrofitting Into Existing Transmitter System Installation2604s200.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 2-5WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.2.5.3 Atlas Mobile TransmittersAtlas Mobile transmitters can be configured with one PA cabinet with 2 to 8 PA modulesor two or more PA cabinets and single or dual exciters. 2.5.3.1 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - 1 PA Cabinet, 2 ExcitersThe single cabinet Atlas Mobile transmitter system is shown in Figure 2-3. It has dualexciters with the RF sample feedback connections shown. Samples for each exciter areprovided by two-way, zero-phase splitters in each feedback sample line. The feedback signals at the exciter inputs should be padded to yield 0 dBm at the highestexpected transmitter output power. The maximum input range is -30 to 0 dBm.Figure 2-3 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - Single PA Cabinet - Dual ExcitersPA OutputCouplerHighPowerPACabinet FilterCouplerApex FLOExciterApex FLOExciter2-WaySplitter2-WaySplitterRFU/ExciterSwitcher8-WayPowerSplitter8-WayPowerSplitter
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyInstallation Retrofitting Into Existing Transmitter SystemPage: 2-6 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.2.5.3.2 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - 2 or More PA CabinetsWhen the Atlas Mobile Transmitter has two or more PA cabinets, the feedback signals areconnected as shown in Figure 2-4. • The HPF feedback sample is taken from the high power filter output coupler.• The PA sample is taken from the cabinet combiner output coupler.• If the transmitter system has dual exciters, feedback samples for each exciter are ob-tained by splitting each sample cable, as shown in Figure 2-4• The feedback signals at the exciter input should be padded to yield 0 dBm at the high-est expected transmitter output power. The sample input power range is -30 to 0 dBm.Figure 2-4 Atlas Mobile Transmitter - Dual PA Cabinets - Dual ExcitersPAPA CabinetOutputCouplerHighPowerCombinerCouplerCabinetCombiner FilterRFU/ExciterSwitcherPA CabinetApex FLOExciterApex FLOExciter2-WaySplitter2-WaySplitter
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyConfiguring the Exciter Installation2604s200.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 2-7WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.2.6 Configuring the ExciterThe APEX exciter is configured by the LCD touch screens. The basic functions of thesescreens are discussed in chapter 3 of this manual. It is necessary to be familiar with thesescreens in order to configure the exciter. This procedure is only a configuration checklist.This procedure needs to be done in two parts. • First it is necessary to get the exciter on channel and verify its operation on the bench.• Next, after installation in the transmitter and connecting the feedback lines (which must be within the range of -30 to 0 dBm), the adaptive processor can be turned on and the transmitter performance can be checked.Some transmitters may experience nuisance overdrive trips which are caused by the RTACnon-linear correction peak stretch capability. This can be prevented by programming themaximum peak stretch parameter of the RTAC setup screen, see Section 3.6.3.2, Max PeakStretch, on page 3-40.2.6.1 Configuration of Setup ScreensThe initial part of exciter configuration involves portions of the following setup screens. Main Screen.• Set exciter RF output power (the display reads average power).• Set the two RTAC functions. These refer to the two RF feedback signals which are connected to the rear panel of the exciter. These settings determine how the exciter will pre correct for the transmitter system linear and nonlinear distortions.Lin HPF: (linear high power filter), called HPF Sample on exciter rear panel.Non-Lin: (nonlinear input), called PA Sample on exciter rear panel.Main Screen > Setup > Exciter Setup. • Power Limit is usually set to 250 mW.• Reference, refers to External or Internal GPS use.External is the normal mode. If used, it requires an external 1PPS input at the rear panel connector.Loss of the 1PPS will cause a Digital Status hardware switch fault (lights red) and the Main Screen > Status > Digital Processing > FLO FPGA Registers will show fault. After the 1PPS Mute Delay loss time out has expired, the exciter will mute and the RF output will be zero. The 1PPS Mute Delay range is programable from 0 to 2000 min-utes. This setting is found (or changed) in the Main Screen > Setup > FLO FPGA > FPGA Configure 2/5.Internal is an alternate mode. If used, it requires GPS antenna signal input at the ANT rear panel connector.Loss of the GPS antenna signal will cause no noticeable effects.• Set the exciter to the correct channel.The channel box will be greyed out (and unattainable) if the diagnostic setup feature is locked. Instructions to lock or unlock the diagnostics setup is found in Section 3.6.8.2, Diagnostics Setup (Locked or Unlocked), on page 3-54.• Enter any required frequency offset. The limit is +/- 50 kHz.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyInstallation Configuring the ExciterPage: 2-8 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.The frequency offset box will be greyed out (and unattainable) if the diagnostic setup feature is locked. Instructions to lock or unlock the diagnostics setup is found in Sec-tion 3.6.8.2, Diagnostics Setup (Locked or Unlocked), on page 3-54.• Select the transmitter type.• Select the type and length (in feet) of waveguide, if waveguide is used in the system and group delay precorrection for the waveguide run is desired. The waveguide selec-tions are listed below.• WR1800, rectangular, for channels 14 through 35• WR1500, rectangular, for channels 20 through 56• WR1150, rectangular, for channels 46 through 69• GLW1750, circular, for channels 14 through 19 and 24 through 41• GLW1700, circular, for channels 20 through 23• GLW1500, circular, for channels 39 through 55.• GLW1350, circular, for channels 56 through 69.If the exciter is being bench tested, the waveguide selection can be set to None, to pre-vent group delay pre distortion of the RF output signal.• Check the exciter RF output power calibration if an accurate milliwatt meter is avail-able, the exciter display reads average power. If necessary, perform a calibration. Power calibration is covered in Section 3.6.2.1 on page 3-38.Main Screen > Setup > RTAC Setup. • Can be used to avoid nuisance overdrive trips.• Is used to determine RTAC startup mode when the exciter (or transmitter) is off line.Main Screen > Setup > Display Setup. • Enter the Date and Time.• Enter a new page title, if something other then APEX Exciter is desired.• Chart selection allows the operator to view the Main screen response display at vari-ous points along the transmitter system.• LCD Contrast allows operator to change contrast of the LCD display. Higher num-bers produce greater contrast, lower numbers produce less contrast.Main Screen > Setup > External I/O Setup. This screen is used to set up the control/status jack on the rear of the exciter. This con-nector contains the provisions for external control and monitoring of the exciter.When custom is selected in the transmitter selection section of the exciter setup screen, the channel functions (status and control) can be programmed.• VSWR foldback low and high thresholds are programmable, see Section 3.6.5.1, VSWR Foldback Parameters, on page 3-43.• Exciter switching threshold is determined by the power level of the on line exciter, see Section 3.6.5.2, RF Present Cutoff, on page 3-43.Main Screen > Setup > Serial I/O Setup. This screen is used to set up the front and rear panel RS-232 ports and the Ethernet port, marked LAN 10Base-T on the exciter rear panel.Main Screen > Setup > Change Password (or Security) Setup.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyConfiguring the Exciter Installation2604s200.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 2-9WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.This screen provides a means of changing the user and diagnostics passwords. The existing passwords can be determined by entering either the User or Diagnostic Password choices. The password becomes important if the User Setup or the Diagnostics Setup (or both) are to be locked.Main Screen > Setup > User Setup (Lock or Unlock). It is possible to lock the User Setup without a password, but the correct password is required to unlock it.Main Screen > Setup > Diagnostic Setup (Lock or Unlock). It is possible to lock the Diagnostic Setup without a password, but the correct pass-word is required to unlock it.2.6.2 Configuration of Status ScreensWhen configuring an exciter for the first time, it is useful to check certain portions of thefollowing status screens. Main Screen > Status > ASI Input. • This screen should show no faults if both ASI #1 and ASI #2transport streams are present at the exciter input. If either transport stream is present no transport stream fault will appear on the front panel Transport Stream hardware switch, it will light green.If both are missing, the front panel Transport Stream and the Digital Processing hard-ware switches will show faults (light red)Main Screen > Status > Adaptive Processing.• HPF feedback (RF sample from output of high power filter), and Amp Feedback (RF power amplifier output sample) bargraphs:These bargraphs, each of which contain blue (peak power) and yellow (average pow-er) traces, should be within their active travel ranges if the feedback signals are within the correct power range (-30 to 0 dBm).If the signal is out of range, that input will fault.• ADC OvrRange (analog to digital converter over range) will be Ok if all feedback signals are within their proper ranges, and will fault if any are too large.Main Screen > Status > ASI Input screen will show fault if both transport streams aremissing. Main Screen > Status > Digital Processing > FLO FPGA Registers > FPGS Summary 1/5> TS Active Indicates the active transport stream (TS1 Active or TS2) It will show fault ifboth ASI transport streams are missing. Main Screen > Status > Digital Processing > FLO FPGA Registers > Transport StreamStatus Screen 3/5 > TS1 Detect and TS2 Detect indicates the presence of the transportstreams by yes or their absence by no.Refer to chapter 3 in this manual if the rest of the status screens are to be checked.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyInstallation Configuring the ExciterPage: 2-10 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.2.6.3 Normal Settings for Diagnostic ScreensThe Diagnostics screens offer tests used to diagnose exciter problems. If the diagnosticselections are left in the wrong states, normal operation of the exciter could be impaired.The default values for the diagnostics screens can be found in Table 5-1 on page 10. The following is a list of the normal states of the more critical diagnostic functions and theexciter mute.Status > Adaptive Processing > Diagnostics• LoopBack: None• Test Tones: DisabledStatus > IF & RF Processing > Up Converter > Diagnostics• Output Power AGC: EnabledStatus > IF & RF Processing > Down Converter > Diagnostics• RF Sample Select: Automatic• RF Sample AGC: EnabledStatus > System Control > External I/O Board > Diagnostics• Analog Loopback: DisabledSetup >Exciter > Exciter Setup screen> Mute soft key.• The exciter is normally un-muted. Pressing the button will open a sub window which will have instruction to mute or un-mute the exciter output.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaterials Needed Installation2604s200.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 2-11WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.2.7 Materials NeededThe following list represents the materials that may be used for the various field installs.Not all materials are required for every installation.• Coupler, Mini Circuit, ZFDC-10-21, 50 ohm BNC, Harris part number 620-2969-000This coupler is used when a spare sample is not available. It is place in line at the measurement point and the coupled port used for the feedback. The coupled port has a 10 dB attenuation from the input.• Splitter, two port, Mini Circuits, ZFSC-2-2, zero phase, 50 ohm SMA, Harris part number 620-2964-000This splitter is used to split a feedback signal to two exciters. • The following three splitters are used as needed to split or combine an RF signal. Splitter, two port, Mini Circuits, ZFSC-2-2, zero phase, 50 ohm BNC, Harris part number 620-1563-000Splitter, three port, Mini Circuits, ZFSC-3-4, zero phase, 50 ohm BNC, Harris part number 620-3038-000Splitter, four port, Mini Circuits, ZFSC-4-1, zero phase, 50 ohm BNC, Harris part number 620-2833-000Used as needed to split or combine an RF signal.• Adapters, N female to BNC male, Harris part number 620-0128-000Used to connect a BNC coupler directly to the N connector on the RF system.• Adapter, BNC female to N male, Harris part number 620-0547-000Used to connect the original RF system cable to feedback coupler.• Adapter, BNC male to BNC male, Harris part number 620-0564-000Used in Platinum transmitters to connect the feedback coupler directly to the RF sam-ple coupler.• Adapter TNC female to BNC male, Harris part number 620-2967-000Used in Sigma to connect the feedback coupler directly to the breakaway couplers.• Adapter, BNC female to TNC male, Harris part number 620-2821-000Used in Sigma to connect original breakaway coupler cable to the feedback coupler.• RF Cables, the number and type of each depends on transmitter type and installation. Depending on installation, other lengths and connector combinations may be needed.30 ft, RG223, 50 ohm, BNC male to SMA male30 ft, RG223, 50 ohm, BNC male to BNC male30 ft, RG223, 50 ohm, N male to BNC male30 ft, RG223, 50 ohm, N male to SMA male30 ft, RG223, 50 ohm, N male to N male10 ft, RG223, 50 ohm, BNC male to SMA male3 ft, RG223, 50 ohm BNC to BNC3 ft, RG223, 50 ohm BNC to SMA male
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyInstallation Materials NeededPage: 2-12 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyBasic Operating Procedure Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3 Navigating the LCD Display ScreensOperating the APEX exciter requires knowledge of two sets of controls. First is the power off/on switch, which is not normally used if the exciter is mounted in atransmitter, but could be used if the exciter is used as a signal source apart from a trans-mitter. The power off/on switch is located on the right side of the exciter rear panel whenfacing the rear of the exciter.The second and most important part of exciter operation is knowledge of the LCD displaytouch screens, which is covered in the remainder of this chapter.3.1 Basic Operating ProcedureAfter the exciter has been installed and set up, the two most often used operating functionsare raising or lowering the exciter RF output power and locating exciter faults if a malfunc-tion should occur. These two topics will be addressed before the subject of the LCD screennavigation is covered.3.1.1 Raising or Lowering Output PowerThe average output power of the exciter in mW is displayed on the main screen. Exciteroutput power adjustment soft keys are also included on the main screen, and appear asarrows to the left and right of the output power display. On the main screen, output power can also be set by touching the numbers in the powerdisplay. This brings up a number pad where a new value for output power (between 0 and250 mW average power) can be entered. When new value is entered, it is accepted bytouching Done or the old power retained by pressing Cancel.Exciter power raise and lower can also be controlled remotely. In most transmitters, exciterpower is controlled from the transmitter, with transmitter output power controlled locallyand remotely by a separate circuit. In some transmitters the exciter output power control isthe transmitter output power control, and is available by remote control.3.1.2 Exciter Fault Display - RedThe exciter includes several LCD status screens which display normal or fault operatingconditions. If a fault occurs within the exciter, a red FAULT button appears at the bottomof each screen. Touching the fault button switches to the System Status screen, which willdisplay a FAULT status beside the offending section of the exciter. Touching the faultedbox causes the status display for that box to appear. This display gives additional informa-tion concerning the problem within that section and will point to a circuit board and/or asignal condition.3.1.2.1 Fault Warning - YellowWhen status screen parameters approach their limit, a yellow warning will replace thegreen OK indication at the bottom of the screens.When VSWR foldback is active the system control light on the front panel will be lightedyellow.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Starting Point: The Main LCD Touch ScreenPage: 3-2 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.2 Starting Point: The Main LCD Touch ScreenMainScreen.bmpFigure 3-1 LCD Main ScreenSetup, operation, and trouble shooting of the APEX exciter is accomplished via the LCDDisplay Touch Screens. This chapter covers the use and definitions of the screens. When power is first applied, a power up screen appears briefly, but the display quicklychanges to the main screen, shown in Figure 3-1. The main screen is divided into several areas, these are as follows.• On-Air Data block shows:Signal to noise ratio (SNR) is the RTAC memory signal to noise ratio. Signal to noise ratio should range from 30 to 45 dB.Error vector magnitude (EVM) does not apply to the Apex Flo exciter.Integrated power of the lower sideband (LSB) and upper sideband (USB) over the spectrum of the lower and upper adjacent channels with reference to the RF output of the high power filter. • Exciter output power control and level display.• RTAC section of the main screen shows the operating status of its correctors, which are:• Lin HPF (RF feedback sample taken after the high power filter) • Non-Lin (PA output feedback sample, taken before the high power filter). The possible states for each corrector are: • Bypass: Turns the selected corrector off• Default: Selects a pre loaded correction algorithm from the RTAC Filter Set-up screen. Saving an RTAC correction algorithm to an RTAC filter is cov-ered in Section 3.6.3 on page 3-38.• Adapt: Turns the selected corrector on• Hold: Keeps the last correction value for the selected mode. This is a short term option. For long term use select Default.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyStarting Point: The Main LCD Touch Screen Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-3WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• RF spectrum display at selected locations throughout the transmitter RF system.Several Main screen soft keys are provided to start the process of navigation through thevarious LCD screens. These areas include FLO Meas (measure), Status, Setup, or Fault. 3.2.1 Spectrum Response ScreenIf the RF spectrum area of the main screen is touched, a full screen display of the RFspectrum is presented. The spectral response can be displayed at several locations throughout the transmitter RF system. These choices are found on the Main Menu > Setup >Display screen. This screen is described in Section 3.6.4, Display Setup Screen, on page3-41. Circuit locations for these displays include:• Tx-Pre HPF: From rear panel RF sample input, labeled PA Sample.• Tx-Post HPF: From rear panel RF sample input, labeled HPF Sample.• FLO Ref: The FLO I and Q signal from the FPGA board.• C: The FLO real signal from the FPGA board.• D: The sample of the linear precorrector output.• J: The sample of the non linear precorrector output. • FLO w/RTAC: Digital signal taken at output of adaptive precorrector board.• BIT: Sample of the Built In Test FIFO (for future use).• Exciter: RF signal is taken from J4 sample output of exciter PA and connected to J4 sample input on down converter board.3.2.2 Exciter Status Series of ScreensSelecting the Main screen Status button accesses the Exciter Status screen. Five smallerboxes are displayed within the System Status screen. These boxes represent circuitfunctions within the exciter. Touching any of the five boxes brings up the status sub screen(or screens) for that circuit board. Within any of these screens, touching Home returns tothe main screen, and touching Status or Fault brings up the System Status screen. Picturesand descriptions of these screens are found in Section 3.4 on page 3-8.3.2.3 Exciter Setup Series of ScreensSelecting the Main screen Setup button accesses the System Setup screen. Eight smallerboxes are displayed within the System Setup screen. These boxes represent programmableareas within the exciter. Touching any of the eight boxes brings up the setup sub screen forthat area. Within any of these screens, touching Home returns to the main screen, touchingBack returns to the System Setup screen, and touching Fault (at the bottom of the screen, ifa fault exists) brings up the System Status screen. Pictures and descriptions of these screensare found in Section 3.6 on page 3-32.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens LCD Display Flow ChartPage: 3-4 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.2.4 FLO Measure Soft KeyThe FLO Meas (measure) soft key at the top of the main screen provides informationconcerning the transmitter system distortions and exciter corrections for them. This infor-mation is given in three screens. They are:• Transmitter/Systems Linearity screen. This screen refers to the amplifier caused non-linear distortions, which are linearity (called amplitude on the screen) and phase distortion (called phase on the screen).• Amplitude and Phase Correction screen. This screen refers to the exciter corrections for the amplifier caused non-linear distortions, which are linearity (called amplitude on the screen) and phase distortion (called phase on the screen).• Amplitude and Group Delay Correction screen. This screen refers to the linear distor-tions caused by the filters, tuned circuits, and other amplitude response shaping cir-cuits in the transmitter system. These distortions are frequency response errors (called amplitude on the screen) and group delay.3.3 LCD Display Flow ChartNavigation is started from the main screen by lightly touching Status, Setup, Fault, or thespectrum display. Refer to Figures 3-2, 3-4, and 3-3 for the main screen, setup, and statusflow charts.• From any screen, other than the Main screen, Home returns to the Main screen. • From any screen, Fault brings up the System Status screen. • From any sub screen within Setup, pressing Back returns to the System Setup screen. • From any sub screen within Status, pressing Status returns to System Status screen, and pressing Back on some status screens returns to the next higher level of screen.• Some System Status and Setup sub sections are composed of several (two or more) sub screens. Within these sections, Next and Prev (previous) sequentially walks through the sub screen selections.• Some status sub screens include a diagnostic screen. This screen provides additional information for the screen in question.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyLCD Display Flow Chart Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-5WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 3-2 APEX Exciter LCD Display Flow Chart, Main ScreenPower Up ScreenSetupFaultNote: Selecting Home from any screenSelecting Fault from any screenExpanded Display ScreenStatusDisplaysreturns to the Main Screen.returns to the Exciter Status Screen.On AirDataRTACCorrectionStatus/ControlExciter PowerControlSystem Setup ScreenSee Figure 3-4, on page 3-7For flow chart.System Status ScreenSee Figure 3-3, on page 3-6For flow chart.Main Screen See page 3-2
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens LCD Display Flow ChartPage: 3-6 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 3-3 APEX Exciter LCD Display Flow Chart, Status ScreensFaultASI INPUT Ok (or FAULT)ADAPTIVEIF and RFOk (or FAULT)Ok (or FAULT)Selecting any choice in the ExciterStatus Screen Opens that status screenNote: Selecting Home from any screenSelecting Fault from any screenStatusPROCESSING PROCESSINGModulatorFLO FPG RegistersDIGITAL Ok (or FAULT)PROCESSINGSYSTEM Ok (or FAULT)CONTROL Screen 1 of 4UDC Interface Board Screen 2 of 4PLL Board Screen 3 of 4Up Converter BoardScreen 4 of 4Down Converter Board Screen 1 of 5Controller Board Screen 2 of 5External I/O Board Screen 3 of 5CAN Statusreturns to the Main Screen.returns to the Exciter Status Screen.Selecting Status in any Status Screenreturns to the Exciter Status Screen. Screen 4 of 5 Front Panel Revisions Screen 5 of 5GPS Status Screen 1 of 2FPGA Modulation BoardScreen 2 of 2ADC & DAC Boards Screen 1 of 5FPGA Summary Screen 2 of 5GPS and Clock Screen 3 of 5Transport Stream Screen 4 of 5 SFN FIFO Status Screen 5 of 5MTI StatusSystem Status ScreenSee page 3-8Transport Stream Status ScreenSee page 3-9Adaptive Processing Status ScreenSee page 3-9See page 3-12 See page 3-14See page 3-12See page 3-18See page 3-17See page 3-15See page 3-14See page 3-16See page 3-20See page 3-19See page 3-23See page 3-21See page 3-27See page 3-26See page 3-30 See page 3-31See page 3-30From Figure 3-2, on page 3-5
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyLCD Display Flow Chart Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-7WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 3-4 APEX Exciter LCD Display Flow Chart, Setup ScreensExciterExternal I/OSelecting any choice in the ExciterSetup Screen opens that setup screen.Selecting Back in any Setup Screen returns to the Exciter Setup Screen.RTACFiltersDisplaySerial I/OUser SetupDiagnostics SetupFactory SetupNote: Selecting Home from any screenSelecting Fault from any screenreturns to the Main Screen.returns to the Exciter Status Screen.System Setup Screen See page 3-32 Screen 1 of 2Exciter SetupSee page 3-35RTAC SetupSee page 3-38DisplaySetupSee page 3-41PowerCalibrationSee page 3-38External I/OSetupSee page 3-42Screen 1 of 3Serial SetupRS-232See page 3-45Screen 2 of 3Serial SetupEthernetSee page 3-46Screen 3/3Serial SetupCANSee page 3-47ChangePasswordsFLOFPGAScreen 1 of 5FPGA ConfigureSee page 3-48RestoreDefaultsSee page 3-55Unlocked(or Locked)See page 3-54Unlocked(or Locked)See page 3-54Unlocked(or Locked)See page 3-55Screen 3 of 5FPGA ConfigureSee page 3-50Screen 2 of 5FPGA ConfigureSee page 3-49Screen 4 of 5FPGA ConfigureSee page 3-51Change Password >Security SetupSee page 3-53Screen 5 of 5FPGA Configure,Restore DefaultSetupSee page 3-52
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-8 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4 Details of the Exciter Status ScreensSystemStatus.bmpFigure 3-5 System Status ScreenThis section provides pictures and details of the Exciter Status screen, shown in Figure 3-5,and its sub screens. The sub screens give the status of selected control areas or PC boards,some of the sub screens include diagnostics screens.If the Diagnostics Setup on the Exciter System Setup screen is locked, all diagnosticsfunctions will be locked, and their various screen selection values will be greyed out.3.4.1 System Status ScreenRefer to Figure 3-5. The System Status screen serves two purposes. First, it provides ageneral status of five items, and secondly it provides access to many sub screens whichgive additional status information about selected circuit boards within the exciter. Five small boxes are displayed within the System Status screen. These boxes representcircuit boards or control areas within the exciter, see names in Table 3-1. The general statusof each section (OK or FAULT) is displayed to the right of each box. Touching any of theboxes brings up the status screen for that selection. Five hardware switches on the exciter front panel (to the immediate right of the LCDdisplay) provide short cuts which leads directly to the five status areas listed in Table 3-1.Table 3-1 System Status Screen Circuit Board NamesBox Name Circuit Board NameASI Input ASI input status, FPGA Modulator board, see page 3-9Adaptive Processing Adaptive Precorrector board, see page 3-9Digital Processing (shown in two screens) Digital Processing Status on page 3-12, From there two choices: First Modulator on page 3-12, and ADC or DAC boards page 3-12. Second the FLO FPGA Registers Screens (1 through 5) starting on page 3-14.IF and RF Processing (shown in four screens) UDC Interface on page 3-19, PLL on page 3-20, Up Converter on page 3-21 and Down Converter on page 3-23System Control (shown in four screens) Controller board on page 3-26, External I/O board on page 3-27, CAN Bus on page 3-30, Front Panel Board Status page 3-30, and GPS Status page 3-31. BIT (built in tests) Built In Tests on page 3-32
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-9WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.2 Transport Stream Status ScreenTrnsStrmStatus.bmpFigure 3-6 Transport Stream Status ScreenThe Transport Stream Status screen is shown in Figure 3-6, with screen entries listedbelow. • TS 1 Detect. This selection indicates OK if the transport stream is present at the trans-port stream one input on the rear of the exciter.• TS 2 Detect. This selection indicates OK if the transport stream is present at the trans-port stream two input on the rear of the exciter.3.4.3 Adaptive Processing Board Status ScreenAdapPrecStatus.bmpFigure 3-7 Adaptive Processing Board Status Screen
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-10 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.The Adaptive Processing Board status screen is shown in Figure 3-7, with screen entrieslisted below.• 3.3 Vdc: This is the output of the 3.3 V dc to dc converter.• 5 Vdc: This is the board input voltage, which comes from the controller board.• AP 3.3 Vdc supply is derived from the 3.3 Vdc supply through an FET switch. This voltage is switched off if the 1.9 Vdc AP supply faults.• AP 1.9 Vdc: This is the output from the AP DSP core supply dc to dc converter.• NL 3.3 Vdc supply is derived from the 3.3 Vdc supply through an FET switch. This voltage is switched off if the 1.8 Vdc NL supply faults.• NL 1.8 Vdc NL DSP core power supply.• PLL Lock: (Ok or FAULT) This is the lock status of a PLL on the adaptive corrector board. It locks the 22.2, and 44.4 MHz clocks to the 11.1 MHz clock from the FPGA Modulator board.• EEPROM: (Ok or FAULT) The EEPROM is the local board memory. It stores board specific information such as board revision, AP CPLD revision, DSP revision, and other local data.• ADC Over Range: (OK or FAULT) Fault = One or more input RF voltage samples to the ADC (analog to digital converter) exceeded maximum allowable level.Each of the feedbacks listed below has a bar graph. The yellow (upper) bar indicatesaverage power level and the blue (lower) bar indicates peak level. The presence of an RFsample which is within the correct power range (-30 to 0 dBm) is indicated when both barsare within the center range of the window. The bar graphs are not calibrated to the inputpower level. If any input sample is outside the allowable power range window, the bars forthat input will be at an extreme end of the window and that input will be faulted.• HPF Feedback: (OK or FAULT) This is the RF sample taken after the high power filter.• PA feedback: (OK or FAULT)This is the RF sample taken after the power amplifier but before the high power filter.NoteThe maximum input level for the three feedbacks mentioned aboveshould not exceed 0 dBm. Excessive input levels will cause faults forthe ADC and feedback inputs and can also cause crosstalk between in-puts and/or damage to the exciter. +20 dBm is the damage level• NL CPLD: (Ok or FAULT) This is the health status of the NL CPLD in the Adaptive Precorrector board.• Board Rev: This is the board revision for the Adaptive Precorrector board.• AP CPLD Rev: This is the revision level of the AP CPLD in the Adaptive Precorrec-tor board.• AP DSP Rev: This is the revision level of the AP DSP (digital signal processor) soft-ware in the Adaptive Precorrector board.• NL DSP Rev: This is the revision level of the NL DSP (digital signal processor) soft-ware in the Adaptive Precorrector board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-11WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.3.1 Adaptive Processing DiagnosticsAdaptPrecDiagnostics.bmpFigure 3-8 Adaptive Processing DiagnosticsThe Adaptive Processing Diagnostic screen is shown in Figure 3-8, with screen entrieslisted below.• loopback: Selections include None, Analog, or Digital. None is the normal mode.Digital loops the D/A converter input bit stream back to replace the A/D converter output bit stream. It tests the modulator and corrector boards.Analog loops the 11.1 MHz IF output from the D/A board to the IF input of the A/D board via an existing RF cable jumper. It tests the A/D and D/A converters.Results of the digital or analog loopbacks can be viewed on the Main screen re-sponse display by setting the Setup > Display Setup Chart Source selection to ex-citer.• Test Tones: (Disabled or Enabled) Disabled is normal mode. Enabled turns on two test tones, which are used as built in functions for inter modulation tests. It is used by factory final test and field service. When enabled, this function mutes the exciter, the signals are visible within the exciter.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-12 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.4 Digital Processing ScreensDigitalPrecStatus.bmpFigure 3-9 Modulation Board Status ScreenThe Digital processing Status selection offers two selections, which are:• The Modulator, which consists of screen 1, the FPGA Modulator, and screen 2, which gives the software revisions of the ADC & DAC Boards.See Modulator Board Status, Screen 1/2, on page 3-12• The five FLO FPGA Register Status screens.See FPGA Status Screens (1 through 5) starting on page 3-143.4.4.1 Modulator Board Status, Screen 1/2DigPrecStatus1.bmpFigure 3-10 Modulation Board Status, Screen 1/2The Modulation Status screen is shown in Figure 3-10, with screen entries listed below.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-13WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• 5 Vdc: This is the board input voltage, which comes from the controller board.• 3.3 Vdc: This is the output of the 3.3 V dc to dc converter.• 2.5 Vdc supply is derived from the 3.3 Vdc supply through an FET switch. This volt-age is switched off if the DSP 1.8 Vdc supply faults.• 1.8 Vdc This is the output of the 1.8 volt core power supply.• 1.2 Vdc This is the output of the 1.2 volt core power supply.• FPGA Temp. refers to the temperature of the FPGA board.• GPS 5 Vdc refers to the 5 volt supply for the GPS receiver.• FPGA cfg refers to the configuration of the FPGA, which is a microprocessor.• FPGA prog (OK or FAULT) refers to the programing of the FPGA board.• EEPROM: (Ok or FAULT) The EEPROM is the local board memory. It stores board specific information such as board revision, CPLD revision, FPGA revision, and oth-er local data.• PLL Unlock (OK or FAULT) Status of 11.1 MHz clock, OK represents clock locked to 10 MHz reference.• FPGA Rev: Revision level of the firmware in the field programmable gate array in the Modulator board. • CPLD Rev: Revision level of the CPLD in the Modulator board.• Board Rev: Board revision level for the Modulator board.3.4.4.2 ADC and DAC Boards Status, Screen 2/2 ADC_DACStatus.bmpFigure 3-11 ADC and DAC Status, Screen 2/2Refer to Figure 3-11. The ADC and DAC screen entries are listed below.• ADC Board Rev: This is the board revision for the analog to digital converter board.• DAC Board Rev: This is the board revision for the digital to analog converter board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-14 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.4.3 FLO FPGA Status, Summary, Screen 1/5FPGA Status1.bmpFigure 3-12 FLO FPGA Status, Summary, Screen 1/5The parameters of the FPGA Summary screen are as follows.•FPGA Version:•TS input: Indicates the active transport stream (TS1 Active or TS2 Active) if one or both streams are connected to the two ASI inputs on the exciter rear panel. The presence of one or both of the transport streams in indicated in the TS1 and TS2 Detect indications of the Transport Stream Status screen (screen 3/5 in this series of screens).In both transport streams are missing, the indication Inactive (in red) appears.•SFN Error: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•RF Mute: YES (in red) indicates mute, NO (in black) indicated OK•Fatal Error: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•FPGA Reset: This is an indication of the number of times the FPGA has been reset.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-15WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.4.4 FLO FPGA, GPS & Clock Status, Screen 2/5FPGA Status2.bmpFigure 3-13 FLO FPGA, GPS & Clock Status, Screen 2/5The parameters of the FPGA GPS & Clock Status screen are as follows.•GPS Error: The value for GPS Error is displayed in microseconds. It is calculated from the GPS error register based on the bandwidth selected, as show in the table be-low:•SSF Arrival: displayed in milliseconds•Ave Frequency Error: In Hz•GPS 1PPS Loss: YES (in red) indicates loss of GPS 1PPS, NO (in black) indicated signal is present. The indication will change to YES and cause the exciter to mute after the GPS has been missing long enough to exceed 1PPS Mute Delay. The 1PPS Mute Delay time out setting is found on the Main Screen > Setup > FLO FPGA > FPGA Configure 2/5 screen.•GPS Flywheel: YES indicates GPS Flywheel is operational, NO indicated Flywheel not present.•DCM Locked: YES indicates lock, NO indicated unlock.Bandwidth GPS Error Displayed Value (uS)5 MHz Register value / 37.06 MHz Register value / 44.47 MHz Register value / 51.88 MHz Register value / 59.2
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-16 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.4.5 FLO FPGA, Transport Stream Status, Screen 3/5FPGA Status3.bmpFigure 3-14 FLO FPGA, Transport Stream Status Screen 3/5The parameters of the Transport Stream Status screen are as follows.•TS1 Detect: Yes or No TS2 Detect: Yes or NoYes = transport stream present, No (in red) = transport stream missing•TS1 LOF: Yes or No TS2 LOF: Yes or NoYes (in red) = fault, No = TSI LOF is OK•TS1 OOF: Yes or No TS2 OOF: Yes or NoYes (in red) = fault, No = TSI OOF is OK•TS1 OOF Ct: Integer Decimal TS2 OOF Ct: Integer Decimal •TS1 Pkt Rt: Integer Decimal TS2 Pkt Rt: Integer Decimal •WPID Pkt Rt: Decimal SSF Missing: Yes or NoYes (in red) = SSF missing, No = SSF OK•LPID Pkt Rt: Decimal SSF Multiple: Yes or NoYes (in red) = SSF multiple, No = SSF OK
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-17WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.4.6 FLO FPGA, SFN FIFO Status, Screen 4/5FPGA Status4.bmpFigure 3-15 FLO FPGA, FSN FIFO Status, Screen 4/5The parameters of the SFN FIFO Status screen are as follows.•Core Stall: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Overflow: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Underflow: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Too Full: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Too Low: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Seq Err: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Parity Err: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•FIFO Level%: Decimal percentage
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-18 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.4.7 FLO FPGA, MTI Status, Screen 5/5FPGA Status5.bmpFigure 3-16 FLO FPGA, MTI Status, Screen 5/5The parameters of the SFN FIFO Status screen are as follows.•Ver Err: YES (in red) indicates error, NO (in black) indicated OK•Pkt Miss Count: Displayed as an integer decimal •Dropped Groups: Displayed as an integer decimal •Dropped Packets: Displayed as an integer decimal •OVHD Err Count: Displayed as an integer decimal •TS Error: Displayed as an integer decimal •Start Symbol: Displayed as an integer decimal •Stop Symbol: Displayed as an integer decimal •Bad Slot: Displayed as a hexadecimal number
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-19WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.5 IF & RF Processing Status Screens The IF & RF Processing Status selection contains four sub screens, which are:• UDC Interface Board, Screen 1 of 4• PLL Board, Screen 2 of 4.• Up Converter Board, Screen 3 of 4.• Down Converter Board, Screen 4 of 4.3.4.5.1 UDC Interface Board Status, Screen 1/4UDCInterfaceStatus.bmpFigure 3-17 UDC Interface Board Status, Screen 1/4The UDC Interface Board screen is shown in Figure 3-17, with screen entries listed below.• 15 Vdc: Input from power supply module• -15 Vdc: Input from power supply module• 5 Vdc: Output from 5 volt linear regulator chip U4. • 3.3 Vdc: Output from 3.3 volt linear regulator chip U6.• 8 Vdc: Output from 8 volt switching regulator• Temp: This is the ambient air temperature inside the analog (top) side of the exciter.• CPLD Rev: This is the revision level of the CPLD in the UDC Interface board. • Board Rev: This is the board revision for the UDC Interface board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-20 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.5.2 PLL Board Status ScreenPLLStatus.bmpFigure 3-18 PLL Board Status ScreenThe PLL Board screen is shown in Figure 3-18, with screen entries listed below.• 15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1.• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1.• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1.• IF PLL Lock: (YES or NO) This PLL should normally be locked.• RF PLL Lock: (YES or NO) This PLL should normally be locked.• 10MHz PLL Lock: (N/A) The PLL board 10 MHz oscillator frequency is now refer-enced to the external 1PPS GPS signal via the FPGA board and the PLL board DAC.• 10 kHz. Reference: (N/A) This input is no longer used to lock the PLL board 10 MHz oscillator.• Board Rev: This is the board revision for the PLL board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-21WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.5.2.1 PLL DiagnosticsRefer to Figure 3-19. This screen is not used phase lock loop boards where the PLL Board10 kHz Reference entry, shown in Figure 3-18, is labeled N/A. It is used for units wherethe PLL Board 10 kHz Reference entry is labeled Yes.The Xtal Aging (crystal oscillator aging) control is used to set the frequency of the internal10 MHz crystal oscillator when no external reference is used. The initial setting shouldtypically be in the range of 3000 to 3500. PLLDiagnostics.bmpFigure 3-19 PLL Diagnostics3.4.5.3 Up Converter Board Status ScreenUpConverterStatus.bmpFigure 3-20 Up Converter Board Status ScreenThe exciter output amplifier does not have a separate screen. It parameters (+/-15 Vdc andRF detector output) are included in this screen. The UDC Interface Board screen is shownin Figure 3-20, with screen entries listed below.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-22 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• 15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J3.• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J3.• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J3.• RF Detector: Rectified RF output voltage sample from exciter output amplifier.• AGC Unlock. (OF or Fault) Note: AGC Unlock fault indicates an AGC problem, not that the Output Power AGC is disabled, see Up Converter Diagnosis screen?• Board Rev: This is the board revision for the Up Converter board. 3.4.5.3.1 Up Converter DiagnosticsUpConverterDiagnostics.bmpFigure 3-21 Up Converter DiagnosticsThe Up Converter Diagnostics screen is shown in Figure 3-21, with screen entries listedbelow.• Output Power AGC. When enabled, the exciter output power level is set from the ex-citer main screen or the extended control. This is the normal setting.When disabled, for test purposes, the exciter output power is locked in the previous (enabled) AGC setting. This is a good mode for testing the analog tray RF circuits, because the RF level will remain constant when an RF cable is disconnected.• TuneA: (range 0 to 4095) The number in the TuneA window represents the dc voltage applied to the UHF tunable notch filter in the up converter. This voltage places the notch at the local oscillator frequency to improve local oscillator rejection in the ex-citer RF output signal. The initial values for all channels are stored in the exciter. Ad-justment is not required. In the UHF band, the local oscillator is 140 MHz below the center of the channel and in the VHF band, the local oscillator is 140 MHz above the center of the channel.Using the up or down arrows, this voltage can be changed to change the notch filter tuning. Increasing the number increases the notch frequency. This test is performed, while observing the exciter RF output on a spectrum analyzer.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-23WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• TuneB: (range 0 to 4095) The number in the TuneB window represents the dc voltage applied to the UHF tunable bandpass filter in the up converter. This voltage places the selected transmitting channel in the center of the bandpass of the filter. The initial val-ues for all channels are stored in the exciter. Adjustment is not required.Using the up or down arrows, this voltage can be changed to change the filter tuning. Increasing the number increases the filter center frequency. This test is performed, while observing the exciter RF output on a spectrum analyzer, to check filter tuning. If the filter is tuned slightly off the center of the channel, the RF response will tilt and the signal errors will increase.• Reset Tuning: When pressed, this soft key will restore the default values to tune A and tune B. When tune A and/or tune B values are changed, they are automatically saved and will not revert to the default values after the exciter is momentarily pow-ered down.3.4.5.4 Down Converter Board Status ScreenDownConverterStatus.bmpFigure 3-22 Down Converter Board Status ScreenFor the PA and HPF samples, the RF level for each sample should be within a range of -30to 0 dBm average power.The following ia a list of entries on the External I/O Status Screen, refer to Figure 3-22.• EEPROM: (Ok or FAULT) The EEPROM is the local board memory. It stores board specific information such as board revision, CPLD revision, and other local data.• RF Level: This is the RF level (taken after the AGC circuit) of the current sample. It typically ranges between 0.6 to 1.0 Vdc when samples of proper power range are present at the inputs.• +15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J8.• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J8.• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J8.• RF Sample: This displays the name of the RF sample source (Exciter, Amplifier, and HPF).
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-24 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.These samples normally cycle through in two to four second steps. The sequence is HPF, Amplifier, and HPF.• Board Rev: This is the board revision for the Down Converter board.3.4.5.4.1 Down Converter DiagnosticsDownConverterDiagnostics.bmpFigure 3-23 Down Converter DiagnosticsThe down converter has four inputs, which are RF output samples of the exciter, trans-mitter IPA, transmitter PA, and HPF (high power filter). The IPA sample is not used. Theexciter input is an internal loopback from the output amplifier. The controller board causesthe down converter to switch through these samples. The PA sample takes up to 5 secondsand the HPF takes 5 to 90 seconds depending on the length and type of waveguide enteredin the exciter setup page. The exciter is only sampled when the Setup > Display > ChartSource is set to monitor the exciter. During each sample period, the first action is to adjustthe down converter gain to provide the A/D converter with an IF signal of the correctamplitude. During the remainder of the sample, RTAC acts on the sample to produce theappropriate precorrection. The Down Converter Diagnostics screen is shown in Figure 3-23, with screen entries listedbelow.• RF Sample Select: (Automatic, Exciter, Amplifier, or HPF.The RF sample select must be set to automatic for RTAC to properly correct the transmitter system output.When Automatic is selected, the controller board causes the down converter to switch between the Amplifier, and HPF inputs in the following order. HPF, Amplifier, then HPF again. The exciter is only sampled when the Setup > Display > Chart Source is set to monitor the exciter.When not in automatic mode, the input to the down converter is locked to Exciter, Amplifier, or HPF. When one of the input samples is selected, that sample is internal-ly routed to the HPF, and PA feedback inputs, shown in the adaptive processing status screen, and is therefore used by RTAC to set the linear and non-linear correction. This mode is useful for troubleshooting diagnostics.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-25WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• RF Sample AGC: (Enabled or Disabled), actually an APC, automatic power control. When enabled, the level of each RF sample (at the output of the down converter) is adjusted to the correct level required at the input of the ADC (analog to digital con-verter). It should remain enabled to keep the IF sample signals to the A/D converter at a constant level. When disabled, for test purposes, the level of each RF sample (at the output of the down converter) is set by the blue up and down gain arrows at the bottom of the screen. The possible range is 0 - 4096. Sample levels can be viewed on the Adaptive Processing Screen.• RF Sample tells which down converter RF input sample is currently active.• RF Level: This is the RF level (taken after the AGC circuit) for the current sample. It typically ranges between 0.6 to 1.0 Vdc when samples of proper power range are present at the inputs.• Gain: This control is only active when RF Sample AGC (on this screen) is defeated. It is used to set the down converter gain so that the sample level falls between 0.6 and 1.0 Vdc. When RF Sample AGC is enabled the gain required for the active sample is shown in the “washed out” mode. 3.4.6 System Control Status Screens The IF & RF Processing Status selection contains five sub screens, which are:• Controller Board, Screen 1 of 4• External I/O Board, Screen 2 of 4.• CAN Status, Screen 3 of 4.• Front Panel Board, Screen 4 of 4.• GPS Status.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-26 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.6.1 Controller Board Status ScreenControllerStatus.bmpFigure 3-24 Controller Board Status ScreenThe Controller Board screen is shown in Figure 3-24, with screen entries listed below.• Temp: This is the ambient air temperature of the digital (bottom) side of the exciter.• 3.3 Vdc: This is the output of the 3.3 V dc to dc converter.• 5 Vdc: This is the board input voltage from the main power supply.• RTC battery: (OK or FAULT) Fault means battery is low and needs replaced. • MPC823 PLL: (Ok or FAULT) This is the lock status of the internal PLL of the MPC823 micro controller on the controller board. It indicates the internal 75 MHz clock is locked to the 32.768 KHz crystal oscillator.• Board Rev: Board revision for the Controller board.• CPLD Rev: Revision level of the CPLD in the controller board.• EEPROM: (Ok or FAULT) This EEPROM is used to save the user entered menu se-lection from the various LCD screens. • Boot Rev: Boot code revision level for the controller board.• APP Rev: Micro controller application code revision level on the controller board. 3.4.6.1.1 Controller Board DiagnosticsA Bit FIFO Test Pattern function is available on the Controller Board Diagnostics screen.This function is used by engineering and must remain disabled. If enabled, it will block thenormal signal flow.The DSP/FPGA S/W Watchdog is also available on the Controller Board Diagnosticsscreen. This function is used by engineering and is normally disabled.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-27WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.6.2 External I/O Board Status ScreenExternalIOStatus.bmpFigure 3-25 External I/O Board Status ScreenThe External I/O Board Status screen is shown in Figure 3-25, with screen entries listedbelow. These entries represent the command inputs and the status and analog outputs thatenter and leave connector J1 of the external I/O board at the rear of the exciter.• Analog 1: 0.000V refers to analog input 1.• Analog 2: 0.000V refers to analog input 2.• Analog 3: 0.000V refers to analog input 3.• Analog 4: 0.000V refers to analog input 4.• Output 1, Input 1, Output 2, and Input 2.These are binary representations of the 16 digital input/output status channels. They refer to the fact that 2 - 16 bit registers are required to handle the 16 status channels. These entries are used for factory testing.• Foldback: This in an analog input which tells the percent of exciter output power fold-back, typically due to transmitter PA VSWR exceeding a preset level.When VSWR foldback is active the foldback readout on the External I/O status page will be yellow.• Raise: (OFF or ON) When on, this input commands the exciter output power to raise.• Lower: (OFF or ON) When on, this input commands the exciter output power to low-er.• Mute: (OFF or ON) Exciter RF output amplifier mute function status. Off mode allows RF to flow through the output connector (J2) to the transmitter.On (enabled) switches the RF output to connector J3, which has a test load. In either mode a sample of the output is available at connector J4.• EQ Hold: (Off or On) When on, this input places the three adaptive equalizer inputs, shown on the main screen, to hold. This holds the adaptive equalizer (RTAC) to the settings that existed when the hold command was given.• Eq Reset: (Off or On) Normally off, when momentarily turned on the adaptive equal-izer will be reset.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-28 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• Exc Active: (Off or On) When on, this exciter is on the air.• RF Present: (Off or On) This is an indication that the RF level at the output of the ex-citer is above a given threshold level. The RF presence threshold is an RF output level of approximately 5 mW.• Board Type: (UHF or VHF) Interface configured to fit existing UHF and VHF exciter interface connections.• Board Rev: This is the board revision for the External I/O board.• CPLD Rev: This is the software revision level of the CPLD in the External I/O board.• EEPROM: (Ok or FAULT) The EEPROM is the local board memory. It stores board specific information such as board type, board revision, CPLD revision, and other lo-cal data.NoteWithin any of these screens, touching Home returns to the mainscreen, and touching Fault brings up the Exciter Status screen.3.4.6.2.1 External I/O DiagnosticsExternalIODiagnostics.bmpFigure 3-26 External I/O DiagnosticsThe External I/O Diagnostics screen is shown in Figure 3-26. Analog loopback: Choices are Enabled or Disabled. Disabled is the normal setting. • This function loops an analog output back through an analog input channel for diag-nostics purposes.The last two screen entries are Analog Output A and Analog Output B. These two entriesprovide a voltage for the analog loopback test mentioned above.• Analog Output A is looped back through analog Analog 1 and 3 inputs and Analog Output B is looped back through Analog 2 and 4 inputs, see external I/O Board screen Figure 3-25 for the analog inputs.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-29WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• For both of these entries the selectable range, entered on the touch screen number pad, is 0 to 4095. The number selection represents a dc voltage in millivolts. For example, a setting of 3000 represents 3000 mVdc or 3 Vdc.• These analog channels have a total of four inputs and two outputs for the UHF Exter-nal I/O board and two inputs and two outputs for the VHF External I/O board. When performing the loopback test, the results appear on the External I/O board statusscreen, Figure 3-25. The analog output A and B voltages appears on the appropriate analog1 through 4 inputs. Analog 1 input also appears by the foldback entry as a percentage. For example, if analog loopback is enabled and analog output A is set for 2000 and B is setfor 3000, analog inputs 1 and 3 will measure within a few tenths of a volt of 2 Vdc, analoginputs 2 and 4 will measure within a few tenths of a volt of 3 Vdc. The VSWR foldbackpercentage will be based on the relative value of the loopback voltage (VLB) compared tothe External I/O setup screen low voltage (VLT) and high voltage (VHT) VSWR foldbackthresholds. The analog loopback function produces outputs at various pins of J1, the pinout is asfollows:• When analog output A is set to a value, such as 2500, 2.5 Vdc will appear at the ana-log 1 output, which is J1 pin 4 for UHF and J1 pin 7 for VHF. This output is present if loopback is enabled or disabled and the connection to J1 has a high impedance.• When analog output B is set to a value, such as 3000, 3.0 Vdc will appear at the ana-log 2 output, which is J1 pin 17 for UHF and J1 pin 8 for VHF. This output is present if loopback is enabled or disabled and the connection to J1 has a high impedance.• When loopback is enabled, the voltage set by analog output A or B is present at the appropriate analog input J1 connectors. The pinouts for UHF analog inputs 1 through 4 are J1-12, J1-13, J1-3, and J1-16 re-spectively. The pinouts for VHF analog inputs 1 and 2 are J1-15 and J1-16 respectively. Foldback Percentage VLB VLT–VHT VLT–----------------------------100×=
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the Exciter Status ScreensPage: 3-30 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.6.3 CAN Bus Status ScreenCANStatus.bmpFigure 3-27 CAN Bus Status ScreenInformation about the Can Status screen will be provided later.3.4.6.3.1 CAN DiagnosticsA CAN Test Message is available on the CAN Diagnostics screen. This function is used byengineering and must remain disabled. 3.4.6.4 Front Panel Board Status ScreenThis screen gives the board revision and CPLD revision for the front panel board.FrontPanelStatus.bmp7Figure 3-28 Front Panel Board Status Screen
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the Exciter Status Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-31WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.4.6.5 GPS Status ScreenGPSStatus.bmpFigure 3-29 Front Panel Board Status ScreenThis screen gives the status of the Internal GPS (global positioning system) receiver. TheGPS is required to synchronize the super frame output transmission time of the varioustransmitters in a wide area single frequency network. This screen provides the information, such as time and position, shown on the screen, butto do so, the receiver must track three satellites. The screen shows the number of visiblesatellites and the number of tracked satellites.If no GPS antenna signal input is present at the ANT rear panel connector, this will displaythe last results obtained when the GPS antenna signal was disconnected from the exciter.The exciter gives no indication that the GPS antenna input is disconnected.The satellite receiving antenna must have an unobstructed view of most of the sky to beable to see and track the required three satellites. High power RF from nearby transmitters,or a blocked view of a significant portion of the sky may interfere with the operation of thesatellite receiver.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Built In TestsPage: 3-32 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.5 Built In TestsBuiltInTests.bmpFigure 3-30 Built In Tests ScreenThe BIT (built in tests) soft key is found on the right side of the System Status screen,shown in Figure 3-5. When the BIT soft key is pressed, see Figure 3-30, a sub windowappears. The message in this window is “Starting BIT requires exciter to be muted.” If theOk soft key is pressed, the exciter RF output is reduced to zero. If the cancel soft key ispressed the exciter continues to function in the previous mode. When the Built In Testscreen is exited, the exciter operation resumes in its previous mode.3.6 Details of the System Setup ScreensSystemSetup.bmpFigure 3-31 System Setup ScreenThis section provides pictures and details of the series of exciter setup screens. Section 3.3on page 3-4 provides general information about interconnecting structure of the screens.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-33WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.If the User Setup is locked, all setup functions and the exciter power raise and lowerfunctions will be locked and their various setup screen selection values will be greyed out.Only the Exciter Setup screen Frequency and Frequency Offset functions and the changeDiagnostics password will be available.Refer to Figure 3-31. Touching any of the eight boxes on the System Setup screen bringsup the setup sub screen for that area, see Table 3-2 to find the page numbers for the subscreens. Within any of these screens, touching Home returns to the main screen, touchingback returns to the System Setup screen, and touching Fault (at the bottom of the screen,visible only if a fault exists) brings up the System Status screen. See Figure 3-2, on page3-5 for a view of the exciter LCD display flow chart.When a numeric entry is needed, touching that entry causes a numerical touch pad to bedisplayed. This pad has numbers from 0 to 9, a decimal point, and a +/- selection.An alpha numeric key pad is displayed when a title is needed. 3.6.1 Restore Defaults OperationMain Screen > Setup > System Setup screen Restore Defaults soft key function effects thefollowing screens and values listed below.The Restore Defaults soft key function is locked under the factory setup, this is not anormal field operation.Table 3-2 Location of System Setup Sub ScreensChoice LocationExciter Exciter Setup Screen, on page 3-35RTAC Filters RTAC Setup Screen, on page 3-38Display Display Setup Screen, on page 3-41External I/O External I/O Setup Screen, on page 3-42Serial I/O Serial I/O Setup Screens, on page 3-45FLO FPGA FPGA Setup, on page 3-48Change Passwords Change Passwords > Security Setup, on page 3-53User Setup: User Setup (Locked or Unlocked), on page 3-54Diagnostics Setup: Diagnostics Setup (Locked or Unlocked), on page 3-54Factory Setup: Factory Setup (Locked or Unlocked), on page 3-55Restore Defaults Restore Defaults, on page 3-55Table 3-3 Settings Resulting From Restore Defaults Activation.Name Restore Defaults Setting Normal SettingSystem Setup, See Section 3.6, Details of the System Setup Screens, on page 3-32.User Setup Unlocked Customer’s choiceDiagnostics Setup Unlocked Customer’s choiceFactory Setup Locked Customer’s choiceUser password harris Customer’s choiceDiagnostic Password harris Customer’s choice
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-34 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Exciter Setup, See Section 3.6.2, Exciter Setup Screen, on page 3-35.Max Mod Crest Factor 13dB See technical manualExciter Setup RTAC, See Section 3.6.3, RTAC Setup Screen, on page 3-38.Max Stretch 3.0dB See technical manualRTAC Off-Air mode Bypass Bypass or Hold, customer’s choiceDisplay Setup, See Section 3.6.4, Display Setup Screen, on page 3-41.Page Title Apex Exciter Customer’s choiceScreen Saver 30 minutes Customer’s choiceDisplay invert Disabled Customer’s choiceChart Source TX-Post HPF Normal, but customer’s choice to change.LCD Contrast 50% Normal, but customer’s choice to change.External I/O Setup, See Section 3.6.5, External I/O Setup Screen, on page 3-42.VSWR F/B Low Threshold 0.0V 0.25V is normal, but customer’s choice.VSWR F/B High Threshold 5.0V Normal, but customer’s choice.VSWR F/B Level 100% 70% is common, but customer’s choice.RF Present Cutoff 10mW 50% of normal exciter output power.Serial Setup page 1, RS 232 Front and Rear, See Section 3.6.6.1, Serial Setup Screen 1 of 3, RS-232, on page 3-45.Baud Rate 57600 Choice of several, see technical manualParity None See technical manualData Bits 8 See technical manualStop Bits 1 See technical manualFlow None See technical manualProtocol Harris See technical manualSerial Setup page 2, Ethernet, See Section 3.6.6.2, Serial Setup Screen 2 of 3, Ethernet, on page 3-46.MAC Address 00-00-00-00-00-00 See technical manualIP address 000.000.000.000 See technical manualGateway Address 000.000.000.000 See technical manualSubnet Mask 000.000.000.000 See technical manualAdaptive Processing Status Diagnostics, See Section 3.4.3.1, Adaptive Processing Diagnostics, on page 3-11.Loopback None NormalTest Tone Disabled NormalSystem Control Status Diagnostics, See Section 3.4.6.1.1, Controller Board Diagnostics, on page 3-26CAN Test Messages Disabled NormalUp converter Status Diagnostics, See Section 3.4.5.3.1, Up Converter Diagnostics, on page 3-22Output Power AGC Enabled Normal, can be disabled for testingTable 3-3 Settings Resulting From Restore Defaults Activation.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-35WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.2 Exciter Setup ScreenExciterSetup.bmpFigure 3-32 Exciter Setup Screen Refer to Figure 3-32, Exciter Setup Screen. The following ia a list of entries on the Excitersetup screen.• Power Limit. This adjustable S/W power limit will act as a clamp and will not allow the user to set the power above this limit either locally on the exciter main screen or remotely via the external I/O board raise/lower input. The range of this control is 0 to 250 mW.• GPS Reference, refers to External or Internal GPS receiver use.External is the normal mode. If used, it requires an external 1PPS input at the rear panel connector.Loss of the 1PPS will cause a Digital Status hardware switch fault (lights red) and the Main Screen > Status > Digital Processing > FLO FPGA Registers will show fault. Down Converter Status Diagnostics, See Section 3.4.5.4.1, Down Converter Diagnostics, on page 3-24RF Sample Select Automatic NormalRF Sample AGC Enabled NormalController Status Diagnostics, See Section 3.4.6.1.1, Controller Board Diagnostics, on page 3-26BIT Fifo Test Pattern Disabled NormalDSP/FPGA S/W Watchdog Disabled NormalExternal I/O Status Diagnostics, See Section 3.4.6.2.1, External I/O Diagnostics, on page 3-28Analog Loopback Disabled Normal, but can be useful for analog input and output testing, see technical manual.Analog Output A 0Analog Output B 0Table 3-3 Settings Resulting From Restore Defaults Activation.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-36 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.After the 1PPS Mute Delay loss time out has expired, the exciter will mute and the RF output will be zero. The 1PPS Mute Delay range is programable from 0 to 2000 min-utes. This setting is found (or changed) in the Main Screen > Setup > FLO FPGA > FPGA Configure 2/5.Internal is an alternate mode. If used, a GPS antenna signal input at the ANT rear panel connector is required.Loss of the GPS antenna signal will cause no noticeable effects.• Frequency: Enter the center frequency (whole megahertz) for the desired transmitting channel. For example 702 MHz, not 701.9 MHz or 702.1 Mhz• Freq. Offset: This entry can move the center frequency up to +/- 50 kHz away from the center frequency entered above. Enter the desired frequency offset in hertz. The maximum limits which can be entered as a frequency offset is +/-50000 Hz.NoteThe frequency and frequency offset boxes will be greyed out (andunattainable) if the diagnostic setup feature is locked. Instructionsto lock or unlock the diagnostics setup is found in Section 3.6.8.2,Diagnostics Setup (Locked or Unlocked), on page 3-54.• Transmitter: Select the transmitter type from the display that appears. Choices are presently limited to Atlas ATSC (Harris Atlas series UHF digital transmitters).• Waveguide Type: For UHF frequencies, enter the type of waveguide used between the HPF and the antenna. Selecting a type (and length) of waveguide allows RTAC to pre correct for waveguide group delay. Selecting None provides no waveguide group delay precorrection.If the wrong type of waveguide is selected for the operating frequency, no group de-lay precorrection will be applied.Available choices are:NoneWR1800, rectangular, for 470 through 605 MHzWR1500, rectangular, for 506 through 728 MHzWR1150, rectangular, for 662 through 806 MHzGLW1750, circular, for 470 through 506 and 530 MHz through 638 MHzGLW1700, circular, for 506 through 530 MHzGLW1500, circular, for 620 through 722 MHzGLW1350, circular, for 722 through 806 MHz• Waveguide Length: Enter the length of waveguide (up to 2000 feet) used between the HPF and the antenna. Length is needed, in addition to selecting waveguide type, to al-low RTAC to pre correct for waveguide group delay.• The modulator occasionally generates peaks as high as 18 dB above the average out-put level. Max. Mod. Crest Factor represents the maximum peak power output limit from the exciter, which limits the peak to average power ratio of the exciter output signal. The range is 6 to 13 dB. For example, if the maximum modulation crest factor is set to 10 dB, the exciter will clip any peaks which are greater than 10 dB above the average output power level. If set too low, it will raise the adjacent channel inter modulation product level, and limit the correcting ability of the non-linear RTAC function.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-37WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.If set too high, it could allow nuisance overdrive trips in some transmitter models, where the high amplitude peaks could overdrive the PA modules.This correction takes place before the RTAC circuits. NoteNuisance overdrive trips can also be caused by peak stretch, seeMain Menu \ Setup \ RTAC Setup \ Max Peak Stretch onpage 3-38.Max. Mod. Crest Factor Setup1. Set Lin HPF and Non-Lin RTAC functions to bypass.2. In the Setup > Exciter screen, start with the Max. Mod. Crest Factor at 13 dB.3. Monitor the output of the exciter with a spectrum analyzer and note the shoulder-level.4. lower the Max. Mod. Crest Factor by 0.5 dB intervals and stop when the shoulder level rises.5. Raise the Max. Mod. Crest Factor 0.5 dB above this point. This is the correct set-ting.Mute (soft key on right side of screen) • Mute: When Enabled, the exciter RF output is switched to an internal load. When Disabled, RF is present at the exciter RF output connector. In either mode the exciter is capable of performing self tests which involve the RF output of the exciter. This provides a test of the up converter, down converter, and output amplifier. This loopback can be viewed by selecting Exciter from the Chart Source selections of the Setup > Display > Display Setup screen. The RF Mute status of the exciter is displayed on the at the bottom of all screens. It will indicate On-Air, Off-Air, or Mute.If the exciter stays muted when attempting to unmute from the exciter setup screen, check the mute status on the System Control Status 2/4, External I/O Board. If it indi-cates On, a mute command is being sent to the external I/O board via connector J1
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-38 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.2.1 Power CalibrationPowerCalibration.bmpFigure 3-33 Power Calibration ScreenPower Cal (calibration) soft key on the right side of the screen in Figure 3-32 activates theexciter RF output power calibration procedure. The power calibration is accomplished byconnecting an accurate power meter to the RF output of the exciter and pressing the blueup or down arrows (see Figure 3-33) until the power meter reads 250 mW average power.Then press the Accept button to implement the new calibration or press the cancel buttonto return to the old calibration.3.6.3 RTAC Setup ScreenRTACSetup.bmpFigure 3-34 RTAC Setup Screen
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-39WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Up to four Existing RTAC correction setups can be saved as RTAC filter sets. An optionto name each saved filter setup exists. Filter setups can be stored for many reasons, such aswhen the transmitter was first installed, after transmitter maintenance, and etc. They aregood for comparative testing.• Filter Set: (selections include 1 through 4)• Filter Title: Brings up an alpha/numeric touch keypad to enter the name for the select-ed filter set.• Save: Pressing this soft key saves the current RTAC correction algorithm to the filter set selected.The filter set should be given a name (in the filter title selection).• Restore: Pressing this soft key applies the selected, pre-saved correction algorithm fil-ter set to the RTAC correction algorithm.This causes the Main screen RTAC samples to be set to Default, which applies the pre-saved filter set to the RTAC correction algorithm.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-40 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.3.1 Filter TypeThe Setup > RTAC Setup > Filter Type applies the necessary amplitude response andgroup delay precorrection, which reduces the distortions so that they are within the correc-tion range of the RTAC circuits. Selecting the correct filter improves the correction andspeeds the initial automatic setup time. Choices are:•Standard: This selection is used if the transmitter system includes the standard D-Mask filter.•Asymm STF: Use this if the transmitter system uses the sharp tuned filter (sometimes called “Cool Fuel”) it also is used when the group delay for the transmitter is not sym-metrical, such as when its output is reflected through an adjacent channel sharp tuned filter in order to combine the two transmitters.•FLO BANDPASS: Use this selection only if the system includes the FLO bandpass high power filter.•The Exciter must be restarted to make filter change active.3.6.3.2 Max Peak Stretch Peak stretch can cause nuisance overdrive trips in some transmitter models. When theApex adapts it’s non-linearity correction, the algorithm is designed to produce a peakstretch up to a 3 dB limit. Nuisance overdrive trips can be avoided by programming themaximum peak stretch parameter of the RTAC Setup Screen. The maximum peak stretchis adjustable from 3 to 0 dB in 0.25 dB steps in order to limit the peak stretch that the Apexexciter non-linear correction algorithm imparts to its RF output signal.If they are going to happen, nuisance overdrive trips will typically occur within 30 minutesto 1 hour after transmitter operation with RTAC is first started. If this happens, perform thefollowing:1 Reduce the peak stretch from 3 dB to 2.5 dB.2 Wait for one hour to see if further overdrive trips occur. A If they do, reduce the peak stretch by another 0.5 dB.3 Repeat step 2 until overdrive trips cease.4 Excessive peak stretch reduction may effect the linearity correction of the transmitter. A After peak stretch has been adjusted, observe the adjacent channel response to ensure that they still exceed the transmitter output signal mask require-ments.3.6.3.3 RTAC Power On ModeAn RTAC Power On Mode parameter gives the customer the option of starting the exciterin the bypass or default mode when AC power is applied. • The default setting will load the RTAC correction settings which are held in the filter set number displayed on this screen (the RTAC Setup screen) when the AC power is applied to the exciter.• In bypass mode RTAC settings are discarded and RTAC must re-adapt when the ex-citer is switched on line.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-41WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.3.4 RTAC Off Air ModeAn RTAC Off-Air Mode parameter gives the customer the option of having the exciter'scorrection in the hold or bypass mode when the exciter is power up but off line. • In bypass mode RTAC settings are discarded when exciter is off line and RTAC must re-adapt when the exciter is switched back on line. • In the hold mode, the current correction is stored when the exciter goes off line and is used as a starting point for RTAC when it goes back on line. 3.6.4 Display Setup ScreenDisplaySetup.bmpFigure 3-35 Display Setup ScreenThe following ia a list of entries on the System setup screen.• Date: Enter the current date.• Time: Enter the correct time. The exciter will keep track of the date and time, even during periods of power loss, and display the date and time at the bottom of all screens except the Power Up screen.• Screen Saver: (Range is 1 to 30 minutes) Enter the length of time (on the LCD display numeric key pad) required for the screen to go blank if it is not used.• Display Invert: When the Display Invert box is pressed, a sub window appears. Press-ing Done in the sub window causes the display to be inverted if Enabled is showing and to be upright if Disabled is showing. • Chart Source: Determines source of Main screen spectrum response display. Choices are:Tx-Pre HPF: From rear panel RF sample input, labeled PA Sample.Tx-Post HPF: From rear panel RF sample input, labeled HPF Sample.FLO Ref: The FLO I and Q signal from the FPGA board.C: The FLO real signal from the FPGA board.D: The sample of the linear precorrector output.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-42 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.J: The sample of the non linear precorrector output. FLO w/RTAC: Digital signal taken at output of adaptive precorrector board.BIT: Sample of the Built In Test FIFO (for future use).Exciter: RF signal is taken from J4 sample output of exciter PA and connected to J4 sample input on down converter board.• LCD Contrast: A 100% setting gives a bright but washed out screen that is still read-able. A 0% setting gives a dark screen of relatively low contrast that is still readable. Enter the desired percent on the LCD display numeric key pad. 3.6.5 External I/O Setup ScreenSome functions of the APEX digital exciter must be capable of being controlled (operated)via a parallel remote control system while other functions must be controllable from thetransmitter logic. The External I/O board is the interface between the APEX exciter and thetransmitter control logic. The External I/O screen has three programable areas, which are as follows.• The “Channel Pin I/O Function” represents the parallel interface connections between the exciter and the transmitter control logic. They are discussed in Section 3.6.5.3, External I/O Interface to Transmitter Control Logic, on page 3-44• The three VSWR foldback parameters are discussed in Section 3.6.5.1, VSWR Fold-back Parameters• RF Present Cutoff is discussed in Section 3.6.5.2, RF Present Cutoff, on page 3-43ExternalIOSetup.bmpFigure 3-36 External I/O Setup Screen
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-43WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.5.1 VSWR Foldback ParametersThe exciter VSWR foldback function is not used in the Atlas series of transmitters, but thecircuit is still in place and it will reduce the exciter output power if the three programableVSWR parameters on this screen are improperly set up. Normal VSWR parameter setupfor the Atlas series transmitters are given below.The External I/O Setup screen is shown in Figure 3-36. This screen includes a VSWRfoldback function which has three programmable parameters which are listed below.• VSWR F/B Low Threshold. The setting for Atlas transmitters is 0.25 Vdc. This repre-sents the input voltage level where the reduction of exciter output power starts. • VSWR F/B High Threshold. The Atlas transmitter setting is 5.0 Vdc. This represents the input voltage level which causes the maximum exciter output power reduction. The VSWR F/B input voltage causes a linear reduction of exciter output power from the normal exciter output power level (VSWR F/B input voltage below the low threshold) down to the preset maximum allowable exciter output power reduction (when the VSWR F/B input voltage reaches the high threshold).• VSWR Max F/B Level. The default value is 70%. This is the maximum allowable ex-citer output power reduction, listed as a percent of the normal exciter output power, when the VSWR foldback input voltage to the exciter reaches the VSWR F/B High Threshold.When VSWR foldback is active the following indications will be present.• The system control light on the front panel will be lighted yellow. • The foldback readout on the External I/O status screen will be yellow, see Figure 3-25, on page 3-27.3.6.5.2 RF Present CutoffAnother programmable function listed in the External I/O Setup screen, shown in Figure3-36, is the RF Present Cutoff. When the exciter average output power drops to this level,the RF Present (output) signal from the exciter changes from low (exciter is ok) to high(exciter has failed due to low output power). This signal is sent to the transmitter controllogic and causes it to switch to the other exciter. The RF present cutoff parameter isprogrammable from 0 to 250 mW average exciter output power, with a typical setting ofhalf of the normal exciter output power.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-44 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.5.3 External I/O Interface to Transmitter Control LogicOne of the functions of the he External I/O board is the parallel interface connectionsbetween the exciter and the transmitter control logic. In the Exciter Setup screen, shown inFigure 3-32, on page 3-35, the choice of transmitters is presently limited to the Atlastransmitter. A parameter on the External I/O Setup screen is labeled Pin. It displays the connector pinnumber for the associated exciter (status or control) channel number of the External I/Oboard. The channel programming and channel to input/output connector J1 assignments arefixed. A list of channel entries, J1 pin assignments, corresponding channel numbers, and thefunction (input or output, and its description) is listed in Table 3-4. . Table 3-4 UHF External I/O Parallel Control Interface Connector J1 J1 Pin Number Input/Output and Channel No. Description1 Status Input 1 Power Raise2 Status Input 3 Power Lower3 Analog Input 3 No Con.4 Analog Output 1 No Con.55No Con.6 Status Input 7 Mute Command79No Con.8 Status Output 11 Mute Status913No Con.10 Status Input 14 Equalizer Reset11 Status Input 15 Equalizer Hold12 Analog Input 1 VSWR Fold back (dc voltage sample)13 Analog Input 2 No Con.14 Status Input 2 RS232 Enable Command (Exciter Active)15 Status Output 4 Exciter RF Presences Status16 Analog Input 4 No Con.17 Analog Output 2 No Con.18 6 No Con.19 8 No Con.20 Status Input 10 Spare Input21 Status Output 12 Spare Output22 - 25 Ground
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-45WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.6 Serial I/O Setup ScreensThe Serial I/O entry of the System Setup screen has three sub screens associated with it.They are as follows:• Serial Setup 1/3, RS-232• Serial Setup 2/3, Ethernet• Serial Setup 3/3. CAN (bus)3.6.6.1 Serial Setup Screen 1 of 3, RS-232 SerialSetup1.bmpFigure 3-37 Serial Setup Screen 1 of 3, RS-232The purpose of the Serial Setup screen is to program the serial ports on the front and rearpanel of the exciter. Since the setup parameters for the front and rear connectors are the same, only one set willbe described. The following ia a list of entries on the Serial setup screen.• Baud: Enter the baud rate on the touch screen numeric key pad. Baud rate choices are 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19.2k, 28.8k, 38.4k, 57.6k, and 115.2k.• Parity: Choices are None, Odd, or Even.• Data Bits: Choices are 7 or 8.• Stop Bits: Choices are 1 or 2.• Flow: This entry is fixed at None.• Protocol: Selections are VT100, Harris.The Harris protocol is used for software upgrades.The VT100 protocol is rarely used.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-46 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.6.2 Serial Setup Screen 2 of 3, EthernetSerialSetup2.bmpFigure 3-38 Serial Setup Screen 2 of 3, EthernetThis screen is for programming the LAN 10 Base-T Ethernet port on the rear panel of theexciter. At the present time the ethernet port is set to talk to the eCDi™, which is a transmitternetwork interface unit. The APEX exciter software must be version 4.0 or later to activatethe ethernet port for use with eCDi. See the APEX Exciter Setup and the Setting APEX IPAddress sections of the eCDi technical manual (part number 888-2517-001) for detailedinstructions.The IP address must be correct for the exciter to communicate with the eCDi. The IP addresses for eCDi units with software revisions of 2.6 or later are as follows.• For exciter A the IP address is 192.168.217.200• For exciter B the IP address is 192.168.217.201The IP addresses for eCDi units with software revisions earlier than 2.6 are as follows.• For exciter A the IP address is 192.168.0.200• For exciter B the IP address is 192.168.0.201The gateway address is unimportant when exciter is used with the PowerCD transmitter.The Subnet Mask can remain at 255.255.255.0.The MAC address is unique for each exciter and has been assigned to it during final test.This number will stay with the exciter during software changes. The MAC address, alongwith all user setups are stored in the controller board. If the controller board is changed inthe field, the user setups and the MAC address must be reentered. If lost, the MAC addressmay be obtained from Harris, provided the exciter serial number is known.The MAC address is greyed out (locked) because the Setup Screen > Factory Setup windowis locked.To obtain the MAC address for a given exciter or to reenter the MAC address into an exciter, contact Harris technical support. The serial number of the exciter must be known in order to obtain the MAC address from Harris.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-47WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.6.3 Serial Setup Screen 3 of 3, CAN SerialSetup3.bmpFigure 3-39 Serial Setup Screen 3 of 3, CANThis screen is for programming the CAN connector on the rear panel of the exciter. Thiswindow became available with APEX exciter software versions 5.2 and later. The exciter CAN bus is used with the PowerCD transmitter and with some earlier Diamondand SigmaCD transmitters. • The CAN ID is selectable between Exciter A and Exciter B.• The Baud Rate is as follows:Default is 125 kHzRate for Diamond and SigmaCD transmitters is 133 kHzRate for PowerCD transmitter is 250kHz.• The Tx Frame Rate is as follows:Default is 1HzRate for PowerCD, Diamond and SigmaCD transmitters is 2 Hz.Improper Baud or Tx Frame rates will lock up the CAN bus. The solution to this problemis to set the rates correctly, or in the case of Diamond or SigmaCD transmitters the CANcable may be unplugged form its connector on the rear of the exciter. The exciter CAN buscables have been removed on current productions of Diamond and SigmaCD transmitters.The Baud and Tx Frame rate windows are normally greyed out (locked). To unlock thesewindows and set the two rates perform the following.1 Go to the Home > Setup > Exciter > Transmitter select window and set the selection to Custom, then click done.2 Return to the Serial Setup 3/3 CAN screen (Home > Setup > Serial I/O > Serial Setup 3/3 CAN) and change the two rates.A Click in the appropriate window, use the up or down arrows to select the cor-rect rate, then click on Done.3 Return to the Home > Setup > Exciter > Transmitter window and set the correct trans-mitter choice, then click done.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-48 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.7 FPGA SetupThe FPGA modulator setup is accomplished in the following nine screens.3.6.7.1 FPGA Configure 1/5FPGASetup1.bmpFigure 3-40 FPGA Configure 1/5FPGA Configure 1/5 consists of registers whose values are written immediately to theFPGA when changed through the GUI. No FPGA re-initialization occurs when any of these registers are changed.The parameters of the FPGA Configure 1/5 screen are as follows.•Transmitter ID: (Unsigned 16-bit Decimal, range 0 to 65535)•Wide Area PID: (Unsigned 13-bit Decimal, range 0 to 8191)•Local Area PID: (Unsigned 13-bit Decimal, range 0 to 8191)•TS Stream Control: (TS1 Active/TS2 Active)•TS Source Control: (Automatic/Manual)•Infrastructure ID: (Unsigned 16-bit Decimal, range 0 to 65535)•Local Time Offset: (Signed Real Decimal in Hours, range -16.0 to +15.5 in 0.5 in-crements Register value is calculated as [Local Time Offset]*2)•Daylight Savings: (Standard/Daylight)
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-49WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.7.2 FPGA Configure 2/5FPGASetup2.bmpFigure 3-41 FPGA Configure 2/5FPGA Configure 2/5 consists of registers whose values are written immediately to theFPGA when changed through the GUI and other software parameters.No FPGA re-initialization occurs when these registers and parameters are changed.The parameters of the FPGA Configure 2/5 screen are as follows.•SFN Mode: Indication is On or Off•SFN Limit: Software parameter, time in microseconds, range 0-999)•1PPS Mute Delay: Displayed in minutes, with a range 0 to 2000. When the GPS 1PPS signal loss (shown in the Main Screen > Status > Digital Pro-cessing > FLO FPGA Registers > GPS and Clock Status screen) exceeds the 1PPS Mute Delay time, the GPS 1PPS Loss indication in the GPS and Clock Status screen will change to YES (in red) and cause the exciter to mute. •PRBS On/Off: Indication is On or Off•TDM1 Null: Indication is On or Off. This register is not part of the initialization se-quence.)•FPGA Access has following functions: • From AC restart, the FPGA access mode is always enabled, but it can be dis-abled at any time. • In the FPGA access disable mode: The periodic access to the FPGA will be blocked, except for flywheel and in-ternal GPS.FPGA will not be initialized by SWLCD interface to FPGA is not blocked, the user must decide to decide to change the configuration from GUI.The mute to exciter cannot be performed by SW since it now has no access to the FPGA.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-50 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.7.3 FPGA Configure 3/5FPGASetup3.bmpFigure 3-42 FPGA Configure 3/5FPGA Configure 3/5 consists of registers whose values are written immediately to theFPGA when changed through the GUI. FPGA re-initialization shall occur automatically after any of these registers are changed.The parameters of the FPGA Configure 3/5 screen are as follows.•Transmitter Delay: (Time in microseconds – see below for calculations)•NTWK Geog Delay: (Time in microseconds – see below for calculations)The value for Transmitter Delay shall be displayed in integer microseconds with a validrange and the value for the FPGA register value calculated (rounded up to the next integervalue) as shown in the following table:The value for Network Geographic Delay shall be displayed in integer microseconds witha valid range and the value for the FPGA register value calculated (rounded up or down tothe next integer value) as shown in the following table:Bandwidth Value Range (in u seconds) FPGA Register5 MHz 0 - 221 Value * 37.06 MHz 0 - 184 Value * 44.47 MHz 0 - 158 Value * 51.88 MHz 0 - 137 Value * 59.2Bandwidth Value Range (in u seconds) FPGA Register5 MHz -220 - +221 Value * 37.06 MHz -183 - +184 Value * 44.47 MHz -157 - +158 Value * 51.88 MHz -136 - +137 Value * 59.2
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-51WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.7.4 FPGA Configure 4/5FPGASetup4.bmpFigure 3-43 FPGA Configure 4/5FPGA Configure 4/5 consists of registers whose values are written immediately to theFPGA when changed through the GUI. FPGA re-initialization shall occur automatically after any FPGA Configure 4/5 register ischanged.The parameters of the FPGA Configure 4/5 screen are as follows.•Bandwidth: 5MHz / 6MHz / 7MHz / 8MHz•National Length: Unsigned Decimal, range dependent on bandwidth:0-245 5MHz, 0-295 6MHz, 0-345 7MHz, 0-395 8MHz•Pos. Pilot Length: 2 / 6 / 10 / 14 – not bandwidth dependent•WID: Unsigned Decimal, range 0-15•LID: Unsigned Decimal, range 0-15•Superframe Length: Unsigned Decimal integer, displayed only, not user config-urableSuperframe Length is written to the FPGA register and displayed on the screen. It is based on the Bandwidth setting as shown in the following Table:•Frame Length: Unsigned Decimal integer, displayed only, not user configurable – see below)Frame Length shall be calculated, written to the FPGA register, and displayed based on the following formula:Bandwidth Superframe Length5 MHz 10006 MHz 12007 MHz 14008 MHz 1600
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-52 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Frame Length = (Superframe Length – Pos. Pilot Length – 18) / 4;•Local Length: (Unsigned Decimal integer, displayed only, not user configurable – see below)Local Length shall be calculated, written to the FPGA register, and displayed based on the following formula:Local Length = Frame Length – National Length – 4;3.6.7.5 FPGA Configure 5/5, Restore DefaultsFPGASetup5.bmpFigure 3-44 FPGA Configure 5/5, Restore DefaultsFPGA Configure 5/5 screen consists of the following four buttons.• Restore Factory (Defaults)• Restore Defaults• Initialize FPGA• Save as DefaultsRestore Factory Defaults loads all FPGA registers with the values defined as defaultinitialization values in the API, if defined, followed by a re-initialization of the FPGA.Save as Defaults saves the current GUI settings that may have been modified by the user,in non-volatile memory as default values for subsequent initialization and startup.Restore Defaults recalls the previous set of values saved as default, followed by are-initialization of the FPGA.Initialize FPGA manually starts the initialization sequence defined in the API, using thecurrent values indicated in the GUI.Note: Restore Factory Defaults and Restore Defaults causes a warning window to pop up.It states “WARNING: Restore will re-initialize exciter.” • Clicking OK will start the restore and re-initialize process. • Clicking cancel will abort the restore and re-initialization sequence.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyDetails of the System Setup Screens Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-53WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.8 Change Passwords > Security SetupPasswordSetup.bmpFigure 3-45 Security Setup ScreenTwo passwords can be entered in the change passwords > security setup screen, refer toFigure 3-45. They are:• User Password: This password is needed to unlock the User Setup entry on the Sys-tem Setup screen (shown in Figure 3-46, on page 3-54), if it is locked.• Diagnostics Password: This password is needed to unlock the Diagnostics Setup entry on the System Setup screen (shown in Figure 3-46, on page 3-54), if it is locked.The frequency select and frequency offset entries on the exciter setup screen are locked when the diagnostics setup is locked.If either password change screen is entered, an alpha/numeric touch keypad is displayedwith the current password is shown at the top. To change a password:1 Use the keypad to type a new password. A The password is case sensitive. The password must be entered with the cor-rect case to unlock a function. B Spaces can be used as part of a password. C If spaces are used at the end of the password, or one or more spaces are used entirely as a password, they will not show up when the System Setup > Change Password screen is entered, but they must be correctly entered to un-lock that function.2 When the new password is entered, it can be accepted by pressing Done, or the old password can be retained by pressing Cancel.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens Details of the System Setup ScreensPage: 3-54 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.6.8.1 User Setup (Locked or Unlocked)SystemSetup.bmpFigure 3-46 System Setup ScreenIf the User Setup is locked, all setup functions and the exciter power raise and lowerfunctions will be locked and their various setup screen selection values will be greyed out.Only the Exciter Setup screen Frequency and Frequency Offset functions will be available. In the System Setup screen, see Figure 3-46, pressing the box to the right of User Setuppulls up a Security window with the statement “User Setup will be Locked”. The choicesare Ok or Cancel. If Cancel is selected, the User Setup functions will remain unlocked.If Ok is selected, the user setup functions will be locked. To gain access to the setup functions, the System Setup > User Setup: Locked screen mustbe entered. This time an alpha/numeric keypad will appear.Enter the correct password and select Done.If the password is correct, User Setup will change to Unlocked, if incorrect it will remainlocked.3.6.8.2 Diagnostics Setup (Locked or Unlocked)If the Diagnostics Setup is locked, all diagnostics functions and the Exciter Setup screenFrequency and Frequency Offset functions will be locked, and their various diagnosticsscreen selection values will be greyed out. In the System Setup screen, see Figure 3-46, on page 3-54, pressing the box to the right ofDiagnostics Setup pulls up a Security window with the statement “Diagnostics Setup willbe Locked”. The choices are Ok or Cancel. • If Cancel is selected, the diagnostics functions will remain unlocked.• If Ok is selected, Diagnostics Setup will be locked.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyRTAC Operating Procedures, Main Screen. Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-55WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.To gain access to the diagnostics and the frequency and frequency offset select entries onthe exciter setup screen, the System Setup > Diagnostics Setup: Locked screen must beentered. This time an alpha/numeric keypad will appear.• Enter the correct password and select Done.If the password is correct, Diagnostics Setup will change to Unlocked, if incorrect it will remain locked.Diagnostics functions can now be used, and these functions will be remain available until the Diagnostics Setup screen status is changed to Locked.3.6.8.3 Factory Setup (Locked or Unlocked)The Factory Setup in the System Setup screen, see Figure 3-46, on page 3-54, is nor-mally locked. It is not a customer feature. If the System Setup > Factory Setup: Locked soft key is pressed, an alpha/numeric keypad will appear. A password is re-quired unlock this function. This feature locks several functions that are accessed in the factory when the unit is being tested.3.6.9 Restore DefaultsThe restore defaults soft key on the System Setup screen, see Figure 3-46, is locked under the Factory Setup password.3.7 RTAC Operating Procedures, Main Screen.RTAC operation involves several exciter screens. The operating information from severalscreens is summarized below.3.7.1 From RTAC Section of Main ScreenThe various sections of RTAC correction which can be activated from the main screen are: • Lin HPF (RF feedback sample taken after the high power filter) • Non-Lin (PA output feedback sample, taken before the high power filter). The possible states for each corrector are: • Bypass: Turns the selected corrector off• Default: Selects a pre loaded correction algorithm from the RTAC Filter Setup screen. Saving an RTAC correction algorithm to an RTAC filter is covered in Section 3.6.3 on page 3-38.• Adapt: Turns the selected corrector on• Hold: Keeps the last correction value for the selected mode. This is a short term op-tion. For long term use select Default.If any of the three choices above is set to Adapt and its RF sample to the down converterboard is missing or is outside the prescribed input power range, the adaptation for thatchoice will not be performed. In either of the above two failure modes, that RF sample,shown in the adaptive precorrection board status screen, will show fault.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens RTAC Operating Procedures, Main Screen.Page: 3-56 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.7.2 From Adaptive Precorrection Board Status ScreenEach of the three RF sample feedbacks below has a bar graph on the adaptive precorrectionboard status screen. The yellow (upper) bar indicates average power level and the blue(lower) bar indicates peak level. The RF input sample is within the correct power range(-30 to 0 dBm) when both bars are within the center range of the window. The bar graphsshow the signal level at the output of the sample AGC circuit. If any input sample is outsidethe allowable power range, the bars for that input will be at an extreme end of the widowand that input will be faulted.If one or more RF samples to the ADC exceeds maximum allowable level the ADC OverRange indication on the adaptive precorrection board status screen will be faulted.NoteMaximum input level for the three feedbacks mentioned aboveshould not exceed 0 dBm. Excessive input levels (+20 dBm orgreater) will cause faults for the ADC and feedback inputs and canalso cause crosstalk between inputs and/or damage to the exciter.3.7.3 From Down Converter Board Status ScreenTwo entries on the IF &RF Processing Status > Down Converter Status screen are ofinterest to RTAC operation, They are:• RF Sample: This indicates which down converter sample is currently active.• RF Level: RF level (taken after the AGC circuit) for the current sample. It typically ranges between 0.5 to 1.0 Vdc for samples of proper input power range.If known good samples are present at the exciter inputs, and they are not all being sampled,or their level is wrong, the down converter diagnostics screen should be checked.3.7.4 From Down Converter Diagnostics Screen• RF Sample Select: (Automatic, Exciter, Amplifier, or HPF).When Automatic (normal mode) is selected, the controller board causes the down converter to switch between the Amplifier, and HPF inputs. The exciter is only sam-pled when the Setup > Display > Chart Source is set to monitor the exciter.When not in automatic mode, the down converter is locked to the Exciter, Amplifier, or HPF sample input.• RF Sample AGC: (Enabled or Disabled), enabled mode is normal.When enabled is selected, the level of each RF sample (at the output of the down con-verter) is adjusted to the correct level for the ADC (analog to digital converter). When disabled, for test purposes, the level of each RF sample must be manually set by the blue up and down gain arrows at the bottom of the screen. The possible range is 0 to 4096.• RF Sample tells which sample input to the down converter is currently active.• RF Level: This is the current RF sample level (taken after the AGC circuit). It typical-ly ranges between 0.5 to 1.0 Vdc when the input sample is within proper power range.• Gain: This control is only active when RF Sample AGC (on this screen) is defeated. It is used to set the down converter gain so that the sample level falls between 0.6 and 1.0 Vdc.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyRTAC Operating Procedures, Main Screen. Navigating the LCD Display Screens2604s300.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 3-57WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.3.7.5 From RTAC Setup ScreenUp to four Existing RTAC correction setups can be saved. An option to name each savedfilter setup exists. Filter setups can be stored for many reasons, such as when the trans-mitter was first installed, after transmitter maintenance, and etc. They are good forcomparative testing of the transmitter and RTAC correction.• Filter Set: (selections include 1 through 4)• Filter Title: Brings up an alpha/numeric touch keypad to enter the name for the select-ed filter set.• Save: Pressing this soft key saves the current RTAC setup to the filter set selected.The filter set should be given a name (in the filter title selection).• Restore: Applies the selected, pre-saved filter set to the RTAC correction algorithm. This causes the Main screen RTAC samples to be set to Default, which applies the pre-saved filter set to the RTAC correction algorithm.See Section 3.6.3, RTAC Setup Screen, on page 3-38 for RTAC setup instruction.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyNavigating the LCD Display Screens RTAC Operating Procedures, Main Screen.Page: 3-58 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrGeneral Description Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4 Theory of Operation4.1 General DescriptionThe program input to the exciter is a data signal called the “Transport Stream” which iscoded in the ASI format and has an impedance of 75 ohms. This form of coding allows theclock signal to be recovered from the data stream, instead of requiring separate clock anddata paths.The exciter processes this input into the on-channel transmission signal needed as drive forthe transmitter power amplifiers. RTAC™ (Real Time Adaptive Correction) correctioncircuits in the exciter predistort the exciter RF output to compensate for errors which occurin the power amplifiers and the high level RF output intermod filter. The purpose of thecorrection circuits is to produce a transmitter output signal with good MER (modulationerror rate), good signal to noise ratio, and very low intermodulation (adjacent channel)products. RTAC™ processing in the digital part of the exciter continually monitors andtrims exciter linear and nonlinear correction to maintain top performance.Control and monitoring of the exciter is provided by a front panel display and remotecontrol connection, and, in some transmitters exciter control is also extended to the trans-mitter control cabinet GUI (graphical user interface) display.The APEX™ exciter performs the following general functions:• ASI Input & Clock Distribution• Data synchronization• Channel encoding• Pre-correction• Nyquist filtering (spectral shaping)• Up conversion• RTAC™ (Real Time Adaptive Correction)The on-channel RF signal is output through a 50-ohm SMA connector at the rear of theexciter. This output signal is suitable for amplification in subsequent high-power stages.4.2 Transmitter Systems Block DiagramFigure 4-1 is a block diagram which shows a transmitter with an APEX exciter. Thisdiagram shows the ASI transport stream input to the exciter, the exciter RF output signalconnected to the transmitter IPA input, and the various required RF feedback signals fromthe transmitter system to the exciter. These feedback signals are needed to perform thelinear and non-linear RTAC precorrection of exciter RF output signal. The information contained in this overall system block diagram will be needed later, whena detailed study of the APEX exciter block diagram is provided. Additional exciter to transmitter systems interconnection information is covered in Section2, Installation.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation APEX Exciter Digital Assembly OverviewPage: 4-2 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 4-1 APEX Exciter/ Transmitter - RF Interconnection Block Diagram 4.3 APEX Exciter Digital Assembly OverviewFigure 4-2 is an overall block diagram of the APEX exciter. Refer to it while studying theexciter digital assembly, also, refer to Figure 5-2, on page 5-3 for a view of the physicallayout digital tray.The APEX exciter digital assembly (bottom side of exciter) accepts dc supply voltagesfrom the power supply board (located in the top, analog side of the exciter) and an ASItransport stream as input. This tray provides a fully modulated OFDM (orthogonalfrequency division multiplexed) first IF output centered at 11.1 MHz.The digital assembly also performs RTAC™ (real time adaptive correction) pre-correctionon the signal following the modulation and spectral filtering processes. Two downconverted samples from various locations along the transmitter system are compared theoutput of the modulator board to shape the pre-corrected RF output signal of the exciter.This pre-corrected signal minimizes the nonlinear and linear distortions of PA and highpower filter.The digital assembly consists of 6 circuit boards:• A7 - UHF External I/O (input/output) Board• A8 - Controller Board• A9 - Adaptive Precorrector board• A11 - ADC (analog to digital converter) board• A12 - DAC (digital to analog converter) board• A13 - FPGA Modulator boardSignal flow from input to output of the digital (bottom) assembly of the exciter may befollowed by referring to Figure 4-2. The ASI transport stream is input to the FPGAModulator board, A13. The modulator board output passes through the controller board (A8) and on to theadaptive precorrector board (A9). PAOutputCouplerHighPowerPACabinet FilterCouplerAPEXExciterRF output to AntennaPA (Non-Linear)RF Feedback Sample HPF Output (Linear)RF Feedback SampleTransportStreamInputExciter RFOutput
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrAPEX Exciter Digital Assembly Overview Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-3WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.The adaptive precorrector board performs both linear (response and group delay) andnon-linear (phase and linearity) RTAC™ pre-correction on the signal as the symbol streampasses through it. RTAC pre-correction is performed as follows.The ADC (A11) receives the (11.1MHZ IF frequency) transmitter feedback samples from down converter board (A5) of the analog assembly and converts it to the same digital format as the signal from the modulator board. The modulator board output and the feedback samples are then compared in the adaptive precorrector board and adjustments are made to pre-correct the output signal of the adaptive precorrector board. The pre-corrected signal cancels the non-linear and linear distortions generated by the transmitter system PA and high power filter.The adaptive precorrector board output is applied to the DAC board (A12), which convertsthe 44.4 mega-sample/second digital stream to the 11.1 MHz (center frequency) first IFoutput, which is sent to the up converter board (A3) of the analog assembly.4.3.1 Controller Board TheoryThe controller board controls all of the other boards except the power supply and the fan.It indirectly controls the output amplifier through the APC (automatic power control) andthe mute function.A built in communication engine handles all communications independent of CPU core.Some of the controller board functions include the following.1 Boot loads micro processor (itself) from flash.A Copies application from flash to SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random ac-cess memory). The application runs from SDRAM.2 Does CRC (cyclic redundancy check)3 Microprocessor boot loads other exciter sub systems, getting information from flash.A Accesses CPLD version via CPLD JTAG. If CPLD version matches, it goes on to rest of system. If it does not match, it programs the CPLD.B It loads External I/O, Adaptive Precorrector, Modulator, Front Panel, and UDC Interface Boards4 Continually checks all external interfaces, which include:• External I/O board, which includes the CAN bus, digital I/O (parallel exciter control and status), analog I/O (such as VSWR fold back)• 10 Base T (Ethernet port)• RS232 ports, front and rear panels• 1/4 color VGA (touch screen)• UDC Interface board.The adaptive precorrector and modulator boards are autonomous following boot loads,with periodic health checks from the controller board.The HPI (host port interface) and SPI (serial peripheral interconnect) are the means ofcommunication between the controller board and the adaptive precorrector and modulatorboards.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation APEX Exciter Digital Assembly OverviewPage: 4-4 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 4-2 APEX Exciter - Signal Flow Block DiagramRF OutputAmplifierUp Converter(double converted)MultipleInputDown Converter(double converted) RF SwitchDown Converter BoardPLL Board1stL.O.2ndL.O.10 MHzReferenceExciter Sample InputPA Sample InputHPF Sample InputExciter RFOutputDACADC AdaptivePrecorrectorBoardFPGA ModulatorBoard ASI TransportStream InputTop (Analog) Side UDC Interface Board(Controls Up Converter, PLLand Down Converter Boards)ControllerBoardControl Signals To and From allDigital BoardsControl Signals To and From Front PanelDisplay BoardBottom (Digital) SideAnalogLoopback External1PPS InputOscillator10 MHz10 kHz
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrAPEX Exciter Digital Assembly Overview Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-5WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.3.2 RTAC and Adaptive Precorrector Board TheoryAdaptive precorrection is a process where an RF sample from somewhere along the trans-mitter system is down converted to the 1st IF frequency in the down converter board,converted to a digital signal in the ADC board, and the digitized sample is sent to theadaptive precorrector board where it is time aligned with and compared to the referencedigital signal from the modulator board. The results of this comparison are used to precorrect the digital output signal from the adaptive precorrector board so that it will cancelcertain distortions generated in the transmitter system power amplifiers and high powerfilter (HPF). Adaptive precorrection is divided into two general areas. • Non linear correction: This refers to amplifier non linearity, which is poor linearity (also referred to as AM to AM conversion) and ICPM (incidental carrier phase modu-lation), also referred to as AM to PM conversion.Non linear distortion causes intermodulation products to appear within the signal pass band and in the adjacent channels, making it difficult or impossible for the transmitter to pass the output signal mask response test without some type of amplifier lineariza-tion.• Linear correction: This generally refers to filter, tuned circuit, or coupling circuit dis-tortions, which are amplitude response problems and group delay (also called PM to PM conversion).Linear distortions increase MER (modulation error rate) and degrades the transmitter signal to noise performance.The RTAC correction circuits perform their operations in several sequential steps, whichare as follows.• The PA feedback signal is used by RTAC to correct non linear distortions generated by the transmitter PA. This provides a near perfect input signal for the high power fil-ter.• The HPF feedback signal is used by RTAC to correct linear distortions generated by the transmitter high power filter, and the smaller amounts of linear distortions caused by tunable PAs. The adaptive precorrection board is also capable of pre distorting the transmitter outputsignal to correct for group delay caused by wave guide when it is used to transport thetransmitter RF output signal to the antenna. The waveguide type and length are entered inexciter setup screen.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation APEX Exciter Digital Assembly OverviewPage: 4-6 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.3.2.1 44.4 MHz Phase Lock LoopA PLL is used to generate the 44.4 MHz clock signal for the modulator tray. It isphase-locked to the 10 MHz reference signal. The 44.4 clock is divided by 4 to produce the11.1 MHz clock, see Figure 4-3 for a block diagram of the 44.4 MHz phase lock loop. Figure 4-3 The 44.4 MHz Phase Lock Loop4.3.3 Exciter Output Spectral Response, RTAC BypassedFigure 4-4 shows the exciter output spectral response with RTAC bypassed. The modulatorbandwidth, in the Setup > Flo FPGA > FPGA Configure 4/5 screen, is set to 6 MHz. Theavailable bandwidth settings are 5, 6, 7, and 8 MHz. For each setting, the actual signalbandwidth is approximately 0.5 MHz less than the indicated bandwidth, the actualbandwidth for each setting is listed in Table 4-1.In Figure 4-4, the skirts of the response drop rapidly, then the slope suddenly becomesmore gradual. This is the point where the intermodulation products start to appear in theoutput. This point is called the shoulder. The shoulder level should be at lest -38 dB withrespect to the center of the response.The output consists of multiple, closely spaced, modulated sub carriers. For Example, 4000sub carriers are used in the 6 MHz bandwidth setting.Table 4-1 Output Signal BandwidthBandwidth Setting Actual Bandwidth5 MHz 4.52 MHz6 MHz 5.42 MHz7 MHz 6.33 MHz8 MHz 7.23 MHz÷ R÷ NPhaseDetector 44.4 MHz VCO÷ 410 MHz Reference 44.4 MHzClock11.1 MHzClockOscillator(From PLLBoard)
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrAPEX Exciter Analog Assembly Overview Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-7WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 4-4 Exciter Output Spectral Response, RTAC Bypassed4.4 APEX Exciter Analog Assembly OverviewThe analog assembly (top side of exciter) contains the following subassemblies. Refer toFigure 5-1, on page 5-2 for a view of the analog (top side) assembly circuit board layout.• A1 - Exciter power supply board • B1 - Cooling fan.• A6 - UDC (up/down converter interface) board• A4 - PLL (phase lock loop) board• A3 - Up Converter board• A2 - Output Amplifier board• A5 - Down Converter board. Refer to Figure 4-2 for a block diagram of the APEX exciter. The up-converter accepts a 11.1 MHz IF from the DAC (digital to analog converter board(A12) connector J3. The up converter converts the signal in two stages to an on channelUHF output. It may be configured (via the front panel touch screen) to place the exciteroutput at any desired center frequency within selected portions of the UHF spectrum. Local oscillators used for up and down conversions are generated via low noise phaselocked loops. All frequencies are referenced to a common 10 MHz standard, which islocked to the GPS 1PPS (pulse per second) signal. A SWT 30 ms*AVG*1 RMAtt 25 dBRef -1 dBmCenter 719 MHz Span 10 MHz1 MHz/-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-100ResponseShoulder ResponseShoulder
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation APEX Exciter Analog Assembly OverviewPage: 4-8 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Power output capability of the exciter is 100 mW average power. The down converter sequentially selects the RF feedback samples from the transmittersystem and converts them down to the 11.1 MHz 1st IF frequency. This signal is sent to theADC (analog to digital converter) board. The UDC interface sends commands and control signals from the digital assemblycontroller board to the down converter, PLL, up converter boards, and output amplifier andreceives status signals from them.4.4.1 Up Converter Board Block Diagram DescriptionRefer to Figure 4-5 for a simplified block diagram of the up converter.The up converter receives the 11.1 MHz 1st IF signal from the DAC and heterodynes it upto a 140 MHz 2nd IF frequency. The conversion requires a 128.9 MHz CW signal from the1st LO (local oscillator) circuit on the PLL board.The 2nd conversion stage of the up converter heterodynes the 140 MHz 2nd IF signal to theon channel frequency, using a CW signal from the 2nd LO circuit in the PLL board.The 2nd local oscillator is injected on the high side of the channel for VHF channels andon the low side of the channel for the UHF channels. The output of the up converter is a low level on channel signal. This signal is sent to theoutput amplifier.4.4.1.1 Up Converter Board UHF/VHF Band Pass FilterThe type of filter used depends on the operating channel.In UHF units, an inter digital comb-line band pass filter is used to filter out the mixer imageand other unwanted signals. This filter has two tunable sections. A voltage tunablebandpass filter to pass the on channel signal, this is referred to a “TuneB” in the UpConverter Diagnostics screen. It also has a voltage tunable notch filter to reject the localoscillator, this is referred to as “TuneA” in the Up Converter Diagnostics screen. When aUHF channel is selected, the filter is automatically tuned to the correct frequency for thatchannel. The TuneA and TuneB options in the Up Converter Diagnostics screen allow thetwo filters to be retuned for testing purposes.Low band VHF channels 2 - 6 have the local oscillator, 2nd IF frequency and image abovethe channel, therefore, an elliptic low pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 100 MHz isused for the low band filter. This filter that is capable of passing channels 2 through 6 withlow group delay while still rejecting the required signals.High band VHF channels 7-13 have the local oscillator and image above the channel andthe 2nd IF frequency below the channel. For this group of channels, a bandpass filter isrequired. This is a fixed bandpass filter that is capable of passing channels 7 through 13with low group delay while still rejecting the required signals.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrAPEX Exciter Analog Assembly Overview Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-9WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 4-5 Up Converter Simplified Block Diagram.4.4.2 Down Converter Board Block Diagram DescriptionRefer to Figure 4-6 for a detailed block diagram of the analog chassis of the APEX exciter,and for a block diagram of the down converter.The down converter has four inputs, which are RF output samples of the exciter, trans-mitter IPA (not used), transmitter PA, and HPF (high power filter). These inputs aresequentially sampled, but the exciter RF output is only sampled when the Setup > Display> Chart Source is set to monitor the exciter. The feedback samples are heterodyned downto the 11.1 MHz 1st IF frequency. The conversion process takes place in two steps usingthe same to local oscillator signals (from the PLL board) as the up converter.For the RTAC (real time adaptive correction) circuits in the adaptive correction board towork, two RF feedback samples from various points along the transmitter system arerequired. These samples come from the PA output, and the HPF (high power filter) output.The RF level for each sample should be within a range of -30 to 0 dBm average powerwhere the RF sample cables enter the rear panel connectors of the exciter.The controller board causes the down converter to switch through the PA and HPFsamples. The PA sample takes up to 5 seconds each and the HPF takes 5 to 90 secondsdepending on the length and type of waveguide entered in the exciter setup page. Thesesamples normally cycle through in two to four second steps. The sequence is HPF, Amp,and HPF. The exciter is only sampled when the Setup > Display > Chart Source is set tomonitor the exciter.When a sample is first switched into the down converter, an APC (automatic powercontrol) circuit adjusts the signal to the required level. The RF sample being converted andits RF level (at the output of the down converter) can be viewed in real time on the IF &RFprocessing Status 4/4 Down Converter Diagnostics screen. The level adjusted output of thedown converter is sent to the input of the ADC (analog to digital converter) board in thedigital assembly. During the remainder of the sample time, RTAC acts on the sample toproduce the appropriate precorrection.10.76 MHzInput2nd LO30 MHzLPF140 MHzSAW1st LOSwitch 174-213 MHzFilter470-806 MHzFilter54-85 MHzFilterSwitchOnChannelDetector DetectorGainControl11.1 MHzIF Input
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation APEX Exciter Analog Assembly OverviewPage: 4-10 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 4-6 Analog Assembly Detailed Block Diagram.4.4.3 PLL Board - A4The PLL (phase lock loop) board generates the two local oscillator signals needed for theup and down converter boards. A 10 MHz reference oscillator is required to keep the twolocal oscillators on frequency.4.4.3.1 10 MHz ReferenceRefer to Figure 4-7. The primary 10 Mhz reference is generated by an OCXO. It is bufferedand three outputs are available. One (J11) is for the first and second local oscillators, one(J8) is for the FPGA Modulator board (a feedback reference which is used to generate the16 bit DAC number which controls the OCXO frequency), and one (without a connector)for an on board PLL, which is an alternate method of control for the OCXO oscillatorfrequency. This OCXO runs in either of two modes, The 10 MHz oscillator can be locked by either of two methods.• This method is via a control voltage form the DAC.The DAC number is supplied from the controller board, and locks the 10 MHz oscillator to the 1 PPS (pulse per second) output of a GPS Satellite. This is the mode used in the Apex Mobile exciter.• The alternate method is via an external 10 kHz from the FPGA modulator board.1stLO140MHzSAWFilter2ndLOVariableGainAmp55-75MHzFilterLow Band AmpDetectorCouplerGainControlRFOutFromController170-230MHzFilterHigh Band470-860MHzFilterUHFSwitch Switch140MHzBPF 50MHzLPFVariableGainAttenuatorSample 110.76MHzInputSwitch Sample 2Sample 3D/AConverterToA/DSample 410MHzRef10.76MHzClockExternal10MHzD/AConverterDe-codeDown Converter GainDown Converter GainSet Output PowerA/DConverterRead Output PowerBandSelect Channel Select2nd LOProgram1st LOProgramBand SelectChannel SelectSet Output Power1st LO Program2nd LO ProgramRead Output PowerSelect SampleSelect sample1st LO Lock 2nd LO Lock1st LO Lock2nd LO LockExternalRef PresentD/AConverterExt. 10MHz PresentMuteMuteMuteUDCSSCLKMISOMOSI30MHzLPFDetectorDanielsonsLast Revision10/6/00Detector DetectorGainControl11.1 MHzIF Input10 kHzFrom FPGAModulator
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrAPEX Exciter Analog Assembly Overview Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-11WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 4-7 10 MHz Reference Oscillator Block Diagram 4.4.3.2 128.9 MHz IF PLL (First L. O.)Refer to Figure 4-8, block diagram of the first local oscillator PLL. The first local oscillatorPLL generates a 128.9 MHz CW signal. It is used to convert the digitally generated 11.1MHz 1st IF to the 140 MHz (2nd IF frequency). The 128.9 MHz output from the first local oscillator is derived from a 32 bit DDS (directdigital synthesis) based oscillator, which is clocked at 400 MHz. The 400 MHz is generatedin a single loop PLL (phase locked loop) which is locked to the 10 MHz referenceoscillator.Figure 4-8 Block Diagram First LOJ8, 10 MHzOut, feedbackJ11, 10 MHzoutput to 1stand 2nd PLLs.U32,3-Way10 MHzOCXOU41, ElectronicU40,SwitchUDC Board number, used to set the 10 MHzFPGA Modulator board.This board gets the 16 bit DACOCXO frequency, from theused to set 16bit DAC number.10 kHz ReferenceSignal fromthe FPGA boardU57,U29, PLL16 Bit DAC Splitter128.9 MHz to UpConverter, +10 dBm128.9 MHz to DownConverter, +10 dBm10 MHz Reference InputU31,2-WayBand and Low Pass Filters128.9 MHzDDSU42,400 MHzVCOPhaseDetector÷ NFromMicro ControllerFromMicro ControllerU39,U45,Splitter
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation APEX Exciter Analog Assembly OverviewPage: 4-12 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.4.3.3 Main Phase Lock Loop (Second LO)Refer to Figure 4-9, Second LO Block Diagram.The second LO covers 197-663 MHz. It is referenced to the 10 MHz reference oscillator,which is locked to GPS. It is used to convert the 140 MHz (center channel) second IF to thedesired channel center frequency. The second local oscillator PLL generates a CW signal which is 140 MHz above thedesired center channel frequency for VHF channels and 140 MHZ below the desired centerchannel frequency for UHF channels. Refer to Table 4-2 for a list of frequencies forchannels used within the USA. A single loop PLL, locked to the 10 MHZ reference oscillator is used to set the 865 MHzto 1180 MHz VCO to a specific frequency within its frequency range. This chosenfrequency is applied to a divide by N circuit, where N is chosen so that its output, or aharmonic of its output, falls on the desired second LO frequency. A tunable bandpass filteris controlled via the micro controller to select the desired frequency and assure that the LOoutput is clean.Figure 4-9 Block Diagram Main Phase Lock Loop (2nd LO)Table 4-2 2nd LO Output FrequenciesChannel Frequency Range 2nd LO Frequency Channel Frequency Range 2nd LO FrequencyStandard channels for USA FLO RF channel 1 through 8 for USA2 54 - 60 MHz 197 MHz 1 698 - 704 MHz 561 MHz4 MHz gap between channels 4 and 5. 2 704 - 710 MHz 567 MHz6 82 - 88 MHz 225 MHz 3 710 - 716 MHz 573 MHz7 174 - 180 MHz 317 MHz 4 716 - 722 MHz 579 MHz13 210 - 216 MHz 353 MHz 5 722 - 728 MHz 585 MHz14 470 - 476 MHz 333 MHz 6 728 - 734 MHz 591 MHz69 800 - 806 MHz 663 MHz 7 734 - 740 MHz 597 MHz8 740 - 746 MHz 603 MHz2nd LO Output to UpConverter, +10 dBm2nd LO Output to DownConverter, +10 dBm10 MHz Reference Input2-WaySplitterLow Pass FilterU36865 - 1180U45, Phase÷ MMHz VCOU47TunableBand Pass FiltersLocked Loop ÷ N
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrAPEX Exciter Analog Assembly Overview Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-13WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.4.4 Output AmplifierThe output amplifier accepts an on channel input from the up converter and amplifies thesignal up to 100 mW average power. It is broad band and covers the VHF and UHF bands.The output of the up converter is a low level signal of approximately -11 dBm. The outputamplifier provides approximately 31 dB gain to raise the signal level to +20 dBm, which is100 mW average power (1 watt peak power). RF input is routed from J1 through broad band amplifiers U2 and U4 and to splitter U3.The two outputs of splitter U3 drive two broadband amplifiers U6 and U1 in parallel. Theoutputs from these two amplifiers are combined in U5. From U5 the RF is routed throughdirectional coupler DC1 then to relay K1, which routes the output to the RF output jack (J2)when the exciter is unmuted, and to the RF load output jack (J3) when muted. Directional coupler DC1 samples the forward power of the amplifier and routes the sampleto splitter U7. One output of U7 drives the detector, which consists of CR3, CR6, U8, U9,and U10. The detection diode CR3 is temperature compensated by CR6 in summingamplifier U9. The dc output of U9 is routed to controller board via the UDC interfaceboard. It is used for APC (automatic power control) of the exciter RF output. The otheroutput of U7 is routed through a 7 dB attenuator (R26, R27, and R29) and provides a 2dBm RF sample for the exciter input of the down converter board.Figure 4-10 Output RF Amplifier Block DiagramU2 U4 U3 U5U1U6DC1CouplerU7 SplitterQ1K1 RelayCR3, CR5, U8,U9, and U10DetectorJ5-7 Input-11dBm +7dBm +17dBm RF OutputTo PA+24 dBmRF Outputto Load+24 dBmRF Sample+2dBmJ5-8DetectorOutputJ2J3J4MuteJ5-1J5-2J5-3J5-4+15Vdc InputGround-15Vdc InputGroundJ1RF Input+13dBm +23dBm+25dBm7dBAtt. (at approx. 1665 mA)(at approx 5 mA)
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation DC Power DistributionPage: 4-14 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.5 DC Power DistributionThis material is intended to give an overview of dc power distribution in the APEX exciter.4.5.1 Main Power SupplyThe main power supply is located in the left rear side of the analog (top) section of theexciter. The main power supply voltages and their destinations are listed in Table 4-3. 4.5.2 Digital Deck PowerAll power for the digital (lower) deck of the exciter enters the controller board at J6.Refer to Figure 5-2, on page 5-3. From the controller board the power branches out to theother digital boards in the following fashion. • Controller board to modulator board.• Controller board to adaptive corrector board to ADC and DAC boards.• Controller board to external I/O board.• Controller board to front panel board.4.5.2.1 Controller Board PowerAll power for the digital (lower) deck of the exciter enters the controller board at J6. J6 ismounted on the chassis side of the board and protrudes through the deck to the top side,where it receives +5 Vdc from the power supply on pins 9 through 15. The 5Vdc return(ground) is via pins 1 through 8. This is the 5 Vdc entry on the screen.+5 Vdc is supplied to the following other boards:• The modulator board.• The adaptive precorrector board.• The external I/O board.• The front panel display board.The +5 Vdc also operates the 3.3 volt dc to dc converter. +3.3 Vdc from this board issupplied to the following boards:• The external I/O board.• The front panel display board.Table 4-3 Exciter Power Supply VoltagesVoltage Use PS Jack and Pin Destination Jack and Pin+5 Vdc Power for digital tray SK3 pin 2 Controller, J6 pins 10 - 13Common for +5 V SK3 pin 1 Controller, J6 pins 1 - 4+15 Power for analog tray SK2 pins 1 - 2 UDC Interface, J4 pins 1 - 2-15 Power for analog tray SK2 pin 6 UDC Interface, J4 pin 6Common for +/- 15 Vdc SK2 pins 3 - 5 UDC Interface, J4 pins 3 - 5+15 Vdc Float Fan power SK2 pin 8 UDC Interface, J4 pin 8Common for +15 Vdc Float SK2 pin 9 UDC Interface, J4 pin 9
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrDC Power Distribution Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-15WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.The following are the controller board status screen entries:• +3.3 Vdc: This is the output of the 3.3 V dc to dc converter.• +5 Vdc: This is the board input voltage.RTC battery: (OK or FAULT) This is the battery required for the real time clock.4.5.2.2 FPGA Modulator Board PowerThe following supply voltages are listed as modulator board status screen entries:• 5 Vdc: This is the board input voltage, which comes from the controller board via J10. Except for the 1.8 volt supply, it supplies power to the other dc to dc converters men-tioned below.• 3.3 Vdc: This is the output of the 3.3 V dc to dc converter.• 2.5 Vdc: This is the output of the 2.5 V dc to dc converter.• 1.8 Vdc This is the output of the 1.8 V dc to dc converter, which is supplied by the 3.3 volt supply.• 1.2 Vdc This is the output of the 1.2 V dc to dc converter.• GPS 5 Vdc refers to the 5 volt supply for the GPS receiver.4.5.2.3 Adaptive Processing Board PowerThe adaptive precorrector board receives +5 VDC from the controller board. This is the 5Vdc entry on the screen. The +5 Vdc also operates three dc to dc converters which supply the +3.3 Vdc, +1.9 Vdc,and the +1.8 Vdc voltages.+5 Vdc and +3.3 Vdc are supplied to the D/A converter and the A/D converter.The following are the adaptive processing board screen entries:• +3.3 Vdc: This is the output of the 3.3 V dc to dc converter.• +5 Vdc: This is the board input voltage.• AP 3.3 Vdc supply (referred to as the AP_IOVDD supply) is derived from the 3.3 Vdc supply through an FET switch. This voltage is switched off if the 1.9 Vdc AP supply faults.• AP 1.9 Vdc: This is the output from the AP DSP core supply dc to dc converter• NL 3.3 Vdc supply (referred to as the NL_IOVDD supply) is derived from the 3.3 Vdc supply through an FET switch. This voltage is switched off if the 1.8 Vdc NL supply faults.• NL 1.8 Vdc NL DSP core power supply.4.5.2.4 Power for DAC and ADC Boards5 Vdc and +3.3 Vdc are supplied to the DAC (digital to analog converter) and ADC (analogto digital converter) from the adaptive corrector board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation DC Power DistributionPage: 4-16 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.5.2.5 External I/O Board Power5 Vdc and +3.3 Vdc are supplied to the external I/O board is received at connector P1 fromcontroller board connector J3.4.5.2.6 Front Panel BoardPower for front panel board is received at connector J1 from controller board connector J4.• +5 Vdc for the front panel board is received at connector J1 pins 1 and 2.• +5 Vdc for the back light is received at connector J1 pins 46 through 50.• +3.3 Vdc for the front panel board is received at connector J1 pins 24 and 25.4.5.3 Analog Deck PowerAll power for the analog (upper) deck of the exciter enters the UDC interface board at J4.From the UDC interface board J2 the power is fed to the down converter board J8, PLLboard J1, and up converter board J3 by a ribbon cable which parallels the connectors. 4.5.3.1 UDC Interface Board PowerThe power supply module supplies +/- 15 Vdc to the UDC (up/down converter) Interfaceboard via connector J4. See Table 4-3 on page 14 for a list of pin assignments for J4. +15 Vdc is fed to an on-board switching dc to dc converter and produces +8 Vdc. +8 Vdcis fed to a linear regulator which produces +5 Vdc. +5 Vdc is fed to a linear regulator whichproduces +3.3 Vdc.The +/-15 Vdc and the +8 Vdc voltages are fed from the UDC interface board J2 to thedown converter board J8, PLL board J1, and up converter board J3 by a ribbon cable whichparallels the connectors. The output amplifier receives +/-15 Vdc at J5 from the upconverter board via J2. The ribbon cable pinout is as follows:• +15 Vdc pin 1.• -15 Vdc pin 3.• +8 Vdc pin 5.• Ground (returns) are pins 2 and 4.The following ia a list of entries on the UDC interface board status screen.• +15 Vdc: Input from power supply module• -15 Vdc: Input from power supply module• 5 Vdc: Output from 5 volt linear regulator. • 3.3 Vdc: Output from 3.3 volt linear regulator.• 8 Vdc: Output from 8 volt switching regulator4.5.3.2 Exciter Cooling Fan PowerPower for the exciter cooling fan is routed through the UDC interface board as follows• +15 Volt Float is received at UDC interface board at J4 pin 8, the return is J4 pin 9.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyrDC Power Distribution Theory of Operation2604s400.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 4-17WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.• +15 Volt Float leaves UDC interface board at J5 pin 2, the return is J5 pin 1.4.5.3.3 Down Converter Board PowerThe down converter board receives its dc voltages (+/- 15 Vdc and +8 Vdc) from the UDCinterface board via connector J8. The down converter board supplies are listed below.• +15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J8 pin 1• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J8 pin 3• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J8 pin 5• An on board regulator produces -5 Vdc from the -15 Vdc supply• An on board regulator produces +5 Vdc from the +8 Vdc supply.The following ia a list of entries on the down converter board status screen.• +15 Vdc: Input power• -15 Vdc: Input power• +8 Vdc: Input power.4.5.3.4 PLL Board PowerThe PLL (phase lock loop) board receives its dc voltages (+/- 15 Vdc and +8 Vdc) from theUDC interface board via connector J1, as listed below.• +15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 1• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 3• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 5Several on board regulators are used to achieve low noise and excellent isolation betweenthe PLL board digital input/output circuits, 10 MHz reference oscillator, 128.9 MHz 1stlocal oscillator (LO), and the 2ns local oscillator. This board contains seven on board +5Vdc regulators, one +12 Vdc regulator, six +3.3 Vdc regulators, one +2.5 Vdc regulator,and one +1.8Vdc regulator.The following ia a list of entries on the PLL board status screen.• +15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 1.• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1pin 3.• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1pin 5.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTheory of Operation DC Power DistributionPage: 4-18 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.4.5.3.5 Up Converter Board PowerThe Up Converter board receives its dc voltages (+/- 15 Vdc and +8 Vdc) from the UDCinterface board via connector J3. The up converter board supplies are listed below.• +15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 1• -15 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 3• 8 Vdc: Input power from UDC interface board via connector J1 pin 5• An on board regulator produces +5 Vdc from the +15 Vdc supply.+/-15 Vdc is supplied to the output amplifier from the Up Converter board via J2.• +15 Vdc is supplied via J2 pin 1.• -15 Vdc is supplied via J2 pin 3.• Returns (ground) for the +/-15 volt supplied is via J2 pins 2 and 4.The +15, -15, and +8 Vdc inputs appear on the up converter board status screen.4.5.3.6 Output AmplifierPower for the output amplifier is received at J5 from the up converter board via J2. Thepower connections for J5 are listed below.• +15 Vdc is received at J5 pin 1.• -15 Vdc is received at J5 pin 3.Returns (ground) for the +/-15 volt supplies are via J5 pins 2 and 4.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Maintenance Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5 Maintenance and Troubleshooting This section is a maintenance and troubleshooting guide to the APEX exciter. It is dividedinto the following three parts.• Exciter Maintenance• General Troubleshooting Notes• System Troubleshooting• Exciter TroubleshootingTrouble shooting is to the board level only, if a board is defective it should be replaced. 5.1 Exciter MaintenanceAll APEX circuit boards except the front panel board can be accessed while operating theexciter. The APEX exciter is mounted in the transmitter on slides, permitting it to be pulledforward out of the cabinet. The top and bottom covers can be removed to provide access to the digital and analogcircuit boards. Figure 5-1 shows the top (analog) view and Figure 5-2 shows the bottom(digital) view of the exciter with the covers removed. These drawings provide the namesand locations of the various circuit boards of the exciter.The upper side of the chassis is the analog section, which consists of the up converter,down converter, PLL (phase lock loop), RF output amplifier, power supply, UDC(up/down converter) interface board, and the exciter cooling fan.The bottom side of chassis houses the FPGA modulator, adaptive pre corrector, DAC(digital to analog converter) converter, ADC (analog to digital converter), controller, andthe UHF external I/O (input/output) interface boards. If the exciter is being bench tested and is inverted to access the bottom boards, the displaycan also be inverted by accessing Display Invert function. The path to this function is Mainscreen > Setup > Display.The exciter wiring diagram is shown in Figure 5-3 (left side of drawing) and Figure 5-4(right side of drawing). These two pages can be printed and fastened together to produceone complete drawing.5.1.1 CleaningOccasionally the circuit boards of the exciter will need cleaning. All precaution againststatic should be observed. The technician should be grounded, either through conductiveshoes or through a static grounding strap. The exciter should be powered down before the cleaning process is started. A vacuumcleaner should be used to remove dust from the assemblies. A natural bristle brush with ametal band and a wooden handle can be used to dislodge dust. A vacuum cleaner hose candevelop static due to the air rushing through the hose. The hose should have a metal nozzle,which should be grounded.Do not use compressed air to blow dirt from the exciter because the dirt will just settle backdown on something else. Also, the fast moving air could damage or dislodge delicatecircuit board components, and it could also accentuate static problems.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter MaintenancePage: 5-2 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.8439153013A.PLTFigure 5-1 Top View of Exciter (Analog Side) With Cover Removed
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Maintenance Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-3WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.8439153013B.PLTFigure 5-2 Bottom View of Exciter (Digital Side) With Cover Removed
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter MaintenancePage: 5-4 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 5-3 APEX Exciter Wiring Diagram, Left Side (see Figure 5-4 for right side)Note: Figures 5-3 and 5-4 can be copied and joined to form an 11 x 17 drawing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Maintenance Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-5WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 5-4 APEX Exciter Wiring Diagram, Right Side (see Figure 5-3 for left side)Note: Figures 5-3 and 5-4 can be copied and joined to form an 11 x 17 drawing.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter MaintenancePage: 5-6 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.1.2 Measuring PLL Board Frequencies Channel center frequency accuracy is directly dependant on the accuracy of the 1st and 2ndlocal oscillators (LOs) in the PLL board, which get their reference from the 10 MHzreference oscillator. If a large channel center frequency error exists, first check thefrequency and frequency offset entries on the exciter setup screen, and then check the PLLstatus screen (second of four IF & RF processing status screens) for faults. If one or morefaults appear on this screen, refer to Section 5.8.1 on page 5-19 for additional trouble-shooting information.Channel center frequency error can be caused by several factors, which are listed below. • Error in exciter setup screen frequency or frequency offset. These entries set the chan-nel center frequency and frequency offset (if required) from the normal channel cen-ter frequency.• 1st and 2nd local oscillator frequency errors caused by internal 10 MHz reference os-cillator errors. • 1st or 2nd local oscillator frequency errors caused by a faulty PLL board.5.1.2.1 Measuring Center Channel FrequencyA special procedure which removes all transmitted data leaves only one center channelcarrier. This allows the channel center frequency to be directly measured at the exciteroutput. A suitable frequency counter will be needed. This is not a normal operatingprocedure.CautionDo not use this procedure while exciter is providing drive to an op-erating transmitter. The single carrier operation will cause the trans-mitter output to rise sharply and may cause overloads or even equipment damage. NoteThe exciter is locked to a GPA 1PPS reference. Its output is accu-rate to a fraction of a hertz. The frequency counter must also oper-ate from a GPS reference to enable it to measure frequency with therequired accuracy.The frequency measurement procedure is as follows.1 Power down the transmitter before connecting or disconnecting any cables.2 Remove the exciter drive cable from the PA. This prevents PA overdrive or damage during single frequency operation.3 Pad the exciter output sufficiently to prevent frequency counter overdrive or damage, then connect it to the frequency counter.4 Connect a male-female DB-9 straight-through cable from Com 1 on your computer to the RS232 connector on the front or rear panel of the APEX FLO exciter.5 Open Tera Term Pro on the computer.6 Select “Setup > Serial port”.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Maintenance Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-7WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.A Set the serial port parameters to match the exciter RS232 parameters for the exciter port which is connected to the computer. This information can be found at Setup > Serial I/O > Serial Setup 1/3 RS-232 screen on the exciter GUI screen.B Hit OK to accept the setup.7 Press Enter twice in rapid succession to access the exciter. If connection is successful, a blank screen will appear.A The blank screen is on page 7 of 7 when viewed on the computer. To verify a successful connection, press the left or right arrow key to change to the page. Pages 1 through 6 will contain written information. When a successful connection is established, use the left or right arrow key to access page 7, the blank page.8 Enter the following commands to turn off modulation and produce single center chan-nel carrier.A Press o (lower case letter, not zero).B Press the space key.C Press 40000c8 (this is a hex number).D Press the space key.E Press 7.F Press the enter key.9 The exciter should now have a single center channel carrier at its output.10 Measure and record the carrier frequency.11 To turn the modulation on and resume normal exciter operation, perform the follow-ing.A Press o (lower case letter, not zero).B Press the space key.C Press 40000c8 (this is a hex number).D Press the space key.E Press 0.F Press the enter key.12 The normal spectrum should be present at the exciter output.13 Power down the transmitter, remove the padding added in step 3, and reconnect the ex-citer drive to the transmitter.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter MaintenancePage: 5-8 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.1.2.2 PLL Board 10 MHz Reference Oscillator FrequencyThe PLL board internal 10 MHz reference oscillator frequency is automatically set bycomparing it with the external 1PPS (pulse per second) GPS reference signal in the FPGAmodulator board. The external 1PPS signal is entered at J19 on the rear panel of the exciter. This oscillator frequency is not adjustable. Any frequency error will be cause by a faultyPLL board, FPGA modulator board, controller board, or an error in the external 1PPSreference signal.The most convenient way to measure the 10 MHz oscillator frequency is by using theoutput of W30, which connects to J15 on the FPGA modulator board.5.1.2.3 Measuring the 1st Local Oscillator FrequencyIf it becomes necessary to measure the 1st LO frequency, follow the procedure below.If this exciter must remain on the air during this test, put the main screen RTAC inputs onHold before performing this measurement. Removing the cable from J10 of the PLL boardwill interfere with normal RTAC operation.1 Connect output of 1st local oscillator to a frequency counter. This signal can be ob-tained from J10 on the PLL board. It should be 128.9 MHz. It is also available at J9, but disconnecting the cable from it will take the exciter off the air.A The output level should be +10 dBm.2 The 1st local oscillator frequency is affected by the 10 MHz reference oscillator. A If the reference oscillator is off frequency, the 1st LO frequency will change by an amount equal to 12.89 times the frequency error of the reference oscil-lator.3 When measurement is finished, normalize exciter connections and screen settings.5.1.2.4 Measuring the 2nd Local Oscillator FrequencyIf it becomes necessary to measure the 2nd LO frequency, follow the procedure below.If this exciter must remain on the air during this test, put the main screen RTAC inputs onHold before performing this measurement. Removing the cable from J5 of the PLL boardwill interfere with normal RTAC operation.1 Connect output of 2nd local oscillator to frequency counter. This signal can be ob-tained from J5 on the PLL board. It is also available at J6, but disconnecting the cable from it will take the exciter off the air.A The output level should be +10 dBm.2 The 2nd local oscillator frequency can be found in Table 4-2, 2nd LO Output Frequen-cies, on page 4-12.A If the 10 MHz reference oscillator is off frequency, the 2nd LO frequency will change by an amount equal to the 10 MHz reference frequency error times the expected 2nd LO frequency divided by 10.For example, the 2nd LO frequency should be 549 MHz for channel 50. If the 10 MHz reference frequency measured 10.000020 Mhz, the 2nd LO frequen-cy would be 20 x 54.9 or 1098 Hz high, for a frequency of 549.001098 MHz.3 When measurement is finished, normalize exciter connections and screen settings.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyLoading Software Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-9WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.2 Loading SoftwareThe APEX exciter software must be occasionally reloaded to update the software to thelatest revision, or if the controller board has been changed and contains an incorrectversion.The controller board contains the software, user setups, and the MAC address, all of whichwill be lost if the controller board is changed. User setups and the MAC address areprogrammed in the sub windows of the Home > Setup Screen.APEX exciter software can be loaded by two methods. One is via the eCDi system, withinstructions found in the eDCi technical manual (manual part number 888-2517-001). The other method of software loading is through the serial port on the front or rear panel ofthe exciter (following the instructions provided with the software). The serial port used forthe software upgrade must be set up to use the Harris protocol. See Section 3.6.6.1, SerialSetup Screen 1 of 3, RS-232, on page 3-45 for serial port programing instructions.Four items are needed to load software into the Apex exciter, they are:• The Harris ISP (In-System Programming) Revision 2.0 software (used to load soft-ware into the exciter).• The exciter upgrade software.• The APEX software programming instructions (for the version of software to be load-ed).• A computer with an operating system specified in the software loading instructions (at the time of this writing it specified windows NT 4.0, 2000 Professional, or XP).The Harris ISP 2.0 program, upgrade software and software loading instructions can bedownloaded from the Harris Premier website or obtained by contacting Harris Technicalsupport. Please note that Harris ISP 2.0 must be used. Harris ISP 1.10, which comes loaded on theDiamond and Sigma transmitter GUI, is not compatible with APEX.Proceed with the loading operation following the APEX software programming instruc-tions mentioned above.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Default Settings For DIagnostics ScreensPage: 5-10 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.3 Default Settings For DIagnostics Screens The diagnostics functions are useful for testing and troubleshooting the exciter, but if leftin the wrong position, the transmitter or exciter will not function properly. Table 5-1 is aquick reference for the default diagnostics settings.Table 5-1 Diagnostics Screens Default SettingsStatus Screen With Diagnostics Text Location Within Manual Variable Default SettingAdaptive Processing See Section 3.4.3.1, Adaptive Processing Diagnostics, on page 3-11Loopback (choices None, Analog, or Digital) NoneTest Tones DisabledRF & IF Processing (Screen 3 of 4) Section 3.4.5.3.1, Up Converter Diagnostics, on page 3-22Output Power AGC EnabledTune A (UHF up converter tunable notch filter) Values depend on UHF channel, see Note 1Tune B (UHF up converter tunable B. P. filter)RF & IF Processing (Screen 4 of 4) Section 3.4.5.4.1, Down Converter Diagnostics, on page 3-24RF Sample Select (at down converter input) AutomaticRF Sample AGC (sets down converter output level) EnabledSystem Control (Screen 1 of 5) Section 3.4.6.1.1, Controller Board Diagnostics, on page 3-26Bit Fifo Test Pattern, used by engineering. If enabled, will block normal signal flow.DisabledSystem Control (Screen 2 of 5) Section 3.4.6.2.1, External I/O Diagnostics, on page 3-28 Analog Loopback DisabledAnalog Output A 0Analog output B 0System Control (Screen 3 of 5) Section 3.4.6.3.1, CAN Diagnostics, on page 3-30 A CAN Test Message is available DisabledNote 1. Tune A and/or Tune B may have been changed from the default value to improve the uncorrected output of the exciter. Record the existing Tune A and B values before changing them. The default values of Tune A and B can be restored by pressing the Reset Tuning soft key on the Up Converter Diagnostics screen.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyTypical Settings for the More Critical Exciter Setups Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-11WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.4 Typical Settings for the More Critical Exciter SetupsSome of the critical setups, which can have a large effect on exciter and transmitter opera-tion, are given in Table 5-2. The remainder of the exciter setups should be fairly obviouswhen viewing the various setup screens. For additional information concerning the excitersetup screens, see Section 3.6, Details of the System Setup Screens, on page 3-32.Table 5-2 Typical Settings For Some of the More Critical Exciter Setup FunctionsSetup Screen and location in Technical Manual Function Typical SettingExciter Setup (screen 1 of 2)Section 3.6.2, Exciter Setup Screen, on page 3-35Channel Set to correct channelFrequency Offset Set to 0 or required offset in Hz, the limit is +/- 50 kHz.Waveguide Provides group delay precorrection to compensate for waveguide group delay.None, if waveguide group delay precorrection is not required.Select waveguide type and enter length if waveguide group delay precorrection is required.Power Limit Limits maximum exciter power output (or transmitter power output, if exciter is used to control transmitter output power)RTAC SetupSection 3.6.3, RTAC Setup Screen, on page 3-38Filter Type: Use FLO BANDPASS for this exciter. Other Apex exciter application may use the following.Standard if the standard D-Mask filter is used. Use Asymm (asymmetrical) if the sharp tuned filter (sometimes called “Cool Fuel”) is used or if the group delay for the transmitter is not symmetrical, such as when its output is reflected through an adjacent channel sharp tuned filter in order to combine the two transmitters. Exciter must be restarted to make filter change active.Max. Peak Stretch (prevents nonlin correction peaks form over driving solid state amps). 3db (may be set lower on some transmitters.)Off Air Mode (choices are Hold or Bypass) HoldDisplay Chart Source (exciter spectrum analyzer display input) Tx Post HPFExternal I/OSection 3.6.5, External I/O Setup Screen, on page 3-42VSWR Foldback Threshold (low limit) 0.25 Vdc, see Note 1VSWR Foldback Threshold (high limit) 5.0 Vdc, see Note 1VSWR Foldback (max RF power reduction) 50% of normal exciter output power, see Note 1RF Cutoff (exciter output power level at which control logic switches to backup exciter) 50% of the normal exciter output power.Note 1. Some transmitters use this feature for the transmitter output system VSWR foldback and other transmitters use a separate circuit for VSWR foldback. Consult the transmitter technical manual for instructions concerning VSWR foldback system and setup.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter Troubleshooting Flow ChartsPage: 5-12 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.5 Exciter Troubleshooting Flow ChartsThe four charts in this section offer some initial troubleshooting guides for the morecommon setup related problems encountered with the APEX exciter. More detailed trou-bleshooting information is available in the succeeding sections of this chapter.All of the exciter setup functions and normal operation instructions as well as many of thediagnostic functions are controlled by the front panel LCD touch screen display. As aresult, many of the troubles experienced with the Apex exciter and transmitter RF systemwill be due to improper exciter touch screen settings. The following four flow charts are an attempt to guide the user through some of the moretypical touch screen involved problems. An attempt was made to structure the charts in atop to bottom and left to right simple to complex format. The four charts include:Figure 5-5, Frequency Error Troubleshooting Flow Chart, on page 5-12.Figure 5-6, Low or No Output Power Troubleshooting Flow Chart, on page 5-13.Figure 5-7, Transmitter Fails Mask Test Troubleshooting Flow Chart, on page 5-14.Figure 5-8, Transmitter Has Excessive MER Troubleshooting Flow Chart, on page 5-15.Figure 5-5 Frequency Error Troubleshooting Flow ChartIs Exciter set to correct frequency,Exciter Setup Screen? NYSet to correct frequencyFrequency Error, See Notes 1 and 2using Setup Screen. Is Exciter frequencyoffset setting correct,Exciter Setup Screen? NYIs the 1PPS GPS reference YNsignal present at J18 atNYEnter 0 (no offset) or correct value (in Hz) using Exciter Setup Screen. Offset limit is +/- 50000 Hz.See Section 5.1.2.1, Measuring Center Channel Frequency, on page 5-6Note 2: the exciter rear panelIf the 1PPS reference is not present, the exciter will flywheel until its time out is met, then the exciter will mute.If these procedures do not correct the problem,contact technical support.Caution, unless the frequency counter is locked to an accurate external refer-ence, such as the 10 MHz output of a GPS receiver, it may have an error of 20 Hz or more. Counters will exhibit greater error at UHF then at VHF.Note 1: Check the FPGA modulator board termination jumper (JP1) for the correct termination, choices are Pins 1 - 2 for 50 ohms or 2-3 for high impedance. See Section 2.4, Installa-tion of the GPS 1PPS Signal, on page 2-2.Check the Status > Digital Processing > Flo FPGARegisters > Flo FPGA Status 2/5 screen. Theaverage frequency error must be less than +/- 1 Hz.If outside this range, the exciter will be muted. Theerror should gradually reduce with time.See Note 2.Frequency must be set to a whole MHz.Is the signal level withinthe 0 to 5 V TTL limits
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Troubleshooting Flow Charts Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-13WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 5-6 Low or No Output Power Troubleshooting Flow ChartYNLow (or No) Transmitter Power OutputYNNYCheck mute input status to the External I/O board. See Status > System Control screen 2/4, External I/O Board.On = mute, see Note 1.Check the wiring to the External I/O board, J1 pin 6. This line will be pulled low to mute the exciter.Note 1: Fault in exciter switcher, interconnecting RF cabling, or PA system,Is the exciter RF output power normal?Is the exciter RF mute active? See bottom center of Main screen. It will read Mute instead of On Air.Can exciter RF output level be increased using Main Screen Power Control.Power limit should be set higher than the required exciter output power? See Setup > Exciter, screen 2/2. YIf power level at RF output of exciter is still low, call technical support.NIs system in VSWR foldback? (System control LED on front panel glows yellow in foldback mode.)YSee Note 2Check VSWR foldback input level at Status > System Control screen 2/4, External I/O board. Voltage at Analog input 1 is the VSWR foldback input control voltage, see transmitter speci-fications for normal voltage range. See Tables 3-4 for pin out of External I/O connector.See Setup > External I/O and makesure the three VSWR F/B parametersare programmed per requirements ofthe transmitter system.Check the Status > System ControlStatus > Screen 2/4, External I/OBoard > Diagnostics. Analogloopback should be disabled. and bothanalog outputs A and B should be setto zero. This will prevent a falseVSWR foldback.Note 2: Check Table 5-1, on page 5-10 to ensure diagnostics settings are normal.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter Troubleshooting Flow ChartsPage: 5-14 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 5-7 Transmitter Fails Mask Test Troubleshooting Flow ChartTransmitter Fails Mask TestNYNYThis mode must be active for exciter to perform non-linear correction, which effects mask performance, See Note 1.Note 3: Refer to the technical manuals for your transmitter to determine exact RF feedback connections. Chapter 2 shows typical RF feedback connec-tions for various Harris transmitters. Is transmitter PA RF sample connected to exciter? See Note 3. Is this sample at the correct level, see Note 4. This sample is necessary for exciter to perform non-linear correction, which effects mask performance.Is exciter RTAC Non-Lin correction in Adapt mode? See exciter Main Screen.Are the status screen diagnostics function all set to normal? SeeTable 5-1, on page 5-10If one or more diagnostic functions are active, normal operation of exciter may be impaired. At this point, obvious causes of problem have been eliminated. Call Technical Support.Section 5.7.3, Checking Transmitter Spectrum, on page 5-18 can be used to determine stage where shoulder response has failed. See Note 6.Note 1: See RTAC in Section 3.2, Starting Point: The Main LCD Touch Screen, on page 3-2Is transmitter operating at or below its rated output power, and is it correctly calibrated?NYCheck RF output power calibration of transmitter. If RF system is overdriven, its resultant non-linearity may be outside of RTAC correction rangeIs the Status > Adaptive Processing screen normal? See Figure 3-7, on page 3-9 NYThis screen shows the PA feedback sample level, see Notes 2. Is this feedback sample out of range or Faulted?Note 2: In Adaptive Processing status screen, PA Feedback and ADT Overrange functions should show OK. The Yellow and Blue horizontal Bars represent RF sample level. They should fall within middle 2/3rds of box if their levels are correct. Yellow = average level and blue = peak level. Refer to Section 3.4.3, Adaptive Processing Board Status Screen, on page 3-9 for additional information.Note 4: The correct sample input power range, measured at the at the exciter rear panel sample input cable, is -30 to 0 dBm. Is transmitter’s RF PA system is faulty? If so, resultant non-linearity may be outside of RTAC correction range. YNote 5: This problem could be caused by the exciter Chart Source (RF spectrum display) selection not being set to Tx-Pre HPF or Tx Post HPF. This screen is found under Setup > Setup Screen > Display Setup. For more information, see Section 3.6.4, Display Setup Screen, on page 3-41.If linearity still looks bad at transmitter output but looks good on exciter screen, see Note 5.NNYFilter Type: Use FLO BANDPASS because of the application of this exciter. Use Standard if the standard D-Mask filter is used. Use Asymm (asymmet-rical) if the sharp tuned filter (sometimes called “Cool Fuel”) is used or if the group delay for the transmitter is not symmetrical, such as when its output is reflected through an adjacent channel sharp tuned filter in order to combine the two transmitters. Exciter must be restarted to make filter change active.In the Setup > RTAC Setup screen, does the Filter Type choice match the HPF in the transmitter System?YNote 6: Shoulders refers to the spectral response just outside the channel limits.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Troubleshooting Flow Charts Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-15WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 5-8 Transmitter Has Excessive MER Troubleshooting Flow ChartNote 2: See RTAC in Section 3.2, Starting Point: The Main LCD Touch Screen, on page 3-2Note 4: Refer to the technical manuals for your transmitter to determine exact RF feedback connections. Chapter 2 shows typical RF feedback connections for various Harris transmitters. Note 1: Check Table 5-1, on page 5-10 to ensure diagnostics settings are correct. If one or more diagnostic functions are active, normal operation of the exciter and transmitter may be impaired.Transmitter has Excessive MER, See Note 1NYThese modes must be active for exciter to perform linear and non linear corrections, both of which effect MER. See Note 2.Are transmitter RF samples connected to exciter? See Note 4. Are the HPF and PA RF samples at the correct level? See Note 5. These samples are necessary for exciter to perform linear and non linear corrections, which effect MER.Is the exciter RTAC Lin HPF and Non-Lin correc-tions both in Adapt mode? See exciter Main Screen.Is the Status > Adaptive Processing screen normal? See Figure 3-7, on page 3-9 NYThis screen shows the HPF and PA feedback sample levels, see Note 3. Are these levels out of range or Faulted? Note 3: In the Adaptive Processing status screen, the HPF and PA Feedbacks and ADT Overrange functions should show OK. The Yellow and Blue horizontal Bars represent RF sample level. They should fall within the middle 2/3rds of the box if their levels are correct. Yellow = average level and blue = peak level. Refer to Section 3.4.3, Adaptive Processing Board Status Screen, on page 3-9 for additional information.YNIf one or more diagnostic functions are active, normal operation of exciter may be impaired.YNEntering a waveguide type and length will cause RTAC to predistort the trans-mitter output for waveguide group delay. This will cause the MER to appear bad if measured at the output of the transmitter high power filter.Has a waveguide type been selected and a waveguide length been entered in the Setup > Exciter Setup screen.? Note 6: Excessive VSWR in RF sample feedback path causes the exciter to correct for it along with the transmitter linear distortions. Noise or RF signal pickup due to a faulty HPF sample feedback cable will cause RTAC to pre correct the transmitter output If MER performance is still poor, call technical support.System related problems can cause Excessive MER, see Note 6. Note 5: The correct sample input power range, at the at the exciter rear panel input connector, is -30 to 0 dBm. YNYFilter Type: Use FLO BANDPASS because of the application of this exciter. Use Standard if the standard D-Mask filter is used. Use Asymm (asymmetrical) if the sharp tuned filter is used or if the group delay for the transmitter is not symmet-rical, such as when its output is reflected through an adjacent channel sharp tuned filter in order to combine the two transmitters. Exciter must be restarted to make filter change active.In the Setup > RTAC Setup screen, does the Filter Type choice match the HPF in the transmitter System?Are the status screen diagnostics function all set to normal? SeeTable 5-1, on page 5-10If transmitter fails the mask test, the MER will increase. See Figure 5-7, Transmitter Fails Mask Test Troubleshooting Flow Chart Does the transmitter pass the mask test? N
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting General TroubleshootingPage: 5-16 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.6 General Troubleshooting This section is a general troubleshooting guide to the APEX exciter.The digital techniques used in the exciter result in a highly reliable product, but when thereis a need to check the exciter or the signal passing through it, much, if not all, of the troubleshooting will be performed through the LCD screens, and perhaps some test equipment.The following paragraphs describe the levels and indications which may be used to verifyproper operation of an APEX exciter or to isolate a possible problem in the unit to a circuitboard level. In this chapter, troubleshooting is divided into two categories.• System Troubleshooting - Problems caused by conditions outside the exciter.• Exciter Troubleshooting - Problems caused within the exciter.5.6.1 Troubleshooting TipsIf an exciter problem is suspected, first try to narrow the suspect area to a part of theexciter.1 Is the exciter powered? Make certain power is applied and the AC power switch is turned on. The fan, at the rear of the exciter, should be running and the LCD display should be il-luminated. 2 If the exciter display is completely dark touch the display to see if it illuminates. The screen saver may have been active. Troubleshooting a dark screen is covered in Sec-tion 5.8.2 on page 5-19.3 Are there any fault indications on the LCD display or front panel LEDs? A yellow fault display is a warning that a parameter is approaching a limit. A red fault display indicates that the parameter has exceeded its limit.Touching the flashing fault soft key at the bottom of any screen will switch the dis-play to the status screen for the faulted board, or the System Status screen if faults in more than one board exist. The Various screens of the LCD display should quickly lead to a faulty circuit board.4 Circuit board operating voltages are listed on most of the status screens. If a voltage on any of the screens is out of tolerance, a red fault indication appears to the right of the voltage indication.5 Is the RF output at the normal level? The exciter output can be set to any level from 0 to 100 mW average. Each transmitter has its own unique input drive requirement, which should be recorded in the transmitter final test data. If the normal input to your transmitter is not known, it should fall somewhere in this range. 6 If there is no output, check the RF Mute status on the at the bottom of any screen. It will indicate On-Air, Off-Air, or Mute.If the exciter stays muted when attempting to unmute from the exciter setup screen, check the mute status on the System Control Status 2/4, External I/O Board. If it indi-cates On, a mute command is being sent to the external I/O board via connector J1
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologySystem Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-17WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.7 System TroubleshootingSome faults that show up on the exciter screen may be systems related. Some of these arecovered in this section. 5.7.1 PA, HPF, or ADC Adaptive Processing FaultsPA, HPF, or ADC over range faults on adaptive processing board can be caused byfeedback samples that are too low or too high. The power level for each of these RFfeedback samples should fall between -30 to 0 dBm at the rear panel of the exciter. Chapter2 of this manual gives some typical examples of RF feedback sample arrangements.5.7.2 Transmitter Response Not Conforming to Mask RequirementsTransmitter spectrum response outside of the mask limits may be caused by failure of theadaptive correction system in the exciter, but it may also be caused by transmitter systemproblems outside of the exciter. It should be noted that poor adjacent channel spectralresponse is caused by inter modulation products which are caused by poor PA linearity.Some of these are listed below.In this chapter, shoulders refers to the spectral response just outside the channel limits.• Over driving, to the point of clipping, of low level stages prior to IPA (or driver).If an amplifier is driven to clipping, non linear correction beyond that point is not pos-sible.• Poor linearity of stages prior to the PA (or driver). If two successive amplifiers are both fairly non linear, and especially if they have dif-ferent non linearity curves, correction at the output of the PA will be difficult if not impossible. This leads to the idea that the amplifiers prior to the driver (or IPA) must be very linear and have good head room, with shoulders that are -38 dB at the shoul-ders with respect to the response at the center of the channel before RTAC is activat-ed. On the adaptive processing status screen, excessive peak (blue bar) to average (yellow bar) ratio of the PA sample indicates large values of corrections are being used.• Excessively poor PA linearity.• Poor PA linearity caused by improper idle current, several bad transistors (solid state transmitters), weak amplifier tube, or faulty power supplies may push the PA linearity requirements beyond the correcting ability of the RTAC system. Idle current is deter-mined by the PA bias. Because idle current is set at the factory for solid state trans-mitters, this problem is rare for these transmitters, but may require periodic adjustment for a tube type power amplifier.• Non-linearities in RF feedback sample path. This causes the exciter to correct for them along with the transmitter non-linearities. In this case, the exciter response dis-play would appear to be within specifications but the test equipment connected to the transmitter would indicate that the system was not within specifications.NoteIn a properly functioning transmitter, non-linear RTAC correctionwill cause the outputs of the lower level amplifier stages to appearto fail the mask test because their outputs include the PA non-lin-earity precorrection signal.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting System TroubleshootingPage: 5-18 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.7.3 Checking Transmitter SpectrumThe spectrum analyzer display on the main screen of the exciter can be used to view thespectral response at the outputs of the various stages within the transmitter PA system andwithin the exciter. The process is as follows.NoteShoulders refers to the spectral response just outside the channellimits.1 On the main screen, in the RTAC section (lower left side), set the Lin HPF and Non Lin functions to Bypass to disable RTAC correction.2 In the Setup > Display screen, the Chart Source selections can be used to cause the main screen spectrum analyzer to monitor the indicated locations in the exciter and PA system. The Chart Source choices and their sources are listed below.• Tx-Pre HPF: From rear panel RF sample input, labeled PA Sample.• Tx-Post HPF: From rear panel RF sample input, labeled HPF Sample.• FLO Ref: The FLO I and Q signal from the FPGA board.• C: The FLO real signal from the FPGA board.• D: The sample of the linear precorrector output.• J: The sample of the non linear precorrector output. • FLO w/RTAC: Digital signal taken at output of adaptive precorrector board.• BIT: Sample of the Built In Test FIFO (for future use).• Exciter: RF signal is taken from J4 sample output of exciter PA and connected to J4 sample input on down converter board.3 With the RTAC correction bypassed and the transmitter operating at 100% power, the shoulder response should be as follows:A After the transmitter PA, they should be in the range of 30 to 32 dB below the response at the center of the channel.B At the output of the exciter, and any point within the exciter, the shoulders should be 38 dB below the response at the center of the channel.If the shoulder response at and before the output of the exciter is not at least 38 dB be-low the response at the center of the channel, and the shoulder response is not at least 50 dB below the response at the center of the channel, the exciter is not operating properly.4 When RTAC is operating, it is precorrecting for the transmitter IPA and PA non-lin-earities, therefore, the shoulder response at the output of the PA should be 38 dB or more below the response at the center of the channel. Before the PA, the shoulders will not look as good due to precorrection of the signal.5.7.4 ASI Transport Stream FaultsThe input signal to the exciter is the ASI transport signal. Faults on the Status > ASI Input> Transport Stream Status screen could be caused by a faulty input transport stream.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-19WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Additional information about the transport stream can be found at the Status > DigitalProcessing > Flo FPGA Registers > Flo FPGA Status 3/5 Transport Stream Status screen.If the quality of the input signal is suspect, a bitstream analyzer should be used to analyzeit, or a known good ASI transport signal source should be connected to the ASI input of theexciter.5.8 Exciter Troubleshooting 5.8.1 Frequency ErrorFrequency accuracy is dependant on the accuracy of the 1st and 2nd local oscillators (LOs)in the PLL board, which get their reference from the 10 MHz reference oscillator. The PLLboard 10 MHz oscillator is locked the external GPA 1PPS signal which enters the FPGAmodulator board. If a large frequency error exists, check the PLL status screen (second offour IF & RF processing status screens). On this screen, the supply voltages should bewithin tolerance (they will show a red fault or yellow warning if not in tolerance). Alsocheck the status of the IF PLL Lock (1st LO) and RF PLL Lock (2nd LO). They shouldboth be locked. The 10 PLL Lock and the 10 kHz reference statuses will read N/A since the10 MHz oscillator is locked to the 1PPS signal via the FPGA modulator board, thecontroller board, and the PLL board DAC.If a fault exists in one or more of the PLLs and the power supply voltages are ok, a boardreplacement should be tried. If one or more of the supply voltages show warnings or faults, the problem may be on thePLL board, UDC interface board, or power supply. Refer to Section 5.8.3 for additionalpower distribution trouble shooting information.Frequency measurement is covered in Section 5.1.2, Measuring PLL Board Frequencies,on page 5-6.5.8.2 Dark Screen This problem assumes that the AC power is present, the power switch is on, and the fan isoperating. The exciter display is completely dark and touching the display will not cause it to illumi-nate (screen saver check) perform the following: NoteThe front panel display is controlled by the controller board (A8)and the front panel display board (A10). 1 Check for the presence of supply voltages on the controller board by observing the fol-lowing LEDs. DS4 (green) indicates presence of +5 Vdc supply and DS1 (green) indicates the on board regulator is producing +3.3 Vdc. DS2 (red) indicates a 3.3 Vdc fault when illu-minated. Further power supply voltage checks can be made by referring to Section 5.8.3, Power Supply Voltages on page 5-20. 2 Change the controller and/or the display boards.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter TroubleshootingPage: 5-20 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.A faulty controller board may be the cause of a bad front panel display. If LEDs 0 through 7 are scrolling, the fault is probably a cable going to the front panel board or the board itself. If they are not scrolling, and the controller board power supplies are ok, change the controller board.5.8.3 Power Supply VoltagesCircuit board operating voltages are listed on most of the status screens. If the voltages onthese screens are out of tolerance, a red fault indication appears to the right of the voltageindication.If one or more of the +5, +15, or -15 volt supplies are faulted on more than one board, or ifthe display is dark and cannot be illuminated by touching it, the regulated power suppliesin the top (analog) side of the exciter should be checked. The power supply voltages are listed in Table 5-3.WarningRemoval of the plastic shield which covers the exciter power sup-ply and fan exposes 120 Vac to the technician. Therefore, properprocedure for measuring voltages in the following paragraphs re-quires prior removal of all power before the plastic shield is re-moved from the analog tray. The test meter is to be located outsidethe shield and the plastic shield replaced prior to applying power.All of the power supply voltages can be accessed by removing the top cover of the supply.• The three 15 volt supplies can be measured at J4 of the UDC Interface board or at SK2 of the power supply, refer to Table 5-3 for the pin numbers.• The 5 volt supply can be measured at J6 of the controller board (bottom side of the ex-citer) or at SK3 of the power supply, refer to Table 5-3 for the pin numbers.A short in the wiring or in one of the circuit boards could cause a supply voltage to foldback (to zero volts). This can be checked by unloading the supply one circuit board at atime.If the supply is totally dead, follow all precautions listed in the warning above and checkthe fuse located in the power supply input filter assembly.Table 5-3 Exciter Power Supply VoltagesVoltage Use Tolerance PS Jack and Pin Destination Jack and Pin+5 Vdc Power for digital tray SK3 pin 2 Controller, J6 pins 10 - 13Common for +5 V SK3 pin 1 Controller, J6 pins 1 - 4+15 Power for analog tray SK2 pins 1 - 2 UDC Interface, J4 pins 1 - 2-15 Power for analog tray SK2 pin 6 UDC Interface, J4 pin 6Common for +/- 15 Vdc SK2 pins 3 - 5 UDC Interface, J4 pins 3 - 5+15 Vdc Float Fan power SK2 pin 8 UDC Interface, J4 pin 8Common for +15 Vdc Float SK2 pin 9 UDC Interface, J4 pin 9
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-21WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.8.4 Troubleshooting Down to the Board LevelIsolating a defective circuit board is relatively easy if the faults appear on one or more ofthe status screens. This involves interpreting the faults so that they point to a particularboard. Details of the status screens and their faults are covered in Section 3.4 on page 3-8.Occasionally, the exciter RF output parameters will not meet specifications and the statusscreen faults will not point to a particular board. Troubleshooting these types of problemsdown to the board level can be more challenging. Such problems can include, but are notlimited to, low or zero RF output power, irregular spectral response, or excessive MER.These types of problems require on screen and off screen signal tracing, which requires aknowledge of the signal path through the exciter. A brief signal path review is given in thenext two headings.5.8.4.1 Digital Tray Transmission Data PathSee Figure 5-2, on page 5-3, the digital tray layout diagram and Figure 4-2, on page 4-4 fora signal flow block diagram of the APEX exciter. The signal enters the FPGA modulatorboard. From the modulator board, it travels through the controller board to the adaptiveprecorrector board. From there it goes to the DAC board, the output of which is the 11.1MHz first IF signal. The first IF signal goes to the input of the up converter board in theanalog tray. 5.8.4.2 Analog Tray Signal PathSee Figure 4-2, on page 4-4 for a signal flow block diagram of the APEX exciter andFigure 5-1, on page 5-2 for the analog tray layout diagram. The IF signal enters the upconverter board, the output of which goes to the output amplifier. The output of the outputamplifier goes to the transmitter PA(s) and a sample of the output is connected to the inputmultiplexer of the down converter board, along with the other three transmitter systemfeedback samples. The output of the down converter board is connected to the input of theADC board.5.8.5 Isolating Problem to the Analog or Digital TrayThree internal loopback functions are available to help isolate problems to the digital oranalog tray. They are the analog and digital loopback features of the adaptive processingdiagnostics screen, used to determine the health of the digital tray, and the exciter loopbackfeature of the down converter board diagnostics screen, used to determine the health of theentire exciter (digital and analog trays). After determining which tray has a problem, isolating the defective board in that tray willbe discussed.5.8.5.1 Checking Operation of the Entire Digital TrayTwo methods are available to verify correct operation of the entire digital signal processingtray. The first method excludes the DAC board, the ADC board, and the analog tray, andthe second method only excludes the analog tray.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter TroubleshootingPage: 5-22 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.While performing these tests alternately monitor exciter and FLO w/RTAC on the mainscreen chart display (these are selected in the chart source on the display setup screen). Theexciter display is derived from the ADC data output and the FLO w/RTAC display isderived from the DAC input data.1 This method uses the digital loopback feature of the adaptive processing diagnostics screen. It loops the digital input of the DAC to the digital output of the ADC (J1 to J2 on the Adaptive corrector board), which eliminates the two converters and the entire analog tray from the test. A When viewing the digital loopback main screen monitoring displays, the spectral response should look good. B Observing the On-Air Data, the LSB and USB (lower and upper sidebands) should be better than -38 dB at the shoulders. The SNR and MER readings will show N/A until the Lin HPF of the main screen RTAC is set to adapt, at which time the SNR should be better then 32 dB and the MER should be 33 dB or better, 2 This method uses the analog loopback feature of the adaptive processing diagnostics screen. It loops the 11.1 MHz analog IF output of the DAC to the analog IF input of the ADC and bypasses the analog IF input from the down converter. This eliminates the entire analog tray from the test. The analog loopback is accomplished via cable W26, which connects J2 of DAC to J2 on ADC. A When viewing the analog loopback main screen On-Air Data, the SNR should be better then 32 dB and the LSB and USB (lower and upper side-bands) should be better than 38 dB.The chart source Post HPF, Pre HPF, and Exciter selections all come from the ADC digital output (as that particular source is being monitored). Since only the exciter output is being looped back in this test, all of these selections will display the exciter output.Faulty DAC and/or ADC boards are indicated if the exciter passed the digital loopback testand failed the analog loopback test. 5.8.5.2 Checking Operation of the Entire ExciterIt is possible to view the output of the exciter on the main screen to verify its overall correctoperation. This test loops an RF sample from the output of the exciter output amplifierthrough the down converter to the ADC board. The output of the ADC is monitored on themain screen spectral response and On-Air data displays. The procedure is given below. 1 In the down converter board diagnostics screen, set the RF sample select from auto-matic to exciter. This causes the RF sample from exciter output to be the only signal that is looped back through the down converter. 2 Set the main screen chart source (on the display setup screen) to the Exciter position. This monitors the output of the ADC. Actually, the chart source Post HPF, Pre HPF, and Exciter selections all come from the ADC digital output (as the particular source is being monitored). Since the exciter output is the only signal which is looped back during this test, all of the four chart source selections mentioned above will display the exciter output.3 Set RTAC Lin HPF to adapt. 4 The SNR should be 32 dB, and the upper and lower shoulder sideband attenuation should be 38 dB or better.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-23WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.If the above test is passed and the front panel indicates output power (exciter not muted)but no power is present at exciter rear panel output connector, the problem could be withthe output amplifier mute circuit, the UDC board mute circuit or cable W3, which connectsthe amplifier output connector J2 to the RF output connector on the exciter rear panel.Since the RF sample for the above mentioned test is taken from the output of the outputamplifier, the fact that the test was successful and the front panel indicated the presence ofoutput power proves that the amplifier was operating up to the RF sample and detectoroutputs. Refer to Figure 4-10, on page 4-13, for a block diagram of the output amplifier.The amplifier mute circuit operates a relay which connects the amplifier output toconnector J2 (RF output) on the amplifier board when not muted and connects the amplifieroutput to connector J3 (RF load) when muted. The mute signal comes in at amplifierconnector J5 pin 7, unmuted = +4 Vdc and muted = 0 Vdc.5.8.6 Isolating a Faulty Board in the Digital TrayIsolating a faulty board in the digital tray involves checking the status screens of the boardsfor faults, knowing which board diagnostics screen functions to use, and knowing how tomonitor the signal flow through the boards. Each board in the digital tray is discussedbelow.5.8.6.1 Modulator BoardThe ASI input transport streams come from J2 and J3 on the exciter rear panel. Data leavesJ10 of the Modulator board as a 32 bit complex baseband signal. It goes through thecontroller board (enters at J1 and leaves at J2) and goes to P1 of the adaptive precorrectorboard. The controller board samples this throughput data and saves it in the BIT memory. If the transport stream is missing, the modulator board will still put out a signal with nullpackets which are randomized and processed. To determine if the modulator board isputting out a digitized modulated signal, do the following.Select display setup > chart source > FLO Ref or C.On main screen, check the FLO REF or C (chart source) memory (selected from the chartsource of the display setup screen) for a correct spectrum. A The FLO Ref (chart source) memory is the FLO I and Q signal from the FPGA board.B The C (chart source) memory is the FLO real signal from the FPGA board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter TroubleshootingPage: 5-24 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.8.6.2 Adaptive Precorrector BoardThis board uses several main screen chart memories, selected from the chart source of thedisplay setup screen. They are listed below.The FLO Ref memory is located at the input of the Adaptive precorrector board.The FLO w/RTAC memory monitors the output of the board. This is the signal that drivesthe DAC to produce the 11.1 MHz 1st IF.Three intermediate memories are collected as the signal travels through the board. They areused for adaptive processing. In the order of travel (from input to output) they are the C, D,and J memories. Due to pre compensation applied to the signals, the displays from thesememories and the FLO w/RTAC memory may appear distorted. If all three RTAC samples(on the main screen) are put is Bypass mode, the signals should appear similar to the FLORef memory signal.5.8.6.3 ADC and DAC BoardsTroubleshooting defective ADC or DAC boards is covered in Section 5.8.5.1, CheckingOperation of the Entire Digital Tray, on page 5-21.5.8.6.4 Front Panel BoardTroubleshooting a defective front panel board is covered in Section 5.8.2, Dark Screen, onpage 5-19.5.8.6.5 Controller BoardSince the operation of most of the other bards (except for the power supply) are effected bythe controller board, it could cause faulty operation of any or all these boards. If the abovetroubleshooting does not solve the problem, it could be caused by a faulty controller board.A faulty controller board may be indicated by a bad front panel display. If the front paneldisplay is operating, the controller board status screen can be checked. This is the firstscreen of the four system control status screens.1 Check for front panel display and LEDs. If no activity, check the controller board.2 Controller board has two green LEDs for the dc power. DS1 = +3.3 Vdc and DS4 = +5Vdc.3 If LEDs 0 through 7 are scrolling, the fault is probably a cable going to the front panel board or the board itself.A If the LEDs are not scrolling, check the +5 volt power to board at test point 10 and the +3.3 volt power at test point 5. If the +5 Vdc voltage is valid, re-place the board.
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyExciter Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting2604s500.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 5-25WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.5.8.7 Analog Tray TroubleshootingA brief outline of troubleshooting topics is included below. The RF input and output levelsfor the analog tray are listed in Table 5-4.• Exciter loopback test. Loopback tests are covered in Section 5.8.5, Isolating Problem to the Analog or Digi-tal Tray, on page 5-21.• Frequency test. Frequency topics are covered in Section 5.1.2, Measuring PLL Board Frequencies, on page 5-6, Section 5.1.2.1, Measuring Center Channel Frequency, on page 5-6, and in Section 5.8.1, Frequency Error, on page 5-19.• Check dc supply voltages to each board.Power supply topics are covered in Section 5.8.3, Power Supply Voltages, on page 5-20 and in Section 4.5.3, Analog Deck Power, on page 4-16.• Output power level (check power calibration). Power calibration is covered in Section 3.6.2.1 on page 3-38. • Measure signal levels and signal frequencies at the inputs and outputs of each board.See Table 5-4 for a list of input and output signal levels.Analog board frequency measurements are covered in Section 5.1.2 on page 5-6.• Measure the PM noise of the CW signal outputs of the PLL board, see Table 5-5, Phase Noise Mask. • Observe the spectral response at the signal inputs and outputs of the up converter and the output amplifier with both RTAC samples set to bypass. Figure 5-9 shows the spectral response at the output of the exciter with both RTAC functions bypassed. Table 5-6 lists the actual bandwidth for each bandwidth setting. The modulator bandwidth is set in the Setup > Flo FPGA > FPGA Configure 4/5 screen.Table 5-4 Analog Tray RF Input and Output levelsBoard Function and Connector LevelPLL First local oscillator output, J9 and J10 +10 dBm +3/-1 dBSecond local oscillator output, J5 and J6 +10 dBm +3/-1 dB10 kHz reference input, J3 Not used10 MHz reference output, J8 and J11 Not usedUp converter On channel RF output level, J14 -63 to -6 dBm11.1 MHz first IF input, J4 +10 dBm peak +/-0.3 dB using two tone testOutput Amplifier On channel RF output level, J2 26 to 30 dB gain, Up to 250 mW average powerOn channel RF output sample (to down converter), J4 -30 to 0 dBmDown converter 11.1 MHz output (to ADC board), J5 -10 to -5 dBmExciter input J4, IPA input J3 (not used), PA input J2, HPF input J1 Each input is -30 to 0 dBm
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyMaintenance and Troubleshooting Exciter TroubleshootingPage: 5-26 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure 5-9 Exciter Output Spectral Response, RTAC BypassedTable 5-5 Phase Noise MaskFrequency Offset relative to CW signal. Phase Noise PSD (dBc/Hz) Frequency Offset relative to CW signal. Phase Noise PSD (dBc/Hz)10 Hz -50 100 kHz -110100 Hz -80 1 MHz -1201 kHz -90 >1 MHz -12010 kHz -95Table 5-6 Output Signal BandwidthBandwidth Setting Actual Bandwidth5 MHz 4.52 MHz6 MHz 5.42 MHz7 MHz 6.33 MHz8 MHz 7.23 MHz A *RBW 30 kHzSWT 30 ms*VBW 30 kHz*AVG*1 RMAtt 25 dBRef -1 dBmCenter 719 MHz Span 10 MHz1 MHz/-100-90-80-70-60-50-40-30-20-100ResponseShoulder ResponseShoulder
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyParts List2604s600.fm03/08/07 888-2604-001 Page: 6-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.6Parts ListTable 6-1 EXCITER, APEX FLO QUALCOMM, UHF - 992 9943 101 (K)Harris PN Description Qty UM Reference Designators026 6010 002 GROMMET STRIP, 0.090 1 FT200000000000000290 PARTITION, FAN 1 EA250 0597 000 CABLE, FFC 18C 0.5MM 3” LG 1 EA250 0612 000 CABLE ASSY, SMA MALE/FEMALE 1 EA250 0613 000 CABLE ASSY,SMA MALE/FEMALE 1 EA250 0614 000 CABLE ASSY, SMA MALE/SMA MALE 1 EA256 0029 000 *CABLE ASSY, H FL/SMA SERIES 12” 1 EA302 0780 000 SCREW, PHMS, 6-32 X 3/8 0 EA358 0420 000 SPACER, ROLLED 1/4 L 4 EA358 1214 000 SCREWLOCK, M/F 4-40X3/16” 2 EA358 3434 000 TY-RAP MTG BASE.316” TIE 2 EA358 3579 000 SLIDES, DRAWER 1 PR398 0496 000 FUSE, SLOW CART 4A 250V 2 EA424 0012 000 GROMMET 1/4 MTG DIA 1 EA430 0314 000 FAN, RADIAL, 12V 38CFM 127MM 1 EA448 1082 000 GASKET, EMI/RFI SHIELDING, 14 FT484 0446 000 *FILTER, RFI POWER LINE ENTRY 1 EA484 0557 000 FILTER, LOWPASS, 750MHZ 1 EA LPF001556 0170 000 ATTEN, FIXED, 5DB 2W SMA 3 EA AT001,AT002,AT003610 1253 000 MALE CONNECTOR, 4C, 1 EA628 0014 000 ADAPTOR, SMA-JACK TO BNC-JACK 1 EA646 0665 000 INSPECTION LABEL 1 EA646 1487 000 NAMEPLATE PATENT, GENERIC 1 EA646 1699 000 OVERLAY, APEX 1 EA700 1422 019 LOAD, 50 OHM, 1/2W 1 EA A2J3736 0356 000 POWER SUPPLY, 150W, 4 OUTPUTS 1 EA PS1746 0327 000 LCD DISPLAY, 1/4 VGA COLOR 1 EA813 4999 032 STDOFF 6-32X1-1/2 1/4 HEX 4 EA843 5552 007 FAMILY TREE EXCITER 0 DWG843 5552 026 WIRING DIAGRAM, APEX EXCITER (QUALCOMM)0 DWG917 2551 004 CABLE PKG, APEX 1 EA917 2551 008 CABLE PKG, APEX ECITER (QUALCOMM PROJECT)1 EA922 1330 001 COVER, DISPLAY 1 EA939 9369 004 LABEL, APEX OUTLINE 2 EA943 5418 008 DIVIDER, CENTER 1 EA943 5418 009 CHASSIS, LEFT SIDE, REAR 1 EA943 5552 005 CHASSIS, MINI 1 EA943 5552 011 COVER, SAFETY 1 EA943 5552 012 PLATE, PS MTG 1 EA943 5552 017 ANGLES, SAFETY COVER MTG 2 EA943 5552 020 CHASSIS, RIGHT SIDE/ FRONT 1 EA943 5552 021 COVER, CHASSIS 2 EA943 5552 022 DIVIDER, SAFETY COVER 1 EA943 5552 023 PLATE, CABLE SHIELD 1 EA943 5585 018 PLATE, 9 PIN D-SHELL 1 EA943 9153 013 LABEL, COMPONENT OUTLINE APEX EXCITER 2 EA992 9995 002 *PWA, D/A CONVERTER 1 EA A12992 9995 004 *PWA, FRONT PANEL 1 EA A10
APEX™ Exciter Incorporating FLO™ TechnologyParts ListPage: 6-2 888-2604-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.992 9995 006 PWA, DOWN CONVERTER 1 EA A5992 9995 011 *PWA, A/D CONVERTER 1 EA A11992 9995 013 *PWA, ADAPTIVE PRECORRECTOR 1 EA A9992 9995 015 PWA, UDC INTERFACE 1 EA A6992 9995 030 PWA, UPCONVERTER 1 EA A3992 9995 033 PWA, UHF BAND PASS FILTER 1 EA992 9995 035 *PWA, UHF EXTERNAL I/O 1 EA992 9995 045 PWA, OUTPUT AMPLIFIER 1 EA A2992 9995 046 PWA, FPGA MODULATOR BOARD 1 EA992 9995 051 PWA, QUALCOMM PLL 1 EA992 9995 054 *PWA, CONTROLLER 1 EA A8
Sigma® CD3 Diamond Drive TransmitterExciter GUI Screen Captures2604sapa.fm03/08/07 888-2482-001 Page: A-1WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Appendix A Exciter GUI Screen CapturesThis procedure describes how to perform a screen capture from an APEX FLO exciter.Tera Term Pro is the program used in this procedure when capturing screens.The procedure is as follows.1 Connect a male-female DB-9 straight-through cable from Com 1 on your computer to the RS232 connector on the front or rear panel of the APEX FLO exciter.2 Open Tera Term Pro on the computer.3 Select “Setup > Serial port”.A Set the serial port parameters to match the exciter RS232 parameters for the exciter port which is connected to the computer. This information can be found at Setup > Serial I/O > Serial Setup 1/3 RS-232 screen on the exciter GUI screen.B Hit OK to accept the setup.4 Press Enter twice in rapid succession to access the exciter. If connection is successful, a screen similar to that shown in Figure A-1 should appear.A The screen capture function is on page 1 of 7 when viewed on the computer. If any other page or a blank screen appears, the screen capture function will not operate. Use the left or right arrow key to change to the correct page.5 On the exciter GUI, select the screen to be captured.6 On the Tera Term program, enter d, but do not hit any other key as prompted. The lo-cation and file name for the screen capture must be entered first, continue with step 7. The program will wait while this step is being performed.7 On the Tera Term program, select File > Log.A Select the directory for the screen capture file.B Enter the file name.bmp for the screen to be captured.C In the Options sub window, select Binary and do not select Append.D Press Open.8 Hit any other key as prompted, the screen download will proceed. You will see a scrolling of information, similar to that of Figure A-2, as the download progresses.9 When the download is complete (the scrolling stops) the log file must be closed.A Select the Tera Term Log tab at the bottom of the computer screen, a win-dow similar to that shown in Figure A-3 will appear.B The Bytes Transferred entry should indicate 77878 bytes. Any other size represents an error and the screen download has failed.1. If smaller, most likely there was an error in the data transfer. The screen shot will probably be legible but will have a “smear” or tear in the bitmap.2. If larger, most likely an error was made in downloading and setting up the log file. Remember to set up the log file AFTER pressing “D” for screen capture. Set up the log file while the window says “press any key to start screen capture”.3. If the number is 77879 instead of 77878, echo is enabled in the ter-minal program and it caught the key stroke at the beginning of the screen dump. In the Setup > Terminal window, make sure the local echo box is not checked.
Sigma® CD3 Diamond Drive TransmitterExciter GUI Screen CapturesPage: A-2 888-2482-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.C Press the close soft key to close the log file.10 If you want to capture another screen after closing the log file, select “Control” and then “Reset terminal”. Press “Enter” twice and return to step 5 to capture another screen.Figure A-1 Tera Term Pro Screen When Connected to ExciterFigure A-2 Stop Action Capture of Screen Down Load Scroll.
Sigma® CD3 Diamond Drive TransmitterExciter GUI Screen Captures2604sapa.fm03/08/07 888-2482-001 Page: A-3WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.Figure A-3 Tera Term Log Window Selected When Download Has Completed
Sigma® CD3 Diamond Drive TransmitterExciter GUI Screen CapturesPage: A-4 888-2482-001 03/08/07WARNING: Disconnect primary power prior to servicing.

Navigation menu