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AM-9291 Series
AM
Redundancy System
Table of Contents
1 Overview 3
Introduction to the AM-9291 Series Redundancy System 3
Monitoring and Control of Redundancy System 4
Remote Access 4
Local Access 4
7 M&C Connections 27
1 Overview
The ARS is designed for fast failure detection and resolution which can be operated in
either manual or automatic mode.
Under automatic mode, ARS will be able to auto-switch the online path upon failure
detection. In the event of further failure in the standby path, ARS will initiate internal
path switching for full mesh optimization of working VSAT equipment. (E.g.,
Transmit path A / Receive path B or Receive path B / Transmit Path A)
Under manual mode, the user will be able to remotely or locally switch the online
path for maintenance purposes or equipment changes without any disruption to
satellite services.
The Amplus Redundancy System, which includes the redundancy control unit
together with transceivers, has been rigorously tested and proven in harsh outdoor
conditions.
The monitoring and control of the redundancy system can be implemented either via
remote control or local control. The remote access to the redundancy system can be
achieved via PC with the redundancy system control software installed. Limited local
control and monitoring is also possible via a front panel push-button and
transmit/receive path indicators.
Remote Access
The M&C of the ARS allows for long distance access via RS485/422
communications. The system is capable of continuous monitoring and also allows for
control of the outdoor equipment such as the AM-944X Series C-band VSAT
Transceivers.
Local Access
The redundancy system has also implemented local access control that can be used to
set the redundancy system to automatic switching on error mode or manual mode. In
Manual mode, the user will be able to select the online path.
Specifications
IF Switching
Frequency Range 950 MHz~1825MHz
IF input (optimal operation) -40 to -10dBm
Transmit Path Insertion Loss (Redundancy Box IF In/Out) 7 dB max
Receive Path Insertion Loss (Redundancy Box IF In/Out) 2 dB max
Transmit/ Receive Path Isolation (Redundancy Box IF In/Out) 50 dB typ.
RF Switching
Frequency Range Insertion Loss VSWR Switching Time Isolation
3.3 GHz– 4.9 GHz 0.10 dB 1.3:1 100ms 80 dB min
5.85 GHz – 6.725 GHz 0.10 dB Max 1.3:1 60 ms 60 dB min
Waveguide Switch Type Latching
Environmental
Interface
RCU IF Input N-Type (50 Ohms)
BUC IF Input N-Type (50 Ohms)
BUCRF Output N-Type/Waveguide (50 Ohms)
LNB IF Input N-Type/Waveguide (50 Ohms)
LNB IF Output N-Type (50 Ohms)
Waveguide Switch (TX /RX) WR-137/WR229
General
Power Requirements
Input supply voltage RCU/ BUC/ SSPA 200 ~ 240V AC
RCU 5W
Power Consumption BUC Refer the BUC Manual
LNB Refer the LNB Manual
Switching Current Waveguide Switch (TX) 0.5A
Waveguide Switch (RX) 0.5A
Mechanical
Dimensions (W x L x H) Weight
RCU 233 x 331 x 87 mm 4.20 kg
BUC Refer the BUC manual Refer the BUC manual
LNB Refer the LNB manual Refer the LNB manual
TPB 110 x 180 x 55 mm 0.42 kg
Waveguide Switch (TX) 57.2 x 57.2 x 115.4 mm 0.68 kg
Waveguide Switch (RX) 88.6 x 88.6 x 196.3 mm 2.4 kg
NOTE: Specifications subject to change without notice.
Description of Modules
The Amplus Redundancy System (ARS) consists of the Redundancy Control Unit
(RCU), Outdoor BUCs (BUC A and BUC B), and/or LNBs (LNB A and LNB B),
Transmit Waveguide Switch, Receive Waveguide Switch and interconnect cable
assemblies. Figure 2.1 shows the ARS Simplified Signal Flow Diagram. The BUCs
and LNBs are sold separately. The modem and antenna system are drawn here only to
illustrate the signal flow. Please refer to their respective manuals for the description
and theory of operation.
The Redundancy Control Unit (RCU) performs the switching control logic and error
detection in the ARS. It consists of the Monitor & Control (M&C) Board, Transmit IF
Switch, Receive IF Switch, Local Push Button, Front Panel Indicators and a
RS485/422 Port for remote monitoring and control. The SW to monitor and control
the System is inside the CD.
M&C Board
The M&C Board contains a microcontroller which handles the switching control
logic, and continuous monitoring of the BUCs and LNBs' status. The status monitored
include: BUC alarms, LNB failure, Modem IF input power level, Waveguide
Switches' position and BUC PA power level.
Upon failure detection under the auto-mode, the M&C logic will perform automatic
switching to the transmit and/or receive paths. The M&C controls and switches both
the IF and RF relays, ensuring unambiguous, simultaneous switching of both IF and
RF paths in the Tx/Rx directions. The switching logic is a full mesh configuration to
ensure the robustness of the system. Therefore, all the following switch configurations
are possible:
• Tx Path A / Rx Path A
• Tx Path A / Rx Path B
• Tx Path B / Rx Path A
• Tx Path B / Rx Path B
The M&C Board also provides remote control pass-through to each of the BUCs via
the single RS485/422 serial communications port on the RCU. This allows the user to
remotely monitor and control each of the BUCs using the ARS M&C Software
Application.
Transmit IF Switch
The Tx IF Switch module switches the IF signal from modem to BUC A or BUC B IF
inputs. It has latching function so that the switch will stay in the position until the next
switching command from the microcontroller. In the event of power failure in the
RCU, the IF path is still remaining as the last configuration. A built-in directional
coupler and the power detector provides RMS power monitoring of the modulator IF
signal.
Receive IF Switch
The Rx IF Switch in the RCU is a low loss, high isolation SPDT switch which
provides switching of the receive IF signal from the online RCU IF output to the
demodulator. Similarly, it has latch function which can remember the last state
configuration.
The ARS comes with a Transmit Waveguide Switch and a Receive Waveguide
Switch. Low lost characteristic find best in the RF front end so that the PA power has
minimal lost and noise figure is not affected much in LNB.
Tx Waveguide Switch
The WR-137 TX Waveguide Switch is a transfer switch to switch the RF output
signal from BUC A or BUC B to the Antenna OMT TX Port. Port 3 of the TX
Waveguide Switch is terminated with a WR-137 Waveguide Load provided. The TX
Waveguide Switch is controlled by the RCU via a 6 pin M&C cable.
The Transient Protection Box is placed at the power supply input before the RCU, and
BUC to suppress any high voltage surge that might damage the unit. This serves as
the electrical protection to the unit in all weather conditions.
Ensure that the packing boxes are upright, as indicated by the printed signs. Open the
box and ensure that the following items are included and not damaged in transit.
Note: * The optional items may or may not be included in the package. Please contact
Sales/Marketing Department of Amplus Communication.
Receive
Switch Transmit
Switch
Figure 3.2 Waveguide Switches (34 015 004 and 34 015 005)
Figure 3.3 Waveguide Loads (34 015 006 and 34 015 007) and Waveguide (34 015 001)
Figure 3.6 RCU to Waveguide Switch M&C Cable (14 002 084)
(6-Way Socket to 6-Way Socket)
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Fig 3.11 Mounting kit for the RCU (12 004 004) and the BUC (12 004 001)
Fig 3.12 Spinner Hiflex cable (14 005 002) to connect BUC output to antenna
Perform physical inspection on all equipment and accessories to make sure they were
not damaged during shipment. If any significant damage is observed on any items in
the shipped packaged, return the faulty assembly intact to Amplus Communication for
replacement under warranty. Failure to do so may result in a voided warranty. Once
the items are verified to be in a satisfactory state, proceed with installation.
The RCU, BUC and SSPA are operating on 200 to 240V AC, 48 to 66Hz single
phase. Connect the loose end of the AC power cord of the TPB to the appropriate
power plug. Make sure that the colour code is observed:
Colour Code
Brown : Live
Blue : Neutral
Green with Yellow : Earth
In case there is a need to replace fuse in the TPB, only the same rating and type of
the fuse can be used.
TPB for RCU and BUC: 250VAC/5A anti-surge
TPB for SSPA : 250VAC/10A anti-surge
Wrong type and rating may lead to electrical hazard and damage of the equipment.
In the RCU itself, there are two fuses for use in waveguide switch protection. In
case there is a need to replace these, use the appropriate rating (250V/500mA) and
type of fuse (anti-surge).
The RCU is designed for installation and setup without removing the cover.
Ensure the RCU is properly grounded. Do not rely on coaxial shields for the ground
connection. Mount the RCU on the antenna feed support boom near both BUCs using
the mounting kit provided.
BUC A and B
Which BUC is designated “A” or “B” is arbitrary. However, once decided, the cabling
installation and operation of the system must be consistent. Please refer to the BUC
manual for installation instructions.
Waveguide Switches
Ensure all the waveguide flanges are fitted with the correct waveguide gaskets to
prevent water damage on all ports of the Waveguide Switch. Mount the whole
assembly to the OMT Tx Port. Ensure all connections are securely tightened.
Rx W/G SW
To
WR-229
Port 1 T/R Filter to OMT Rx Port
Port 2 LNB A
Port 3 W/G Load WR-229
WR
Port 4 LNB B
Ensure all the waveguide flanges are fitted with the correct waveguide gaskets to
prevent water damage on all ports of the Waveguide Switch. Mount the whole
assembly to the antenna feed horn Rx Port. Ensure all connections are securely
tightened.
Cable Connections
A RS485/422 to RS232 converter (54 002 006) is included in the package. A 2-m
cable assembly (14 002 085) for test purpose is also included. The actual cable length
required will depend on how far the system is from the control room. A cable with
dual twisted pairs with shield is recommended for long distance connection.
The connection from the RCU to the converter with the 2-m cable assembly is as
follows:
The RS485/422 to RS232 converter (54 002 006) should be set to DTE mode and the
DIP switch setting is as follows:
Position 1, 2, 5: OFF
Positions 3, 4, 6, 7, 8: ON
This will set the default communication to 10-bit format (8 data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop
bit) at 9600 bps (baud rate). Ensure that the PC serial port (com port) is also set to the
same baud rate. In case the PC serial port baud rate is to be changed, make sure that
the DIP switch of the RS485 converter module is set accordingly (refer to RS485
converter manual).
Mount the Transient Protection Box on the antenna feed support boom. Inter-connect
the RCU power input and the TPB power output. Connect the TPB power input cable
to the mains supply (200VAC to 240 VAC). The BUC must also be connected to the
mains supply through the Transient Protection Box provided.
Final Inspection
Re-check all screws, bolts and cabling to ensure weather-tight connections. Make sure
all cable inter-connections are correct as shown in Figure 3.12. Apply moisture-
resistant wrap (e.g. 3M 2242 mastic tape or equivalent) to all connectors to prevent
water entry and resultant water damage.
Ensure that all the assemblies are properly installed and inter-connected before
proceeding. Refer to Figure 3.12 for ARS Cabling Inter-Connection. Apply AC power
to the RCU and BUCs. (Refer to the BUC operation manual for instructions in
operating the BUC).
Upon power up, the RCU will initialize itself and detect the presence and
configuration of the BUCs and the Waveguide Switches. The default online paths will
be Tx A and Rx A, if both BUCs, LNBs and Waveguide Switches are fully
operational. The ARS will operate in auto mode by default. Therefore, the RCU will
constantly monitor the status of both online and standby equipment, and perform full
mesh auto switching if any failure/alarm is detected.
In auto-mode, the green Status LED on the RCU front panel will be continuously lit.
The Status LED also indicates that the RCU is powered up. During auto-mode
operation, the microcontroller inside the RCU monitors the status of the equipment in
the ARS and controls the switching logic. Upon failure or alarm, the microcontroller
will initiate the switching function and perform proper switching to the appropriate
standby equipment. No user action is required when in auto-mode. However, the user
will be able to visually see the alarm/failure being detected and the present online
Tx/Rx paths using the ARS Software Application.
Manual Over-ride
At the RCU, the user or authorized service personnel may be able to perform manual
switching operation of the Tx/Rx paths for the purpose of servicing or fault-finding.
Manual switching may be performed locally using the over-ride switch on the RCU
front panel. The over-ride switch is a rugged, vandal resistant switch designed for
outdoor use. In order to enter into manual operation, the user or authorized personnel
will have to press and hold the over-ride switch for more than six seconds. The green
Status LED will start to flash, indicating the RCU is now in manual mode. The “press
and hold” feature prevents inadvertent activation of the switch by accident or
mischief, which may result in undesirable switching of the ARS Tx/Rx paths.
Subsequent short press to the over-ride switch will cause the ARS to switch both Tx
and Rx paths simultaneously. Note that manual switch operation is not full mesh, and
the allowable paths are either Tx A/Rx A or Tx B/Rx B. During manual operation, the
RCU will still continue to monitor the alarm/failure status, but will not perform any
auto-switching of the Tx/Rx paths. Only the over-ride switch can control the
switching of the Tx/Rx paths.
To exit the manual operation, and revert back to auto-mode, press and hold the over-
ride switch again for more than six seconds. The green Status LED will stop flashing
and be continuously lit, indicating the RCU is now back to auto-mode.
The user can connect with the RCU via the RS-232 communication data link from a
PC or Laptop computer by using the RS-232 to RS485 converter module. The M&C
output connector from RCU uses RS485/422 communication protocol to provide long
distance data link-up. This configuration allows the user to have remote access control
and monitoring of the ARS. Using remote access, the user can manually select the
online paths and monitor the alarm/fault status of the ARS.
The ARS Software Application program provides the user with a graphical, easy-to-
use interface for continuous status monitoring and control of the ARS. The ARS
Software Application works in Windows XP. Refer to the ARS Software
Documentation for the installation and functions of the program.
Besides allowing the user to monitor the RCU switching for the Tx and Rx paths, the
ARS Software Application also allows the user to remotely monitor and control the
BUCs individually. Therefore, the user has the convenience to setup the Channel,
Gain adjustments and monitor the LO status of the individual BUCs within a single
application platform.
The following precautions should be observed in the installation and operation of the
ARS.
• Power Supply
Ensure that the input main to the Transient Protection Box is within the 200VAC
to 240VAC range. Over- or under-voltage can cause improper operation and
damage to the equipment.
• Enclosure Covers
All enclosure covers of the equipment are factory sealed and fastened for
environmental protection and proper operation. Do not attempt to open the
enclosure covers as this may result in improper operation and void the warranty.
• Waveguide Switches/Adapters
The Waveguide Switches and Adapters' flanges are factory sealed with a thin film
tape to prevent dust and moisture ingress. Do not remove the tape until ready for
installation.
• Cables/Waveguides
Ensure all cable connectors are adequately tightened to the mating connectors of
the RCU and RFT. Ensure all waveguide flanges on the SSPA and Waveguide
Switch are properly fitted and tightened with the appropriate screws or bolts.
Fasten the dustcovers of the enclosure connectors when the connectors are not in
use.
5.1.2 Do not press the RESET button in the software screen when there is a fault
Alarm (RED COLOR) in any one of the path.
5.1.3 User must press the RESET button in the software screen every time after the
Fault is rectified.
Corrective Maintenance
In the event of an alarm or detected fault with the BUC or LNB, the ARS will auto
switch to the serviceable hot standby equipment for seamless operation. The
equipment at fault can then be powered down and removed by an authorized service
personnel without affecting the operation of the other parts of the ARS. The ARS
Software Application programs provide the user with an online constant monitoring
of the alarm/failure status. The table below provides a general guide on the most
probable faulty equipment based on the alarm or detected failure.
2. BUC A/B fault* a) BUC A/B faulty. a) Reset affected BUC. Replace if
fault persists.
3. LNB A/B fail (LNB a) LNB A/B failure. a) Replace affected LNB.
Icon RED)
b) Short/Open in LNB A/B to BUC A/B b) Check RF cable connections.
RF cable. Replace RF cable if necessary.
8. RCU unable to connect a) Short/Open in M&C cable from RCU to a) Check M&C cable connections.
to PC PC. Replace if necessary.
* For failures related to BUC/PA/LNB, please refer to the BUC manual for detail corrective
maintenance.
Record all fault symptoms, fault-finding actions taken and results. The above table
serve only as a general guide, and is therefore non-exhaustive. For persistent faults
and alarms, please contact Amplus Communication for technical support.
7 M&C Connections
A A
B F F B
C E E C
D D
The RCU (11 001 120) can be mounted on the same way using the assembly kit
12004004.