The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Solectek Corporation shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this document or equipment supplied with it.
About this Guide This user’s guide provides information required for features, configuration and testing of Solectek SkyWay-EM Series Licensed Microwave PTP links. Contents of this Guide This Guide is structured as follows: Chapter 1: Product Overview This chapter provides introductory information on the CM Series that includes a brief description of the radio’s features, the contents of its packaging, and the radio’s general specifications.
Acronyms and Abbreviations Adaptive Coding and Modulation ANSI American National Standards Institute ATPC Automatic Transmit Power Control Command Line Interface – refers to both Serial access and SSH access ETSI European Telecom Standard Federal Communications Commission Indoor Unit Intermediate Frequency In-band Communications which occur within the RF-Link established for payload Long Term Evolution...
Product Overview This user guide describes the operation of the SkyWay-EM PTP microwave radio system. The SkyWay-EM Series is part of Solectek’s broadband wireless product line, including backhaul, last mile access and enterprise and video surveillance wireless transport. The SkyWay-EM Series All-Indoor Radio is carrier-class long-haul PTP backbone system.
SkyWay-EM RFU Key Features The SkyWay-CM radio’s main features are as follows: Figure 1-3: RFU Shelf, components for 1+1 MHSB configuration shown. The following are the key features of the RFU: Very High Power RFU Guaranteed 33 dBm (at 1+0 antenna port), Tx @ 128 QAM and 6 GHz, Min.
The following figure shows all components of the SkyWay-EM RFU and illustrates how they get assembled. Figure 1-4: RFU components diagram Functional Description A 50 coaxial cable allows for transmitting the IF signals between the RFU and the SPU. The coaxial cable also carries the telemetry signals between the SPU and the RFU.
The following Table describes briefly the functions of each RFU main component. Component Functions Transceiver, In a Transmit Path consisting of: • Using synthesized sources, up-converts, filters, and amplifies the Tx Transmitter, IF signal to the final RF Receiver, • Amplifies the RF signal and feeds it to the BU Up/down In a Receive Path converters,...
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1+1 Hybrid Diversity Hardware and path protection scheme, using FD and SD (two antennas), at one or both sites of the link, for very difficult paths 1+0 MHSB-Ready Figure 1-11 Non redundant system that can be upgraded to 1+1 MHSB system without traffic interruption 1+0 Repeater Figure 1-12...
Transceiver Frequency Range Frequency High Power Option Tuning Range, GHz Band, GHz (Edges of band) 6 (a) HP Only 5.925-7.125 VHP Only 5.925-6.425 VHP Only 6.425-7.125 7 (b) HP and VHP 7.110-7.900 HP and VHP 7.725-8.500 HP and VHP 10.696-11.71 (a) 6 GHz transceivers equipped with a high power PA module cover the entire 6 GHz band (L6 and U6) with a single 6 GHz transceiver.
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• Standby transmitter: Reduce values from Tx Power Table to fixed +25.5 dBm (+23 dBm for 11 GHz) at HPA output, regardless of modulation levels, unless it is already set below that in ATPC or in RTPC mode NOTE: Standby transceiver operates at lower power when in standby mode for energy saving. Power is automatically increased to the configured level when switched over.
Receive frequency stability (including aging): ± 7 ppm Receiver return loss at BU antenna port: ≥ 24 dB Branching Unit (BU) Specifications The SkyWay-EM Series RFU has a built-in branching unit on the backside of the unit with waveguide flange for each transceiver.
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Figure 1-14: Back side of the RFU, showing waveguide flanges The following chart is for BU antenna port flange Frequency Band Wave Guide / Flange WR-137 / CPR-137G WR-137 / CPR-137G 7 GHz WR-112 / CPR-112G 8 GHz WR-112 / CPR-112 G 11 GHz WR-90 / CPR –...
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NOTE. Tx Output Power is preset at the factory to its typical value (0 dB attenuation) at the antenna port of a 1+0 BU configuration, for the configured modulation. Typical Output Power is 0.5 dB higher than the values in the Tx Power Table. This applies to all BU configurations.
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Typical Basic Tx BU loss for a 1+0 Configuration Basic Tx BU Loss, dB Configuration Specifics 6, 7, 8 GHz 11 GHz • BU loss is frequency band dependent Typical Additional Tx BU Losses Typ. Additional Tx BU Loss, dB Configuration Specifics 6, 7, 8 GHz...
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Tx Output Power Display RFU Tx output power display can be referenced • to the port with Basic Tx BU loss; or • to the actual BU antenna port. In a 1+0 configuration, a reference to the BU antenna port is the same as a reference to the port with Basic Tx BU loss.
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N+0, where N = 1,2,3,4 6, 7, 8 GHz 11 GHz – Rx BU Loss for the 1 receiver – Rx BU Loss for the 2 receiver 1.54 2.19 – Rx BU loss for the 3 receiver 2.08 2.88 – Rx BU loss for the 4 receiver 2.62 3.57...
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Power consumption for a 1+0 configuration, High Power Very High Power equipped with 1 Tx & 1 Rx, with both fans ON 6, 7, 8 GHz 11 GHz 6, 7, 8 GHz 11 GHz Typical (Watts) with 48 V 81.0 71.0 83.0 73.0...
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Mechanical Rack mounting space, (RMS) Less than 3 RMS (2.77 U) in a NEBS standard 19” rack, for an RFU with 2 transceivers and associated BU Dimensions compliant to NEBS W x D x H (in.) W x D x H (mm), approx. Rack-mounting 17 x 11 x 4.843 432 x 280 x 123...
Access to the building’s ground terminal. CAUTION – We strongly recommend that the SkyWay-EM installation staff possess the knowledge and skills appropriate for the work at hand. Power connections to the RFU and SPU must be made in compliance with Local and National Electrical Codes of your country.
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Figure 2-1: Mounting the RFU For greater safety, placing a fully CAUTION. assembled RFU (approx. 12 kg) in the rack may require the assistance of two persons. Mounting brackets can be NOTE. assembled for either ETSI or NEBS (ANSI) rack-mounting (NEBS shown right). b.
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• Enough length of waveguide to go from the rack to the antenna. • Waveguides are pressurized with dry air (using appropriate dehydrators), sealed by the antenna at one end, and a pressure window supplies the seal at the other end (radio equipment).
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Figure 2-3: Connecting the Coaxial Cable d. Connect the grounding cable Ground the RFU by connecting a 4.11 mm (6 AWG) copper cable from any of the Grounding points of the RFU shelf to the radio system’s Master ground bar, per Figure 2-5. Each RFU terminal includes a grounding kit NOTE.
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Figure 2-4: Ground Kit Figure 2-5: Grounding Connection Point Safety requirements for grounding • The RFU can also be grounded to the rack ground bar or rack, provided that the rack is grounded to the Master ground bar. When grounding to the rack itself, ensure removing any paint or powder coating from the rack before attaching the ground conductor.
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Figure 2-6: Power and Grounding Connections All power connections must be made in compliance with Local and National Electrical Codes. Solectek disclaims any liability deriving from improper or unsafe installation practices.
Basic Configuration NOTE. If it has not been done, ensure that the antenna has been properly aligned (rough alignment). a. Set the basic parameters for a radio link NOTE. Basic parameters are preset at the factory. The user may need to configure other parameters that are link specific;...
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Figure 2-7: RFU Control GUI Fine align the antenna There are three methods for antenna alignment. The following table gives comparison: Method Features Using the RSSI test point, • Preferred method. (MAIN Port) • RSSI voltage is updated continuously every 10 ms, regardless of Operation Mode.
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• Follow the antenna manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the Azimuth and Elevation of the antenna. • Remove the RFU face cover by unscrewing its 2 captive thumbscrews. • Connect the (+) voltmeter probe to the RSSI (MAIN Port), and the (-) probe to the Ground terminal, as shown in Figure 2-8.
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CAUTION. RF Loopback will interrupt traffic in the receive direction on the transceiver under test. NOTE. Solectek does not provide any RF loopback cables. Such cables are not the ones used normally to connect the Branching Unit to the transceiver.
Alarm and Troubleshooting a. Check for alarms and verify the functionality Refer to the following table for determining possible alarm causes and solutions. The locations of PWR and ALM are shown in Figure 2-9. Figure 2-9: Locations of PWR and ALM If replacing a component is necessary, refer to the applicable section under Replacing a Main Component.
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b. Check for potential alarms reported through telemetry NOTE. The following RFU functionalities are monitored, and potential alarms sent through telemetry to the SPU. RFU Alarm reported by Transceiver Component Label Condition Indication Tx IF Flashing IF synthesizer is out of lock Rx IF Flashing IF synthesizer is out of lock...
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to make a switching decision as soon as the alarm is detected, to minimize traffic outage time. The alarm will be cleared when the alarm condition disappears. • The RSL is also monitored, and its level calculated and sent to the SPU via telemetry periodically or upon request.
RFU Maintenance and Upgrade This Chapter provides instructions for replacing the main RFU components, and steps for carrying out various equipment upgrade options. Replacing a Main Component The following figure shows all components that are field replaceable. Figure 3-1: Field Replaceable Components The following table summarizes tools that are necessary for field replacement.
NOTE. RFUs ship fully assembled per Customer’s ordered options. Figure 3-1 identifies all field-replaceable parts. Replacing a Transceiver In a non-protected system, this procedure CAUTION. will affect traffic. In a protected system, ensure locking traffic on the available channel during maintenance. Remove the Transceiver •...
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Figure 3-1: Transceiver Parts Disconnect both the Power cable and Coaxial cable from their respective connectors on the • RFU. Remove the RFU section Cover Plate by unfastening both its Captive thumbscrews. • Disconnect all RF cables from the transceiver, and the RF switch ribbon cable from the •...
As appropriate, use the Standard torque wrench or the SMA torque wrench w/right-angle • adaptor, set to 0.1 kg•m (9.0 lb-inch), to tighten all RF cable connector nuts. For guidance, follow procedure Install the New RF Cable, on page 50. Re-place the RFU section cover plate by fastening both its Captive thumbscrews.
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Figure 3-2: Locating the Branching Unit Mounting Screws Install the New Branching Unit Assemble a new BU Assembly (Tx filter, Rx filter and Circulator Assembly): • o reusing, if possible, only sound disassembled components, or o using new components bearing the same specifications as the original ones. Position the replacement BU Assembly in its designated location, ensuring to align properly •...
Connect both the Power cable and Coaxial cable to their respective connectors on the RFU. • Push the PWR button ON. Once the radio link is re-established, verify that there are no • alarms. For guidance, refer to sections Basic Configuration and Alarms and Troubleshooting. Replacing a Filter This step is only required when changing NOTE.
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Figure 3-3: Socket-head Screws for Removal Figure 3-4: Separating Filters from BU...
Install New Filters Refer to Figure 3-4 for aligning the outside corners and screw holes of the Circulator • Assembly and the Filter flanges. Insert and hand tighten each socket-head screw in its respective hole, taking care not force • or rip the screw threads.
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Remove the Fully Assembled RFU Figure 3-4: Locating Disconnection/Dismounting Points for Removal On both transceivers (if equipped), push the PWR Button OFF for at least 3 seconds, until • the PWR LED is Off. Disconnect any flexible waveguide(s) from the Antenna Port(s), and save all fasteners for •...
Replacing a Fan Assembly Each fan assembly can be replaced while the radio CAUTION. is operating. However, once started, ensure completing this procedure as quickly as possible, to avoid overheating conditions. Surface may be hot to touch. Remove the Fan Assembly Figure 3-5: Removing a Fan Assembly Unfasten the two Front flat-head screws (#4-40), and keep them for re-use.
Finally, re-fasten the two Front flat-head screws removed earlier, and ensure cables are • properly routed to avoid damage to the wire insulation. Carefully observe connector keying. Replacing an RF Cable In a non-protected system, this procedure CAUTION. will affect traffic. In a protected system, ensure locking traffic on the available channel during maintenance.
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The above table is provided as a guide for connecting NOTE. each cable, using the appropriate connector (angled or straight) to the corresponding component. Remove the RF Cable Note the Part Number printed on the label of the cable before removal, referring to the •...
Branching Unit Options This Chapter presents the various BU Options supported by the Solectek SkyWay-EM RFU It also serves as a reference for maintenance and future upgrades. The following diagrams (Figure 4-1 through Figure 4-9) describe all of the BU options with details of radio inputs, circulators and filters.
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