In the world of high-growth subscriber
services, engineers and technicians
struggle with assignments as diverse
as tracking down and fixing ingress,
aligning optical nodes, and proofof-performance. With competitive
threats building, cable operators need
easy and cost-effective solutions for
efficient installation, qualification,
maintenance and troubleshooting
their HFC networks.
The Acterna SDA-5000 Series of
Stealth Digital Analyzers provides a
lightweight, weather resistant, rugged,
and affordable single instrument with
the versatility to test the latest digital
services as well as the ideal device
for maintaining the analog spectrum.
The SDA Series provides seamless
forward and return path testing as well
as advanced digital testing. A host of
invaluable extra options such as QAM
analysis and PathTrak Field View are
available, enabling the SDA Series
to be customized for both the cable
operator’s network technology level
and budget.
The SDA builds on Acterna market
leading RF sweep capabilities with
numerous new features that ensure
engineers can cope with the changing
demands of today’s network.
Backward compatibility with earlier
Acterna Stealth and StealthTrakSeries
products build on a company’s existing
investment. Automated testing, new
“Find and Fix” tools, and easy-to-use
graphical user interfaces ensure
training time is kept to a minimum.
In addition, users familiar with an
Acterna Stealth product can transfer
their existing expertise to other SDA
products without additional training.
Highlights
– Offers unmatched measurement
performance for digital video, data,
and traditional analog services in a
single instrument
– Increases the efficiency of
service calls and reduces
troubleshooting time
– Ensures HFC network integrity with
the Acterna non-interfering forward
and reverse sweep system compatible with today’s digital signals
– Enables easy preparation of
networks for interactive services
with a 5 to 1000-MHz, fast,
sensitive spectrum analyzer
– Delivers comprehensive testing of
forward and reverse digital services
including optional QAM analysis
– Ensures full in-service proof-of-
performance with automated tests
– Rugged, weather-resistant,
and lightweight
Stealth Digital Analyzer
Acterna SDA-5000 Series
Offers single-instrumenttesting
of all services
Acterna SDA Series testers are capable
of handling a broad spectrum of interactive testing needs including reverse
sweep, multiple-user reverse testing,
portable reverse testing, reverse path
noise testing, quality forward path
digital services with QAM View and
in-service cable modem analysis.
The SDA-5000 Series of Stealth Digital
Analyzers includes the SDA-5000,
SDA-5500, and SDA-5510, each of
which provides a single-instrument
“One Box” solution for engineers and
technicians. The main features include:
Analog testing
– Non-interfering forward RF sweep
– RF level, fast scan, tilt
– In-service carrier-to-noise, hum,
depth of modulation
– Fast spectrum display with CTB/CSO
– Automatic/24-hour testing
(FCC and CENELEC compliant)
Return path testing
– Non-interfering reverse RF sweep
– PathTrak Field View option
pinpoints return path noise
– Reverse Alignment mode
prepares network for cable
modem deployment
– Reverse noise feature shows
accumulated noise/ingress seen
at the headend
– Zero Span Spectrum mode
– DOCSIS/DAVIC compatible cable
modem analysis
Advanced digital testing
– Acterna digiCheck average power
– QAM View digital analysis with
modulation error ratio (MER),
pre/post FEC BER, constellation,
and exclusive noise/ingress under
the carrier measurement
2
Forward and reverse non-interfering Sweep enables
easy preparation of networksfor interactive services
SDA instruments provide a comprehensive set of measurement toolsthat will follow the expansion
of your cable network
Sweep is the right solution
The majority of all transmission errors
(including digital) are found by measuring the frequency response of the
network. Every physical error in the
network that influencesthe transmitted
signals will be revealed in the sweep
trace. This means the sweep results are
independent of transmission methods
and formats.
When maintaining and setting up the
HFC network, the goal is to transmit all
signals with the best noise specifications and the lowest intermodulation
distortion. Sweep provides the most
effective and efficient tool to show the
effects and compromises of setting up
the correct gain versus frequency.
Headend
HFC under development
Network
Combining
To
Headend Forward Sweep
Transmission (Multiuser)
SDA-5500 Sweep
Transceiver
Headend Reverse Sweep
Manager (Multiuser)
SDA-5510
Reverse
Applications
Reverse
Combiner
Reverse-Path
Optical Receiver
Sweep trace and reverse ingress sent out on
forward path telemetry to receivers
Field Portable Sweep
Transmitter
SDA-5000+OPT2
Reverse Optical Node
Alignment
SDA-5000+OPT1
Reverse sweep signal sent
to SDA-5500 or SDA-5510
Forward Sweep and
Reverse Sweep
SDA 5000+OPT1
Reverse path ingress
troubleshooting
SDA-5000
Normalized sweep
To ensure thatnetworkspecifications
are maintained, starting from the
headend to the subscriber, each
section of the network has itsown set
of specifications. A normalized sweep
divides the network into easily managed sections. Each of these network
sections can be designated to an
individual team or contractor and
tested to its own specifications and
quality standards.
The SDA Series uses a variation of
Acterna original market-leading Stealth
Sweep technology. Existing video
carriers (analog, digital, or scrambled)
are referenced when possible, eliminating any possibility of interference to
the subscriber services. Where carriers
are absent, the SDA-5500 transceiver
at the headend transmits a sweep to
fill vacant spectrum areas. To remove
effects of headend level drift, the
SDA-5500 transceiver monitors the
levels and transmits new reference
information with every sweep. This
means that if the signallevels are
changing in the headend, they willnot
affect the sweep response measurement. The SDA-5500 transceiver has
all of the measurement capabilityof
the SDA-5000 receiver enabling the
technician to check headend levels.
The SDA Series also offers significantly
faster forward sweep speed than earlier
instruments, especially in systems that
include many digital signals. Theycan
reference 64/256 QAM signal types,
removing the need to worry about
subscriber interference, or injecting
sweep carriers in the guard bands.
Reverse sweep
The SDA-5000 (with option 1 installed)
enables simple and practical testing
of the reverse pathfrequencyresponse,
regardless of the frequency (5 to
1000 MHz). It has a built-in reverse
sweep transmitter, which means
externally generated carriers are not
required. Furthermore, the SDA-5500
transmitter and field receivers have
frequency agile telemetry, enabling
them to communicate on both the
forward and reverse paths.
SDA Series instruments enable one
person to perform forward and reverse
path alignment simultaneously.
The operator simply indicates which
screen should be displayed – either
the response from the headend to the
testpoint, or the response from the
testpoint to the headend. A reverse
sweep can uncover mismatch problems, which reveal themselves as
standing waves, or diplex filter roll-offs
that can severely hamper the quality
of services in the reverse band.
3
Reverse ingress spectrum display Constellation display with MER and
pre/post FEC BER
Multiple-user reverse testing
For intense reverse testing requirements, the rack mounted model
SDA-5510 Headend Reverse Sweep
Manager handles the reverse sweep
job for up to 10 different technicians
on the same cluster of nodes. Using
the SDA-5510 in conjunction with the
model SDA-5500 transceiver provides
a full forward and reverse sweep
alignment solution. The SDA-5510
can also stand alone in remote hub
sites for dedicated reverse alignment
applications.
Seeing headend/hub site accumulated
ingress in the field
The reverse noise feature of the
SDA-5000 enables easy reverse path
noise testing. The operator simply
presses the “noise” softkey while
reverse sweeping, and the display
changes to a noise/ingress response
indicating the noise level over
the entire reverse path spectrum
measured at the headend or hub site.
All SDA transmitters provide feedback
to the field regarding the current
condition of noise and ingress in the
headend, even when noise or ingress
is swamping the telemetry (Broadcast
mode). A picture of the headend noise/
ingress is sent out to the SDA receiver
via a special forward telemetry carrier.
Reverse Alignment mode preparesnetwork for
cable modem deployment
4
QAM View ensures quality forward
path digital services
For measurement and analysis of
digital TVand forward modem signals,
the new digital QAM View option
provides a full complement ofdigital
quality measurements. Included is a
64/256 QAM constellation display
with zoom, average digital power
level, bit error rate (BER), 21 to 35-dB
modulation error ratio (MER), and a
noise margin “cliff effect” parameter.
An equalizer display shows equalizer
stress and distance to fault.
In addition, an exclusive Noise mode
enables technicians to see ingress/
noise under an active digital carrier.
This tool is invaluable for detecting
forward path ingress otherwise hidden
by conventional spectrum views.
One button, in-service C/N measurementson
TDMA return path cable modem signals (DOCSIS,
EuroDOCSIS, EuroModem)
Zero span/time domain expert mode, showing the
TDMA bursty return path cable modem powerramp
of 3.5 ms
In-service cable modem analyzer
For bursty digital signals such as TDMA
technologies used on cable modems
for reverse services, the SDA-5000
offers two measurement choices.
The first, a one-button cable modem
analyzer test, shows carrier-to-noise
measurements quickly. The second,
an advanced zero span feature, uses
a time domain display to allow power
measurements while the modem is in
service. Both modes are compatible
with DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS, CBR/
switched circuit telephony, and
proprietary cable modem standards.
Detecting ingress in the field
When detecting ingress in the field,
first the operator looks at the ingress
present at the field testpoint using
the spectrum display on any of the
receivers and then switches to reverse
ingress/noise to see the ingress at the
headend for comparison. Thistimesaving procedure helps in locating
sources of ingress. An adjustable dwell
time ensures that even intermittent
ingress is detected. The preamp and
lowpass filter also assures that even
low-level ingress is seen. The preamp
and lowpass filter on the SDA-5000
assures that ingress can be measured
on devices with bidirectional testpoints
or testpoint values of 30 dB or more.
PathTrakField View option
When a network is equipped with the
Acterna PathTrakPerformance Monitoring System, system technicians can
benefit from the ultimate tool to combat ingress – the PathTrak Field View
option for the SDA-5000. With Field
View, the SDA-5000 receives a return
path headend spectrum broadcast
from the PathTrakunit and compares it
with a return path spectrum at any field
testpoint. The side-by-side spectrum
comparison instantly reveals to the
technician whether the ingress source
is originating at the technician’scurrent testpoint or at a different location.
The comparative spectrum technique
reduces noise/ingress troubleshooting
time dramatically, since the technician
can immediately verify whether corrective action performed in the field (local
trace) results in improvement in the
headend spectrum (remote trace).
Comprehensive testing
The SDA Series provides an extensive
set ofsignalanalysisfeaturesdesigned
for proving and improving network
quality. Its key capabilities include
level measurement, analog and
digital signal limits, tilt measurement,
scan measurement, in-service
carrier-to-noise measurement, hum
measurement, modulation measurement, and local amplifier alignment
with loopback tests.
In-service ingress spectrum showing CTB/CSOintermodulation problems due to analog-TV
channels
5
Time domain view of ingress in the Zero Span
mode captures elusive ingress
PathTrakField View option compares headend
node spectrum with field testpoint spectrum
Graphical reverse testpointcompensation
Level measurement
The SDA instruments have a comprehensive single-channel level display
with tuned channel, video frequency
and level, audio frequency and level,
and the difference between video and
audio carrier levels.
Making accurate digital average power
measurements is addressed with the
digiCheck measurement function. The
digiCheck feature is compatible with
most non-bursty digital modulations in
use today (that is, 16, 32, 64, 128, and
256 QAM, QPR,QPSK,VSB, and CAP16 ).
Analog and digital signal limits
Analog signal threshold limits have
always been a technician’s favorite
feature of Acterna instruments.
Automatic limit checks provide a quick
GO/NO-GO status for audio and video
levels. The SDA Series extends this
capability with a dedicated digital limit
set that can be applied exclusively to
the forward digital carriers defined in
a channel plan. By assigning separate
analog and digital limits, test time is
reduced, since no calculation is necessary to determine if analog and digital
level relationships are within system
specifications. Analog and digital limit
capability is available in both the Scan
and Autotest modes.
Carrier-to-noise measurement:
in-service
Carrier-to-noise measurements(on a
non-scrambled channel) is just as easy
with the SDA Series and there is no
need to remove modulation from the
video carrier. No tunable preselector
filter is needed.
Hum measurement: in-service
Measuring hum on a channel (nonscrambled) is as simple as pressing the
“HUM” key with the versatile Acterna
SDA Series. Since the instrument is
battery powered, the measurement is
independent of ground loops and is,
therefore, isolated from the line
(mains). Hum is revealed as either
single (60 Hz) or double (120 Hz)
horizontal bars across the video screen.
Modulation measurement
SDA Series modulation measurements
include NTSC, PAL,andSECAM formats.
Demodulation of the audio is done for
both AM and FM. FM is used to hear
audio distortion on the FM radio channels or the sound of the TVprogram.
AM is used to recognize short-wave
interference signals in the reverse band.
Tilt measurement
Tilt is the easiest and most efficient
tool for balancing amplifiers. For cable
plants requiring multiple tilt measurements, such as comparing today’s tilt
measurement with a historical record
and then making an additional measurement for a new wider channel plan,
the technician simply uses markers to
indicate the tilt channels thatdefine
the new limits with the SDA Series.
Intermodulation distortion
Intermodulation distortion (CSO/CTB)
can be automatically measured using
the CTB/CSO mode from the spectrum
analyzer. CTB/CSO distortions produced
by intermodulation of analog TV carriers
can degrade the signal quality ofQAM
modulated signals used by digital
video and cable modems.
Scan measurement
The SDA Series Scan mode provides
a quick graphical view of the entire
channel plan with bars representing
the video level for each channel. Both
video and audio may be displayed.
Field usageiscovered bythe SDA-5000.
The SDA-5000 can be tailored with
various options to meet the most
demanding forward and reverse
sweep needs.
Headend/hub usage is covered by
the SDA-5500 and SDA-5510. The
SDA-5500 provides forward sweep and
single-user reverse sweep while the
SDA-5510 provide multi-user reverse
sweep. Full forward and reverse sweep
alignment can be achieved by using
the SDA-5510 in conjunction with
the model SDA-5500 transceiver.
The SDA-5510 can also be used alone
in remote hub sites for dedicated
reverse alignment applications.
For networks that do not provide a
practical location to installa rack
mounted SDA-5510, (that is, systems
where reverse traffic is received by
an ATM/SONET/SDH networkrather
than returning to the headend) the
SDA-5000 with option 6 provides all
the functionality of the SDA-5510,
(Note: forward sweep capability is not
included with SDA-5000 with option 6).
6
Local amplifier alignment
w/loopbacktests
The SDA Series’ loopback tests enable
the technician to perform frequency
response measurements of active or
passive field devices. Either a CW or
sweep signal may be generated from
the SDA instrument and injected to the
input of a device under test. The DUT
output can then be measured by the
SDA, providing valuable information
such as gain, loss, roll-off, or frequency
response. The CW loopback test
is available on the SDA-5000 with
option 1.The CW loopback and sweep
loopback featuresare available on
the SDA-5000 with option 2.
Provides the right solution for varying
network needs
The SDA Series includes three models
with multiple extra options ensuring
that all testing needs, from portable
in-the-field hubtestingtorack-mounted,
headend or hub requirements are
catered to. The three models are also
designed to interoperate with earlier
Acterna Stealth models.
Stealth Sweep compatibility
The SDA Series is completely sweep
compatible with Stealth 3SR, 3ST,
3HRV, and StealthTrakSSA-1000 Series
instruments. The only requirement is
that Firmware version 9.3 is installed
in Stealth instruments, and Firmware
version 2.0 installed in StealthTrak
SSA-1000 instruments. To take full
advantage of the faster forward sweep
capability, all headend and field
instruments must be SDA Series.
Upgrading from Stealth to SDA
The Acterna upgrade program is
designed to protect customers’ investments in test equipment. Any model
3SR, 3ST, or 3HRVcan be upgraded to
the SDA Series at any of Acterna worldwide service centers, and customers
who own a model SSA-1000 can
upgrade to the SDA Series with an
in-the-field Firmware change only.
Extensive automated test capability
The SDA Series offers a practical
user interface, which normally
only requires the push of a button
to operate, and its built-in automation
significantly reduces the costof
ownership to businesses.
The single-channel level display shows both video
and audio levels (either single or dual sound/
NICAM) and the difference between the two
Digital channel average power measurementscan
be made using the digiCheck
™
feature
The Navigator user interface, common on all
Acterna SDA meters
Automated tests can be scheduled to
perform either 24-hour FCC compliance
tests, or initiated immediately to log
performance at individual nodes,
amplifiers, or other testpoints. A wide
range of tests can be performed automatically, including signal levels,
C/N, hum, and depth of modulation.
The operator designates which tests to
perform on which channels. Because
these tests are non-intrusive, it is easy
to test all parameters on all channels
at any time.
After a test is performed, the results
can be displayed on the SDA screen.
A PASS/FAIL indication on a variety
of limits can be set for FCC/CENELEC
or other government standards,
or system preferences. Data taken
during any automated test, or
sequence of automated tests, can be
viewed immediately with a PASS/FAIL
indication for each of the limits.
Specific stored measurement results
may be viewed on demand.
Data analysis with StealthWare
Test results can be printed directly to a
serial printer or uploaded to a PC using
Acterna StealthWare, a Microsoft
®
Windows®-based data management
package, to store and include in custom reports. Stored sweep, scan, or
spectrum screens can be viewed on
the PC and analyzed with marker movement and readout information in just
the same way as on the actualinstrument. A sweep graph overlay function
allows comparison of multiple RF
response variations over time. Old
sweep graphs may be downloaded
back into the SDA instrument for realtime comparison.
Powerful and intuitive standardized
graphicaldisplays
All measurement results are presented
to the user in clear, highly informative,
summary displays. The graphics
present the information the way the
technician wants to see the results,
with no further interpretation required.
For example, testpoint compensation
values are entered at the start of
testing. Displays then calculate actual
levels automatically, minimizing
field errors.
Reduced training time
With SDA Series products, all levels of
instruments are familiar to the technician, regardless of which islearned
first, because the same user interface
conventions are used across all product families. The time needed for a
trainee technician to learn to use the
instrument is considerablyshorter
than with alternative test equipment.
This means urgent upgrade projects
make the most efficient use of limited
resources when SDA Series products
are used.
7
Limit checks can be instantlyviewed after
identifying channel of interestwith a marker
in Scan mode display
In-service carrier-to-noise
Tilt mode performs automatic tilt calculations
between any two of nine designated carriers
8
Application features
Application Feature SDA-5000 SDA-5500 SDA-5510
Full frequency response testing Forward sweep mode using • •
headend transmission
Reverse path alignment for Reverse Sweep mode •
new digital services
Prepare for cable Reverse Alignment mode •
modem deployment
View return distortion and ingress Reverse ingress/noise • •
as captured at headend PathTrak Field View option
Reverse path ingress troubleshooting Built-in low-pass filter •
and preamp, dwell time
Handle multiple reverse path sweep Multiple user reverse •
tests at one time sweep reception
(up to 10 simultaneous users)
Proactive reverse path maintenance PathTrak Field View option •
capability
Forward sweep without headend Sweepless Sweep using •
support carrier levels only
Forward path sweep carrier Forward transmission of • •
transmission sweep carriers
Quick scan of active channel plan SCAN mode w/limit check • • •
View local distortion and ingress Spectrum display • • •
View and measure cable Zero Span TDMA Time • • •
modem carriers on return path Domain mode
(DOCSIS/DAVIC)
Test forward path digital services digiCheck and • • •
QAM view option
CSO/CTB measurements CSO/CTB mode • • •
Amplifier checks and alignment TILT mode • • •
Local Amplifier and optical CW Loopback (opt. 1 or 2) •
node alignment Sweep Loopback (opt. 2 only)
In-service carrier-to-noise C/N mode • • •
measurement
Analog and digital LEVEL mode • • •
level measurements digiCheck mode
Depth of modulation measurements MOD mode • • •
Acterna Basic Service packages
To ensure the highest levels ofsupport
for SDA purchasers, Acterna offers the
Basic Service for instrument package.
Designed to provide the foundation
for maximizing the features and usage
of SDA equipment, Acterna’s Basic
Service package offers the following
degrees of service and support only
Acterna can provide. Thisincludes:
– An extended warranty of up to
five years
– Annual calibration – fully traceable
to meet NIST standards
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.
Technology training
Acterna provides a comprehensive
Cable Networks technology training
program designed to help you and
your teams understand the changing
needs of today’s advanced networks.
Training seminars include:
– HFC basics
– Sweep and balance forward
and return
– Sweep 101 “Bootcamp”
Depth of modulationIn-service “HUM” (PAL and NTSC compatible)
Detailed forward/ reverse sweep graph offers
adjustable markers, scale, reference level and tilt.
Users can clearly distinguish between previous
and current sweep measurementsfor easy
comparison on PC StealthWare display
Specifications
Frequency
Range 5 to 1000 MHz
Accuracy ±10 ppm at 25°C;
±10 ppm drift over temp
±3 ppm/year aging
Resolution bandwidths 30, 280 kHz and 2 MHz
(30 kHz for CTB/CSO only)
Tuning resolution 10 kHz
Sweep resolution 250 kHz maximum
Level measurement
Range –40 to +60 dBmV
Resolution 0.1 dB
Accuracy ±1.0 dB from –20 to +50°C
(1,2)
Log linearity ±0.5 dB
(1)
Flatness ±0.5 dB
(3)
Signal types CW, single carrier, video
(single or dual audio/NICAM), audio, digital
Uncertainty for digital carrier
additional ±0.5 dB (digital types 16/32/64/256
QAM, QPR, QPSK, VSB, CAP-16, DVB/ACTS and
TDMA using Zero Span Spectrum mode)
at 280 kHz RBW
Carrier-to-noise
(4)
In-service measurement. Non-scrambled channels
only. No preselection required for 78 channels
or less. Best dynamic range at +10 dBmV or
higher input.
Range ≥ 52 dB
(1)
Resolution < 0.5 dB
Hum measurement
In-service measurement. Carrier > 0 dBmV.
Non-scrambled channels only.
Range 0 to 10%
Resolution < 0.2%
Accuracy ±0.7%
Depth of modulation
Assumes presence of white reference on any VITS
line. Non-scrambled channels only.
Audio demodulation of AM and FM carriers.
Range 80 to 100%
Resolution < 0.5% at 85%
Audio demodulation AM and FM Carriers
Tilt measurement
Up to nine pilot carriers or video channels with tilt
and level measurements on the highest and lowest.
Hi-lo ∆ resolution 0.1 dB
Scan mode
All video, audio, pilot carrier, and digital channel
levels displayed.
9
Start with any
SAM-4040 or 4040D
Optional:
PathTrak Field View (4040D)
A) Firmware
B) Hardware & Firmware
Upgrade to SDA-4040D
Standard: Optional:
DigiCheck PathTrak
ZeroSpan Field View
Dig Spectrum
Add Option 4 for: QAM View
Any Stealth can upgrade to
SDA-5000 for:
5 x faster sweep
256 QAM compatible sweep
Improved TP Comp setup
for reverse sweep
A) Firmware
B) Hardware & Firmware
SDA-5000 units can be
purchased with, or upgraded to:
QAM View
PathTrak Field View
Any 3ST can be upgraded to
SDA-5000 for faster forward
sweep and digital signal
sweep compatibility
Any 3HRV can be upgraded
to SDA-5510
Stealth to SDA series – product upgrade/replacement guide
Stealth model SDA replacement
3SR SDA-5000
3SR + 3SRV option SDA-5000 with Option 1
3SR + 3SRT option SDA-5000 with Option 2
3ST SDA-5500
3HRV SDA-5510
SSA-1000 SDA-5000 with Option 2 (Firmware only)
SAM 4040 SDA-4040D
SAM-4040D SDA-4040D (Firmware only)
SAM-4040D SAM-4040
A
or
SDA-4040D
SSA-1000 3SR
QAM view option
A
or
SDA-5000
QAM view option
B
B
3ST
3HRV
SDA-5500
SDA-5510
10
Telemetry
Frequency range 5 to 1000 MHz
Modulation FSK, 100 kHz deviation
Spectrum required 1.0 MHz vacant bandwidth
recommended
Spectral purity Hars –30 dBc; Spurs –35 dBc
Data storage
Files stored: auto tests, tilt, channel plans, scan
and forward sweep. Also reverse sweep and reverse
amp alignment on SDA-5000 with option 1 and/or 2.
Spectrum mode (regular with max hold and
CSO/CTB). Allocated on demand. The storage capability is simultaneous – more of one file type can
be “traded” for less of another. All files stored as
database, not as screen picture. (Example: typical
mix of files for 78-channel plan: 8 channel plans,
16 sweep references, 80 sweep traces, 40 scan
files, 20 spectrum displays and 20 auto tests).
Serial interface
RS232; Epson, IBM, Seiko, and Diconix Printers
Input configuration
Connector type 75 Ω type F female
(optional 75 Ω type BNC female)
Maximum sustained voltage AC 100V DC 140V
General
Display 320 x 240 dot matrix LCD,
selectable backlight
(SDA-5000 only)
Dimensions 6 x 11 x 3.5 in
(15.2 x 27.9 x 8.9 cm)
Weight 5.1 lb (2.3 kg)
(with option 1 or 2, 5.5 lb (2.5 kg))
Temperature range operating –20 to +47°C
(–4 to 117°F)
(SDA-5500 and SDA-5510 only)
Dimensions 19 x 5.25 x 14 in
(48.3 x 13.3 x 35.6 cm)
Weight 15 lb (6.8 kg)
Temperature range operating 0 to +50°C
(32 to 120°F)
Power sources
Battery field extended-life replaceable,
nickel metal hydride
12V/3.5A-hr, 4 hours continuous
use on a single charge
AC line (SDA-5000)
Charger input 100 to 250 VAC,
50 to 60 Hz, 0.5 A
Charger output aux out 16 V at 750 mA
Charge 15 V at 750 mA
AC line (SDA-5500)
100 to 265 to 63 Hz ~100 VAC
47 to 63 Hz ~100 VA
Sweep mode
(SDA-5000 and 5500 only)
Frequency range 5 to 1000 MHz
Display span User definable
Display scale/range 6 vertical divisions 1, 2, 5,
or 10 dB/division
Sweep pulse occupied bandwidth 30 kHz
Stability ±0.5 dB, normalized
(dependent on stability of referenced carriers)
Sweep rate ~1 second (78 channels, including
scrambled and digital signal types)
Channel plan templates (user editable)
China-1; China-2; France; HDTP-NL; Ireland;
Japan; Jerold; Jerold-HRC; Jerold-IRC;
NCTA; NCTA-HRC; NCTA-SUB; NCTA-IRC;
NTSC-Broadcast; OIRT-D/K; PL-B/G; PAL-UK
Spectrum mode
Spans 3, 5, 10, 20, and 50 MHz
(0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 MHz/div)
Sweep rates ~1 second updates
with spans of 50, 20,
10 and 5 MHz ~1.7 second
updates with 3 MHz span
Display scaling and range 0.5, 1, 2, 5,
and 10 dB/div
6 vertical divisions
Dwell programmable 0-25 ms
Spurious free dynamic range 60 dB3
Sensitivity without preamp –40 dBmV 5 to 550 MHz
–35 dBmV 550 to 1000 MHz
Sensitivity with preamp –50 dBmV 5 to 550 MHz
–45 dBmV 550 to 1000 MHz
Maximum level with preamp +50 dBmV
Zero Span mode
Video BW > 1 MHz, 100 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 Hz
Resolution BW 2 MHz, 280 kHz, 30 kHz
Measurement BW 1 kHz to 99 MHz
compensation programmable
Pulse measurement accuracy
nominal level in 10 µs
±2 dB from nominal in 5 µs
(> 1 MHz VBW, 280 kHz RBW)
Sweep times 100 µs to 20 s (1, 2, 5 settings)
Intermodulation distortion (CSO/CTB)
Range
(5)
≥ 60 dB
Resolution 0.1 dB
Forward transmitter
(SDA-5000 with option 2/SDA-5500 only)
Frequency range 5 to 1000 MHz
Output level +20 to +50 dBmV adjustable
in 2 dB increments
Spectral purity Hars –30 dBc
Spurs –35 dBc
Reverse transmitter
(Requires SDA-5000 with option 1 or 2)
Frequency range 5 to 1000 MHz
Output level +20 to +50 dBmV,
adjustable in 2 dB increments
Spectral purity Hars –30 dBc; Spurs –35 dBc
PathTrak Field View (opt 3 required)
(SDA-5000 and SDA-5500 only)
Update rate 2x/second (remote trace)
~1x/second (local trace)
Display scaling 5/1/2/5/10/20 dB/div.
Selectable nodes 14 (selectable via
PathTrak HCU)
QAM View option (opt 4)
The QAM View option can be factory installed in
any new or existing SDA Series instrument. The
specifications and features are in addition to the
standard measurement features of the SDA Series.
When ordering, please specify option 4a for 8 MHz,
DVB-C, ITU-T J.83 annex A, or option 4b for 6 MHz,
DVS-031, ITU-T J.83 annex B.
Modulation type
64/256 QAM, DVB-C,
ITU-T J.83 annex A (option 4a)
64/256 QAM, DVS-031,
ITU-T J.83 annex B (option 4b)
Channel bandwidth
8 MHz (option 4A);
6 MHz (option 4B)
Notes
(1)
Typical specifications
(2)
Relative to 25°C
(3)
At 25°C and +20 dBmV
(4)
(5)
60
Out of measurement range
50
40
30
20
Carrier to Noise Range (dB)
10
0
–1001014
60
50
40
30
20
10
Depth of Measurement (dB)
0
–20 –10 0 10
(without preamplification/with preselection
±3 dB Accuracy
Video Carrier Level (dBmV)
Out of measurement range
±3 dB Accuracy
Video Carrier Level (dBmV)
±2.0 dB Accuracy
±2.0 dB Accuracy
20 30
24
11
Graphic display
Digital summary (including MER/EVM, pre/post
FEC BER, equalizer stress, carrier offset, symbol
rate) with limit/margin test results, QAM level. IQ
constellation with zoom. Adaptive equalizer display
(in accordance with the DVB ERT 290 standard),
frequency response, group delay. ingress/noise
under the carrier.
Power source
Note: option powered from SDA Series nickel metal
hydride battery. Operating time is specified for continuous use in QAM View mode. Option includes
high-output charger.
Charge time ~4 hours
Operating time 2.5 hours continuous use (typical)
Universal AC charger/adapter
Input 100-250 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 0.5A
Output charge 15V at 750 ma
Physical
(total SDA-5000 size with option 4)
Dimensions 6 x 10.5 x 4.25 in
(15.2 x 26.7 x 10.8 cm)
Weight approx 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
Operating temperature range –4 to 113°F
(–20 to 45°C)
Ordering information
Model SDA-5000
1010-00-0473
Forward and reverse sweep field receiver with
advanced signal analysis. Compatible with
older Stealth units running Firmware version 9.3.
Includes: extended-life nickel metal hydride
battery, universal charger/AC adapter, and
operator’s manual
Model SDA-5500
1010-00-0470
Headend sweep transceiver: Provides forward
sweep and single user reverse sweep for SDA-5000.
Compatible with older Stealth units running
Firmware version 9.3. Includes: line cord, channel
plan transfer cable, and operator’s manual
Model SDA-5510
1010-00-0472
Headend reverse sweep manager: receives reverse
sweep from up to 10 SDA-5000 receivers with
options 1 or 2 installed. Compatible with older
Stealth units running Firmware version 9.3.
includes: line cord, channel plan transfer cable,
and operator’s manual
Options
1019-00-1286
SDA-option 1: reverse sweep capability for model
SDA-5000
1019-00-1285
SDA-option 2: reverse sweep capability and 5 to
1000 MHz transmitter for model SDA-5000
1019-00-1290
SDA-option 3a: PathTrak Field View interoperation
for model SDA-5000 or SDA-5500 (PathTrak HCU)
1019-00-1287
SDA-option 4a: 64/256 QAM, DVB-C, ITU-T J.83
annex A. QAM
View digital analysis including 64/256 constellation, MER, pre/post FEC BER, and exclusive QAM
ingress under the carrier feature. Please specify
option version 4a or 4b when ordering
1019-00-1288
SDA-option 4b: 64/256 QAM, DVS-031, ITU-T J.83
annex B. QAM
View digital analysis including 64/256 constellation, MER, pre/post FEC BER, and exclusive QAM
ingress under the carrier feature. Please specify
option version 4a or 4b when ordering
1019-00-0460
SDA-option 5: BNC connectors replace standard
F type connectors
1019-00-1295
SDA-option 6: portable reverse sweep Manager
converts SDA-5000 to handheld version of the
SDA-5510 (does not include forward sweep
capability)
1013-00-0004
SDA-PACK1: SDA-5000 with Option 2 (reverse
sweep) and Option 3a (PathTrak Field View)
factory fitted
1010-00-0340
StealthWare: Windows-compatible data management software for all SDA, Stealth, MicroStealth,
and CLI products
Optional accessories
1019-00-1298
SDA-CASE1: replacement soft carrying case for
all SDA instruments without QAM View option
installed. Compatible with standard and
extended-life batteries
1019-00-1369
SDA-QAM CASE: replacement soft carrying case for
all SDA instruments with QAM View Option installed
1019-00-1190
SDA-NIMH: spare extended-life battery
1019-00-1195
SDA-NIMCA: universal charger/AC adapter for
extended-life nickel metal hydride battery
1012-00-0057
SDA-NIMK: extended-life battery kit. Includes
extended-life battery, universal charger/AC adapter,
and soft carrying case (SDA-CASE1) (For upgrading
units without QAM View option)
1019-00-1329
CBC-2: In-vehicle charger for SDA NiMH extended
life battery only utilizing standard 12V DC
automotive accessory port
Note: specifications, terms, and conditions are
subject to change without notice.
Measurable input range (lock range)
64 QAM –20 to +50 dBmV (typical)
256 QAM –15 to +50 dBmV (typical)
Frequency tuning
50 to 860 MHz (digital QAM mode)
Resolution 50 kHz
BER (bit error rate)
64 QAM pre-FEC/options 4A and 4B 10-4to 10
-9
64 QAM post-FEC/options 4A and 4B 10-4to 10
-9
256 QAM pre-FEC/option 4A and 4B 10-4to 10
-9
256 QAM post-FEC/option 4A and 4B 10-4to 10
-9
MER (modulation error ratio)
64 QAM / option 4A 22 to 35 dB
Accuracy ±2.0 dB
64 QAM / option 4B 21 to 35 dB
Accuracy ±1.5 dB
256 QAM / option 4A 28 to 35 dB
Accuracy ±2.0 dB
256 QAM / option 4B 28 to 35 dB
Accuracy ±1.5 dB
EVM (error vector magnitude)
64 QAM/option 4A 1.2% to 5.2%
Accuracy ±0.5% (1.2% to 2.0%)
±1.0% (2.1% to 4.0%)
±1.4% (4.1% to 5.2%)
64 QAM/option 4B 1.2% to 5.8%
Accuracy ±0.5% (1.2% to 2.5%)
±1.1% (2.6% to 5.8%)
256 QAM/option 4A 1.1% to 2.5%
Accuracy ±0.6%
256 QAM/option 4B 1.1% to 2.5%
Accuracy ±0.5%
QAM level measurement
Signal types 64 QAM, 256 QAM
Range –20 to +45 dBmV
Accuracy ±1.0 dB
Flatness ±0.5 dB
Linearity ±1.0 dB
Temperature ±0.5 dB (typical)
Measurable QAM ingress
64 QAM –25 to –40 dBc
256 QAM –30 to –40 dBc
Accuracy ±3.0 dB
Worse case condition, 64 QAM, Annex A, 6.89 MSPS
36
34
32
30
28
26
MER Actual (dB)
24
22
20
20
22 24 26 28 32 3630 34 38
MER Accuracy
Upper limit
Lower limit
MER Reading (DB)
Worldwide
Headquarters
12410 Milestone Center Dr.
Germantown, Maryland
20876-7100
USA
Acterna is present in more
than 80 countries. To find
your local sales office go to:
www.acterna.com
Regional Sales
Headquarters
North America
12410 Milestone Center Dr.
Germantown, Maryland
20876-7100
USA
Toll Free: 1 866 ACTERNA
Toll Free: 1 866 228 3762
Tel: +1301 3531560 x2850
Fax: +1301353 9216
Latin America
Av. Eng.Luis Carlos Berrini
936/8° e 9° andares
04571-000 São Paulo
SP-Brazil
Tel: +55 11 5503 3800
Fax:+55 11 5505 1598
Asia Pacific
42 Clarendon Street
PO Box 141
South Melbourne
Victoria 3205
Australia
Tel: +61 3 9690 6700
Fax:+61 3 9690 6750
Western Europe
Arbachtalstrasse 6
72800 Eningen u.A.
Germany
Tel: +49 7121 86 2222
Fax:+49 7121 86 1222
Eastern Europe,
Middle East & Africa
Elisabethstrasse 36
2500 Baden
Austria
Tel: +43 2252 85 521 0
Fax:+43 2252 80 727
1st Neopalimovskiy Per.
15/7 (4th floor)
RF 119121 Moscow
Russia
Tel: +7 095 248 2508
Fax:+7 095 248 4189
© 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
are theproperty of their
respective owners. Major
Acterna operations sites
are IS0 9001 registered.
Note: Specifications,
terms and conditions
are subject to change
without notice.
SDA-5000/DS/CAB/07-02/AE/ACT00392
Acterna AdvantageSM– addingvaluewith global services and solutions
From basic instrument support for your field technicians to management of complex,
company-wide initiatives, Acterna’s service professionalsare committed to helping you
maximize your return on investment. Whatever your needs – product support, system
management, education services, or business planning and consulting – we offer programs
that will give you the competitive edge. This is the foundation of Acterna Advantage.
Acterna is the world’s largest provider of test and management solutionsfor optical
transport, access and cable networks, and the second largest communications test
company overall. 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.
Loading...