ADTRAN Tracer 2 x E1 User Manual

TRACER® 2 x E1

User’s Manual

TRACER 2 x E1 User’s Manual, 2001 61280004L2-1C

61280004L2-1C

TRACER 2 x E1 User’s Manual, 2001

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFACE STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for an intentional radiator, pursuant
to Part 15, Subpart C of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause interference to radio
communications.

The limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential
situation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna of the affected radio or television.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the affected receiver.

• Connect the equipment and the affected receiver to power outlets on separate circuits.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

W A R N I N G

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ADTRAN could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

SHIELDED CABLES

A shielded-type power cord is required in order to meet FCC emission limits and also to prevent
interference with nearby radio and television reception when using the AC voltage adapter. It is essential
that only the ADTRAN-provided power cord be used.

FCC OUTPUT POWER RESTRICTIONS

The FCC does not require licensing to implement this device. However, the FCC has established
restrictions regarding maximum output power and the adjustments required when employing directional
gain antennae. (Refer to “Setting the Transmitter Power” in Section 2 of this manual). These restrictions
are detailed in FCC Part 15.247 (b)(1), (b)(3)(i), and (3)(iii). It is the responsibility of the individuals
designing and implementing the radio system to assure compliance with these and any other pertinent
FCC Rules and Regulations.

EXPOSURE TO RADIO FREQUENCY FIELDS

The TRACER is designed in three versions with the following power options:

2.4 GHz @ 100 mW

2.4 GHz @ 1 W

5.8 GHz @100 mW

These levels of RF energy are below the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) levels specified in FCC
OET 65:97-01. The installation of high gain antenna equipment in the system configuration may create
the opportunity for exposure to levels higher than recommended for the general population at a distance
less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) from the center of the antenna.
during installation of this equipment:

This device must be professionally installed.

The following precautions must be taken

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Radio Frequency Interference Statement

• The installed antenna must not be located in a manner that allows exposure of the general
population to the direct beam path of the antenna at a distance less than 15 feet (4.6 meters).
Installation on towers, masts, or rooftops not accessible to the general population is recommended;
or

• Mount the antenna in a manner that prevents any personnel from entering the area within 15 feet
(4.6 meters) from the front of the antenna.

• It is recommended that the installer place radio frequency hazard warnings signs on the barrier that
prevents access to the antenna.

• Prior to installing the antenna to the RFC output, make sure the power is adjusted to the settings
specified in section 2 of this manual.

• During antenna installation, be sure that power to the TRACER equipment is turned off in order to
prevent any energy presence on the coaxial connector.

• During installation and alignment of the antenna, do not stand in front of the antenna assembly.

• During installation and alignment of the antenna, do not handle or touch the front of the antenna.

These simple precautions must be taken to prevent general population and installation personnel from
exposure to RF energy in excess of specified MPE levels.

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Table of Contents

Page

Section 1. Tracer Description

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1

Applications .................................................................................................................................... 1

Spread Spectrum ............................................................................................................................. 1

Direct Sequence .................................................................................................................. 2

Coding ................................................................................................................................ 2

Channel Selection ........................................................................................................................... 2

Forward Error Correction ............................................................................................................... 2

E1 Interfaces ................................................................................................................................... 3

Tracer System Configuration.......................................................................................................... 3

Baseband Processor or BBP ............................................................................................... 3

VT100 RS-232 Interface .................................................................................................... 4

Alarm Contacts ................................................................................................................... 5

IF Signal ............................................................................................................................. 5

Power .................................................................................................................................. 5

Controls and Indicators....................................................................................................... 5

Non-volatile Memory ......................................................................................................... 7

Built-In Tests ...................................................................................................................... 8

Radio Frequency Converter or RFC ................................................................................... 8

Antenna Selection ............................................................................................................. 10

Section 2. Installation

Unpack, Inspect ............................................................................................................................ 11

Rackmounted RFC Configuration .................................................................................... 11

Mastmounted RFC Configuration .................................................................................... 11

Installation .................................................................................................................................... 11

Location and Mounting .................................................................................................... 11

Power Requirements ......................................................................................................... 11

Grounding ......................................................................................................................... 12

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E1 Interfaces ..................................................................................................................... 13

Link Planning ............................................................................................................................... 14

Antenna Feedline Loss ..................................................................................................... 15

Antenna Gain ....................................................................................................................15

Path Loss .......................................................................................................................... 16

Path Availability ...............................................................................................................16

Setting the Transmitter Power ...................................................................................................... 17

2.4 GHz, 1 Watt Transmitter Option ............................................................................................ 17

Setting the RFC Frequency Plan on Non 1 Watt 2.4 GHz Models .............................................. 18

Setting the RFC Frequency Plan on 5.8 GHz Models .................................................................. 20

Directions for Changing the Frequency Plan on the Rackmount RFC............................. 20

Directions for Changing the Frequency Plan on the Mastmount RFC ............................. 20

Connecting the BBP and the RFC ................................................................................................ 21

Applying Power ............................................................................................................................ 21

Automatic BBP Frequency Plan ................................................................................................... 21

Spreading Code ............................................................................................................................ 21

Co-Locating Multiple Systems ..................................................................................................... 22

Antenna Alignment ...................................................................................................................... 22

RF Low .................................................................................................................................... 22

Remote BERT .............................................................................................................................. 23

Alarm Contacts ............................................................................................................................. 23

Section 3. Operation

VT100 User Interface ................................................................................................................... 25

RS-232 Interface ........................................................................................................................... 25

Cable Connections ........................................................................................................................ 25

Password .................................................................................................................................... 25

Main Menu Selections .................................................................................................................. 26

System Status Screen .................................................................................................. 26

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Main Menu Screen...................................................................................................... 27

E1 Status / Configuration / Loopback Screen ............................................................ 28

Link Performance History .......................................................................................... 29

E1A Statistics Page..................................................................................................... 30

E1B Statistics Page ..................................................................................................... 30

Section 4. Troubleshooting

General .................................................................................................................................... 31

Problem Descriptions and Recommended Actions ...................................................................... 31

Troubleshooting Using the Front Panel Indicators ....................................................................... 31

“Link Down” Light is Lit ............................................................................................ 31

CV/CRC Light On E1A or E1B is Lit – when CRC is enabled ................................. 32

“LBK-A” or “LBK-B” is Lit ...................................................................................... 33

“LOS/OOF Light on E1A or E1B is Lit ..................................................................... 33

ALM is Lit .................................................................................................................. 34

No “Power” Light ....................................................................................................... 34

“Test” Light is Lit or Blinking ................................................................................... 35

“TST” Light is Lit after Pressing “Remote Test” Button ........................................... 35

“Fail” Light is Lit after Pressing “Remote Test” Button ............................................ 36

“RF Low” Light is On ................................................................................................ 36

Troubleshooting Using the VT100 User Interface ....................................................................... 37

LOS Alarm ................................................................................................................. 37

CV Alarm ................................................................................................................... 37

OOF Alarm ................................................................................................................. 38

CRC Alarm ................................................................................................................. 38

RMT Alarm ................................................................................................................ 38

UA1 Alarm ................................................................................................................. 39

Code Sync Status ........................................................................................................ 40

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Carrier Sync Status or E1 Mux Sync Status ............................................................... 41

RFC Link Up Status ................................................................................................... 42

ES Values in E1A or E1B Performance History Menu .............................................. 42

SES Values in E1A or E1B Performance History Menu............................................ 43

Section 5. Specifications

Transmitter ................................................................................................................. 45

Receiver ...................................................................................................................... 45

Frequency Plans.......................................................................................................... 45

Spread Spectrum Data Pump ...................................................................................... 45

Interface Specifications .............................................................................................. 45

User Interface ............................................................................................................. 45

VT100 Terminal Interface .......................................................................................... 46

Mechanical & Environmental ..................................................................................... 46

Power .......................................................................................................................... 46

Section 6. Warranty, Ordering and Return Information

Warranty .................................................................................................................................... 47

Sales .............................................................................................................................................. 47

Repairs and Returns ...................................................................................................................... 47

Technical Support ......................................................................................................................... 47

Glossary

Acronyms Used in This Manual ................................................................................................... 49

Appendix A.

Cable Connections ...................................................................................................................... A-1

Terminal Connection (DB-25).................................................................................................... A-1

Personal Computer Connection (DB-9) ..................................................................................... A-1

Modem Connection (DB-25) ...................................................................................................... A-1

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Illustrations

Figure 1-1. Typical Application..................................................................................................1

Figure 1-2. Bandwidth Division ................................................................................................. 2

Figure 1-3. BBP .......................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 1-4. BBP Rear Panel ........................................................................................................ 3

Figure 1-5. BBP Block Diagram................................................................................................. 4

Figure 1-6. BBP Front Panel (with door closed) ........................................................................ 6

Figure 1-7. BBP Front Panel (with door open) ........................................................................... 6

Figure 1-8. RFC Function Block Diagram ................................................................................. 8

Figure 1-9. RFC Module ............................................................................................................. 8

Figure 1-10. Front and Rear of Rackmount RFC Housing ........................................................... 9

Figure 1-11. Mastmount RFC Housing ...................................................................................... 10

Figure 2-1. E1 Loopback Locations ......................................................................................... 14

Figure 2-2. 2.4 GHz Diplexer ................................................................................................... 18

Figure 2-3. 5.8 GHz Diplexer ................................................................................................... 20

Figure 3-1. System Status Screen ............................................................................................. 26

Figure 3-2. Main Menu Screen ................................................................................................. 27

Figure 3-3. System Configuration Menu Screen ...................................................................... 27

Figure 3-4. E1A Status Screen .................................................................................................. 28

Figure 3-5. E1B Status Screen .................................................................................................. 28

Figure 3-6. Link Performance History Screen .......................................................................... 29

Figure 3-7. E1A Statistics Screen ............................................................................................. 30

Figure 3-8. E1B Statistics Screen ............................................................................................. 30

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SECTION 1 TRACER DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

The Dual E1 version of TRACER provides two, individual E1 transports via a 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz,
direct sequence, spread spectrum microwave link. The transmitter output power is 20 dBm maximum
while the receiver sensitivity is -89 dBm @ 2.4 GHz and -87 dBm @ 5.8 GHz. System performance is
determined, in part, by the engineering of the microwave link. Each TRACER radio is comprised of two
components – the baseband processor and the radio frequency converter (RFC). The E1 interfaces
(G.703, G.704 compliant) are provided on the back of the baseband processor, which is mountable in a
515 mm rack. The radio frequency converter is rackmountable adjacent to the baseband processor or
mastmountable in a weatherproof enclosure, located up to 110 meters apart, using RG-8 style coax. A
single coaxial cable connects the baseband processor (via a Type N connector) to the RFC and another
coaxial cable connects the RFC to the antenna (via a Type N connector).

Applications

Any application that would typically use metallic E1 as a transport can use the TRACER instead. Figure
1-1 illustrates a typical application.

Rackmount RFC

VT-100

RS-232

Terminal

E1, Mastmounted RFC

TRACER Baseband

Processor

E1

E1

E1 Equipment

Antenna

RF Cable

IF Cable

Antenna

RF Cable

TRACER Baseband
Processor

E1

E1

E1 Equipment

E1, Rackmounted RFC

Rackmount RFC

Figure 1-1. Typical Application

In addition to telephony applications, TRACER can be used in data communications such as inter­networking, video conferencing, and telemetry.

Spread Spectrum

Spread spectrum is a form of communication in which the bandwidth of a message signal is intentionally
increased or “spread.” There are two methods of spreading -- frequency hopping and direct sequence.
TRACER employs direct sequence spread spectrum.

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Section 1 TRACER Description

Direct Sequence

A direct sequence transmitter spreads the signal by mixing the data with the output of a pseudorandom
number generator which changes state at a rate higher than the data rate. This rate is called the
“chipping” rate. The TRACER chipping rate is twelve times the data rate.

Coding

Many different pseudorandom sequences exist. The sequences are called pseudorandom because,
although they appear noise-like, they are determinant and repeat after a specific number of chips. The
longer a code is, the better correlation characteristics it possesses. These traits allow multiple spread
spectrum systems to operate in the presence of one another with minimal interference if they are
operating with different sequences. The TRACER allows the selection of one of ten different 120-bit
long sequences.

Channel Selection

The FCC has allocated 83.5 MHz of spectrum in the 2.4 GHz band and 125 MHz in the 5.8 GHz band in
which TRACER operates. A TRACER system fully uses the available bandwidth – transmitting in one
half and receiving in the other. Figure 1-2 illustrates the bandwidth division.

2400 MHz

5725 MHz

Figure 1-2. Bandwidth Division

2441 MHz

or

5787 MHz

2483.5 MHz

5850 MHz

The transmitter at one end of a link (TxA) will transmit in the lower half of the spectrum. Consequently,
the receiver at the other end will receive in the lower half of the band and transmit in the upper half.
Thus, a system will operate in one of two frequency plans -- transmit in the upper and receive in the
lower or vice versa. These two plans are called Plan A and Plan B. One end of a path will be on Plan A
and the other will be on Plan B. Shipment of a link will consist of an A and a B unless specified
otherwise.

Forward Error Correction

With the addition of overhead data, error detection and correction capability can be added to a data
stream. Error correction can be accomplished by allowing the receiver to request to retransmit of the
erred block once detected. The TRACER, on the other hand, implements forward error correction (FEC)
which adds enough overhead data for the receiver to detect and correct errors in the data stream. This
capability comes at the cost of bandwidth. The addition of FEC decreases the required signal-to-noise
(S/N) ratio by approximately 5.5 dB to achieve a given bit error rate (BER).

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Section 1 TRACER Description

E1 Interfaces

The E1 interfaces conform to the ITU G.703 and G.704 electrical and signaling interface
recommendations. Two interfacing configurations are allowed - two pair of BNC coaxial connectors or
two 15-pin sub-D connectors and RJ48 connectors.

The coaxial connection provides a 75Ω unbalanced connection. The shield of the TX coaxial connection
is attached to earth ground. A strap is provided to optionally connect the shield of the RX coaxial
connection to ground as described in G.703. The 15 pin sub-D and RJ48 connection provides a 120Ω
balanced connection.

TRACER System Configuration

A TRACER system is composed of three major subsystems -- a baseband processor, a radio frequency
converter, and an antenna. The following section describes the system components.

Baseband Processor or BBP

The baseband processor or BBP is a 1-U, 515 mm (19-inch) rackmountable unit. This unit provides the
system electrical interfaces, user controls and indicators, and performs the spread spectrum processing
for the system. The rear panel provides all of the electrical interface points -- E1 interfaces, VT100
compatible terminal, alarm contacts, IF signal, and DC power (from facility or optional AC adapter).

The BBP front and rear panels are illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 1-4.

E1A

TEST

POWER

Figure 1-3. BBP

E1B

G.703

75 OHM

RS232

RXTX

E1A

75 OHM

RXTX

IF MAJ

Figure 1-4. BBP Rear Panel (75Ω Option)

ALM

LBK

CV/CRC

LOS/OOF

NO COM NC NO COM NC

E1B

ALM

LBK

CV/CRC

LOS/OOF

MIN DC POWER

PLAN A

PLAN B

FREQ

SYSTEM

RF LOW

LINK DOWN

TRACER

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Section 1 TRACER Description

A block diagram of the BBP is shown in Figure 1-5.

T

R

A

-2

2

3

S

R

A

1

E

B

1

E

U

1

E

1

E

C

µ

ta

a

D

M

ltip

u

le

r

e

x

a

b

se

a

B

P

S

P

ro

d

n

r B

o

ss

ce

rb

ite

V

d

co

n

E

d

co

e

D

rd

a

o

i

r/

e

r

e

D

re

d

p

a

S

m

ctru

e

p

S

ta

a

D

m

u

p

P

H

B

z

H

1

M

0

4

z

rd

a

o

Σ

0

9

0

9

r

In

F

c =

F

7

M

0

ce

te

rfa

ilte

IF

F

IF

-5

1

6

2

C

D

V

c =

Figure 1-5. BBP Block Diagram

VT100 RS-232 Interface

An RS-232 interface is provided via a 25-pin D connector for attaching a VT100 compatible terminal.
The active signals used on this interface are listed below

Signal Name Pin Number Source

Transmit Data .......... 2 ............. Terminal/Modem

Receive Data ............3 ............. TRACER

Request to Send ....... 4 ............. Terminal/Modem

Clear to Send ............ 5 ............. TRACER

Data Set Ready ........ 6 ............. TRACER

Signal Ground .......... 7

The management system allows the E1 interfaces to be provisioned. The line code can be selected as
AMI or HDB3. The signaling can be selected as channel associated signaling (CAS) or common channel
signaling (CCS). Alarm conditions can also be monitored. The management system will report the
following alarms on the E1 interfaces:

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Section 1 TRACER Description

• Loss of signal

• Code violation

• CRC error

• Framing error

• Remote alarm

• UA1

A seven-day error history of the E1 interfaces and radio link is also provided. Fifteen-minute histories
are provided for the most recent 24 hours of operation.

The status of the microwave link can also be monitored from the management system. The transmitter
power setting as well as an indication of the received microwave signal level are provided.

Alarm Contacts

Two classes of alarm, MAJOR and MINOR, are provided. A MAJOR alarm is signaled if, for any
reason, the microwave path is not operational. A MINOR alarm is signaled when the data path is
operating, but impaired. A minor alarm will be activated when an alarm is sensed on the E1 interfaces or
when the received RF signal level falls below approximately -80 dBm. Both normally-open and
normally-closed contacts are provided for each alarm class. Access is provided by a six-position terminal
strip on the back of the baseband processor.

IF Signal

The Type N Connector provides the interface point between the baseband processor and the radio
frequency converter (RFC). This connection provides the signal, power, and configuration information to
the RFC. A coaxial cable (ADTRAN part number 3125RF027 is provided for connecting the BBP to the
RFC for the rackmount model. Cable for connecting the BBP to a mastmount RFC must be provided by
the customer after the length of the cable has been determined.

Power

The unit receives power via one of two connectors. Power for the entire system is provided by these
interfaces. The 3 pin circular DIN connector is provided to connect an ADTRAN supplied desktop AC
adapter providing 48 volts DC. The three-pin terminal block allows the connection of any DC power
source providing between 21 and 60 volts DC. The power consumption of the entire system is
approximately 30 watts.

Controls and Indicators

The system may be configured via the front panel, which is accessible behind a drop-down panel on the
right half of the BBP. The front panel is illustrated in Figures 1-6 and 1-7.

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Section 1 TRACER Description

E1A

TEST

POWER

TEST

RESET

PWR

ALM

LBK

CV/CRC

LOS/OOF

Figure 1-6. BBP Front Panel with Door Closed

1234

ALM

LBK

LOS

CV

OOF

CRC

E1A E1B

HDB3 HDB3

CAS

CCS

AMI AMI

CAS

CCS

TRACER

E1B

ALM

LBK

CV/CRC

LOS/OOF

3

2

4

1

5

0

6

9

7

8

ALM

LBK

LBKB

LOS

CV

OOF

CRC

CODE

TX PWR

GND

UP

DOWN

CLKLQ

PLAN A

PLAN B

RSSIRF+5-5+12

PWR

FREQ

ABTST

-12

PLAN REMOTE ERROR

RF LOW

LINK DOWN

TESTLBKA

FAIL

SYSTEM

RF LOW

LINK

Figure 1-7. BBP Front Panel with Door Open

As a rule, a green LED indicates a normal situation, a red LED indicates an error situation, and a yellow
LED indicates a configuration option. LEDs indicating overall system integrity are listed below.

Self Test .................................... Blinking red if the self-test has completed and failed; Solid red if

self-test is in progress or did not complete

Power ........................................ Green if DC voltage is applied

The LEDs associated with the E1 interfaces are listed below.

CV/CRC .................................... Red if the incoming E1 stream contains code violations, or a CRC

error

LOS/OOF .................................. Red if there is no signal present at the E1 interfaces or if framing

synchronization is lost

Loopback................................... Solid yellow if the E1 interfaces are in local line loopback. Blinking

yellow if the E1 interfaces are in link loopback.

ALM .......................................... Solid red if a UA1 is detected at the incoming E1, blinking red if a

remote alarm signal is found

The functions of the LEDs which relate system configuration information are listed below.

Frequency Plan A...................... Yellow if frequency plan A is selected

Frequency Plan B ...................... Yellow if frequency plan B is selected

Remote Test Active .................. Yellow if the remote test is active

Remote Test Fail ....................... Red if the remote test failed

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Section 1 TRACER Description

The LEDs that indicate error conditions in the spread spectrum data pump and RFC are listed below.
All of these LEDs are visible through the front panel. Any one of these LEDs indicates an error condition
that precludes system operation.

Link Down .............. Red if the RF link is not operational.

E1 interfaces will transmit UA1 on the affected E1 to indicate an error.

RF Low ................... Red if the received RF carrier level is below -80 dBm.

The controls available from the control panel are listed below.

Name Function

Reset ........................ Reset the system

LBK......................... Toggles E1 between normal and local line loopback modes

CAS ......................... Selects Channel Associated Signaling

CCS ......................... Selects Common Channel Signaling

HDB3 ...................... Selects HDB3 Line Coding

AMI ......................... Selects AMI Line Coding

Remote Test ............ Initiate a remote test across the RF link

TX Power ................ Adjusts transmit power level up and down

The monitor points provided on the front panel of the system are described below.

RSSI ........................ DC voltage indicating strength of the received signal at the antenna

GND ........................ System ground

NOTE

The voltage level present at the RSSI test point represents a relative signal level of receive strength
from the far end. No direct correlation can be made between RSSI voltage level and actual receive
level in dBm. This test point is provided to assess relative signal level for alignment of antennae.

Non-volatile Memory

The TRACER system contains non-volatile memory to retain certain configuration settings. These
settings include:

Frequency plan Chipping code (if set from VT100)
Password Password enabling
Site name E1 line coding (if set from VT100)
E1 framing (if set from VT100)

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Section 1 TRACER Description

Built-In Tests

The TRACER has several features to aid in site setup and later debugging. These diagnostics include E1
loopbacks and a link test with BERT (Bit Error Rate Test) data. A link test is performed by pressing the
test button. The remote unit will then send a pseudorandom data pattern, and the local end will compute a
BER. After the conclusion of the test, the remote end will automatically be instructed to terminate the
pattern generation. If any bit errors are introduced, the Remote Test Fail LED will illuminate.

Radio Frequency Converter or RFC

The radio frequency converter (RFC) provides the radio frequency (RF) interface between the baseband
processor and the antenna. The RFC is partitioned, functionally, into two major components - the
transmitter and the receiver. Figure 1-8 is a block diagram of the RFC. The major connections
illustrated are transmit signal, receive signal, and the IF signal connection.

RX

TX

2018 5344

or

2058 5324

PA

SAW

2321 5607

or

2281 5687

333

LPF

Splitter

AGC

IF

Splitter

AGC

Figure 1-8. RFC Block Diagram

The RFC unit is enclosed in a metal enclosure approximately 26.7cm x 14cm x 2.5cm and is mounted in
a 515 mm rackmountable housing or mastmountable, weatherproof enclosure. The RFC is illustrated in
Figure 1-9.

RSSI GND TX PWR

RX

IF

TX

Figure 1-9. RFC Module

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Section 1 TRACER Description

Three SMA connectors, located on the RFC module, provide RF and IF connection points. A test point is
provided for monitoring the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The voltage (relative to the GND
test point) present on this test point represents the level of the received signal. This signal is used to align
the antenna when installing the system and to verify the link is performing as designed.

NOTE

The voltage level present at the RSSI test point represents a relative signal level of receive strength
from the far end. No direct correlation can be made between RSSI voltage level and actual receive
level in dBm. This test point is provided to assess relative signal level for alignment of antennae.

The only connections that must be made in the field are a coax connection between the baseband
processor and the RFC and a coax connection between the RFC and the antenna. These connections
require male, type N coax connectors.

The IF connector provides the connection between the baseband processor and the rackmounted or
mastmounted RFC. An 8” IF cable (ADTRAN P/N 3125RF027) is provided for rackmount systems.
The TO ANTENNA connection provides the connection between the RFC and the antenna.

CAUTION

When connecting an RF converter (RFC) to a Baseband Processor (BBP), verify that the connector
labeled “IF” on the rear panel of the Baseband Processor is connected via coax to the connector
labeled “IF” on the RF converter. Connecting the Baseband Processor to the incorrect connector on
the RF converter will cause the internal 1 amp 250 V fuse to blow in the Baseband Processor. This
fuse is accessed by removing the top of the Baseband Processor, and is located on the left side of the
chassis when facing the front panel.

The RFC module is enclosed in either an ETSI-compliant rackmount housing or a weather-tight
enclosure suitable for mastmounting near the antenna for enhanced system performance. The RFC
mastmount and rackmount housings are illustrated in Figures 1-10 and 1-11.

TRACER

IF ANTENNA

Figure 1-10. Front and Rear of Rackmount RFC Housing

TRACER 2 X E1 User’s Manual

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