Westel Wireless Systems CI00059 RF Repeater/Base Station User Manual CHAPTER 2 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Westel Wireless Systems Pty Ltd RF Repeater/Base Station CHAPTER 2 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Contents
Manual Two
Installation and Operator Handbook Equipment Description
AMX–MA–00652 Issue 0.02 (USA) 1
CONTENTS
Page
2 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................2
2.2 POWER SOURCE OPTIONS.....................................................................................................................................2
2.2.1 AC Power Supply ........................................................................................................................................2
2.2.2 DC Power Supply........................................................................................................................................2
2.2.3 AC Powered with DC Revert.......................................................................................................................3
2.2.4 Reference Oscillator Backup Power ...........................................................................................................3
2.3 PLUG-IN MODULES ..............................................................................................................................................4
2.3.1 Transceiver Module.....................................................................................................................................4
2.3.2 Controller Module.......................................................................................................................................6
2.3.3 Power Amplifier Module .............................................................................................................................8
2.3.4 Power Supply Module .................................................................................................................................9
2.3.5 Interface Module .......................................................................................................................................11
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 2-1 POWER DISTRIBUTION OF AN AC POWERED DRB-25 ....................................................................................2
FIGURE 2-2 POWER DISTRIBUTION OF A DC POWERED DRB-25......................................................................................3
FIGURE 2-3 TRANSCEIVER MODULE FRONT PANEL ..........................................................................................................5
FIGURE 2-4 CONTROLLER MODULE FRONT PANEL...........................................................................................................7
FIGURE 2-5 POWER AMPLIFIER MODULE FRONT PANEL...................................................................................................9
FIGURE 2-6 POWER SUPPLY MODULE FRONT PANEL.....................................................................................................10
FIGURE 2-7 INTERFACE MODULE FRONT PANEL.............................................................................................................11
LIST OF TABLES
2-1 TRANSCEIVER MODULE CONTROLS AND INDICATORS................................................................................................6
2-2 CONTROLLER MODULE CONTROLS AND INDICATORS.................................................................................................8
2-3 POWER SUPPLY MODULE CONTROLS AND INDICATORS............................................................................................11
2-4 INTERFACE MODULE EXTERNAL INTERFACES ..........................................................................................................12
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2 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
DRB-25 equipment consists of modular hardware which is easily installed as a desktop cabinet, floor-mount
cabinet or into standard 19 inch racks.
The DRB-25 chassis and its component modules are described in the following paragraphs.
2.2 POWER SOURCE OPTIONS
2.2.1 AC Power Supply
The DRB-25 may be powered from the 240 or 110 V AC power supply via one or two Power Supply
Modules. Figure 2-1 shows the power distribution of an AC powered DRB-25.
7 V
12 V
Option for Second Channel
12V DC
Standby
Power
110/240 V
AC Supply Switch
Power Supply
Module 1
System
PSU
Fans
Power Supply
Module 2 Power Amplifier 2
Power Amplifier 1
Transceiver Module 1
Transceiver Module 2
Controller & Interface
Modules
Figure 2-1 Power Distribution of an AC powered DRB-25
2.2.2 DC Power Supply
The DRB-25 may be powered from 12 or 24 or 48 V DC power supplies via one or two DC/DC Power
Supply Modules. Alternatively, the DRB-25 may be powered directly from DC power sources as follows:
• 12 V DC to 13.8 V DC (for 60 watt Power Amplifier Modules).
• 24 V DC to 28 V DC (for 125 watt Power Amplifier Modules).
Note that the RF output power of the DRB-25 is derated by 3 dB if the DC voltage is at the low end of the
range (i.e. at 12 or 24 V DC). When operating from a direct DC power source the Power Supply Modules are
replaced with blank panels.
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Figure 2-2 shows the power distribution of a DC powered DRB-25.
7 V
12 V
Option for Second Channel
12V DC
Standby
Power
12/24V DC
Supply Switch
Optional DC/DC
Converter
System
PSU
Fans
Optional DC/DC
Converter Power Amplifier 2
Power Amplifier 1
Transceiver Module 1
Transceiver Module 2
Controller & Interface
Modules
Figure 2-2 Power Distribution of a DC Powered DRB-25
2.2.3 AC Powered with DC Revert
The DRB-25 may be powered from the 240 or 110 V AC power supply via one or two Power Supply Modules
with provision for 12 or 24 V DC revert in the event that the AC power fails. The DC revert options are:
• 12 V DC to 13.8 V DC (for 60 watt Power Amplifier Modules).
• 24 V DC to 28 V DC (for 125 watt Power Amplifier Modules).
When using DC revert the RF output power of the DRB-25 is derated by 3dB if the DC voltage is at the low
end of the range (i.e. At 12 or 24 V DC). When operating from a direct DC power source the Power Supply
Modules are replaced with blank panels.
AC powered with 48 V DC revert is also available using external power supplies, however, where a 48 V DC
battery backed supply is available it is generally preferable to use this as the main power source for the DRB-
25.
2.2.4 Reference Oscillator Backup Power
The DRB-25 has provision for a user to connect a 12 V DC backup supply to keep the system reference
oscillator oven at its operating temperature in the event of a brief primary power failure. An interface module
connector acts as the connection point for the keep-alive power.
If the backup supply is not used, any interruption to the primary supply requires a start-up cycle of up to ten
minutes in which the reference oscillator heats up.
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2.3 PLUG-IN MODULES
The DRB-25 has the following types of plug-in Modules:
• Transceiver Module.
• Controller Module.
• Power Amplifier Module.
• Interface Module.
• Power Supply Module.
2.3.1 Transceiver Module
The Transceiver Module (TM) provides full duplex radio operation for analog and digital modulation
schemes. Each module consists of an RF card for receive and transmit and a daughter board for digital signal
processing. Modules are standard half-Eurocard layout measuring 10.5 inches (6 Rack Units) high by 10
inches (250 mm) deep. The Transceiver Modules plug into a common backplane with the Controller Module,
providing seamless transfer and switching of traffic and control data.
Transceiver Modules are specific to frequency bands and are available for frequency bands; VHF (136 to 174
MHz), and UHF (low) (400 to 470 MHz). Each Transceiver module may be programmed with up to 512
channels.
Transceiver Modules of different bands are interchangeable provided the associated Power Amplifier is also
changed. The Transceiver Module is powered by 12 V and 7 V supplies from the System Power Supply
within the case of the DRB-25.
Two RJ style connectors are provided on the module front panel. The upper connector (RJ11) provides a
standard RS-232 serial interface which allows maintenance staff to program and configure the module using
the Transceiver Module Programmer application software from an external PC. The lower (RJ45) connector
provides an audio interface for the connection of a speaker, microphone or handset.
Internally to the DRB-25 the Transceiver Module provides two connections to its associated power amplifier;
the RF output and a serial data link for control and communication between the two modules. Figure 2-3
shows the front panel controls, indicators and connectors and Table 2-1 lists the control and indicator
functions.
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Figure 2-3 Transceiver Module Front Panel
The Transceiver Module also provides interfaces to the internal backplane for audio, data and control. The
Transceiver Module also provides an audio output interface for connection to a front panel speake when
configured as a single channel system with optional front panel speake module.
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Table 2-1 Transceiver Module Controls and Indicators
ITEM Description
7-segment display In normal operation indicates the current channel being used by the Transceiver
Module (in the range 0 to 511).
If an error condition is detected in either the Transceiver or PA Module then the
display indicates the relevant error code. An “E” is displayed with a number in
the range “1” to “99” displayed to indicate the error condition.
RESET Recessed pushbutton switch. Press to reset the Transceiver Module.
SQUELCH
(Green LED) Illuminated when a signal has been received and the NAC or CxCSS has been
validated.
TX MUTE
(Green LED) Illuminated when the selected channel has is “receive only” mode, i.e., it
receives signals and the operator can monitor the received signals, but nothing
can be transmitted.
TRANSMIT
(Green LED) Illuminated when the Transceiver Module is transmitting.
FAULT
(Red LED) Illuminated when the self test and diagnostic routines have detected a fault
condition in the Transceiver Module circuitry. The 7-segment display indicates
the nature of the fault.
PA FAULT
(Red LED) Illuminated when the self test and diagnostic routines have detected a fault
condition in the circuitry of the Power Amplifier Module used with this
Transceiver Module. The 7-segment display indicates the nature of the fault.
PA ON
(Green LED) Illuminated when the Power Amplifier Module has received a transmit command
from the Transceiver Module and is transmitting.
RECEIVE
(Green LED) Illuminated when a carrier has been detected on the receive frequency. If this
indicator is ON but the SQUELCH indicator is OFF then an invalid signal has
been received.
POWER
(Green LED) Illuminated when the Transceiver Module is receiving power from the power
supply.
2.3.2 Controller Module
The Controller Module (CM) provides central control functions for the DRB-25 and high-stability timing for
all radio elements. One Controller Module is required for each DRB-25 system. The module is a standard
half-Eurocard plugged into a common backplane with the Transceiver Modules, providing seamless transfer
and switching of traffic and control data.
The Controller Module contains a 10 MHz oven-controlled reference oscillator from which all system timing
is derived. The Transceiver Modules are inhibited from transmitting if the reference clock fails. Since the
oven takes up to 10 minutes to reach its operating temperature and achieve the required stability provision is
made for the connection of an external oven supply (12 V DC) which can keep the oven at the required
temperature during power outages. It is also possible to supply an external 10 MHz reference directly to the
Controller Module which is then used instead of the internal reference oscillator.
The DRB-25 has six general-purpose inputs and outputs (provided on the Interface Module). These can be
programmed to be alarm inputs for functions such as site alarms, AC power failure alarms etc. The Controller
Module monitors all internal alarms generated by Transceiver Modules, Power Amplifier Modules and Power
Supply Modules. The Controller Module also monitors the general-purpose inputs and can be programmed to
activate a single general-purpose output or remotely interrogated to determine the cause of the alarm.
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Figure 2-4 shows the front panel controls, indicators and connectors and Table 2-2 lists the control and
indicator functions.
Figure 2-4 Controller Module Front Panel
There is a RESET switch, nine indicators and one RJ11 connector on the front panel of the Controller
Module. The RJ11 connector provides a standard RS 232 serial interface which allows maintenance
technicians to program and configure the module using the programmer and to monitor radio functions with a
computer.
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Table 2-2 Controller Module Controls and Indicators
Item Description
7-segment display An oscillating pattern indicates normal operation of the module.
If an error condition is detected in the Controller Module then the display indicates the
relevant error code.. A flashing “E” is displayed with number in the range “1” to “99”
is displayed to indicate the error condition.
RESET Recessed pushbutton switch. Press to reset the Controller Module.
READY
(Green LED)
Illuminated when the Controller Module is operating and ready for use.
MASTER
(Green LED)
Illuminated when the Controller Module is the master and is generating the 10 MHz
reference clock for the unit. This indicator is always ON, unless a redundant
controller is used in multi channel configurations.
INT REF STBY
(Green LED)
Illuminated when the internal 10 MHz clock reference oscillator is operating from the
12 V DC STBY PWR on the Interface Module.
FAULT
(Red LED)
Illuminated when the self test and diagnostic routines have detected a fault condition
in the Controller Module circuitry. The 7-segment display indicates the nature of the
fault.
EXT REF
(Green LED)
Illuminated when an external 10 MHz clock source is connected to the BNC
connector on the Interface Module.
INT REF READY
(Green LED)
Illuminated when the internal 10 MHz clock reference oscillator has reached
operating temperature.
7 V PWR
(Green LED)
Illuminated when the 7 volt supply is present in the Controller Module
12 V PWR
(Green LED)
Illuminated when the nominal 12 volt supply is present in the Controller Module.
2.3.3 Power Amplifier Module
The Power Amplifier Module (PAM) is a six Rack Units high plug-in module. One Power Amplifier Module
is required for each Transceiver Module. Power Amplifier Modules are specific to frequency bands and are
available for the same frequency bands as the Transceiver Modules.
Power Amplifier Modules are available in 60 W (VHF) and 125 W (VHF and UHF) versions. The 60 W
VHF version is for systems using analog FM and digital C4FM modulation schemes, and outputs up to 60 W
between 136 MHz and 160 MHz and up to 50 W between 160 MHz and 174 MHz. 125 W Power Amplifier
Modules support analog FM and digital C4FM. Each Power Amplifier Module has an on-board
Microcontroller which supervises its operation and reports alarms via a control link to the associated radios.
Power output is adjustable over a 10 dB range in increments of less than 1 dB. UHF Power Amplifier
Modules can be fitted with optional circulators.
Each Power Amplifier Module is powered by its associated Power Supply Module. The 60 W model operates
from a 12 V Power Supply Module while 125 W models operate from 24 V. All Power Amplifier Modules
for a given band are interchangeable provided that the Power Supply Module is changed if a 60 W Power
Amplifier Module is replaced by a 125 W Power Amplifier Module. Figure 2-5 shows the front panel layout.
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Figure 2-5 Power Amplifier Module Front Panel
The Power Amplifier Module has two connectors. The N-type connector is the Power Amplifier output
connector, and the D connector contains RF input, DC power, and serial communications lines.
2.3.4 Power Supply Module
The Power Supply Module provides the system power supply and one Power Amplifier Module with DC
power derived from the 240 or 110 V AC power and is available in two versions depending on the Power
Amplifier Module being used:
• 240/110 V AC to 12 V DC for 60 W Power Amplifier Modules.
• 240/110 V AC to 24 V DC for 125 W Power Amplifier Modules.
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The inputs of both 240/110 V power supplies are fuse-protected and the outputs are over-current protected.
They have dry contact (relay contacts) alarm outputs which close when the unit is operating correctly and
open in the event of a malfunction. Figure 2-6 shows the Power Supply Module front panel indicators and
Table 2-3 lists the indicator functions.
Figure 2-6 Power Supply Module Front Panel
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Table 2-3 Power Supply Module Controls and Indicators
Item Description
ON/OFF Switch Controls application of AC supply to the Power Supply Module.
Red neon indicator
(part of switch) Illuminated when supply is present.
12 V (or 24 V)
(Green LED) Illuminated when the DC supply is present.
FAULT (Red LED) Illuminated when there is a fault within the Power Supply Module
2.3.5 Interface Module
The Interface Module (IM) provides connections for the DRB-25 external interfaces. The Front Panel of the
Interface Module is shown in Figure 2-7 and the connector functions listed in Table 2-4. Connector pin-outs
are listed in section 3.6.5.
Figure 2-7 Interface Module Front Panel
The 2-wire or 4-wire configuration of the Line 1 and Line 2 interfaces for telephone/microwave/tone remote
control connection is provided by an additional line interface daughterboard on the Interface Module.
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Daughterboards are available to provide this connection as 4 wire plus E & M; or 2 wire loop start and 2 wire
ground start. If no connection is required the daughterboard is not needed.
Table 2-4 Interface Module External Interfaces
Designation Connector Function
LINE 1 RJ45 Radio 1 connections for:
2 wire PSTN or PABX
4 wire + E & M microwave interconnect
2 or 4 wire tone remote unit
LINE 2 RJ45 Radio 2 connections for:
2 wire PSTN or PABX
4 wire + E & M microwave interconnect
2 or 4 wire tone remote unit
SERIAL 1 DB9 Socket Radio 1 data connection (RS-232)
SERIAL 2 DB9 Socket Radio 2 data connection (RS-232)
LINK DB9 Plug RS485 serial data connection for APCO Project 25 Fixed
Station Interface (Ef) , digital console interface or multi-site
voting (future options)
NET RJ45 Ethernet connection for network management interface (future
option)
I/O DB25 Socket General purpose input and output lines (6 inputs and 6
outputs), including dedicated outputs for antenna relay control
and dedicated inputs for transmit disable
REF IN BNC External 10 MHz reference oscillator input
STBY PWR 2-pin plug Standby power for reference oscillator oven.
-48 V IN 2-pin plug DC input for E & M signaling
The general-purpose digital I/O provides six configurable inputs and outputs. Two of the output lines may be configured by
jumper selection in the Interface Card to provide to drive 12 volt antenna relays for each of the transceivers. All other
outputs, and these two when not configured as antenna drivers, provide optically-isolated contact closures which can be
used to control other equipment.
The six inputs are also optically isolated. With an input of 5v to 10v they are sensed as active (on), when open circuited,
they are sensed as inactive (off). The first two inputs are used to disable the transmitter during test.
The general purpose input and output lines, apart from the antenna relay outputs and transmit disable inputs, are unused in
the present software release. In future releases user-configurability will be available.