UBS Axcera DT830A Users Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

DT830A

300-WATT DIGITAL

UHF TRANSMITTER

AXCERA, LLC

103 FREEDOM DRIVE, P.O. Box 525 LAWRENCE, PA 15055-0525 USA

[phone] • FAX [phone]

www.axcera.com • [e-mail]

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Manual Overview...................................................................................1-1

1.2 Assembly Designation Numbers ..............................................................1-1

1.3 Safety ..................................................................................................1-1

1.4 Maintenance .........................................................................................1-2

1.5 Material Return Procedure......................................................................1-2

1.6 Warranty for Axcera Products – Limited One-Year Warranty ......................1-3

CHAPTER 2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

2.1 System Overview .................................................................................2-1

2.1.1 8-VSB Modulator Tray...................................................................2-1

2.1.2 UHF Digital Exciter Tray ................................................................2-1

2.1.3 UHF Digital RF Output Components................................................2-2

2.1.4 Transmitter Power Requirements ...................................................2-2

2.2 Control and Status ................................................................................2-3

2.2.1 8-VSB Digital Modulator................................................................2-3

2.2.2 UHF Digital Exciter Tray ................................................................2-4

2.2.3 UHF Amplifier Trays......................................................................2-6

2.3 Remote Connections..............................................................................2-7

CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION AND SETUP PROCEDURES

3.1 Site Considerations................................................................................3-1

3.2 Unpacking the Cabinets .........................................................................3-4

3.3 Installation of the Cabinets and Trays......................................................3-5

3.4 Setup and Operation Procedures.............................................................3-5

CHAPTER 4 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTIONS

4.1 UHF Exciter Tray ...................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 UHF Filter....................................................................................4-1

4.1.2 UHF Generator Board ...................................................................4-1

4.1.3 10-MHz Reference Generator Board ...............................................4-1

4.1.4 PLL Board....................................................................................4-2

4.1.5 Power Entry Module Assembly .......................................................4-4

4.1.6 IF Phase Corrector Board ..............................................................4-4

4.1.7 ALC Board ...................................................................................4-6

4.1.8 Visual/Aural Metering Board ........................................................4-12

4.1.9 UHF Upconverter Board .............................................................. 4-13

4.1.10 Transmitter Control Board ......................................................... 4-15

4.1.11 +12V(4A)/-12V(1A) Power Supply Board .................................... 4-19

4.1.12 5-Section Delay Equalizer Board, 44 MHz....................................4-20

DT830A, Rev. 1 i

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

4.2 8-VSB Digital Modulator.......................................................................4-20

4.2.1 Vector Modulator Board .............................................................. 4-20

4.2.2 Switch Board ............................................................................. 4-21

4.2.3 Local Oscillator Board .................................................................4-21

4.2.4 LED Board.................................................................................4-22

4.2.5 VSB Modulator Interface Board.................................................... 4-22

4.2.6 VSB Filter Board......................................................................... 4-22

4.2.7 DC Power Supply Board .............................................................. 4-23

4.2.8 VSB IF Filter Board..................................................................... 4-23

4.2.9 VSB Symbol Generator Board...................................................... 4-23

4.3 UHF Amplifier Trays............................................................................. 4-23

4.3.1 1-Watt Amplifier Board Assembly................................................. 4-23

4.3.2 1-Watt Amplifier Board ............................................................... 4-24

4.3.3 4-Way Splitter Assembly............................................................. 4-24

4.3.4 4-Way Splitter Board..................................................................4-24

4.3.5 Coupler Board Assembly ............................................................. 4-25

4.3.6 Dual Peak Detector Enclosure......................................................4-25

4.3.7 Dual Peak Detector Board, Single Supply...................................... 4-25

4.3.8 Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, Mid Band, Class AB.......................4-26

4.3.9 Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB ............................... 4-27

4.3.10 Amplifier Protection Board......................................................... 4-27

4.3.11 Amplifier Control Board.............................................................4-28

4.3.12 Single Stage Amplifier Assembly, Mid Band, Class A..................... 4-30

4.3.13 Generic Single Stage Amplifier Board, Class A .............................4-31

4.3.14 Variable Gain/Phase Board Enclosure.......................................... 4-31

4.3.15 Variable Gain/Phase Board ........................................................ 4-32

4.3.16 4-Way Combiner Assembly........................................................4-33

CHAPTER 5 DETAILED ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES

5.1 UHF Exciter Tray ...................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Delay Equalization Adjustment ......................................................5-2

5.1.2 IF Phase Corrector Adjustment ......................................................5-3

5.1.3 UHF Generator Board ...................................................................5-4

5.1.4 10-MHz Reference Generator Board ...............................................5-4

5.1.5 PLL Board....................................................................................5-4

5.2 UHF Amplifier Trays ..............................................................................5-6

5.2.1 Phase and Gain Adjustment of the UHF Amplifier Trays ....................5-7

DT830A, Rev. 1 ii

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

5.3 8-VSB Modulator....................................................................................5-8

5.3.1 VSB Modulator Interface Board......................................................5-9

5.3.2 VSB Symbol Generator Board........................................................5-9

5.3.3 VSB Filter Board......................................................................... 5-11

5.3.4 Switch Board ............................................................................. 5-13

5.3.5 Local Oscillator Board .................................................................5-13

5.3.6 VSB Vector Modulator Board ....................................................... 5-14

5.3.7 DC Power Supply Board .............................................................. 5-14

5.3.8 VSB IF Filter Board..................................................................... 5-15

5.3.9 LED Board.................................................................................5-15

5.3.10 Offset Adjust............................................................................ 5-15

5.3.11 Local Oscillator Leak-Through Adjustment................................... 5-15

5.3.12 I and Q Baseband Frequency Response Adjustments....................5-16

5.3.13 Gain and Quadrature Adjustments ............................................. 5-16

5.3.14 Output Level Adjust.................................................................. 5-16

5.4 Output Power Level ............................................................................. 5-17

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A SAMPLE LOG REPORT SHEET

APPENDIX B TYPICAL OPERATIONAL READINGS

APPENDIX C ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS

APPENDIX D SUBASSEMBLY DRAWINGS AND PARTS LISTS

APPENDIX E DT830A SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

DT830A, Rev. 1 iii November 1, 2002

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES

2-1 Remote Interface Panel...................................................................2-8

3-1 1 kW Minimum Ventilation Configuration ..........................................3-4

5-1 Typical Digital Spectrum .................................................................5-3

DT830A, Rev. 1 iv

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Table of Contents

LIST OF TABLES

2-1 DT830A Major Assemblies and Trays ................................................2-1

2-2 Digital Modulator Display ................................................................2-3

2-3 Digital Modulator Control Pushbuttons..............................................2-4

2-4 Digital Modulator Status Indicators...................................................2-4

2-5 Digital Modulator Sample ................................................................2-4

2-6 UHF Exciter Tray Meters..................................................................2-4

2-7 UHF Exciter Tray Controls ...............................................................2-5

2-8 UHF Exciter Tray Fault Indicators .....................................................2-5

2-9 UHF Exciter Tray Samples ...............................................................2-6

2-10 UHF Amplifier Tray Meters...............................................................2-6

2-11 UHF Amplifier Tray Status Indicators................................................2-7

2-12 UHF Amplifier Tray Controls ............................................................2-7

2-13 UHF Amplifier Tray Sample..............................................................2-7

2-14 UHF Exciter Remote Connections .....................................................2-9

2-15 UHF Amplifier Tray Remote Connections ......................................... 2-10

4-1 Fuses, Idling Currents, and Voltage Settings for the

Class AB Amplifier Devices ............................................................4-28

5-1 Jumper Positions on the 6-dB Pad ....................................................5-1

5-2 Center Frequencies for the Delay Equalizer Sections ..........................5-3

5-3 PLL Board Switch Positions..............................................................5-5

5-4 PLL Board Switch Positions for Channel Frequencies...........................5-5

5-5 8-VSB Modulator Connections..........................................................5-8

5-6 Jumper Configurations for the Symbol Generator Board ................... 5-10

5-7 Jumper Configurations for the VSB Filter Board ............................... 5-12

5-8 DIP Switch Settings...................................................................... 5-13

DT830A, Rev. 1 v

300-Watt UHF Digital Transmitter Chapter 1, Introduction

Chapter 1

Introduction

This manual explains the installation,
setup, alignment, and maintenance
procedures for the DT830A 300-watt
digital UHF transmitter. It is important
that you read all of the instructions,
especially the safety information in this
chapter, before you begin to install or
operate the unit.

1.1 Manual Overview

This instruction manual is divided into
five chapters and supporting appendices.
Chapter 1, Introduction, contains
information on safety, the Axcera method
of assigning assembly designation
numbers, maintenance, return
procedures, and warranties. The second
chapter describes the transmitter and its
system control and status indicators and
remote control connections. Chapter 3
explains how to unpack, install, set up,
and operate the transmitter. Chapter 4,
Circuit Descriptions, describes the circuits
that make up the trays and assemblies in
the transmitter. Chapter 5, Detailed
Alignment Procedures, provides
information on adjusting the system
assemblies for optimal operation. The
appendices contain sample log sheets,
typical operational readings, assembly
and subassembly drawings and parts list,
and product information for vendor­supplied products used in the
transmitter.

1.2 Assembly Designation Numbers

Axcera has assigned assembly numbers,
such as Ax (x=1,2,3…), to all assemblies,
trays, and boards that are referenced in
the text of this manual and shown on the
block diagrams and interconnect
drawings provided in the appendices.
These supporting documents are
arranged in increasing numerical order in
the appendices. Section titles in the text
for assembly or tray descriptions or
alignment procedures also indicate the

associated part number(s) and the
relevant appendices. Sections describing
vendor-supplied items, such as meters
and power supplies, do not contain this
information.

1.3 Safety

The 300-watt UHF transmitters
manufactured by Axcera are designed to
be easy to use and repair while providing
protection from electrical and mechanical
hazards. Listed throughout the manual
are notes, cautions, and warnings
concerning possible safety hazards that
may be encountered while operating or
servicing the transmitter. Please review
these warnings and familiarize yourself
with the operation and servicing
procedures before working on the
transmitter.

Read All Instructions – All of the
operating and safety instructions should
be read and understood before operating
this equipment.

Retain Manuals – The manuals for the
transmitter should be retained at the
transmitter site for future reference. We
provide two sets of manuals for this
purpose; one set can be left at the office
while one set can be kept at the site.

Heed Notes, Warnings, and
Cautions – All of the notes, warnings,

and cautions listed in this safety section
and throughout the manual must be
followed.

Follow Instructions – All of the
operating and use instructions for the
transmitter should be followed.

Cleaning – Unplug or otherwise
disconnect power from the equipment
before cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.

DT830A, Rev. 1 1-1

300-Watt UHF Digital Transmitter Chapter 1, Introduction

Ventilation – Openings in the cabinets
and tray front panels are provided for
ventilation. To ensure reliable operation,
and to protect the unit from overheating,
these openings must not be blocked.

Servicing – Do not attempt to service
this product until becoming familiar with
the equipment. If in doubt, refer all
servicing questions to qualified Axcera
service personnel.

Replacement Parts – When
replacement parts are used, be sure that
the parts have the same functional and
performance characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards. Please contact the Axcera
Technical Service Department if you have
any questions regarding service or
replacement parts.

Caution: Because the capacitors
used in the high-voltage circuits
have the potential of recharging
themselves, care must be taken
when handling them. The capacitors
should first be shorted with a
grounding stick and then a piece of
wire should be connected across the
terminals until they can be put into
service. Remember to remove the
shorting wire before energizing the
high-voltage supply.

1.4 Maintenance

The DT830A is designed with
components that require little or no
periodic maintenance except for the
routine cleaning of the fans and the front
panels of the trays.

The amount and time interval between
cleanings depends on the conditions
within the transmitter room. While the
electronics have been designed to
function even if covered with dust, a
heavy buildup of dust, dirt, or insects will
hinder the effectiveness of the cooling of
the components. This could lead to a

thermal shutdown or the premature
failure of the affected trays.

When the front panels of the trays
become dust covered, the top covers
should be removed and any accumulated
foreign material should be removed. A
vacuum cleaner, utilizing a small, wand­type attachment, is an excellent way to
suction out the dirt. Alcohol and other
cleaning agents should not be used
unless you are certain that the solvents
will not damage components or the silk­screened markings on the trays and
boards. Water-based cleaners can be
used, but do not saturate the
components. The fans and heatsinks
should be cleaned of all dust or dirt to
permit the free flow of air for cooling
purposes.

It is recommended that the operating
parameters of the transmitter be
recorded from the meters on the trays
and the system metering control panel at
least once a month. It is suggested that
this data be retained in a rugged folder
or envelope for the life of the equipment.
A sample format for a log sheet is
provided in Appendix A. Photocopies of
the log sheet should be made for future
data entries.

1.5 Material Return Procedure

To insure the efficient handling of
equipment or components that have been
returned for repair, Axcera requests that
each returned item be accompanied by a
Material Return Authorization Number
(MRA#).

An MRA# can be obtained from any
Axcera field service engineer by calling
the Axcera Field Service Department at
[phone]. This procedure applies
to all items sent to the Field Service
Department regardless of whether the
item was originally manufactured by
Axcera.

DT830A, Rev. 1 1-2

300-Watt UHF Digital Transmitter Chapter 1, Introduction

Note: To prevent damage to the
product during shipping, Axcera will
supply a shipping container to the
customer at no cost.

When equipment is sent to the field on
loan, an MRA# is included with the unit.
The MRA# is intended to be used for the
return of the unit to Axcera. In addition,
all shipping material should be retained
for the return of the unit to Axcera.
Replacement assemblies are also sent
with an MRA# to allow for the proper
routing of the exchanged hardware.
Failure to close out this type of MRA# will
normally result in the customer being
invoiced for the value of the loaner item
or the exchange assembly.

When shipping an item to Axcera, please
include the MRA# on the packing list and
on the Axcera-provided shipping
container. The packing slip should also
include contact information and a brief
description of why the unit is being
returned.

Please forward all MRA items to:

Axcera
103 Freedom Drive
P.O. Box 525
Lawrence, PA 15055-0525 USA

For more information concerning this
procedure, call Axcera Field Service at

[phone] or by fax at (724)
873-8105.

Axcera can also be contacted through e­mail at [e-mail] and on the Web
at www.axcera.com.

1.6 Warranty for Broadcast Products
– Limited One-Year Warranty

Axcera warrants each new product that
it has manufactured and sold against
defects in material and workmanship

under normal use and service for a
period of one (1) year from the date of
shipment from Axcera's plant, when
operated in accordance with Axcera's
operating instructions. This warranty
shall not apply to tubes, fuses,
batteries, or bulbs.

Warranties are valid only when and if
(a) Axcera receives prompt written
notice of breach within the period of
warranty, (b) the defective product is
properly packed and returned by the
buyer (transportation and insurance
prepaid), and (c) Axcera determines, in
its sole judgment, that the product is
defective and not subject to any misuse,
neglect, improper installation,
negligence, accident, or (unless
authorized in writing by Axcera) repair
or alteration. Axcera’s exclusive liability
for any personal and/or property
damage (including direct, consequential,
or incidental) caused by the breach of
any or all warranties, shall be limited to
the following: (a) repairing or replacing
(in Axcera's sole discretion) any
defective parts free of charge (F.O.B.
Axcera's plant) and/or (b) crediting (in
Axcera's sole discretion) all or a portion
of the purchase price to the buyer.

Equipment furnished by Axcera, but not
bearing its trade name, shall bear no
warranties other than the special hours­of-use or other warranties extended by
or enforceable against the manufacturer
at the time of delivery to the buyer. NO

WARRANTIES, WHETHER
STATUTORY, EXPRESSED, OR
IMPLIED, AND NO WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR
ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR
FREEDOM FROM INFRINGEMENT,
OR THE LIKE, OTHER THAN AS
SPECIFIED IN PATENT LIABILITY
ARTICLES, AND IN THIS ARTICLE,
SHALL APPLY TO THE EQUIPMENT
FURNISHED HEREUNDER.

DT830A, Rev. 1 1-3

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

Chapter 2

System Description

The DT830A is a complete 300-watt
(average) UHF solid-state digital
television transmitter that operates at a
nominal average output power of 300
watts.

Table 2-1. DT830A Major Assemblies and Trays

MAJOR ASSEMBLY NUMBER TRAY/ASSEMBLY NAME

A4 UHF digital exciter tray

A6 and A7 UHF amplifier trays

A11 Coupler assembly

A2 AC distribution assembly
A19 8-VSB modulator tray
A12 Input and remote interface assembly

A8 UHF “tee”

2.1.1 (A19) 8-VSB Modulator Tray
(1075164; Appendix C)

The 8-VSB modulator accepts an MPEG­2 transport stream input and outputs an
8 VSB IF signal centered at 44 MHz. To
operate the modulator, the MPEG is
connected to one of the three
connectors on the rear panel, depending
on the format of the MPEG data stream.
The formats presently available are
SMPTE 310M, Differential Serial TTL, and
ECL. In addition, the modulator has an
internal test source that can generate an
MPEG data stream for test purposes.
This signal is then modulated to a 44
MHz IF and fed to the output at J1.

2.1.2 (A4) UHF Digital Exciter Tray
(1294-1111; Appendix C)

The output from the modulator connects
to J6 on the rear of the UHF exciter tray,
which is wired to J18 on the IF delay
equalizer board, 44 MHz (1072090) and
exits the board at J10. The processed
digital IF signal is then wired to the ALC
board (1265-1305) at J32. With digital IF
input selected, the jumper W11 on J29 is
connected between pins 2 and 3 on the
ALC board; the digital IF is wired through
the K3 and K4 relays to the rest of the

2.1 System Overview

The DT830A consists of the assemblies
and trays listed in Table 2-1.

ALC board. The LED DS5, digital IF
modulator enable, should be lit. The ALC
board has the capability to switch
between two different IF inputs; in this
case, only the digital IF input is used.
The output of the ALC board (0 dBm
peak) connects to (A11) the UHF
upconverter board (1265-1310) in the
upconverter section of the UHF digital
exciter. The upconverter takes the LO
and heterodynes it with the IF; the signal
is then filtered to produce the RF on­channel output.

The (A15-A1) UHF generator board
(1565-1109) is mounted in the UHF
Generator Enclosure (1519-1144) for EMI
and RFI protection. The board contains a
VCXO circuit and additional circuitry to
multiply the VCXO frequency by eight.
The output is split and provides an input
to the x8 multiplier circuitry as well as a
sample for the PLL board.

The amplified eighth harmonic is then fed
to the SMA output jack of the board at J3.

Typical output level of the signal is +16
dBm nominal.

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-1

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

The (A14-A1) 10-MHz reference
generator board (1519-1126) is located
in (A10) the 10-MHz reference kit (1286-

1108). The board contains a high­stability crystal oscillator that provides a
10-MHz output that is used as reference
frequency for the transmitter. The board
is mounted within an enclosed assembly
that helps to maintain the operating
temperature of the oscillator board.

The (A13) PLL board (1286-1104) is part
of the phase lock loop (PLL) circuit, which
provides the automatic frequency control
(AFC) voltage, that connects to the VCXO
assembly, and maintains the accurate
output frequency of the VCXO. The AFC
is generated by comparing a sample of
the 10-MHz reference to a sample of the
VCXO frequency. The PLL board uses an
external 10-MHz signal as the reference
unless it is missing, then an internally
generated 10-MHz signal is used.

A sample of the signal from the UHF
generator board connects to SMA jack J9,
the sample input on the board. The signal
is amplified by U8 and coupled to U9, a
divide by 20/21 IC. A sample of the
signal at the output of U8 is connected to
J10, the sample output jack on the
board, which is typically connected to the
front panel of the tray.

The selected 10-MHz reference connects
to amplifier IC U1 whose output is split.
A sample of the 10-MHz reference is
cabled to jack J3, the 10-MHz output
jack, which is connected to J5 on the rear
of the tray.

If the 50 kHz from the 10-MHz reference
and the 50-kHz from the UHF generator
board become unlocked, the red Unlock
LED, lights and the Lock LED, located on
the LED display board, is extinguished.

2.1.3 UHF Digital RF Output
Components

The RF output of the UHF exciter is fed to
an (A5) splitter and then to two UHF
amplifier trays that amplify the RF signal

to approximately 300 watts. A forward
power sample from the 4-way combiner
board inside each tray is connected to
the dual peak detector board that
provides a peak-detected forward sample
to the amplifier control board. This board
supplies the sample to the front panel
meter of the UHF amplifier tray.

Before exiting the UHF amplifier tray, the
RF is fed through a circulator to protect
the tray from high VSWR conditions. The
reject port of the circulator provides a
reject sample to the 4-way combiner
board that supplies the reflected sample
to the dual peak detector board. The
reflected sample connects to the
amplifier control board that provides the
sample to the front panel meter of the
tray. The output of (A6 and A7) the UHF
amplifier trays are combined in a tee and
then provide approximately 550 watts
average power. The output is connected
to a bandpass filter and then to the
output coupler assembly. There is a
coupler on the output of the bandpass
filter that provides –40 dB forward and
reflected samples to the system control
panel. The bandpass filter is tuned to
provide high out-of-band rejection of
unwanted products. The 7/8" coupler
assembly provides two forward power
samples and one reflected power sample.
The forward and reflected samples are
cabled to the visual/aural metering
boards in the UHF exciter. The forward
and reflected samples are processed to
provide detected power output samples
to the transmitter control board. The
transmitter control board connects the
forward and reflected power output
samples to the front panel meter for
monitoring.

2.1.5 Transmitter Power
Requirements

The transmitter needs an AC input of 220
VAC at 40 amps, or 80 amps for the
upgradeable version, connected to it in
order to operate. The 220 VAC input
connects to terminal block (TB1) in the
upper right rear of the cabinet and is part

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-2

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

of the (A2) AC distribution panel. The AC
distribution panel contains four circuit
breakers, six in the upgradeable version,
which supply the AC to the rest of the
transmitter.

The input AC from TB1 is connected to
(CB1) the main AC circuit breaker (40
amps for DT830A and 80 amps for the
upgradeable version) which distributes
the 220 VAC to the terminal block (TB2).
TB2 has three MOVs mounted to the
terminal block: one is connected from
each leg of the input AC to ground and
the other one is connected across the
two legs.

The input AC is wired from TB2 through
three circuit breakers, CB2, CB3 and
CB4, CB5 and CB6 are used in the
upgradeable version, to the rest of the
transmitter. CB2 (10 amps) supplies the
AC voltage to the IEC outlet strip (A1)
into which the UHF exciter and any other
optional accessories are connected. CB3
(20 amps) supplies AC through J5 to (A6)
the UHF amplifier tray. CB4 (20 amps)
supplies AC through J6 to (A7) the UHF
amplifier tray. In the upgradeable
version, CB5 (20 amps) supplies AC
through J6 to (A8) the UHF amplifier tray
and CB6 (20 amps) supplies AC through
J6 to (A9) UHF amplifier tray. .When the
UHF exciter circuit breaker is switched
on, +12 VDC is supplied to the UHF
amplifier tray for the operation of the
LED status indicators in the tray.

2.2.1 (A19) 8-VSB Digital Modulator (1075164; Appendix C)

Table 2-2. Digital Modulator Display

DISPLAY FUNCTION

LCD

The front panel has three pushbuttons for the control of the external and internal
functions.

2.2 Control and Status

Control and status indications of the
transmitter are provided by the meters
and LED indicators on the front panel of
the UHF exciter. The switches and LED
indicators are part of the transmitter
control board (1265-1311) which is
mounted so that the switches and the
LEDs can be operated or viewed from the
front panel of the UHF exciter. Switch S1
is an Operate/Standby switch that
controls the output of the transmitter by
providing the Enables, when in Operate,
needed to turn on the switching power
supplies in the two or four UHF amplifier
trays. In Operate, the green LED DS2 is
on and in Standby the amber LED DS1 is
on.

If the transmitter does not switch to
Operate when S1 is switched to Operate,
check that a dummy jumper plug, with a
jumper between pins 23 and 24, is
connected to jack J11 on the rear of the
UHF exciter tray or with a jumper
between pins 21 and 22 on jack J9 on
(A17) the (optional) input and remote
interface panel. This jumper provides the
interlock needed for the transmitter to
operate. If the interlock is present, the
green LED DS5 on the transmitter control
board should be lit. The front panel of the
UHF exciter also has an LED for VSWR
cutback (amber LED DS7).

Provides a three-line readout of the internal
functions, external inputs, and status. See
Chapter 4, Detailed Alignment Procedures,
for a listing of display parameters.

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-3

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

Table 2-3. Digital Modulator Control Pushbuttons

PUSHBUTTON FUNCTION

Menu

Up Arrow (↑)

Down Arrow (↓)

Controls which menu is displayed on the
LCD readout
Moves the active line up one position on the
LCD display
Moves the active line down one position on
the LCD display

There are four front panel status indicator LEDs.

Table 2-4. Digital Modulator Status Indicators

LED FUNCTION

Indicates the presence of an MPEG-2 signal;

MPEG (Green)

can be internal or external depending on
menu selection

REF (Green)

PLL Locked (Green)

Power (Green)

Indicates the presence of an external 10
MHz reference source
Indicates that the phase-locked loop circuit
is functioning and locked
Indicates that the DC power supply is
functioning

Table 2-5. Digital Modulator Sample

SAMPLE DESCRIPTION

Front panel sample Sample of the 44 MHz IF output

2.2.2 (A4) UHF Digital Exciter Tray (1294-1111; Appendix C)

Table 2-6. UHF Exciter Tray Meters

METER FUNCTION

Reads power in terms of a percentage of
the calibrated output power level on the
upper scale. The voltage level is read on
one of the bottom two scales. A full scale

Meter (A4-A18)

reading on the top scale is 0-120%, which
is equivalent to the full-rated 300 watts or
1000 watts in the upgradeable version,
average power. Also reads % Exciter
Power, % Reflected Power, and ALC
reading.
Selects the desired ALC voltage reading, %

Switch (S3), meter

Exciter Power, % Output Power, and %
Reflected Power

ALC

(0-1 V)

Reads the ALC voltage level, .8 VDC, on
the 0-10 scale

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-4

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

METER FUNCTION

% Exciter

(0-120)

% Output power

(0-120)

% Reflected

(0-120)

Reads the % Exciter Output Power level
needed to attain 100% output of the
transmitter on the top scale
Reads the % Output Power of the
transmitter on the top scale
Reads the % Reflected Output Power, <5%,
on the top scale

Table 2-7. UHF Exciter Tray Controls

SWITCH FUNCTION

The momentary switch (S1) applies a
ground to K1, a latching relay on
the transmitter control board. K1 will switch
either to Operate or to Standby

Transmitter (S1)

Operate/Standby

depending on which direction S1 is pushed.
When switched to Operate, the low Enable
commands are applied to the two or four
600-watt amplifier trays. These Enables will
turn on the 600-watt amplifier trays. The
opposite occurs when the transmitter is
switched to Standby.
The momentary contact switch (S2) applies
a ground to K2, a latching relay on the
transmitter control board. K2 will switch the
transmitter to Automatic or Manual
depending on which direction S2 is pushed.
In Automatic, the Video Fault command

Mode Select (S2)

Auto/Manual

from the ALC board will control the
operation of the transmitter. The
transmitter will switch to Standby, after a
slight delay, if the input video is lost. It will
quickly switch back to Operate when the
video is restored. In Manual, the transmitter
is controlled by the operator using the front
panel Operate/Standby switch or by remote
control.
Pot A20 sets the ALC level on the ALC

Power adjust (R1)

board to set the output power of
the transmitter.

Table 2-8. UHF Exciter Tray Fault Indicators

INDICATOR FUNCTION

Indicates that the reflected power level of the
transmitter has increased above 20% which will

VSWR cutback (DS7 amber)

automatically cut back the output power level to
20%. The fault is generated on the transmitter
control board in the UHF exciter tray.

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-5

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

Table 2-9. UHF Exciter Tray Samples

SAMPLE DESCRIPTION

A sample of the channel oscillator output,

f(s)

taken from the sample jack of the channel
oscillator assembly

Exciter O/P

An output power sample of the exciter
taken from the UHF upconverter board
A forward power sample of the transmitter

Transmitter O/P

taken from the visual/aural metering board
before the signal reaches the bandpass
filter

2.2.3 (A6 and A7) UHF Amplifier Trays (1294-1112 Low Band, 1294-1113 Mid
Band or 1294-1114 High Band ; Appendix C)

Table 2-10. UHF Amplifier Tray Meters

METER FUNCTION

Reads power in terms of a percent of the
calibrated power output value. A full-scale

Meter (A6)

reading is 100%, which is equivalent to the
full-rated 300 watts of average power. Also
reads % Reflected Power, power supply,
and AGC voltage levels.

Switch (S2), meter

Selects the desired % Power or the voltage
reading

% Output pwr Displays the % Output Power of the tray

% Refl (Reflected)

Power supply

AGC voltage

Displays the % Reflected Output Power of
the tray, <10% on the top scale
Reads the power supply voltage, +26.5
VDC, on middle scale
Reads the AGC voltage level, +1 to +2
VDC, on the bottom scale

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-6

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

Table 2-11. UHF Amplifier Tray Status Indicators

INDICATOR FUNCTION

Indicates that an Enable, Operate,

Enable (DS4 green)

command is applied to the UHF amplifier
tray from the UHF exciter tray
Indicates that the level of the drive is too

Overdrive (DS2 red)

high. The protection circuit will limit the
drive to the set threshold. The fault is
generated on the amplifier control board.
Indicates that the reflected power level of
the tray has increased above 50%, which

VSWR cutback (DS1 red)

will automatically cut back the output power
level to 50%. The fault is generated on
the amplifier control board.
Indicates that the temperature of (A5-A6­A3 and A5-A6-A4) one or both of the two
thermal switches mounted on the heatsink

Overtemp (DS3 red)

assembly for the output amplifiers is above
175° F. When this fault occurs, the Enable
to the switching power supply in the
affected amplifier tray is removed
immediately and it will shut down.

Input fault (DS5 red)

Indicates that the input RF level to the
amplifier tray dropped below 0 dBm

Table 2-12. UHF Amplifier Tray Controls

CONTROL FUNCTION

Phase (A10-R5)

Gain (A11-R6)

Adjusts the phase of the RF output with a
range of approximately 90°
Adjusts the gain of RF output when the
amplifier control board is in the AGC mode

Table 2-13. UHF Amplifier Tray Sample

SAMPLE DESCRIPTION

A sample of the combined output of the

Module O/P (0 dBm)

four dual-stage amplifier boards taken
from the dual peak detector board

2.3 Remote Connections

The IF input to the transmitter connects
to the rear of the UHF exciter or to (A12)
the input and remote interface panel
(Figure 2-1). Jacks J10 and J11 on the
rear of the UHF exciter provide
connections for the remote monitoring
and operation of the transmitter. Jack
J11 should have a dummy plug

connected to it with a jumper between
pins 23 and 24 that provides the
interlock needed to operate the
transmitter. If remote connections are
made to the transmitter, they should be
made through the plug in J10 or J11 in
the positions noted on the interconnect
drawing (1127833).

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-7

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

Figure 2-1. Remote Interface Panel

The remote connections shown in Tables
2-14 and 2-15 are made if (A12) the
input and remote interface assembly is
present in the system. The remote

connections are made to jacks J9 and J10
on the assembly. Refer to the
interconnect drawing (1127833) for the
proper pin remote connections.

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-8

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

Table 2-14. Remote Interface Panel Connections

FUNCTION REMOTE JACK/PIN

NUMBER

Transmitter Enable Interlock J9-21
Transmitter Enable Interlock
Rtn

Remote Control Commands

Transmitter Standby
(Disable)
Transmitter
Standby/Operate Rtn
Transmitter Operate
(Enable)

Transmitter Manual J9-15 Contact closure
Transmitter Auto/Manual
Rtn
Transmitter Auto J9-17 Contact closure

Power Level Raise (optional) J9-27 Contact closure
Pwr Level Raise/Lower Rtn
(optional)
Power Level Lower
(optional)

Remote Status Indications

Transmitter Operate
(Enable) Ind

Operate/Standby Ind.
Return
Transmitter Standby
(Disable) Ind
Transmitter Auto Indicator J9-18 50 mA max current sink
Auto/Manual Indicator
Return
Transmitter Manual
Indicator

VSWR Cutback Indicator J9-23 50 mA max current sink
VSWR Cutback Indicator
Return

J9-22

J9-9

J9-10

J9-11

J9-16

J9-28

J9-29

J9-12

J9-13

J9-14

J9-19

J9-20

J9-24

INTERFACE TYPE

J9-21 and 22 must be
jumpered for normal
operation; (1176-1038)
jumper jack is used.

Contact closure

Contact closure

Contact closure

50 mA max current sink

50 mA max current sink

50 mA max current sink

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-9

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 2, System Description

FUNCTION REMOTE JACK/PIN

NUMBER

Remote Metering

Digital Output Power J9-1
Digital Output Power Rtn J9-2

Reflected Power J9-5
Reflected Power Rtn J9-6

Exciter Output Power J9-7
Exciter Output Power Rtn J9-8

Table 2-15.UHF Amplifier Tray Remote Connections

FUNCTION REMOTE JACK/PIN

NUMBER

Forward Output Power (A6)
UHF Amp
Forward Output Power (A6)
Rtn

Reflected O/P Power (A6)
UHF Amp
Reflected O/P Power (A6)
Rtn

Forward Output Power (A7)
UHF Amp
Forward Output Power (A7)
Rtn

Forward O/P Power (A8)
UHF Amp
Forward Output Power (A8)
UHF Amp Rtn

Reflected O/P Power (A8)
UHF Amp
Reflected O/P Power (A8)
Rtn

Forward O/P Power (A9)
UHF Amp
Forward Output Power (A9)
UHF Amp Rtn

Reflected O/P Power (A9)
UHF Amp
Reflected O/P Power (A9)
Rtn

J10-1

J10-2

J10-3

J10-4

J10-6

J10-7

J10-10

J10-11

J10-12

J10-13

J10-14

J10-15

J10-16

J10-17

INTERFACE TYPE

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

INTERFACE TYPE

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

1V full scale at 1kΩ
source resistance

DT830A, Rev. 1 2-10

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 3, Installation and Setup Procedures

Chapter 3

Installation and Setup Procedures

There are special considerations that
need to be taken into account before the
DT830A can be installed. For example, if
the installation is completed during cool
weather, a heat-related problem may not
surface for many months, suddenly
appearing during the heat of summer.
This section provides planning
information for the installation and set up
of the transmitter.

3.1 Site Considerations

The transmitter requires an AC input line
of 220 VAC with a rating of 40 amps and
80 amps for the upgradeable version
Make sure that the proposed site for the
transmitter has the voltage requirements
that are needed.

The DT830A is designed and built to
provide long life with a minimum of
maintenance. The environment in which
it is placed is important and certain
precautions must be taken. The three
greatest dangers to the transmitter are
heat, dirt, and moisture. Heat is usually
the greatest problem, followed by dirt,
and then moisture. Over-temperature
can cause heat-related problems such as
thermal runaway and component failure.
Each amplifier tray in the transmitter
contains a thermal interlock protection
circuit that will shut down that tray until
the temperature drops to an acceptable
level.

A suitable environment for the
transmitter can enhance the overall
performance and reliability of the
transmitter and maximize revenues by
minimizing down time. A properly
designed facility will have an adequate
supply of cool, clean air, free of airborne
particulates of any kind, and without
excessive humidity. An ideal environment
will require temperature in the range of
40° F to 70° F throughout the year,
reasonably low humidity, and a dust-free

room. This is rarely attainable in the real
world. However, the closer the
environment is to this design, the greater
the operating capacity of the transmitter.

The fans and blowers designed and built
into the transmitter will remove the heat
from within the trays, but additional
means are required for removing this
heat from the building. To achieve this, a
few considerations should be taken into
account. The first step is to determine
the amount of heat to be removed. There
are generally three sources of heat that
must be considered. The first and most
obvious is the heat from the 300-watt
transmitter itself.

The second source of heat is other
equipment in the same room. This
number is calculated in the same way as
the equation for BTUs. The third source
of heat is equally obvious but not as
simple to calculate. This is the heat
coming through the walls, roof, and
windows on a hot summer day. Unless
the underside is exposed, the floor is
usually not a problem. Determining this
number is usually best left up to a
qualified HVAC technician. There are far
too many variables to even estimate this
number without detailed drawings of the
site showing all construction details. The
sum of these three sources is the total
amount of heat that must be removed.
There may be other sources of heat, such
as personnel, and all should be taken into
account.

Now that the amount of heat that must
be removed is known, the next step is to
determine how to accomplish this. The
options are air conditioning, ventilation,
or a combination of the two. Air
conditioning is always the preferred
method and is the only way to create
anything close to an ideal environment.

DT830A, Rev. 1 3-1

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 3, Installation and Setup Procedures

Ventilation will work quite well if the
ambient air temperature is below 100° F,
or about 38° C, and the humidity is be
kept at a reasonable level. In addition,
the air stream must be adequately
filtered to ensure that no airborne
particulate of any kind will be carried into
the transmitter. The combination of air
conditioning for summer and ventilation
during the cooler months is acceptable
when the proper cooling cannot be
obtained through the use of ventilation
alone and using air conditioning
throughout the year is not feasible.

Caution: The operation of air
conditioning and ventilation
simultaneously is not recommended.
This can cause condensation in
transmitters. For tube type
transmitters, this can be especially
serious if the condensation forms in
the tube cavity and creates
damaging arcs.

The following precautions should be
observed regarding air conditioning
systems:

1. Air conditioners have an ARI nominal
cooling capacity rating. In selecting
an air conditioner, do not assume
that this number can be equated to
the requirements of the site. Make
certain that the contractor uses the
actual conditions that are to be
maintained at the site in determining
the size of the air conditioning unit.
With the desired conditioned room
temperature under 80° F, the unit
must be derated, possibly by a
substantial amount.

2. Do not have the air conditioner

blowing directly onto the
transmitter. Condensation may
occur on, or worse in, the
transmitter under certain
conditions.

3. Do not isolate the front of the

transmitter from the back with the
thought of air conditioning only the

front of the unit. Cooling air is
drawn in at the front of all
transmitters and in the front and
back of others. Any attempt to
isolate the front from the rear will
adversely affect the cooling air flow.

4. Interlocking the transmitter with
the air conditioner is recommended
to keep the transmitter from
operating without the necessary
cooling.

5. The periodic cleaning of all filters is
a must.

When using ventilation alone, the
following general statements apply:

1. The blower, with attendant filters,
should be on the inlet, thereby
pressurizing the room and
preventing the ingress of dirt.

2. The inlet and outlet vents should be
on the same side of the building,
preferably the leeward side. As a
result, the pressure differential
created by wind will be minimized.
Only the outlet vent may be
released through the roof.

3. The inlet and outlet vents should
be screened with 1/8" hardware
cloth (preferred) or galvanized
hardware cloth (acceptable).

4. Cooling air should enter the room
as low as practical but in no case
higher than four feet above the
floor. The inlet must be located
where dirt, leaves, snow, etc., will
not be carried in with the cooling
air.

5. The exhaust should be located as

high as possible. Some ducting is
usually required to insure the
complete flushing of heated air
with no stagnant areas.

6. The filter area must be adequate

to insure a maximum air velocity
of 300 feet per minute through the

DT830A, Rev. 1 3-2

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 3, Installation and Setup Procedures

filter. This is not a conservative
number but a never-exceed
number. In a dusty or remote
location, this number should be
reduced to 150 CFM.

7. The inlet and outlet(s) must have
automatic dampers that close any
time the ventilation blower is off.

8. In those cases in which
transmitters are regularly off for a
portion of each day, a
temperature-differential sensor
that controls a small heater must
be installed. This sensor will
monitor inside and outside
temperatures simultaneously. If
the inside temperature falls to
within 5° F of the outside
temperature, the heater will come
on. This will prevent condensation
when the ventilation blower comes
on and applies even in the
summer.

9. A controlled-air bypass system
must be installed to prevent the
temperature in the room from
falling below 40° F during
transmitter operation.

10. The blower should have two
speeds, which are thermostatically
controlled, and interlocked with
the transmitter.

11. The blower on high speed must be
capable of moving the required
volume of air into a half inch of
water pressure at the required
elevation. The free air delivery
method must not be used.

12. Regular maintenance of the filters,
if used, can not be
overemphasized.

13. Tube transmitters should not rely
on the internal blower to exhaust
cooling air at elevations above
4000 feet. For external venting,
the air vent on the cabinet top
must be increased to an 8"
diameter for a 1-kW transmitter
and to 10" for 5-kW and 10-kW
transmitters. An equivalent
rectangular duct may be used but,
in all cases, the outlet must be
increased in area by 50% through
the outlet screen.

14. It is recommended that a site plan
be submitted to Axcera for
comments before installation
commences.

In calculating the blower requirements,
filter size, and exhaust size, if the total
load is known in watts, 2000 CFM into
1/2" of water will be required for each
5000 watts. If the load is known in BTUs,
2000 CFM into 1/2" of water will be
required for each 17,000 BTUs. The inlet
filter must be a minimum of seven
square feet, larger for dusty and remote
locations, for each 5000 watts or 17,000
BTUs. The exhaust must be at least four
square feet at the exhaust screen for
each 5000 watts or 17,000 BTUs.

The information presented in this section
is intended to serve only as a general
guide and may need to be modified for
unusually severe conditions. A
combination of air conditioning and
ventilation should not be difficult to
design (see Figure 3-1). System
interlocking and thermostat settings
should be reviewed with Axcera. As with
any equipment installation, it is always
good practice to consult the
manufacturer when questions arise.
Axcera can be contacted at (724) 873-

8100.

DT830A, Rev. 1 3-3

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 3, Installation and Setup Procedures

Figure 3-1. 1 kW Minimum Ventilation Configuration

3.2 Unpacking the Cabinets

Note: Air conditioning and any
related heat exhaust ducts should be
in place before continuing with the
installation of the transmitter.

Thoroughly inspect the cabinet and all
other materials upon their arrival. Axcera
certifies that upon leaving our facility the
equipment was undamaged and in proper
working order. The shipping containers
should be inspected for obvious damage
that is indicative of rough handling.
Check for dents and scratches or broken
switches, meters, or connectors. Any
claims against in-transit damage should
be directed to the carrier. Inform Axcera
as to the extent of any damage as soon
as possible.

Remove the cabinet with trays, UHF tee
assembly, bandpass filter, digital
modulator, (optional) trap filter,
directional coupler, and the installation
material from the crates and boxes.
Remove the straps that hold the cabinet
to the shipping skid and slide the cabinet

from the skid. Remove the plastic wrap
and foam protection from around the
cabinet. Do not remove any labeling or
tags from any cables or connectors;
these are identification markers that
make assembly of the transmitter much
easier.

Remove the four L-brackets, mounted on
the front panel rails, which held the trays
in place during shipment. The trays are
mounted in the cabinet using Chassis
Trak cabinet slides. The tray slides are on
the top and bottom of the UHF amplifier
trays and on the sides of the UHF exciter
and digital modulator trays. Inspect the
trays for any loose hardware or
connectors, tightening where needed.
Open the rear door and inspect the
interior for packing material, carefully
removing any that is found. Slowly slide
each tray in and out to verify that they
do not rub against each other and have
no restrictions to free movement.

DT830A, Rev. 1 3-4

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 3, Installation and Setup Procedures

Caution: Each UHF amplifier tray has
a hardline coaxial cable connected to
the bottom panel. The tray will not
slide out unless this cable is first
removed. To pull the tray out for test
purposes, use the extender coaxial
cable included in the installation
material kit for connections from the
tray to the output cable.

Adjustments to the position of the trays
may be necessary. To accomplish this,
loosen the cabinet slide mounting bolts
that hold the front of the slide to the
mounting frame of the cabinet and move
the tray up or down as needed to correct
for the rubbing.

The air intake to the transmitter is
intended for room air only. The cabinet
should be positioned with consideration
given to adequate air intake and exhaust,
the opening of the rear door, access to
the trays (including sliding them out for
testing), the main AC hookup, and the
installation of the output transmission
line. The cabinet should be grounded
using copper strapping material and
should also be permanently mounted to
the floor of the site using the holes in the
bottom of the cabinet.

3.3 Installation of the Cabinets and
Trays

Once the cabinet is in place and the trays
are checked for damage, the main AC
hookup is ready to be made.

Caution: Before connecting the 230
VAC, make certain that all of the
circuit breakers associated with the
transmitter are switched off.

The main AC input circuit to the
transmitter should be a 40-amp, 80-amp
for upgradeable version, 230-VAC line,
using AWG 8 wire inside of a 1-1/4"
conduit. The 230-VAC input connections
(terminals 1 and 2 [230 VAC] and
terminal 3 [chassis ground]) are made to
terminal block TB1, which is part of (A2)

the AC distribution panel near the rear
door of the transmitter. Line 2 is the
neutral for international systems using
220 VAC hot and neutral.

The RF output at J2 of (A11) the coupler
assembly, which is 7/8" rigid coax,
should connect to the transmission line
that is connected to the antenna system.

The MPEG digital source input connects
to J3, ECL, or TTL, depending on the
configuration, at the rear panel of (A19)
the modulator or J2 on (A12) the remote
interface panel. Remote functions
connect to the rear of (A4) the UHF
exciter or to (A12) the input and remote
interface panel mounted on the rear top
of the transmitter. A plug is connected to
jack J11 with pins 23 and 24 jumpered
together on the UHF exciter or to jack J9
with pins 21 and 22 jumpered together
on the (optional) remote interface panel.
These are 37-pin, “D”-connectors that
provide the interlock for the transmitter.
Jacks J10 and J11 on the UHF exciter,
and jacks J9 and J10 on the (optional)
remote interface panel, are used to
connect the remote control functions to
the transmitter.

This completes the unpacking and
installation procedures for the DT830A
Digital UHF Transmitter. Refer to the
setup and operation procedures that
follow before applying power to the
transmitter.

3.4 Setup and Operation Procedures

The transmitter should initially be turned
on with the RF output of the bandpass
filter/coupler assembly terminated into a
dummy load of at least 500 watts. If a
load is not available, check that the
output of the coupler assembly is
connected to the antenna.

Switch on the main AC, UHF exciter,
digital modulator, and the amplifier #1
and #2, amplifier #3 and #4 are used
after upgrade, circuit breakers located on
the AC distribution panel facing the rear

DT830A, Rev. 1 3-5

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 3, Installation and Setup Procedures

of the cabinet and mounted behind the
rear door. On the UHF exciter tray,
switch the Operate/Standby switch to
Standby.

Move the Operate/Standby switch,
located on the UHF exciter tray, to
Operate. Observe the power supply
reading, +26.5 VDC, on the front panel
of the UHF amplifier trays.

Note: If the transmitter does not
switch to Operate when the
Operate/Standby switch is switched
to Operate, check that an external
interlock plug, with a jumper wired
from pins 23 to 24, is connected to
jack J11 on the rear of the UHF
exciter. Or, if (A17) the optional
input and remote interface assembly
is present in the system, the external
interlock plug, with a jumper wired
from pins 21 to 22, should be
connected to jack J9 on the
assembly.

Observe the front panel meter reading in
the % Output Power position on the UHF
exciter tray; after allowing several
minutes of warm-up time, it should read
100%. If necessary, readjust the
screwdriver adjust power pot on the front
panel of the UHF exciter for 100%. As
you are checking the power level, check
the meter reading in the % Reflected
Power position. If the % Reflected Power
is very high (above 10%), a problem
with the output coaxial lines is present
and needs to be checked. A center bullet
missing from the 7/8" rigid coax lines or
loose bolts on the connections can cause
this problem. Return the Operate/
Standby switch to Standby.

The gain and phase controls on the front
panel of the UHF amplifier tray were
adjusted at the factory to attain 100%
output of the transmitter and should not
need to be readjusted. Refer to the Test
Data Sheet for the transmitter to
compare the final reading from the
factory with the reading on the tray after
the setup. They should be very similar. If
a reading is off by a significant amount,
refer to the phasing and power
adjustment procedures for the UHF
amplifier tray in Chapter 5, Detailed
Alignment Procedures, of this manual
before trying to make any adjustments.

If a dummy load is connected to the
transmitter, switch the transmitter to
Standby and switch off the main AC
circuit breaker. Remove the dummy load
and make all of the connections needed
to connect the transmitter to the
antenna. Switch the main AC circuit
breaker on and the Operate/Standby
switch to operate. Adjust the output
power screwdriver pot to attain 100%
output.

If the transmitter is already connected to
the antenna, check that the output is
100%. If necessary, adjust the power
screwdriver pot.

If a problem occurred during the setup
and operation procedures, refer to
Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment
Procedures, of this manual for more
information.

This completes the setup and operation
procedures for the DT830A transmitter.
The transmitter can now be operated
normally.

DT830A, Rev. 1 3-6

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

Chapter 4

Circuit Descriptions

4.1 (A4) UHF Exciter Tray (1294­1111; Appendix C)

4.1.1 (A12 and A18) UHF Filter
(1007-1101; Appendix D)

The UHF filter is a tunable two-section
cavity filter that is typically tuned for a
bandwidth of 5 MHz and has a loss of -1
dB through the filter.

4.1.2 (A15-A1) UHF Generator
Board (1565-1109; Appendix D)

The UHF generator board is mounted in
the UHF Generator Enclosure (1519-

1144) for EMI and RFI protection. The
board contains a VCXO circuit and
additional circuitry to multiply the VCXO
frequency by eight. The VCXO produces
an output of ≈ 67 MHz to 132 MHz,
depending on the desired channel
frequency. Course adjustment to the
frequency is made by C11, while fine
adjustments are accomplished by the AFC
voltage from (A11) the PLL board (1286-

1104). The VCXO frequency level is
adjusted by C6, L2, and L4. The output is
split and provides an input to the x8
multiplier circuitry as well as a sample for
the PLL board.

The x8 circuitry consists of three identical
x2 broadband frequency doublers. The
input signal at the fundamental frequency
is fed through a 6-dB pad consisting of
R21, R24, and R25 to amplifier U3. The
output of the amplifier stage is directed
through a bandpass filter consisting of L8
and C32, which is tuned to the
fundamental frequency (67 MHz to 132
MHz). The voltage measured at TP1 is
typically +.6 VDC. The first doubler stage
consists of Z1 with bandpass filter L9 and
C34 tuned to the second harmonic (134
MHz to 264 MHz). The harmonic is
amplified by U4 and again bandpass
filtered at the second harmonic by C38
and L11 (134 MHz to 264 MHz). The

voltage measured at TP2 is typically +1.2
VDC. The next doubler stage consists of
Z2 with bandpass filter C40 and L12
tuned to the fourth harmonic of the
fundamental frequency (268 MHz to 528
MHz). The fourth harmonic is then
amplified by U5 and fed through another
bandpass filter tuned to the fourth
harmonic consisting of L14 and C44 (268
MHz to 528 MHz). The voltage measured
at TP3 is typically +2.0 VDC. The final
doubler stage consists of Z3 with
bandpass filter C46 and L15 tuned to the
eighth harmonic of the fundamental
frequency (536 MHz to 1056 MHz). The
signal is amplified by U6 and U7 to a
typical value of from +2 to +4 VDC as
measured at TP4. The amplified eighth
harmonic is then fed to the SMA output
jack of the board at J3.

Typical output level of the signal is +16
dBm nominal.

The +12 VDC for the board enters
through jack J4-3 and is filtered by L22
and C54-C58 before being distributed to
the circuits on the board.

4.1.3 (A14-A1) 10-MHz Reference

Generator Board (1519-1126;
Appendix D)

The 10-MHz reference generator board is
located in (A10) the 10-MHz reference kit
(1286-1108). The board contains a high­stability crystal oscillator that provides a
10-MHz output that is used as reference
frequency for the transmitter. The board
is mounted within an enclosed assembly
that helps to maintain the operating
temperature of the oscillator board.

The oscillator operates at 10 MHz.
Transistor Q1 is the oscillating transistor
with the frequency of oscillation set by
the crystal Y1. L2, C2, and C3 have
second-order effects on the frequency,
with C2 and C3 used to pull the oscillator

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-1

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

exactly on frequency. Capacitors C4 and
C5 provide the positive feedback
necessary for oscillation.

The output of the oscillator is buffered by
Q2 and Q3. L4 and C12 form a 40-MHz
bandpass filter. The 40-MHz signal
passes through a digital divider IC U4,
which divides the signal down to 10 MHz.
Transistor Q5 provides a buffered, 10­MHz output at jack J1.

The crystal is heated in an enclosed
crystal oven (HR-1) that is internally set
at 60° C. The oscillator board is heated
by a separate oven that is set at 50° C.
U1 is a temperature sensor/controller IC
that monitors the temperature of the
oscillator assembly and controls the
operation of Q4 and U2. The operating
temperature of the assembly is set by
adjusting R15. If the temperature of the
assembly falls below 50° C, U1 will bias
Q4 on, which in turn increases the
amount of current flow through U2.
The flange of U2 is thermally connected
to the heatsink of the assembly. The
temperature of the heatsink will increase
as the current through U2 increases. As a
result, U2 will dissipate more power in
the form of heat, and the temperature of
the assembly will increase. If the
assembly temperature rises above 50° C,
the opposite action will occur, thus
lowering the temperature of the
assembly.

The +12 VDC enters the board at J2 and
is filtered by L1 and C1 before it is
applied to the remaining circuits on the
board.

4.1.4 (A13) PLL Board (1286-1104;
Appendix D)

The PLL board is part of the phase lock
loop (PLL) circuit, which provides the
automatic frequency control (AFC)
voltage, that connects to the VCXO
assembly, and maintains the accurate
output frequency of the VCXO. The AFC
is generated by comparing a sample of
the 10-MHz reference to a sample of the

VCXO frequency. The PLL board uses an
external 10-MHz signal as the reference
unless it is missing, then an internally
generated 10-MHz signal is used. The
two 10-MHz reference signals are
connected to the K1 relay and the
selected reference to U1. The switching
between the two references is
accomplished by the K1 relay which,
when energized, applies the external 10­MHz reference to U1, as long as an
externally generated 10-MHz reference
signal is present and an interlock is
connected to J8, pin 1.

If the interlock is removed or the
external 10-MHz reference is missing, the
relay is de-energized and the internal 10­MHz reference is applied through the
relay to U1. The internally generated 10­MHz reference connects from J7 to pins 3
and 6 of relay K1. The externally
generated 10-MHz reference connects
from J2 to pins 2 and 5 of relay K1. The
unused 10-MHz reference is connected
through the relay to R10, a 51-Ω load.

With the relay energized, the internally
generated 10-MHz reference from J7
connects through the closed contact of
the relay from pin 6 to pin 7 to R10, the
51-Ω load. The externally generated 10­MHz from jack J2 connects through the
closed contact of the relay from pin 2 to
pin 1 to amplifier U1. With the relay not
energized, the internally generated 10­MHz reference from J7 connects through
the closed contact of the relay from pin 3
to pin 1 to amplifier U1. The externally
generated 10-MHz from jack J2 connects
through the closed contact of the relay
from pin 5 to pin 7 to R10, the 51-Ω
load.

External 10-MHz Reference Present
Circuitry

The external 10-MHz reference signal
enters the board at J2 and is filtered by
C4, L2, and C5 before it is connected to
the K1 relay. A sample of the 10 MHz is
rectified by CR3 and connected to U3A. If
the sample level of the external 10 MHz

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-2

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

is above the reference set by R13 and
R14, which is connected to pin 2 of U3A,
the output of U3A stays high. The high
connects to gates of Q4 and Q9, which
are biased on and cause their drains to
go low. The low from the drain of Q9 is
wired to J8, pin 6, for connection to a
remote external 10-MHz present
indicator. The low from the drain of Q4
connects to the green LED DS2 which
lights to indicate that an external 10-MHz
reference is present. The low from the
drain of Q4 also connects to the gate of
Q5, biasing it off and causing its drain to
go high.

This high reverse biases CR4 and allows
a high to be applied to the gates of Q6,
Q8, and Q3, if an interlock, low, is
present at J8, pin 1. The high to the gate
of Q6 biases it on and causing its drain to
go low; the low is connected to the green
LED DS3, which lights, indicating that an
external 10-MHz reference is selected.
The high to the gate of Q8 biases it on
and applies a low to J8, pin 7, for
connection to a remote reference select
indicator. The high that is applied to the
gate of Q3 biases it on and causes its
drain to go low, which energizes the K1
relay and applies the external 10-MHz
reference signal to U1 for use in the PLL
circuits.

Internal 10-MHz Reference Circuitry

The internally generated 10-MHz
reference signal connects from jack J7 on
the board to pins 3 and 6 of relay K1. If
the external 10-MHz reference is missing,
or the interlock is not present at J8, pin
1, the relay is de-energized. The
internally generated 10-MHz reference
connects through the closed contact of
the relay from pin 3 to pin 1 to amplifier
U1. The externally generated 10-MHz
signal from jack J2 connects through the
closed contact of the relay from pin 5 to
pin 7 to R10, the 51-Ω load.

Sample Input Circuitry

A sample of the signal from the UHF
generator board connects to SMA jack J9,
the sample input on the board. The signal
is amplified by U8 and coupled to U9, a
divide by 20/21 IC. A sample of the
output of U8 is connected to J10, the
sample output jack on the board, which
is typically connected to the front panel
of the tray.

Comparator Phase Lock Loop Circuit

The selected 10-MHz reference connects
to amplifier IC U1 whose output is split
by the circuit consisting of L3, L4, and
R8. A sample of the 10-MHz reference is
cabled to jack J3, the 10-MHz output
jack, which is connected to J5 on the rear
of the tray. The 10-MHz reference
connects to IC U4, a divider PLL chip. The
divided-down sample of the 10-MHz
reference, which is measurable at TP2,
connects from pin 10 of U4 to pin 27 of
U5.

The divided-down sample from U9 is
connected to U5, a divider comparator
IC, which divides this signal to a 50-kHz
reference. The 50-kHz references are
compared in the U5 IC to a 50-kHz
sample of the 10-MHz signal that is
generated from an external 10-MHz
reference input or internally from a 10­MHz reference kit. The three DIP
switches, SW1, SW2, and SW3, are set
up to divide down the reference sample
input generated by the VCXO to 50 kHz.
The reference is then compared to the
50-kHz sample from the 10-MHz input in
the U5 IC.

The output of U5 at pins 7 and 8 connect
to U6A, a differential comparator, whose
output is the difference between the two
50-kHz references which is the AFC
voltage. The AFC voltage is amplified by
U6B and connected to jack J4. W1 on J4
must be in the AFC auto position,
between pins 1 and 2, for the PLL circuit
to operate. With jumper W1 between
pins 2 and 3 on J6, fixed bias, the AFC

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-3

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

bias is set by R12. The AFC output at J6
on the board connects to the VCXO on
the UHF generator board. The PLL circuit
will maintain the very accurate VCXO
output because any change in frequency
will be corrected by the AFC error
voltage.

Lock Detector Circuit

IC chip U2 contains an internal lock
detector that indicates the status of the
PLL circuit. When U2 is in a locked state,
pin 3 and pin 7 go low; the low is applied
to Q1, which is biased off. With Q1 off,
pin 1 of J1 goes high and is connected to
the Lock LED on the LED display board
that lights. The low applied to DS1, the
Red Unlock LED, causes it not to light.

If the 50 kHz from the 10-MHz reference
and the 50-kHz from the UHF generator
board become unlocked, out of the
capture range of the PLL, pins 2 and 6 of
U2 go to a logic low; this causes U2, pins
3 and 7, to go high. The high connects to
DS1, the red Unlock LED, which lights,
and to Q1 and Q2, which are biased on.
When Q2 is biased on, it connects a low
remote unlock to jack J1, pin 4. With Q1
biased On, the drain goes low and
removes the high to pin 1 of J1, which is
connected to the Lock LED, on the LED
display board, which is extinguished.

Voltage Requirements

The ±12 VDC needed for the operation of
the board enters through jack J11. The
+12 VDC is connected to J11-3, which is
filtered and isolated by L6 and C38
before it is connected to the rest of the
board. The -12 VDC is connected to J11­5, which is filtered and isolated by L7 and
C39 before it is connected to the rest of
the board.

The +12 VDC is connected to U7, a 5­volt regulator IC, that provides the +5
VDC operating voltage to the U2, U4, U5,
and U9 ICs.

4.1.5 (A1) Power Entry Module

Assembly (1227-1206; Appendix D)

The power entry module assembly
provides overvoltage and surge
protection for the input AC lines that
connect to the exciter tray. The AC input
plug connects to J14; J14 is part of the
power entry module on the rear panel of
the exciter tray.

The module assembly contains two 130­VAC varistors and one 250-VAC varistor
that connect across the AC lines and to
ground. The module also contains two 4­amp fuses, one in each input line for
overcurrent protection.

4.1.6 (A9) IF Phase Corrector Board

(1227-1250; Appendix D)

The IF phase corrector board has
adjustments that pre-correct for any IF
phase modulation distortion that might
occur in output amplifier devices such as
Klystron power tubes and solid-state
amplifiers. Two separate, adjustable IF
paths are on the board: a quadrature IF
path and an in-phase IF path. The
quadrature IF is 90° out of phase and
much larger in amplitude than the in­phase IF. When these paths are
combined in Z1, they provide the
required adjustable phase correction to
the IF signal.

The IF input signal enters at J1 and is
capacitively coupled to U1. U1 amplifies
the IF before it is connected to Z1, a
splitter, to create two, equal IF outputs.
IF output #1 is connected to J2 and IF
output #2 is connected to J3. IF output
#1 at J2 is jumpered through coaxial
cable W4 to jack J6, the quadrature
input, on the board. IF output #2 at J3 is
jumpered through coaxial cable W5 to
jack J7, the in-phase input, on the board.

4.1.6.1 Phase Corrector Circuit

The phase corrector circuit adjusts for
any amplitude nonlinearities of the IF
signal. It is designed to work at IF and

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-4

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

has three stages of correction. Each
stage has a variable threshold and
magnitude control. The threshold control
determines the point where the gain is
changed and the magnitude control
determines the gain change once the
breakpoint is reached. The second stage
has a jumper that determines the
direction of the correction so that the
gain can be made to increase either
above or below the threshold and either
black or white stretch can be
accomplished in stage two.

When the phase corrector circuit is
operating, the IF signal from J6 is applied
to transformer T1, which doubles the
voltage swing using a 1:4 impedance
transformation. Resistors R8, R61, R9,
and R48 form an L-pad that attenuates
the signal. This attenuation is adjusted
by adding R7, a variable resistor, in
parallel with the L-pad. R7 is only in
parallel when the signal reaches a level
large enough to bias on CR1 and CR2 and
allow current to flow through R7. When
R7 is put in parallel with the L-pad, the
attenuation through the L-pad is lowered,
causing black stretch.

Two reference voltages are utilized in the
corrector stages and both are derived
from the +12 VDC line. Zener diode VR1,
with R46 as a dropping resistor, provides
+6.8 VDC from the +12 VDC line. Diodes
CR11 and CR12 provide a .9-VDC
reference that temperature compensates
the corrector circuits from the affects of
the two diodes in each corrector stage.
The threshold for the first corrector stage
is set by controlling where CR1 and CR2
turn on. This is accomplished by
adjusting R3 and forming a voltage
divider from +6.8 VDC to ground. The
voltage at the wiper of R3 is buffered by
U9C, a unity-gain amplifier, and applied
to CR1. The .9-VDC reference is
connected to U9D, a unity-gain amplifier,
whose output is wired to CR2. These two
references are connected to diodes CR1
and CR2 through chokes L2 and L3. The
two chokes form a high impedance for RF
that isolates the op-amps from the RF.

The adjusted signal is next applied to
amplifier U2, which compensates for the
loss through the L-pad. U2 is powered
through L4 and R10 from the +12 VDC
line. After the signal is amplified by U2, it
is applied to the second corrector stage
through T2 and then to a third corrector
stage through T3. The two other
corrector stages operate the same as the
first; they are independent and do not
interact with each other.

When jumper W1 on J8 is connected
from center to ground, R15 is put in
series with ground. In this configuration,
black stretch (white compression) is
applied to the IF signal by controlling the
attenuation through the path. When W1
is connected from the center pin to the
end that connects to T2, R15 is put in
parallel with the L-pad. In this
configuration, black compression (white
stretch) is applied to the IF signal by
controlling the attenuation through the
path.

The phase correctors can be bypassed by
moving jumper W2 on J9 to the Disable
position. This will move all of the
threshold points past sync tip so that
they will have no affect. R68 can be
adjusted and set for the required
correction range. TP2 is a test point that
gives the operator a place to measure
the level of the quadrature IF signal that
is connected to pin 6 on combiner Z2.

4.1.6.2 Amplitude Corrector Circuit

The amplitude corrector circuit adjusts
for any amplitude nonlinearities of the IF
signal using one stage of correction. The
stage has a variable threshold control,
R31, and a variable magnitude control,
R35. The threshold control determines
the point where the gain is changed and
the magnitude control determines the
amount of gain change once the
breakpoint is reached.

Two reference voltages are needed for
the operation of the corrector circuit.
Zener diode VR1 with R46 provides +6.8

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-5

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

VDC and diodes CR11 and CR12 provide
a .9-VDC reference voltage that is used
to temperature compensate for the two
diodes in the corrector stage.

When the amplitude corrector circuit is
operating, the IF signal from J7 is applied
to transformer T4, which doubles the
voltage swing by means of a 1:4
impedance transformation. Resistors
R36, R55, R56, and R37 form an L-pad
that lowers the level of the signal. The
amount that the level is lowered can be
adjusted by adding more or less
resistance, using R35, in parallel with the
L-pad resistors. R35 is only in parallel
when the signal reaches a level large
enough to turn on diodes CR8 and CR9.
When the diodes turn on, current flows
through R35, putting it in parallel with
the L-pad. When R35 is in parallel with
the resistors, the attenuation through the
L-pad is lowered, causing signal stretch,
which is the amount of stretch
determined by the adjustment of R35.

The signal is next applied to amplifier U5
to compensate for the loss in level
through the L-pad. The breakpoint, cut­in, for the corrector stage is set by
controlling where CR8 and CR9 turn on.
This is accomplished by adjusting cut-in
resistor R31, which forms a voltage
divider from +6.8 VDC to ground. The
voltage at the wiper arm of R31 is
buffered by unity-gain amplifier U8B.
This voltage is then applied to R34,
through L11, and to diode CR9. The .9­VDC reference created by CR11 and
CR12 is applied to unity-gain amplifier
U8A. C36 keeps the reference from
sagging during the vertical interval. The
reference voltage is then connected to
diode CR8 through choke L12. Chokes
L11 and L12 form a high impedance for
RF that isolates the op-amp ICs from the
IF.

After the signal is amplified by U5, it is
applied to a second stage through T5.
The transformer doubles the voltage
swing by means of a 1:4 impedance
transformation. Resistors R39, R57, R58,

and R40 form an L-pad that lowers the
level of the signal. The signal is applied
to amplifier U6 to compensate for the
loss in level through the L-pad. After the
signal is amplified by U6, it is applied to a
third stage through T6. The transformer
doubles the voltage swing by means of a
1:4 impedance transformation. Resistors
R42, R59, R60, and R43 form an L-pad
that lowers the level of the signal. The
signal is applied to amplifier U7 to
compensate for the loss in level through
the L-pad.

TP1 is a test point that gives the operator
a place to measure the level of the in­phase IF signal that is connected to
mixer stage Z2. The amplitude corrector
can be disabled by moving jumper W3 on
J10 to the Disable position; this will move
the breakpoint past sync tip so that it will
have no affect on the signal.

4.1.6.3 Output Circuit

The phase-corrected signal from pin 1 on
combiner Z2 exits the board at IF output
jack J4 after passing through a matching
network consisting of six resistors.

4.1.7 (A8) ALC Board (1265-1305;

Appendix D)

The ALC board provides for automatic
level control (ALC) and amplitude
linearity correction of the IF signal. The
ALC adjusts the level of the IF signal
through the ALC board which, in turn,
controls the output power of the
transmitter.

The visual + aural IF input (0 dBm)
signal from the modulator enters the
board at modulator IF input jack J32 and,
if the (optional) receiver tray is present,
the visual + aural IF input (0 dBm) from
the receiver tray connects to J1, the
receiver IF input jack. The modulator IF
input connects to relay K3 and the
receiver IF input connects to relay K4.
The two relays are controlled by the
Modulator Select command that is
connected to J30 on the board. Modulator

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-6

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

select enable/disable jumper W11 on J29
controls whether the Modulator Select
command at J30 controls the operation of
the relays. With jumper W11 on J29, pins
1 and 2, the Modulator Select command
at J30 controls the operation of the
relays but, with jumper W11 on J29, pins
2 and 3, the modulator is selected all of
the time.

4.1.7.1 Modulator Selected

With the modulator selected, J11-10 and
J11-28 on the rear of the UHF exciter
tray are connected together; this makes
J30 low and causes relays K3 and K4 to
de-energize. When K4 is de-energized, it
connects the receiver IF input at J1, if
present, to 50 watts. When K3 is de­energized, it connects to the modulator
IF input at J32 and from there to the rest
of the board. At this point, the Modulator
Enable LED DS5 will be lit.

4.1.7.2 Receiver Selected

With the receiver selected, J11-10 and
J11-28, which are on the rear of the UHF
exciter tray and connect to J30 on the
board, are not connected together;
relays K3 and K4 are energized. When K4
is energized, it connects the receiver IF
input at J1, if present, to the rest of the
board. When K3 is energized, it connects
to the modulator IF input at J32 to 50
watts. At this point, the Modulator Enable
LED DS5 will not be lit.

4.1.7.3 Main IF Signal Path (Part 1 of 3)

The selected visual + aural IF input (0
dBm) signal is split, with one half
entering a bandpass filter consisting of
L3, L4, C4, L5, and L6. This bandpass
filter, which can be tuned with C4, is
substantially broader than the IF signal
bandwidth. It is used to slightly steer the
frequency response of the IF and make
up for any small discrepancies in the
frequency response in the stages that
precede this point. The filter also serves
the additional function of rejecting
unwanted frequencies that may occur if

the tray cover is off and the tray is in a
high RF environment. This allows for the
servicing of this transmitter with the tray
cover off in spite of being in the presence
of other RF signals. The filtered IF signal
is fed through a pi-type matching pad,
consisting of R2, R3, and R4, to the pin­diode attenuator circuit consisting of
CR1, CR2, and CR3.

4.1.7.4 Input Level Detector Circuit

The other part of the split IF input is
connected through L2 and C44 to U7, an
IC amplifier, which is the input to the
input level detector circuit. The amplified
IF is fed to T4, a step-up transformer,
that feeds diode detector CR14. The
positive-going detected signal is then
low-pass filtered by C49, L18, and C50;
this allows only the video with positive
sync to be applied through emitter
follower Q1. The signal is then connected
to detector CR15, which produces a
peak-sync voltage that is applied to op­amp U9A. There is a test point at TP3
that provides a voltage reference check
of the input level. The detector serves
the dual function of providing a reference
that determines the input IF signal level
to the board and acting as an input
threshold detector.

The input threshold detector prevents the
automatic level control from reducing the
attenuation of the pin-diode attenuator to
minimum (maximum signal) if the IF
input to the board is removed. The ALC,
video loss cutback, and the threshold
detector circuits will only operate when
jumper W3 on jack J6 is in the Auto
position, between pins 1 and 2. Without
the threshold detector, with the pin-diode
attenuator at minimum when the signal
is restored, the stages following this
board will be overdriven.

On the threshold detector, the minimum
IF input level at TP3 is fed through
detector CR15 to op-amp IC U9A, pin 2.
The reference voltage for the op-amp is
determined by the voltage divider
consisting of R50 and R51 off of the +12

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-7

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

VDC line. When the detected input signal
level at U9A, pin 2, falls below this
reference threshold, approximately 10 dB
below the normal input level, the output
of U9A, pin 1, goes to the +12 VDC rail.
This high is connected to the base of Q2,
which is forward biased, and creates a
current path from the -12 VDC line,
through the red Input Level Fault
Indicator LED DS1 (which lights), resistor
R54, and transistor Q2 to +12 VDC. The
high from U9A also connects through
diode CR16 to U9B, pin 5, whose output
at pin 7 goes high. The high connects
through range adjust pot R74 to J20,
which connects to the front panel­mounted power adjust pot. This high
connects to U10A, pin 2, which causes it
to go low at output U10A, pin 1. The low
is applied through jumper W3 on J6 to
the pin-diode attenuator circuit that cuts
back the IF level and also cuts back the
output power level to 0. When the input
signal level increases above the threshold
level, the output power will rise as the
input level increases until normal output
power is reached.

The video input level at TP3 is also fed to
a sync-separator circuit, consisting of IC
U8, CR17, Q3, and associated
components, and then to a comparator
circuit made up of U9C and U9D. The
reference voltage for the comparators
are determined by the voltage divider,
consisting of R129, R64, R65, R66, and
R130, off of the -12 VDC line. When the
input signal level to the detector at TP3
falls below this reference threshold,
which acts as a loss of sync detector
circuit, the output of U9C and U9D goes
towards the -12 VDC rail, which is split,
with one part biasing on the transistor
Q5. A current path is then established
from the +12 VDC line through Q5,
resistors R69 and R137, and the red
Video Loss Indicator LED DS3, which
lights. When Q5 is on, it applies a high to
the gates of Q6 and Q7, causing them to
conduct; this applies video loss fault pull­down outputs to J18, pins 5 and 2.

The other low output of U9C and U9D is
connected through CR20 to jack J5.
Jumper W2 on J5, in the cutback enable
position between pins 2 and 3, connects
the low to the base of Q4, which is
forward biased. If jumper W2 is in the
Disable position, between pins 1 and 2,
the automatic cutback will not operate.
With Q4 biased on, a level determined by
the setting of cutback level pot R71,
which is set at the factory to cut back the
output to approximately 25%, is applied
to U9B, pin 5. The output of U9B, pin 7,
goes low and is applied through the
power adjust pot to U10A, pin 2, whose
output goes low. This low is applied to
the pin-diode attenuator, which will cut
back the level of the output to
approximately 25%.

4.1.7.5 Pin-Diode Attenuator Circuit

The input IF signal is fed to the pin-diode
attenuator circuit, consisting of CR1 to
CR3. Each of the pin diodes contain a
wide, intrinsic region, which makes the
diodes function as voltage-variable
resistors at this intermediate frequency.
The value of the resistance is controlled
by the DC bias supplied to the diode. The
pin diodes are configured in a pi-type
attenuator configuration where CR1 is
the first shunt element, CR3 is the series
element, and CR2 is the second shunt
element. The control voltage, which can
be measured at TP1, originates either
from the ALC circuit, when jumper W3 on
J6 is in the ALC Auto position between
pins 1 and 2, or from pot R87 when the
jumper is in the Manual Gain position.

In the pin-diode attenuator circuit, a
current path exists from J6 through R6
and then through the diodes of the pin
attenuator. Changing the amount of
current through the diodes by forward
biasing them changes the IF output level
of the board. There are two extremes of
attenuation ranges for the pin-diode
attenuators. In the minimum attenuation
case, the voltage is measured as TP1
approaches the +12 VDC line. There is a
current path created through R6, through

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

series diode CR3, and finally through R9
to ground. This path forward biases CR3
and causes it to act as a relatively low­value resistor. The larger current flow
increases the voltage drop across R9 and
tends to turn off the diodes CR1 and
CR2, causing them to act as high-value
resistors. In this case, the shunt
elements act as high resistance and the
series element acts as low resistance,
which represents the minimum loss
condition of the attenuator, maximum
signal output.

The other extreme case occurs as the
voltage at TP1 is reduced, going towards
ground or even slightly negative. This
tends to turn off and reverse bias diode
CR3, the series element, which causes it
to act as a high-value resistor. An
existing fixed-current path from the +12
VDC line through R5, CR1, CR2, and R9
biases the series element CR3 off and the
shunt elements, diodes CR1 and CR2, on,
causing them to act as relatively low­value resistors. This represents the
maximum attenuation case of the pin
attenuator, minimum signal output. By
controlling the value of the voltage
applied to the pin diodes, the IF signal
level is maintained at the set level.

4.1.7.6 Main IF Signal Path (Part 2 of 3)

When the IF signal passes out of the pin­diode attenuator through C11, it is
applied to modular amplifier U1. This
device includes the biasing and
impedance-matching circuits that allows
it operate as a wideband IF amplifier. The
output of U1 is available at jack J2, as a
sample of the pre-correction IF, for
troubleshooting purposes and system
set-up. The IF signal is then connected to
the linearity corrector portion of the
board.

4.1.7.7 Linearity Corrector Circuits

The linearity corrector circuits adjust for
any amplitude non-linearities of the IF
signal using three stages of correction.
Each stage has a variable threshold

control adjustment, R34, R37, or R40,
and a variable magnitude control
adjustment, R13, R18, or R23. The
threshold control determines the point at
which the gain is changed and the
magnitude control determines the
amount of gain change that occurs once
the breakpoint is reached. Two reference
voltages are needed for the operation of
the corrector circuits. Zener diode VR1,
with R33 and R135, provides a +6.8-VDC
reference and diodes CR11 and CR12
provide a .9-VDC reference that
temperature compensates for the two
diodes in each corrector stage.

When the linearity correctors are
operating, the IF signal is applied to
transformer T1, which doubles the
voltage swing by means of a 1:4
impedance transformation. Resistors
R14, R15, and R16 form an L-pad that
lowers the level of the signal. The
amount the level is lowered can be
adjusted with R13, in parallel with the L­pad resistors. R13 is only in parallel when
the signal reaches a level large enough to
turn on diodes CR4 and CR5. When the
diodes turn on, current flows through
R13, putting it in parallel with the L-pad.
When R13 is put in parallel with the
resistors, the attenuation through the
L-pad is lowered, causing signal stretch,
the amount of which is determined by
the adjustment of R13. The signal is next
applied to amplifier U2, which
compensates for the loss through the
L-pad.

The breakpoint, cut-in, for the first
corrector is set by controlling where CR4
and CR5 turn on. This is accomplished by
adjusting cut-in resistor R34, which
forms a voltage-divider network from
+6.8 VDC to ground. The voltage at the
wiper arm of R34 is buffered by unity­gain amplifier U5D. This reference
voltage is then applied to R35, R36, and
C39, through L12, to the CR4 diode. C39
keeps the reference from sagging during
the vertical interval. The .9-VDC
reference created by CR11 and CR12 is
applied to unity-gain amplifier U5B. The

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

reference voltage is then connected to
diode CR5 through choke L11. Chokes
L11 and L12 form a high impedance for
the RF that serves to isolate the op-amp
ICs from the IF.

After the signal is amplified by U2, it is
applied to the second corrector stage
through T2. This corrector and the third
corrector operate in the same fashion as
the first. All three corrector stages are
independent and do not interact with
each other.

The correctors can be disabled by moving
jumper W1 on J4 to the Disable position,
between pins 2 and 3; this moves all of
the breakpoints past the tip of sync so
that they will have no affect. The IF
signal exits the board at IF output jack J3
after passing through the three corrector
stages and is normally connected to an
external IF phase corrector board.

4.1.7.8 Main IF Signal Path (Part 3 of 3)

After the IF signal passes through the
external IF phase corrector board, it
returns to the ALC board at IF input jack
J7. The IF then passes through a
bandpass filter consisting of L20, C97,
C62, L21, C63, L22, L23, C64, and C99.
This bandpass filter is identical in both
form and function to the one described at
IF input jack J1. In this case, the filter is
intended to make up for the small errors
in frequency response that are incurred
by the signal while it is being processed
through the linearity and incidental phase
correction circuits. Following the
bandpass filter, the signal is split using
L24, L25, and R89. The signal passing
through L24 is the main IF path through
the board.

A sample of the corrected IF signal is
split off and connected to J10, the IF
sample jack. The IF connects to jacks J27
and J28, which control whether a 6-dB
pad is included in the circuit by the
positioning of jumpers W9 and W10. The
6-dB pad is in when jumpers W9 and
W10 are connected between pins 2 and 3

on J27 and J28. The 6-dB pad is out
when jumpers W9 and W10 are
connected between pins 1 and 2 on J27
and J28. Normally, the pad is out. The IF
signal is then applied to a two-stage
frequency response corrector circuit that
is adjusted as necessary.

Variable resistors R103 and R106 adjust
the depth, or gain, of the notches and
variable caps C71 and C72 adjust the
frequency, or position, of the notches.
The IF signal is amplified by U13 and U14
before it is connected to J12, the IF
output jack of the board. R99 is an
output level adjustment that is set to
provide approximately 0 dBm of IF
output at J12. A sample of the IF is fed to
J11, which provides an IF sample point
that can be monitored without breaking
the signal path and gives an indication of
the IF signal after the linearity and
frequency response correction takes
place.

4.1.7.9 ALC Circuit

The other path of the corrected IF signal
is used in the ALC circuit. The IF is wired
out of the splitter through L25, which is
connected to op-amp U12. The output of
U12 is wired to jacks J8 and J9; jumpers
W4 and W8 control the normal, or
encoded, operation of the ALC circuitry.
For normal operation, jumper W4 on J8 is
between pins 1 and 2 and jumper W8 on
J9 is between pins 1 and 2.

The IF signal is applied to transformer
T5, which doubles the voltage swing by
means of a 1:4 impedance
transformation before it is connected to
the ALC detector circuit on the board and
amplified by U10B. For normal operation,
jumper W7 on J26 is between pins 1 and
2 and jumper W5 on J21 is between pins
1 and 2. The detected ALC voltage is
wired to U10A, pin 2, where it is summed
with the front panel power control
setting. The output power adjustment for
the transmitter is accomplished, if the
(optional) remote power raise/lower kit
(1227-1039) is purchased, by R75, a

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

motor-driven pot controlled by switch S1
on the board or screwdriver adjust pot
R1 on the front panel of the UHF exciter
tray. An external power raise/lower
switch can be used by connecting it to
jack J10, at J10-11 power raise, J10-13
power raise/lower return, and J10-12
power lower on the rear of the UHF
exciter tray.

S1, or the remote switch, controls relays
K1 and K2 which, in turn, the control
motor M1 that moves variable resistor
R75. If the (optional) remote power
raise/lower kit is not purchased, the ALC
voltage is controlled only by screwdriver
adjust pot R1 on the front panel of the
UHF exciter tray. The ALC voltage is set
for .8 VDC at TP4 with 0 dBm output at
J12 of the board. A sample of the ALC at
J19, pin 2, is wired to the transmitter
control board where it is passed on to the
front panel meter and the AGC circuits.
The ALC voltage and the DC level
corresponding to the IF level after signal
correction are fed to U10A, pin 2, whose
output at pin 1 connects to the ALC pin­diode attenuator circuit. If there is a loss
of gain somewhere in an IF circuit, the
output power of the transmitter will drop,
which the ALC circuit senses at U10A,
automatically lowering the loss of the
pin-diode attenuator circuit and
increasing the gain to compensate.

The ALC action starts with the ALC
detector level that is monitored at TP4.
The detector output at TP4 is nominally
+.8 VDC and is applied through resistor
R77 to a summing point at op-amp
U10A, pin 2. The current available from
the ALC detector is offset, or
complimented, by current that is taken
away from the summing junction. In
normal operation, U10A, pin 2, is at 0
VDC when the loop is satisfied. If the
recovered or peak-detected IF signal at
IF input jack J7 of this board should drop
in level, which would normally mean that
the output power is decreasing, the null
condition would no longer occur at U10A,
pin 2. When the level drops, the output
of U10A at pin 1 will go more positive

and, if jumper W3 on J6 is in the
Automatic position, it will cause ALC pin­diode attenuators CR1, CR2, and CR3 to
have less attenuation. This will increase
the IF level and compensate for the
decrease in level. If the ALC cannot
sufficiently increase the input level to
satisfy the ALC loop, because of not
enough range, an ALC fault will occur.
The fault is generated because U10D, pin
12, increases above the trip point set by
R84 and R83 until it conducts. This
makes U10D, pin 14, high, and lights the
red ALC Fault LED DS2 on the board.

4.1.7.10 For Scrambled Operation with

Encoding

For encoded, or scrambled, operation,
jumper W4 on J8 must be connected
between pins 2 and 3; jumper W8 on J9
must be between pins 3 and 2; jumper
W7 on J26 must be between pins 2 and
3; and jumper W5 on J21 must be
between pins 2 and 3. The IF is
connected through W4 on J8 to the sync­regeneration circuits.

If this board is operated with scrambling,
using suppressed sync, the ALC circuit
operates differently than just described,
because there is no peak-of-sync present
on the IF input. A timing pulse from the
scrambling encoder connects to the
board at J24. This timing pulse is
converted to sync pulses by U17A and
U17B, controlling the operation of Q8.
The sync amplitude is controlled by
R149, which is then applied to U15A
where it is added to the detected IF
signal to produce a peak-of-sync level.
The output of U15A is peak detected by
CR26 and fed to U15B. If necessary,
intercarrier notch L39 can be placed in
the circuit by placing W6 on J22. The
intercarrier notch is adjusted to filter any
aural and 4.5-MHz intercarrier
frequencies. The peak-of-sync signal is
fed through R162, the ALC calibration
control, to amplifier U15C. The amplified
peak-of-sync output is connected
through J21, pins 2 and 3, to U10A,
where it is used as the reference for the

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

ALC circuit as well as the AGC reference
to the transmitter control board (1265-

1311).

Voltage TP4 should be the same in either
the normal or the encoded video mode.
Monitor J9, pins 3 and 4, with a spectrum
analyzer, check that the board is in the
AGC mode, and tune C103 to notch out
the aural IF carrier.

4.1.7.11 Fault Command

The ALC board also has circuitry for an
external mute fault input at J19, pin 6.
This is a Mute command and, in most
systems, it is part of the interface for the
protection circuits of high-gain output
amplifier devices. The Mute command is
intended to protect the amplifier devices
against VSWR faults. In this case, it is
required that the actions occur faster
than just pulling the ALC reference down.
Two different mechanisms are employed:
one is a fast-acting circuit to increase the
attenuation of pin-diode attenuator CR3,
CR1, and CR2, and the second, as just
described, is the reference voltage being
pulled away from the ALC amplifier
device. An external mute is a pull-down
applied to J19, pin 6, that provides a
current path from the +12 VDC line
through R78 and R139, the Mute
Indicator LED DS4, and the LED section
of opto-isolator U11.

These actions turn on the transistor
section of U11 that applies -12 VDC
through CR21 to U10A, pin 3, which pulls
down the reference voltage. This is a
fairly slow action that is slowed down by
the low-pass filter function of R81 and
C61. When the transistor section of U11
is on, -12 VDC is also connected through
CR22 to the pin-diode attenuator circuit.
This establishes a very fast muting
action, by reverse biasing CR3, in the
event of an external VSWR fault.

4.1.7.12 ±12 VDC to Operate the Board

The ±12 VDC connects to the board at
J14. +12 VDC connects to J14-3 and is

filtered by L30, L41, and C80 before it is
applied to the rest of the board. The -12
VDC connects to J14-5 and is filtered by
L31 and C81 before it is applied to the
rest of the board.

The +12 VDC also connects to U16, a 5­VDC regulator IC, which produces the +5
VDC needed to operate timing IC U17.

4.1.8 (A19) Visual/Aural Metering

Board (1265-1309; Appendix D)

Note: This board was originally
designed for analog television signal
operation. For digital applications,
forward digital can be substituted
for forward visual and the aural
circuits along with the scrambling
circuits are not used.

The visual/aural metering board provides
detected outputs of the forward digital
and reflected output samples that are
used for monitoring on the front panel
meter. The board also provides
adjustments for the calibration of the
readings on the meter. These readings
are obtained from the samples of the
forward power and reflected power
outputs of the tray.

A forward power sample is applied to
SMA jack J1 of the board. The input
signal is split, with one path connected to
forward power sample SMA jack J2 for
monitoring purposes. The other path is
connected through C1 to CR2, R4, R5,
R6, C4, and CR1, which make up a
detector circuit. The detected signal is
amplified by U6B and its output is split.
One amplified output of U6B connects to
the digital level circuit, the other output
is not used in digital operation.

4.1.8.1 Digital Level Circuit

The detected digital level output from
U6B is connected to U1C. The intercarrier
notch L3 is not used with digital. The
digital output of U1C is fed to a peak­detector circuit consisting of CR5 and
U2A and then fed through R28, the visual

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

(digital) calibration control that is
adjusted for a 100% digital reading, to
amplifier U2B. The amplified digital
output is connected to comparator U2C.
The other input to U2C is the level set by
aural null adjust R51, which is not used
with digital. Pots R51 and R20 should be
set full CCW. The offset null adjust R48
is adjusted for 0% digital power with the
transmitter in Standby. The adjusted
output is amplified by U3D and
connected to the other input of U2C. The
output of U2C connects to J6, pins 2 and
3, which supplies the forward digital level
output to the front panel meter for
monitoring.

The scrambling circuits are not used with
digital operation.

4.1.8.2 Reflected Level Circuit

A reflected power sample is applied to J3
of the board and is detected by diode
detector CR7 and U3B. The detected
output is fed through R39, the reflected
calibration pot, which can be adjusted to
control the gain of U3C. The output of
U3C connects to J6, pin 7, which supplies
a reflected power level output to the
front panel meter.

4.1.8.3 Voltages for Circuit Operation

The ±12 VDC is applied to the board at
J5. +12 VDC is connected to J5, pin 3,
and is isolated and filtered by L4 and C34
before it is connected to the rest of the
board. The +12 VDC also connects to U5,
a 5-VDC regulator that provides the
voltage needed to operate U4. The -12
VDC is applied to J5, pin 1, and is
isolated and filtered by L5 and C35
before it is connected to the rest of the
board.

4.1.9 (A11) UHF Upconverter Board
(1265-1310; Appendix D)

The UHF upconverter board provides
upconversion processing by mixing the IF
and LO signals in mixer Z1 to produce
the desired RF frequency output. The RF

output is connected through J3 to an
external filter and applied back to the
board at J4 where the gain is set by R10.
The RF is amplified and connected to the
RF output jack of the board at J5.

The IF signal (0 dBm) enters the board at
J1, an SMA connector, and is applied
through a filter circuit consisting of L10
and C25 to C28 to a matching pad. This
pad consists of R1, R2, and R3, which
presents a relatively good source
impedance, and feeds the signal to pins 3
and 4, the I input of mixer Z1. The local
oscillator signal (+13 dBm) from the x8
multiplier connects to the board at jack
J2, an SMA connector, through a UHF
channel filter and is connected directly to
pin 8, the L input of the mixer.

The frequency of the LO is the sum of the
IF frequency above the required visual
carrier. For instance, in system M, the IF
visual frequency is at 45.75 MHz and the
relative location of the aural would be 4.5
MHz lower, or 41.25 MHz. For digital
applications, the LO is the center
frequency of the digital channel added to
the 44-MHz IF frequency. By picking the
local oscillator to be 45.75 MHz above
the visual carrier, a conversion in
frequency occurs by selecting the
difference product. The difference
product, the local oscillator minus the IF,
will be at the required visual carrier
frequency output. There will also be other
signals present at the RF output
connector J3 at a lower level. These are
the sum conversion product: the LO and
the IF frequencies. Usually, the output
product that is selected by the tuning of
the external filter is the difference
product: the LO minus the 45.75-MHz IF.
The difference product has its sidebands
flipped so that the visual carrier is lower
in frequency than the aural carrier.

If a bad reactive load is connected to the
mixer, the LO signal that is fed through it
can be increased because the mixer no
longer serves as a double-balanced
mixer. The mixer has the inherent
property of suppressing signals that may

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-13

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

leak from one input port to any of the
other ports. This property is enhanced by
having inputs and outputs of the mixer at
50Ω impedance. The reactive filter that is
externally connected to J3 of the board
does not appear as a good 50-Ω load at
all frequencies. The pad, in the output
line of the board, consists of R5, R4, R6,
and R7. The pad buffers the bad effects
of the reactive filter load and makes it
appear as a 50-Ω impedance. The RF
signal is amplified by U1, a modular
amplifier, and includes within it biasing
and impedance matching networks that
makes U1 act as a wideband-RF amplifier
device. This amplifier, in a 50-Ω system,
has approximately 12 dB of gain. U1 is
powered from the +12 VDC line through
RF decoupling components R27, R28,
C30, R8, and L1. Inductor L1 is a
broadband-RF choke and is resonance
free through the UHF band. The amplified
RF connects to SMA RF output jack J3
which is cabled to the external filter.

The RF input signal from the external
filter re-enters the board at J4 (-11 to

-14 dBm) and is capacitively coupled to
the pin-diode attenuator circuit consisting
of CR1, CR2, and CR5. The pin-diode
attenuator acts as a voltage-variable
attenuator in which each pin diode
functions as a voltage-variable resistor
that depends on the DC bias supplied to
the diode for the resistance value. The
pin diodes, because of a large, intrinsic
region, cannot rectify signals at this RF
frequency; therefore, they act as a linear
voltage-variable resistor.

The pin diodes are configured in shunt
configuration: CR1 is the first shunt
element, CR2 is the second shunt
element, and CR5 is the series element.
The manual gain AGC, W1 on J10
between pins 1 and 2, is used in most
cases. The control voltage from manual
gain pot R10 sets up a current path
through R11 and the diodes in the pin
attenuator. The level-controlled RF signal
from the pin-diode attenuator circuit is
amplified by wideband-hybrid amplifier
IC U2 which is configured in the same

way as U1. The RF signal is buffered by
Q1 and applied to the push-pull class A
amplifier circuit consisting of Q2 and Q3.
At the input to the transistors, the RF is
converted to a balanced, dual feed by
balun L4, which is made from a short
length of UT-141 coaxial cable.

Capacitors C12 and C13 provide DC
blocking for the input signal to the
amplifier devices. The RF outputs at the
collectors of the transistors are applied
through C19 and C20, which provide DC
blocking for the output signals. The RF
signals connect to L7, which consists of
UT-141 coaxial cable. L7 combines the RF
back to a single-RF output at a 50-Ω
impedance to L8, which provides a
sample of the RF. The main path through
L10 is to J5, the RF output jack of the
board (+10 to +20 dBm). The sample of
the RF connects to a splitter that
provides a sample output (0 dBm) at J6
of the board. The other output of the
splitter connects to a peak-detector
circuit consisting of CR3 and U3, which
provides a DC level at J7 that represents
the RF output of the UHF exciter to the
front panel meter. R29 sets up the
calibration of the front panel meter for
100% in the UHF exciter position when
the output power of the exciter is at +17
dBm peak visual or +10 dBm average for
digital applications.

The board is powered by ±12 VDC that is
produced by an external power supply.
+12 VDC enters the board through J8,
pin 3, and is filtered and isolated by RF
choke L9 and shunt capacitors C24 and
C33. This circuit isolates the RF signals
from the board away from those of other
devices connected to the same +12 VDC
line external to the UHF upconverter
board. The +12 VDC is then applied to
the rest of the board.

The -12 VDC enters the board through
J8, pin 5, and is filtered and isolated by
RF choke L11 and shunt capacitors C34
and C35. This circuit isolates the RF
signals from this board away from those
of other devices connected to the same

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-14

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

-12 VDC line that is external to the UHF
upconverter board; the -12 VDC is then
applied to the rest of the board.

4.1.10 (A17) Transmitter Control
Board (1265-1311; Appendix D)

The transmitter control board provides
the system control functions and the
operational LED indications that can be
viewed on the front panel of the
transmitter. The main control functions
are for Operate/Standby and
Auto/Manual selection. When the
transmitter is switched to Operate, the
board supplies the enables to any
external amplifier trays. When the
transmitter is in Auto, the board also
performs the automatic switching of the
transmitter to Standby upon the loss of
the video input. The board contains a
VSWR cutback circuit. If the VSWR of the
transmitter increases above 20%, the
VSWR cutback circuit will operate and cut
back the output level of the transmitter,
as needed, to maintain a maximum of
20% VSWR. An interlock (low) must be
present at J8-24 for the transmitter to be
switched to Operate and, when the
interlock is present, the green Interlock
LED DS5 will be lit.

4.1.10.1 Operate/Standby Switch

K1 is a magnetic latching relay that
controls the switching of the transmitter
from Operate and Standby. When the
Operate/Standby switch S1 on the front
panel of the tray is switched to Operate,
one coil of relay K1 energizes; this
causes the contacts to close and apply a
low to U4B-9. If the transmitter interlock
is present, and there are no
overtemperature faults, lows will also be
applied to U4B-10, U4B-11, and U4B-12.
With all the inputs to U4B low, the output
at U4B-13 will be low. This low biases off
Q1, which turns off the amber Standby
LED DS1 on the front panel, and applies
a high to Q2. The high turns on and
lights the green Operate LED DS2 also on
the front panel. When Q2 is biased on, it
connects a low to Q12, which biases it

off, and allows the ALC to be applied to
J1, which is connected to any external
amplifier trays. The low from U4B-13 is
also applied to Q4 and Q24, which are
biased off, and removes the disables
from J1-4 and J18-1. The low from U4B­13 also connects to Q10, which is biased
on, connects a high to Q6, Q7, Q8, and
Q9, which are also biased on, and applies

-12 VDC enables at J8-2, 3, 4, and 5,

which connect to any external amplifier
trays. The high applied to Q2 is also
connected to Q5 and Q26, which are
biased on, and applies a low enable to
J1-3, which can connect to a remote
operate indicator. The transmitter is now
in Operate.

When the Operate/Standby switch S1 is
switched to Standby, the other coil of
relay K1 energizes, which causes the
contacts to open. A high, +12 VDC, is
applied to U4B-9. The high at the input
causes the output at U4B-13 to go high.
The high biases on Q1, which applies a
low to the amber Standby LED DS1 on
the front panel and turns it on. Q1 also
applies a low to Q2, which turns off and
extinguishes the green Operate LED DS2.
In addition, Q12 is biased on and
connects to U2C, whose output goes low
and pulls the ALC voltages at J1 low,
lowering the gain of the external
amplifier trays. The high from U4B-13 is
applied to Q4 and Q24, which are biased
on, and applies disables at J1-4 and J18-

1. The high from U4B-13 also connects to

Q10, which is biased off. When Q10 is
off, it removes the high from Q6, Q7, Q8,
and Q9, which are biased off, and
removes the -12 VDC enables at J8-2, 3,
4, and 5 that connect to the external
amplifier trays. The low applied to Q2 is
also connected to Q5 and Q26, which are
biased off, and removes the remote
enable at J1-3. The transmitter is now in
Standby.

4.1.10.2 Automatic/Manual Switch

K2 is a magnetic latching relay that
switches the operation of the transmitter
to Automatic or Manual using

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-15

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

Auto/Manual switch S2 on the front panel
of the tray.

When the S2 switch is set to the Auto
position, the operation of the transmitter
is controlled by the fault circuits and will
stay in Operate even if Operate/Standby
switch S1 is switched to Standby.

With switch S2 in Auto, a low is applied
to one coil in the relay that energizes and
closes the contacts. The closed contacts
apply a low to the green Automatic LED
DS3, causing it to light. The low from the
relay connects to U5A, pin 2; U5D, pin
13; Q21; and Q23. Q21 and Q23 are
biased off, which causes their outputs to
go high. The high from Q21 connects to
the amber Manual LED DS4 on the front
panel, biasing it off, and to Q22, biasing
it on. The drain of Q22 goes low. The low
is applied to J8-7 and this will enable any
remote auto indicator that is connected
to it. The low to Q23 biases it off and
removes the enable to any remote
manual indicator connected to J8-6.

When switch S2 is set to the Manual
position, the operation of the transmitter
is no longer controlled by the fault
circuits; it is controlled by Operate/
Standby switch S1. With switch S2 in
Manual, a low is applied to the other coil
in the relay, which energizes and opens
the contacts. The open contacts remove
the low from the green Automatic LED
DS3 on the front panel, causing it to not
light. The high connects to U5A, pin 2;
U5D, pin 13; Q21; and Q23. Q21 and
Q23 are biased on, causing their outputs
to go low. The low from Q21 connects to
the amber Manual LED DS4 on the front
panel, biasing it on, and to Q22, biasing
it off. The drain of Q22 goes high. This
high is applied to J8-7 and will disable
any remote auto indicator that is
connected to it. Q23 is biased on and
applies a low enable to any remote
manual indicator connected to J8-6.

4.1.10.3 Automatic Control of the

Transmitter

The transmitter control board also allows
the transmitter to be turned on and off
by the presence of video or modulation
to the transmitter when the transmitter is
in Auto. When a video fault occurs due to
the loss of the video or modulation input,
J7-5 goes low. The low is applied through
W1 on J10 to Q16, which is biased off,
and to the red Video Loss Fault LED DS9
on the front panel, causing it to light. The
drain of Q16 goes high and connects to
U5B, pin 5, causing the output at pin 4 to
go low. The low connects to Q18, which
is biased off, causing the drain of Q18 to
go high. The high connects to U3D, pin
12, whose output at pin 14 goes high.
The high connects to U5C, pins 8 and 9,
which causes its output at pin 10 to go
low, and to U5A, pin 1, causing its output
at pin 3 to go low. With S2 set to
Automatic, a low is applied to U5A, pin 2,
and to U5D, pin 13. When U5A, pin 1, is
high and U5A, pin 2, is low, it causes the
output at pin 3 to go low. When U5D, pin
12, and U5D, pin 13, are both low, it
causes the output to go high. When U5A,
pin 3, is low, it biases off Q20 and
removes any pull-down to the Operate
switch. A high at U5D, pin 11, biases on
Q19 and applies a low enable to the
Standby switch; this places the
transmitter in the Standby mode.

When the video or modulation input is
returned, J7-5 goes high. The high is
applied to Q16, which is biased on, and
to the red Video Fault LED DS9, which
goes out. The output of Q16 goes low
and connects to U5B, pin 5. If there is no
receiver ALC fault, U5B, pin 6, is also
low, which causes the output at pin 4 to
go high. This high connects to Q18,
which is biased on, and causes the drain
of Q18 to go low. The low connects to
U3D, pin 12, whose output at pin 14 goes
low. The low connects to U5C, pins 8 and
9, which causes the output at pin 10 to
go high, and to U5A, pin 1. With
Auto/Manual switch S2 in Auto, a low is
applied to U5A, pin 2, and to U5D, pin

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

13. With U5A, pins 1 and 2, low, the
output at pin 3 goes high. With pin 12 of
U5D high, the output of U5D at pin 11
goes low. When U5A, pin 3, is high, it
biases on Q20, which applies a pull-down
enable to the Operate switch. A low at
U5D, pin 11, biases off Q19, which
removes any pull-down to the Standby
switch. The transmitter is switched to
Operate.

4.1.10.4 Faults

There are four possible faults that may
occur in the transmitter and are applied
to the board: video or modulation loss
fault, VSWR cutback fault,
overtemperature fault, and ALC fault.
During normal operations there are no
faults to the board. The receiver ALC
fault circuit will only function if a receiver
tray is part of the system. The
overtemperature fault is only used with
the 2-kW transmitter and is controlled by
the temperature of the reject load.

Video or Modulation Loss Fault

If a video or modulation loss occurs while
the transmitter is in Auto, the system will
go to Standby after a few seconds until
the video is returned. The transmitter will
immediately revert to Operate. A video
loss fault applies a low from the ALC
board to the video fault input at J7-5 on
the board.

With jumper W1 in place on J10, the
video fault is connected to the red Video
Loss Fault LED DS9, causing it to light,
and to Q16. Q16 is biased off, causing its
drain to go high. The high is wired to
U5B, pin 5, whose output at U5B, pin 4,
goes low. The low is wired to Q18, which
is biased off, and causes the drain to go
high. The high is connected to U3D, pin
12, which causes the output at U3D, pin
14, to go high. The high connects to U5A,
pin 1, and, if the transmitter is in Auto,
pin 2 of U5A is low. With pin 1 high and
pin 2 low, the output of U5A goes low
and reverse biases Q20, shutting it off.
The high at U5C, pins 8 and 9, causes its

output at pin 10 to go low. This low is
connected to U5D, pin 12, and, if the
transmitter is in Auto, pin 13 of U5D is
also low. The lows on pins 12 and 13
cause the output to go high and forward
bias Q19. The drain of Q19 goes low and
connects the coil in relay K1, causing it to
switch to Standby.

When the video returns, the video loss
fault is removed from the video fault
input at J7-5. With jumper W1 in place
on J10, the base of Q16 goes high. The
red Video Loss Fault LED DS9 on the
front panel will go out. Q16 is biased on,
causing the drain to go low. This low is
wired to U5B, pin 5, and U5B, pin 6, will
be low if no ALC fault occurs. The two
lows at the inputs make the output at
U5B, pin 4, go high. The high is wired to
Q18, which is biased on, and causes the
drain to go low. The low is connected to
U3D, pin 12, which causes its output at
U3D, pin 14, to go low. The low connects
to U5A, pin 1, and, if the transmitter is in
Auto, pin 2 of U5A is also low. With both
inputs low, the output of U5A at pin 3
goes high. The high forward biases Q20,
causing its drain to go low. The low
connects to the Operate coil on the K1
relay that switches the transmitter to
Operate. The low at U5C, pins 8 and 9,
causes the output at pin 10 to go high.
This high is connected to U5D, pin 12,
and, if the transmitter is in Auto, pin 13
of U5D is low. The high on pin 12 causes
the output of U5D to go low and reverse
bias Q19. The drain of Q19 goes high and
removes the low from the Standby coil in
relay K1.

Overtemperature Fault

In a transmitter of 1 kW or less, there is
no connection to the overtemperature
circuit on the board. In the 2-kW
transmitter the thermal switch on the
output dummy load connects to J8-1 on
the board. In the 100-watt transmitter
(A6) the thermal switch on (A23) the
100-watt amplifier heatsink assembly
connects to J12 on the board. If the
temperature of the thermal switch rises

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

above 170° F, it closes and applies a low
to J8-1 or J12. The low connects to Q3,
which is biased off, and to the red
Overtemperature LED DS6, which is
biased on. The drain of Q3 goes high and
connects to pins 11 and 12 of U4B. The
high at the input to U4B causes it to go
high and switches the system to standby.
This removes the Operate enable
commands to any external amplifier
trays.

VSWR Cutback Fault

The reflected power sample of the RF
output of the transmitter is connected to
J2, pin 9, of the board. The sample
connects to op-amp U1B, pin 5, which
buffers the signal before it is split. One of
the reflected samples that is split is
connected to J1-5, which is wired to J10­5 on the rear of the tray, for remote
monitoring. The other reflected sample
that is split is connected to position 3 on
the front panel meter of the tray. The
final remote reflected sample that is split
is connected to U2B, pin 5.

If the reflected sample level increases
above the level set by R22, the VSWR
cutback pot, the output of U2B at pin 7
goes high. The high is connected to Q11
through CR11, which is biased on,
making U2C, pin 10, low and causing
U2C, pin 8, to go low. This low is split
and fed out of the tray at J1-6, J1-7, J1­8, and J1-9; these are ALC outputs to the
amplifier trays that cut back the output
power of the amplifier trays. The low
from U2C, pin 8, is also fed through
coaxial jumper W2 on J13 and J14 to
R73. R73 is a bias adjust pot that sets
the level of the pin-attenuator bias that is
available as an output at J16.

The high at U2B, pin 7, is fed to the base
of Q14 and Q13, which are forward
biased, and produces a low at the drains.
The low connects to the front panel
amber VSWR Cutback LED DS7 and
causes it to light, indicating that the tray
is in cutback, and to output jack J8-37

for a connection to a remote VSWR
cutback indicator.

Receiver ALC Fault

If a receiver tray is part of the system, a
sample of the ALC voltage from the
receiver tray is connected to J8-11 on the
board. If the receiver is operating
normally, the ALC level applied to U3C,
pin 9, remains below the trip level set by
R35; the output at pin 13 stays high. The
high is applied to the red ALC Fault LED
DS8, which is off. The high also connects
to U3A, pin 2, and to Q15. Q15 is biased
on and the drain goes low. The low
connects to U5B, pin 6. U5B normally has
a low that is connected to U5B, pin 5,
and produces a high at the output pin 4.
The high is wired to Q18, which is biased
on, and makes its drain low. The low
connects to U3D, pin 12, which, because
the level is below the preset, its output at
U3D, pin 14, goes low. A low at this point
indicates a no-fault condition. The high
connected to U3A, pin 2, causing its
output to go low. The low is connected to
Q25, which is biased off. The low is
removed from J8-12, which will not light
any remote receiver fault indicator that is
connected to it.

If the receiver should malfunction, the
ALC level applied to U3C, pin 9, goes
high; because this is above the level set
by R35, the output at pin 13 will go low.
The low is applied to the red ALC Fault
LED DS8, which lights. The low also
connects to U3A, pin 2, and to Q15. Q15
is biased off and the drain goes high. The
high connects to U5B, pin 6, which
produces a low at its output at pin 4. The
low is wired to Q18, which is biased off,
and makes its drain high. The high
connects to U3D, pin 12; because the
level is above the preset, the output at
U3D, pin 14, goes high. A high at this
point indicates a fault condition that
switches the transmitter to Standby. The
low connected to U3A, pin 2, causes its
output to go high. The high is connected
to Q25, which is biased on, causing its
drain to go low. The low is connected to

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

J8-12, which can light any remote
receiver fault indicator that is connected
to it.

4.1.10.5 Metering

The front panel meter connects to J3-1(-)
and J3-2(+) on the board; this is the
output of switch S3. The front panel
meter has four metering positions that
are controlled by switch S3: % Forward
Power, % Reflected Power, % Exciter,
and ALC.

The reflected sample connects to the
board at J2-9 and is connected through
buffer amplifier U1B and 100-Ω resistor
R84 to position 3 of switch S3. The
forward sample connects to the board at
J2-5 and is connected through buffer
amplifier U1D and 100-Ω resistor R86 to
position 4 of switch S3. The exciter
sample connects to the board at J2-3 and
is connected through buffer amplifier U1A
and 100-Ω resistor R87 to position 2 of
switch S3. The ALC sample connects to
the board at J6-1 and is connected
through buffer amplifier U2C; R15, the
ALC calibration pot that adjusts the
output of U2A, pin 1; through 100-Ω
resistor R18; and to position 1 on switch
S3.

Typical readings on the meter are:

• % Reflected = <5%

• % Forward Power = 100%

• % Exciter = The level on the meter

needed to attain 100% output power
from the transmitter

Refer to the test specifications sheet for
the transmitter for the actual readings for
the items shown below:

• ALC = .8 VDC

Samples of the exciter at J1-10, the
visual at J8-26, the aural at J8-27, and
the reflected at J1-5 are provided for
remote metering.

U6 is a temperature sensor IC that gives
the operator the ability to measure the
temperature inside the tray by measuring
the voltage at TP1. The sensor is set up
for +10 mV equals 1° F (for example,
750 mV equals 75° F).

4.1.10.6 Operational Voltages

The +12 VDC needed for the operation of
the board enters the board at jack J4, pin

3. C28, L1, and L3 are for the filtering

and isolation of the +12 VDC before it is
split and applied to the rest of the board.
The -12 VDC needed for the operation of
the board enters at jack J4, pin 5. C29
and L2 are for the filtering and isolation
of the -12 VDC before it is split and
applied to the rest of the board.

When the +12 VDC is connected to the
board, it is split. Four of the +12 VDC
outputs are fed out of the board at J8-16,
J8-17, J8-18, and J8-19 through diode
CR7, CR8, CR9, or CR10 and resistor
R50, R51, R52, or R53 to any external
amplifier trays for use in their logic
circuits. The resistors are for current
limiting and the diodes are to prevent
voltage feedback from the external
amplifier trays.

4.1.11 (A3)+12V(4A)/-12V(1A)

Power Supply Board (1265-1312;
Appendix D)

The ±12-volt power supply board
consists of three separate power
supplies, two of which produce the +12
VDC and one for the -12 VDC needed to
power the circuit boards in the exciter
tray.

4.1.11.1 +12 VDC Power Supply

The 18 VAC from the external step-down
toroid in the tray connects to J1, pins 7
and 8. The 18 VAC connects through 7­amp fuse F2, for over-current protection,
to two full-wave bridge rectifier circuits.

CR1, CR2, CR3, and CR4 rectify the AC
that is then filtered by C2 and connected

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-19

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

to U3 and U4; U3 and U4 are voltage­regulator ICs for the +12 VDC. The
voltage-regulated and current-limited
+12-VDC output of U3 connects to J4,
pins 1, 2, 3, and 4, which is one of the
+12-VDC outputs of the board. The
green LED DS3 will be lit if +12 VDC is
present to J4; C7 and C8 are bypass
capacitors. The +12 VDC output of U4
connects to J5, pins 1, 2, 3, and 4, which
is another one of the +12-VDC outputs of
the board. The green LED DS4 will be lit
if +12 VDC is present to J5; C9 and C10
are bypass capacitors.

CR5, CR6, CR7, and CR8 rectify the AC
that is then filtered by C1 and connected
to U1 and U2; U1 and U2 are voltage­regulator ICs for the +12 VDC. The
voltage-regulated and current-limited
+12-VDC output of U1 connects to J6,
pins 1, 2, 3, and 4, which is one of the
+12-VDC outputs of the board. The
green LED DS1 will be lit if +12 VDC is
present to J6; C3 and C4 are bypass
capacitors. The +12-VDC output of U2
connects to J3, pins 1, 2, 3, and 4, which
is another one of the +12-VDC outputs of
the board. The green LED DS2 will be lit
if +12 VDC is present to J3; C5 and C6
are bypass capacitors.

4.1.11.2 -12 VDC Power Supply

The 18 VAC from an external step-down
toroid connects to J1, pins 1 and 4, of the
board and is wired to CR9, CR10, CR11,
and CR12 which form a full-wave bridge
rectifier network for the –12-VDC power
supply. F1 is a 3-amp fuse that provides
over-current protection. The rectified
output is filtered by C11 and fed to U5,
the voltage-regulator IC for the -12 VDC.
The voltage-regulated and current­limited -12 VDC is connected to the

-12-VDC output jacks J7, pins 5 through
10, and J8, pins 5 through 10. The green
LED DS5 will be lit if -12 VDC is present
to J7 and J8; C12 and C13 are bypass
capacitors.

4.1.12 (A21) 5-Section Delay

Equalizer Board, 44 MHz (1072090;
Appendix D)

The 5-section delay equalizer board, 44
MHz, is designed to correct for any group
delay errors that have been created by
the digital mask filter. The board consists
of five separate delay/attenuation
equalizer sections. Each section is tuned
across the 41 to 47 MHz band depending
on where the correction is needed. J9 on
W3 determines the input impedance for
the IF source:

• J19-1, J19-2=50 Ω

• J19-2, J19-3=75 Ω

J23, J27 determines 6 dB attenuation;
J23-1, J23-2 and J27-1, J27-2 means
that there is no attenuation; and J23-2,
J23-3 and J27-2, J27-3 means that there
is 6-dB attenuation.

Delay equalizers 1 through 5 are each
tuned to a different frequency to equalize
the delay characteristics of that
frequency. Attenuation equalizers 1
through 5 are tuned to the same
frequency as their matched delay
equalizer section and are isolated from
them by a 3-dB pad. Each
equalizer/attenuation pair is followed by
a 12-dB gain stage with 6 dB of
attenuation between the sections.
Depending on where the jumpers are
positioned, each equalizer section can be
jumpered into the circuit or bypassed by
using a 2-dB pad.

4.2 (A19) 8-VSB Digital Modulator

(1075164; Appendix C)

4.2.1 (A6) Vector Modulator Board

(1520-1107; Appendix D)

The vector modulator board receives the
I and Q outputs from the VSB modulator
board (1561-1201) and modulates and
mixes the signals for a 44-MHz IF output
signal. The board allows for the
adjustment of the offset and gain of the
I (in-phase) and Q (90° out-of-phase)

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-20

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

signals. The board also provides for the
frequency response and gain adjustment
of the IF signal. The circuitry for the I
and Q signals to the mixers is identical.

The I signal enters the board at J3-2.
Diodes CR1 to CR3 provide surge
protection to buffer U4. The output of
U4 is fed through variable resistor R32,
the gain pot for the unmodulated signal.
The circuit consisting of U1 and its
associated components provides the DC­offset adjustment at the input of U5.
Variable resistor R5 provides the shift in
DC level to the input of U1, causing a
corresponding shift in the output. The
resulting output from U1 is fed to the
input of U5; the output of U5 is fed to
mixer Z1.

The 46.49056-MHz signal enters the
board at J7 and is amplified through two
MAV-11 op-amps. The signal is then fed
to phase/splitter U8 and the outputs of
U8 provide the in-phase and out-of­phase local oscillator signals for the I
and Q mixers, respectively. The outputs
from the I and Q mixers can be phase
and gain adjusted by C29, R58, C32,
and R79. These two signals are then
mixed together at Z2 with a resulting
output of 44 MHz. The frequency
response of the IF signal is adjusted
using variable resistors R29 and R30
and capacitors C19 and C20. The gain is
adjusted using variable resistor R3.

The ±12 VDC required to operate the
board enters at J8. The ±10 VDC for the
offset circuits is supplied by U12 and
U13A and their associated components.
U12 is a regulator with a +12-VDC input
and a +10-VDC output. U13A inverts
this voltage for the –10-VDC source.

4.2.2 (A2) Switch Board (1561­1202; Appendix D)

The switch board provides three front­panel momentary contact switches for
user control and interface with the front­panel LCD menu selections. The
switches, SW1 to SW3, complete the

circuit through connector J1 to
connector J17 on the VSB modulator
board (1561-1201). When they are
closed, the switches place a logic low at
U14 on the VSB modulator board.
Jumper J2 provides a logic low to U14
on the VSB modulator board to enable
the Test mode.

4.2.3 (A7) Local Oscillator Board

(1561-1203; Appendix D)

The local oscillator board provides the

46.690560-MHz phase-locked output for

the vector modulator board (1520-

1107). The on-board oscillator, U2,

feeds the IF output at J6 and the IF
sample at J8. The oscillator also
provides a sample to phase-lock control
IC U4. When switches SW1 to SW3 are
set to a predetermined state, and the
10-MHz reference is present on the
board, U4 will output a correction
voltage to maintain the phase lock of
oscillator U2. The correction voltage is
fed through buffers U1A, U1B, and U5B
to pin 2 of the oscillator. The switch
settings are determined by the following
equation (the resulting value is
converted to binary with the least
significant bit at SW3-1):

Switch setting = (LO frequency/2) –3

Once the switch settings are calculated,
and there is a 10-MHz reference present
at the rear of the tray, the board will
begin the process of phase locking the
VCXO. There are three amber LEDs on
the board indicating the progress of the
PLL circuit; these LEDs are designated
step 1, step 2, and step 3.

When the circuit begins the PLL process,
step 1 will illuminate. As the process
continues, step 1 extinguishes and step 2
illuminates. Finally, step 2 extinguishes
and step 3 illuminates. Once step 3
extinguishes, the front panel PLL Locked
LED will illuminate within 30 seconds.

The board drives two LEDs on the front
panel LED board. The PLL Locked

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-21

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

indicator is driven from U4, pin 60,
through field effect transistors (FETs) Q2
to J9-4. The 10-MHz reference present
indicator is driven from the collector of
Q1 through transistor Q3 and associated
components to J9-2.

The +12 and -12 VDC source is supplied
at J2. The +5 VDC is supplied at J1. L2,
L3, C13, C21, and C23 are for filtering.

4.2.4 (A3) LED Board (1561-1204;
Appendix D)

The LED board provides front-panel
verification of the status of the MPEG
input signal, 10-MHz reference signal,
phase-locked status of the IF oscillator,
and the +5-VDC power supply.

DS1 is driven from the VSB modulator
board (1561-1201) that provides a
constant +5 VDC to J1-1 and a logic low
at J1-2 when the MPEG input signal is
present. DS2 is driven from the local
oscillator board (1561-1203) that
provides a constant +5 VDC and a logic
low at J1-4 when the 10-MHz reference
signal is present at the oscillator board.
DS3 is driven from the local oscillator
board that provides a constant +5 VDC
and a logic low at J1-6 when the IF
oscillator is phase locked. DS4 is driven
from the +5 VDC source on the DC
power supply board (1520-1103)
through J1-7.

4.2.5 (A11) VSB Modulator Interface
Board (1561-1205; Appendix D)

The VSB modulator interface board
interfaces with the external MPEG source
to the VSB modulator board (1561-

1201) in the front of the tray. The
interface board receives MPEG either at
J11 in the Society for Motion Picture and
Television Engineers (SMPTE) format, at
J1 in differential emitter-to-coupler logic
(ECL) format, or at J2 in differential
transistor-to-transistor logic (TTL)
format and converts it to single-ended
TTL. The output is in the form of data
(J10) and a clock (J3). The jumpers at

J13 and J14 on this card select between
the various input formats. These jumper
settings are outlined in Chapter 5,
Detailed Alignment Procedures, of this
manual. Jumpers J4 through J7 were
used during the initial design of the
board and have been preset at the
factory. These four jumpers should all
be placed in positions 1-2 with the
exception of jumper J6, which should be
placed in position 2-3. Jumper block J15
was also used in the initial design of the
board and should be set to position 3.

This card also provides the capability for
a future parallel interface. This future
parallel interface can be in either a TTL
or ECL format. Test connector J8 will be
used for the future parallel interfaces.

Note: This future interface will
utilize the PLL Locked LED at the
bottom, right-hand corner of this
board; the LED will not illuminate
with the existing interfaces.

The board is supplied by a –12-VDC and
a +5-VDC source. Regulator U16
converts the -12 VDC to a -5.2-VDC
source.

4.2.6 (A5) VSB Filter Board (1561-

1301; Appendix D)

The VSB filter board performs the digital
pulse-shaping filter function of the ATSC
specification. The board receives
equalized symbol data at J1 and applies
it to an I pulse-shaping filter and a Q
pulse-shaping filter. The I filter is
implemented in U1 and U2 and the Q
filter is implemented in U3 and U4. The
pulse-shaping filter outputs are applied
to D/A converters through jumper blocks
J25 and J28. The output of the D/A
converters is filtered to remove the

32.28-MHz converter update rate. The I

data is available at J26 and the Q data is
available at J29.

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-22

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

4.2.7 (A10) DC Power Supply Board
(1047033; Appendix D)

The DC power supply board generates
both positive and negative 12 and 5 VDC,
as well as positive 3.3 VDC, at a current
level that is sufficient to operate the
other boards in the modulator tray.
Visual indicators, using LEDs, are
provided on the board to show the
normal operation of each voltage
regulator.

The DC outputs (+15, +5, and -15 VDC)
from the switching power supply
(1049886) are directed to jack J1. The
voltages are then filtered by C1 to C6
and fed to voltage regulators U1 to U7.
The outputs are protected from over­current conditions by the regulators. The
regulators are designed to fold back the
voltage if a short-circuit condition occurs
external to the board and will continue to
do so until the short is eliminated. If a
short appears, the on-board LED
associated with that regulator will
extinguish with the loss of the output.

4.2.8 (A8) VSB IF Filter Board
(1047976; Appendix D)

The VSB IF filter board performs the
low-pass filtering of frequencies above
63 MHz.

The board receives the output IF signal
from the vector modulator board at J1.
The input signal is fed through the 50-Ω
matching circuit of R1, R2, and R3. The
signal is then filtered by low-pass filter
circuit L1 to L5 and C2 to C6. The signal
is amplified by U1 and fed to SMA
connector J2. The signal is also fed
through the IF sample circuit of U2 and
associated components to J4, the IF
sample. This sample is fed to the front
panel sample port.

The board is supplied by an external
+12-VDC source.

4.2.9 (A4) VSB Symbol Generator

Board (1049396; Appendix D)

The symbol generator board takes the
MPEG data and clock signals from the
interface card and performs the digital
signal-processing functions outlined in
the ATSC specification for 8-VSB
modulation. These functions involve
data randomization, the Reed Solomon
encoder, the data interleaver, and the
trellis encoder. These functions are
implemented in the programmable logic
chip U1 on the symbol generator card.
In addition, this card performs the linear
equalization function. This function is
implemented in U14.

The output of this card is symbol data
that has been equalized. The data is
available at J25 in the form of ten data
lines and a 32.28-MHz clock. In addition,
the microcontroller data and address
bus is available at this output connector.

The LCD display and the switch panel
are also controlled by the symbol
generator card. The interface to the LCD
display is provided at J20 and the
interface to the switch panel is provided
at J21. The RS-232 interface to Port A is
provided at J19 on this card. This
interface is wired to the rear of the tray
and is used to load the linear equalizer
and perform adaptive equalization. The
Port B serial interface is wired through
connector J4 on this card.

4.3 (A6 and A7, A8 and A9 with

upgrade) UHF Amplifier Trays
(1294-1112, 1294-1113 or 1294­1114; Appendix C)

4.3.1 (A3) 1-Watt Amplifier Board

Assembly (1227-1319; Appendix D)

The 1-watt UHF amplifier board assembly
provides radio frequency interference
(RFI) and electromagnetic interference
(EMI) protection, as well as the heatsink,
for the 1-watt UHF amplifier board
(1227-1303) that is mounted inside the
module assembly. Depending on the

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-23

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

frequency of the channel of operation,
the assembly has approximately 9 dB of
gain.

The RF input to the assembly connects to
SMA jack J1. The amplified RF output of
the assembly is at SMA jack J2. Typically,
with an input signal of +21 dBm at J1 of
the assembly, an output of +30 dBm can
be expected at J2.

The +28-VDC bias voltage connects
through FL1, an RF bypass feed-through
capacitor, that is mounted on the
amplifier assembly to E1 on the board.

4.3.2 (A3-A1) 1-Watt Amplifier
Board (1227-1303; Appendix D)

The 1-watt UHF amplifier board is part of
the 1-watt UHF amplifier assembly
(1227-1319) and provides approximately
+10 dB of gain.

The UHF signal enters the board at J1, an
SMA connector, and is applied through
coupling capacitor C1 and a stripline
circuit to Q1, a UTV040F UHF wideband­amplifier device. The base and collector
voltages needed to operate the transistor
are obtained from the +26.5 VDC line
that connects to the board at E1. The
collector voltages fed through VR1, VR2,
R3, and R4 and the base voltages fed
through R2 and R1. The amplified UHF
output of Q1 is coupled through a
stripline circuit and C14 to J2, the output
SMA jack of the board.

The board is powered by the +26.5 VDC
that is produced by an external power
supply in the tray. The +26.5 VDC enters
through E1 and is fed across R4 and R5,
which drops approximately 6 volts, to the
collector (+20 VDC). The voltage is
filtered by RF decoupling components L4,
C11, C12, and C15 before it is connected
to the collector. The bias voltage is
connected across R3, VR1, VR2, R1, and
R2, which sets the base bias voltage at
+.8 VDC and forward biases Q1. C6, L1,
and L2 provide RF decoupling of the bias

voltage before it is connected to the
base.

The board has a self-bias protection
circuit that uses zener diodes VR1 and
VR2. If the current draw of the device
increases, the voltage drop across R4
and R5 increases; this decreases the
voltage that is applied to VR1 and VR2.
These two diodes drop a fixed voltage of
20 VDC across them. As a result, if the
voltage drop across R4 and R5 increases,
the voltage available to the base of Q1
decreases and will eventually shut off the
device.

4.3.3 (A5-A1) 4-Way Splitter

Assembly ( Appendix D)

The 4-way splitter assembly contains a
4-way splitter board that is made up of
three 2-way Wilkinson stripline splitters.
One RF input to the board provides four,
equal RF outputs.

The RF input to the board is connected to
the input of the first 2-way splitter that
contains R1. R1 is a balancing resistor in
which any RF due to mismatching in the
first splitter will be dissipated. One of the
two outputs from the splitter connects to
another 2-way splitter that contains R2.
R2 is a balancing resistor in which any RF
due to mismatching in the splitter will be
dissipated. The other output of the first
splitter connects to the third 2-way
splitter that contains R3. R3 is a
balancing resistor in which any RF due to
mismatching in the splitter will be
dissipated. The two output splitters
provide four, equal RF outputs, two each,
that are connected to the inputs of the
external amplifier boards.

4.3.4 4-Way Splitter Board

(Appendix D)

The 4-way splitter board is made up of
three 2-way Wilkinson stripline splitters.
One RF input to the board provides four,
equal RF outputs.

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-24

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

The RF input to the board is connected to
the input of the first 2-way splitter that
contains R1. R1 is a balancing resistor in
which any RF due to mismatching in the
first splitter will be dissipated. One of the
two outputs from the splitter connects to
another 2-way splitter that contains R2.
R2 is a balancing resistor in which any RF
due to mismatching in the splitter will be
dissipated. The other output of the first
splitter connects to the third 2-way
splitter that contains R3. R3 is a
balancing resistor in which any RF due to
mismatching in the splitter will be
dissipated. The two output splitters
provide four, equal RF outputs, two each,
that are connected to the inputs of the
external amplifier boards.

4.3.5 (A4-A2) Coupler Board
Assembly (1227-1316; Appendix D)

The UHF coupler assembly is mounted in
the UHF amplifier tray and provides a
forward power sample of the input drive
level to the dual stage amplifier
assembly, class AB. The drive-level
sample from J3 is cabled to the amplifier
control board where it connects to the
input of the overdrive-protection circuit.

The RF input to the UHF coupler
assembly from the dual stage amplifier
assembly, class A, connects to SMA jack
J1. The RF is connected by a stripline
track to SMA output jack J2. A hybrid­coupler circuit picks off a forward sample
that is connected to SMA type connector
jack J3. R1 is a dissipation load for the
reject port of the coupler.

4.3.6 (A6) Dual Peak Detector
Enclosure (1227-1317; Appendix D)

The dual peak detector enclosure
provides EMI and RFI protection for the
dual peak detector board, single supply
(1227-1333), that is mounted inside of
the enclosure. The module has two
inputs: a forward power sample at SMA
jack J1 and a reflected power sample at
SMA jack J2. The module has two peak­detected sample outputs: a forward

power sample at FL3 from J4-4 on the
board and a reflected power sample at
FL2 from J4-2 on the board. The module
also has a forward power sample output
at SMA jack J3.

The voltage, +28 VDC, needed to
operate the board connects to FL1 on the
assembly that is wired to J4-7 on the
board.

4.3.7 (A6-A1) Dual Peak Detector

Board, Single Supply (1227-1333;
Appendix D)

The function of the dual peak detector
board is to detect forward and reflected
samples of visual or aural RF signals and
generate an output voltage proportional
to the power levels of the sampled
signals for metering purposes.

There are two identical signal paths on
the board: one for forward power and
one for reflected power. A sample of
forward output power enters the board at
SMA jack J1. Resistors R1, R2, and R3
form an input impedance-matching
network of 50Ω. The forward power
signal is detected by CR1, R4, R5, R7,
R10, C1, and C2. The output is buffered
by operational amplifiers U3B and U1C
before it is connected to forward power
output jack J4-4. U3 has a very high
input impedance that makes the IC less
sensitive to changes in the video level. A
sample of the forward power is tapped
off by R6 and R8 and fed to J3, the
forward sample output jack. Diode CR2
provides temperature compensation for
diode CR1. An input signal level of
approximately +17 dBm is enough to
give a 1-VDC level at the output of U1C.

A reflected output power sample enters
the board at SMA jack J2. Resistors R18,
R19, and R20 form an input impedance
matching network of 50Ω. The reflected
power signal is then detected by CR3,
R21, R22, R24, C5, and C6 and the
output is buffered by operational
amplifiers U3A and U1B before it is
connected to reflected power output jack

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-25

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

J4-2. U3 has a very high input impedance
that makes the IC less sensitive to
changes in the video level. Diode CR4
provides temperature compensation for
diode CR3. An input signal level of
approximately +17 dBm is enough to
give a 1-VDC level at the output of U1B.

The +12 VDC needed for the operation of
U1 IC on the board is generated from the
+28 VDC which enters at J4, pin 7. The
+28 VDC is fed to U2, a voltage regulator
IC, which produces +12 VDC at its output
that is connected to the U1 IC.

4.3.8 Dual Stage Amplifier
Assembly, Class AB; Appendix D)

The dual stage UHF amplifier assembly,
Class AB is made using a generic dual
stage amplifier board, class AB (1265-

1404). The board uses two PTB20101
Ericsson transistors in parallel-biased
class AB to amplify the signal by
approximately +9 dB. Bias adjust R106
sets the idling current for Q101 at 300
mA and bias adjust R206 sets the idling
current for Q201 at 300 mA. Each dual
amplifier device is mounted in identical
parallel circuits. These devices may be
biased up to 600 mA depending on the
linearity of the tray.

4.3.8.1 Input Description

The input signal from J1 on the dual
stage amplifier assembly connects to E1
on the board. The signal is split in a 2­way wilkinson splitter, using R1, which
provides two equal inputs, one to each
identical amplifier side.

4.3.8.2 Q101 and Associated Circuitry

One of the outputs of the splitter is
applied through an AC coupling and DC
blocking capacitor (C101 to L101) and
associated circuitry. This forms a balun
that converts the input signal from a 50­Ω unbalanced impedance to a 12.5-Ω
balanced impedance configuration. C106
and C105, which are adjusted for peak
output, are for impedance matching to

the input of the parallel transistors
making up Q101.

The bias voltage to the bases of the
paralleled transistors in Q101 is applied
at E101. The transistors are protected
from overvoltage by Q102, Q103, R104,
R105, and R106, which can be adjusted
to set the bias, operating currents of the
transistors. The base voltage is RF
bypassed by C129, C102, C107, C108,
C109, and C110 and applied to the bases
through R102 and R103.

The collectors are impedance matched to

12.5Ω by C116, C120, C122, C123, and

C119, which can be adjusted for peak
output with best linearity and lowest
current. C125 provides AC coupling and
DC blocking for the output signal to the
combiner. L102 and associated circuitry
form a balun that transforms the signal
back to an unbalanced 50-Ω impedance
signal.

The collector voltage is applied at E101.
The collector voltage is connected
through R108 to the collectors on the two
devices that make up Q101. R106 can be
adjusted to set up the operating
currents. The collector circuit is RF
bypassed by C112 to C115, C117, C118,
C121, C124, C130, and C131.

4.3.8.3 Q201 and Associated Circuitry

The other output of the splitter is applied
through an AC coupling and DC blocking
capacitor (C201 to L201) and associated
circuitry. This forms a balun that
converts the input signal from a 50-Ω
unbalanced impedance to a 12.5-Ω
balanced impedance configuration. C206
and C205, which can be adjusted for
peak output, are for impedance matching
to the input of the parallel transistors
(Q201).

The bias voltage to the bases of the
paralleled transistors, Q201, is applied at
E201. The transistors are protected from
overvoltage by Q202, Q203, R204, R205,
and R206, which can be adjusted to set

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-26

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

the bias, operating currents of the
transistors. The base voltage is RF
bypassed by C229, C202, C207, C208,
C209, and C210 and applied to the bases
through R202 and R203.

The collectors are impedance matched to

12.5Ω by C216, C220, C222, C223, and
C219, which can be adjusted for peak
output with best linearity and lowest
current. C225 provides AC coupling and
DC blocking for the output signal to the
combiner. L202 and associated circuitry
form a balun that transforms the signal
back to an unbalanced 50-Ω impedance
signal.

The collector voltage is applied at E201.
The collector voltage is connected
through R208 to the collectors on the two
devices that make up Q201. R206 can be
adjusted to set up the operating
currents. The collector circuit is RF
bypassed by C212 to C215, C217, C218,
C221, C224, C230, and C231.

4.3.8.4 Output Description

The outputs of the two sides are
combined by a 2-way wilkinson
combiner, using R2, and applied to the
RF output of the board at E2. The output
is connected to J2, the SMA output jack
on the dual stage amplifier assembly.

4.3.9 Generic Dual Stage Amplifier
Board, Class AB (1265-1404;
Appendix D)

The generic, dual stage UHF amplifier
board, class AB, is used as the basic
board in building the dual stage amplifier
assembly, class AB.

Mounted on the generic board are the
components that have no frequency­determining factors. The low-band, mid­band, and high-band assemblies are
produced by adding the specific
frequency-related components to the
generic board to make the specific­frequency assembly.

4.3.10 (A7) Amplifier Protection

Board (1265-1412; Appendix D)

The amplifier protection board distributes
the biasing voltages to the transistor
amplifier devices that are mounted on
the amplifier boards in the UHF amplifier
tray. It also protects the transistor
devices from overcurrent conditions using
the board-mounted 7-amp fuses F1 to
F12. F13 is a board-mounted 3-amp fuse
that protects the +26.5 VDC that is
applied to the amplifier control board and
is needed for the operation of the board.
F14 and F15 are 7-amp spare fuses.

The +26.5 VDC from the switching power
supply enters the board at TB1, with the
plus (+) connections to pins 1 to 4 and
the minus (-) connections to pins 5 and

6. The +26.5 VDC is connected across

the .01W/3Ω voltage-dropping resistors
R14 to R26 that are used to set up the
idling currents for the transistor devices;
the fuses F1 to F13 that protect the
transistor devices during an overcurrent
condition through the outputs of the
board at TB2, TB3; and also to output
jack J1. Table 4-1 indicates the fuse, the
amplifier device it protects, and the idling
current settings for the class AB amplifier
devices.

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-27

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

Table 4-1. Fuses, Idling Currents, and Voltage Settings for the Class AB Amplifier Devices

SWITCH

POSITION

I1 A4-A1 Q1 R6 *5 Amps 50 mV F1

I2 A4-A3 Q201 R206 600 mA 6.0 mV F2

I3 A4-A3 Q101 R106 600 mA 6.0 mV F3

I4 A5-A2 Q201 R206 300 mA 3.0 mV F4

I5 A5-A2 Q101 R106 300 mA 3.0 mV F5

I6 A5-A3 Q201 R206 300 mA 3.0 mV F6

I7 A5-A3 Q101 R106 300 mA 3.0 mV F7

I8 A5-A4 Q201 R206 300 mA 3.0 mV F8

I9 A5-A4 Q101 R106 300 mA 3.0 mV F9

I10 A5-A5 Q201 R206 300 mA 3.0 mV F10

I11 A5-A5 Q101 R106 300 mA 3.0 mV F11

*The A4-A1 transistor Q1 operates class A and is adjusted for 5 amps of operating
current.

The voltage drop across the selected
resistor using switch S1 is read with a
digital voltmeter (DVM) that is connected
from E1 to E2 on the board. This voltage
reading converts to the idling current,
with no RF drive applied, or the operating
current, with RF drive applied, of the
transistor.

4.3.11 (A8) Amplifier Control Board
(1265-1414; Appendix D)

The amplifier control board provides LED
fault and enable indications on the front
panel of the tray and also performs the
following functions: automatic gain
control (AGC); overdrive cutback, when
the drive level reaches the amount
needed to attain 110% output power;
and overtemperature, VSWR, and
overdrive faults. The board also provides
connections to the front panel meter for
monitoring the AGC, % Reflected Power,
% Output Power, and the power supply
voltage.

AMPLIFIER

MODULE

TRANSISTOR

DEVICE

BIAS

ADJUST

POT

A –12-VDC enable is applied to the board
at J4-1 from the transmitter control
board in the UHF exciter tray. The enable
causes the J-FET Q5 to be biased off,
making the drain to go high; the high is
applied to Q4, which is biased on. The
drain of Q4 goes low and lights the green
Enable LED DS4 on the front panel. The
high at the drain of Q5 is also applied
through CR5 to J4, pin 7, which is a high
enable, to the +26-VDC switching power
supply switching it on.

If there is an overtemperature fault,
which is a low applied to J4, pin 3, the
low connects through CR4 and overrides
the high enable, switching off the
switching power supply. As long as the
fault is present, the switching power
supply is off and the red
Overtemperature LED DS3 on the front
panel is lit.

IDLING

CURRENT

VOLTAGE

SETTING FUSE

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-28

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

4.3.11.1 Phase Control

The phase control pot on the front of the
tray connects to J8-1 (+26 VDC), J8-3
(phase I/P), and J8-4 (RTN) on the
board. The phase-control output connects
from J7 on the board to the input of the
phase-control circuit on the variable
gain/phase board (1265-1425).

4.3.11.2 Automatic and Manual Gain
Control Circuits

The amplifier control board contains the
AGC function for the UHF amplifier tray in
which it is mounted. An AGC reference­level input from the UHF exciter tray is
applied to J3, pin 1, and is amplified by
U3B. The output of U3B is connected to
J5, which is wired to the front panel gain
pot that sets the output power level of
the tray when the AGC is in the Auto
position. The voltage at the arm of the
front panel gain pot is amplified by U2D
and is compared to a sample of the
output power of the tray in U2A. The
error voltage from U2A is sent through
Auto/Manual switch S1 to J10, which
connects to the pin-diode attenuator
circuit on the variable gain/phase board.
A sample of the AGC voltage level is
connected to position 1 on the front
panel meter switch. The tray can also be
operated in manual gain by switching S1
to the Manual position and adjusting R16
for the desired output power level.

FETs Q1 and Q3 delay and slowly reapply
the AGC voltage to the variable
gain/phase board when the system is
switched on or when the board is
switched from Auto to Manual (or back)
to prevent the overdriving of the tray.

4.3.11.3 Overdrive Circuit

A sample of the output of the single
stage amplifier assembly, class A, from
the coupler board assembly connects to
J11 on the amplifier control board. The
sample is peak detected by CR7 and U3A
and the output is connected to U3D. If
the input drive level increases above the

overdrive threshold reference set by R71,
which is the drive level needed to
produce 110% output power, the output
of U3D goes high and is split three ways.
One of the highs is connected through
R38 and CR3 to U3C, causing its output
to go high and lighting the red Overdrive
LED DS2 on the front panel. Another of
the highs is connected through R74 and
R75 to Q6, which is biased on and causes
its output to go low. The low is connected
through J10 to the variable gain/phase
board and cuts back its output power.

The final high from U3D is connected
through CR2 and R37 to U1D, which is
biased on, and causes its output to go
high. The high is connected to U2A,
whose output decreases and cuts back
the output power. If this path is not
present, the AGC, because the forward
power decreases, will try to drive the
variable gain/phase board harder,
creating a positive feedback loop that
could damage the amplifier tray.

4.3.11.4 Metering Circuits

The +26 VDC that is connected to the
board from the switching power supply is
applied to jack J6, pin 1, of the board
and connected through R63, R96, R66,
R65, and R76 to the front panel meter for
monitoring. R65 can be adjusted to
calibrate the voltage reading to +26 VDC
on the front panel meter. This calibration
was completed at the factory and should
not need to be adjusted at this time.

A forward power sample of the output of
the tray is applied to jack J1-1 and J1-2
of the board from the dual peak detector
board, single supply. The forward power
sample is connected through R1 and R2
to U1A, a buffer amplifier. The output of
U1A is split, with one part going to the
AGC circuits, another sample connected
to J1-5 for remote metering, and the final
sample applied to the meter at position 3
on S2, the front panel meter switch. R2
can be adjusted to calibrate the %
Forward Power indication on the front
panel meter.

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300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

A sample of the reflected power output of
the tray is applied to jack J2-1 and J2-2
of the board from the dual peak detector
board, single supply. The reflected power
sample is connected through R21 and
R22 to U1B, a buffer amplifier. The
output of U1B is split, with one part going
to the VSWR threshold circuit, another
sample connected to J2-5 for remote
metering, and the final sample applied to
the meter at position 2 on S2, the front
panel meter switch. R22 can be adjusted
to calibrate the % Reflected Power
indication on the front panel meter.

A sample of the AGC voltage level at R20
on the board is connected through a
divider network consisting of R87, R88,
R19, and R18 to the meter at position 1
of S2, the front panel meter switch.

4.3.11.5 Operational Voltages

The voltage input to the board is +26
VDC from the switching power supply.
The +26 VDC connects to the board at
J6-1 and is wired to U4, which is a 3­terminal regulator IC that takes the +26
VDC input and produces the +12 VDC
needed for the operation of the board.

The +12 VDC from U4 is connected
through CR6 to U5, which is a +5-VDC
regulator that takes the +12 VDC input
from U4, or the transmitter control board
in the UHF exciter tray, through J6, pin 3,
and produces a +5-VDC output that is
applied to the rest of the board. This +12
VDC is connected to U5, a regulator IC,
which produces a +5-VDC output that is
applied to the Enable and
Overtemperature LEDs that operate even
when the +26-VDC input to the board
from the switching power supply is
removed.

4.3.12 (A4-A1) Single Stage
Amplifier Assembly, Class A;
Appendix D)

The single stage UHF amplifier assembly,
class A is made from the generic single
stage amplifier board, class A (1265-

1415). The assembly uses a single

PTB20101 Ericsson device, made up of
two transistors in parallel, and operating
class A to amplify the signal by
approximately +11 dB. Bias adjust pot
R6 sets the operating current for Q1.

4.3.12.1 Q1 and Associated Circuitry

The RF input signal connects to SMA jack
J1 on the board. The RF input is applied
through an AC coupling and DC blocking
capacitor (C1 to L1) and associated
circuitry to form a balun. The balun
converts the input signal from a 50-Ω
unbalanced impedance to a 12.5-Ω
balanced impedance configuration with
the two outputs, applied to the bases of
Q1, 180° out of phase with each other.
C3, C4, C6, and C5, which can be
adjusted for peak output, are for
impedance matching to the input of the
parallel transistors that make up Q1. The
base circuit is RF bypassed by C2, C7,
C17, and C29.

The collectors are impedance matched to

12.5Ω by C22, C23, and C19, which can

be adjusted for peak output with the best
linearity. C25 provides AC coupling and
DC blocking for the output signal to SMA
RF output connector J2. L2 and
associated circuitry form a balun that
transforms the two balanced signals back
to a single, unbalanced 50-Ω impedance
output. The collector circuit is RF
bypassed by C9, C12 to C15, C18, C21,
C24, C26, C30, and C31.

The +26 VDC needed for biasing Q1 is
applied to E1, which is the high side of
A4-A4. E1 is a .5-Ω/2-watt external
metering resistor that is mounted on the
heatsink next to the single stage
amplifier assembly. The metering resistor
is in the collector circuit of the RF
transistor, Q1, and provides the main
current path for Q1. The base bias
applied to Q1 is supplied through R11,
R4, R2, and R3.

The collector bias voltage drop across the
A4-A4 metering resistor is in parallel with

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-30

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

the branch consisting of R10 and DS1, a
green LED current indicator; as a result,
it has the same voltage across it. The
collector bias voltage drop biases on the
green LED DS1. The current flow through
R10 and DS1 gives a visual indication of
the current draw of Q1 by the relative
brightness of DS1. The higher the
collector current of the transistor, the
larger the voltage drop across the
metering resistor. This, in turn, increases
the voltage across DS1 and R10. This
greater voltage level increases the
current flow through them and increases
the brightness of DS1. The opposite
occurs when the collector current
decreases.

The use of an opto-isolator (U1) allows
no direct connection between the base
and collector-biasing circuits, other than
R11, the 200-Ω/5-watt control resistor
that determines the actual base current
flowing in Q1. R11 provides the primary
current path from the collector circuit to
the base of Q1. If there is no current
flowing initially through Q1, R11 provides
a substantial amount of base drive. When
the collector current of Q1 increases to
the desired operating level, the
opto-isolator LED, which is across U1, is
turned on. The turn-on point, or
threshold, is set by the voltage-divider
network that consists of R7, R9, and
adjustable resistor R6. R6 is adjusted to
set up the operating current at 5 amps.

When the opto-isolator LED turns on, it
causes the transistor portion to also turn
on. When the transistor portion turns on,
it biases on Q2, which acts as a shunt
regulator for the base current of Q1.
Negative feedback for the circuit is preset
so that if Q1 draws more than the
desired amount of collector current, the
voltage drop across A4-A4, the metering
resistor, becomes greater than normal.
This increase causes the voltage across
the opto-isolator to increase; as a result,
the opto-isolator LED is brighter than
normal and forward biases Q2 even
more. This action tends to shunt the
available current that was fed through

R11 and Q1 to flowing more through Q2,
from collector to the emitter ground,
setting up the negative feedback path.
The negative feedback tends to stabilize
the current flow through Q1. Capacitor
C8 provides an active filtering action for
this current source, which provides an
improved response in Q1 during the
vertical interval average current changes
that take place.

4.3.13 Generic Single Stage

Amplifier Board, Class A (1265­1415; Appendix D)

The generic single stage UHF amplifier
board, class A, is used as the basic board
in building the low-band single stage
amplifier assembly, class A (1265-1418);
the mid-band single stage amplifier
assembly, class A (1265-1416); and the
high-band single stage amplifier
assembly, class A (1265-1417), an
aluminum enclosure in which the dual
stage amplifier board (1227-1501) is
mounted. The assembly provides RFI and
EMI protection for the amplifier board.

Mounted on the generic board are the
components that have no frequency­determining factors. The low-band, mid­band, and high-band assemblies are
produced by adding the specific
frequency-related components to the
generic board to make the specific
frequency assembly.

4.3.14 (A2) Variable Gain/Phase

Board Enclosure (1265-1426;
Appendix D)

The variable gain/phase enclosure
assembly provides EMI and RFI
protection for the variable gain/phase
board (1265-1425) that is mounted
inside of the assembly.

The RF input to the assembly is at SMA
jack J1 and the RF output is at SMA jack
J2. There are two control inputs that
connect to the assembly: the attenuator
bias input and the phase control input.
The attenuator bias input from the

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-31

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

amplifier control board connects to FL4
and FL5 on the assembly and is wired to
J5 on the board. The phase control input
from the amplifier control board connects
to FL2 and E1 on the assembly and is
wired to J4 on the board. The input fault
to the amplifier control board connects to
FL3 on the assembly and is wired to J6-1
on the board. E1 on the assembly
connects to J3-4 on the board.

The +26 VDC needed to operate the
board connects to FL1 on the assembly
that is wired to J3-3 on the board.

4.3.15 (A2-A1) Variable Gain/Phase
Board (1265-1425; Appendix D)

The variable gain/phase board provides
the circuits that adjust the phase and the
gain of the RF signal for the amplifier tray
in which it is mounted.

The RF input signal at J1 is split, with one
output connected to a detector circuit
consisting of C8, CR4, and U3A. This
detected level is then applied to
comparator U3D, which provides a high
output when the input signal level drops
below a threshold set by R16, R17, and
CR5. This high is applied to the red Input
Fault LED DS1, which lights to indicate an
input fault. DS1 can be seen through the
hole in the lid on the variable gain/phase
Assembly. The high is also connected to
the gate of Q1, which biases it on and
causes its drain to go low. The low is
applied to the pin-diode attenuator circuit
consisting of CR1, CR2, and CR3. The low
to CR3 decreases the current through it
and increases its resistance, decreasing
or completely shutting off the RF that
flows through it.

The other output of the RF input signal
from J1 is connected through C1 to a
voltage-controlled pin-diode attenuator
circuit consisting of diodes CR1, CR2, and
CR3. The diodes are pin diodes in a pi­type configuration whose resistance
varies inversely with the DC current flow
through them.

As the AGC voltage, the attenuator bias
that is applied to J5 increases and CR3 is
forward biased even more. This increases
the current flow through it by decreasing
its resistance; the RF signal that flows
through it increases in level. CR1 and
CR2 have less current through them; this
raises their resistance, causing the RF
signal that is applied to them to decrease
in level.

The three diodes form a pi-type
attenuator whose attenuation decreases
with the increasing AGC voltage. U4
provides amplification, approximately 8
dB, of the RF signal before it is connected
to the phase-shifter circuit. The phase­shifter circuit consists of L1, C16, C17,
CR7, and CR8. L1 is a 90°, 2-way
splitter. The signal at pin 1 of L1 is split
and applied to pins 2 and 4. The signal
reflects off CR7 and CR8 and is passed to
pin 3. The phase shift between pins 1
and 3 changes with the voltage applied
across CR7 and CR8. This voltage is
controlled by an external phase-adjust
pot that connects to J4. The +26 VDC
from the external switching power supply
is used as the reference that is applied to
the phase-control pot. The IC U2
provides approximately 10 dB of gain at
the output of the phase-shifter circuit
that connects to two class A amplifier
stages, Q2 and Q3, with a total gain of
approximately 20 dB.

The first amplifier stage, Q2, is biased at
a collector current of approximately 100
mA. This current is set by R29, R30, VR1,
and Q2. VR1 forces the voltage at the
collector to stay at 8.9 VDC. This biases
on Q2 and draws enough current through
R29 and R30 to keep the collector
voltage at 8.9 VDC. The amplified output
connects to the second amplifier Q3. The
bias circuit for Q3 works in a manner
similar to the bias circuit for Q2. VR2 and
VR3 maintain a collector voltage of 21
VDC, while R36 and R37 limit the
collector current to 650 mA.

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-32

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 4, Circuit Descriptions

The output connects to J2 on the board.
A sample of the output is detected by
CR10 and connected to TP4. A DVM can
be connected to TP4 to give a voltage
indication of the RF output level.

The +26 VDC connects to the board at
J3-3 and is split, with one half connected
to the two, class A amplifier circuits. The
other half of the +26-VDC input is
filtered, isolated by L4 and C13, and
connected to U1. U1 is a +12-VDC
regulator IC that produces the +12 VDC
needed to operate the ICs on the board.

4.3.16 (A5-A6) 4-Way Combiner
Assembly; Appendix D)

The 4-way combiner assembly contains a
4-way combiner board. The 4-way
combiner board is made up of three 2­way wilkinson stripline combiners.

Two of the RF inputs to the board are
soldered directly to the inputs of a 2-way
combiner that contains R5. R5 is a
balancing resistor that dissipates any RF
due to mismatching in the combiner. The

other two RF inputs are soldered directly
to a 2-way combiner that contains R6. R6
is a balancing resistor that dissipates any
RF due to mismatching in the combiner.
The outputs of the two input 2-way
combiners connect to a third 2-way
combiner that contains R7. R7 is a
balancing resistor that dissipates any RF
due to mismatching in the combiner. The
output of the third combiner is connected
to the output of a 4-way combiner board
that is cabled to an external circulator.

A directional coupler is built into the RF
output circuit on the 4-way combiner
board to provide a forward power sample
at J1 that is -40 dB down from the level
of the RF output signal.

A reject power sample from the circulator
is fed to reject sample input jack J2 on
the 4-way combiner board. A directional
coupler is built into the reject sample
circuit to provide a signal at J3 that is -40
dB down from the level of the reject
power sample.

DT830A, Rev. 1 4-33

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

Chapter 5

Detailed Alignment Procedures

This transmitter was aligned at the
factory and should not require additional
alignments to achieve normal operation.

This transmitter operates using a single
64-QAM or 8-VSB digital input.

Check that the RF output at J2 of (A11)
the coupler is terminated into a dummy
load of at least 300 watts. While
performing the alignment, refer to the
Test Data Sheet for the transmitter and
compare the final readings from the
factory with the readings on each of the
trays. The readings should be very
similar. If a reading is way off, the
problem is likely to be in that tray.

Switch on the main AC and the UHF
exciter circuit breakers on the AC
distribution panel behind the rear cabinet
door.

5.1 (A4) UHF Exciter Tray (1294­1111; Appendix C)

The UHF exciter tray operates using a
digital IF input from the DT1B modulator
or other digital IF source.

Table 5-1. Jumper Positions on the 6-dB Pad

IF Input Range 6-dB Pad W1 on J23 & W2 on J27

-5 to 0 dBm Enable 2-3 2-3

-10 to -5 dBm Disable 1-2 1-2

The output level of the delay equalizer
board should be -11 to -6 dBm with a
response of 0.1 dB across the channel.
The IF connects to the (A8) ALC board
(1265-1305). The IF section of the UHF
exciter tray includes adjustments for
automatic level control (ALC), linearity
(amplitude pre-distortion), and phase
(phase change vs. level) pre-distortion
for correction of the non-linearities of the
RF amplifier trays. The upconverter
section also includes adjustments to the
local oscillator chain tuning and the local

The digital IF connects to J6 on the rear
of the UHF exciter, which is cabled to the
delay equalizer board, and then to the IF
relays on the ALC board. To operate
using the digital input, the modulator
select must be present. The jumper must
be connected from J11-10 and J11-28 on
the rear of the UHF exciter or jumper
W11 on J29 must be on pins 2 and 3.

To align the UHF exciter tray using the
digital IF input, apply the digital IF, with
the test signals used as needed, to the IF
input jack (J6) on the rear of the tray. In
addition, check that the modulator select
is enabled by having W11 on J29 on the
ALC board between pins 2 and 3.

Set the input matching jumper J9 to
positions 1 and 2 for a 50-Ω input, or to
positions 2 and 3 for 75Ω, on the delay
equalizer board (1072090).

Table 5-1 shows the jumper positions for
the 6-dB pad on the delay equalizer
board for an input level of between 0 to

-10 dBm.

oscillator center frequency tuning. Both
of these were completed at the factory
and should not require adjustments at
this time.

Move the Operate/Standby switch located
on the UHF exciter tray to Standby. The
setup of the RF output includes
adjustments to the drive level of the four
UHF amplifier trays, the adjustment of
the linearity and phase predistortion to
compensate for any nonlinear response
of the amplifier trays, and also gain and

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-1

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

phasing adjustments to the four UHF
amplifier trays.

Verify that all red LEDs on the ALC board
are extinguished. The following details
the meaning of each LED when
illuminated:

• DS1 (input fault) – Indicates that
either abnormally low or no IF is
present at the input of the board

• DS2 (ALC fault) – Indicates that the
ALC circuit is unable to maintain the
signal level requested by the ALC
reference. This is normally due to
excessive attenuation in the linearity
signal path or the IF phase corrector
signal path, or that jumper W3 on J6
is in the Manual ALC Gain position.

• DS3 (modulation loss) – Indicates a
loss of modulation at the input of the
board

• DS4 (Mute) – Indicates that a Visual
Mute command is present (DS4 is not
used in this configuration.)

• DS5 (modulator enable) – Indicates
that the modulator IF output is
selected. This is only used if a
receiver tray is present in the system.
DS5 is always on with no receiver.

The ALC is muted when the transmitter is
in Standby. To monitor the ALC, turn off
the four amplifier on/off circuit breakers
on the AC input assembly in the rear of
the cabinet and switch the transmitter to
Operate. Adjust the power adjust gain
pot on the front panel of the UHF exciter
tray to obtain +0.8 VDC on the front
panel meter in the ALC position. On the
ALC board (1265-1305), move the
jumper W3 on J6 to the Manual position,
between pins 2 and 3, and adjust R87 on
the ALC board for +0.8 VDC on the front
panel meter in the ALC position. Move
the jumper W3 back to Auto, between
pins 1 and 2, which is the normal

operating position. The detected IF signal
level at J19-2 of the ALC board is
connected to the transmitter control
board. This board distributes the level to
the two UHF amplifier trays where it is
used as a reference for the automatic
gain control (AGC) in each amplifier tray.

5.1.1 Delay Equalization Adjustment

The procedure for performing a delay
equalization adjustment for the UHF
exciter tray is described in the following
steps:

1. Set J19 to the proper position (for
either a 50-Ω or 75-Ω input) and
monitor the output of the board at
J10 with a spectrum analyzer.

2. Bypass all attenuation and
equalizer sections, except delay
equalizer #1. With W12 removed,
tune L30 for the proper center
frequency as shown in Table 5-2.
Install W12 on J22 and adjust L21
and C43 for the best frequency
response across the band. Jumper
in attenuator equalizer #1.

3. Pull W14 from J26 and adjust L29
for the proper center frequency.
Install W14 and adjust L18 for the
best frequency response.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for each
delay/attenuation equalizer while
tuning the proper inductor for
each section.

5. After all five delay/attenuation
equalizers have been adjusted
according to Table 5-2,
individually jumper in all of the
sections and fine tune, as needed,
for the best group delay and
frequency response.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-2

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

Table 5-2. Center Frequencies for the Delay Equalizer Sections

DELAY EQUALIZER SECTION CENTER FREQUENCY

1 46.5 MHz
2 44 MHz
3 44 MHz
4 41.5 MHz
5 44 MHz

5.1.2 IF Phase Corrector Adjustment

As shipped, the exciters were preset to
include linearity (gain vs. level) and
phase pre-distortion. The pre-distortion
was adjusted to approximately
compensate the corresponding non-linear
distortions of the amplifier trays.

Locate (A9) the IF phase corrector board
(1227-1250) mounted in the UHF exciter
tray. Because the amplitude correction
portion of the board is not utilized in this
configuration, the jumper W3 on J10
should be in the disable position and R35
and R31 should be fully counter­clockwise (CCW). R68 is the range
adjustment and should be set in the
middle. The phase correction
enable/disable jumper W2 on J9 should
be in the Enable position to ground.

Set up a spectrum analyzer with 30 kHz
resolution bandwidth and 30 kHz video
bandwidth to monitor the

output signal. A typical digital spectrum
is shown in Figure 5-1. There are three
corrector stages on the IF phase
corrector board, each with a magnitude
and a threshold adjustment which are
adjusted as needed to correct for any
intermod problems. Adjust the R3
threshold for the cut in point of the
correction and the R7 magnitude for the
amount of the correction that is needed.
The jumper W1 on J8 is set to give the
desired polarity of the correction shaped
by the threshold R11 and magnitude R15
adjustments. After setting the polarity,
adjust the R11 threshold for the cut in
point of the correction and the R15
magnitude for the amount of the
correction that is needed. Finally, adjust
the R19 threshold for the cut in point of
the correction and the R23 magnitude for
the amount of the correction that is
needed. The above pots are adjusted for
the greatest separation between the
digital signal and the intermod at the
channel edges.

intermodulation products of the RF

Figure 5-1. Typical Digital Spectrum

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-3

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

5.1.3 (A15-A1) UHF Generator
Board (1565-1109)

The (A15-A1) UHF generator board is
mounted in (A15) the UHF generator
enclosure. This procedure should be
performed to align this board.

In the Manual Adjust position, W1 on J4
on (A13) the PLL board (1286-1104)
must be moved for –2.5 volts.

Connect J1, the sample output of the
section of the UHF generator board, to a
spectrum analyzer, tuned to the crystal
frequency, and peak tuning capacitors C6
and C18 for maximum output. Also tune
L2 and L4 for maximum output. The
output level should be about +5 dBm.
The channel oscillator should maintain an
oven temperature of 50° C.

If a spectrum analyzer is not available,
connect a digital voltmeter (DVM) to TP1
on the UHF generator board. Tune
capacitor C32 for maximum voltage at
TP1.

Connect J2, the sample output of the
channel oscillator, to a suitable counter
and tune C11, the coarse adjust, to the
crystal frequency. The fine frequency is
controlled by the external PLL circuit
when in the Auto mode.

Caution: Do not repeak C32. This
can change the output level.

Connect a spectrum analyzer to J2, the
output jack of the board.

Tune C32, C34, C38, C40, C44, and C46
for maximum output.

Re-adjust all of the capacitors to
minimize the seventh and the ninth
harmonics of the channel oscillator
frequency. They should be down at least

-30 dB without affecting the output of the
UHF generator board.

If a spectrum analyzer is not available, a
DC voltmeter can be used. When a

voltmeter is used, the harmonic
frequencies must be minimized to
prevent interference with other channels.

While monitoring each test point with a
DC voltmeter, maximize each test point
by tuning the broadband multipliers in
the following sequence:

• Monitor TP1 with a DVM and tune C32

for maximum (typical 0.6 VDC).

• Monitor TP2 and tune C34 and C38

for maximum (typical 1.2 VDC).

• Monitor TP3 and tune C40 and C44

for maximum (typical 2.0 VDC).

• Monitor TP4 and tune C46 for

maximum.

• Repeak C40 and C38 while

monitoring TP4 (typical 3.5 VDC).

• The typical output level is +15 dBm.

5.1.4 (A14-A1) 10-MHz Reference

Generator Board (1519-1126)

Monitor J1 with a spectrum analyzer.
Adjust C12 for a maximum 10-MHz
signal.

Attach a frequency counter. Tune C3 for
a coarse frequency adjustment close to
10 MHz and C2 for exactly 10 MHz. Re­adjust C12 for peak signal amplitude at
J1 using the spectrum analyzer. Adjust
R15 to maintain a constant crystal
temperature of 50° C.

5.1.5 (A13) PLL Board (1286-1104)

With W1 on J4-2 and J4-3, adjust R12
for –2.5 volts on J6-2. Adjust C11 on the
(A8-A1) UHF generator board (1565-

1109) for the correct channel oscillator

frequency. Monitor J10 on the board.
Install jumper W1 between J4-1 and J4-

2. With switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 in

the positions shown in Table 7-1 (refer
to the PLL board schematic [1286­3104]), the PLL Unlock LED should go
out.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-4

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

FREQUENCY

Table 5-3. Switch Positions

SWITCH POSITION

SW1-8 N5
SW1-7 N4
SW1-6 N3
SW1-5 N2

SW2-8 N1
SW2-7 N0
SW2-6 A5
SW2-5 A4

SW3-8 A3
SW3-7 A2
SW3-6 A1
SW3-5 A0

Table 7-2 shows the proper switch
positions according to channel
frequencies.

Note: N7 and N6 are fixed values and
can not be programmed.

Table 5-4. Switch Positions for Channel Frequencies

CHANNEL

(MHz)

N N7-N0 A A5-A0

14 517 64 01000000 40 101000
15 523 65 01000001 24 011000
16 529 66 01000010 8 001000
17 535 66 01000010 56 111000
18 541 67 01000011 40 101000
19 547 68 01000100 24 011000
20 553 69 01000101 8 001000
21 559 69 01000101 56 111000
22 565 70 01000110 40 101000
23 571 71 01000111 24 011000
24 577 72 01001000 8 001000
25 583 72 01001000 56 111000
26 589 73 01001001 40 101000
27 595 74 01001010 24 011000
28 601 75 01001011 8 001000
29 607 75 01001011 56 111000
30 613 76 01001100 40 101000
31 619 77 01001101 24 011000
32 625 78 01001110 8 001000
33 631 78 01001110 56 111000
34 637 79 01001111 40 101000
35 643 80 01010000 24 011000
36 649 81 01010001 8 001000

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-5

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

FREQUENCY

CHANNEL

(MHz)

N N7-N0 A A5-A0

37 655 81 01010001 56 111000
38 661 82 01010010 40 101000
39 667 83 01010011 24 011000
40 673 84 01010100 8 001000
41 679 84 01010100 56 111000
42 685 85 01010101 40 101000
43 691 86 01010110 24 011000
44 697 87 01010111 8 001000
45 703 87 01010111 56 111000
46 709 88 01011000 40 101000
47 715 89 01011001 24 011000
48 721 90 01011010 8 001000
49 727 90 01011010 56 111000
50 733 91 01011011 40 101000
51 739 92 01011100 24 011000
52 745 93 01011101 8 001000
53 751 93 01011101 56 111000
54 757 94 01011110 40 101000
55 763 95 01011111 24 011000
56 769 96 01100000 8 001000
57 775 96 01100000 56 111000
58 781 97 01100001 40 101000
59 787 98 01100010 24 011000
60 793 99 01100011 8 001000
61 799 99 01100011 56 111000
62 805 100 01100100 40 101000
63 811 101 01100101 24 011000
64 817 102 01100110 8 001000
65 823 102 01100110 56 111000
66 829 103 01100111 40 101000
67 835 104 01101000 24 011000
68 841 105 01101001 8 001000
69 847 105 01101001 56 111000

5.2 (A6 and A7, A8 and A9 with
upgrade) UHF Amplifier Trays (1294­1112, 1294-1113 or 1294-1114;
Appendix C)

When testing the UHF amplifier trays, the
other circuit breakers on the AC
distribution panel, and mounted toward
the rear of the cabinet, should be turned
off. Circuit breaker CB3 applies power to
(A6) the UHF amplifier tray from J5 on
the AC distribution system. Circuit
breaker CB4 applies power to (A7) the
UHF amplifier tray from J6 on the AC

distribution system. After upgrade, CB5
applies power to (A8) the UHF amplifier
tray from J7 on the AC distribution
system and circuit breaker CB6 applies
power to (A9) the UHF amplifier tray
from J8 on the AC distribution system.

The UHF amplifier tray should be turned
on into a dummy load of at least 300
watts to verify that the tray is
functioning. Prior to testing, disconnect
the amplifier tray at the UHF tee and
connect it to a dummy load of at least
300 watts. Preset S1, the AGC switch on

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-6

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

(A8) the amplifier control board (1265-

1414), to the AGC On position.

To align (A6) the UHF amplifier tray,
switch on CB3 on the AC distribution
panel. Move the transmitter Operate/
Standby switch on the UHF exciter to
Operate and observe the power supply
metering position on the UHF amplifier
tray. It should read +26.5 VDC when the
tray is switched on and the transmitter is
in Operate. The (A12) ASTEC America
+26V/2000W switching power supply
(VS3-L6-B6-21) is factory set for the
+26.5 VDC and has no customer-needed
adjustments.

Switch the tray to the % Output Power
Meter position and adjust the front panel
gain pot on that amplifier tray to 100%
on the meter. Back off the gain pot to the
reading on the Test Data Sheet. Switch
the transmitter to Standby and reconnect
the UHF amplifier tray.

To align (A7) the UHF amplifier tray,
switch off CB3 and switch on CB4 on the
AC distribution panel. Move the
transmitter Operate/Standby switch on
the UHF exciter to Operate and observe
the power supply metering position on
the UHF amplifier tray. It should read
+26.5 VDC when the tray is switched on
and the transmitter is in Operate. The
(A12) ASTEC America +26V/2000W
switching power supply (VS3-L6-B6-21)
is factory set for the +26.5 VDC and has
no customer-needed adjustments.

Switch the tray to the % Output Power
Meter position and adjust the front panel
gain pot on that amplifier tray to 100%
on the meter. Back off the gain pot to the
reading on the Test Data Sheet. Switch
the transmitter to Standby and reconnect
the UHF amplifier tray.

Switch the transmitter to Operate. The
output power reading on the front panel
meter of UHF exciter should be 100%.
Check that the ALC voltage, as read on
the front panel meter, is set to .8V. The
voltage can be adjusted by using the

power screwdriver adjust pot on the front
panel of the UHF exciter tray. The
amplifier tray can then be adjusted as
needed to achieve the 100% output.
As shipped, the exciter was preset to
include linearity (gain vs. level) and
phase (phase vs. level) pre-distortion.
The pre-distortion was adjusted to
approximately compensate the
corresponding non-linear distortions of
the amplifier. Move the jumper W1 on J4
of the ALC board to the corrector enable
position. Refer to the Test Data Sheet for
the final test readings on the amplifier
tray. Adjust the phase pot on the front
panel of the UHF amplifier tray to obtain
maximum % Output Power on the front
panel meter of the UHF exciter. Adjust
the gain pot on the UHF amplifier tray to
obtain 100% Output Power on the front
panel meter of the UHF exciter.

5.2.1 Phase and Gain Adjustment of

the UHF Amplifier Trays

The following procedure was completed
at the factory and should only be
repeated if one of the UHF amplifier trays
is replaced.

Preset the phase and gain potentiometer
on each UHF amplifier tray full CCW. Turn
off the A6, A7 amps at the AC
distribution panel. Switch the transmitter
to Operate and adjust the gain pot on
each tray for 25% Output Power. Adjust
the phase control CW on the left, bottom
UHF amplifier tray. If the % Visual
Output Power goes up, continue to adjust
the phase control until either the peak is
reached or the end-of-travel is reached.
If the % Output Power goes down, reset
the phase control on the UHF amplifier
tray full CCW and repeat the above
procedure with the phase control of the
other amplifier tray.

If the end-of-travel is reached on the
phase adjust, reset the phase control
CCW and add a 2-inch length of cable to
the output of the (A5) splitter module
that connects to the affected UHF
amplifier tray at J1. Readjust the phase

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-7

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

of that tray until a peak is reached or
until the end-of-travel is achieved. If the
end-of-travel is reached, repeat the
above procedure, replacing the 2-inch
length of cable with a 4-inch length of
cable. Once a peak is reached, move the
phase control that is full CCW up two
turns and repeat it using the phase
control on the other tray. This allows
both trays to have some range of
adjustment.

Table 5-5. 8-VSB Modulator Connections

REFERENCE

J1 IF O/P

J2

J3 MPEG I/P

LABEL FUNCTION

IF output from the modulator; nominal output power level is
–18 dBm

10 MHz

10 MHz reference input; signal level is 0 to +3 dBm

I/P

SMPTE 310M input; only used when the MPEG source is in
accordance with the SMPTE 310M specification
37-pin D connector used to interface to serial ECL MPEG
signals. The pinout of this connector is defined in the setup

- ECL

and operation procedures in Chapter 2 of this manual. This
input is used only when SMPTE 310M signals or serial TTL
signals are not provided.
25-pin D connector used to interface to serial TTL MPEG
signals. The pinout of this connector is defined in the setup

- TTL

and operation procedures in Chapter 2 of this manual. This
input is used only when SMPTE 310M signals or serial ECL
signals are not provided.

-

IF

SAMPLE

Provides a front panel sample of the IF output

9-pin, D, RS-232 interface used to load the preset

- PORT A

coefficients and is also used as an interface to the
demodulator when ADAPTIVE is implemented.

- PORT B

9-pin, D, RS-232 interface used to monitor the operation of
the modulator via a laptop computer.
15-pin, D interface that provides hard-wired indications of
the front panel LEDs. All of the lines are active low. The
available signals are:

- REMOTE

• Pin 6 – MPEG present

• Pin 7 – Reference present

• Pin 8 – Ref PLL locked

• Pin 9 – Power present

• Pin 5 – Ground

5.3 (A19) 8-VSB Digital Modulator

(1075164; Appendix C)

The connections to the 8-VSB modulator
are made through the rear panel except
for the IF sample output, which is made
through the front panel. These
connections are shown in Table 5-3.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-8

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

5.3.1 (A11) VSB Modulator Interface
Board (1561-1205; Appendix D)

The VSB modulator interface board
interfaces the external MPEG source to
the 8-VSB symbol generator board. The
interface board receives MPEG either at
J11 in SMPTE format, at J1 in differential
emitter-to-coupler logic (ECL) format, or
at J2 in differential TTL format, and
converts it to single-ended transistor-to­transistor (TTL) in the form of data (J10)
and a clock (J3). The jumpers J13 and
J14 on this card select between the
various input formats. These jumper
settings are outlined in the discussion on
the 8-VSB modulator in Chapter 2 of this
manual. Jumpers J4 through J7 were
used during the initial design of the
board and have been preset at the
factory. These four jumpers should all
be placed in positions 1-2 with the
exception of jumper J6, which should be
placed in position 2-3. Jumper block J15
was also used in the initial design of the
board and should be set to position 3.

In addition, if required, this card can be
used for a future parallel interface that
is either in a TTL or an ECL format. The
interface will utilize the PLL Locked LED
at the bottom, right-hand corner of the
board; this LED will not illuminate with
the existing interfaces. Test connector
J8 will also be used, as needed, for
future parallel interfaces.

5.3.2 (A4) VSB Symbol Generator
Board (1049396; Appendix D)

The symbol generator board takes the
MPEG data and clock signals from the
interface card and performs the digital

signal-processing functions outlined in
the ATSC specification for 8-VSB
modulation. These functions involve
data randomization, the Reed Solomon
encoder, data interleaver, and the trellis
encoder. These functions are
implemented in programmable logic chip
U1 on the symbol generator card. In
addition, this card performs the linear
equalization function. This function is
implemented in U14.

The output of this card is symbol data
that has been equalized. The data is
available at J25 in the form of ten data
lines and a 32.28-MHz clock. In addition,
the microcontroller data and address
bus is available at this output connector.

The LCD display and the switch panel
are also controlled by the symbol
generator card. The interface to the LCD
display is provided at J20 and the
interface to the switch panel is provided
at J21. The RS-232 interface to Port A is
provided at J19 on this card. This
interface is wired to the rear of the tray
and is used to load the linear equalizer
and perform adaptive equalization. The
Port B serial interface is wired through
connector J4 on this card.

Note: The symbol generator board
contains jumper blocks that have
been set at the factory. No
additional alignment is required to
achieve normal operation.

In the event that the board becomes
incorrectly aligned, the jumpers on the
card should be placed in the
configurations shown in Table 5-4.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-9

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

Table 5-6. Jumper Configurations for the Symbol Generator Board

REFERENCE

DESIGNATOR

J5

19.39M/2.42M clock select:
Used for test purposes only.
1-2 selects 2.42 MHz, 2-3

FUNCTION SETTING

No jumper required

selects 19.39 MHz

J8

/DPWEN, 2.69 MHz clock
select: Used for test purposes
only. 1-2 selects 2.69 MHz,

No jumper required

2-3 selects /DPWEN clock.

J11

10.76 MHz/32 MHz clock
select: Used for test purposes
only. 1-2 selects 32 MHz, 2-3

No jumper required

selects 10.76 MHz.
J23 External Reset No jumper required
J24 Spare Input No jumper required

Impulse Select: Used for test

purposes. 1-2 applies the

1-2 is the setting for normal
operation.

output of the ATSC EPLD to

J26

the linear equalizer. 2-3

applies repetitive impulses to

the equalizer so that the user

can observe the impulse

response of the equalizer.

J27

Rounding Enable: 1-2

enables the rounding on the

linear equalizer. 2-3 disables

1-2 is the setting for normal
operation.

the feature.

Gain Select for the linear

equalizer: 1-2 forces the

2-3 is the setting for normal
operation.

linear equalizer to use the

J28

gain set by the DIP switch 2.

2-3 allows the linear

equalizer to use the gain set

by the microcontroller.

Clip Reset: Resets the clip

detector in the linear

J29

equalizer. 1-2 allows the clip

detector to reset itself. 2-3

holds the clip detector in

constant reset.

8-position DIP Switch: Used

for testing. Position 1 has a

dual function. It can establish

the relationship between the

SW1

clock and the data on the

incoming MPEG source when

the TTL or ECL interfaces are

used.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-10

2-3 is the setting for normal
operation.

Position1: Off when the data
changes on the falling edges of the
incoming clock. On when the data
changes on the rising edge. Off is
the normal setting

Positions 2-8: All positions should
remain off during normal
operation.

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

REFERENCE

DESIGNATOR

FUNCTION SETTING

4-position DIP switch: Used

to adjust the gain of the

linear equalizer when J28 is

set to 1-2.

Divide – Sw 1,2

On, On – divide by 1

SW2

On, Off – divide by 2

Off, On – divide by 4

Off, Off – divide by 8

Divide – Sw 3,4

On, On – multiply by 1

On, Off – multiply by 1.25

Off, On – multiply by 1.5

The last adjustment on the symbol
generator card is the LCD contrast. This
potentiometer, R32, can be adjusted
until the desired level of contrast
appears on the front panel display.

5.3.3 (A5) VSB Filter Board (1561­1301; Appendix D)

The VSB filter board performs the digital
pulse-shaping filter function of the ATSC
specification. The board receives
equalized symbol data at J1 and applies
it to an in-phase (I) pulse-shaping filter
and a quadrature (Q) pulse-shaping
filter. The I filter is implemented in U1
and U2 and the Q filter is implemented
in U3 and U4. The pulse-shaping filter
outputs are applied to digital-to-analog

Positions 1-4: All positions should
remain off during normal
operation.

(D/A) converters through jumper blocks
J25 and J28. The output of the D/A
converters is filtered to remove the

32.28-MHz converter update rate. The I
data are available at J26 and the Q data
are available at J29.

Note: The 8-VSB filter board
contains jumper blocks and
adjustment potentiometers which
have been set at the factory. No
additional alignment is required to
achieve normal operation.

In the event that the board becomes
incorrectly aligned, the jumpers on the
board should be placed in the
configurations shown in Table 5-5.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-11

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

REFERENCE

DESIGNATOR

J2, J3

J6-J9

J10, J12

J11, J13

J14

J15

Table 5-7. Jumper Configurations for the VSB Filter Board

FUNCTION SETTING

Impulse Select/Clock Select: Used for
board testing purposes. When both

Both should be set to positions 1-2

for normal operation
are placed in position 2-3, the
impulse response of the I and Q
filters appear at the I and Q even in
the absence of any input to the
board.
Jumper Blocks: Used during initial

No jumpers are required.
integration and test.
Gain Select: Selects between the gain
set by the microcontroller or the gain

Both should be set to positions 1-2

for normal operation
set by the external settings. 1-2
selects external gain. 2-3 selects
internal.
External Gain: Sets the gain of the
filters when J10 and J12 are in
positions 1-2. Gain is as follows:

Under normal operation, J11

should be 1-2 and J13 should be

2-3.

J11 J13 Gain
1-2 1-2 1
1-2 2-3 2
2-3 1-2 4
2-3 2-3 8
Round: 1-2 disables the rounding
feature. 2-3 enables the rounding

2-3 is the setting for normal

operation.
feature.
Twos Compliment: Enables twos
compliment data to be sent to the

2-3 is the setting for normal

operation.
D/As. Position 1-2 enables twos
compliment data.

J16

J17

Clock Invert: Inverts the incoming
clock at J1. 1-2 inverts the clock.
External Reset: Resets the symbol
generator card. Used for test only.

1-2 is the setting for normal

operation.

1-2 is the setting for normal

operation.
2-3 resets the board.

J19

J19

J25

I Clip Reset: Position 2-3 resets the I
clip detector.
Q Clip Reset: Position 2-3 resets the
Q clip detector.
I Data: Passes the data to the D/A
converters.

1-2 is the setting for normal

operation.

1-2 is the setting for normal

operation.

This jumper block is a dual-row,

12-location jumper block. Jumpers

should be placed on the top 10

rows in normal operation.

J28

Q Data: Passes the data to the D/A
converters.

This jumper block is a dual-row,

12-location jumper block. Jumpers

should be placed on the top 10

rows in normal operation.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-12

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

The potentiometers on this board consist
of the I and Q gain and offset
adjustments. Since the overall gain
balance between the I and Q channels
will be adjusted in the vector modulator,
the gain is not critical. As a result, gain
potentiometers R50 and R71 should be
set to the middle of their range. The
offset potentiometers are adjusted in the
following order:

1. Power up the modulator with the test
jumper placed in the enable position
on the rear of the (A2) switch board.

2. Using the up arrow button, change
the operating mode from NORMAL to
CW ZERO POWER.

3. Remove the connector to J26 on the
VSB modulator board. Connect a
voltmeter to J26, with the positive
lead connected to the center of the
3-pin connector and the negative
lead connected to one of the outer
pins.

4. Set the voltmeter to read in millivolts
and adjust R47 until the voltmeter
reads zero.

5. Repeat this procedure for J29 while
adjusting R68.

6. Return all jumpers and connectors to
the standard configuration.

This completes the I and Q offset
adjustment.

5.3.4 (A2) Switch Board (1561-1202;

Appendix D)

The switch board is mounted on the rear
of the front panel. It houses the front
panel pushbuttons for the LCD readout.

Table 5-8. DIP Switch Settings

J7 SW1 SW2 SW3 LSB

1 01100100 00111000 01111101

There is one jumper, J2, to enable or
disable the TEST mode. The TEST mode
enables several MPEG digital signals that
are used for the test and the alignment
of the tray. In order to enable the TEST
mode, turn off the tray and move jumper
J2 from position 1-2 to position 2-3.

Note: The tray must be turned off,
jumper J2 moved back to the disable
position (1-2), and the tray powered
back up in order for the tray to be
restored to the NORMAL mode.

5.3.5 (A7) Local Oscillator Board
(1561-1203; Appendix D)

The local oscillator board does not have
any adjustments for the VCXO oscillator;
however, there are several jumpers and
DIP switches on the board to set the PLL
circuits.

Verify that jumpers J7 and J3 are in the
1-2 position. Jumper J3 is set based on
the polarity of the VCXO that has been
installed. The VCXO installed in the 8­VSB modulator requires that J3 be set in
position 1-2. Jumper J7 is the most
significant part of the divide ratio that
determines the final local oscillator (LO)
frequency. If J7 is in the 1-2 position, the
MSB is set to 1. Using J7, along with SW1
through SW3, the LO frequency is
determined from the following equation:

LO Frequency = 2*(Switch Setting+3)

or in terms of the switch setting:

Switch Setting = (LO Frequency/2)-3.

For the LO card to produce 46.690560
MHz, verify that DIP switches J7, SW1,
SW2, and SW3 are set as shown in Table
5-6.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-13

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

Once the DIP switches are set, and there
is a 10-MHz reference source present at
the rear of the tray, the board will begin
the process of phase locking the VCXO.
There are three amber LEDs on the board
that indicate the progress of the PLL
circuit. These LEDs have been designated
Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3.

When the circuit begins the PLL process,
Step 1 will illuminate. As the process
continues, Step 1 extinguishes and Step
2 illuminates. Finally, Step 2 extinguishes
and Step 3 illuminates. Once Step 3
extinguishes, the front-panel PLL Locked
LED will illuminate within 30 seconds.

Note: The front panel PLL Locked
LED may flicker once or twice before
settling into lock; this is a normal
condition. The frequency of the VCXO
is 46.690560 MHz and can be
monitored at the IF sample, J8, on
the LO card.

5.3.6 (A6) VSB Vector Modulator

Board (1520-1107; Appendix D)

The vector modulator board modulates
the baseband 8-VSB signal coming from
the VSB filter board with the LO supplied
from the local oscillator card. The
baseband signal consists of an I and a Q
component. The I component enters the
board at J3 and is frequency-response
adjusted by C16. The DC offset of this
signal path is set to zero with R5 and
the gain of this path is adjusted using
R32. This signal is then mixed at Z1 with
a 46.49056-MHz local oscillator. In a
similar fashion, the Q signal comes into
the board at J11 and is frequency­response corrected with C43, offset
adjusted with R78, and gain adjusted by
R105. The Q signal is then mixed with
the 46.69056-MHz local oscillator, which
is 90 degrees out of phase with the local
oscillator that is mixed with the I
channel. The LO signals are generated
by quadrature splitter U8.

After the baseband I and Q signals are
mixed with the LO signals, they are

combined with combiner Z2 to produce
the final IF signal centered at 44 MHz.
This signal is amplified with U2 and U3
to produce a nominal –18 dBm signal at
J1. A sample of the IF signal is also
provided at J2; a 50-Ω termination must
be present at J1 before the signal from
sample port J2 can be used. The gain of
the final output can be adjusted using
R3. The frequency response of the IF
signal can be flattened using C19, C20,
R29, and R30.

Note: The vector modulator board
contains jumper blocks and
adjustment potentiometers that
have been preset at the factory.
Because of this, no additional
alignment is required to achieve
normal operation.

In the event that the vector modulator
becomes incorrectly aligned, the
following steps can be used to align the
board:

1. Power up the modulator with the test
jumper placed in the Enable position
on the rear of the switch board.

2. Using the up-arrow button, change
the operating mode from NORMAL to
CW ZERO POWER.

3. Using the MENU button, go to the
INPUT SOURCE menu. Use the up­arrow button to select INTERNAL
PRBS23 as the input source.

5.3.7 (A10) DC Power Supply Board

(1047033; Appendix D)

The DC power supply board generates
both the positive and negative 12 and 5
VDC and the positive 3.3 VDC at
sufficient current levels to operate the
other boards in the modulator tray.
Visual indicators, using LEDs, are
provided on the board to show the
normal operation of each voltage
regulator.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-14

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

The DC outputs (+15, +5, and -15 VDC)
from the switching power supply
(1049886) are directed to jack J1. The
voltages are then filtered by C1 to C6
and fed to voltage regulators U1 to U7.
The outputs are protected from
overcurrent conditions by the regulators.
The regulators are designed to fold back
the voltage if a short-circuit condition
occurs externally and will continue to do
so until the short is eliminated. If a short
appears, the on-board LED associated
with that regulator will extinguish with
the loss of output.

5.3.8 (A8) VSB IF Filter Board
(1047976; Appendix D)

The VSB IF filter board provides low­pass filtering for frequencies above 63
MHz.

The board receives the output IF signal
from the vector modulator board at J1.
The input signal is fed through the 50-Ω
matching circuit of R1, R2, and R3. The
signal is then filtered by low-pass filter
circuit L1 to L5 and C2 to C6. The signal
is amplified by U1 and fed to SMA
connector J2. The signal is also fed
through the IF sample circuit of U2 and
associated components to J4, IF sample.
This sample is fed to the front panel
sample port.

The voltage to this board is supplied by
an external +12 VDC source.

5.3.9 (A3) LED Board (1561-1204;
Appendix D)

The LED board provides front panel
verification of the status of the MPEG
input signal, 10-MHz reference signal,
and phase-locked status of the IF
oscillator and the +5-VDC power supply.

DS1 is driven from the VSB modulator
board and provides a constant +5 VDC
to J1-1 and a logic low at J1-2 when the
MPEG input signal is present. DS2 is
driven from the local oscillator board
and provides a constant +5 VDC and a

logic low at J1-4 when the 10-MHz
reference signal is present at the
oscillator board. DS3 is driven from the
local oscillator board and provides a
constant +5 VDC and a logic low at J1-6
when the IF oscillator is phase locked.
DS4 is driven from the +5-VDC source
on the power supply board through J1-7.

5.3.10 Offset Adjust

1. Set gain potentiometers R32 and
R105 to the center of their travel.

2. Remove the jumper that connects
the center pins of J5 and J6. Connect
a voltmeter to TP4.

3. Adjust R5 until less than 1 mV
appears on the voltmeter. This sets
the offset of the I channel to zero.

4. Remove the jumper that connects
the center pins of J9 and J10. The
voltmeter is placed on TP8.

5. Adjust R78 until there is less than 1
mV on the voltmeter. This sets the
offset of the Q channel to zero.

5.3.11 Local Oscillator Leak-Through

Adjustment

1. With the setup in the same
configuration as it was at the end of
step 5 of the Offset Adjust
procedure, connect a spectrum
analyzer to J5. Set the spectrum
analyzer to look at the 44-MHz
center frequency with a 15-MHz
span.

2. Since the offset to the mixer is now
zero, the output of the mixer that
blends the in-band signal (0V) with
the LO should now be zero. With the
spectrum analyzer, adjust C29 and
R58 until the local oscillator does not
have a presence at 46.69056 MHz on
the spectrum analyzer. This same
process is repeated for the Q
channel. The spectrum analyzer is
connected to J9, and C32 and R79

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-15

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

are adjusted until there is no leak­through of the 46.69056 MHz on the
spectrum analyzer.

5.3.12 I and Q Baseband Frequency
Response Adjustments

1. With the setup in the same
configuration as it was in step 3 of
the Local Oscillator Leak-Through
Adjustment procedure, move the
spectrum analyzer back to J5.

2. Using the MENU button, go to the
OPERATING MODE menu. Use the up
arrow to select NORMAL.

3. Observe the spectrum analyzer until
a 12 MHz-wide spectrum appears.
Set the spectrum analyzer to read .2
dB/division on the vertical scale and
turn the video averaging on to 200
averages or greater. Set the
reference level so that the top of the
spectrum is visible on the display.
Some time may be required to allow
the averaging feature to produce a
spectrum.

4. Adjust C16 until the spectrum looks
flat within .1 dB.

5. Repeat this process for the Q
channel, connecting the spectrum
analyzer to J9 and adjusting the
frequency response at C43.

This completes the frequency-response
adjustment.

5.3.13 Gain and Quadrature

Adjustments

1. With the setup in the same
configuration as step 5 of the I and
Q Baseband Frequency Response
Adjustments procedure, replace the
jumpers that were removed on J5/J6
and on J9/J10. Connect the spectrum
analyzer to J1, the IF output at the
rear of the tray. A spectrum will be
produced that is 12-MHz wide.
Perform the gain and quadrature

adjustments described in the next
two steps to remove the upper 6
MHz of this spectrum.

2. Rotate quadrature adjust capacitor
C27 until the upper 6 MHz of the
spectrum is reduced as low as
possible.

3. Adjust I channel gain potentiometer
R32 until the upper 6 MHz of the
spectrum is reduced as low as
possible.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the right
side of the spectrum is reduced as
far as possible. When this is
complete, the out-of-band on the
right side should look similar to the
out-of-band on the left side.

5.3.14 Output Level Adjust

The final output level of the modulator is
set by R3. A spectrum analyzer with a
power measurement capability, or a
vector signal analyzer, can be used to
adjust the output level. This level is set
at the factory to a nominal –18 dBm.

At this point, the alignment of the
modulator tray is complete. When the
modulator tray has been aligned
correctly, the out-of-band rejection
should be at least 40 dB (typically 42
dB) and the signal-to-ratio should be at
least 34 dB (typically 36 dB). If either of
these specifications is not met, the steps
described above for aligning the vector
modulator should be repeated. When the
desired modulator performance has
been achieved, the test jumper on the
(A2) switch board (1561-1202) should
be returned to position 1-2 to disable
the test modes. Power will need to be
cycled off and back on to return the unit
to the OPERATE mode.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-16

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Chapter 5, Detailed Alignment Procedures

5.4 Output Power Level

Using a forward-calibrated coupler and
an HP power meter, or equivalent,
adjust the output power for a reading of
500 watts out of the bandpass filter on
the true average power meter. Adjust
R28 on (A10) the visual/aural metering
board in the exciter tray for 100% in the
% Forward Output position. The aural
power is not used; set the pots R20 and
R51 on (A10) the visual/ aural metering
board fully CCW.

Turn the power-adjust pot to 20% on the
meter in the Forward Power position.
Reverse the SMA cables on J1 and J3 of
(A7) the visual/aural metering board
(1265-1309) in the exciter tray

assembly. Adjust R39 on the visual/aural
metering board for a 20% reading in the
Reflected Output Power position.

Adjust R22 on the transmitter control
board (1265-1311) in the exciter tray
until the VSWR LED just begins to light
on the exciter front panel. Place the SMA
cables on the visual/aural metering board
in their original positions. The reflected
output power is now calibrated.

This completes the detailed alignment
procedures for the DT830A transmitter. If
a problem occurred during the alignment,
refer to the detailed alignment
procedures for that tray for more
information.

DT830A, Rev. 1 5-17

APPENDIX A

SAMPLE LOG REPORT SHEET

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Appendix A, Sample Log Report Sheet

UHF Exciter

% Output Power (0-120)= ____________% % Exciter (0-120)= ______________%

ALC (0-1 V)= ____________________V% Reflected (0-120)= ______________%

UHF Amplifier Trays

(A6)

AGC Voltage (0-10 V)= _____________V

% Reflected Power (0-120)= ________%

% Output Power (0-120)= ___ _____%

Power Supply Voltage (0-30 V)= ______V

(A7)

AGC Voltage (0-10 V)= _____________V

% Reflected Power (0-120)= ________%

% Output Power (0-120)= ___ _____%

Power Supply Voltage (0-30 V)= ______V

Date __________________

Customer Name _______________________________ Call Letters ____________

Technician ___________________________________________

DT830A, Rev. 1 A-1

APPENDIX B

TYPICAL OPERATIONAL READINGS

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Appendix B, Typical Operational Readings

UHF Exciter

ALC=.8 VDC.

% Exciter=The level is as needed to attain 100% output power from the transmitter.

% Reflected=< 5%

% Output Power=100%

UHF Amplifier Trays

(A6) (A7)

AGC voltage=1 to 2 VDC AGC voltage=1 to 2 VDC

% Reflected=< 5% with one tray % Reflected=< 5% with one tray

% Output Forward=The level is as needed
to attain 100% Output Power from the
transmitter (150 watts)

% Output Forward=The level is as needed
to attain 100% Output Power from the
transmitter (150 watts)

Power supply=+26.5 VDC Power supply=+26.5 VDC

DT830A, Rev. 1 B-1

APPENDIX C

ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Appendix C, Assembly Drawings and Parts Lists

DT830A

Transmitter Block Diagram.........................................................1127833

Transmitter Interconnect ...........................................................1127837

Rack Plan for DT830A................................................................1127836

AC Distribution Assembly, Narrow

Interconnect......................................................................... 1265-8600

8-VSB Modulator Tray

Interconnect .............................................................................1050185

UHF Exciter, Digital I/P, 44MHz

Block Diagram ..........................................................................1300494

Interconnect.............................................................................1300491

UHF Amplifier Tray

Block Diagram ...................................................................... 1281-3100

Interconnect......................................................................... 1281-8100

DT830A, Rev. 1 C-1

APPENDIX D

SUBASSEMBLY DRAWINGS

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Appendix D, Subassembly Drawings

UHF Filter

Schematic........................................................................................ 1007-3101

+12-Volt, 2-Amp Power Supply Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1128-3504

IF Phase Corrector Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1227-3250

1-Watt Amplifier Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1227-3303

4-Way Splitter Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1227-3312

Coupler Board Assembly

Schematic........................................................................................ 1227-3316

Dual Peak Detector Board, Single Supply

Schematic........................................................................................ 1227-3333

ALC Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3305

Visual/Aural Metering Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3309

UHF Upconverter Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3310

Transmitter Control Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3311

+12V(4A)/-12V(1A) Power Supply Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3312

Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, Mid Band, Class AB
(Made from a Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB [1265-1404])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3411

Amplifier Protection Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3412

Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, Low Band, Class AB
(Made from a Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB [1265-1404])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3413

Amplifier Control Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3414

(Made from a Generic Single Stage Amplifier Board, Class A [1265-1415])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3416

DT830A, Rev. 1 D-1

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Appendix D, Subassembly Drawings

Single Stage Amplifier Assembly, High Band, Class A
(Made from a Generic Single Stage Amplifier Board, Class A [1265-1415])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3417

Single Stage Amplifier Assembly, Low Band, Class A
(Made from a Generic Single Stage Amplifier Board, Class A [1265-1415])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3418

Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, High Band, Class AB
(Made from a Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB [1265-1404])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3420

Variable Gain/Phase Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3425

Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, Low Band, Class AB
(Made from a Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB [1265-1404])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3439

Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, Mid Band, Class AB
(Made from a Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB [1265-1404])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3440

Dual Stage Amplifier Assembly, High Band, Class AB
(Made from a Generic Dual Stage Amplifier Board, Class AB [1265-1404])

Schematic........................................................................................ 1265-3441

PLL Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1286-3104

10-MHz Reference Generator Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1519-3126

Vector Modulator Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1520-3107

Dual Peak Detector Board, SMT

Schematic........................................................................................ 1555-3270

Switchboard

Schematic........................................................................................ 1561-3202

Local Oscillator Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1561-3203

DT830A, Rev. 1 D-2

300-Watt Digital UHF Transmitter Appendix D, Subassembly Drawings

LED Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1561-3204

8-VSB Modulator Interface Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1561-3205

VSB Filter Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1561-3301

UHF Generator Board

Schematic........................................................................................ 1565-3109

DC Power Supply Board

Schematic........................................................................................... 1047036

VSB IF Filter Board

Schematic........................................................................................... 1047977

8-VSB Symbol Generator Board

Schematic........................................................................................... 1049397

5-Section Delay Equalizer Board, 44 MHz

Schematic........................................................................................... 1072141

Serial Port Interface Board

Schematic........................................................................................... 1075976

DT830A, Rev. 1 D-5

APPENDIX E

DT830A SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS