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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Installation and Operation Manual Part Number MN-PCB-4000A Revision 2 IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document supersedes all previously published information regarding this product. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Recommended Standard Designations ..................... ii Metric Conversion ............................ii Safety and Compliance ..........................iii Electrical Safety Notice ..........................iii Product Support ............................iv Comtech EF Data Headquarters ....................... iv Warranty Policy ............................v Limitations of Warranty ..........................v Exclusive Remedies ..........................vi CHAPTER 1.
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 3.2.3 System Component Installation and Interconnection ............... 3–4 3.2.4 LED Status Operation ....................... 3–6 Initial System Setup and Verification ..................3–8 Gain or Amplitude Balance Verification and Alignment ............3–9 Amplitude Alignment (as necessary) ..................3–10 Phase Alignment ........................
1+1 Phase Combiner. This is an informational document intended for the persons responsible for the operation and maintenance of the PCB-4000A. Comtech EF Data has reviewed this manual thoroughly in order to provide an easy-to-use guide to your equipment. All statements, technical information, and recommendations in this manual...
A NOTE: gives you important information about a task or the equipment. A REFERENCE directs you to important operational information or details furnished elsewhere, either in the manual or in adjunct Comtech EF Data publications. Examples of Multi-Hazard Notices...
Double pole / neutral fusing is used on the prime power supply input. This equipment is designed to minimize exposure of personnel to hazards. For further information, contact the Comtech EF Data Customer Support Department. The persons responsible for the operation and maintenance of the PCB-4000A must: •...
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Product Support For all product support, please call: +1.240.243.1880 +1.866.472.3963 (toll free USA) By email: techsupport@comtechefdata.com Comtech EF Data Headquarters http://www.comtechefdata.com Comtech EF Data Corp. 2114 West 7th Street Tempe, Arizona USA 85281 +1.480.333.2200...
Comtech EF Data Corporation, would affect the reliability or detracts from the performance of any part of the product, or is damaged as the result of use in a way or with equipment that had not been previously approved by Comtech EF Data Corporation.
The buyer shall pass on to any purchaser, lessee, or other user of Comtech EF Data Corporation’s products, the aforementioned warranty, and shall indemnify and hold harmless Comtech EF Data...
Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs), form a complete 1+1 phase combined system that doubles the available output power. The PCB-4000A also features a “soft fail” configuration; i.e., if one SSPA experiences a failure, the total output power will be reduced by only 3 dB, rather than 6 dB.
Revision 2 Functional Description The PCB-4000A is available in a C-Band version. Contact Comtech EF Data for X-band and Ku- band versions. The box may be included in a top-level system assembly or as a subassembly kit. For application examples, see Appendix A. ASSEMBLY KITS.
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 The block diagrams shown in Figure 1-2 depict the major components of the 1:1 phase combined system. (These diagrams employ High Powered Outdoor Amplifiers (HPODs) as the designated SSPAs.) The Phase Combiner Control Box (PCCB) contains a microprocessor-based Monitor and Control (M&C) circuit board to control the system.
Naturally, two separate amplifiers are likely to have different phase and gain characteristics. The PCB-4000A 1+1 system is designed such that the phase difference between the two amplifier paths is compensated by adjusting the phase shifter in the PCCB. This is done at the factory for the full amplifier bandwidth, and should not normally require further adjustment in the field unless an amplifier has been replaced.
1.3.4 Soft Fail Protection In the event of a failure of one of the SSPAs, the PCB-4000A controls the waveguide switches such that the good unit’s power is routed around the “Magic-Tee” combiner directly to the output port. This results in only a 3 dB power loss, or “soft failure”. Without the waveguide switches, a failure in one unit would result in a 6 dB power loss.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Dimensional Envelope All dimensions are in English units; metric units are shown in parentheses. This figure is typical for the C-Band versions of the PCB-4000A. Figure 1-4. PCB-4000A Dimensional Envelope Introduction 1–6 MN-PCB-4000A...
M&C. This chapter summarizes the connectors provided for all necessary external connections between the PCB-4000A and other equipment. Table 2-1 lists the external connectors grouped according to service function. Refer to Figure 3-2 for External Connectors illustration. Table 2-1. External Connectors...
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Monitor and Control (M&C) Interface Connectors All M&C connectors are found on the front panel of the PCCB box. 2.2.1 SYSTEM COM | J1 Connector The 19-pin circular SYSTEM COM | J1 connector, type MS3112E14-19S, serves as the primary input between the user and the PCCB for controlling and monitoring both SSPAs.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 2.2.2 SSPA COM 1 | J2 and SSPA COM 2 | J3 Connectors The 19-pin circular SSPA COM 1 | J2 and SSPA COM 2 | J3 connectors, type MS3112E14-19S, serve as the primary input/output interfaces between the PCCB and its specified SSPA.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 SSPA SW OUT | J5 Connector The 19-pin circular SSPA SW OUT | J5 connector, type MS3112E14-19S, connects via a “Y” cable to the SSPA #1 and SSPA #2 waveguide switches. The typical pinout specification is provided in Table 2-4.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 2.3.1 RF INPUT SWITCH | J6 Connector The PCCB contains a built-in selector switch – a latching 28 VDC coaxial unit. The switch position is selected by the 6-pin circular RF INPUT SWITCH | J6 connector (P/N CN/MS-PT07M6PC). Its pinout specification is provided in Table 2-5.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 RF Interface Connectors 2.4.1 RF IN 1 | J7 and RF IN 2 | J8 Connectors The Type ‘N’ RF IN 1 | J7 and RF IN 2 | J8 connectors serve as RF signal input interfaces to the PCCB. Note that: •...
2.5.1 AC Power The PCB-4000A derives its power from the SSPAs. Each SSPA provides a +24V signal line via cables interconnecting the SSPAs to the SSPA COM 1 | J2 and SSPA COM 2 | J3 connectors (Pin ‘R’ – see Table 2-3). These two signals are “diode OR’ed” to provide redundancy.
However, if an amplifier or other critical system component is replaced (e.g., the PCB-4000A unit), the procedures provided in this chapter explain the steps necessary to restore proper system operation.
3.2.1 1+1 Phase Combiner System Assembly Figure 3-1 shows an example of the PCB-4000A deployed in a typical 1+1 phase combined system (see Appendix A. ASSEMBLY KITS for details on band-specific system applications). Figure 3-1. PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner System Assembly Example Operation and Adjustment Procedures 3–2...
It may be necessary to slightly adjust each SSPA to prevent undue stress on the waveguide structure. Tighten all hardware when proper alignment is achieved. Assemble the PCB-4000A PCCB to the mounting structure. Install the Type ‘N’ RF Phase Matched Coaxial Cables (CEFD P/N CA/RF11872-1). Each cable is labeled according to its destination SSPA: Connect the cable labeled “SSPA1”...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Step Procedure Install the “COM” Cable (CEFD P/N CA/WR11966-2) between each of the following PCCB connectors and their corresponding SSPA “COM” ports: (PCCB) “SSPA COM 1 | J2” to SSPA #1 • (PCCB) “SSPA COM 2 | J3” to SSPA #2 •...
Each LED provides visual cues to the operational, online, and offline status of the system. Figure 3-5 illustrates the location of the LED indicators. Located on the top of the PCB-4000A enclosure under a pivoting protective plate, view the LEDs by first loosening the captive screw that keeps the plate in place, and then swiveling the plate to reveal the LED display window.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 The behavior of the LEDs, as they appear under varying operational conditions, is as follows: Table 3-1. LED Descriptions LED * Color / Behavior Description Green Phase Combiner has no summary fault. (LED 1) A Summary Fault has occurred.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Initial System Setup and Verification Verify that the system has been assembled, that all cables have been connected, and that the output port is terminated in a broadband high power load as depicted in Figure 1-2 block diagram in Chapter 1.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Gain or Amplitude Balance Verification and Alignment This procedure is generally not necessary if all parameters of Section 3.3 have been met. As a result of the configuration of the waveguide switches in a 1+1 system, it is possible to measure the individual gain of each SSPA path by switching each SSPA individually to the output load.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Amplitude Alignment (as necessary) Even if the difference of each individual SSPA path is greater than ±1 dB, amplitude adjustment may not be necessary to meet all parameters of Section 0. However, if these parameters have not been met, then fine tuning adjustment is advisable.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Phase Alignment As the system is aligned at the factory, this step is typically not required unless it is necessary to replace one of the SSPAs or other critical path components. Make sure to meet all parameters of Section 0 before performing this adjustment.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 System Online and Transmitting This procedure assumes that the system installation is complete and that access to the system output port is unavailable due to current system traffic. To check for proper operation, measure and compare the difference in power transmitted versus the power dissipated in the load termination.
Revision 2 Chapter 4. UPDATING FIRMWARE Update Firmware via the Internet To ensure optimal performance, it is important to operate the PCB-4000A with its latest available firmware. The PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner is factory-shipped with the latest version of operating firmware.
CEFD Customer Support for ordering information. Figure 4-1. Typical Unit to PC Connection a. Connect the user PC serial port to the PCB-4000A “SYSTEM COM | J1” port. b. On the PC: Open the terminal emulator program. Refer to your terminal emulator program HELP feature or user guide for operating and configuration instructions.
On the PC: Via serial remote control, obtain the firmware number by using the <1/FRW? query. See Chapter 5. SERIAL REMOTE CONTROL for information and instructions on using remote commands and queries via the PCB-4000A Serial Interface. 4. Create a temporary folder (subdirectory) on the user PC for the firmware archive download.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 b. Use Windows Explorer to create and rename the temporary folder. • Select File > New > Folder to create the temporary folder. The new folder will be created in the active folder. •...
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 d. Use Windows Command-line to create the temporary folder. • First, click [Start] on the Windows taskbar, and then click the ‘Run...’ icon (or, depending on Windows OS versions prior to Windows 95, click the ‘MS-DOS Prompt’...
Revision 2 Download and Extract the Firmware Update 1. First, download the firmware update file from the Comtech EF Data Web site: a. Go online to www.comtechefdata.com. b. On the Main page – under Support Information or the Support tab, select the Software Downloads hyperlink.
Command-line. • Type “dir” to list the files extracted to the temporary directory from the downloaded archive file. The firmware files have been successfully downloaded and are now available for transfer to the PCB-4000A. Updating Firmware 4–7 MN-PCB-4000A...
RED (faulted) to indicate the current status of the PCCB, SSPA1, and SSPA2 operations. See Chapter 3. OPERATION and ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES, Section 3.2.4, for additional information on the LED operation states. The PCB-4000A Firmware Update Process is now complete. Updating Firmware 4–8...
Overview Remote monitor and control of the PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner is available only through an EIA-232 connection, and data is transmitted in asynchronous serial form using ASCII characters. Control and status information is transmitted in packets of variable length, in accordance with the structure and protocol defined in later sections.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Remote Commands and Queries Ovierview 5.2.1 Basic Protocol All data is transmitted as asynchronous serial characters, suitable for transmission and reception by a UART. The asynchronous character is fixed at 8-N-1 (8 data bits, no parity, one stop bit). Only two baud rates are supported: 9600 baud and 19200 baud.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 5.2.2.2 Target (Base) Address Up to 9,999 devices can be uniquely addressed. In the EIA-232 application, the permissible range of values is 1 to 9999. It is programmed into a Target unit using serial remote control. The factory default target address is 1.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 5.2.2.4 Address Delimiter This is the “forward slash” character '/' (ASCII code 47). 5.2.2.5 Instruction Code This three-character alphabetic sequence identifies the subject of the message. Wherever possible, the instruction codes have been chosen to have some significance. This aids in the readability of the message if seen in its raw ASCII form. Upper and lower case alphabetic characters (i.e., A-Z [ASCII codes 65-90], and a-z [ASCII codes 97-122]) may be used.
PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Symbol Definition The ? code is only used as follows: (ASCII code 63) If the Controller sends an instruction to set a parameter to a particular value, then, if the value sent in the argument is not valid, the Target will acknowledge the message by replying (for example) with MUT? (with no message arguments).
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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Equipment alphanumeric The unit returns a string indicating the Model Number and the (see Type value of internal software revision installed. Description of Arguments for Example: PCB-4000A Phase Combiner Ver: 1.1.1 details) Retrieve 42 bytes, Query only. RMS? RMS=x….x alphanumeric Maintenance Used to Query the maintenance status of the unit.
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
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PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner Revision 2 Command Command Arguments for Response to Query Response to Description of Arguments Query Valid Parameter Command Query (Instruction Valid for Command or (Instruction for PCB or (Note that all arguments are ASCII numeric codes – i.e.,...
The PCB-4000A is operating with the latest version firmware files. • The PCB-4000A is connected to a user-supplied, Windows-based PC, and: The PC Ethernet port is connected to the PCB-4000A SYSTEM COM | J1 connector. Ethernet Management Interface Protocols The user PC facilitates access to Ethernet-based remote monitor and control (M&C) of the PCB-4000A through the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
The Read and Write Community Strings can be configured using serial remote command RCM and WCM when remote state is at Serial Remote. For proper SNMP operation, the PCB-4000A MIB files must be used with the associated version of the unit. Refer to the PCB-4000A FW Release Notes for information on the required FW/SW compatibility.
4000A 1+1 Phase Combined System – an example is shown as Figure A-1. The PCB-4000A 1+1 Phase Combiner stand alone unit is available in a C-Band version only. Contact Comtech EF Data for X-Band or Ku-Band versions. The PCCB may be available as a top assembly line item or as a kit subassembly item.
Summary of Available Assemblies Table A-1 outlines availability of assembly kits for the PCB-4000A. This includes common subassemblies that may be shared amongst the available configurations. Note that since the model of the SSPA pair deployed within a 1+1 Phase Combined System may vary, the illustrations provided herein either show installed SSPAs for reference purposes only, or otherwise intentionally omit the depiction of any installed SSPA.
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