SpectraDynamics HPDA-15RMi-S Operating Manual

SPECTRADYNAMICS, INC

HPDA-15RMi-S

1-50 MHz AUTOSWITCH AMPLIFIER

OPERATING MANUAL

SPECTRADYNAMICS, INC • 1849 Cherry St. Unit 2. • Louisville, CO 80027

Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

www.spectradynamics.com

HPDA-15RMi-S Operating Manual

Contents

1.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………... 1

2.0 Safety and preparation for use …………………………………………….. 2

2.1 Electrical safety …………………………………………………………. 2

2.2 Instrument safety …………….………………………………………….. 3

3.0 Front panel description …….………………………………………………… 4

4.0 Back panel description ………………………………………………………. 6

5.0 Installation …………………………………………………………………….. 7

5.1 Connecting power ………………………………………………………… 7

5.2 Connecting RF input signals …………………………………………… 7

5.3 Connecting RF output signals …………………………………………. 8

5.4 Connecting the Ethernet port …………………………………………… 8

5.5 Ethernet port configuration……………………………………………….. 8

6.0 Operation ……………………………………………………………………… 11

6.1 Selecting local or remote mode ………………………………………… 11

6.2 Selecting the active channel …………………………………………… 11

6.3 Remote control commands ……………………………………………… 11

6.4 Alarm monitoring …………………………………………………………. 16

7.0 Troubleshooting ………………………………………………………………. 17

8.0 Specifications …………………………………………………………………. 20

9.0 Warranty and service ………………………………………………………… 21

1.0 Introduction

The HPDA-15RMi-S is a high performance frequency distribution amplifier with an auto
switch function that allows the selection of the RF input to be distributed. The selected
RF input supplies 10 buffered unity gain outputs. The instrument has a manual mode and
autoswitch mode of operation. In manual mode, the RF input can be selected with a
toggle switch on the front panel, or by sending a command through the Ethernet
interface. In autoswitch mode the two RF input levels are monitored and compared to a
set threshold of +7 dBm. Upon failure of a selected input channel the amplifier switches
over to the alternate RF input with a switching time less than 1 us.

The selected RF input is buffered and distributed to ten unity gain outputs. The typical
cross-channel isolation of the RF distribution module is 130 dB and reverse isolation is
typically greater than 140 dB. The phase noise of the modules is exceptionally low,
typically –147 dBc/Hz @ Fourier frequency of 1 Hz and –170 dBc/Hz @ Fourier
frequencies greater than 10 kHz. Both the input and output are matched to 50 ohms to
obtain better than 25 dB return loss. All outputs are AC coupled and the grounds are DC
isolated to reduce the effect of ground loops.

The HPDA-15RMi-S is designed to be powered by a 100 to 240 VAC mains source or by
a +12 to +36 VDC power source. The DC power supply may be used as a main power
source for the instrument or in conjunction with the AC power supply as a backup in case
of loss of the main AC power. The instrument is designed to automatically switch from
AC to DC supply operation using a Schottky diode network and charge storage
capacitors to avoid any glitches and ensure uninterrupted continuous operation.

Page 1

2.0 Safety and Preparation for Use

The HPDA-15RMi-S was designed for indoor use only and is not intended for operation
outdoors or in a wet environment. The instrument may be mounted in a standard 19-inch
instrumentation rack or may be used on a laboratory bench. Inspect the instrument and
power cords for damage before first use.

2.1 Electrical Safety
Voltages capable of causing injury or death are present in this instrument. Use
extreme caution whenever the instrument cover is removed.

Line Voltage

This instrument is designed to operate with a 100 to 240 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz power source.
This instrument is also capable of operating with a DC power source that can supply +12
to +36 VDC at + 2 Amperes.

Fuse

A 1.0 Ampere 250V 5X10mm slow-blow fuse is used for 100-240 VAC operation.
A 2.0 Ampere 250V 5X10mm slow-blow fuse is used for the DC power protection.
Only replace fuses with the same type and specifications.

AC Power

The instrument has a detachable three wire power cord for connection to a grounded AC
power source. The enclosure of the unit is directly connected to the outlet ground to
protect against electrical shock. Always use an outlet with a protective ground and do not
disable this safety mechanism. Detaching the AC power cord is the only option of
disconnecting the unit from the AC mains supply. Make sure you have access to the rear
panel or provide an external accessible AC disconnect means for your HPDA-15RMi-S.

DC Power

The instrument has a DC connector on the back panel with the following configuration:
Pin 1 NC
Pin 2 NC
Pin 3 NC
Pin 4 +12 to +36 VDC power return
Pin 5 +12 to +36 VDC power
Pin 6 Chassis GND /Earth GND

Page 2

2.0 Safety and Preparation for Use

Verify that the connector from your DC power supply has the pin configuration mentioned
above. Do not apply AC voltage to the DC power connector. Failure to follow these
directions may cause injury or death to personnel, cause irreparable damage to the
instrument and voids all warranties.

Please note that the power return (pin 4) is NOT connected to the instrument case
ground internally, however both ground connections (pin 4 and pin 6) are available at the
DC power connector and may be connected together at this point. The requirements for
the external DC power supply are +12 to +36 VDC at 2 Amperes. The following
specifications should be used to ensure the optimum performance for your HPDA-15RMi

-S:

DC Supply voltage +12 to +36 VDC, 2 Amps
Line regulation +/- 0.05% for a 10% line change
Load regulation +/- 0.05% for a 50% load change
Output ripple < 5mV peak-to-peak

2.2 Instrument Safety

The HPDA-15RMi-S is designed to distribute RF signals with a frequency of 1 to 50 MHz .
Input and output levels below +7 dBm will trigger a fault condition which can be monitored
from the front panel as well as through the Ethernet interface. The recommended level for
the RF input signal is +13 dBm +/- 2 dB .

Input signals must be kept below +20 dBm as greater power levels will damage the unit
and void all warranties.

The HPDA-15RMi-S RF outputs are DC isolated from the chassis ground to prevent
ground loops. These outputs are rated to a maximum of +50 V.

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Input RF Power +20dBm Maximum
Reverse RF Power +20dBm Maximum
Voltage at the RF Input +50 V Maximum
Voltage at the RF Output +50 V Maximum

Page 3

3.0 Front Panel Description

MONITOR AC

The AC Power LED is on when AC power is applied to unit.

MONITOR DC

The DC Power LED is on when DC power is applied to unit.

MONITOR 1

The Input 1 LED is on when the signal applied to the INPUT 1 connector on the rear panel
has a level greater than +7 dBm.

MONITOR 2

The Input 2 LED is on when the signal applied to the INPUT 2 connector on the rear panel
has a level greater than +7 dBm.

MONITOR AUTO

The AUTO LED will be on when the autoswitch function is enabled..

CONTROL LOCAL/ETH

The locking switch labeled CONTROL is used to select between local front panel control
or remote control via the Ethernet interface. Setting the switch to the LOCAL position
disables the Ethernet remote control functionality but still allows for remote monitoring.
Setting the switch to the ETH position will enable remote control of the instrument through
the Ethernet interface.

ACTIVE CH SWITCH

The ACTIVE CH switch is a locking three position toggle switch that allows the user to
select the active channel from the two possible RF inputs or places the instrument in
autoswitch mode.

Page 4