Page 1
Installation, Operation, and Preventive Maintenance Manual Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA DMAN-17221 Rev G CPI SMP Satcom Products Email: satcommarketing@cpii.com Web: www.cpii.com/satcom Mobile App: Search CPI in your Apple or Android store DOCX.17221 Rev.G...
Contents Section 1 General Information ....................9 1.1 How to Use This Manual .........................9 1.2 Safety Information ..........................9 1.3 General Introduction ..........................9 1.4 Purpose of Equipment ......................... 10 1.5 Equipment and Accessories Supplied ....................10 1.6 Specifications ............................10 1.7 Optional Accessories ..........................11 RoHs/WEEE Compliance ........................
Page 4
3.2.1 Adjusting Gain ..........................26 3.2.2 Selecting Output Level ........................ 26 3.2.3 Intermodulation Distortion ......................27 3.3 How to Operate ........................... 27 3.3.1 “Local” Operation ........................28 3.3.2 “Remote” Operation ........................31 3.4 Using Serial I/O ............................ 32 3.4.1 Interface ............................32 3.4.1.1 Interface Selection (RCP-2001) ....................
Page 6
5.5.2 Replacing a Defective Fan ......................67 Section 6 Drawings ......................68 6.1 General Introduction ........................... 68 6.2 Drawing Index ............................68 Section 7 Warranty ....................... 69 7.1 General Introduction ........................... 69 7.2 Technical Support ..........................69 7.3 Warranty .............................. 69 7.4 Return Procedures ..........................
Page 7
List of Figures Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA ..................10 Figure 1-1 Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA Outline ............... 14 Figure 2-1 Applying the External 10 MHz Reference ..............16 Figure 2-2 A Typical RS-485 4-Wire Bus ................... 20 Figure 2-3 A Typical RS-485 2-Wire Bus ................... 21 Figure 2-4 A Typical RS-422 Bus .......................
Page 8
Disclaimer This document is intended solely as a guideline and its content is subject to change without notice. CPI is not responsible for any system design containing CPI equipment, unless otherwise specified in a mutually agreed upon contract. Safety Safety considerations are noted in the applicable locations in the manual.
This technical manual provides operation and service instructions for the Ku- Band Antenna-Mount SSPA. The SSPA consists of a solid-state power amplifier module, complete with power supply, cooling system and alarm circuitry. It is designed to be installed outdoors and is furnished in a weatherproof enclosure.
The Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA, illustrated in Figure 1-1, consists of the items in Table 1-1. The amplifier setup program, provided with the SSPA, is also available from CPI. Specifications Refer to the specification sheet included in Section 8, System Configuration, for performance specifications of the Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA.
The RCP-2001 communicates with the SSPA using the J3 (Serial I/O) connector and may be located up to 4000 feet (1300 m) from the SSPA. A Serial I/O connector on the RCP-2001 provides the user M&C system interface when using the Remote Control Panel.
RoHs/WEEE Compliance Waste electrical products should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or Communications & Power Industries LLC for recycling or disposal advice. . 17221 R...
Also check the packing list in the shipping container for a list of additional items that may have been ordered. If the SSPA has been damaged in shipment, file a claim with the carrier. Keep all packaging materials for the carrier’s inspection. If the contents are incomplete or there is evidence of improper packaging, notify CPI immediately.
CAUTION Heat is the enemy of any power amplifier. The Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA has a forced air cooling system designed to minimize heat buildup inside the enclosure. This system relies on an ample supply of cooling air. Locate the unit so that the fan intake and outlet on the bottom panel are unobstructed.
15/20 A fuse or circuit breaker as branch circuit protection. 2.4.2 DC Power (Option) If the Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA was ordered with the optional 48 Vdc input, it can operate from a power source of 36 to 72 Vdc. DC input is through a 3-pin circular connector, J1. The mating connector for J1 is an MS3106F16-10S and is supplied with the unit.
CAUTION Never exceed the maximum safe RF/IF input level, or permanent damage to the SSPA may result. The maximum safe level is printed on the unit next to the RF/IF Input connector. 2.5.2 Serial I/O or Optional Remote Control Panel Interface – J3 The serial I/O interface, J3, is primarily used for remote monitoring and control of the SSPA by a user-supplied M&C system.
Table 2-4 J3, Serial I/O Connector Function Notes RS-232 (EIA/TIA-574) - Full duplex, one unit on a bus. (See Section 2.5.2.1.) Signal Ground Connect to DTE signal SG. Data In Connect to DTE signal TD. Data Out Connect to DTE signal RD. RS-485 (4-wire) - Full duplex, multiple units.
The Service Request can be cleared by serial I/O; a Fault has to be cleared by removing the condition that caused the fault. For RS-422 and –485 interfaces, an AC termination is used in the SSPA that reduces the amount of current drawn when nothing is being transmitted or received.
Host Computer Unit 1 Unit 2 Last Unit Figure 2-3 A Typical RS-485 4-Wire Bus Cable lengths up to 4000 feet are allowed using an RS-485 interface. There is a common mode voltage specification for RS-485, so it is normally necessary to run a common ground line to all devices on the bus.
R = 2.5 x V where The resistance of the pull-up and pull-down resistors = The voltage of the power supply = The resistance of the terminations (60 ohms for 2-wire, 120 ohms for 4-wire) In an RS-485 (4-wire) system, it is usually not necessary for the transmit driver in the host computer to switch on and off, since it is the only driver on that pair of wires.
2.5.2.3.1 Terminations In Figure 2-4, note the terminations on the receivers for the Host Computer (First Unit) and the Last Unit on the bus. No other unit (in this example, Unit 1 or Unit 2) should be terminated. This equipment uses an AC style termination, consisting of a 120-ohm resistor, and a 0.01 µF capacitor in series.
RF output is through a WR75G waveguide flange. Use a gasket on the waveguide flange for a weatherproof, pressure tight seal. WARNING A radiation hazard may exist if the SSPA is operated unterminated. Do not operate the SSPA without a suitable load or termination attached to the RF output.
2.5.5 1:1 Link – J6 (Optional) This option adds built-in 1:1 redundancy switchover logic to the SSPA, and is not installed in all units. To install a unit with the 1:1 option, connect the supplied 1:1 link cable from each SSPA to the switch assembly.
Page 25
a) Temporarily place the amplifiers in MANUAL mode, to avoid accidental switches while you adjust the gain. b) Connect a power meter to the output of the entire system. c) Switch the switch between Unit 1 and Unit 2, and note the power meter reading in each position.
The RF input level and SSPA gain together determine the output level. Since input level is often fixed in a particular installation, the Ku-Band Antenna- Mount SSPA includes a gain adjustment feature that can be used to set a desired output level. The gain adjustment is accessible over the serial I/O port, using the amplifier setup program;...
Figure 3-1 IMD vs. Backoff In Figure 3-1, backoff is the reduction in total output power below the SSPA’s 1 dB gain compression point. The plot is based on measured data from typical SSPAs, and can be used to determine required backoff from P 1 dB achieve a given IMD suppression.
3.3.1 “Local” Operation NOTE There are no local operator controls on the SSPA itself. When the optional Remote Control Panel is not installed, the SSPA can only be controlled and monitored “remotely” by a user-supplied M&C system; see Section 3.3.2 below.
Fault Reset (Section 3.6.4.2.3) [Oper] (Operate) Operate Menu [Mute] SSPA: (followed by mute status and source if muted) [Mute] or [Operate] (choose one; Section 3.6.1.1) [Gain] Pout: (output power, in currently selected units, i.e., dBm, dBW or Watts) Gain setting and gain range (gain is settable from –20 to 0 dB, in 0.1 dB steps;...
3.3.2 “Remote” Operation The SSPA can be controlled and monitored remotely using serial I/O connected directly to SSPA J3. See Section 2.5.2 and Table 2-4 in this manual for information on the serial I/O interface. Refer to Appendix B, Serial I/O Protocol, for information on the serial I/O message format and com- mands.
I/O with the Remote Control Panel. The SSPA can also be controlled and monitored remotely using parallel I/O if that option is installed in the optional Remote Control Panel. See Section 3.5 for information on using the parallel I/O option.
The Serial I/O interface includes a programmable relay that can be utilized to alert the host status monitoring system of faults or warnings in the SSPA. The Form ‘C’ contact set can be programmed for one of the following functions: •...
NOTE This output is available on J3 of the SSPA as well as J2 of the RCP-2001. It is possible with a user-supplied interface cable to break out the Service Request signals directly from the SSPA for local use while passing the serial I/O communication signals to the RCP-2001.
Table 3-2 Parallel I/O Input Functions Serial I/O Active Screen Title Code Function See Section None No function 3.5.2 Mute Mute 3.6.1.1 Un-Mute Un-mute 3.6.1.1 Mute/UnMut Tog Mute/Un-mute toggle 3.6.1.1 Mute.L/UnMut.H Mute 3.6.1.1 Un-mute Fault.L User Fault (active LOW) — Fault.H User Fault (active HIGH) —...
17 59. 3.5.3.1 Output Power Fault The Output Power Fault indicates that the measured output power of the SSPA is either too high (above the PoutHi limit) or too low (below the PoutLo limit). Table 3-3 Parallel I/O Output Functions...
Page 37
Table 3-3 Parallel I/O Output Functions Serial I/O Code Screen Title Function Contacts Section FAULT Volt Fault Voltage Fault 3.5.3.2 NO FAULT FAULT Curr Fault Current Fault 3.5.3.3 NO FAULT FAULT Temp Fault Temperature Fault 3.5.3.4 NO FAULT FAULT BUC Fault Block Upconverter 3.5.3.5 NO FAULT...
The Voltage Fault indicates that the power supply voltage internal to the SSPA is out of tolerance, either high or low. 3.5.3.3 Current Fault The Current Fault indicates that the current drawn by the SSPA is out of tolerance, either too high or too low. 3.5.3.4 Temperature Fault The Temperature Fault indicates that the measured internal temperature of the SSPA is above the factory-preset limit.
2. On the front panel, select Set | Par | AnAdj. This will take you to the Analog Adjust screen for the SSPA Parallel I/O module. At this time, the analog output is controlled by this screen, and does not represent the output power.
Page 40
The Mute Control may be changed from any source. For example, it may be set to Mute by a Parallel I/O input, and then returned to Operate from the RCP-2001 front panel, or by Serial I/O command. The Mute Control may be set to Mute even if the output is already off due to another condition (such as RF Inhibit), in which case the amplifier will remain off even if the other condition goes away.
Any Parallel I/O output may be configured to monitor the Mute Control (see Section 3.5.3 and Table 3-3). The Form ‘C’ output indicates Mute in its de- energized state and Operate in its energized state. 3.6.1.2 RF Inhibit (via RCP-2001, with Parallel I/O Option Only) RF Inhibit is a Parallel I/O feature that allows implementation of interlock switches, or a level-sensitive RF on/off control.
Via Serial I/O, the Power-Up State setting is controlled using the 17 58 message. 3.6.1.4 Gain Adjustment The gain of the amplifier is controlled over a range of -20.0 to 0.0 dB, in 0.1 dB increments, relative to its nominal gain. A gain setting of 0.0 dB represents maximum gain of the amplifier.
3.6.2 Measurements The following settings and controls affect measurements and status reports in the amplifier system. 3.6.2.1 RF Status RF status refers to the RF output state of the amplifier: • Whether the RF is ON (capable of emitting RF) or OFF (the amplifier is shut down).
• On the default screen, the top line shows the Output Power if there are no faults, and the amplifier is on. If the amplifier is off, the RF Output Status is shown as one of the above states. • RF status is also indicated in the Mute Control screen under Oper | Mute (see Section 3.6.1.1).
The output power reading is also presented on the RCP-2001’s optional Parallel I/O in the form of a differential analog voltage. This voltage is scaled to be 0.1 volts for every 1 dBm of output power. Thus, an output power of +50 dBm would produce 5.0 volts on the analog output.
• Regulated Voltage: Regulated voltage distributed internally within the amplifier module. If the Regulated Voltage deviates from its nominal value by more than a factory-set difference, a Vreg Adj Fault occurs. These voltage measurements can be displayed on an attached RCP-2001, and are available via Serial I/O.
calibration frequency, with a CW signal, but frequency, modulation, and signal bandwidth all affect the absolute accuracy of the power reading. You can adjust the power readings to agree with a power meter using the calibration offset. You can also use the offset to compensate for losses due to couplers, waveguide, etc.
Each fault or warning in the list will be preceded by a check symbol ( ) if it is currently active. Table 3-4 is a complete list of all fault conditions detected by the Antenna Mount SSPA firmware. Fault and warning code details (SIO message 16 59 response bytes) are described in Appendix B, Serial I/O Protocol.
Page 49
Table 3-4 Fault Conditions SIO Code Screen Text Description (16 59) (RCP-2001) Gain Cal Gain calibration table has been lost. ROM checksum test has failed. RAM test has failed. General purpose A/D converter has failed. Inv Int CPU interrupt hardware failure. StkOvFl CPU program error (bug).
3.6.4.2 Fault Settings and Controls The following settings and controls affect the reporting of faults in the amplifier system. 3.6.4.2.1 Output Power Limits You may set both a HIGH and a LOW output power fault limit. Separate faults are reported for the output power being too high or too low, because each of these conditions implies a different kind of failure.
to disable this warning. To do so, select Set | Faults | LocWarn. The top line of the screen will show the current setting, Enabled or Disabled. Select the desired setting from the choices on the bottom line, or press MODIFY to change the setting.
3.6.4.2.5 Clear Service Request When a Service Request occurs (see Section 3.6.4.2.4, above) the monitoring system can acknowledge it, and cause it to stop being reported by issuing the Serial I/O Clear Service Request message, 09. To reset the Service Request contact, simply send the message with no parameters. This command will be obeyed regardless of the setting of the Control Mode.
To run the Self Test from an attached RCP-2001, select Srvc | Test. The screen will then read “Testing…” for several seconds and then display either “Test Passed!” or “Test Failed”. If any test fails, a fault will be generated. You should go to the Faults List menu to determine what failed.
3.6.5.6 Reloading Firmware Firmware may be reloaded via the SSPA Serial I/O port. To do so, obtain the loader software from the factory for the new version you wish to load. The loader software requires Windows 3.0 or higher to run. Connect the RS-232 serial port from your computer to the SSPA serial port, and follow the instructions provided with the loader to start the reload process.
• Screen Passwords: You can program a password that the operator MUST enter if he intends to change anything from the front panel of an attached RCP-2001. These controls and settings can be used individually, or combined to produce whatever level of security you wish on changes to the controls and settings of the amplifier.
• The ***REMOTE*** flash message will appear if you try to change a setting or control from the RCP-2001’s front panel while the SSPA is in Remote Mode and Remote Disables Local is set to Yes. You will not be able to change most controls or settings from the front panel while this is the case.
3.6.6.5 Screen Passwords You can set a screen password for more complete protection from changes through the front panel menus of an attached RCP-2001. In order to enable a password, you must set the password to something other than 0 0 0 0 0 0. To enable or disable a password, select Set | Pass.
3.6.6.6 Unlock The Unlock choice appears in the first position of the Main Menu on an attached RCP-2001 if one of the following occurs: • A screen password is enabled. • A Serial I/O Local Lockout command is in effect. The Unlock screen allows an operator at the front panel to regain control of the amplifier if he knows the password.
To control Local Lockout via Serial I/O, use message 0E. To request the current Local Lockout setting, send the message with no parameters. To turn ON Local Lockout, send message 0E with a 31 data byte parameter. To turn OFF Local Lockout, send message 0E with a 30 data byte parameter. 3.6.6.8 “Remote Disables Local”...
3.6.7.2 1:1 Switch Control The top line of the screen will show the amplifier’s unit number (1 or 2) and the unit’s 1:1 switch control status, as one of the following: • On-Line — This unit is the on-line unit. •...
A high-efficiency power supply based on switching converters provides +11.0 Vdc at 36, 54, or 72A maximum, depending on the SSPA output power. The supply operates over an input voltage range of 36 to 72 Vdc.
12 inches (300 mm) of clearance between the fans and any external obstruction. Both the SSPA module and power supply components are attached to the heatsink for cooling. Solid-state temperature sensors mounted to the SSPA baseplate monitor the heatsink temperature.
of their normal operating ranges. The microprocessor can also measure total current drawn by the GaAs FET amplifier stages. Output power is measured using a simple Schottky diode peak detector. Calibration data for the detector (which includes corrections for temperature) are stored in the FLASH memory.
12 months. It is recommended that a log be kept. The amplifier module in the SSPA unit is forced-air cooled by means of a fan and heatsink/plenum assembly. The fans and heatsink are protected by steel grilles.
Use a copy of the Measured Test Data form in Section 8, System Configuration, as a checklist and to record results of the measurements. NOTE These tests cannot be performed with the SSPA on-line. Certain procedures will interrupt service to the SSPA. Disconnect from service before doing performance verification tests.
The following parameters of the Ku-Band Antenna-Mount SSPA are measured: • Gain and gain flatness • VSWR • Power output at 1 dB compression • Two-tone intermodulation (IM) suppression Use a copy of the test data sheet in Section 8 to record measured test data.
5.5.2 Replacing a Defective Fan 1. Disconnect ac power from the SSPA. 2. Remove the 6 screws holding the fan mounting plate to the SSPA enclosure using a Philips screwdriver. The fan cable assembly will prevent the fan mounting plate to come completely free of the SSPA.
Drawing Index Drawing Number Description 12205-1 Cable Assembly, Antenna-Mount SSPA to PC ACAB-12205-10' BOM, Cable Assembly, Antenna-Mount SSPA to PC NOTE Also see Section 8, System Configuration, for information on specific options included with your SSPA system. . 17221 R...
Communications & Power Industries LLC liability is limited solely, at its discretion, to replacing, repairing or issuing credit for products which become defective during the warranty period. CPI must be notified by the buyer, in writing, of any discrepancy before any action may be taken. The buyer must provide CPI with the opportunity to inspect and test the product(s) alleged to be defective.
Page 70
All returned materials must arrive with postage, duties and all handling costs prepaid by the buyer. CPI will evaluate the returned materials to determine responsibility and will advise the buyer of any repair or replacement charges that apply.
Section 8 System Configuration General Introduction This section contains configuration information for your system as it was shipped from the factory. Such information may include outline drawings for custom configurations, manual supplements for optional equipment ordered, and information on ancillary equipment. See also Section 6 for drawings that are common to many system configurations.
Introduction The Antenna-Mount Amplifier setup program, AMSETUP, provides the means to set up various operating parameters of the Antenna-Mount SSPA prior to installation, using its Serial I/O interface port. AMSETUP is able to connect to an Antenna-Mount amplifier, regardless of its current serial port settings, using the RS-232 cable provided with the amplifier.
Page 73
Connect the serial I/O interface cable between the computer’s serial port and J3 on the SSPA, using the adapter if necessary. Make sure you know the device name assigned by Windows to the serial port you are using. For most PC's with two serial ports, the device names are usually COM1 and COM2.
Page 74
It is possible for an amplifier that is not connected to any RF source to self-oscillate, which could radiate hazardous microwave power if the output is left open. Do not operate the SSPA without a load or termination attached to the waveguide output.
Page 75
Gain is adjustable from 0 to -20.0 dB in 0.1 dB steps, and is relative to the SSPA’s maximum specified gain value. Absolute gain in dB is computed by adding the (negative) gain setting to the unit’s maximum specified gain.
Page 76
Previous State”). NOTE If you choose “Power Up In Previous State,” each time the SSPA is muted or unmuted its state is stored in permanent EEPROM memory, which has a limited number of write/ erase cycles. To save on EEPROM write cycles, “Power Up In Previous State”...
Page 77
A.4.2.2.2 Interface Type Before using serial I/O for remote operation, you must tell the SSPA logic which of the available types of serial I/O interfaces you will be using. The interface selection screen allows you to choose from RS-232, RS-485 (4- wire), RS-485 (2-wire), or RS-422 interfaces.
Page 78
A.4.2.2.3 Address For remote operation through the serial I/O port when more than one unit shares a common communications circuit (such as RS-485), each unit must be assigned a unique address. The address can be set for any value from 0 to 255. The factory default value is 1.
Appendix C Glossary Term Definition Ampere AC or ac Alternating current Antenna Block upconverter °C Degrees Celsius CMOS Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor Clockwise Counter-clockwise Decibel Decibels with reference to carrier power Decibels with reference to a power of 1 milliwatt DC or dc Direct current Dummy Load Digital multimeter...
Page 81
Millisecond Millivolt Nanosecond Normally closed Normally open Third order output intercept point Peak-to-peak Printed circuit board Power supply Radio frequency SSPA Solid-state power amplifier TEMP Temperature Volt Volts alternating current Volts direct current VSWR Voltage standing wave ratio Watt . 17221 R...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SSPA and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers