Attenuator Control; Mute Control; Faults - Comtech EF Data HPOD Installation And Operation Manual

Increasing input power beyond this level results in an output signal with increasingly higher levels of distortion. Of course, if the SSPA
attenuation control is utilized, a higher-level input signal level can be accommodated.
CAUTION – Permanent damage may occur to the unit if the maximum input level exceeds 15 dBm.

5.2.2 Attenuator Control

Execute the "ATT" command to attenuate HPOD gain over a 30 dB range.

5.2.3 Mute Control

The HPOD may be muted via software or discrete control:

Software – Exercising the MUT=1 command will "software" mute the unit.

Discrete Control – When exercising the AUX=1 command, the HPOD will be muted until Pin 'S' (on the 'J6 | COM1' Discrete
Control Connector) is pulled to ground (Pin 'K'). At that time, the unit unmutes.
The Mute command provides over 60 dB of RF on/off isolation. However, the Mute command only turns off the first few low power
stages of the amplifier, the high-power stages remain on. By allowing the higher power transistors to stay on, the HPOD remains in a more
thermally stable state should the mute condition be removed.
If the user desires to completely turn off the bias to the entire amplifier (perhaps to conserve energy in a redundant system), both the
MUT=1 and AMP=0 commands should be executed. For normal transmit operation, MUT=0 and AMP=1 are required.

5.2.4 Faults

The M&C system monitors certain key functions of the SSPA for proper operation. Should any of these operating parameters exceed
predetermined limits, the M&C system will declare a fault. Conditions that trigger a fault include:

Any power supply more than ± 10% outside its nominal value.

Either fan less than 25% of maximum speed.

I2C internal bus communications fault.
Serial-Based Remote Product Management
HPOD C-, X-, Ku-Band High-Power Outdoor Amplifier
5–2
Revision 9
MN/HPOD.IOM