Black Box ME555A, ME555AE, ME556A, ME556AE User Manual

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

JUNE 2000

ME555A

ME555AE

ME556A

ME556AE

Sync/Async Fiber Optic Modem

1

FCC INFORMATION

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND

INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

2

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR

TELEPHONE-LINE EQUIPMENT

1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules which
permit this device to be directly connected to the telephone network with
standardized jacks. This equipment should not be used on party lines or coin
lines.

2. If this device is malfunctioning, it may also be causing harm to the telephone
network; this device should be disconnected until the source of the problem
can be determined and until the repair has been made. If this is not done, the
telephone company may temporarily disconnect service.

3. If you have problems with your telephone equipment after installing this
device, disconnect this device from the line to see if it is causing the problem
If it is, contact your supplier or an authorized agent.

4. The telephone company may make changes in its technical operations and
procedures. If any such changes affect the compatibility or use of this device,
the telephone company is required to give adequate notice of the changes.

5. If the telephone company requests information on what equipment is
connected to their lines, inform them of:

a. The telephone number that this unit is connected to.

b. The ringer equivalence number.

c. The USOC jack required: RJ-11C.

d. The FCC registration number.

Items (b) and (d) can be found on the unit’s FCC label. The ringer
equivalence number (REN) is used to determine how many devices can be
connected to your telephone line. In most areas, the sum of the RENs of all
devices on any one line should not exceed five (5). If too many devices are
attached, they may not ring properly.

6. In the event of an equipment malfunction, all repairs should be performed by
your supplier or an authorized agent. It is the responsibility of users requiring
service to report the need for service to the supplier or to an authorized
agent.

3

DOC STATEMENT

CERTIFICATION NOTICE FOR

EQUIPMENT USED IN CANADA

The Canadian Department of Communications label identifies certified
equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain
telecommunications-network protective, operation, and safety requirements. The
Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s
satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be
connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The
equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In
some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a single-line individual
service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly (extension
cord). The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions
may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian
maintenance facility—in this case, your supplier. Any repairs or alterations made
by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the
telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the
equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground
connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe
system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly
important in rural areas.

CONFORMANCE

EN 55022 (1994): Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance
characteristics of information technology equipment.

EN 50082-1 (1992): Electromagnetic compatibility—Generic immunity standards
for residential, commercial, and light industry.

Safety: EN 60950 (1992/93): Safety of information technology equipment,
including electrical business equipment.

4

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

TELECOMMUNICATION SAFETY

The safety status of each of the ports on the Sync/Async Fiber Optic Modem is
declared according to EN 41003 and is detailed in the table below:

Safety Status Ports

SELV* RS-530

*SELV=Safety Extra-Low Voltage

LASER WARNINGS

This product may be equipped with a laser diode. The laser warning symbol will be
attached near the optical transmitter. Please observe the following precautions:

• Do not attempt to adjust the laser drive current.

• Do not use broken or unterminated fiber optic cables/connectors or stare at
the laser beam.

• The use of optical equipment with this product will increase eye hazard.

• Use of controls, adjustments, or performing procedures other than those
specified herein, may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

5

NOM STATEMENT

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

6

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

7

TRADEMARKS

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

AS/400®is a registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.

ST

®

is a registered trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the
property of the trademark owners.

8

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

Contents

Quick Start Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.1.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.1.2 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.1.3 Versions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.1.4 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.2 Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.2.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.2.2 Rear Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.3 Functional Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.3.2 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.3.3 Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.3.4 Async-to-Sync Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.3.5 Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3. Installation and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2 Site Requirements and Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2.1 Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2.2 Ambient Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.3 What the Package Includes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.4 What You Need to Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.5 Jumper and Switch Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.5.1 Strap Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.5.2 Connecting the Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.5.3 Connecting the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4.2 Front-Panel Controls and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4.3 Initial Operation and Basic Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.3.1 Power-On Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.3.2 Running Self-Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4.4 Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4.4.1 Changing Field Strapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4.4.2 Running Diagnostic Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

9

CONTENTS

4.4.3 Power-Off Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5. Troubleshooting and Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.2 Loopback Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.2.1 Local Test—Local Analog Loopback (LLB)

Standard V.54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.2.2 Remote Digital Loopback (RLB) Standard V.54. . . . . . . . 35

5.2.3 Local Digital Loopback (DIG) Non-Standard . . . . . . . . . . 36

5.3 Internal BERT Circuit Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

5.3.1 Modem Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

5.3.2 Two-BERT Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

5.4 (Local) Analog Loopback Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.5 Communication Link Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

5.5.1 Remote Digital Loopback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

5.5.2 Local Digital Loopback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Appendix A: DTE Interface Signal Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Appendix B: Connecting RS-530 to RS-422 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

10

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

Quick Start Guide

Only an experienced technician should install the Sync/Async Fiber Optic
Modem. If you are familiar with fiberoptic modems, use this Quick Start Guide to
prepare the Modem for operation. If you are not familiar with fiberoptic modems,
please read the entire manual.

Starting up

S

ETTING THEJUMPERS/SWITCHES

Confirm that the following switches and jumpers, mounted on the board, are set
correctly for the chosen operating mode.

WARNING

Make sure that the power cord is disconnected before removing the
unit’s cover.

• Jumper J3: Set the XMT CLOCK mode: INT, EXT, RCV, ASY. Default is INT.

• Selector switch SW3: Set the BAUD RATE: 19.2, 28.8, 32, 38.4, 48, 56, 57.6, 64,
72, 96, 112, 115.2, 128, 144, 192, 256 kbps. Default is 64 kbps.

• Jumper J6: Set SW EN to ON or OFF. Default is ON.

I

NTERFACE ANDCONNECTIONS

• Connect the Data Terminal Equipment to the appropriate DTE connector on
the rear panel of the Fiber Optic Modem.

• Connect the fiber optic cables to the respective Rx-Tx and Tx-Rx connectors
on the rear panel of the Fiber Optic Modem.

C

ONNECTINGPOWERCORD

Fiber Optic Modem, AC Version:

• Power is supplied to the Fiber Optic Modem by a 5-foot (1.5-m) long power
cable, terminated by an appropriate wall plug (see Figure 3-2). Connect the
power cable to the AC input jack on the rear panel of the modem.

11

QUICK START GUIDE

C

ONNECTING TOPOWERSOURCE

Connect the Fiber Optic Modem to an AC power source (AC power mains outlet)
or DC source (Ringer). The PWR LED lights to indicate that the Fiber Optic
Modem is on.

V

ERIFYING

P

ERFORMANCE

When data is being transferred, observe that the following front-panel LEDs light
or blink:

• PWR Lights

• RTS Blinks or Not lit

• TD Blinks or Not lit

• RD Lights

• DCD Lights

• TEST Not lit

• ERR Not lit

Testing Performance

V

ERIFYINGMODEMOPERATION

After powering up the modem, if the modem does not operate properly, see
Chapter 4 for more information on Fiber Optic Modem initial functional tests.

12

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

1. Specifications

Electrical Interface

Transmission Rates—Asynchronous: 19.2, 28.8, 38.4, 57.6, and 115.2 kbps;

Synchronous: 19.2, 32, 48, 56, 64, 72, 96, 112, 128, 144, 192, and 256 kbps

Connectors—RS530 via DB25 female

Optical Interface

Operating Wavelength—850 nm for multimode fiber; 1300 nm for single-mode

fiber

Transmission Line—Dual fiber optic cable

Budget (Maximum)—- -18 dBm for 850 nm, 62.5/125 fiber; -18 dBm for

1300 nm; 9/125, 62.5/125 (LED) fiber

Receiver Sensitivity— -48 dBm for 850 nm (LED); -50 dBm for 1300 and

1550 nm (laser diode)

Dynamic Range—36 dB

NOTE

The ranges specified above were calculated according to the following
typical attenuation rates (with a 3-dBm margin):

3.5 dB/km for 850 multimode

0.4 dB/km for 1300 nm single mode

Connectors—ST

®

Transmitter—LED

Maximum Range—850 nm (multimode) up to 7 km; 1300 nm (single mode)

up to 70 km

Diagnostics

Digital Loopback—Local, activated by front-panel switch (DIG); Remote,

activated by front-panel switch (REM) or by the DTE interface signals (RS-530)

Analog Loopback—Local, activated by front-panel switch (ANA) or by DTE

interface signal

13

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

Test Pattern—Activated by front-panel switch (PATT)

Timing Elements

Receive Clock—Derived from the Receive signal

Transmit Clock—Derived from three alternative sources: 1. Internal oscillator

(INT), 2. External from the DTE (EXT), 3. Received from receive signal
looped back as transmit clock (RCV)

Indicators

LEDs—Transmit Data (TD), Receive Data (RD), Request to Send (RTS), Data

Carrier Detect (DCD), Test Error (ERR), Power (PWR), Loopback mode or
BER (TEST)

Environment

Temperature—32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)

Humidity—Up to 90%, noncondensing

Power Supply

Voltage—110, 115, or 230 VAC (±10%)

AC Frequency—47 to 63 Hz

Power—5 VA

Physical

Size—1.7"H x 9.6"W x 7.6"D (4.3 x 24.4 x 19.3 cm)

Weight—3.1 lb. (1.4 kg)

14

SYNC/ASYNC FIBER OPTIC MODEM

2. Introduction

2.1 Overview

2.1.1 G

ENERAL

The Sync/Async Fiber Optic Modem provides a secure, long-range data link
between computers, routers, multiplexors, and other data communication (DTE)
devices at output power ranges from 12 to 18 dB.

The Modem operates in either half- or full-duplex mode over sixteen selectable
synchronous/asynchronous data rates ranging from 19.2 kbps to 256 kbps,
enabling transmission up to 43.5 miles (70 km).

The Modem uses an infrared light-emitting diode to convert electrical signals
into optical signals. The optical signal is converted back into an electrical signal in
compliance with the appropriate interface on the receive end.

Transmit clock timing is provided either internally, derived externally from the
DTE, or recovered from the receive signal.

The Fiber Optic Modem features V.54 diagnostic capabilities for performing
local analog and local and remote digital loopbacks.

2.1.2 A

PPLICATIONS

You can use the Fiber Optic Modem in a point-to-point application (see Figure
2-1): Two Fiber Optic Modems are connected by a single-mode fiber (up to

43.5 miles [70 km]). Each unit is connected to a workstation or an AS/400

®

system.

Figure 2-1. Point-to-Point Application.

Fiber Optic

Modem

Fiber Optic

Modem