Atec DSAM-2500 User Manual

Digital Service Activation Meter

Acterna DSAM-2500

The Acterna DSAM-2500 (Digital
Service Activation Meter) is a light­weight, durable, handheld meter for
DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS cable modem
installation. The meter enables
installation technicians to install and
service high-speed data and video
services while onsite. It features an
intuitive graphical interface complete
with an informative online help system.

Exclusive DSP, DOCSIS and analog tech­nology provides great future flexibility.

Upgrading the meter can be as simple
as downloading a file from the Web
and installing it onto the device using
optional DSAM-PCsoftware. Addition­ally, cable operatorscan expand the
meter’s capabilities to meet the needs
of new technologies as they are added
to the network.

Highlights

– DOCSIS ver. 1.0 and 1.1 compatible
– Ranging and registration confirm

physical and network connectivity

– Quick QAM summary of digital

carrier performance (MER/EVM
and pre/post FEC BER)

– Install autotests allow preconfig-

ured automated tests for digital,
analog and DOCSIS channels

– Weather and shockresistant

enclosure; weighs less than 3 lb
(1.4 kg)

– 4 to 1000 MHz range analog

Signal Level Meter, 8 MHz and
6 MHz models

DOCSIS/EuroDOCSISinstall
capabilitiesinclude:
– In-service ranging with network CMTS

to prove physical upstream path

– Transmit margin displayed and

compared with limits for easy
Pass/Fail results

– Downstream QAM measurements

(average power level, MER/EVM,
and pre- and post-FEC BER tested
against limits)

– Multiple DOCSIS carriers handled

in a single autotest selection

– Configuration settings that allow

test flexibility based on network
deployment procedures:

“Range” stops at physical layer
verification results
“Range+Register” also returns IP
addresses for cable modem and
network servers

DSAM ranging capability uses the
DOCSIS transmission paths, down­stream and upstream, to verify
performance from the install location.
Test results are compared against
limits set by network engineering.

DSAM registration capabilityfully
connects the DSAM internal cable
modem to the DOCSIS network.
Results display shows assigned IP
and network IP addresses as well as
any error messages encountered.

These tests assure network connec­tivity and sufficient physical layer
margins for reliable performance
even after the installer leaves the job,
thus resulting in fewer callbacks and
happier customers.

Digital Service Activation Meter (DSAM)
is a lightweight, durable, handheld
meter that includes extensive analog
and digital capabilities

SLM (signal level meter)
capabilities include:

– Ingress spectrum scan with zoom

for analyzing local upstream ingress

– Up to 12-channel miniscan that

can contain mix ofanalog and
digital channels

– Extensive channel plan flexibilityto

cover analog, digital and DOCSIS
channel parameters all in one plan

– Multiple video standards include

NTSC, PAL, SECAM – including
scrambled formats

– Multiple channel types include

single and dual audio, CW, QAM,
QPSK and others

Additional configurable parameters
include QAM standard (selectable,
ITU J.83 annex A, B or C), symbol rates,
inverted spectrum, signal bandwidths
and audio offset. These provide a high
degree of flexibility on hybrid systems
that mix modulation technologies and
video standards.

2

DSAM-2500

Physical path

verification

M

Registration and

other network

communications

C

LAN/WAN

T

S

The results focused meter

Simplified installation

DOCSIS cable modem installation is
simplified for even the novice installer.
Not just one, but multiple downstream
DOCSIS carriers can be tested in a
single, automated cable modem test.
Immediate Pass/Fail message is dis­played. Details of failed parameter(s)
are noted in the autotest results.

Fast ingress identification

Checking the install for ingress is easy
with a before and after approach that
uses the DSAM upstream spectrum
display. Unwanted carrierscan be
quickly located and measured (center
frequency, level and graphicalview).
Interference from intermittent sources
can be captured with the peakhold
feature. For the greatest amount of
detail a 10 MHz zoom can be used at
the marker position.

The cable modem autotest function provides an
immediate Pass/Fail message

The DSAM upstream spectrum displaymakes
identifying ingress quick and easy

3

The DSAM 2500 shown here with and without
the optional protective sleeve

Digital carriers integrated with
analog carriers

All channel types, including digital
QAM carriers, are included in the
same integrated channel plan.
Users simply enter in the channel
number (or frequency), or scroll
through the channels with the arrow
keys, to access the channel of interest.
The appropriate measurement
capability is automaticallyaccessed
with the results displayed in the
correct display format.

Optimized performance for all users

The meter’s file management system
is designed for sophisticated operators
that employ proactive work force
management processes and smaller
organizations that require fundamen­tal on-board file management. Meter
files can be saved into individual
folders that are user-labeled. Possible
folder labels include: work order, test
point, or whatever else the userwishes.
Icons help the user quickly identify
the file type within the folder and its
synchronization status.

Rapid synchronization

Exchanging files with a PCis as simple
as synchronizing a PDA with a desktop
computer with the optional DSAM-PC
utility software. An administrator can
easily set up a procedure where the
individual meters are just plugged into
the PC via RS232 or Ethernet. Ethernet
connectionscan be conducted remotely
on the same local area network.

Swift settings reproduction

Meter settings may be exchanged
directly with another meter through
the cloning capability. All settings,
or selected groups of configuration
settings, may be selected for transfer.

With limits “on”, key digital and analog channels
are quickly checked in miniscan view

Single channel level view displays all modulation
types in a common format for all users

Synchronizing the meter with the optional
DSAM PC software is an easy operation
understood by all users

The cloning function allows specific configuration
groups to be exchanged with anothermeter

The DSAM’s file management system allowsusers
to save, label and organize information as needed

Comprehensive SLM capabilities

The DSAM’s SLM capabilities handle
all of the traditional needs ofthe cable
installer. The meter not only provides
a single-channel level display, it also
delivers a 12-channel miniscan
ensuring the fastest evaluation of
levels at an install. As with allmeasure­ments and autotests, limits can be
turned on to quickly indicate Pass or
Fail. Limits are preconfigured for four
test locations: tap, ground block,
TV and cable modem. These may be
configured and locked byinstall
management or network engineering
to ensure maximum test reliability
and consistency. Channel plans may
also be locked.

Channel plan integration of digital QAM channels
with analog channels provides a common, easily
understood, user interface for installers

4

Specifications (preliminary)

Frequency

Range 4 to 1,000 MHz
Accuracy ±10 ppm at 77°F (25°C)
Tuning resolution Analog 10 KHz

Digital 50 KHz

Channel bandwidth DSAM-2500A 8 MHz

DSAM-2500B 6 MHz

Level measurement, analog

Signal types CW, video and audio

(NTSC, PAL, and SECAM)

Range –40 to +60 dBmV

(1)

Resolution 0.1 dB
Resolution bandwidth 330 KHz
Accuracy

(2)

±1.5 dB typical @ 25°C

Level measurement, digital

Modulation types QPR, QPSK, QAM (DVB/ACTS)
Range –40 to +60 dBmV

(1)

Resolution 0.1 dB
Resolution bandwidth 330 kHz
Accuracy

(2)

±2.0 dB typical @ 25°C

Upstream spectrum (ingress scan)

Spans DSAM-2500A 4 to 65 MHz

DSAM-2500B 4 to 45 MHz
Sweep rate 1.8 seconds or faster
Display scaling and range

5 and 10 dB/division; 6 vertical divisions

Resolution bandwidth 330 kHz
Sensitivity –35 to 60 dBmV

(1)

DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS compatibility

Version DOCSIS 1.0 and 1.1
Upstream transmit range and diplexer crossover
(DOCSIS modes only)

DSAM-2500A 5 to 65 MHz 65/96MHz

(min. downstream DOCSIS

center freq. 100 MHz)

DSAM-2500B 5 to 42 MHz 42/88 MHz

(min. downstream DOCSIS

center freq. 91 MHz)

Upstream modulation QPSK and 16 QAM as

instructed by CMTS

Transmitter output At 25ºC, maximum 55 dBmV

with 16 QAM and 58 dBmV

with QPSK, (typical)

Downstream QAM demodulation

Modulation type 64 and 256 QAM, ITU-T J.83

Annex A, B or C (selectable)

Input range (lock range) –15 to +50 dBmV total

integrated power

(3)

from 55 to 1000 MHz

BER

(4)

Pre- and Post-FEC 10-4to 10

-9

MER

(4)

Range 64 QAM: 21 to 35 dB

Accuracy ±2 dB (typical)

Range 256 QAM: 28 to 35 dB

Accuracy ±2 dB (typical)

EVM

(4)

Range 64 QAM: 1.2% to 5.8%

Accuracy ±0.5% (1.2% to 2.0%)

±1.0% (2.1% to 4.0%)
±1.4% (4.1% to 5.8%)

Range 256 QAM: 1.1% to 2.4%

Accuracy ±0.6%

Symbol rate Annex A, 5.057 to

6.952 Msps for 64 and 256 QAM
Annex B, 5.057 Msps for

64 QAM and 5.361 Msps for 256 QAM

Annex C, 5.274 Msps for

64 QAM and 5.361 Msps for 256 QAM

Interfaces

RF 75 ohm, F81 or BNC option

Max. sustained voltage 100 VAC, 140 VDC

RS232 Standard via DB9 on charger

module or optional direct cable
Printer compatibility Epson and Citizen
Ethernet RJ45, 10 base T,

TCP/IP and UDP supported

USB v1.1 host mode, 150 mA

maximum slave (future firmware release)

Standards compliance

Shock and vibration IEC 60068
Drop IEC 61010
Handle stress IEC 61010
Water resistance MIL-STD-810E
Safety – emissions EN 55022
Safety – immunity EN 61000

General

Display 320 x 240, grayscale

selectable back light
Language support
(user interface and help system)

English in all models

No-charge second language

option of Spanish, French or German

Dimensions 4.75 x 9.75 x 2.75 in

(12 x 25 x 7 cm)
Weight 2 lb 12 oz (1.3 kg)
Storage and operating temperature range

0 to 120°F; –20 to +50°C

Power NiMH removable pack, standard

Li-Ion removable pack, optional

Battery life NiMH, 3 hours (typical)

Li-Ion, 4.5 hours (typical)

Charge time NiMH, 5 hours (typical)

Li-Ion, 6.5 hours (typical)

Power supply input 90-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz

(1)

Typical, detectable range

(2)

Accuracyfor levels between –20 to 60 dBmV
Additional uncertainty ±0.5 dB across –20°C to 50°C
Additional uncertainty ±1.0 dB from 4 MHzto 15 MHz

(3)

At 64 QAM

(4)

Accuracyand behavior from 100 MHz to 1000 MHz for
levels between –5 to 50 dBmV (typical)

figure 10 The DSAM meter and accessoriesshown
here within the optional transitsoft case

5

Acterna is the world’s largest provider
of test and management solutionsfor
optical transport, access and cable
networks, and the second largest
communications test companyoverall.
Focused entirely on providing equip­ment, software, systems and services,
Acterna helps customers develop,
install, manufacture and maintain
optical transport, access, cable,
data/IP and wireless networks.

Worldwide
Headquarters

20400 Observation Drive
Germantown, Maryland
20876-4023
USA

Acterna is present in more
than 80 countries. To find
your local sales office goto:

www.acterna.com

Regional Sales
Headquarters

North America

20400 Observation Drive
Germantown, Maryland
20876-4023
USA
Toll Free: +1 866 ACTERNA
Toll Free: [phone]
Tel: [phone]x2850
Fax:[phone]

Latin America

Av. Eng.Luis Carlos Berrini
936/8° e 9° andares
04571-000 São Paulo
SP-Brazil
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]

Asia Pacific

42 Clarendon Street
PO Box 141
South Melbourne
Victoria 3205
Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]

Western Europe

Arbachtalstrasse 6
72800 Eningen u.A.
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]

Eastern Europe,
Middle East & Africa

Elisabethstrasse 36
2500 Baden
Austria
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]

1st Neopalimovskiy Per.
15/7 (4th floor)
RF 119121 Moscow
Russia
Tel: [phone]
Fax:[phone]

© Copyright 2002
Acterna, LLC.
All rights reserved.

Acterna, The Keepers of
Communications, and
its logo are trademarks
of Acterna, LLC. All
other trademarks and
registered trademarks
arethe property of their
respective owners. Major
Acterna operations sites
are IS0 9001 registered.

Note: Specifications,
terms and conditions
are subject to change
without notice.

DSAM2500/DS/CAB/06-02/AE/ACT00383

Optional Part number Description
accessories and
replacement parts

DSAM-PC 1010-00-0610 PC based utility software for

file management, display and analysis,

meter configuration and

channel plan management.

RS232-STD-CBL 1019-00-1427 Standard RS232 cable, shielded,

M and F 9-pin D connectors, 10 ft

DSAM-RS232-CBL 1019-00-1429 DSAM RS232 cable, direct meter to

PC, 14-pin to 9-pin, 6 ft

MSCLI-CBC 1019-00-0557 12 Vdc in-vehicle cable to power

standard charger module

DSAM-SLEEVE 1019-00-1420 Protective sleeve to fit over

DSAM meter

DSAM-CASE 1019-00-1421 Transit soft case for DSAM meter

and accessories

ETRNT-CBL-KIT 1019-00-1423 Ethernet patch cable, and

crossover cable, RJ45 to RJ45, 5 ft

STD-CHGR 1019-00-1422 Standard charger module with

universal power supply
DSAM-NIMH-BATT 1019-00-1424 NiMH battery, 3 hrs (typical)
DSAM-LIION-BATT 1019-00-1425 Lithium ion

battery, 4.5 hrs (typical)

(not for extreme cold climates,

<0°F/–20°C)
DSAM-LENSKIT 1019-00-1426 Set of 5 replacement snap-in lenses
SKY-3 1019-00-1366 Strand hook

Acterna Basic Service packages

To ensure the highest levels ofsupport
for DSAM purchasers, Acterna offers the
Basic Service for instrument package.
Designed to provide the foundation
for maximizing the features and usage
of DSAM equipment, Acterna’s Basic
Service package offers the following

degrees of service and support
only Acterna can provide.
This includes:
– An extended warranty of up to

five years

– Annual calibration – fully traceable

to meet NIST standards

Ordering instructions

The DSAM-2500 models listed below include the following:
1 NiMH rechargeable battery
2 hand straps
1 shoulder strap
1 charger module
1 universal power supply
1 power cord
1 12 VDC in-vehicle power cable
5 replacement lenses
1 quick start manual

Models Part number Description

DSAM-2500A 1010-00-0531 Cable modem installation meter,

4 to 1000 MHz, 8 MHz channel spacing

DSAM-2500B 1010-00-0516 Cable modem installation meter,

4 to 1000 MHz, 6 MHz channel spacing

Options Part number Description

DSAM-LITH-OPT 1019-00-1456 Substitute extra long life lithium ion

battery, 4.5 hrs (typical)

DSAM-BNC-OPT 1019-00-1455 Substitute 75 ohm BNC connector

in place of F81
DSAM-FRN-OPT 1019-00-1457 Second language French
DSAM-GER-OPT 1019-00-1458 Second language German
DSAM-SPN-OPT 1019-00-1459 Second language Spanish

These core services provide the foun­dation for a longer product life, help
you realize greater meter functionality
and maximize your Acterna investment.

Ask your sales representative or call
the Acterna Customer Care Center for
more information.