Installation and Operation Manual BLE*/* Broadband Line Extender...
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Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Motorola could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment under the rules and regulations of the FCC.
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Motorola, Inc. Motorola reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of Motorola to provide notification of such revision or change. Motorola provides this guide without warranty of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Contents Section 1 Introduction Using This Manual ................................... 1-3 Related Documentation................................... 1-3 Document Conventions................................... 1-3 If You Need Help....................................1-4 Calling for Repairs ................................... 1-5 Section 2 Overview Configuration....................................2-2 Housing......................................2-3 Gaskets ......................................2-4 Port Locations ....................................2-5 Power Supply ....................................2-6 Forward Path ....................................
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Contents Return Path Alignment...................................3-12 Before You Begin...................................3-12 Alignment Procedure ................................3-13 Powering and Surge Protection ..............................3-14 Section 4 Bench Testing Before You Begin....................................4-1 Test Equipment and Connections ..............................4-2 Measuring Forward Gain.................................4-2 Example: ..................................4-3 Example: ..................................4-3 Testing Return Gain and Response............................4-4 Example: ..................................4-4 Completing the Test Procedures ............................4-4 Section 5 Installation...
Section 1 Introduction ® The Motorola STARLINE series of broadband line extenders, BLE*/*, accept a single input and provide 28 through 32 dB of operational gain (depending on model) to a single output. The BLE*/* series of line extenders meets Telcordia GR-1098 core voltage surge requirements using surge waveforms as described in IEEE C62.41.
Introduction Figure 1-2 illustrates an open BLE*/*: Figure 1-2 BLE*/* - open +24V DC TEST POINT -20 dB -20 dB RCB87 Align Dots JXP MID JXP IN CHECK VOLTAG E SE LECTOR REFER TO MANUAL BODE TEST POINT FUSE AUTO STATUS FUSE MONITOR...
Introduction Using This Manual The following sections provide information and instructions to bench test, install, and operate the BLE*/*. Section 1 Introduction provides a brief description of the product, identifies the information contained in this manual, and gives the help line telephone number and repair return information.
Introduction If You Need Help If you need assistance while working with the BLE*/*, contact the Motorola Technical Response Center (TRC): Inside the U.S.: 1-888-944-HELP (1-888-944-4357) Outside the U.S.: 215-323-0044 Motorola Online: http://businessonline.motorola.com The TRC is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Saturday.
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Section 2 Overview The BLE*/* is a two-way capable line extender used in CATV distribution systems. The BLE*/* is powered by the 60/90 Vac cable supply and can be configured to pass this power to additional line extenders. Installation of the optional return path enables two-way signal flow. The standard model BLE*/* includes an amplifier module with an integrated dc power supply, which is normally furnished complete in the model BLE-HSG/15 housing, as shown in Figure 2-1:...
Introduction Calling for Repairs If repair is necessary, call the Motorola Repair Facility at 1-800-642-0442 or e-mail nogrepaircenter@motorola.com for a Return for Service Authorization (RSA) number before sending the unit. The RSA number must be prominently displayed on all equipment cartons.
Overview Configuration The BLE*/* is fully configured in the Motorola factory per customer request. It is recommended that you verify the configuration listed on the outside of the shipping carton with the configuration you ordered. The shipped configuration is also noted on labels located on the side of the housing and the side of the electronics module.
Overview Housing The BLE*/* is furnished in a BLE-HSG/15 aluminum housing that protects the electronics from weather and dissipates internally generated heat. Figure 2-3 illustrates the BLE-HSG/15 housing and provides its dimensions: Figure 2-3 BLE-HSG/15 housing and dimensions 10.6 Coaxial cable connections to the housing are made using conventional 5/8 inch × 24 threads per-inch stinger-type connectors.
Overview Gaskets Each housing is equipped with a recessed woven-wire RF gasket and a silicone-rubber gasket to provide a seal between the housing base and lid. These gaskets provide efficient ground continuity, RF shielding, and weather protection. Both gaskets must be in place and in good condition to ensure proper operation and protection of the station.
Overview Port Locations Two housing ports provide connection for coaxial cables. Four port plugs in the cover enable access to internal test points. All ports are protected by factory-inserted threaded plugs or plastic cap plugs. Discard the plastic cap plugs when you install the cable connectors. Figure 2-5 illustrates the housing port locations: Figure 2-5 Housing ports...
Overview Power Supply The BLE*/* power supply is a separate circuit board mounted to the underside of the amplifier module and is capable of 60 Vac or 90 Vac powering. The power supply provides a regulated 24 Vdc output over an ac input between 38 Vrms and 90 Vrms with a line frequency from 50 Hz through 60 Hz.
Overview Forward Path The operational gain of the E-GaAs BLE*/* amplifiers is 28 dB or 32 dB (depending on model) with 16 dB of return loss. The operating gain includes provisions for the insertion loss of the input cable equalizer and required reserve gain to operate the Bode equalizer in the middle of its range.
Overview The input and output of the return path each include a JXP-*B pad facility. You can also use either pad socket as a test point or a signal injection point. The return output pad value is normally selected to control the return signal level into the next upstream amplifier. Select an appropriate return input pad to attenuate excessive input signal.
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Overview Model Description Function SFE-*-* Starline Forward Equalizer This bandwidth specific (750 or 870 MHz) equalizer compensates for cable properties in 1 dB increments from 2 dB through 22 dB. The appropriate value must be installed. See the product catalog for additional information.
2-10 Overview Figure 2-8 illustrates the location of options and accessories in the BLE*/*: Figure 2-8 BLE*/* options and accessories Forward equalizer or Cable simulator Midstage pad Manual level ADU pad (SFE- * - * or SCS- *) (JXP MID) (MAN) (ADU JXP) forward...
Section 3 Amplifier Setup This section provides instructions for fully configuring the BLE*/* and describes the proper forward and return path alignment procedures. It is recommended that you read this entire section before you install the BLE*/*. To successfully setup the BLE*/* you need to perform the following tasks: Forward path alignment Return path alignment Check powering and surge protection options...
Amplifier Setup Perform a bench alignment. Pre-aligning the BLE*/* response on the bench (Section 4, “Bench Testing”) for a system signature simplifies field alignment. Field-sweep the entire bandwidth of the amplifier to correct frequency response for passive signature and roll-off. Close the housing in accordance with the instructions in Section 5, “Installation.”...
Amplifier Setup Substituting this information in equation (1) provides the following result: 10.0 dB + 27 dB – 15.0 dB – 8.0 dB = 14 dB The slope of the required equalizer is 14 dB. Table 3-1 and Figure 3-1 show that 14 dB of slope is caused by approximately 18 dB of cable at 870 MHz.
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Amplifier Setup Figure 3-1 illustrates a graph of the equalizer slope versus equalizer value information presented in Table 3-1. The amount of cable equals the equalizer value. Figure 3-1 Equalizer slope versus cable Slope versus Cable 550 MHz 650 MHz 750 MHz 870 MHz dB of Equalizer Slope...
Amplifier Setup STARLINE Cable Simulators STARLINE cable simulators, model SCS-*, are used in place of fixed equalizers in systems where: (1) the amplifiers are located close together, (2) there are large amounts of flat loss from passive components, or (3) it is necessary to compensate for reverse cable tilt. The simulators fit in the same location as the equalizers.
Amplifier Setup The information in Table 3-2 is shown as a graph in Figure 3-2: Figure 3-2 Frequency versus cable slope SCS-1 SCS-2 SCS-3 SCS-4 SCS-5 SCS-6 SCS-7 SCS-8 SCS-9 SCS-10 Frequency (MHz) Input and Midstage Pads Install Model JXP-*B pads to attenuate the signal per system design drawings. Generally, this consists of attenuating excessive input levels.
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Amplifier Setup C3 produces a peak that is centered approximately 300 MHz above the lowest forward frequency and varied in amplitude by R3. This adjustment provides more mid-band alignment flexibility. C6 adjusts for maximum gain at Fmax (870 MHz). C7 and R8 adjust for the flattest response in the mid- to upper-portion of the band. C8 adjusts for the flattest response in the low-to mid-range of the band.
Amplifier Setup Figure 3-4 illustrates BLE87* flatness and control ranges: Figure 3-4 Typical flatness and control ranges 25 Jun 2001 10:22:15 CH2 S 21 /M log MAG 1 dB/ REF 30.49 dB 4: 30.757 dB BLE87S/12/G 870.000 000 MHz 1: 30.434 dB 52 MHz 2: 30.306 dB 200 MHz...
Amplifier Setup Amplifier Level Control Signal levels vary in a cable system primarily because cable attenuation changes with temperature. Other components such as passives and amplifier hybrids are also affected by temperature changes. To automatically compensate for these signal level fluctuations and control output level, you must select the optional ADU or TDU.
3-10 Amplifier Setup Check the amplifier output tilt by measuring the high band- and low band-edge carriers. High = channel 116 (745.25 MHz) or channel 136 (865.25 MHz) Low = channel 2 (55.25 MHz) or channel 3 (61.25 MHz) If the tilt is less than required, install a higher value input equalizer. If the tilt is greater than required, install a lower value input equalizer.
Amplifier Setup 3-11 Position the drive control select jumper (Figure 2-8) temporarily in the position and perform the complete procedure described in Manual Gain Control if not already completed. Position the drive control select jumper to AUTO Connect a signal-level meter to the test point and tune the meter to the high FWD OUT band-edge carrier.
3-12 Amplifier Setup ADU Pads and Levels This subsection provides information regarding the proper ADU padding requirements for the BLE*/*. A JXP-*B pad is installed in the input line to the ADU location. This pad adjusts the ADU input level for the standard application of the BLE*/*. You can change this pad depending on the operational output of the BLE*/*.
Return levels used for alignment are not necessarily operational system levels. These levels vary from system to system due to differences in equipment, architectures and design philosophies. For an in-depth analysis and discussion of the return path, refer to Motorola reference guide Return Path Level Selection, Setup and Alignment Procedure.
3-14 Amplifier Setup Powering and Surge Protection In conventional applications, the BLE*/*s are powered through the input port. CAUTION! To avoid damage to the hybrids, it is recommended that you remove the input pad (JXP-IN) before you apply power to the BLE*/*.
Section 4 Bench Testing Motorola’s recommended procedure for placing a new BLE*/* into service is to fully test it on the bench before it is field installed. There are specific alignment procedures that ensure proper functioning of all components and simplify final installation. If the BLE*/* is properly aligned on the bench only minor adjustments may be required in the field.
The equipment typically used for testing the BLE*/* consists of a network analyzer such as the HP 8712 or 8713 series, a 60/90 Vac bench power supply, a cable simulator, a Motorola model SSP-PIN power combiner, and a variety of jumper cables, adapters, and fittings.
Bench Testing Measure the gain at mixed forward frequency using the procedure outlined in the operator manual provided with the test equipment in use. To correct this number, add the insertion loss of the SSP-PIN power combiner (0.5 dB at 550 MHz, 0.6 dB at 750 MHz, or 0.7 dB at 870 MHz), the loss of the cable simulator at mixed forward frequency, and the loss of the cable equalizer (1.0 dB), if it is installed.
Bench Testing Testing Return Gain and Response After configuring the return path, you can test the return bandpass to ensure compliance with specifications. When testing the return amplifier, remember that it is a flat amplifier. Therefore, the cable simulator must remain in the test set-up and must remain set to the same cable equivalent as in the forward sweep test.
Section 5 Installation The field installation procedures presented in the following subsections assume that the amplifier was previously tested and bench aligned. Cable power and RF signal must be available on the system. Although it is desirable to have a full complement of channels available for balancing, you can adjust the BLE*/* adequately with a limited number of channels.
Installation Check the ac voltage setting (jumper J1, Figure 2-6). J1 position Description The voltage must be greater than 38 Vac as read with a true rms voltmeter or 42 Vac when using a conventional, average reading, ac voltmeter. The voltage must be greater than 55 Vac when read with a true rms voltmeter or 61 Vac when using a conventional, average reading, ac voltmeter.
Installation Pedestal Installation Pedestal installation is similar to aerial installation with the exception of temperature and mounting procedure. In an aerial installation, the cable and amplifier are subject to the same temperature. In contrast, pedestal installation provides a stable temperature environment for the buried cable while subjecting the elevated amplifier to higher temperatures.
Due to the superior distortion performance provided by the latest E-GaAs BLEs, this should not be a major concern assuming the pad value is reasonable. It is recommended that you contact Motorola’s TRC or your account representative for specific information regarding use of the midstage pads.
Specifications are valid over the given passband and operating temperature range of −40°F to +140°F (−40°C to +60°C). Specifications stated are typical unless otherwise noted, and are subject to change. Refer to the Motorola BCS web site or contact your account representative for the latest specifications.
Specifications Model BLE87S/G* Specification Forward Amplifier Passband (S-split) 52 through 870 MHz Gain Full 32 dB (with SFE-*-*) Operational 28 dB (with SFE-*-* and slope reserves) Flatness 52 through 870 MHz ±0.70 dB maximum Level control, automatic Bode board using ADU/TDU Gain control Fixed pads, JXP-∗B Performance - reference frequency...
Specifications RA-Kit/L Return Amplifier Parameter Specification Passband (S-split) 5 through 40 MHz Gain, station (minimum) 19 dB ±0.50 dB maximum Flatness Level control Fixed pads, JXP-∗B, input and output Performance at typical output 41 dBmV, flat Channels 4 NTSC Crossmod (worst case) –74 dB Single triple beat (worst case) –82 dB...
Appendix B Torque Specifications Torque specifications are valid for all models of the BLE*/*. Torque Fastener Screw Wrench In-lbs Ft-lbs Size Size Strand 5/16-18 1/2 inch 120-144 10-12 13.6-16.3 clamp/pedestal mounting Housing/lid closure 1/4-20 7/16 inch Test point plugs 5/8-24 1/2 inch 25-40 2.1-3.3...
Abbreviations and Acronyms The abbreviations and acronyms list contains the full spelling of the short forms used in this manual. Automatic Drive Unit carrier-to-noise Composite Second Order Composite Triple Beat Continuous wave Decibel dBmV Decibels referenced to one millivolt E-GaAs Enhanced Gallium Arsenide FTEC Fast Transfer Electronic Crowbar...