Electroline Control Unit IV Reference Manual
Control Unit IV
Reference Manual
Publication Number: 529-0004 Ver.3
Product Version: 3.30 or higher
Date: December 2001
This document provides information proprietary to Electroline Equipment Inc. and cannot be used or disclosed
without Electroline’s written authorization.
Electroline Equipment Inc. reserves the right to make changes without notice in its products or components as
research and development or marketing conditions warrant. Changes affecting the operation of any component in this
manual will be reflected in a subsequent revision. Electroline Equipment Inc. assumes no responsibility for any
omissions or errors that may appear in this document or for any damages that may result from the use of information
contained herein.
The following are trademarks of Electroline Equipment Inc.: Electroline, EAS Control Unit IV, CLEARPath, TPS,
TPS Control Software.
Other registered trademarks used in this manual (HyperTerminal, Windows 95, Procomm, Workabout, etc.) are the
exclusive property of their owner.
Electroline Equipment Inc.
Research and Development – Technical Publications
8265 St-Michel Boulevard
Montréal, Québec
CANADA H1Z 3E4
If you have questions or require technical information, please contact Electroline Equipment Inc.’s
Telephone: (514) 374-6335 (in the Montréal area)
Toll free: 1-800-461-3344 (elsewhere in Canada and the U.S.)
To find out more about our products, visi t our Web sit e at www.electroline.com or write to us at
T
echnical support
technical support department by telephone, fax or electronic mail.
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E-mail address: support@electroline.com
Products and services
info@electroline.com.
Warranty and repairs
For warranty, repair or return i nformati on, please visit our Web site at www.electroline.com.
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
Publication No.: 529-0004 Ver.3
First edition: December 1998
Second edition (revised): December 2000
Third edition (revised): December 2001
All rights reserved
Copyright © 1998, 2000, 2002 Electroline Equipment Inc.
Montréal, Canada
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
Contents
About this manual................................................................................................................vi
Conventions....................................................................................................................... vii
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 1-1
1.1 General introduction ................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1.1 Carrier options................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1.2 Compatibility with previous versions............................................................. 1-2
1.1.3 Certifications .................................................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Roles ........................................................................................................................1-2
1.2.1 Subscriber tier management........................................................................... 1-2
1.2.2 Return path monitoring................................................................................... 1-4
1.3 Features..................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.3.1 Billing system and host computer interfaces.................................................. 1-5
1.3.2 Tiering systems............................................................................................... 1-5
1.3.3 Subscriber capacity......................................................................................... 1-6
1.3.4 Redundancy system ........................................................................................ 1-7
1.3.5 Diagnostics..................................................................................................... 1-7
1.3.6 Upgradability.................................................................................................. 1-7
1.4 Physical characteristics ............................................................................................. 1-8
1.4.1 Enclosure........................................................................................................ 1-8
1.4.2 Internal features.............................................................................................. 1-9
1.5 Reference................................................................................................................. 1-11
2. INSTALLATION 2-1
2.1 Handling....................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Precautions................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.3 Mounting the unit...................................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.1 Hardware requirements................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.2 Mounting the unit in a rack............................................................................. 2-2
2.4 Setting up the host computer..................................................................................... 2-3
2.4.1 Using HyperTerminal to set up a link with the Control Unit ......................... 2-3
2.4.2 Using the Workabout to set up the Control Unit............................................ 2-6
2.5 Setting up a modem................................................................................................... 2-7
2.6 Cable assemblies and applications............................................................................ 2-8
2.7 Connecting the Control Unit..................................................................................... 2-9
2.7.1 Connecting the Control Unit to the host computer or modem ..................... 2-10
2.7.2 Connecting the Control Unit to the CATV network..................................... 2-11
2.7.3 Connecting the Control Unit’s test ports...................................................... 2-11
2.7.4 Connecting the Control Unit’s power cord................................................... 2-11
2.7.5 Connecting a master unit to a backup unit ................................................... 2-12
2.7.6 Connecting the Control Unit for setup ......................................................... 2-14
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual
3. SETUP 3-1
3.1 COM port characteristics...........................................................................................3-1
3.2 COM port protocols...................................................................................................3-2
3.2.1 Terminal protocol............................................................................................3-2
3.2.2 Packet-switched protocols...............................................................................3-2
3.3 Access levels..............................................................................................................3-3
3.3.1 Limited access.................................................................................................3-4
3.3.2 Full access.......................................................................................................3-4
3.3.3 Logging off a session ......................................................................................3-5
3.4 Viewing the unit’s setup............................................................................................3-6
3.5 Starting a setup session..............................................................................................3-7
3.6 Setup procedure .........................................................................................................3-8
3.6.1 Logging on with a password ...........................................................................3-8
3.6.2 Setting the time ...............................................................................................3-8
3.6.3 Setting the date................................................................................................3-9
3.6.4 Changing the password.................................................................................3-10
3.6.5 Accessing the setup screen............................................................................3-10
3.6.6 Setting up the COM ports .............................................................................3-11
3.6.7 RF watchdog setting for a single Control Unit..............................................3-18
3.6.8 Setting the Control Unit’s ID code................................................................3-19
3.6.9 Setting the carrier tag ....................................................................................3-20
3.6.10 Saving the setup............................................................................................3-20
3.7 Redundancy systems................................................................................................3-21
3.7.1 Setting up the Control Units in a redundancy system ...................................3-21
3.7.2 Activating the redundancy failure notification..............................................3-22
3.7.3 Checking the redundancy diagnostic at startup.............................................3-23
3.7.4 Synchronizing the master and backup units..................................................3-24
3.7.5 RF watchdog settings for redundancy systems..............................................3-25
4. SUBSCRIBER STATUSES 4-1
4.1 Opening a session on the Control Unit......................................................................4-1
4.2 Setting subscriber statuses.........................................................................................4-1
4.3 Displaying subscriber statuses...................................................................................4-2
4.4 Setting the tier status of a group................................................................................4-3
4.5 Displaying a group’s tier status..................................................................................4-4
4.6 Sending an immediate group command.....................................................................4-6
4.7 Setting the sequencer to a specific group...................................................................4-6
4.8 Finding subscribers by tier status...............................................................................4-7
4.9 Finding a subscriber’s tap number.............................................................................4-8
5. MAINTENANCE 5-1
5.1 Hardware maintenance ..............................................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Replacing the fuse...........................................................................................5-1
5.1.2 Replacing the battery.......................................................................................5-2
5.2 Expansion slots..........................................................................................................5-4
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual
5.2.1 Adding expansion boards............................................................................... 5-4
5.2.2 Removing or replacing the RAM Expansion Board....................................... 5-4
5.3 Transferring subscriber status data............................................................................ 5-6
5.3.1 Downloading subscriber statuses.................................................................... 5-6
5.3.2 Uploading subscriber statuses ........................................................................ 5-7
5.4 Upgrading the Control Unit’s firmware.................................................................. 5-10
5.4.1 Installing the upgrade program..................................................................... 5-10
5.4.2 Running the upgrade program...................................................................... 5-11
5.5 System verifications................................................................................................ 5-14
5.5.1 Monitoring the status LEDs.......................................................................... 5-14
5.5.2 Checking the programming information...................................................... 5-14
5.5.3 Checking the RAM....................................................................................... 5-14
5.6 Resetting the Control Unit...................................................................................... 5-15
5.7 Changing the modulator or demodulator frequency................................................ 5-16
5.7.1 Requirements................................................................................................ 5-16
5.7.2 Connecting the Workabout........................................................................... 5-16
6. TROUBLESHOOTING 6-1
6.1 Checking the power and battery................................................................................ 6-2
6.2 Checking the FSK signal........................................................................................... 6-2
6.3 Checking communications........................................................................................ 6-6
6.3.1 COM ports...................................................................................................... 6-6
6.3.2 Modems.......................................................................................................... 6-7
6.3.3 Terminals........................................................................................................ 6-7
6.4 Troubleshooting redundancy system errors .............................................................. 6-8
6.4.1 COM ports in a redundancy system................................................................ 6-8
6.4.2 RF ports in a redundancy system.................................................................... 6-9
6.4.3 Redundancy circuitry.................................................................................... 6-10
6.4.4 Master LEDs................................................................................................. 6-11
6.4.5 Redundancy system warnings at startup....................................................... 6-11
6.4.6 Redundancy system toggle warning............................................................. 6-14
6.4.7 Redundancy system synchronization errors.................................................. 6-14
6.5 Troubleshooting subscriber status errors ................................................................ 6-15
6.5.1 Data uploads................................................................................................. 6-15
6.5.2 Tap commands.............................................................................................. 6-16
6.5.3 Subscriber status errors................................................................................. 6-16
6.6 Troubleshooting setup errors...................................................................................6-18
6.7 Troubleshooting firmware upgrade errors...............................................................6-18
6.8 General errors.......................................................................................................... 6-19
6.9 Error messages........................................................................................................ 6-20
A. GLOSSARY A-1
A.1 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................... A-1
A.2 Terms ....................................................................................................................... A-2
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual
B. CABLE ASSEMBLIES B-1
B.1 Pinout on COM ports................................................................................................B-1
B.1.1 Pinout for COM 1 and COM 2 ports..............................................................B-1
B.1.2 Pinout for COM 3 port................................................................................... B-2
B.2 RS-232 cables........................................................................................................... B-3
B.2.1 Cable between the Control Unit and a host computer (DCE to DTE)...........B-3
B.2.2 Cable between the Control Unit and a modem (DCE to DCE)......................B-5
B.3 Cable assembly for redundancy systems...................................................................B-6
I. INDEX I-1
R. MANUAL REVISION RECORD R-1
Figures
Figure 1-1: The Control Unit’s role in a cable TV network..................................................1-3
Figure 1-2: The Control Unit’s role in return path monitoring..............................................1-4
Figure 1-3: Front panel of the Control Unit IV......................................................................1-8
Figure 1-4: Rear panel of the Control Unit IV.......................................................................1-8
Figure 2-1: Installation of the unit in an equipment rack.......................................................2-2
Figure 2-2: Connecting the Workabout to the Control Unit’s COM 3 port for setup ...........2-6
Figure 2-3: Connection cables for a single Control Unit.......................................................2-8
Figure 2-4: Redundancy kit cables ........................................................................................2-8
Figure 2-5: Control Unit connection......................................................................................2-9
Figure 2-6: Connections in a redundancy system................................................................2-13
Figure 2-7: Connecting the Control Unit’s COM 3 port to a computer for setup ...............2-14
Figure 5-1: Fuse holder removal............................................................................................5-1
Figure 5-2: Spare fuse holder.................................................................................................5-1
Figure 5-3: Internal view of the Control Unit IV with a RAM expansion board ..................5-3
Figure 5-4: RAM Expansion Board installation....................................................................5-5
Figure 5-5: Connection for programming............................................................................5-16
Figure B-1: Female DB-25 connector (COM 1 and COM 2)...............................................B-1
Figure B-2: Female DB-9 connector (COM 3).....................................................................B-2
Table 1-1: Identification of carrier type.................................................................................1-1
Table 1-2: Nominal and actual capacity................................................................................1-6
Table 1-3: Control Unit ports ................................................................................................1-9
Table 3-1: Control Unit protocols used with various billing system providers.....................3-2
Table 3-2: Mandatory parameters on COM 3........................................................................3-7
Table 3-3: COM 2 synchronization settings for the redundancy system.............................3-11
Table 3-4: Data configurations possible on COM ports 1 and 2.........................................3-13
iv 529-0004 Ver.3
Tables
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
Table 3-5: System types supported by each protocol.......................................................... 3-16
Table 3-6: Protocol variations............................................................................................. 3-17
Table 4-1: Scan time as a function of nominal capacity....................................................... 4-3
Table 6-1: Verification of status LEDs................................................................................. 6-1
Table 6-2: Procedures for troubleshooting problems with the RF OUT port....................... 6-4
Table 6-3: Procedures for troubleshooting problems with the TEST OUT port................... 6-5
Table B-1: Pinout on COM 1 and COM 2 (DCE) ................................................................B-1
Table B-2: Pinout on COM 3................................................................................................B-2
Table B-3: RS-232 cable with male and female DB-25 connectors.....................................B-3
Table B-4: RS-232 cable with male and female DB-9 connectors.......................................B-4
Table B-5: Null modem cable with male DB-25 connectors................................................B-5
Table B-6: Null modem cable with a male DB-9 and a male DB-25 connector...................B-6
Table B-7: Control Unit’s
BACKUP
port (DB-9)....................................................................B-6
529-0004 Ver.3 v
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
About this manual
This reference manual contains all the procedures for installing, setting up, operating,
maintaining and troubleshooting the Control Unit IV. In this manual, the term Control Unit
refers to the Control Unit IV, unless otherwise specified.
This section outlines the manual’s structure and sets out the typographical conventions used
throughout this manual. There are six chapters:
Chapter 1:
Product Description
Chapter 2:
Installation
Overview of the Control Unit and its various roles. Also
includes a detailed physical description of the Control Unit.
Overview of the various setups and steps for installing the
Control Unit. Provides cautions and tips for handling the
equipment.
Chapter 3:
Setup
User information for setting up the Control Unit. Explains in
detail the various functions the Control Unit offers, illustrated
with practical examples. Includes redundancy system setup
procedures.
Chapter 4:
Subscriber Statuses
Chapter 5:
Maintenance
Procedures for setting the subscriber statuses manually from a
terminal connected to the Control Unit.
Procedures for performing minor hardware maintenance and
upgrades, software upgrades, data uploads and downloads and
verifying the Control Unit’s operation.
Chapter 6:
Troubleshooting
Description of problems that may occur while connecting,
setting up and operating the Control Unit, with solutions for
correcting the problem.
A glossary, a description of cable assemblies and an index are included at the end of the
manual for reference purposes.
vi 529-0004 Ver.3
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
Symbol Meaning
Bold
Menu options, field names, messages shown on screen.
Example: The message Starting autosave will appear on screen.
Courier type
Commands to be entered as is.
Example: Type
dir *.*
to display the files.
Names of commands:
time
command to display the time.
< >
Example: Use the
Keyboard commands and variables that must be replaced by real
values.
Example 1: Press the <Ctrl> key.
Example 2: For the parameter <date>, enter today’s date.
CAPITALS Names of files, e.g. HELP.EXE
SMALL CAPITALS
Buttons in a user interface, connectors on equipment and labels.
Example 1: To erase a file, click
DELETE
Example 2: Connect a coaxial cable to the
.
TEST IN
connector.
Italics Titles of manuals, foreign words or expressions, and terms defined
within the text of the manual.
[x..y]
Represents an interval of values. For example, [1..9] indicates the
numbers from 1 to 9 inclusive. In the command interface, the [ ]
brackets represent parameters that can be used with a command.
{LIMIT} Symbolic constants or limits are shown in capital letters between
brackets.
Example: TIME {HH:MM:SS}
Very important information is shown in a grey box.
529-0004 Ver.3 vii
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This chapter describes the Control Unit and provides a general overview of its various roles.
There are four main sections in this chapter which cover the following:
1. a general introduction to the Control Unit
2. the Control Unit’s roles in subscriber management and in return path monitoring systems
3. the Control Unit’s specific features for supporting various applications
4. the Control Unit’s physical characteristics
1.1 General introduction
The Control Unit includes standard features such as FSK carrier transmission and billing
system support. This section covers the Control Unit’s carrier options, backward
compatibility and applicable safety certifications. See section 1.3 for a full description of the
Control Unit’s features.
1.1.1 Carrier options
There are two types of Electroline FSK data carriers: dual FSK and single FSK. The data
carrier type depends on the Control Unit’s modulator and demodulator. Control Units
equipped with a dual FSK modulator and demodulator produce and demodulate dual FSK
carriers at a fixed frequency. Control Units equipped with a single FSK modulator and
demodulator produce and demodulate a single FSK carrier, which is frequency-agile within a
given range. Contact your Electroline representative for a list of available frequencies (dual
FSK) or for the frequency ranges available (single FSK). The following table will help you
identify the type of carrier produced by your Control Unit.
Table 1-1: Identification of carrier type
Carrier type Identification
Dual FSK The fixed nominal frequency of the dual FSK
carrier is shown next to the
RF OUT
port on
the unit’s rear panel. Units manufactured
DUAL FSK
53 MHz
FIXED
FSK 53 MHz
before 2001 have a smaller frequency label.
Single FSK The factory-programmed frequency of the
agile single FSK carrier is shown next to the
RF OUT
port on the unit’s rear panel. The
SINGLE FSK
53.525 MHz
AGILE OVER:
46-78 MHz
range of the frequency-agile FSK carrier
appears on the same label.
529-0004 Ver.3 1-1
Product Description Control Unit IV Reference Manual
1.1.2 Compatibility with previous versions
If you are upgrading to the Control Unit IV from a previous model, please note that the
Control Unit IV is compatible with the Control Unit II and replaces the Control Unit III. If
you are upgrading to firmware version 3.30 or higher from a previous version of the Control
Unit IV’s firmware, please refer to Chapters 3 and 5 for setup and upgrade details.
1.1.3 Certifications
The Control Unit carries the following industry and safety certifications:
CSA: certificate number: LR 59350-20
product class: 3862 08
applicable standards: CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 950-95
UL Std. No. 1950 (3rd Edition)
FCC: Class B Part 15
CE: Class A CISPR 22
1.2 Roles
The Control Unit is a specialized computer located in the headend. Its key function is to
produce the control carrier that is used in the Electroline addressable system. The carrier
contains data for remote control of addressable devices; these devices control subscriber
services or the return path. A single Control Unit can control both subscriber services and the
return path, or two separate units can be installed to fulfill each function. In all cases, the
operating principle in the Electroline addressable system is the same: the system allows
remote control of field devices by associating a status with an Electroline address.
1.2.1 Subscriber tier management
When used in conjunction with a subscriber management system, the Control Unit remotely
switches the addressable taps deployed in the field according to the status (“hit”) it receives
from the billing system. For subscriber control, the status corresponds to a tier (e.g. basic or
pay). The Control Unit stores the status data in its memory, then encodes and transmits it on
a control carrier that is injected into the downstream cable signals. The carrier includes
encoded status messages for all the addresses in the Control Unit’s memory, regardless of
whether the address corresponds to a device installed in the cable plant or not.
1-2 529-0004 Ver.3
Control Unit IV Reference Manual Product Description
Billing system
RS-232 or
LAN connection via an
Ethernet-RS-232 bridge
Control Unit
TV signals and other
services (e.g. Internet)
Cable Headend
FSK carrier
Subscriber
drops
Cable Network with Addressable Taps
Subscriber
drops
STT
Apartment
building
Apartment
building
STT
STT
To next
addressable tap
Figure 1-1: The Control Unit’s role in a cable TV network
529-0004 Ver.3 1-3
Product Description Control Unit IV Reference Manual
1.2.2 Return path monitoring
When used in conjunction with a CLEARPath control software for locating sources of
ingress, the Control Unit remotely switches CLEARPath modules (CPMs) and Test Point
Selectors (TPS) according to the status it receives from the control software. For return path
applications, the status can be a command to switch the CPM’s relay to the open position,
the closed position or through a 6 dB pad. For a Test Point Selector (TPS), the status
command is translated into selecting one of the TPS inputs. The Control Unit encodes the
software’s commands and transmits them to the TPS or CPMs in order to control the return
path. The Control Unit’s carrier is in the forward path, thus ensuring remote control of the
modules even if the return path needs to be cut off during network repairs.
CLEARPath
control
software
LAN connection via an
Ethernet-RS-232 bridge
Spectrum Analyzer
Fiber receivers
Return Path
Monitoring
Cable Network with Addresssable
CLEARPath Modules (CPMs)
Section of
Cable Headend
RS-232 or
To other
nodes
Control Unit
Test Point Selector MS
Test Point Selector
FSK carrier
Fiber link
From other fiber nodes
Subscriber drops
Fiber node
Figure 1-2: The Control Unit’s role in return path monitoring
CPM
CPM
CPM
CPM
CPM
Distribution legs
CPM
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual Product Description
1.3 Features
1.3.1 Billing system and host computer interfaces
The Control Unit is normally used with a host computer such as a billing system. The
purpose of a billing system or other host computer is to update the status information in the
Control Unit’s memory. The underlying concept is the same for updating the status of
subscriber taps, CLEARPath modules and Test Point Selectors. Note that each addressable
device installed in the network is linked to a physical location at the time of installation, and
this link is recorded in the billing system or the host computer. The Control Unit does not
keep track of street addresses; it only stores the status information for each Electroline
group-tap address.
The Control Unit receives status information from the host computer on one of its RS-232
ports, using either a direct or modem connection or an Ethernet–RS-232 bridge. The Control
Unit accepts a variety of protocols (see Chapter 3). If the Control Unit is used in a return path
monitoring system, then Electroline’s proprietary communication protocol, ICOR, must be
used on the Control Unit’s port. For more details on Electroline’s control software and
communication protocols, contact an Electroline representative.
When the host computer modifies the status of a subscriber, it sends a message to the Control
Unit to update the subscriber status memory. The Control Unit always refreshes each
subscriber address as it scans its memory. The full scan cycle can be as short as a few
seconds or up to 25 minutes, depending on the Control Unit’s capacity (see Chapter 4 for
scan times).
1.3.2 Tiering systems
Each Control Unit can support one of the two main system types for controlling subscriber
tiers in the Electroline addressable system: off-basic-pay (OBP) or multi-tier. The system
type determines the number of tiers that the Control Unit can control for each subscriber
address.
An OBP system provides one or two exclusive service tiers. Exclusive tiers are tiers that
cannot be combined with each other. If only one tier is required, the choices are off and pay.
In a two-tier system, the choices are off, basic and pay.
A multi-tier system provides up to eight tiers and can be exclusive or inclusive. Inclusive
tiers can be combined with each other. The tiers are encoded using the letters A, B, C, D, E,
F, G and H. Only the tiers that are required are used. For example, if four tiers are offered,
then the choices will be A, B, C, and D.
You cannot modify the tiering system (OBP or multi-tier), which is set by Electroline
according to customer specifications. Contact Electroline’s technical support department if
you would like to change the tiering structure.
529-0004 Ver.3 1-5
Product Description Control Unit IV Reference Manual
1.3.3 Subscriber capacity
The Control Unit’s capacity varies from 4,096 to 1,048,576 subscribers (see Table 1-2). The
number of subscribers per group is determined by the tiering system (OBP or multi-tier).
Both systems can handle up to 16,384 groups, but in an OBP system, a group contains 64
subscribers and in a multi-tier system there are 16 subscribers per group. This means that an
OBP system can control up to 1,048,576 subscribers, and a multi-tier system can control up
to 262,144 subscribers.
The second factor that causes the Control Unit’s capacity to vary is the nominal capacity of
the unit (see Table 1-2). Each unit is designed to control a certain number of addresses. For
example, a 32 K unit shipped to a cable operator contains all 32,768 addresses in its memory.
You cannot modify the number of subscribers. Contact Electroline’s sales department if you
would like to obtain a Control Unit with a larger capacity. Note that the time it takes to
refresh the tap status of all subscribers in the network (i.e. the sequencer’s scan time)
increases with the number of subscribers (see Chapter 4).
Table 1-2: Nominal and actual capacity
Nominal
Actual subscribers
capacity*
4K 4,096
32K 32,768
128K 131,072
256K 262,144
512K (OBP only) 524,288
1M (OBP only) 1,048,576
* The Control Unit is sold with a nominal capacity expressed in K, which is equal to 1024.
To calculate the actual number of subscribers your unit supports, multiply the nominal
figure by 1024. For units with 1M capacity, M equals 2
20
.
1-6 529-0004 Ver.3
Control Unit IV Reference Manual Product Description
1.3.4 Redundancy system
Connecting two identical Control Units ensures system redundancy, allowing the backup unit
to take over if there is a problem with the master unit. This feature provides greater service
reliability. The master and backup units must have exactly the same firmware version and
setup (see Chapter 3 for setup).
1.3.5 Diagnostics
The Control Unit includes nine LEDs on the front panel:
FSK, MODEM
, and three RX/TX LEDs. The LEDs are used to monitor the Control Unit’s
POWER, MASTER, STATUS, BATTERY
,
operation. A complete troubleshooting table including the use of the LEDs to diagnose
problems can be found in Chapter 6.
At startup, the Control Unit’s firmware performs a series of self tests. When a terminal is
connected to the unit, the user can view the startup screen. If a system is in error, a message
or warning will appear on screen. A list of error messages is included in Chapter 6.
If an error occurs, the Control Unit’s reset button can be pushed to restart the unit without
powering off. The reset button returns the Control Unit to its initial state before the reset and
does not affect the information stored in its memory.
1.3.6 Upgradability
The Control Unit’s firmware, or operating system, is stored in the unit’s flash memory. The
unit comes with an upgrade program (CU4UP) on CD-ROM for installing a new version of
the firmware in the unit’s flash memory. Use this program only when you need to upgrade
the firmware (see Chapter 5 for upgrade instructions). Normally, a firmware upgrade is only
required if it has been recommended by Electroline’s technical support staff.
In addition to software and firmware upgrades, the Control Unit’s hardware can be upgraded
through the expansion slots on its main board (see section 1.4.2 for information on expansion
slots).
529-0004 Ver.3 1-7
Product Description Control Unit IV Reference Manual
1.4 Physical characteristics
1.4.1 Enclosure
The Control Unit’s enclosure measures one rack unit high (1.75 in.), and mounts easily in a
standard 19-inch equipment rack. For rackmounting instructions, see Chapter 2. All
connectors are external to the Control Unit. The unit does not need to be opened for normal
operation, except to change the battery.
Front panel
All of the Control Unit’s system monitoring LEDs are located on the front panel. In addition
to the LEDs, COM3, which is the setup and diagnostic port, is also readily accessible on the
front panel. For more information on using the COM 3 port, see Chapter 3. For help
interpreting the LEDs, see Chapter 6.
LEDs Reset button Setup port
Figure 1-3: Front panel of the Control Unit IV
Rear panel
All cabling connections, except for the setup connection, are located on the rear panel: RF
inputs and outputs, COM ports, proprietary backup system port, and power entry module.
The Control Unit’s power entry module accepts 120 VAC/60 Hz or 240 VAC/50 Hz power
without requiring any hardware modifications. The appropriate power cord comes with the
Control Unit according to the country in which the unit is used. The Control Unit also comes
with two 250 V/2.5 A fast blow fuses, one of which is a spare fuse, to protect the power
supply from power surges. See Chapter 5 to replace a blown fuse.
RF inputs and outputs COM ports Backup port Power input
Figure 1-4: Rear panel of the Control Unit IV
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual Product Description
Ports
The Control Unit’s COM 1, 2 and 3 are DCE-type serial ports. For more information on the
pinouts of the Control Unit’s ports, see Appendix B. The RF ports are all standard female
F-type connectors for connecting standard 75-ohm coaxial cable. Note that the
BACKUP
port
is not an RS-232 connector; only the Electroline redundancy cable should be connected to
this port if you have a redundancy system. See Chapter 3 for more details on redundancy
systems.
Table 1-3: Control Unit ports
Control Unit ports Purpose/Support
COM 1 or COM 2 When the Control Unit is installed alone, this port is used
for host computer connections (billing systems, etc.) with
CSG, ICOR, NTMF, SSMN, and Terminal protocols.
COM 1 When two Control Units are installed in a redundancy
system, this port is used for host computer connections
(same protocols as above).
COM 2 When two Control Units are installed in a redundancy
system, this port is used for synchronization (with backup
Control Unit), with preset communication parameters.
COM 3 For all Control Units, this port is used for setup (Terminal
protocol only).
BACKUP
connector When two Control Units are installed in a redundancy
system, this port is used for redundancy (with backup
Control Unit), with proprietary settings (not RS-232).
RF OUT
and
For all Control Units, these ports are used for RF
RF IN
connections (data carrier).
TEST IN
and
TEST OUT
For all Control Units, these ports are used for RF test
connections.
1.4.2 Internal features
The Control Unit’s open architecture makes it possible to upgrade or modify certain features:
the expansion slots allow the possibility of adding boards for specific applications and the
frequency-agile single FSK modulator allows cable operators to change the carrier’s
frequency.
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Product Description Control Unit IV Reference Manual
Important:
Do not modify or change the components on the motherboard. Only replace the backup
battery and the fuse or add expansion boards as needed.
Expansion slots
The Control Unit has three expansion slots on the motherboard. On current models, the
RAM Expansion Board (see RAM section below) is preinstalled in the central expansion
slot. The two remaining slots have identical connectors, but different space availability: the
slot on the left accepts a larger board.
RAM
The Control Unit has 256 KB of RAM on board. Part of the Control Unit’s memory is used
to store the status of the subscribers, the TPS units or the CPMs, and the other part is used to
execute programs that switch the subscriber’s tap or the return path, or that carry out various
internal tests.
The plug-in RAM Expansion Board installed in the Control Unit provides an additional
1 MB of RAM. The additional memory gained with the RAM board can be used to support
special features such as churn analysis. If this board is not already installed, contact your
Electroline representative to place an order.
Battery
The Control Unit uses a lithium 3 VDC (CR2430 or CR2450) battery to maintain the
subscriber status information in the Control Unit’s RAM in case there is a power failure.
You must replace this battery about every two or three years, or when the battery LED on the
front panel is lit (see Chapter 5).
FSK modulator and demodulator
There are two kinds of modulators that produce an FSK carrier used by the Electroline
decoders deployed in the cable plant: dual FSK and single FSK.
Control Unit’s with a dual FSK modulator modulate the control carriers on two frequencies
in order to represent the binary elements of a data stream coming from the sequencer. The
nominal carrier frequency is indicated on the label near the RF output on the unit’s rear
panel.
Control Unit’s with a single FSK modulator are frequency agile over a given range, as shown
on the frequency range label next to the RF output on the unit’s rear panel. Since these units
are frequency agile, the carrier frequency shown on the rear panel may change. You can
check the frequency by using the Workabout to read the carrier (see the Electroline
Programmer/Monitor (EAS-PMW) User Guide for more details).
The Control Unit’s demodulator operates in the same way as the demodulators in the
Electroline addressable equipment deployed in the cable plant. The demodulator verifies the
presence and integrity of the signal that the Control Unit transmits to the cable network.
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual Product Description
1.5 Reference
This chapter provides a basic overview of the Control Unit. For more information on
interfacing the Control Unit with a billing system, see Chapter 2 for cabling diagrams and
see Chapter 3 for a list of supported protocols. If you want to use the Control Unit to manage
subscribers manually, without using a billing system, see Chapter 4.
For more information on upgrading the Control Unit’s memory or firmware, see Chapter 5.
To find out more about the Control Unit’s self-diagnostic features and to troubleshoot
problems, see Chapter 6.
For pin assignments on the RS-232 cables used with the Control Unit, see Appendix B.
Contact your Electroline representative to obtain additional copies of this manual or to obtain
manuals for other products that are used with the Control Unit.
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INSTALLATION
Control Unit IV Reference Manual
2. INSTALLATION
This chapter provides step-by-step installation procedures for mounting and connecting the
Electroline Control Unit. It also includes tips and necessary safety precautions.
The procedures for installing the Control Unit are the same for units with dual FSK
modulators and for units with agile single FSK modulators. However, when addressable
devices that have single FSK decoders are installed in a network with a Control Unit using
dual FSK modulation, the Control Unit must be connected to a Data Repeater. Refer to the
Data Repeater’s installation manual.
Important:
For your safety, read sections 2.1 and 2.2 before installing the Control Unit.
2.1 Handling
Before plugging in the Control Unit, you should leave the unit in the place where it will be
installed until it reaches ambient temperature and all possible moisture on the internal
components has evaporated. This can take up to four hours. For more information, contact
Electroline to obtain specifications on the Control Unit’s operating and storage temperature
range.
2.2 Precautions
To prevent risk of damaging the equipment, we recommend that the Control Unit be
unplugged when it is being installed. Make sure the
off. For rack installation, make sure the rack is properly grounded.
Caution:
Only qualified personnel are authorized to open the Control Unit.
POWER
LED on the unit’s front panel is
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Installation Control Unit IV Reference Manual
2.3 Mounting the unit
For best RF performance and for maximum protection against the risk of electric shock, we
strongly recommend that you mount the Control Unit in a properly grounded rack.
2.3.1 Hardware requirements
• standard 19-inch wide EIA equipment rack with one free space (two spaces are required
if you are also installing a backup unit)
• four sets of ¾-inch 10-32 screws, plastic cup washers and clip nuts (supplied with the
Control Unit)
• Phillips head screwdriver
2.3.2 Mounting the unit in a rack
1. Place a clip nut on each hole on the rack.
2. Put a plastic cup washer on each screw.
3. Insert the Control Unit in a free space in the rack.
4. Align the four ¼-inch mounting holes on the Control Unit’s front panel over the rack’s
holes (you may require the assistance of another person to hold the Control Unit in
place).
5. Secure the unit to the rack by inserting a screw with a plastic cup washer into each hole
on the front panel of the unit and then hand-tighten each screw.
6. Tighten each screw with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Figure 2-1: Installation of the unit in an equipment rack
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Control Unit IV Reference Manual Installation
2.4 Setting up the host computer
This procedure sets up a computer so that you can establish a connection with the Control
Unit. There are two main types of connection: one is for setup and the other is for data
exchange. The connection you choose depends on how the host computer is being used.
Host computer used to set up the Control Unit
During the setup process, the host computer (PC, terminal or Workabout) communicates
with the Control Unit on the unit’s COM 3 port. The communication parameters on this
port cannot be changed. Therefore, the host computer’s communication parameters must
correspond to the Control Unit’s COM 3 parameters as shown in Chapter 3, which also
explains all the steps for setting up the Control Unit.
Host computer used to exchange data
When you want to use the host computer to exchange data such as subscriber status
information, you can set the computer’s communication port to other values on the
condition that they match the values of the Control Unit’s port (see Chapter 3 under
Setting up the COM ports).
2.4.1 Using HyperTerminal to set up a link with the Control Unit
The HyperTerminal software that comes with Windows 95 is used in the following example.
Do not use HyperTerminal for Windows 98. If you are using Windows 98, either downgrade
your version of HyperTerminal to the Windows 95 version, or obtain the most recent version
of HyperTerminal from the Hilgraeve website. You can continue to use the Windows 98
operating system. However, please note that you can use the HyperTerminal software that
comes with Windows 2000 and Windows ME. You can also use any other communication
program such as Procomm, or a standard terminal or the Workabout (see section 2.4.2).
To set up the host computer’s communication parameters using HyperTerminal:
1. Start the HyperTerminal software using the Start menu in Windows. Using the pulldown
menus, select Programs, then Accessories, then HyperTerminal. Run the program by
clicking on the HYPERTRM.EXE file. After the program loads, the connection
description window appears on screen. If HyperTerminal is already running, select New
Connection from the File menu.
2. In the connection description window, enter a name and choose an icon for the
connection. Click
to continue.
OK
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Installation Control Unit IV Reference Manual
3. In the Phone Number window, go to the Connect using field and select a
communication port for the host computer that is not used by other devices. For
example, select Direct to Com 2.
Click OK. This calls up the communication port properties window for the port you have
selected.
4. Set up the communication port by choosing a value for each parameter. If you are going
to use the connection to set up the Control Unit, select 9600 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit,
no parity and no flow control. If you are going to use the connection to exchange data,
select the parameters that match the Control Unit’s port you will be using (COM 1 or
COM 2). Click
2-4 529-0004 Ver.3
to complete the setup.
OK
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