M7 Main Manual 0 05 Final
M7 Main Manual 0 05 Final
Satellite Modem
M7/M7L/M7LT/M7D/M7DL Series
Revision 0.05.0
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.1. M7 Modem Description ......................................................................................................... 1-5
1.2. Network Types ...................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.3. What’s New – This Modem and This Manual ....................................................................... 1-8
1.4. M7 Modem Assemblies ....................................................................................................... 1-10
1.5. M7 Capabilities .................................................................................................................... 1-12
1.6. Forward Error Correction (FEC) Options ............................................................................ 1-22
1.7. M7 Series Feature Sets ...................................................................................................... 1-26
1.8. 1:1 Redundancy Function (Future Option) .......................................................................... 1-26
2.0 Installation Requirements ......................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1. Unpacking ............................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.2. Mounting Considerations ...................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3. Modem Connections ............................................................................................................. 2-2
2.4. Adding or Changing the Interface Type .............................................................................. 2-21
2.5. Option Turbo Product Codes FEC Option Installation ........................................................ 2-21
2.6. Redundancy Connection (Future Option) ........................................................................... 2-23
3.0 Operation .................................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.1. Operating Procedures ........................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2. Front Panel ............................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.3. Front Panel Control and Monitor Matrix ................................................................................ 3-3
3.4. Web Browser Operation ........................................................................................................ 3-6
3.5. Front Panel Monitor and Control Parameters ..................................................................... 3-32
3.6. Remote Command Interface Control .................................................................................. 3-78
3.7. Modem Configuration .......................................................................................................... 3-78
3.8. Data Interface Options - Technical Details ......................................................................... 3-85
3.9. Data Interface Clock Options .............................................................................................. 3-96
3.10. Automatic Uplink Power Control (AUPC) Operation ..................................................... 3-101
3.11. Special Control Mechanisms ......................................................................................... 3-109
3.12. Storing and Recalling Configuration .............................................................................. 3-110
3.13. Burst Mode Operation ................................................................................................... 3-110
3.14. Built-in 1:1 Redundancy Mode Operation (Future Option) ............................................ 3-111
4.0 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1. Periodic Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 4-1
4.2. Modem Checkout .................................................................................................................. 4-1
4.3. Internal Modem Test Functions............................................................................................. 4-3
4.4. Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 4-6
4.5. Updating Modem Firmware ................................................................................................... 4-8
4.6. Upgrading the Modem Feature Set ..................................................................................... 4-12
4.7. Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ .................................................................................... 4-14
Figures
Figure 1-1 – M7 Series Modems ......................................................................................................... 1-5
Figure 1-2 – Point-to-Point Network .................................................................................................... 1-6
Figure 1-3 – Four (4) Site Point-to-Multipoint Network ....................................................................... 1-7
Figure 1-4 – Four (4) Site Mesh Network ............................................................................................ 1-7
Figure 1-5 – M7 Modem (shown in 1RU shelf configuration) ............................................................. 1-8
Figure 1-6 – M7LT Terminal (showing front and rear views) .............................................................. 1-9
Figure 1-7 – M7 Modem Assemblies (shown with standard serial interface) ................................... 1-10
Figure 1-8 - Modem Block Diagram .................................................................................................. 1-11
Figure 1-9 – Spectrum Analyzer Plot of 0.35 verses 0.08 Roll-off factors ........................................ 1-12
Figure 1-10 – Carrier Alpha = 0.08, 1Msps x1.10 Carrier Spacing ................................................... 1-13
Figure 1-11 - Synchronous Serial Interface ...................................................................................... 1-14
Figure 1-12 - Ethernet Interface (I7) ................................................................................................. 1-15
Figure 1-13 – Express Ethernet Interface (E7) ................................................................................. 1-16
Figure 1-14 - Dual G.703/E1 Interface (G7)...................................................................................... 1-17
Figure 1-15 - HSSI Interface ............................................................................................................. 1-18
Figure 1-16 - Dual Interface Configuration I7 and S7 ....................................................................... 1-18
Figure 1-17 - Dual Interface Configuration I7 and G7 ....................................................................... 1-19
Figure 1-18 - Dual Interface Configuration E7 and G7 ..................................................................... 1-19
Figure 1-19 - Reed-Solomon Block Diagram .................................................................................... 1-24
Figure 1-20 - TCP Option Card ......................................................................................................... 1-25
Figure 2-1 – M7 Rear Panel with Synchronous Serial Interface Option ............................................. 2-2
Figure 2-2 – M7LT Rear Panel with AC Prime Power Input ............................................................... 2-2
Figure 2-3 – M7LT Rear Panel with DC Prime Power Input ............................................................... 2-3
Figure 2-4 – M7LT Rear Panel Connector Options (N Type or F Type) ............................................. 2-5
Figure 2-5 – M7LT Rear Panel indicators ........................................................................................... 2-6
Figure 2-6 – M7LT Internal BUC Power Supply (AC version shown) ................................................. 2-7
Figure 2-7 – M7LT Internal BUC Power Supply (DC Version) ............................................................ 2-7
Figure 2-8 – I7 - IP Interface Rear Panel .......................................................................................... 2-13
Figure 2-9 - Express Ethernet Interface (E7) .................................................................................... 2-14
Figure 2-10 - Typical SFP Interface Adapters (Optical and GbE shown) ......................................... 2-14
Figure 2-11 – G7 - Dual G.703/E1 Interface Rear Panel .................................................................. 2-15
Figure 2-12 – RJ45 to BNC adapter ................................................................................................. 2-15
Figure 2-13 – HSSI Interface Rear Panel ......................................................................................... 2-17
Figure 2-14 - Typical single interface card layout (Synchronous Serial Interface shown) ................ 2-21
Figure 2-15 - FEC Option Card Installation ....................................................................................... 2-22
Figure 3-1 - M7 Front Panel Controls and Indicators .......................................................................... 3-1
Figure 3-2 – Front Panel Matrix Navigation ........................................................................................ 3-3
Figure 3-3 – Login Page...................................................................................................................... 3-6
Figure 3-4 - M7 Web Browser Page Sections..................................................................................... 3-7
Figure 3-5 - Summary Status Page .................................................................................................... 3-8
Figure 3-6 - Unit Status Page ............................................................................................................. 3-9
Figure 3-7 - Unit Reference Page ....................................................................................................... 3-9
Figure 3-8 – Unit Events Log Page ................................................................................................... 3-10
Figure 3-9 - Unit Remote IP Control Interface Pages ....................................................................... 3-11
Figure 3-10 - Unit Remote Serial Control Interface Page ................................................................. 3-11
Figure 3-11 - Unit HTTP Page .......................................................................................................... 3-12
Figure 3-12 – Unit Event Page .......................................................................................................... 3-12
Figure 3-13 – Modulator Status Page ............................................................................................... 3-13
Figure 3-14 – Modulator IF Page ...................................................................................................... 3-13
Figure 3-15 – Modulator Data Interface Page................................................................................... 3-14
Figure 3-16 – Modulator Event Page ................................................................................................ 3-14
Figure 3-17 – Demodulator Status Page .......................................................................................... 3-15
Figure 3-18 – Demodulator IF Page ................................................................................................. 3-15
Figure 3-19 – Demodulator Data Interface Page .............................................................................. 3-16
Figure 3-20 – Demodulator Event Page ........................................................................................... 3-16
Tables
Table 1-1 – Bandwidth Savings Related to Carrier Alpha ................................................................ 1-13
Table 1-2 – Internal Framing Options ............................................................................................... 1-20
Table 1-3 – Modulation, FEC, and Code Rates. ............................................................................... 1-22
Table 1-4 - Reed-Solomon Modes .................................................................................................... 1-24
Table 1-5 - M7 Series Feature and Option Matrix. ........................................................................... 1-26
Table 2-1 - Remote IP Control Connector Pinout (J4) ........................................................................ 2-3
Table 2-2 - Remote Control Connector Pinout (J5) ............................................................................ 2-4
Table 2-3 - Alarm Connector Pinout (J6) ............................................................................................ 2-4
Table 2-4 - Rear Panel BUC and LNB Status Indicator ...................................................................... 2-6
Table 2-5 – BUC power supply options .............................................................................................. 2-8
Table 2-6 – Synchronous Serial Data Interface Connector Pinout (J11) ............................................ 2-9
Table 2-7 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - IBS Standard Mux - RS-232 (J10) ...................... 2-10
Table 2-8 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - IBS Standard Mux - RS-485 (J10) ...................... 2-10
Table 2-9 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - Advanced/IBS Custom Mux - RS-232 (J10) ....... 2-11
Table 2-10 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - Advanced/IBS Custom Mux - RS-485 (J10) ..... 2-12
Table 2-11 - I7 IP Interface Connector Pinout (J12) ......................................................................... 2-13
Table 2-12 - I7 Console Connector Pinout (J13) .............................................................................. 2-13
Table 2-13 - E7 GigBit Ethernet Interface Ports 1-4 Connector Pinout (J29-J32) ............................ 2-14
Table 2-14 - Port 1 (J22) & Port 2 (J21) Connector – 120 ohm Balanced Pinout (RJ48c) ............... 2-15
Table 2-15 - Overhead Interface - RS-232 (J20) .............................................................................. 2-16
Table 2-16 - Overhead Interface - RS-485 (J20) .............................................................................. 2-16
Table 2-17 – M7 Overhead Channel - IBS Standard Mux - RS-232 (J25) ....................................... 2-18
Table 2-18 – M7 Overhead Channel - IBS Standard Mux - RS-485 (J25) ....................................... 2-18
Table 2-19 – M7 Overhead Channel - Advanced/IBS Custom Mux - RS-232 (J25) ........................ 2-19
Table 2-20 – M7 Overhead Channel - Advanced/IBS Custom Mux - RS-485 (J25) ........................ 2-20
Table 3-1 - Modem LED Indicators ..................................................................................................... 3-2
Table 3-2 - Modulator LED Indicators ................................................................................................. 3-2
Table 3-3 - Demodulator LED Indicators ............................................................................................ 3-2
Table 3-4 - M7 Front Panel Parameter Matrix – Modulator Sheet .................................................... 3-32
Table 3-5 - Modem (Unit) Parameter Detail ...................................................................................... 3-33
Table 3-6 - Modulator Parameter Detail ............................................................................................ 3-41
Table 3-7 - Demodulator Parameter Detail ....................................................................................... 3-46
Table 3-8 – Synchronous Interface Parameter Detail ....................................................................... 3-52
Table 3-9 – I7 - IP Interface Parameter Detail .................................................................................. 3-57
Table 3-10 – E7- Express Ethernet Interface Parameter Detail ....................................................... 3-61
Table 3-11 – G7 – Dual G.703/E1 Interface Parameter Detail ......................................................... 3-67
Table 3-12 – High Speed Serial Interface (HSSI) Parameter Detail ................................................. 3-72
Table 3-13 – ASCII Characters Available for Unit Station ID ............................................................ 3-84
Table 3-14 - AUPC Functions ......................................................................................................... 3-101
Table 4-1 – Factory Default Parameters ............................................................................................. 4-2
NOTE: All appendices may not be present in manual. Some Appendixes may be shipped with the
option.
Preface
Standard Designations
The M7 designation is used throughout this manual where references apply to either the M7, M7L or
M7LT modems. Where a subject is specific to one modem the “L” or “LT” suffix is used or the specific
differences in operation between the three modem versions are detailed.
Recommended Standard (RS) designations (i.e. RS-232) have been superseded by the new
designation of the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) designations (i.e. EIA-232). The RS and EIA
designation may be used interchangeably within the manual and protocol documentation and have
the same electrical and mechanical meaning.
The M7 Series is shipped with an external IEC filtered AC to DC power converter module designed to
accept a 3-wire mains connection consisting of an earth ground, neutral and line conductors. The
mating power cord should have a line cord and plug suitable for the country of operation. Installation
and connection to the AC power line must be made in compliance to local or national wiring codes
and regulations.
The external IEC filtered AC to DC power converter module is rated for a nominal operating range of
90 to 264 VAC. The unit has a maximum power consumption of 25 watts.
Never operate the equipment with the cover removed. Never remove the cover with power applied.
As a safety measure the power cord should be disconnected from the unit when preparing to remove
the cover.
Battery
The M7 contains a Lithium Battery. Danger of explosion exists if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used
batteries in accordance with local and national regulations.
This equipment has been tested in accordance with FCC and ESTI standards.
To maintain compliance with these standards the following the precautions must be observed.
The equipment must be operated with the cover and all cover screws in place.
Do not remove the rear panel option plate without replacing it with one designed for a specific
option assembly.
All rear connections are designed to have integral shielding on the cable and connector
assembly. “D” type signal connectors must have grounding fingers on the connector shell.
RoHS Compliance
The M7 Series satisfies the requirements specified in the European Union Directive on the Restriction
of Hazardous Substances, Directive 2002/95/EC (EU RoHS).
Environmental
The M7 Series is designed to operate in an indoor environment. Operation while exposed to
precipitation, condensation, relative humidity above 95%, excessive dust, or temperature outside the
operating range of 0 to +50°C may cause damage to the unit and will void the warranty.
Do not operate the modem in an unsafe environment near explosive or flammable gases or liquids
If the M7 Series is to operation in a mobile environment, the user must take precautions to provide a
stable environment consistent with the equipment specifications.
Grounding
Insure good grounding practices. Where a ground lug is provided, the modem should be connected to
a good earth ground with low impedance cable in rack installations.
This manual is composed of several separable documents. The main body of the manual is
separated into several “Chapters” and “Sections”. The Chapters within the main manual are the
Modem Description, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance. The Appendices include the
Specifications, Remote Control Protocol and information on Options, Cabling and information related
to placing the Modem in service.
This manual is available in a printed form and as an electronic “Portable Document Format” or .PDF
file. The electronic format is produced as a universal Adobe Acrobat readable file, and can be
requested directly from Datum Systems, Inc., or via download from the web at
www.datumsystems.com. The electronic format on the web is always the latest revision.
Revision History
Release Number Release Date Comments
Revision 0.02 02/27/2013 Initial Public Release.
Revision 0.03 06/01/2013 Interface additions and cleanup
Revision 0.04 9/16/2013 M7LT, E7, PtMP AUPC, and cleanup
Revision 0.05 05/29/2014 Add Events, Feature update, Firmware update, and
cleanup
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1.0 Introduction
1.1. M7 Modem Description
The Datum Systems M7 series modular satellite modems (Figure 1-1) represent a major extension to
our seventh generation of innovative design concepts, proven and refined over fifteen years of
production. The M7 series modems are capable of independent transmit and receive of BPSK,
QPSK, OQPSK, 8PSK, 8QAM and 16QAM modulated carriers. The M7 series uses the latest Digital
Signal Processing (DSP) technology and proprietary techniques to provide unsurpassed performance
at a low cost. The M7 series is a highly modular design made possible by higher integration and
smaller size. Impressive features are highlighted by this design methodology:
All M7 series modems encompass significant performance improvement over previous modems at
reduced cost. All options in the M7, M7L and M7LT modems are fully interchangeable with the
exception of the IF input and output frequency range which is selected and factory installed at the
time of order.
The M7 is designed for service in a variety of satellite systems and network types. Carrier operating
modes may be dedicated or shared. In a dedicated system two modems are set for continuous
operation with each other, but in shared systems the modem carriers are typically controlled by a
Network Management System (NMS) and operating in a controlled acquisition mode.
The M7 is designed to be easily integrated into either a master hub station or remote terminal via rack
mounting or placement on a stable flat surface. The highly integrated design allows two (2) M7s to be
built into a one 19” rack unit (1 RU) (1.75”H x 19”W x 12”D) mounting case. The M7 is an integral part
of a satellite earth station’s equipment operating between the Data Terminal Equipment and the
station RF equipment.
Point-to-Point (PtP)
Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP)
Mesh
In a Point-to-Point network, the M7 provides the industry leading Eb/No performance and flexible
baseband interface options. This performance improvement and flexible interface support allows the
operator to update legacy networks without changing the teleport infrastructure. The additions of the
Ethernet/IP interfaces to the M7 provide the network operator with the latest technology needed to
extend cellular backhaul connectivity and Internet access to remote locations. When optioned with
the Ethernet/IP interfaces, Ethernet bridging and IP routing capabilities are internal to the M7 which
reduces the number of devices that need to be managed and maintained. A typical PtP network is
shown in Figure 1-2.
Point-to-Multipoint networks are used to connect a central location to multiple remote locations. The
central location, the Hub, will output a continuous carrier that is received by all of the remote sites and
receive the individual carriers from each of the remote sites on individual demodulators. Within the
shared outbound carrier will be all of the information destined for each of the remote sites. At each of
the remote sites, the M7 with an Ethernet/IP interface will filter, or route, only the information that is to
be received by that site. There is considerable statistical bandwidth savings by using the shared
outbound carrier in an IP based network because of the typical traffic patterns consistent with IP
networks. A typical PtMP network is shown in Figure 1-3
A Mesh network is used when all sites in a network need to be connected to all other sites within that
same network with a single satellite link. This could be done by installing multiple PtP networks
between each network site, but as the number of network nodes increases, there is a dramatic
increase in the number of carriers that would be added and also an increase in the number of
modems required at each site. At some point, this becomes unmanageable and the alternative is to
use a Mesh network topology instead of multiple PtP networks. At each site in a Mesh network there
is a single carrier that contains all the information destined for all the nodes within the network. In an
IP based network there is considerable statistical satellite bandwidth savings by using the shared
outbound carrier from each site because of the typical traffic patterns consistent with IP networks. A
typical PtMP network is shown in Figure 1-4
The 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface on the rear panel now includes firmware updates, SNMP
remote control and a Web Browser based user interface. In the M7 this interface is separate from
any IP data interface option.
An RS-232 remote control interface is also provided similar to previous modems for binary packet
control.
Each M7 series version is capable of many software upgradeable “Feature Sets”, as described in
section 1.7. Many features of the modem are field upgradeable without adding new hardware.
The M7 modems contain two slots for IF boards. These can include any combination of modulator
and demodulator. This means the M7 is capable of being a modem, a TX only modulator, RX only
demodulator, a dual modulator, or dual demodulator.
There are two interface option slots in the chassis. There are currently two interface options
covering 3 interface types: standard Synchronous Serial, Vyatta PC based IP interface/router,
HSSI and a G.703/E1 Full and Fractional (Drop and Insert) interface either with or without the IP
interface. Multiple interface configurations are possible within the two interface slots. Please
consult factory.
There is an option connector on the demodulator PCB used to add TPC FEC options. The
modulator is capable of all FEC options without additional hardware
The M7 is powered by 8 to 36 VDC input. In a standard shipment, Datum supplies an external
power adapter module that converts 100 to 240 VAC to IPB at 24VDC.
The M7 series is available in an L-Band terminal configuration in a 1RU configuration. This
configuration is the M7LT model (Figure 1-6) which provides 10MHz reference and DC power
through the interfacility cable to the Block Up Converter (BUC) and Low Noise Down Converter
(LNB).
The M7 digital PSK/QAM modulator with carrier generation in the 50 to 180 MHz range for
standard modem, or 950 to 2150 MHz in the L-Band versions.
The M7 digital PSK/QAM demodulator accepting signals in the 50 to 180 MHz range for the
standard modem or 950 to 2150 MHz in the L-Band versions. The Digital Signal Processor
Acquisition subsystem is part of the demodulator assembly.
The M7 microprocessor monitor/control subsystem.
The optional M7 Data Interfaces. The standard serial data interface assembly contains selectable
serial electrical interface types – EIA-422, EIA-232 Synchronous, EIA-232 Asynchronous, and
V.35 on an EIA-530A 25 pin “D” connector. The modem can also accept special interfaces via an
alternate or additional interface cards such as G.703, HSSI and Ethernet.
The other two printed circuit assemblies are the Front Panel Control Assembly, and the common
backplane assembly.
In addition the main demodulator PWB can accept a plug-in sub-assembly for optional TPC Forward
Error Correction (FEC). All other FEC functions such as standard Viterbi, TCM and Reed-Solomon
are contained in FPGA on the modulator and demodulator assemblies. LDPC is an optional FEC set
which is loaded into the existing FPGAs.
XMT Out
Tdata 70/140
V.35/Intelsat
TData LVDS Low MHz
and FEC Baseband Signal Programmabl
Modulator Pass
Differential Encoder Processing e Attenuator
Filter
Encoder
Intf
Option Option Term Term
Interface
Card Connector
Serial,
IP or P1
HSSI
25 dB
Aux. Loopback
Con- DSP Aquisition Attenuator
Processor Control Modem
nection Processor
at J4 Reference
Oscillator
Ext. Reference In
Term
RCV In
Rdata 70/140
RData LVDS MHz
Doppler
Intf FIFO Buffer
Option Option In Clk
Card Interface Out Clk
Connector
Serial
IP Clock
HSSI P1
Control
V.35/Intelsat
and FEC Baseband Signal A/D Front end
Demodulator
Differential Decoder Processing Conversion AGC/Amp
Decoder
1.5. M7 Capabilities
1.5.1. Inter-Facility Interface (IF)
The M7 series is offered with two (2) IF variations designed to meet the needs of various earth
stations.
IF = 50-180MHz (TX/RX)
L-Band = TX = 950-2150MHz, RX = 950-2150MHz
The standard M7 modem is equipped with a 50 to 180 MHz transmit and receive IF. This version is
typical for use in traditional earth stations with IF to RF up and down converters between the modems
and the High Power Amplifiers (HPA).
The M7L equipped with L-Band transmit and receive IF that provides optional 10MHz Frequency
References for the BUC and LNB. This modem is ideal for earth stations that are designed with a
block Up and Down conversion making it ideal for low cost earth stations.
The M7LT is an extension of the M7L that provides the LNB and BUC power supplies to power the
low power outdoor RF equipment. This creates the ability to build extremely simple and low cost high
performance remote terminals.
There are eight (8) filter roll-off options available to set in the modulator menu <Mod: IF - Filter Roll-
Off> and demodulator menu <Demod: IF - Filter Roll-Off>. These optional filter “Alpha” values
“0.40”, “0.35”, “0.30”, “0.25”, “0.20”, “0.15”, “0.10”, 0.08” and “0.05”. Figure 1-9 shows an comparison
of two (2) spectrum plots one which is 0.35 Alpha (red) and the other 0.08 Alpha (green).
Figure 1-9 – Spectrum Analyzer Plot of 0.35 verses 0.08 Roll-off factors
A significant benefit of this technology is the reduction in carrier pacing required on the satellite. With
a filter roll-off of 0.4, the carrier spacing would be 1.4 times the carrier symbol rate. When the carriers
are changed to a 0.08 roll-off, this carrier spacing can be reduced by more than 20% to 1.1 times the
carrier symbol rate. A spectrum analyzer plot that demonstrates this capability is shown in Figure
1-10.
For example, in a typical 36MHz transponder configured with 1Msps carriers with a 0.4 roll-off there
could be twenty-five (25) carriers. If the 1Msps carrier roll-off was changed to 0.08, there could now
be 32 carriers – a 28% increase in transponder throughput. Table 1-1 shows the relative
improvement that can be gained in a bandwidth limited 36MHz transponder be changing the carrier
Alpha settings from 0.4.
Carrier Alpha 0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.08 0.05
# of 1Msps
25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34
carriers
% improvement
0% 4% 8% 12% 20% 24% 28% 32% 36%
from 0.4 Alpha
Installed option interfaces are automatically recognized by the modem, making them a selectable
option on the front panel or remote control protocols. Refer to the optional interface appendix for
detailed information on each of the interface options.
RS-232
RS-449
RS-449/Unterm
V.35
X.21
EIA-530
EIA-530A
A single 25 pin “D” type female connector is available on the rear panel at J11 providing the terrestrial
data interface. The interface standard is electronically selectable via front panel or remote control.
1. The modem detects if no data is present on the Send Data input by a lack of transitions for
approximately 5 seconds and will produce a programmable alarm after that time.
2. Due to the higher data rates the M7 input circuitry automatically fine tunes the clocks to
attempt to place the data period at the optimal point with respect to the clocks. This also
helps tremendously when using the TT clock to create the transmit timing.
Powerful x86 Atom processor based. Up to 1.6 GHz and dual virtual processors.
Robust Vyatta Linux Operating System
Industry Standard Vyatta Router overlay on Linux for control similar to IOS/JunOS. One major
advantage of Vyatta is that it provides a clean single point configuration interface and saved
configuration file.
Modem command line and web control.
Refer to Table 3-9 front panel configuration and Section 3.8.1 for technical information on this
interface option.
Refer to Table 3-10 for front panel configuration and Section 3.8.2 for technical information on this
interface option.
The two (2) E1 ports are independent of each other except that they both must be selected for
Balanced or Unbalanced operation. Each E1 port also operates independently on transmit and
receive sides of each port.
Typical use of the G7 interface is in a duplex point to point link with a similarly configured modem at
the other end of the link. The setup of the satellite link is very simple because the modems at both
ends of the link are connected to DTE equipment with this same G.703/E1 interface type. Each port
of the G7 interface can be configured independently for either Full E1.
The G7 fully meet all of the E1 rate 2048 kbit/s specifications including the ITU recommendations:
The Full E1 mode allows for transmission of a 2.048Mbps input data stream without synchronizing to
the imbedded framing of the E1 signal. In this case the port data rate though the satellite link is the
full 2.048Mbps of the E1 transport stream.
The G7 interface provides E1 alarm monitoring for all common E1 transport stream alarms:
Refer to Table 3-11 for front panel configuration and Section 0 for technical information on this
interface option.
HSSI is an industry standard interface type that is usually associated with connection to routers, such
as the Cisco 3600 series, for higher data rates on WAN links. The standard itself describes
communications at up to 52 Mbps over cable lengths up to 50 feet. Since the M7 series of modems is
capable of up rates >52 Mbps, this optional interface allows full utilization of the M7 capabilities.
The data loop-back allows testing of the signal path connection up to the loop-back and back to the
source. Since both terrestrial and satellite sides of the signal path can be looped, the connection from
a local DTE can be checked on the terrestrial side while the connection from the far end DTE over the
satellite and through the modem can be checked on the satellite side. More information on use of the
loop-back modes is given in Section 4.3.
CAUTION: Enabling the “Data Loop-Back” functions will result in loss of traffic. It should not be
used in operating links without prior arrangements.
CAUTION: Enabling the “BERT” functions will result in loss of traffic. It should not be used in
operating links without prior arrangements.
The basic frame structure used by the multiplexer is that specified in the IESS-309 standard, Page
60, Figure 10, resulting in a 16/15 aggregate to through data ratio. This means that when the
multiplexer is enabled the modem aggregate operating data rate is computed as the terrestrial
connection (through) data rate multiplied by 16/15. The user sets only the desired through data rate
while the modem computes the aggregate rate required. The multiplexer is also capable of expanded
operating modes which include custom setting of the ratio of data to framing bytes.
The ESC Data Channel can be set under software-control to either RS-232 or RS-485 mode. The pin
assignments for both modes are shown in the appropriate interface option subsection under Section
0. Not all interfaces provide an overhead channel but when this overhead is available, the signals
appear on the interface rear panel “overhead connector only when the multiplexer/demultiplexer
function is enabled.
The RS-485 Transmit Data Drivers can set to one of two modes:
RS-485 2-wire
RS-485 4-Wire
The “4-Wire” setting forces the driver continuously on while the “2-Wire” setting controls the output
into tri-state when the modem is not transmitting data, allowing multiple modem outputs to be
connected together. In the standard IBS mode only the “4-Wire” mode is available.
In Custom or Advanced mode a 2 wire receive operating mode can be selected for the receive data
into the ESC channel. In this mode the receive input is muted while the transmit data output is active.
In 4 wire mode the receive input is always enabled. In the standard IBS mode only the 4 wire mode is
available.
NOTE: Transmit and receive pairs are physically separate wires and must be connected together if
true RS-485 2 wire connectivity is desired.
The ESC Async Mode can be selected to Auto or Manual modes. In the Auto mode, the <Intf: Send –
Mux Overhead Ratio> is calculated based on the <Intf: ESC – Async Rate>. When the <Intf: ESC –
Async Mode> = Manual Overhead Rate, the <Intf: Send – Mux Overhead Ratio> is calculated based
on the <Intf: ESC – Async Rate> and the <Intf: Send – Mux ESC Rate>. The recommendation is to
use the Auto mode unless the operator is an expert user.
The user does not have to compute data framing variables to use the Custom or Advanced
Multiplexer Mode. When placed in this mode the entry parameters are the ESC and MCC channel
rates selected from standard asynchronous data rates (300bps to 3.5Mbps). The modem then
computes the proper relationship between the framing and terrestrial data rates to achieve the proper
operation. The modem also displays the terrestrial data to aggregate ratio.
NOTE: The Auxiliary Overhead Channel Multiplexer/Demultiplexer function is available in all of the
synchronous baseband interface option. This would include the Multi-Sync, Dual G.703, and
HSSI interfaces.
NOTE: The Advanced mode is only available when the FEC is set to TPC or LDPC.
In the Ethernet and IP baseband interface options, the MCC channel is provided without the need to
setting a separate multiplexer or demultiplexer function.
Refer also to the AUPC operation description of the main manual in Section 3.10.
All of the M7 series demodulators have a single plug-on option FEC card for an optional TPC function
or future FEC options.
The Table 1-3 shows the currently available FEC modes and the relation to the modulation types.
TCM 2 0 2/3 0 l l
CT 4 5/16 0 l
21/44 1 l l l
3/4 2 l l l l l l
*TPC16k only 7/8 3 l l l l l l
0.95 4 l l l l l l
NOTE: The front panel selection number for each of the options is listed as the “Sel #”. For example,
the Modulation modes show the selection numbers 0 through 6, and the FEC Type, Option
and Code Rate selection numbers are listed in the column to the right of each item. These
numbers can be referred for front panel operation but are even more applicable to the SnIP
Telnet command line program named “M7ctl”. This program has specific commands that
allow entering either just the 3 digit FEC options or the full Modulation, FEC Type, Option,
Code rate and Reed-Solomon mode (MTOCR) in a single entry.
TPC 4k and 16k restrictions apply to that line and Code Rate only
TPC16k operates up to up to 51.66Mbps depending on the Feature Set and modulation
The Viterbi CT modes, Rate 3/4 & 7/8, 16QAM are only for Comtech modem compatibility as they
only operate in this mode with R-S at 220, 200, depth of 4. R-S is auto-enabled
TPC Advanced modes are Datum Systems proprietary implementations that require the TPC16k
option only for the highlighted lines. They offer superior performance to CT modes
Trellis Code Modulation or “TCM” is a standard part of the modem used with 8PSK at rate 2/3.
The Viterbi CT option mode allows interoperability with competitive modems for 16QAM operation at
rates 3/4 and 7/8. The CT mode at this setting defaults to selecting Reed-Solomon CT mode at n, k
and depth values of 220, 200, depth of 4 and inverts the data. This is a closed circuit mode that does
not meet normal IESS standards, but is necessary in order to link to those modems.
The performance improvement achieved by this combination is significant. For example, the BER vs.
Eb/No performance of concatenated Viterbi rate 3/4 coding with R-S is better than Viterbi rate 1/2
alone and it uses less bandwidth than the Viterbi rate 1/2 alone.
Reed-Solomon is a block oriented code, meaning that data is framed into fixed size blocks and
processed in a specific way. A full block must be received before processing can begin, thus adding
to the latency.
Reed-Solomon uses framing which allows the use of a synchronous scrambler resulting in slightly
improved performance relative to the self-Synchronized scrambler normally used.
A simplified block diagram of the Reed-Solomon Codec is shown in the Figure 1-19.
Transmit
Transmit Data Channel
Terrestrial Data
Channel Transm it Reed-Solom on
Transm it Reed-Solom on
Block Encoder &
Block Interleaver
Synchronous Scram bler
Control
Clock
XMT
IBS
Clock and Fram e Main Modem
Multiplex Proces s or Clocks
Generation Ass em bly
Option
RCV
Control
Clock
Receive
Terrestrial Data Receive Data
Channel Channel
Receive Reed-Solom on
FIFO From Block Decoder & Receive Reed-Solom on
Main Modem Synchronous Block De-Interleaver
Des cram bler
The available Reed-Solomon modes shown in Table 1-4 can be selected from the front panel or
remote control. The CT220,200 mode is a special compatibility mode and is automatically set by
certain CT FEC modes, for example when Viterbi, Rate 3/4 is selected when in 16QAM mode. It can
be over-ridden from the Custom Reed-Solomon parameter settings.
The IESS 308 mode automatically adjusts the n and k factors dependent on the data rate. The
“Overhead” ratio is the ratio of the data rate at the RS encoder output to the data rate at the input. It is
defined as n/k. The modem automatically adjusts to accommodate the new rate.
The Reed-Solomon Codec function can be turned on and off under software control, and is
independent of the IBS ESC Data Channel enabling.
The modem offers extensive TPC capabilities including first generation 4k block TPC, with both
legacy Datum modem compatibility (PSM500) and Competitive Technology (CT) operating modes,
plus a newer second generation 16k block TPC. This second generation TPC offers superior
performance at the expense of more delay due to larger processing blocks.
The Datum Systems’ proprietary TPC “Advanced” mode has been optimized to provide the highest
performance available in any TPC on the market. These modes not only outperform other
manufacturer’s TPC, but also LDPC in many cases.
With this connection scheme the switching is only performed on the outputs from the modem. The
modem IF and data inputs are always available at the modem allowing internal circuitry to determine
if one modem is correctly accepting and “locking” to the input signals while the other is unable to if in
a failed state.
The two (2) modems operate in a “non-priority” redundancy mode, that is, no modem is specified as
“primary”, or having preference when both modems are operational. The first modem turned on
assumes a non-redundancy mode until the second connected unit is powered up. The on-line unit
can be set to send its configuration information to a second unit via the front panel. The modems will
remain in this state, constantly sending status information back and forth until one unit indicates a
failure. If that modem is currently on line, it is switched off-line and the alternate unit is switch on.
The alarms that are used to determine switching criteria are programmable, and the first modem set
up for this mode automatically loads its configuration information to the second or “alternate” unit.
These features create a very low cost redundancy system that is both flexible and easily set up.
The modem is also capable of operating in 1:N and M:N redundancy switching schemes. The
necessary connections to monitor and control switching are available on the data connector itself in
the form of the modulator and demodulator fault outputs and the auxiliary RS-232 control port. The
alarm outputs are also available. The other facility provided to aid in these redundancy schemes is
the ability to save and recall configuration information. Thus a back-up modem can obtain and save
the configurations from 8 other modems and switch immediately to the necessary parameters to
replace any of those units by simply recalling that unit’s stored configuration. In addition, the
programmable interface and common physical data connector allows different interface protocols
between the primary modems.
More information on the set-up and use of the 1:1 redundancy functions and modes is given in
Section 3.14 - Built-in 1:1 Redundancy Mode Operation.
Installation
2.0 Installation Requirements
The M7 Modem is designed for installation in any standard 19-inch equipment cabinet or rack, and
requires 1 RU mounting space (1.75 inches) vertically and 12 inches of depth (not including cabling
space) but only one half of the rack space in width. The M7 is shipped with an external IEC filtered
AC to DC power converter module designed to accept a 3-wire AC line cord and plug suitable for the
country of operation. Installation and connection to the AC power line must be made in compliance to
local or national wiring codes and regulations. The M7 may be placed on a table or suitable stable flat
surface as required.
CAUTION!: There are no user-serviceable parts or configuration settings located inside the M7
modem chassis. When option card installation is to be done, DO NOT open the
modem case unless prime power is removed.
CAUTION!: Before initially applying power to the modem, it is a good idea to disconnect the
transmit output from the operating satellite ground station equipment. This is
especially true if the current modem configuration settings are unknown, where
incorrect setting could disrupt existing communications traffic.
2.1. Unpacking
The M7 Modem was carefully packed to avoid damage and should arrive complete with the following
items for proper installation:
M7 Modem Unit, L-Band Units may include an external BUC power supply.
IEC filtered AC to DC power converter module with a six foot power cord
Installation and Operation Manual plus other information on CD.
The M7 Modem unit is shipped fully assembled and does not require removal of the covers for any
purpose in normal installation. All normal hardware configuration, including setting the data interface
type and IF impedance is under software control. The type of Feature Sets, FEC Options and
Interface Options installed can be read from the LCD display on the front panel under <Unit: Status>
column by scrolling down after initial application of power.
Should the power cable AC connector be of the wrong type for the installation, either the cable or the
power connector end should be replaced. The power supply itself is designed for world-wide
application using from 90 to 264 VAC (100 to 240 VAC +/- 10%).
Do not mount the modem in an unprotected outdoor location where there is direct contact with rain,
snow, wind or sun. The modem is designed for indoor applications only.
The only tools and accessories required for rack mounting the modem is a set of four rack mounting
screws and an appropriate screwdriver. Rack mount brackets are an integral part of the front panel
plate of the unit and are not removable.
The following interface connections should be available at the mounting location as a minimum:
Prime AC power.
A 75 Transmit IF cable with BNC male connector. (50 optional) or a 50 Transmit IF cable
with SMA male connector for the L-Band version.
A 75 Receive IF cable with BNC male connector. (50 optional) or a 75 Receive IF cable with
SMA connector for the L-Band versions.
A Terrestrial data interface cable to mate with the modem or installed interface option; either a
25-pin male “D” sub connector for all standard or appropriate connector for an optional interface
(such as G.703 or Ethernet).
There are two (2) prime power options for the M7LT that are applied directly to the rear panel of the
chassis. These options are 100-240 VAC (Figure 2-2) and -48 VDC (Figure 2-3).
2.3.4. EIA-485/232 Control Port - 9-pin female “D” sub connector (J5)
The modem has a command interface serial control port which can be configured for either of two
electrical interface modes of operation. Both are located on the rear panel 9-pin female “D” sub
connector J6. Connection to either the RS-232 or RS-485 is selected by connecting to the proper set
of pins as shown in Table 2-2, and setting the remote mode as applicable via the front panel control.
If a 2 wire RS-485 bus is desired, then transmit and receive RS-485 lines must be externally
connected together (1 to 8 and 6 to 9).
Refer to Appendix C - Cabling Specifications for information on making a remote control cable.
The two relays are designated “A” and “B” and the particular alarms that are summarized on each
relay are programmable from the front panel of the unit or via remote control. Connection to the A and
B relays is via the proper set of pins as shown in Table 2-3 below and programming the applicable
alarm entries via the front panel control or remote control. Non-Alarm is defined as the powered state
of the relay resulting in an alarm when power is lost.
The analog monitor output is programmable from the front panel to select Receive Eb/No, Receive
AGC voltage, or Transmit output power.
NOTE: By convention “NO” means Normally Open, and “NC” means Normally Closed. Both
conditions are the non-powered, Alarm State.
2.3.6.3. M7L – L-Band Modulator (M7L) L-Band IF Output - SMA (f) (J8)
The modem L-Band IF Output is located on a female SMA J8. The frequency and power level of this
interface is programmable from any control interface. Please refer to the specifications in Appendix A
2.3.6.4. M7L – L-Band Demodulator (M7L) L-Band IF Input - SMA (f) (J7)
The modem L-Band IF Input is located on a female SMA J7. The frequency and power level of this
interface is programmable from any control interface. Please refer to the specifications in Appendix A
The rear panel LED next to the L-Band IF connector show status of the BUC and LNB voltage as
shown in Table 2-4 and Figure 2-5. Figure 2-4 shows the Prime Power and IF connector section of
the M7LT rear panel.
NOTE: The internal AC or DC BUC power supplies in the M7LT can be changed in the field by a
qualified operator. Figure 2-6 shows the location of the BUC power supply in the AC input
power unit and Figure 2-7 shows the location of the BUC power supply in the DC input unit.
Instructions on how to acquire and install a different BUC power supply can be found in an
Application Note.
Figure 2-6 – M7LT Internal BUC Power Supply (AC version shown)
NOTE: All M7LT DC units are shipped from the factory with a five foot 3-conductor cable with mating
connector on one end that will allow connection to the main DC supply at the installation site.
NOTE: Connecting the Data Interface to other types of equipment involves building cables between
the M7 and that other equipment’s physical interface. Additional information aiding the
creation of adaptor cables from the modem’s 25-pin female “D” sub connector to other types
of interface connections such as V.35 “Winchester” type connector standard pin-outs is
presented in Appendix C - Cabling Specifications”
Table 2-6 shows the pin assignments for the selectable standard electrical interfaces.
1. The modulator and demodulator fault alarms are Open Collector TTL outputs used to
interface to redundancy control equipment.
2. The Shield is normally connected to the cables shield at one end of the cable only.
Connecting at the DCE end only prevents ground loop currents being carried on the shield.
3. The synchronous RS-232 connection is limited to 128 kbps.
NOTE: The FIFO External Clock pins are an input to the modem. An input at the receive data rate
can be used to clock data out of the demodulator FIFO buffer. An input at the transmit data
rate can be used to provide a transmit send timing clock which the modem will phase locked
to (if within acceptable range). The send timing signal is still an output from the modem, but in
this case will be at the input signal rate. Both functions can be used simultaneously if the
transmit and receive data rates are the same.
Table 2-7 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - IBS Standard Mux - RS-232 (J10)
J10
Signal Name Use Direction
Pin #
1 Ground All Ground
ESC Send Data RS-232 Standard Mode Input
2
Connection (synchronous)
ESC Rcv Data RS-232 Standard Mode Output
3
Connection (synchronous)
ESC Send Clock RS-232 Standard Mode Output
5
Connection (synchronous)
7 Ground Ground Ground
ESC Rcv Clock RS-232 Standard Mode Output
8
Connection (synchronous)
Primary Interface FIFO External Clock input ‘+’ Input
9
External Clock+ (B) or ‘B’ line. RS422 level
15 Ground Ground Ground
17 Ground Ground Ground
Primary Interface FIFO External Clock input ‘-‘ or Input
21
External Clock- (A) ‘A’ line. RS422 level
Table 2-8 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - IBS Standard Mux - RS-485 (J10)
J10
Signal Name Use Direction
Pin #
1 Ground All Ground
2 ESC Send Data+ (B) RS-485 Standard Mode Input
Connection (synchronous)
3 ESC Rcv Data+ (B) RS-485 Standard Mode Output
Connection (synchronous)
4 ESC Send Data- (A) RS-485 Standard Mode Input
Connection (synchronous)
5 ESC Rcv Data- (A) RS-485 Standard Mode Output
Connection (synchronous)
Table 2-9 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - Advanced/IBS Custom Mux - RS-232 (J10)
J10
Signal Name Use Direction
Pin #
1 Ground All Ground
2 ESC Send Data RS-232 Advanced/Custom Input
Mode Connection (sync)
3 ESC Rcv Data RS-232 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
4 ESC RTS RS-232 Advanced/Custom Input
Mode Connection (sync)
5 ESC CTS RS-232 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
6 ESC DSR RS-232 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
7 Ground Ground Ground
8 ESC DCD RS-232 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
9 Primary Interface FIFO External Clock input ‘+’ Input
External Clock+ (B) or ‘B’ line. RS422 level
11 ESC Alarm Out A Backward Alarm A, Form C Output
Relay Common Common
12 ESC Alarm Out B Backward Alarm B, Form C Output
Relay N.O. Normally Open
13 ESC Alarm Out B Backward Alarm B, Form C Output
Relay N.C. Normally Closed
14 ESC Alarm In A Alarm A Relay, Low Activates Input, TTL, Internal 1mA Pull-
Remote ESC Up
15 Ground (Return for Alarm A Relay, Ground Ground
ESC Alarm In A)
16 ESC Alarm In B Alarm B Relay, Low Activates Input, TTL, Internal 1mA Pull-
Remote ESC Up
17 Ground (Return for Alarm B Relay, Ground Ground
ESC Alarm In B)
18 RS-232 Input Not Currently Used Input
20 ESC DTR RS-232 Advanced/Custom Input
Mode Connection (sync)
21 Primary Interface FIFO External Clock input ‘-‘ or Input
External Clock- (A) ‘A’ line. RS422 level
23 ESC Alarm Out A Backward Alarm A, Form C Output
Relay N.O. Normally Open
Table 2-10 – Serial Interface Overhead Channel - Advanced/IBS Custom Mux - RS-485 (J10)
J10
Signal Name Use Direction
Pin #
1 Ground All Ground
2 ESC Send Data+ (B) RS-485 Advanced/Custom Input
Mode Connection (sync)
3 ESC Rcv Data+ (B) RS-485 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
4 ESC Send Data- (A) RS-485 Advanced/Custom Input
Mode Connection (sync)
5 ESC Rcv Data- (A) RS-485 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
6 ESC DCD- (A) RS-485 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
7 Ground Ground Ground
8 ESC DCD+ (B) RS-485 Advanced/Custom Output
Mode Connection (sync)
9 Primary Interface FIFO External Clock input ‘+’ Input
External Clock+ (B) or ‘B’ line. RS422 level
11 ESC Alarm Out A Backward Alarm A, Form C Output
Relay Common Common
12 ESC Alarm Out B Backward Alarm B, Form C Output
Relay N.O. Normally Open
13 ESC Alarm Out B Backward Alarm B, Form C Output
Relay N.C. Normally Closed
14 ESC Alarm In A Alarm A Relay, Low Activates Input, TTL, Internal 1mA Pull-
Remote ESC Up
15 Ground (Return for Alarm A Relay, Ground Ground
ESC Alarm In A)
16 ESC Alarm In B Alarm B Relay, Low Activates Input, TTL, Internal 1mA Pull-
Remote ESC Up
17 Ground (Return for Alarm B Relay, Ground Ground
ESC Alarm In B)
18 RS-485 Input+ (B) Not Currently Used Input
20 RS-485 Input- (A) Not Currently Used Input
21 Primary Interface FIFO External Clock input ‘-‘ or Input
External Clock- (A) ‘A’ line. RS422 level
23 ESC Alarm Out A Backward Alarm A, Form C Output
Relay N.O. Normally Open
24 ESC Alarm Out A Backward Alarm A, Form C Output
Relay N.C. Normally Closed
25 ESC Alarm Out B Backward Alarm, Form C Output
Relay Common Normally Common
NOTE: ESC Alarm In/Out Not Available with IBS Standard Mux
The IP connections for the primary transmit and receive data are on the RJ45 connector J12
The Console connector, J13, is a nine pin female “D” connector provides the user access to for
configuration of the internal Vyatta router.
Figure 2-10 - Typical SFP Interface Adapters (Optical and GbE shown)
Table 2-13 - E7 GigBit Ethernet Interface Ports 1-4 Connector Pinout (J29-J32)
Pin Name Description
1 TX D1+ Transmit Data+
2 TX D1- Transmit Data-
3 RX D2+ Receive Data+
4 BI D3+ Bi-directional pair C +
5 BI D3- Bi-directional pair C -
6 RX D2- Receive Data-
7 BI D4+ Bi-directional pair D +
8 BI D4- Bi-directional pair D -
Table 2-14 - Port 1 (J22) & Port 2 (J21) Connector – 120 ohm Balanced Pinout (RJ48c)
Signal Name Description Direction Pins
SD-T Send Data Tip To Modem 1
SD-R Send Data Ring To Modem 2
RD-T Receive Data Tip From Modem 4
RD-R Receive Data Ring From Modem 5
GND Ground n/a 3,6
Connection between the Router and the modem’s HSSI interface connector is via a Cisco CAB-
1HSSI cable or equivalent. This cable has the same 50 pin SCSI-2 type connector on both ends.
Connect the cable and insure that the retaining clips are engaged on both ends. The standard HSSI
SCSI-2 type cable designed to connect between a DTE Device, like a router, and a DCE such as the
M7 modem is a 25 pair cable with shield. This cable is connected as a 1 to 1 pin connection between
the two male cable connectors. That means that pin 1 on one end goes to pin 1 on the other, pin 2 to
2, etc, through pin 50 to pin 50.
NOTE: The FIFO External Clock pins are an input to the modem. An input at the receive data rate
can be used to clock data out of the demodulator FIFO buffer. An input at the transmit data
rate can be used to provide a transmit send timing clock which the modem will phase locked
to (if within acceptable range). The send timing signal is still an output from the modem, but in
this case will be at the input signal rate. Both functions can be used simultaneously if the
transmit and receive data rates are the same.
Figure 2-14 - Typical single interface card layout (Synchronous Serial Interface shown)
Once the new interface card is installed and the modem is powered-up, the main modem processor
will automatically query the new interface card and determine the type and options installed.
Most option interface cards completely co-exist with other interface types, allowing the optional
interface to represent one or more added interface types available. However, only one interface type
is allowed to be enabled at one time.
Installed interface card(s) are automatically recognized by the modem and an entry is added to the
Interface Option selection menu. Selection of the option interface then becomes identical to selection
of any of the standard interfaces.
2.5. Option Turbo Product Codes FEC Option Installation
The M7 demodulator contains on-board circuitry and connectors for adding a Turbo Product Codes
FEC Option Card. This card can co-exist with the IBS Multiplexer (and the Reed-Solomon function
also, but both cannot be used simultaneously).
Installation of these cards is not difficult, but requires removal of the modem from service and removal
of the unit’s cover, and should be accomplished only by a qualified technician. The modem
automatically recognizes the presence of the optional FEC card and provides additional front panel
and remote control parameter settings allowing control of the selected option.
NOTE: In some cases, when options are first introduced, a software update to the modems internal
program is necessary to allow use of the option. Refer to Section 0 - Updating Modem
Software. The Datum Systems M7 Update program will also recognize and install software
for FEC cards present in the modem.
Turbo Product Codes or TPC is available in three versions depending on the link requirements. The
three versions are:
TPC4K which uses the same TPC chip as in legacy Datum modems
TPC16K which uses a newer 16K block size to improve performance
TPC20K board with both the TPC4k and TPC16k chips installed
Because of the larger processed block size, the TPC16K device has much higher delay or latency
than the 4K block device. The M7 can be ordered with any of these TPC options from the factory or
installed in the field by a qualified technician. Once installed, the TPC option card will provide added
functionality to the standard FEC functions already contained within the modem (Viterbi, TCM, Reed-
Solomon, and FlexLDPC).
The Turbo Product Codes option, when enabled, replaces any other FEC function. The Modulator
(Transmit) and Demodulator (Receive) functions of each option are also independent and can be
enabled and disabled as required.
The physical arrangement of the FEC slot is shown in Figure 2-15. The same size PWB is used for
the TPC4K, TPC16K, and TCP20K optional card.
The major advantage to the built-in redundancy capability is its extreme low cost but there are
additional advantages.
The second (or back-up) unit is sent its full configuration from the on-line unit eliminating any
configuration errors
fully programmable alarm content that determines the switching criteria
The single point failure of the switch in a classic 1:1 redundancy scheme is eliminated
NOTE: The two modems should be at the same firmware revision for proper redundant operation.
3.0 Operation
3.1. Operating Procedures
Operation of the M7 Modem consists of controlling the unit’s operating parameters and monitoring
status and responses via one of the control interfaces. There are three possible control methods for
the modem:
Any of these methods may be used separately or together to monitor and control the modem unit.
Each of these three interfaces and their respective methods are discussed separately below in the
sections noted above.
Additional operating procedures are also presented later in this section on using some of the unique
features of the M7 that would not normally be set-up during installation. These include such items as
the FIFO buffer, built-in BERT, storing and recalling configuration information, AUPC, the analog
monitor output, redundancy and automatic recovery.
When one of the Alarm lamps below is illuminated, the highest priority alarm condition is displayed in
the LCD window.
The second area is a set of “Arrow” or “Cursor” keys used to navigate the parameter currently being
monitored or controlled. During entry, the cursor keys allow moving a cursor to individual digits of a
numerical entry or scrolling through the available options of a selection entry. The arrow keys are also
in blue.
The third area is the four selection keys located below the LCD display. These buttons select which
functional area or “sheet” of the display matrix is currently in use and are discussed within the LCD
display section below.
The display, shown in Figure 3-2, has four distinct areas showing current status information. The
upper left of the LCD shows the current area of use, such as “Status”, “IF”, “Data”, “Alarm” or “Test”
(for the Mod and Demod). The upper right shows the current parameter being monitored, such as
“Frequency”, “Offset” or “Bit Rate”. The middle lines show the current value of that parameter and the
bottom line will show the four legends that indicate the Modem’s functional areas. The type of the
active interface will show in the “Interface” location, for example “Sync” will be displayed when the
synchronous interface is active. At times this line may be replaced with status messages that are
longer than two lines.
NOTE: The front panel matrix functions like as three-dimensional multi-sheet spreadsheet. The
different “sheets” are selected by the buttons for Unit, Mod, Demod and Interface, while
navigation on a given sheet is accomplished using the up, down, left and right arrow keys.
“Unit” - Unit
“Mod” - Modulator
“Demod” - Demodulator
“Intf” - Interface
Each matrix represents a major functional area of modem operation (i.e. Unit, Modulator,
Demodulator, and Interface) while the columns represent groupings within those functional areas (i.e.
Status, IF, Data, Alarm and Test) and the rows represent individual parameter associated with that
function. Each matrix is 4 to 14 columns wide and up to 32 rows long as shown in the parameter
matrices example Table 3-4.
Within this manual, the format used to identify a specific parameter is shown as <Function: Column
– Row>. For example, to get to the Modulator IF Level the method is to press the “Mod” key then use
the left and right arrow keys to access the “IF” column and the up and down arrow keys to arrive at
the “Level” parameter. This is shown by convention in this manual as <Mod: IF – Level>. Selection of
a specific value for the parameter will use the notation <Function: Column – Row> = value(#). The
value is descriptive and the # in parenthesis is the selection number key to press for optional
parameters, if applicable, in the direct entry mode explained below.
Each individual item that may be controlled or monitored is referred to as a “parameter”. Parameters
are arranged within each matrix as rows and columns. The LCD display shows a single parameter at
one time. The four arrow keys (), (), (), (), allow scrolling through the rows and columns of the
parameter matrix or sheet. The left and right arrow keys scroll through the columns and the up and
down arrow keys scroll through the available parameters in each column. Both the columns and rows
“wrap around” such that scrolling past the last item in a row starts with the first item in the same row
again, and the same for columns.
When multiple parameters could be displayed (such as when multiple test modes are currently
running or multiple alarms are present) only the highest priority item is displayed. When that item is
no longer valid the next highest priority is displayed. The priority of items is fixed within the modem
software.
1. Select the functional matrix by choosing one of the four function keys; Unit, Mod, Dem and
Intf
2. Select the parameter to be changed using the four arrow keys to the right of the LCD
display. The Left and right arrow keys control the column of the matrix and is shown in the
upper left position of the LCD display. The up and down arrow keys control the row of the
matrix and is shown in the upper right of the LCD display
3. Press the “Edit” key to indicate that a new entry is desired (If the “Quick” keyboard entry is
enabled this step may be skipped)
4. Set the parameter via the numeric keypad or arrow keys
5. Finalize the data entry using the “Enter” key
completely overwrites the existing parameter. For example when viewing the Modulator Data Bit
Rate of 256.000kbps entering the digits 64.000 (including the decimal point) and pressing “Enter”
will change to that new 64kbps data rate. Note that a leading “0” did not have to be entered to
overwrite the “2” of the existing parameter.
The current input can be canceled by pressing the “Clear” key at any time before pressing “Enter”.
Failure to press a key for approximately 60 seconds results in automatic canceling of the current entry
and return of the display to the current setting.
Following a valid input, the modem will store the new parameter into nonvolatile memory.
NOTE: Login security may be activated by setting up the “User/Password” parameter in the binary
interface. Once this parameter is active, the operator will be prompted to enter the username
and password (Figure 3-3) prior to connection to the M7 Web Browser. The default user
name is Admin and default password is Datum.
Status Windows
Page Menu
Parameter Window
The Status Window provides the user a summary status of the M7 that reflects what would normally
show on the front panel. Active Mod and Demod status is shown but color coded text (Green, Yellow,
Red). The center status screen will display the current summary status of the selected page (Unit,
Mod, Dem, or Intf)
The Page Menu allows the operator to navigate between the modem card set functions - Unit, Mod,
Dem, and Intf.
The Parameter Window is the section of the page that allows detailed status of every parameter of
the M7. The Parameter Window is further divided into sub-pages by selecting the “Tab” for the
desired function.
On any page where the user is able to make a parameter change, there is an “Execute & Save”
button on the bottom right of the page. If change to a parameter is done, the operator must click the
“Execute & Save” button for any change to be accepted..
Page Menu
From the Summary Status page, the user may navigate to the other modem card set pages by
selecting the desired parameter page on the “Page Menu”. The available pages are “Unit”,
“Modulator”, “Demodulator”, and “Interface”. Within each page are tabs that relate to specific
parameter matrixes shown in Section 3.4.2.5.4.
Each interface type will have a different set of pages. Details of the parameters can be found in
Section 3.4.2.5.4.
NOTE: The active interface is selected in the “Modulator” and “Demodulator” Data Interface pages.
Figure 3-41 – Dual G.703 I/O Port 1 Page (showing D&I selections)
In the example of the M7 Modulator Parameter Matrix (Table 3-4) the top gray row represents column
headers, which are shown on the LCD display in the upper left. Items below the header are row
parameter names shown in the upper right of the LCD. Columns are navigated using the left and right
arrow keys while rows are navigated using the up and down arrow keys. All other parameter matrices
navigate in the same manner.
The tables below are organized with general “Rules of Thumb” which aid navigation.
1. The “Status” columns are generally read only, providing status on specific areas of modem
operation.
2. The Modulator and Demodulator matrixes use common column designations. A current
parameter in one area can be immediately accessed in the other by pressing the appropriate
“Mod” or “Dem” button. For example when viewing the Mod Bit Rate, the Demod Bit Rate is
accessed by simply pressing the “Dem” button.
3. The “Alarm” columns existing in all four matrixes and represents the disposition of alarm
information from that source. Therefore the <Demod: Alarm – CXR Lock> sets the
disposition of the Demodulator Carrier Lock Alarm as either None, to Alarm Relay A, to
Alarm Relay B, or to Alarm Relay A & B.
4. The “Test” columns existing in all four matrixes and represents the control and display of test
information for that area. The top entries in the Test column contain tests which can be
enabled or disabled if available. The lower rows represent measurements of parameters and
are read only. Active tests enabled in these columns generate flashing “Test” LED lamps in
appropriate areas.
NOTE: Word spelling is purposely truncated to fit in available LCD display window.
Other columns may be added by options added to the modem or software.
Redundancy parameters are only shown when connected to another unit in redundancy
mode.
Within Table 3-5 through Table 3-12 are descriptions of the parameters available from the front panel
and entry in detail. The grayed separators delineate column divisions in the area matrix. A gray
highlighted parameter indicates that this parameter is not available unless a preceding parameter is
enabled or set to require those parameters, or optional hardware is installed that uses that particular
parameter. Parameters will also be added as new options are installed. A blue highlighted section
indicates that that parameter is a future option and is not available at the current manual release.
Event Log Last Event Read Only Press “Edit” then use the Log of events based on the
Intf Hardware OK up/dn arrows to scroll through configuration of the Event
@ 2014-05-15 03:21:00.85 the logged events menu in each functional area.
Event Log Total Events Read Only Press “Edit” then “Enter” to # of Events logged based on
18 clear the logged events the configuration of the Event
menu in each functional area.
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Event Log Debounce Time Numeric 0.5 to 600 seconds Configuration of a filter in the
5.0 Sec Event log to set the time for
logging and display of
consecutive instances of the
same event.
Event Log Send Alert To Selection 0 = Disable Setting to determine the alert
Disabled 1 = SNMP trap action to take when there is
2 = Email an event logged based on the
3 = SNMP Trap & Email configuration of the Event
4 = Future Option menu in each functional area
5 = Future Option
6 = MCC Port
Event Log Activity Selection 0 = None Setting to determine the front
None 1 = Beep panel alert action to take
2 = Blink Online Lamp when there is an event logged
3 = Beep & Blink Online based on the configuration of
the Event menu in each
functional area
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Front Panel LCD Active Selection 0 = 13%, 1 = 25%, 2 = 38%, 3 Active level of LCD backlight
Backlight Full = 50%, 4 = 63%, 5 = 75%, 6 =
88%, 7 = Full
Front Panel LCD Idle Selection 0 = off, 1 = 13%, 2 = 25%, 3 = Idle level of LCD backlight
25% 38%, 4 = 50%
Front Panel Activity Selection 0 = None, Audible “beep” and/or “Online”
Beep 1 = Beep, LED Blink on front panel key
2 = Blink Online Lamp, press.
3 = Beep & Blink Online
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
SNMP Trap Community Alpha – Up to 24 characters and can Set the Trap community name
datum Numeric contain any combination of for authentication for SNMP
alphanumeric characters, traffic.
hyphens (-), and underscore
characters (_).
SNMP Trap Address Numeric Enter IPv4 address Set the IP Address for the
192.168.2.101 SNMP Trap
SNMP Trap Port Number Numeric 1 to 65535 Set the Internet socket port
162 162 = IANA number for the SNMP trap
SNMP Trap Keep-Alive Numeric 0 = Disable Disable or set the time for the
Disable 1 to 99999 Sec Trap message to the SNMP
host to ensure that the link
between them is operational.
SNMP Server Activity Selection 0 = None, Audible “beep” and/or “Online”
None 1 = Beep, LED Blink on SNMP port
2 = Blink Online Lamp, activity.
3 = Beep & Blink Online
SNMP MIB Version Read Only N/A Read only indication of the
1.0.3h MIB version
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
IP Control M&C Remote Path Numeric Enter IPv4 address This address is used with the
192.168.002.201 Demod IF AUPC Remote
Path setting of “Out IP Control
Port” to set the proper
destination address for the
MCC data that is received by
the demodulator.
IP Control M&C Ext Device Numeric Enter IPv4 address (can This address is set to identify
___.___.___.___ remain blank) an external device that is to
receive UDP packets.
IP Control M&C Activity Selection 0 = None, Audible “beep” and/or “Online”
None 1 = Beep, LED Blink on IP Control M&C
2 = Blink Online Lamp, port activity.
3 = Beep & Blink Online
Remote IP MAC Address Read Only Not changeable Displays the MAC address of
00:19:78:00:0a:9e the modem controller
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Control RS-485 Format Selection 0 = N,8,1 Remote control data/stop bits
N,8,1 1 = E,8,1 and parity. Always 8 data bits
2 = O,8,1 and 1 stop bit. N= No Parity,
3 = M,8,1 E = Even, M = Mark,
4 = S,8,1 S = Space.
Control RS-485 Activity Selection 0 = None, Audible “beep” and/or “Online”
Blink Online Lamp 1 = Beep, LED Blink on Remote port
2 = Blink Online Lamp, activity.
3 = Beep & Blink Online
Event Reference Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log status of the reference
2 = Log & Send Alert oscillator alarm
Event IP Control Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the IP
Do Not Log 1 = Log Control Port status alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event OCXO Oven Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log OCXO Oven Mask alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert (M7LT only)
Event Monitor Input Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log status of the analog input
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Event Power Supply Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set and
Log 2 = Log & Send Alert alert for the Power Supply
Mask alarm
Event System Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of “System” events.
2 = Log & Send Alert System events include:
Recalled or Stored
configuration, Firmware flash
updates, Buffer slips, DHCP
address acquired, etc.
Event HTTP Access Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the HTTP port
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event SNMP Access Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log status of the SNMP port
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Cold/Warm Start Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log a Cold
Do Not Log 1 = Log or Warm Start (power cycle or
2 = Log & Send Alert system reset).
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log status of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Hardware Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set an alert
Log 2 = Log & Send Alert for the status of the Hardware
alarm
Alarm Event Pending Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to Selects destination and action
to Alarm A & B Alarm B, 3=to Alarm A & B, taken when an event of any
4 = Flash Online Only kind has been logged.
5 = Flash Minor Alm Only
Alarm Reference Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to Selects destination and action
to Alarm A & B Alarm B, 3=to Alarm A & B, taken for reference oscillator
4 = Mute CXR, 5 = Mute CXR alarm types.
& Alarm A, 6 = Mute CXR &
Alarm B, 7 = Mute CXR &
Alarm A & B
Alarm IP Control Port Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to Selects destination and action
to Alarm A & B Alarm B, 3=to Alarm A & B, taken for the IP Control Port
4 = Mute CXR, 5 = Mute CXR status
& Alarm A, 6 = Mute CXR &
Alarm B, 7 = Mute CXR &
Alarm A & B
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Alarm OCXO Oven Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to Selects destination of alarm.
Mute & Alarm A Alarm B, 3=to Alarm A & B, M7LT only
4 = Mute CXR, 5 = Mute CXR
& Alarm A, 6 = Mute CXR &
Alarm B, 7 = Mute CXR &
Alarm A & B
Alarm Monitor Input Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to Selects destination and action
None Alarm B, 3=to Alarm A & B, taken for the analog input
4 = Mute CXR, 5 = Mute CXR alarm.
& Alarm A, 6 = Mute CXR &
Alarm B, 7 = Mute CXR &
Alarm A & B
Alarm Power Supply Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to Selects destination and action
to Alarm A & B Alarm B, 3=to Alarm A & B, taken for the input power DC
4 = Mute CXR, 5 = Mute CXR voltage threshold alarm.
& Alarm A, 6 = Mute CXR &
Alarm B, 7 = Mute CXR &
Alarm A & B
Alarm Power Supply Min Numeric +7.6V to +34.0V in 0.1V steps Threshold setting for the input
+8.0 V power DC voltage alarm.
Alarm Beep Mask Selection 0=None, 1=On Alarm A, Selects if alarm causes a unit
On Alarm A & B 2=On Alarm B, audible “beep”.
3=On Alarm A & B
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Unit Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Test Admin Selection 0 = Normal, Normal function is meant for
Normal 1 = Enable the typical earth station
operator. Enabling the Test
Admin function is reserved for
depot maintenance.
IF BUC Xmt Frequency Numeric Can change depending on RF carrier center frequency
14132.000MHz the setting of the BUC LO based on the BUC LO
Frequency parameter setting
IF Frequency Numeric 50.000000 to 180.000000 Transmit carrier center
70.000000MHz MHz frequency
950.000000 to 2150.000000
MHz for L-Band unit
IF BUC Xmt Level Numeric Can change depending on Transmit output power level
+10dBW the setting of the BUC Xmt display based on the BUC Xmt
Gain Gain parameter setting
IF Level Numeric +5.0 to –35.0 dBm Transmit output power level
–3.82dBm +3.0 max at 50Ω
IF Output Selection 0 = Disable, 1 = Enable Transmit carrier output enable
Enabled
Modulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
IF Modulation Selection 0 = BPSK, 1 = QPSK, Modulation Mode. Some values
QPSK 2 = OQPSK, 3 = 8PSK, left available for new options.
4 = 8QAM, 6 = 16QAM
IF Spectrum Selection 0 = Normal, 1 = Inverted Modulation Spectrum control
Normal
IF Filter Roll-Off Selection 0=0.40, 1=0.35, 2=0.30, Sets the Alpha roll-off factor for
0.35 3=0.25, 4=0.20, 5=0.15, the modulator filters
6=0.10, 7=0.08, 8=0.05
IF AUPC Mode Selection 0 = Disable, 1 = Enable, Automatic Uplink Power Control.
Disabled
»IF AUPC Eb/No Numeric 3.0 to 20.0 dB AUPC remote receive Eb/No
8.0dB level set point.
»IF AUPC Max Level Numeric +5.0 dBm to Minimum level Max. Transmit level under AUPC
–5.0 dB control
»IF AUPC Min Level Numeric Maximum level to –35 dBm Min. Transmit Level under AUPC
–14.0 dB control
IF Mute Selection 0 = Automatic, Manual requires manual Carrier
Automatic 1 = Confirm, enable after Mod output change.
2 = Manual Option 3 forces Cxr off after
3 = Manual & Power Loss power fail.
IF Impedance Selection 0 = 50, 1 = 75 Transmit IF impedance.
75 Ohm
Data Bit Rate Numeric 1.2 kbps to 59.04 Mbps in 1 Modulator Bit Rate – The max
4.096000Mbps bps resolution. Entered in and min are determined by
kbps but display will change settings and options.
to Mbps if the rate is
1000.000 kbps or higher.
Data Symbol Rate Numeric 2.4 ksps to 14.76Msps in Modulator Symbol Rate – The
2.730667Msps 1sps resolution. Entered in max and min are determined by
ksps but display will change settings and options.
to Msps if the rate is
1000.000 ksps or higher.
Data Rate Entry Mode Selection 0 = Bit Rate, Determines which parameter is
Bit Rate 1 = Symbol Rate used to enter the modulator rate
Data Send Interface Selection 0 = Disabled, Sets the active interface for the
Disabled 1 = Installed Interface Option data input to the modulator.
in Slot 3
2 = Installed Interface Option
in Slot 4
Data FEC Mode Selection 0 = None Reed-Solomon is enabled below.
Viterbi 1 = Viterbi, Please note that available FEC
2 = TCM, options are determined by other
3 = TPC modem settings.
4 = TPC
5 = LDPC
Data FEC Option Selection 0 = Normal, (Vit) Sets the bit compatibility of
Swap C0/C1 1 = Swap C0/C1, the Viterbi FEC encoder.
Modulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Data FEC Code Rate Selection 0 = 1/2, 1 = 3/4, 2 = 5/6 (Vit) Sets the code rate of the
3/4 3 = 7/8. Viterbi FEC encoder.
0 = 2/3 in 8PSK TCM
Data RS Mode Selection 0 = Disabled, (Vit + R-S) Reed-Solomon
IESS-309 1 = IESS-308 column and options only
2 = IESS-309 available if enabled. Entry is not
3 = CT 200-220 shown when TPC enabled.
5 = Custom
»Data RS (n) Numeric In Custom Mode only: (Vit + R-S) Block size
219 Available n values n = 22 to 255
Read only in other modes
»Data RS (k) Numeric In Custom Mode only: (Vit + R-S) k = 20 to 253,
201 Available k values k must be 2 to 20 less than n
Read only in other modes
»Data RS Depth Selection In Custom Mode only: (Vit + R-S) Interleave depth
4 0 = 4, 1 = 8, 2 = 16 factor
Read only in other modes
Data Dif Encoder Selection 0 = Disable, 1 = Enable (Vit + R-S) Differential Encoder
Enabled Not shown or settable except in
special modes.
Data Scrambler Selection 0 = Disable, (Vit + R-S) Scrambler types.
Auto 1 = Auto Types are added if optional
2 = V.35, hardware is installed. The Auto
3 = Intelsat, mode uses IESS standards to
4 = EFD, automatically switch to use
5 = Alt V.35 synchronous scramblers part of
6 = Alt Intelsat R-S and TPC.
7 = Alt RS EFD** ** only when R-S = Enabled
8 = RS Sync**
Data FEC Option Selection 0 = Advanced, (TPC) Sets the compatibility
Advanced 1 = CT, mode for the TPC FEC encoder
Data FEC Code Rate Selection 0 = 0.452-16k, (TPC) Sets the code rate of the
3/4-4k 1 = 1/2-16k, 2 = 1/2-4k TPC FEC encoder.
3 = 3/4-16k, 4 = 3/4-4k
5 = 7/8-16k, 6 = 7/8-4k
7 = 0.922-16k,
8 = 0.950-4k
Data Scrambler Selection 0 = Disable, (TPC) Scrambler types. Types
Auto 1 = Auto are added or removed
2 = V.35, depending on the selected FEC
3 = Intelsat, mode. The Auto mode uses
4 = EFD, IESS standards to automatically
5 = Alt V.35 switch to use synchronous
6 = Alt Intelsat scramblers part of R-S and TPC.
7 = FEC Sync
8 = FEC Sync
Modulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Data FEC Option Selection 0 = 256 Block, (LDPC) Sets the LDPC FEC
4k Block 1 = 512 Block, encoder block size
2 = 1k Block,
3 = 2k Block,
4 = 4k Block,
5 = 8k Block,
6 = 16k Block,
Data FEC Code Rate Selection 0 = 1/2, 1 = 2/3, (LDPC) Sets the code rate of the
3/4 2 = 3/4, 3 = 14/17, LDPC FEC encoder.
4 = 7/8, 5 = 10/11,
6 = 16/17
Data Scrambler Selection 0 = Disable, (LDPC) Scrambler types. Types
Auto 1 = Auto are added or removed
2 = V.35, depending on the selected FEC
3 = Intelsat, mode. The Auto mode uses
4 = EFD, IESS standards to automatically
5 = Alt V.35 switch to use synchronous
6 = Alt Intelsat scramblers part of R-S and TPC.
7 = FEC Sync
8 = FEC Sync
Modulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
BUC Remote Parameter 3 Numeric Future Option
(Future Option)
Event Carrier Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Carrier
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Event AUPC Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the AUPC
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Event BUC Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the BUC
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Event BUC FSK Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the BUC FSK
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the status
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Hardware Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set an alert
Log 2 = Log & Send Alert for the status of the Hardware
alarm
Alarm Carrier Mask Selection 0-4= Mute CXR, Selects destination of alarm
Mute & Alarm A 5 = Mute CXR & Alarm A,
6 = Mute CXR & Alarm B,
7 = Mute CXR & Alarm A & B
Alarm AUPC Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
To Alarm B 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
To Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0-4= Mute CXR, Selects destination of alarm
Mute & Alarm A 5 = Mute CXR & Alarm A,
6 = Mute CXR & Alarm B,
7 = Mute CXR & Alarm A & B
Alarm BUC Power Mask Selection 0=None, 1=A, 2=B, 3=A&B, Selects destination of alarm in
to Alarm A 4 = Mute CXR, the M7LT.
5 = Mute CXR & Alarm A,
6 = Mute CXR & Alarm B,
7 = Mute CXR & Alarm A & B
Alarm BUC Voltage Min Numeric
+20.0 V
Modulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Alarm BUC Current Max Numeric
+5.00 A
Alarm BUC Current Min Numeric
+2.50 A
Alarm BUC FSK Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, 2=to (Future Option) Selects
(Future Option) Alarm B, destination of alarm in the M7LT.
3=to Alarm A & B
Feature Bit Rate Limit Read Only N/A Shows the Bit Rate capability of
5.000000 Mbps the modem
Feature Modulation Read Only N/A Shows the modulation capability
B/Q/OQ/8/PSK 8/16QAM of the modem
Feature FEC Read Only N/A Shows the FEC capability of the
Vit TCM RS L16k T16k modem
Feature Activation Numeric 20 characters Allows entry of a Feature code to
00000000000000000000 activate new features.
Demodulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Status LNB Power Option Read N/A LNB Power Supply Status.
+13V, +18V @ 0.050A Only M7L and M7LT
Status Hardware Type Read N/A Identification of installed
Std IF Demodulator Only Demodulator hardware
Status Hardware ID Read N/A Part number of installed
M709004A-1r1.00 Only Demodulator hardware
Status Hardware S/N Read N/A Serial number of installed
101820 Only Demodulator hardware
IF LNB Rcv Frequency Numeric Can change depending on RF carrier center frequency
10750.000MHz the setting of the LNB LO based on the LNB LO Frequency
parameter setting
IF Frequency Numeric 50.000000 to 180.000000 Receive carrier center frequency.
70.000000MHz MHz L-Band frequency shown if LNB
950.000000 to LO is set to 0, else is set to RF
2150.000000 MHz for L- frequency.
Band unit
IF Sweep Range Numeric 0.100 to 3500.000 kHz Receive carrier acquisition range
30.000kHz in kHz.
IF Sweep Mode Selection 0 = Fast, 1 = Search Fast acquisition mode is
Fast standard method. Search
acquisition parameters are set in
the Sweep Time menu
»IF Sweep Time Numeric 0.0 to 99.9 Seconds. Narrow Sweep time applicable to
10.0 Sec 0 Disables Narrow Sweep Search sweep mode only.
IF Modulation Selection 0 = BPSK, 1 = QPSK, Modulation Mode. Some values
QPSK 2 = OQPSK, 3 = 8PSK, left available for new options.
4 = 8QAM, 5&6 = 16QAM
IF Spectrum Selection 0 = Normal, 1 = Inverted Demodulation Spectrum control
Normal
IF Filter Roll-Off Selection 0=0.40, 1=0.35, 2=0.30, Sets the Alpha roll-off factor for
0.35 3=0.25, 4=0.20, 5=0.15, the demodulator filters
6=0.10, 7=0.08
IF AUPC Remote Path Selection 0 = Disable, Sets the output path for the
Disable 1 = Local, AUPC data. “Out MCC Port”
2 = Out MCC Port, setting at both ends of a duplex
3 = Out IP Control Port PtP link is the standard for bi-
directional AUPC on a duplex
link. “Local” is the setting for
AUPC of the transmit carrier in a
broadcast network.
IF AUPC Remote MCC Address Numeric 1 to 254. 255 = Global Set the address of the target
1 MCC port
IF Impedance Selection 0 = 50, 1 = 75 Receive IF impedance.
75 Ohm
Demodulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Data Bit Rate Numeric 1.2 kbps to 59.04 Mbps in Demodulator Bit Rate – The max
4.096000 Mbps 1 bps resolution. Entered in and min are determined by
kbps but display will settings and options.
change to Mbps if the rate
is 1000.000 kbps or higher.
Data Symbol Rate Numeric 2.4 ksps to 14.76Msps in Demodulator Symbol Rate – The
2.730677 Msps 1sps resolution. Entered in max and min are determined by
ksps but display will settings and options.
change to Msps if the rate
is 1000.000 ksps or higher.
Data Rate Entry Mode Selection 0 = Bit Rate, Determines which parameter is
Bit Rate 1 = Symbol Rate used to enter the demodulator
rate
Data Rcv Interface Selection 0 = Disabled, Sets the active interface for the
Disabled 1 = Installed Interface data output from the
Option in Slot 3 demodulator.
2 = Installed Interface
Option in Slot 4
Data FEC Mode Selection 0 = None Reed-Solomon is enabled below.
Viterbi 1 = Viterbi, Please note that available FEC
2 = TCM, options are determined by
3 = N/A installed options and other
4 = TPC modem settings
5 = LDPC
Data FEC Option Selection 0 = Normal, (Vit) Sets the bit compatibility of
Normal 1 = Swap C0/C1, the Viterbi FEC decoder.
Data FEC Code Rate Selection 0 = 1/2, 1 = 3/4, 2 = 5/6 (Vit) Sets the code rate of the
3/4 3 = 7/8. Viterbi FEC decoder.
0 = 2/3 in 8PSK TCM
Date RS Mode Selection 0 = Disabled, (Vit + R-S) Reed-Solomon
IESS-309 1 = IESS-308 column and options only
2 = IESS-309 available if enabled. Entry is not
3&4 = CT 200-220 shown when TPC enabled.
5 = Custom
»Data RS (n) Numeric In Custom Mode only: (Vit + R-S) Block size
219 Available n values n = 22 to 255. Entry is not shown
Read only in other modes when TPC enabled.
»Data RS (k) Numeric In Custom Mode only: (Vit + R-S) k = 20 to 253,
201 Available k values k must be 2 to 20 less than n.
Read only in other modes Entry is not shown when TPC
enabled.
»Data RS Depth Selection In Custom Mode only: (Vit + R-S) Interleave depth
4 0 = 4, 1 = 8, 2 = 16 factor. Entry is not shown when
Read only in other modes TPC enabled.
Data Dif Decoder Not 0 = Disable, 1 = Enable (Vit + R-S) Differential Encoder
Enabled Shown Not shown or settable except in
special modes.
Demodulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Data Descrambler Selection 0 = Disable, (Vit + R-S) Descrambler types.
Auto 1 = Auto Types are added if optional
2 = V.35, hardware is installed. The Auto
3 = Intelsat, mode uses IESS standards to
4 = EFD, automatically switch to use
5 = Alt V.35 synchronous scramblers part of
6 = Alt Intelsat R-S and TPC.
7 = Alt RS EFD** ** only when R-S = Enabled
8 = RS Sync**
Data FEC Option Selection 0 = Advanced, (TPC) Sets the compatibility
Advanced 1 = CT, mode for the TPC FEC decoder
Data FEC Code Rate Selection 0 = 0.452-16k, (TPC) Sets the code rate of the
3/4-4k 1 = 1/2-16k, 2 = 1/2-4k TPC FEC decoder.
3 = 3/4-16k, 4 = 3/4-4k
5 = 7/8-16k, 6 = 7/8-4k
7 = 0.922-16k,
8 = 0.950-4k
Data Descrambler Selection 0 = Disable, (TPC) Descrambler types. Types
Auto 1 = Auto are added or removed
2 = V.35, depending on the selected FEC
3 = Intelsat, mode. The Auto mode uses
4 = EFD, IESS standards to automatically
5 = Alt V.35 switch to use synchronous
6 = Alt Intelsat descramblers part of R-S and
7 = FEC Sync TPC.
8 = FEC Sync
Data FEC Option Selection 0 = 256 Block, (LDPC) Sets the LDPC FEC
4k Block 1 = 512 Block, decoder block size
2 = 1k Block,
3 = 2k Block,
4 = 4k Block,
5 = 8k Block,
6 = 16k Block,
Data FEC Code Rate Selection 0 = 1/2, 1 = 2/3, (LDPC) Sets the code rate of the
3/4 2 = 3/4, 3 = 14/17, LDPC FEC decoder.
4 = 7/8, 5 = 10/11,
6 = 16/17
Data Descrambler Selection 0 = Disable, (LDPC) Scrambler types. Types
Auto 1 = Auto are added or removed
2 = V.35, depending on the selected FEC
3 = Intelsat, mode. The Auto mode uses
4 = EFD, IESS standards to automatically
5 = Alt V.35 switch to use synchronous
6 = Alt Intelsat scramblers part of R-S and TPC.
7 = FEC Sync
8 = FEC Sync
Data FEC Hold Numeric 0 to 255 Number of FEC lock “cycles” the
1 Normally set to 1 FEC will accomplish before
declaring loss of lock.
Demodulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
LNB Power Selection 0 = Disabled Selects Power and Voltage to an
+18 V 1 = +13VDC LNB in the M7LT
2 = +18VDC
LNB Voltage Monitor Read N/A Monitors the Voltage to the LNB
+17.4 V Only in the M7LT
LNB Current Out Numeric Read Only Displays Current draw of LNB
221 mA when LNB Power is active in the
M7LT
LNB 10 MHz Ref Selection 0 = Disabled Selects if modem’s current 10
Enabled 1 = Enable MHz reference to be supplied to
an LNB in the M7LT
LNB LO Frequency Numeric 0 to 49999.999996 MHz Selects LNB LO frequency in the
5150.000000 MHz M7L/LT. If set non-zero then IF
frequency setting is at RF
frequency.
LNB Rcv Spectrum Selection 0 = Non-Inverted Sets the compatibility of the
Inverted 1 = Inverted spectrum dependent on inverting
or non-inverting LNBs in the
M7LT. Low side LO provides a
non-inverted spectrum
Event Carrier Lock Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Carrier
2 = Log & Send Alert Lock alarm.
Event Eb/No Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Eb/No
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Event Level Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Level
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm.
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log activity of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the status
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Hardware Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set an alert
Do Not Log 2 = Log & Send Alert for the status of the Hardware
alarm
Demodulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Alarm Carrier Lock Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B,
4 = Mute CXR,
5 = Mute CXR & Alarm A,
6 = Mute CXR & Alarm B,
7 = Mute CXR & Alarm A &
B
Alarm Low Eb/No Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm B 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Low Eb/No Limit Numeric 0.50 to 19.99 dB Sets the Eb/No threshold that will
5.00 dB raise an alarm.
Alarm Low Level Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Low Level Limit Numeric -91.19 to -8.30 dBm Sets the Rcv Level threshold that
-55.00 dBm will raise an alarm. Range is
variable based on the symbol
rate of the Rcv carrier.
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
To Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
»Alarm LNB Power Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm –
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B, Only shown in M7LT
3 = to Alarm A & B
»Alarm LNB Current Max 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm –
300 mA 2 = to Alarm B, Only shown in M7LT
3 = to Alarm A & B
»Alarm LNB Current Min 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm –
150 mA 2 = to Alarm B, Only shown in M7LT
3 = to Alarm A & B
Feature Bit Rate Limit Read Shows the Bit Rate capability of
5.000000 Mbps Only the modem
Feature Modulation Read Shows the modulation capability
B/Q/OQ/8/PSK 8/16QAM Only of the modem
Demodulator Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Feature FEC Read Shows the FEC capability of the
Vit TCM RS L16k T16k Only modem
Feature Activation Numeric 20 characters Allows entry of a Feature code to
00000000000000000000 activate new features.
Event Send Clock Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Send
2 = Log & Send Alert Clock activity alarm
Event Send Data Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Send
2 = Log & Send Alert Data activity alarm
Event Rcv Data Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Rcv Data
2 = Log & Send Alert activity alarm
Event Backward Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Backward
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event BER Loss Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the BER Loss
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event Buffer Slip Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Buffer
2 = Log & Send Alert Slip alarm
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the status
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Hardware Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set an alert for
Do Not Log 2 = Log & Send Alert the status of the Hardware alarm
Alarm Send Clock Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Send Data Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
I7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Status Hardware S/N Read Only N/A Indicates the serial number of the
1016001 active interface
I7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Stats Send Total Dropped Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" (Future Option) Indicated the
1.282E3 to reset the counter total number of packets dropped
for all data types
Stats Send Total PDR Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" (Future Option) Indicated the
1.641E-5 to reset the counter total packet dropped rate for all
data types.
Stats Send Total Sec. Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter"
208 to reset the counter
I7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
MCC Send Address Numeric 1 to 254, 255 is a Sets the address of the Send
1 broadcast address MCC port
MCC Rcv Address Numeric 1 to 254, 255 is a Sets the address of the Rcv MCC
1 broadcast address port
MCC Activity Selection 0 = None Sets the notification when there
1 1 = Beep is MCC traffic detected.
2 = Blink Online Lamp
3 = Beep & Blink Online
I7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Alarm Send Data Idle Numeric 0000 to 9999 Sec Sets the time before an alarm is
30 Sec. raised after there is no data
detected at the Tx interface. (0 =
Disable)
Alarm Rcv Data Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Rcv Data Idle Numeric 0000 to 9999 Sec Sets the time before an alarm is
30 Sec. raised after there is no data
detected at the Rcv interface. (0
= Disable)
Alarm Backward Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Ref Relay Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, (Future Option) Selects
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B, destination of alarm
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Test Sat WAN Loopback Selection 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled Interface satellite loop-back
Disabled receive output to send input
Test Ter WAN Loopback Selection 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled Interface terrestrial loop-back
Disabled send input to receive output.
Test Ter HDLC Loopback Selection 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled Interface terrestrial loop-back
Disabled send input to receive output.
E7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Status Port 3 Read Only N/A Port 3 Status
UNCONNECTED
Status Port 4 Read Only N/A Port 4 Status
Disabled
Status Port 5 Read Only N/A SFP Port 5 Status
Not Installed
Status Send Buffer Read Only N/A Input Ethernet Buffer Status
0 ms Data Backlog
Status Send Data Read Only N/A Send Data Activity Status
Active, Ok
Status Rcv Data Read Only N/A Rcv Data Activity Status
Active, Ok
Status Ref Relay Read Only N/A Future Option
Locked OK
Status Test Read Only N/A Interface Test status
Normal
Status Hardware Type Read Only N/A Indicates the type of the active
E7 Express Interface interface
Status Hardware Ver Read Only N/A Indicates the part number of the
M709017A-1r9.91 active interface
Status Hardware S/N Read Only N/A Indicates the serial number of the
100360 active interface
I/O Port 1 Mode Selection 0 = Disable, Sets the mode of the Ethernet
Data I/O 1 = Data I/O Port
2 = Dmd Output I/O
3 = Dmd Input I/O
I/O Port 1 Connection Selection 0 = Auto, Sets the connection type of the
Auto 1 = 1000BASE-T Ethernet Port
2 = 100BASE-T Full
Duplex
3 = 100BASE-T Half
Duplex
4 = 10BASE-T Full Duplex
5 = 10BASE-T Half
Duplex
I/O Port 1 VLAN ID Numeric Valid ID: 1 to 4094, VLAN ID for Port 1
1 0 = Disabled,
4095 reserved
I/O Port 2 Mode Selection 0 = Disable, Sets the mode of the Ethernet
Data I/O 1 = Data I/O Port
2 = Dmd Output I/O
3 = Dmd Input I/O
E7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
I/O Port 2 Connection Selection 0 = Auto, Sets the connection type of the
Auto 1 = 1000BASE-T Ethernet Port
2 = 100BASE-T Full
Duplex
3 = 100BASE-T Half
Duplex
4 = 10BASE-T Full Duplex
5 = 10BASE-T Half
Duplex
I/O Port 2 VLAN ID Numeric Valid ID: 1 to 4094, VLAN ID for Port 2
4094 0 = Disabled,
4095 reserved
I/O Port 3 Mode Selection 0 = Disable, Sets the mode of the Ethernet
Data I/O 1 = Data I/O Port
2 = Dmd Output I/O
3 = Dmd Input I/O
I/O Port 3 Connection Selection 0 = Auto, Sets the connection type of the
Auto 1 = 1000BASE-T Ethernet Port
2 = 100BASE-T Full
Duplex
3 = 100BASE-T Half
Duplex
4 = 10BASE-T Full Duplex
5 = 10BASE-T Half
Duplex
I/O Port 3 VLAN ID Numeric Valid ID: 1 to 4094, VLAN ID for Port 3
Disabled 0 = Disabled,
4095 reserved
I/O Port 4 Mode Selection 0 = Disable, Sets the mode of the Ethernet
Data I/O 1 = Data I/O Port
2 = Dmd Output I/O
3 = Dmd Input I/O
I/O Port 4 Connection Selection 0 = Auto, Sets the connection type of the
Auto 1 = 1000BASE-T Ethernet Port
2 = 100BASE-T Full
Duplex
3 = 100BASE-T Half
Duplex
4 = 10BASE-T Full Duplex
5 = 10BASE-T Half
Duplex
I/O Port 4 VLAN ID Numeric Valid ID: 1 to 4094, VLAN ID for Port 4
Disabled 0 = Disabled,
4095 reserved
I/O Port 5 Mode Selection 0 = Disable, Sets the mode of the Ethernet
Data I/O 1 = Data I/O Port
2 = Dmd Output I/O
3 = Dmd Input I/O
E7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
I/O Port 5 Connection Read Only 0 = Auto Sets the connection type of the
Auto Ethernet Port
I/O Port 5 VLAN ID Numeric Valid ID: 1 to 4094, VLAN ID for Port 5
Disabled 0 = Disabled,
4095 reserved
Send WAN Mode Selection 0 = Bridge PTP Sets the WAN network type
Bridge PTP 1 = Hub Bridge PTMP
2 = Remote Bridge PTMP
3 = Mesh Bridge
Send WAN Protocol Selection 0 = M7 HDLC Sets the protocol of the HDLC for
M7 HDLC 1 = M500 HDLC legacy support
Rcv WAN Mode Selection 0 = Bridge PTP Sets the WAN network type
Bridge PTP 1 = Hub Bridge PTMP
2 = Remote Bridge PTMP
3 = Mesh Bridge
Rcv WAN Protocol Selection 0 = M7 HDLC Sets the protocol of the HDLC for
M7 HDLC 1 = M500 HDLC legacy support
Stats Send Data PPS Read Only Indicates the Send rate of the
38.871 kpps Ethernet Data traffic
Stats Send Data Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Ethernet
7.812E7 to reset the counter packets sent
Stats Send Data Bytes Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Ethernet
9.374E9 to reset the counter Bytes sent
Stats Send Data Usage Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the percentage of the
80.42% to reset the counter WAN link that is used by the
Ethernet port
Stats Send MCC Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of MCC
3.413E3 to reset the counter packets sent
Stats Send MCC Bytes Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of MCC
9.374E4 to reset the counter Bytes sent
Stats Send MCC Usage Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the percentage of the
18.56% to reset the counter WAN link that is used by the
MCC port
Stats Send Idle Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Idle
3.413E3 to reset the counter packets sent
E7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Stats Send Idle Bytes Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Idle
9.374E3 to reset the counter Bytes sent
Stats Send Idle Usage Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the percentage of the
1.71% to reset the counter WAN link that is used by the Idle
packets
Stats Send Total Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicated the total number of
7.812E7 to reset the counter packets send for all data types
Stats Send Total Sec. Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicated the number of seconds
9.934E3 to reset the counter since the status counter was
reset.
Stats Rcv Data PPS Read Only Indicates the Rcv rate of the
38.871 kpps Ethernet Data traffic
Stats Rcv Data Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Ethernet
7.812E7 to reset the counter packets received
Stats Rcv Data Bytes Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Ethernet
9.374E9 to reset the counter Bytes received
Stats Rcv Data Usage Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the percentage of the
80.42% to reset the counter WAN link that is used by the
Ethernet port
Stats Rcv MCC Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of MCC
3.413E3 to reset the counter packets received
Stats Rcv MCC Bytes Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of MCC
9.374E4 to reset the counter Bytes received
Stats Rcv MCC Usage Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the percentage of the
18.56% to reset the counter WAN link that is used by the
MCC port
Stats Rcv Idle Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Idle
3.413E3 to reset the counter packets received
Stats Rcv Idle Bytes Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of Idle
9.374E3 to reset the counter Bytes received
Stats Rcv Idle Usage Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the percentage of the
1.71% to reset the counter WAN link that is used by the Idle
packets
Stats Rcv Total Packets Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicated the total number of
7.812E7 to reset the counter packets received for all data
types
Stats Rcv Total Erred Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the number of errored
1.282E3 to reset the counter packets
Stats Rcv Total PER Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicates the packet error rate
1.641E-5 to reset the counter
Stats Rcv Total Sec. Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Indicated the number of seconds
4.551E4 to reset the counter since the status counter was
reset
E7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
MCC Mode Selection 0 = Disable Sets the rights of the MCC
Full Access 1 = Read Only channel.
2 = Full Access
MCC Protocol Selection 0 = M7 Binary Packet
M7 Binary Packet
MCC Send Rate Limit Numeric Entered in kbps up to the Sets the maximum rate of the
10.0 kbps maximum rate of the MCC channel
satellite data rate.
MCC Send Address Numeric 1 to 254, 255 is a Sets the address of the Send
1 broadcast address MCC port
MCC Rcv Address Numeric 1 to 254, 255 is a Sets the address of the Rcv MCC
1 broadcast address port
MCC Activity Selection 0 = None Sets the notification when there
1 1 = Beep is MCC traffic detected.
2 = Blink Online Lamp
3 = Beep & Blink Online
Event I/O Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the IO alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Send Data Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Send
2 = Log & Send Alert Data alarm
Event Rcv Data Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Rcv Data
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event Ref Relay Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log (Future Option) Selects whether
Do Not Log 1 = Log to log the change in status of the
2 = Log & Send Alert Ref Relay alarm
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the status
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Hardware Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set an alert
Do Not Log 2 = Log & Send Alert for the status of the Hardware
alarm
E7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Alarm IO Mask Selection 0=None, 1=A, 2=B, Selects destination of alarm
Mute & Alarm A & B 3=A&B, 4 = Mute CXR,
5 = Mute CXR & Alarm A,
6 = Mute CXR & Alarm B,
7 = Mute CXR & Alarm A
&B
Alarm Send Data Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Send Data Idle Numeric 0000 to 9999 Sec Sets the time before an alarm is
30 Sec. raised after there is no data
detected at the Tx interface. (0 =
Disable)
Alarm Rcv Data Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Rcv Data Idle Numeric 0000 to 9999 Sec Sets the time before an alarm is
30 Sec. raised after there is no data
detected at the Rcv interface. (0
= Disable)
Alarm Ref Relay Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, (Future Option) Selects
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B, destination of alarm
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0=None, 1=to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2=to Alarm B,
3=to Alarm A & B
Test Sat WAN Loopback Selection 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled Interface satellite loop-back
Disabled receive output to send input
Test Ter WAN Loopback Selection 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled Interface terrestrial loop-back
Disabled send input to receive output.
G7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Status I/O Port 2 Read Only N/A Port 2 Interface Status
Normal
Status I/O Port 1 Rcv Buffer Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Only shows if the Rcv Buffer is
100%, 0 Slips and Reset to re-center the buffer. active. 100% is buffer center.
Status I/O Port 2 Rcv Buffer Read Only Press “Edit” then "Enter" Only shows if the Rcv Buffer is
100%, 0 Slips and Reset to re-center the buffer. active. 100% is buffer center.
Status ESC Signaling Read Only N/A Interface ESC signaling status.
RTS CTS DCD DTR DSR Lower case indicates not-active
status, upper case indicates
active status. Only shown when
the ESC channel is active.
Status Test Read Only N/A Interface Test status
BER Active
Status Hardware Type Read Only N/A Indicates the type of the active
Dual G703 Interface interface
Status Hardware ID Read Only N/A Indicates the part number of the
M709014A-100r1.00 active interface
Status Hardware S/N Read Only N/A Indicates the serial number of the
100048 active interface
G7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
I/O Port 1 Rcv Clock Source Selection 0 = Dmd Rcv Clock Sets the output clock for the Port
Send Port 1 Clock 1 = Internal 1 Rcv Buffer
2 = Send Port 1 Clock Any selection other than Dmd
3 = Send Port 2 Clock Rcv Clock makes other menu
selection below visible.
I/O Port 1 Rcv Buffer Delay Numeric 0.0001 to 999.9999 ms Sets the size of the Port 1 Rcv
2.0000 ms Buffer in mSec. Range is
dependent on the data rate of the
Rcv carrier.
I/O Port 1 Rcv Buffer Size Read Only N/A Indicates the size of the Port 1
8192 bits Rcv Buffer in bits.
G7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Send Mux Mode Selection 0 = Disabled Enables Multiplexer to specified
Advanced 1 = Advanced mode. Enable makes other menu
2 = IBS Custom selection below visible
Send Mux MCC Rate Numeric 0.000 = Disable Only in Custom or Advanced
0.300 kbps 0.300 to 29428.110 kbps Mode.
Selects framing resources
committed to (MCC) Modem
Control Communications
Send Mux Alarm Channel Selection 0 = Disabled, 1 = Enabled Enable the backward alarms
Disabled
Send Mux Overhead Ratio Read Only N/A Shows current data-to-aggregate
16379:16384 ratio for mux
ESC Async Mode Selection 0 = Disable Activates the ESC Port on the
Auto Overhead Rate 1 = Auto Overhead Rate rear panel for Auto or Manual
2 = Manual Overhead baud rate
Rate Any selection other than
Disabled makes other menu
selection below visible
ESC Async Port Selection 0 = RS-232, Interface type of the ESC port on
RS-232 1 = RS-485 2 wire, the rear panel.
2 = RS-485 4 wire,
3 = RS-485 Drvr On
ESC Async Rate Numeric 0.300 – 1000.000 kbps Baud rate at the ESC port on the
9.600 kbps rear panel.
ESC Async Format Selection 0 = N,7,1, Format of the ESC port on the
N,8,1 1 = P,7,1 rear panel
2 = N,8,1
3 = P,8,1
ESC Async CTS Selection 0 = Normal ESC CTS line control
Normal 1 = Force Active
ESC Async DCD Selection 0 = Normal, 1 = Force ESC DCD line control
Normal Active
G7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
ESC Async DTR Selection 0 = Normal, 1 = Ignore ESC DTR line control
Ignore
ESC Async DSR Selection 0 = Normal, 1 = Force ESC DRS line control
Force Active Active
Event I/O Port 1 Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Port 1 I/O
2 = Log & Send Alert activity alarm
Event I/O Port 2 Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Port 2 I/O
2 = Log & Send Alert activity alarm
Event Backward Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Backward
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event BER Loss Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the BER Loss
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event Port 1 Buffer Slip Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Port 1
2 = Log & Send Alert Buffer Slip alarm
Event Port 2 Buffer Slip Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Port 2
2 = Log & Send Alert Buffer Slip alarm
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
G7 Interface Parameters
Representation Type Entry Description
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the status
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Hardware Alarm Selection 1 = Log Selects whether to set an alert
Do Not Log 2 = Log & Send Alert for the status of the Hardware
alarm
Alarm I/O Port 1 Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of Port 1
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B, alarm
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm I/O Port 2 Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of Port 2
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B, alarm
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Backward Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A & B 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Event Send Clock Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Send
2 = Log & Send Alert Clock activity alarm
Event Send Data Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Send
2 = Log & Send Alert Data activity alarm
Event Rcv Data Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Rcv Data
2 = Log & Send Alert activity alarm
Event Backward Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Backward
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event BER Loss Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the BER Loss
2 = Log & Send Alert alarm
Event Buffer Slip Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the
Do Not Log 1 = Log change in status of the Buffer
2 = Log & Send Alert Slip alarm
Event Minor Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Minor alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Major Alarm Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the activity
Do Not Log 1 = Log of any Major alarms
2 = Log & Send Alert
Event Test Active Selection 0 = Do Not Log Selects whether to log the status
Do Not Log 1 = Log of the Test Active alarm
2 = Log & Send Alert
Alarm Send Clock Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Send Data Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Send Data Idle Numeric 0000 to 9999 Sec Sets the time before an alarm is
30 sec. raised after there is no data
detected at the Tx interface. (0 =
Disable)
Alarm Rcv Data Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm B 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Rcv Data Idle Numeric 0000 to 9999 Sec Sets the time before an alarm is
30 sec. raised after there is no data
detected at the Rcv interface. (0
= Disable)
Alarm Backward Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm BER Loss Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Test Active Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
Alarm Hardware Mask Selection 0 = None, 1 = to Alarm A, Selects destination of alarm
to Alarm A & B 2 = to Alarm B,
3 = to Alarm A & B
The packets use a unique address for each controlled device, which is set using the modem’s front
panel. The message packets themselves use a binary format for efficiency. The complete protocol is
shown in Appendix B.
The protocol consists of messages from the controller to the modem and response messages from
the modem back to the controller. The modem never initiates communications without having first
received a correctly addressed and formed message requiring a response.
The packets of both incoming and outgoing messages take the same generic form. First are pad and
opening flag, then the destination and source addresses, followed by the command code (and read or
write mode), then necessary data. The message packet is closed with a closing flag and check word
to verify the packet integrity. The use of a source address allows multiple controllers on a single
control link.
NOTE: Special considerations are required when legacy modems are to be connected on the same
command line with the latest modes. See Appendix B for more information.
3. Bit Rate
4. FEC Code Rate
5. Scrambler (Normally Enabled in IESS 308/309 mode – See “Using The Proper Scramble”
below)
6. Clock sources set per system requirements.
7. Reed-Solomon Codec settings if enabled
8. IBS Multiplexer settings if enabled
9. External reference set properly
3.7.2.2. Modulator
1. Output Level
2. Carrier Enable
3. The L-Band modem can also supply power and reference to a BUC.
3.7.2.3. Demodulator
1. Carrier Acquisition Mode and Acquisition Range
2. The L-Band modems with L-Band Receive can be set to supply power at either 13 or 18
VDC and/or a 10 MHz reference signal on the receive input connector for coupling to the
LNB via the receive cable.
When TPC is either not installed or not enabled the preferred scrambler and descrambler is
automatically selected to “IESS 308” or “IESS 309”. See below for the difference.
When TPC is enabled but the IBS multiplexer option is not installed or not enabled “Auto” uses
the new Scrambler and Descrambler option #7 “TPC Sync” this uses a synchronous scrambler
specific to the TPC Codec.
When both TPC and IBS multiplexer are installed and enabled Auto uses the “IESS 308” option.
Remember that the scrambler and descrambler may be set independently in each link direction.
The external reference frequency is applied at the rear panel BNC connector, J1, at a frequency of 1,
5, 9 or 10 MHz. Selection of the external reference and the reference frequency are selected at the
front panel from the <Unit: Reference - Source =External>, setting to external which then enables
the entry for <Unit: Reference - Frequency>.
The external reference input does not perform any clean-up of an input other than band-pass filtering
with a pass-band from approximately 1 to 12 MHz. The reference input should therefore be a low
phase noise source.
The M7L/LT modem will also set the proper spectrum for high side or low side LO. If the BUC has a
Low side LO, the spectrum is not inverted and the <Mod: BUC – Xmt Spectrum > setting would
typically be set for “Non-Inverted”.
NOTE: After entering a new <Mod: BUC – LO Frequency> parameter, the modem requires a new
Transmit IF frequency input to recalculate the proper output frequency setting.
To return to using the L-Band IF frequency setting, simply enter a value of “0” into the <Mod: BUC –
LO Frequency> parameter.
Common BUC LO frequency for the 5.925 to 6.425 GHz C-Band range is 4900 MHz (low side LO),
while a low side LO for the 14.0 to 14.5 GHz Ku Band range is 13050 MHz.
The M7L/LT modems will also set the proper spectrum for high side or low side LO. If the LNB has a
Low side LO, the spectrum is not inverted and the <Demod: LNB – Rcv Spectrum> setting would
typically be set for “Non-Inverted”.
NOTE: After entering a new <Demod: LNB – LO Frequency> parameter the modem requires a new
Receive IF frequency input to recalculate the proper input frequency setting.
To return to using the L-Band IF frequency setting, simply enter a value of “0” into the <Demod: LNB
– LO Frequency> parameter.
Common LO frequency for the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz C-Band range is 5150 MHz (high side LO), while a
common LO for the 11.7 to 12.2 GHz Ku Band range is 10750 MHz (low side LO).
BUC Power Control – The M7LT contain an internal BUC power supply and internal power relay
to control application of power to the L-Band transmit cable under front panel or remote control.
The modem can also read the voltage and current being applied to the transmit cable.
Transmit Frequency Control – When the BUC Local Oscillator or LO frequency is entered into
the <Mod: BUC – LO Frequency> parameter, the <Mod: IF – Frequency> parameter requires
entry of transmit frequency at the actual satellite uplink RF frequency. To return to using L-Band
IF frequencies set the <Mod: BUC – LO Frequency> parameter to “0”.
BUC Transmit Gain – The <Mod: BUC – Xmt Gain> parameter is used to set the desired gain
of the BUC.
BUC Transmit Level Max – When the <Mod: BUC – Xmt Level Max> parameter is set, the
M7LT will provide an alarm if the output level exceeds the setting.
BUC FSK Remote M&C – When the <Mod: BUC – FSK Remote M&C> parameter is “Enabled”,
the M7LT provides the ability to control a ‘smart BUC’ from the front panel or remotely via the
control interface.
Receive Frequency Control – When the LNB Local Oscillator or LO frequency is entered into
the <Demod: LNB – LO Frequency> parameter the <Demod: IF – Frequency> parameter
requires entry of receive frequency at the actual satellite downlink RF frequency. To return to
using L-Band IF frequencies set the <Demod: LNB – LO Frequency> parameter to “0”.
LNB Power Control – The M7LT contain an internal LNB power supply and internal power relay
to control application of power to the LNB’s receive output cable under front panel or remote
control. The voltage applied can be chosen for either 18VDC or 13 VDC. The modem can also
read the voltage and current being applied to the receive cable.
There are two acquisition methods used by the modem. The normal mode for fastest possible
acquisition (especially at low data rates) is the “Fast” mode which utilizes an onboard digital signal
processor (DSP) to mathematically determine the location of the carrier and lock as fast as possible.
This mode initially goes for the largest carrier power within the acquisition range. A new acquisition
attempt will always repeat the same process and go to the same carrier. The “fast” acquisition mode
is optimized for the fastest possible acquisition speed, and is set as the default acquisition mode for
the modem.
A second mode called “Search” also uses the DSP but performs a piece-wise sweep of the
programmable acquisition range to locate the carrier and lock to it. If the modem cannot lock to the
first carrier it detects it will attempt to find another carrier in the next step of frequency. The sweep
always starts at the low end of the acquisition range and moves upward, wrapping around to the low
end when the top is reached.
NOTE: The Search mode is optimized for crowded spectrum applications where nearby high power
carriers may interfere with the standard “Fast” acquisition mode.
The acquisition mode is set by setting the <Demod: IF - Sweep Mode> option parameter to either
“Fast” (0), or “Search” (1). The “Fast” mode is the standard setting.
CAUTION!: If the acquisition range is set too small and the system offsets drift, then a carrier may
be locked out of acquisition or lost during operation. If the acquisition range is set too
wide and other compatible carriers are within the acquisition range, then the wrong
carrier may be acquired.
NOTE: The reduced sweep range is referenced the last demodulator lock offset.
The following interface types are currently available as options within the M7 modem.
NOTE: Adding an optional interface card or changing an already installed interface should only be
attempted by experienced personnel familiar with electronic communications equipment.
Refer to Section 2.3.8.2 for details on how to add or change an interface option.
A basic representation of the alarm system functioning is shown in the Figure 3-43.
Summary Alarm
Unit Alarms
Reference
Test Active
NC
Hardware Alarm Relay A
NO
C
Modulator Alarms
NC
Carrier Alarm Relay B
NO
Bit Clock C
Test Active
Hardware Front Panel
No Data
Selection
Demodulator Alarms Modulator Data
Logic
Carrier Lock Alarm Interface
Low Level
Low Eb/No
Test Active
Hardware
No Data
Front Panel
Interface Alarms Demodulator
BER Loss Alarm Data
Test Active Interface
Option Fail
Redundancy
Switch Request
There are many possible alarm inputs depending on the modem options and configuration. Each of
the individual alarm inputs has a configuration selection parameter under the “Alarm” column of its
operation matrix. Alarm inputs can be set to be ignored, be an “OR” inputs to the A or B alarm relay,
or be an “OR” inputs to both the A and B alarm relay. The default setting for the alarm matrix is for all
modulator related alarms assigned to Alarm A and all demodulator related alarms assigned to Alarm
B.
The open collector outputs for the modulator and demodulator alarms are available on the data
interface connector and may be used by redundancy switches for determining alarm status. The
modem’s built-in redundancy switch logic uses either all alarms or combinations of the A and B
alarms to activate a switch request.
The summary Alarm LED is the “OR” function of either of the alarm relays. The modem allows the
user to select such items as a low input level or Eb/No to activate an alarm. By providing two relays
and the configuration options, several alternative alarm indication scenarios can be arranged.
Descriptions of alarm conditions that can be mapped to alarm outputs are shown in Table 3-5 through
Table 3-10.
The Station ID can be set in the front panel <Unit: Status – Station ID> parameter and pressing
“Edit” to begin entry. Each character position is selected using the right and left arrow keys, and the
character at that position is set using the up and down arrow keys. When the proper entry is achieved
press the “Enter” key to finalize the input. The first character is the “Space” followed by the characters
below.
When entering this parameter via a terminal connected to the remote port, the Station ID name is
entered directly as text from the terminal keyboard. After any entry mode the processor will center the
input characters on the lower line of the LCD display
The address 255 is “global” and all units will respond to a message packet with this address
regardless of its setting, but no unit will return a response message. It is suggested that you do not
use addresses 1 or 255 (1 is the factory setting, and any new unit added to a system will have
address 1).
The address “0” is also unique. This address causes the modem to accept commands and send
responses without the address fields normally required in the command packets.
The purpose of the I7 with Q7 processor is to act as an interface between IP Ethernet networks and
satellite modems as part of point-to-point or point-to-multipoint data transfer. The I7 is not a fixed
dumb interface, it is a full sophisticated router class device and therefore requires configuration.
The purpose of this section is to introduce the IP interface cards that use the Q7 processor based
platform for routing and bridging. Detailing the full capabilities of these IP cards is beyond the scope
of this section. Our goal here instead is to:
Powerful x86 Atom processor based. Up to 1.6 GHz and dual virtual processors.
Robust Debian Linux Operating System – currently modified Debian “Squeeze”.
Industry Standard Vyatta Router overlay on Linux for IOS/JunOS like control. One major
advantage of Vyatta is that it provides a clean single point configuration interface and saved
configuration file.
Datum System's modifications and additions to both Linux and Vyatta providing modem
command line and web control.
Custom applications become relatively easy with multiple built-in user available programming
languages including Bash, Perl, Python, C and C++ compilers.
Although the I7 is more complex and expensive than the previous generation SnIP, this system offers
significant advantages. Not only does it use an industry standard router subsystem, but the full power
of Debian Linux is available including many languages (like Python), standard compilers and the
Debian packaging system which allow a user to install almost any program made for Linux. An
installed system is even capable of compiling its own programs.
This Tech Note describes the basic resources and procedures necessary to initially install, configure,
modify, and update the Q7 Vyatta system and Linux Kernel as necessary.
1. “Kernel and Kernel Space”. These refer to the Linux kernel itself and the modules that are
compiled with the kernel to be loaded as part of the kernel. The current kernel is Version
2.6.35 minimum and some 3.x systems are in testing.
2. “User and User Space” Multiple types of programs can exist in the user space. The user
space is where all the files that a user can directly interact with reside. This includes the
control programs and configuration files for the routing and bridging functions as created by
Vyatta.
3. “Root Filesystem” The Root Filesystem consists of the kernel modules not built into the
kernel, common and user libraries and all of the user space programs and configuration. The
Datum Systems' implementation is based on the Debian “Sqeeze” distribution of Linux with
Vyatta router overlay and Datum Systems additions specific to satellite modem use.
4. “Packages” are the Linux term for software programs and drivers. The entire Linux system
consists of a small set of kernel and base programs with many packages added to provide
the particular capabilities needed for its intended use. Most of the drivers and virtually all of
the user space programs are packages. Packages can be installed removed and upgraded
via the package manager. In the Q7 X86 card the package manager is named “APT” and
common package functions are performed using the apt-get command line directives.
5. “Package Repository” is a web location containing groups of packages which can be
installed in the Linux system via the package manager. Two are necessary, the Vyatta
repository and the Datum Systems repository although there are many more available
including the standard Debian repository.
6. “I7” These are the base IP interface cards for the M7 modems. The Q7 processor is
plugged into these base “carrier' cards as the processing element.
7. “LAN and WAN” are terms for the Local Area Network and Wide Area Network interfaces
standard on the I7. The LAN is always the standard Ethernet TCP/IP Gigabit Ethernet port
(GbE) on the rear panel of the interface card. It's interface name is “eth0”. The WAN is the
internal custom interface port which connects to the modem. Because it appears to Linux
and Vyatta as a standard Ethernet port its default name is “eth1”, although that can be
changed.
8. “Static and DHCP” Are two possible ways of configuring the LAN side IP addresses and
masks. By default the eth0 LAN is configured with a static IP address.
9. “Console and Terminal Sessions” These refer to a command line connection to the I7.
The console is a standard serial RS-232 connection on the rear of the interface card which
can be connected to a computer running a standard terminal emulation program such as
Hyperterminal or Putty or Linux minicom and other programs. A terminal session is a more
generic term and can refer to virtual terminal sessions connected via TCP/IP in either Telnet
or SSH mode. Both present the standard Linux/Vyatta command line interface.
10. “Bridge” is the standard network term for an OSI model Layer 2 process that is intended to
connect two segments of the same LAN together having common IP addresses within the
same LAN mask. The bridge function only looks at MAC addresses. A bridge can be
compared to a smart switch.
11. “Router” is the standard network term for Layer 3 processes intended to direct and control
traffic in a transmission system between two or more networks with different addresses. It
operates on the OSI Model Layer 3, working with IP Addresses. Commonly routing also
includes the concepts of multiple processes including NAT, traffic shaping, QOS, etc.
12. “daemon” is a term for a program that runs separately in the background and produces little
or no output to any of the terminal sessions running, instead sending output to log files.
There are a significant number of daemons always running in Linux, but in a sleep state
waiting for some input that requires their attention.
The standard operation of the modem front panel entries is to replace the first address in the Vyatta
configuration. If there is no address currently then the front panel entry will add that as the first
address. The polling software does this by detecting the front panel change and first deleting the
existing first address and then adding the new one entered. That is also the normal Vyatta method for
replacing an IP address - delete the current and set (add) the new one.
In Vyatta if an interface is to get its IP address and mask via DHCP then its address is actually set to
“dhcp”. On the modem when the front panel “dhcp” parameter is set to “1” or enabled then Vyatta
sets its IP address to “dhcp” and forwards the obtained leased address to the modem's IP address
parameter. If DHCP is then disabled it will retain the leased address. To set a new static IP address
you enter the new desired address either on the front panel or in Vyatta's configure mode.
The comparable IP entries on the modem front panel verses the Vyatta configuration, are shown in
the table below. In Vyatta a single configuration entry encompasses the three (3) controls on the
modem front panel.
1. Connect the two modems into your network as normal and turn on the modems. Modem
parameters are configured as normal either via the front panel or remote methods. Make
sure that you connect an Ethernet cable to the I7, preferably with access to the Internet if
you intend to download packages.
2. Wait approximately 1 to 2 minutes for the Q7 to boot completely. In the meantime determine
and set your modem parameters on both ends.
3. Setting the IP Address - The I7 interface card is factory configured with a default static IP
address, for example 192.168.2.130 or similar, which can be read on the modem front panel
display in the interface section. If this is not within your network either set a new IP address
on the modem front panel or log into the console port of the Interface board at: 9600,N,8,1
and use Vyatta to set an IP address.
NOTE: On the modem front panel you must select either the “Mod” or “Dem” tab below the LCD
display first, then make sure the transmit and receive interface is selected as “I7”. At this
point, the “Intf” tab will show on the front panel. Selecting the “Intf” tab will allow configuration
of the I7 parameters.
Setting the LAN IP address on the modem front panel is the easiest method to get started with a new
modem.- Simply navigate to the interface and scroll right to the IP column and then down until you
see the listed IP address. Enter or edit to input the new desired IP address and press enter.
For later setting or resetting of IP addresses and the complete Vyatta configuration, it is most easily
done via the console or an SSH or telnet session To log in the default user is Vyatta and the default
password is Vyatta. You can change these and add other users easily.
The M7 modem will replace the current Vyatta configured first IP address and save the configuration.
The purpose of the E7 is to act as an interface for up to four (4) Ethernet LAN ports within a single
satellite modems as part of point-to-point or point-to-multipoint satellite network. The E7 also offers a
fifth interface port that complies with the Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) standard. The SFP port
will allow interfacing to optical interfaces or will add an additional GbE port to the M7.
Detailing the internal design criteria and future capabilities of these cards is beyond the scope of this
section. Instead this section will provide an overview of the card functionality and provide typical
network configurations where this card is used within a satellite network. A simplified block diagram
is shown in Figure 3-44.
MCC
QoS Buffer
Mod HDLC
Port 1
10/100/ RJ45 SAT WAN
1000Base-T Loopback
MCC
Port 5 Ter WAN
SFP
1000Base-X Loopback
Cage
Optical
Recepticle for Dmd 2 to Slot B From M7
Dmd 2 HDLC
Optional SFP GbE Switch Interface Dmd 2
Interface
Internal
MCC
Monitor & Control
Each port can be activated by the menu <Intf: I/O Port x Mode = Data I/O> (x=1 to 4). If a port is not
being used, the port can be disabled by the menu <Intf: I/O Port x Mode = Disabled> (x=1 to 4). If
the E7 interface is installed in a multi-demod M7, the configuration of the ports will need to reflect the
data flow from the multi-demod(s) to the central router. This will be typical of a point to multipoint
network where the Hub site has a single modulator and multiple demodulators. In this case, the hub
router would need to interface to a single transmit port and multiple demod ports. Using the menu
<Intf: I/O Port x Mode = Dmd Output I/O> (x=1 to 4) and menu <Intf: I/O Port x Mode = Dmd Input
I/O> (x=1 to 4), the multiple demodulator output data ports can be connected to the single router port
by using the internal Ethernet switch within the E7 interface. This configuration will be explained in
more detail in the network configuration discussion in Section 0
The type of connection for each port can be configured independently in the menu <Intf: I/O Port x
Connection = Auto> (x=1 to 4). . The most common setting for a port once it is activated will be
“Auto” but each port can be configured to “1000BASE-T”, “100BASE-T Full Duplex”, “100BASE-T Half
Duplex”, “10BASE-T Full Duplex”, or “10BASE-T Half Duplex”.
NOTE: <Intf: I/O Port 5 Mode = Data I/O> Port 5 will only show in the menu when there is an SFP
module installed in the SFP slot.
Additionally, the E7 allows the user to set flow control for the QoS buffer for a non-congested state
and full congestion of the WAN traffic. This is set in the menu item <Intf: QOS WAN Drop None> for
the non-congested state and <Intf: QOS WAN Drop All> for the congestion point where all incoming
packets will be dropped until the QoS buffer drops below this setting. Between the QoS buffer
settings of “Drop None” and “Drop All”, there is an expectation that some packets will be dropped in
line with the “QoS Mode”.
The proper setting of “Drop None” and “Drop All” is dependent on the type of traffic, i.e. VoIP, Web,
Streaming Video, FTP, etc., that is transiting the network and the constant data rate of the WAN
satellite link. These settings correspond to the fill status of the QoS buffer. The “Drop None” setting
is the point below which there is no flow control activated.
The “Drop None” minimum setting should represent the time, in mSec, that is equivalent to at least 2
Ethernet packets. For example if the M7 modulator is set to transmit at 1Mbps toward the WAN, set
the menu item <Intf: QOS WAN Drop None = 24 ms>. This would be the minimum setting for this
configuration. The recommended maximum setting would be set to half of the “Drop All” setting.
The “Drop All” setting will determine the maximum delay that the QoS buffer will add to the network.
Certain traffic types that are sensitive to delay will require that the “Drop All” value be set to a
minimum value but if this is set too low, the E7 will drop packets when large packet Web content is
transmitted toward the WAN. The recommended minimum setting for the “Drop All” would represent
the time, in mSec, that is equivalent to at least 20 Ethernet packets. For example if the M7 modulator
is set to transmit at 1Mbps toward the WAN, set the menu item <Intf: QOS WAN Drop All = 240
ms>. The setting of the “Drop All” can be arbitrary and may need to be adjusted to optimize the
network performance once the traffic types are known.
NOTE: The E7 allows for over the satellite interoperability with some legacy Datum modems by
setting the menu item <Intf: Send WAN Protocol = M500 HDLC> and <Intf: Rcv WAN
Protocol = M500 HDLC>. The default mode is <Intf: Send WAN Protocol = M7 HDLC>
and <Intf: Rcv WAN Protocol = M7 HDLC> for operation in a network that has all M7
modems installed.
Configuration of the proper “WAN Mode” and “WAN Protocol” will automatically set the proper MAC
learning and packet forwarding to prevent duplicate MAC addresses and enable proper network
operation.
In the PtP example shown in Figure 3-45, the E7 configuration is very simple for the user. The menu
setting would be the same on the modems at both ends of the satellite link.
Configuration of the E7 interface in the hub M7s is critical to proper network operation. The physical
cable connections for a PtMP Hub and single remote example are shown in Figure 3-47.
BUC
LNB
RF Splitter
M7LD Dual-Demod
M7LD Dual-Demod
M7LT Terminal
Figure 3-47 – Four site PtMP Hub and one Remote site example
The E7 interface configuration in the Hub M7s must be configured based on the size of the network
and the physical position within the Hub cabling configuration.
The menu setting for the E7 interface in the hub M7 modulator would be:
The menu setting for the E7 interface in the hub M7 multi-demod #1 would be:
The menu setting for the E7 interface in the hub M7 multi-demod #2 and #3 would be:
The menu setting for the E7 interface in the M7s at the distant end of the links would be:
The physical connections shown in Figure 3-47 are specific to this example and are dependent on the
number of sites in the network. This example is a very simple PtMP example and a more complex
network with more user ports and modems would require careful attention to the E7 interface
configuration within the hub M7s.
Si
1
Site
te
te
3
Si
Configuration of the hub M7s with E7 interface is critical to proper network operation. The physical
cable connections for a PtMP Hub and single remote example are shown in Figure 3-47.
PLL LNB
20W BUC
The E7 interface configuration of the M7s at each remote site must be configured properly for the
network type and the size of the network.
The menu setting for the E7 interface in the M7 modulator and demodulator #1 would be:
The menu setting for the E7 interface in the M7 multi-demod #2 and #3 would be:
The physical connections shown in Figure 3 34 are specific to this example and are dependent on the
number of sites in the network. This example is a very simple Mesh network example and a more
complex network with more remote sites would require additional M7 hardware at each site and
careful attention to the E7 interface configuration on each M7.
The E7 provides extensive live statistics of the link performance. Statistics on Packets per Second
(PPS) sent and received, number of data, MCC, and idle packets and Bytes sent and received, the
percentage of the link that contains data, MCC, or idle packets, and total packets sent and received.
There is also a count of the total errored packets and the packet error rate. These statistics are
displayed in the <Intf: Stats Send Data> and <Intf: Stats Rcv Data> menu items. The send and
receive statistic counters can be independently reset in any of the menu items by pressing the “Edit”
and then the “Enter” keys on the front panel.
NOTE: When the <Intf: Send WAN Protocol = M7 HDLC> Idle Packets are inserted into the send bit
stream, up to the WAN throughput data rate, when there are no valid packets of either Data
or MCC. No Idle packets will be inserted when the <Intf: Send WAN Protocol = M500
HDLC>.
When the G7 is the active interface, selection of the Data Rate Entry Mode in the Modulator and the
Demodulator is automatically set to Interface; <Mod: Data - Rate Entry Mode> = Interface, <Dmd:
Data - Rate Entry Mode> = Interface
AMI coding
HDB3 coding.
The options for modulator bit timing (Section 0) and demodulator bit timing (section 0) are shown
below. Descriptions of two (2) typical network timing configurations are explained in Section 3.9.3 and
Section 3.9.4.
1. Internal – locked to a 2.0 ppm Internal Reference. If bit rate timing requirements require a
better reference, the internal oscillator may be phase locked to an External Reference
applied at the rear panel (J1). Refer to Section 3.7.4 for details on how to activate the
External Reference.
2. RCV Clock – locked to the demodulator Receive Timing (i.e. Loop Timing)
3. External – locked to an external timing input at the bit rate on pins 9 and 21 of the overhead
channel interface connector J10. This option allows a station-derived standard clock rate to
be used to clock data out of the FIFO
4. Terminal Timing – locked to the Terminal Timing input (pins 24/11)
NOTE: Bit timing options for optional interfaces are discussed in the applicable interface appendix.
A simplified block diagram of the Modulator clock sources for a Synchronous Interface is shown in
Figure 3-50.
Send Data
From DATA
Interface
Send
Timing To CLOCK
Interface
Modulator
Terminal Terminal
Timing Timing
From
Interface
From
Receive
Clock
Receive
Data To DATA OUT IN DATA
Interface
Receive FIFO
Demodulator
Buffer
Receive CLOCK
Timing To OUT IN
Interface
M7/M7L/M7LT - Rev. 0.05 3-97
External
FIFO Clock Demodulator RCV Demod output
From CLOCK clock is phase
Interface
Maintenance M7/M7L/M7LT Modular Satellite Modem
Send Data
From DATA
3.9.2.
Interface Demodulator Timing
When Send the modem is configured with any serial interface option, the modem will always output receive
timing
Timing Tosynchronous with the receive data and is a source of the timing for
Interface
the local network.
CLOCK
ModulatorIf the
system requires a different timing standard then provisions are made to buffer the data in a
programmable FIFO buffer. The receive timing signal that is derived from the satellite is always used
to clock
Terminal the data into the FIFO buffer. TheTerminal
FIFO buffer output clock must be the same average rate as
theTiming
demodulator
From
receive timing otherwise a buffer over/under flow will occur. The FIFO buffer clock
Timing
output
Interfacemay be selected to 1 of 4 sources
1. RCV Clock – the demodulator receive timing (buffer bypass mode) Meaning that the input
External Send Timing Input
(Rear Panel)
and output clocks are the same, disabling the FIFO
Modulator bit clock source is
2. Mod Clock – uses the selected modulator data rate clock as the output clock
selected and requires
from "Internal", "Terminal
External that the modulator Internal
External and demodulator data rate be identical Timing", "External" or "RCV
Reference Input Reference Bit Rate NCO
3.Panel)Internal –Reference
(Rear PLL
an internally generated bit rate NCO locked to the 2.0 ppm
Oscillator
Clock". The Send
Internal Timing is
Reference. If
always an output from the modem.
bit rate timing requirements require a better reference, the internal oscillator may be phase
locked to an External Reference applied at the rear panel (J1). Refer to Section 3.7.4 for
details on how to activate the External Reference. From
Receive
4. External – an external clock at the bit rate applied on pins 9 and Clock21 of the overhead channel
A simplified block diagram representation of the demodulator clock sources are shown in Figure 3-51.
Receive
Data To DATA OUT IN DATA
Interface
Receive FIFO
Demodulator
Buffer
Receive CLOCK
Timing To OUT IN
Interface
External
FIFO Clock Demodulator RCV Demod output
From CLOCK clock is phase
Interface locked to receive
From Modulator
bit timing bit timing
In certain network configuration typical in international Telco connections, there will be separate very
high stability clock standards that are not locked to each other. The FIFO at each end of the link will
be provided a local clock for the purpose of clocking the data out of the modem. A receive buffer used
to absorb this type of clock offset is referred to as a Plesiochronous buffer. This type of clock
difference is uni-directional and cumulative to the point that eventually there will be a FIFO buffer slip.
The severity of the disruption can be minimized by setting the buffer size in bits to multiples of the
frame size. For example if the total frame size is 512 bits and the buffer is set to a size of 1024 bits an
under or over-run would result in the frame flags remaining in the same location in the data stream.
Note that frames will still be errored by the under or over-run, but synchronization may not be lost. If a
superframe structure is used it is likely that synchronization will still be lost.
Other data rate variations between the transmitting and receiving stations which are not periodic, i.e.
do not average to zero, can be buffered by the FIFO, but will eventually result in lost data.
Refer to the discussion in Section 0 above for the selections available for clocking the data in and out
of the FIFO buffer.
The Receive FIFO operation can be set from the front panel or remote control, and consists of
selecting the <Intf: I/O - Rcv Clock Source> parameter to something other than “Dmd Rcv Clock”
and the <Intf: I/O - Rcv Buffer Delay> parameter to the desired delay in milliseconds. The processor
computes the <Intf: I/O - Rcv Buffer Size> parameter to the size of the FIFO in bits based on the
current data rate.
The modem processor also can display the current FIFO fill percentage status. The FIFO sets the
delay or number of bits selected upon activation and this center value represents 100% FIFO fill. At
any time the FIFO may contain from 0% to 200% of the set value. The percentage fill can also
represent the percentage of delay with respect to the setting. For example if the buffer was set to 2
mS of delay and the fill is 150% this represents 3 mS of delay.
When the data rate is changed the modem maintains delay time constant, automatically changing the
number of bits stored in the buffer to compensate.
NOTE: When the number of bits of delay are very small, one bit may represent a large percentage
change (e.g. if the delay is only 4 bits, each bit represents 25%). The delay may be set from 4
bits to 131,070 bits at any data rate, resulting in a delay ranging from 0.00081mS (4 bits at
4.92 Mbps) to over 42,000 mS (131,070 bits at 2400 bps).
An overrun occurs when a bit is clocked into the FIFO causing the fill to reach a full 200% of the
selected value. This causes flushing the upper half of the FIFO, restoring the fill to 100%, re-centering
the FIFO. The data flushed is lost and cannot be recovered.
An under-run occurs when the last bit is clocked out of the FIFO, emptying it. This also causes re-
centering of the FIFO by resetting the buffer pointers to the mid or 100% level, resending all the data
in the buffer. Both conditions result in a potential serious disruption of traffic.
When an under or over-run occurs an internal modem flag is set indicating that a re-center has
occurred. The front panel display shows “Slip” and FIFO fill data percentages read from the remote
port are negative numbers. This latched flag may be reset at the front panel or by writing to the
remote port FIFO parameter.
The FIFO may also be re-centered at any time on command from either the front panel or via the
remote control. At the front panel the command is <Intf: Status - Rcv Buffer> and pressing the “1”
key, then "Enter" to confirm. Pressing the “0” key on this parameter will clear the “Slip Status”.
The master transmit timing is either an input to (External or Terminal timing) or output from (Internal)
the master station modulator. The slave station receive data clock maintains this synchronization
(RCV Clock). The receive data clock is used by the local network to generate the contra–directional
transmit timing (loop timing). If the slave local network requires timing from the modulator, RCV Clock
is selected for the modulator timing option. Alternatively, if the local network will derive timing from
the receive timing signal and return a timing clock synchronous with the transmit data, then Terminal
Timing would be selected for the modulator timing option.
3.9.4. Master/Master
In this network configuration, both stations are considered a master. This would be required for any
connection between local networks that operate on their own network timing standard. This is typical
within Telco networks running G.703 as an interface at the modem.
At both ends of the satellite link, the transmit timing is typically derived from the incoming network
timing standard. In the case of G.703, this will be derived from the data signal but in the case of a
serial interface, this can either an input to (External or Terminal timing) or output from (Internal) the
modulator.
At both ends of the satellite link, the recovered receive timing signal is used to input the data into the
FIFO Buffer. The FIFO buffer output clock is selected from a source that contains the local network
timing signal. This is typically the set to Mod Clock which has derived the network timing from the
local network.
NOTE: In a Master/Master network, there is expected to be a FIFO buffer slip at some point in time.
The time between FIFO buffer slips is determined by the time base offset between the two (2)
master clocks and the size of the FIFO buffer. When this slip occurs, there will be a loss of
data equivalent to approximately one half the size of the FIFO buffer.
NOTE: The examples following will assume the modems at all ends of the satellite links are
configured with the M7 Express Ethernet Interface (E7).
The Point-to-Point mode is used to maintain constant Eb/No performance in a duplex Point-to-
Point (PtP) link by adjusting the transmit power at both ends of the links during changes in link
performance. This is especially useful when operating over a satellite at Ku-Band or Ka-Band
frequencies in locations with high rainfall periods.
The Local mode is used in a broadcast or Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) network where feedback
from remote ends of the link is not possible. In this mode, the transmit power of the broadcast
carrier is adjusted based on the Eb/No performance of the local receiver that is monitoring the
broadcast carrier.
A third mode is used in Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) when information from the hub demod is routed
through the outbound hub carrier to each of the remote sites in order to maintain a defined Eb/No
performance on each of the return links independently.
There must be safeguards built into any AUPC system to limit the automatic maximum and minimum
power output level changes. Other safeguard controls are built into the operating control software to
limit response times and detect adverse operating conditions.
The AUPC selection parameters and their descriptions are shown in Table 3-14.
Demod: IF AUPC Send Path 0 = Disable, Sets the output path for the AUPC
1 = Local, data “Out MCC Port” setting at both
2 = Out MCC Port, ends of a duplex PtP link is the
3 = Out IP Control Port standard for bi-directional AUPC on
a duplex link. “Local” is the setting
for AUPC of the transmit carrier in a
broadcast network.
Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address 1 to 254. Set the address of the target MCC
255 = Global port
Intf: MCC Mode 0 = Disable Sets the rights of the MCC channel.
1 = Read Only
2 = Full Access
Intf: MCC Send Rate Limit Entered in kbps up to Sets the maximum rate the MCC
the maximum rate of channel will use from the satellite
the satellite data rate. channel. AUPC will require at least
0.5 kbps
NOTE: When using an interface other than an IP interface, the “Custom” or “Advanced” Multiplexer
mode MUST be selected to provide a channel for AUPC Remote operation from the IBS
multiplexer option.
Figure 3-52 shows a PtP link between Site 1 and Site 2 with both modems set to monitor the distant
end Eb/No performance and adjust the local transmit power to maintain a set Eb/No level.
Modem 1 Modem 2
Dmd Dmd
Intf IF AUPC Remote Path = Enabled IF AUPC Remote Path = Enabled Intf
MCC Send Address = 2 IF AUPC Remote MCC Address = 1 IF AUPC Remote MCC Address = 2 MCC Send Address = 1
MCC Rcv Address = 2 IF AUPC Remote Path = Out MCC Port IF AUPC Remote Path = Out MCC Port MCC Rcv Address = 1
NOTE: AUPC Remote can be enabled in a single direction or in both directions as required. When
operating AUPC Remote in a single direction, the MCC must be enabled in only the direction
necessary to return Eb/No information to the controlled transmit modem.
saturation but should be several dB above the nominal operating point for margin, e.g. -10.0
dBm.
9. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Min Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the minimum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
dropping below the operating threshold but should be several dB below the nominal
operating point for margin, e.g. -15.0 dBm.
The PtP link should now be operating and using bidirectional AUPC that will adjust both transmit
output power levels in order to keep the distant end receive Eb/No constant. Alarms will be generated
if the transmit level reaches either the max or min level attempting to maintain proper receive Eb/No.
The exact settings required can be further adjusted to account for the type of fading expected. For
example if in a tropical environment with sudden heavy showers you may want to allow more power
margin.
Local AUPC must consider some potential sources for error in the operation of a local only AUPC
function:
1. The demodulator providing the Eb/No reference is at the same location of the modulator,
which will cause a ‘double’ fade when there is a fading event on the broadcast site.
2. The fade on the transmit carrier will be slightly different than the fade on the received carrier
at the same site due to the different satellite frequencies.
3. The antenna sizes in a broadcast network will typically have significant differences between
the transmit site and any of the receive sites. This antenna size difference will cause a
difference in the absolute Eb/No readings from the demodulators. The accuracy of the Eb/No
reading may be different at the higher Eb/No readings, i.e. >10dB, when compared to the
lower Eb/No readings, i.e. <7dB.
Figure 3-53 shows a PtMP hub modulator with the optional AUPC demodulator installed that will
monitor the local transmit carrier Eb/No performance and adjust the local transmit power to maintain a
set Eb/No level.
te llite
Hub Modulator om Sa
arrier fr
cast C
P1 E7 Intf Dmd (option for AUPC) Broad
P2 Eth MCC Send Address = 0 IF AUPC Remote Path =
P3 I/O Local
MCC Rcv Address = 0
P4
rier
P5
t Car
cas
Br oad
Mod
Unit
IF AUPC Mode = Enabled
IP Control Address = 192.168.1.100
The link should now be operating and using AUPC to set the A hub transmit level keeping its own
receive Eb/No constant and therefore the (N) remote sites receive Eb/No almost constant. Alarms will
be generated if the transmit level reaches either the max or min level attempting to maintain the
receive E/b/No.
NOTE: AUPC PtMP requires the use of the E7 interface in the M7 modems within the PtMP network.
Remote Modem 1
Dmd Intf
Hub Modulator IF AUPC Remote Path = MCC Send Address = 1
Dmd (option for AUPC) Disabled MCC Rcv Address = 1
P1 Intf
P2
E7 IF AUPC Remote Path =
MCC Send Address = 0
P3 Eth MCC Rcv Address = 0 Local
P4 I/O
P5
Mod Unit
IF AUPC Mode = Enabled
Unit Mod
Dmd Intf
IF AUPC Remote Path = MCC Send Address = 2
Disabled MCC Rcv Address = 2
Hub Dual Demod A
Dmd 1
P1 Intf
P2 E7 MCC Rcv 1 Address = 0 IF AUPC Remote Path
P3 Eth MCC Rcv 2 Address = 0 = Out IP Port Mod
P4 IF Remote MCC Address Unit
I/O IF AUPC Mode = Enabled
P5 =1
AUPC Path
for Remote Unit Dmd 2
Outbound IF AUPC Remote Path Remote Modem 3
IP Control Address = 192.168.1.101
Control = Out IP Port
AUPC Packet
IP Control M&C Port Number = 9101 Dmd Intf
IP Control M&C Rmt Path IF Remote
PathMCC Address
=2 IF AUPC Remote Path = MCC Send Address = 3
= 192.168.1.100
Disabled MCC Rcv Address = 3
Mod Unit
IF AUPC Mode = Enabled
Figure 3-54 – Point-to-Multipoint AUPC configuration for a four (4) site network
Figure 3-54 shows a PtMP link between a Hub (Sites A) and four (4) sites numbered Remote 1 – 4.
At the Hub, there is a single outbound carrier that is received by all of the remote sites and a
designated demodulator set to receive the inbound carrier from each remote site. When AUPC PtMP
mode is configured, the specific demodulator at the hub will monitor the Eb/No performance and send
the information to the local Hub modulator. The Hub modulator will transmit this information to the
specific remote site for transmit power adjustment to maintain the set Eb/No level for the link.
NOTE: The configuration settings in this section are specific to the configuration shown in Figure
3-54. The actual network configuration may be different and will require different settings of the MCC
Send and Rcv addresses at the remote sites and Remote MCC addresses at the Hub site.
2. Set the <Unit: IP Control M&C Port Number> parameter to 9101. Port 9101 is the default port
and this can be set per network requirements BUT all units in the AUPC PtMP configuration
MUST be set to the same port number.
3. Set the <Unit: IP Control M&C Rmt Path> parameter to match the Hub Modulator <Unit: IP
Control Address> parameter.
4. Set the <Intf: MCC Mode> parameter to “Full Access”.
5. Set the <Intf: MCC Rcv 1 Address> parameters to “13” and <Intf: MCC Rcv 2 Address>
parameters to “14” for this example. This address is set per network requirements and all
units at the hub must have a different MCC address.
HUB (Site A) Dual Demodulator B; Demod 1 AUPC PtMP Setup
6. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote Path> to “Out IP Port”.
7. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address> to “3” for this example. The setting of
this address can be any address between 1 and 254 but must match the <Intf: MCC Send
Address> and <Intf: MCC Rcv Address> parameter settings of the modem at the specific
remote site transmitter that is being received by Dual Demodulator A; Demod 3.
HUB (Site A) Dual Demodulator B; Demod 2 AUPC PtMP Setup
8. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote Path> to “Out IP Port”.
9. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address> to “4” for this example. The setting of
this address can be any address between 1 and 254 but must match the <Intf: MCC Send
Address> and <Intf: MCC Rcv Address> parameter settings of the modem at the specific
remote site transmitter that is being received by Dual Demodulator A; Demod 4.
3.10.3.1.4. Remote Site 1 AUPC PtMP Setup
1. Set the <Mod: IF AUPC Mode> to “Enabled”.
1. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote Path> to “Disable”.
2. Set the <Intf: MCC Mode> parameter to “Full Access”.
3. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Rate Limit> parameter to “0.500 kbps” or higher.
4. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Address> and <Intf: MCC Rcv Address> parameters to “1” for
this example. The setting of this address can be any address between 1 and 254 but match
the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address>parameter settings of the Dual Demodulator
A; Demod 1.
5. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Eb/No> to the desired value, e.g. 7.0 dB.
6. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Max Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the maximum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
saturation but should be several dB above the nominal operating point for margin, e.g. -10.0
dBm.
7. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Min Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the minimum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
dropping below the operating threshold but should be several dB below the nominal operating
point for margin, e.g. -15.0 dBm.
3.10.3.1.5. Remote Site 2 AUPC PtMP Setup
1. Set the <Mod: IF AUPC Mode> to “Enabled”.
2. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote Path> to “Disable”.
3. Set the <Intf: MCC Mode> parameter to “Full Access”.
4. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Rate Limit> parameter to “0.500 kbps” or higher.
5. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Address> and <Intf: MCC Rcv Address> parameters to “2” for
this example. The setting of this address can be any address between 1 and 254 but match
the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address>parameter settings of the Dual Demodulator
A; Demod 2.
6. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Eb/No> to the desired value, e.g. 7.0 dB.
7. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Max Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the maximum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
saturation but should be several dB above the nominal operating point for margin, e.g. -10.0
dBm.
8. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Min Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the minimum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
dropping below the operating threshold but should be several dB below the nominal operating
point for margin, e.g. -15.0 dBm.
3.10.3.1.6. Remote Site 3 AUPC PtMP Setup
1. Set the <Mod: IF AUPC Mode> to “Enabled”.
2. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote Path> to “Disable”.
3. Set the <Intf: MCC Mode> parameter to “Full Access”.
4. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Rate Limit> parameter to “0.500 kbps” or higher.
5. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Address> and <Intf: MCC Rcv Address> parameters to “3” for
this example. The setting of this address can be any address between 1 and 254 but match
the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address>parameter settings of the Dual Demodulator
B; Demod 1.
6. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Eb/No> to the desired value, e.g. 7.0 dB.
7. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Max Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the maximum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
saturation but should be several dB above the nominal operating point for margin, e.g. -10.0
dBm.
8. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Min Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the minimum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
dropping below the operating threshold but should be several dB below the nominal operating
point for margin, e.g. -15.0 dBm.
3.10.3.1.7. Remote Site 4 AUPC PtMP Setup
1. Set the <Mod: IF AUPC Mode> to “Enabled”.
2. Set the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote Path> to “Disable”.
3. Set the <Intf: MCC Mode> parameter to “Full Access”.
4. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Rate Limit> parameter to “0.500 kbps” or higher.
5. Set the <Intf: MCC Send Address> and <Intf: MCC Rcv Address> parameters to “4” for
this example. The setting of this address can be any address between 1 and 254 but match
the <Demod: IF AUPC Remote MCC Address>parameter settings of the Dual Demodulator
B; Demod 2.
6. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Eb/No> to the desired value, e.g. 7.0 dB.
7. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Max Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the maximum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
saturation but should be several dB above the nominal operating point for margin, e.g. -10.0
dBm.
8. Set the < Mod: IF - AUPC Min Level> parameter to the desired level. Determine the value
for this parameter by calculating the minimum power that is allowed to prevent the link from
dropping below the operating threshold but should be several dB below the nominal operating
point for margin, e.g. -15.0 dBm.
Power-Up Behavior
Analog Monitor Output
RTS Monitor
In other cases the user may require that the modem always revert to a specific configuration on
power-up. The normal behavior is for the modem to power-up with the last settings still in effect. One
of the options in the Unit Configuration column is <Unit: Config – Power-Up>. The default setting is
“Last” which performs as the normal described above. A user can select any of the stored
configurations to be recalled on each power-up cycle. This could be useful in a mobile environment or
a DAMA system where a control channel is desired on each power-up. In a large system, units can
be pre-set to a specific configuration during initial commissioning, but then easily changed to another
configuration for normal operation.
The analog output can be tailored to the user requirements through any of the control interfaces. The
output the processor allows control of the full scale voltage by setting the <Unit: Monitor – Full>
parameter to a range of +1.0 Volts to +10.0 Volts and the slope by setting the <Unit: Monitor –
Output Slope> parameter to positive or negative. These two settings control the output slope (gain
and direction) of this analog output voltage.
To illustrate consider the example of using the Receive carrier level for the monitor output to
automatic antenna positioning equipment. For this example, the modem has a carrier input range of
–20 to –60 dBm.
If the antenna auto-track controller requires a positive slope between 0 and +10 Volts, where +10
Volts represents the maximum received signal level, set the <Unit: Monitor – Full> parameter to
“+10.0” and the <Unit: Monitor – Output Slope> parameter to “Negative”. These settings have the
effect of inverting the slope of the AGC signal and setting the gain of the voltage to match the input to
the antenna controller.
The analog output presented at pints 5 (+voltage) and 6 (gnd) on the rear panel Alarms connector
(J6). The voltage pin has a1kΩ output impedance, protecting the driver circuitry from shorts.
Do nothing
Set Alarm A
Set Alarm B
Set Alarm A & B
Mute transmit carrier
Mute transmit carrier & Set Alarm A
Mute transmit carrier & Set Alarm B
Mute transmit carrier & Set Alarm A & B
The <Unit: Monitor – Input Threshold> parameter sets the threshold trigger for the analog input
signal and the <Unit: Monitor – Input Sense> parameter sets whether the analog input is active high
or active low. The <Unit: Test – Monitor Input> parameter is a real time monitor of the voltage at
the analog input. Use the <Unit: Alarm - Monitor Input Mask> parameter to set the action to be
taken by the analog input signal.
CAUTION!: Setting this to either Alarm A or B relay will override any other settings going to that
alarm relay.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the user to set alarms properly when using this unique feature. This
relay control is not de-bounced with a time delay, therefore a fast changing or chattering RTS
signal will cause the relay to chatter.
Any stored configuration can then be recalled, including one permanent configuration called “Factory”
which is a set of default configurations by setting the <Unit: Config - Recall> parameter to “Factory”
or “1” to “99”
NOTE: ACR is also commonly used to disable the transmit off after loss of receive carrier.
NOTE: The ACR is not available when the modem is operating in a redundancy mode.
The modulator burst mode is controlled by the interface RTS/CTS and data flag signals. The
sequence of events for the burst mode is as follows:
1. The RTS from the DTE device is normally active. The idle character from the DTE is a
continuous Mark condition. The modulator output carrier is off in this idle state.
2. The modulator responds to the DTE device when ready to transmit by activating the CTS
signal.
3. Any time after the CTS is received by the DTE, the DTE starts transmitting flags and/or data.
The first non–SDLC/HDLC flag character received by the modulator is the start of
transmission signal, causing the modem to generate a preamble and initiate the “Carrier ON”
command. Transmission continues with data bytes placed after the preamble.
4. The next SDLC/HDLC flag received by the modulator is the end of transmission signal.
5. When the closing flag is detected by the modulator, it drops the CTS indicating that a new
data message cannot be started. When the last data bit is sent, the modulator will reassert
the CTS signal, and turn the carrier OFF.
NOTE: The two modems must be the same model number and type, and should be at the same
firmware revision for proper redundant operation.
A diagram of the connections required for 1:1 redundancy is shown in the Figure 3-55 below.
Station IF
Data "Y" Cable Paired Modems
Equipment
Xm t IF
Transm it
Modem A IF
Com biner
Aux Xm t
Rcv IF
Aux Rcv
Aux Xm t
Aux Rcv Xm t IF
Receive IF
Modem B
Splitter
Rcv IF
NOTE: It is important in L-Band systems to use special splitters and combiners that have the ability
to pass DC used to power the BUC and LNB with sufficient current capacity.
Physical installation of the two units is best accomplished with one unit directly beside or above the
other in the rack. This allows the status of the two modems to be seen together and avoids confusion.
CAUTION!: Care should be taken that both units are not turned on in a non-redundant
configuration with the “Y” data cable installed. This will result in the two unit’s data
output drivers possibly conflicting and causing damage.
During configuration of the primary unit several new parameters will become available after the mode
is set to 1:1. In addition to the <Unit: Redundancy - Config> parameter of step 4 above there will
also be parameters that allow the alarms and timing to be configured for the application. The default
values for these parameters are probably good in most installations, but they may require specific
configuration, especially if the unit had been configured for another unique application. These new
parameters are:
<Unit: Redundancy – Sw Rqst> - This parameter allows you to determine which alarm
indications result in a switch request. The possible selections are “On Minor Or Major” or “On
Major Alarm”.
<Unit: Redundancy – Sw Hold> - This parameter determines how long an alarm must exist on
the on-line unit and not the off-line unit before switching will occur. Allowable values are 0.0 to
600.0 seconds. The value could be set to zero, but this is not advised. A nominal value of 0.5
seconds insures that intermittent cases do not cause undue switching. A built in factor of 10
seconds is provided once a switch has occurred before a switch back to the original unit is
allowed (except in the case of a manual switch request or loss of power in the on-line unit which
requires 2 seconds).
A quick status to determine which modem is currently on ”On-Line” and the failure state of the paired
modems is done by viewing the LED indicators on the front panels. In a fully operating set-up there
will be no alarms on either unit, but one modem will have the green Modulator Transmit LED
illuminated and the other will have the transmit LED extinguished. The other LED indicators still show
the relevant condition of the Modulator, Demodulator and Unit. A more thorough status condition is
viewed by setting both modems to the <Unit: Status – Redundancy> parameter.
The unit currently On-Line will present its status on the lower line of the LCD display as “Online –
xxxxx” where xxxxx could be one of several messages:
The unit currently Off-Line will present its status on the lower line of the LCD display as one of two
messages:
On the currently “On-Line” unit go to the<Unit: Status – Redundancy> parameter and press the
“Edit” key.
The LCD display will present the message “Enter to Xsfer?”. Pressing the “enter key will cause
the unit to go off-line and the currently “Off-Line” backup unit to go “On-Line”.
NOTE: If there is no backup unit or the backup unit is in alarm then the transfer will not be completed
and an error message is displayed.
1. Manually transfer the unit (if it is currently on-line) to the off-line position
2. Remove power from the off-line unit
3. Disconnection of cables from the off-line unit
4. Physical removal of the unit.
Replacement is the reverse of this procedure.
4.0 Maintenance
Manual tuning of the modem’s reference is accomplished using the <Unit: Ref – Fine Tune>
parameter and entering a value from –127 to +127
Automatic calibration of the modem’s internal reference is accomplished by inserting a known high
accuracy reference at the rear panel “External Reference” input and enabling the <Unit: Test – Cal
Ref> item. The calibration should take several seconds and will indicate a successful completion. If
the calibration fails then the external reference was out of range in either level or frequency.
CAUTION!: The Reference Calibration procedure may result in lost traffic during performance of
the calibration! The calibration should not be performed in operating links without
prior arrangements.
The factory calibration may be restored by setting the <Unit: Ref – Fine Tune> value to “0”.
The modem does not have a power switch so turning the unit “ON” is done by connecting the DC
power to the DC input connector J2. At every power-up, the modem processor tests itself and several
of its components before beginning its main monitor/control program. These power-up diagnostics
take approximately 1 second and show no results if successful. If a failure is detected, the indications
vary by the type of fault detected. A serious failure will result in the front panel Alarm LEDs flashing at
a rate of approximately 4 times a second, and the unit beeper sounding.
Most potential failures will result in the modem giving an description of the problem on the front panel
LCD display. Status indications are shown highest priority first.
The initial field checkout of the modem can be accomplished from the front panel or in the Terminal
Mode. The Terminal Mode has the advantage of providing full screen access to all of the modem’s
parameters, but requires a separate VT100 terminal or computer running a terminal program in
VT100 or ANSI mode.
The most common factory default parameters placed into the non-volatile memory are shown in Table
4-1.
Access the “Lamp Test” Mode from the front panel parameter <Unit: Test - Modem>. Press “Edit” to
select the “Lamp Test” and press “Enter” to start the modem self-test.
CAUTION!: All of the modem testing functions described below will result in loss of traffic. They
should not be used in operating links without prior arrangements.
The simplified diagram below shown in Figure 4-1 show the location of the modem’s built in loopback
functions. The advantage to having these functions built-in is that they are electronically
programmable without having to disconnect existing cabling to connect equipment that must be
available for testing.
Each of these loopback modes are individually programmable at the modem front panel or remote
control interface. More detail on each of the typical loopback uses is given below.
NOTE: This is a uni-directional loopback and no data will be returned to the terrestrial side of the
modem.
NOTE: In this test, the near end satellite and IF loop-back functions should not be enabled whether
using the internal or an external BERT. Setting this mode slaves the modulator timing to the
demod timing and the FIFO buffer remains engaged if enabled.
In this type of testing an external BERT is typically set to provide a terminal timing output, while the
connected modem is set to use the terminal timing signal as the transmit bit rate clock source. This
modem can alternatively be set to use its internal clock for the transmit clock timing and provide that
signal to the BERT for synchronization. More information on using the M7’s internal BERT is given
below.
CAUTION!: Enabling the BER Test set will result in disruption of any traffic currently through the
M7 in the direction that is enabled. BER Tests should not be performed on a live
traffic unit.
The modem BERT can be “pointed” in two possible directions. The normal mode involves the BER
transmitting in the direction of the satellite and receiving from the satellite direction. Added in the M7
is an alternate mode which allows the BERT to transmit and receive toward the terrestrial data
interface side. The direction is controlled via the Interface <Intf: Test – BER I/O> parameter and can
be selected for either “Satellite” or “Terrestrial”. The Satellite direction looks to the modem as if a DTE
is sending and receiving data. The Terrestrial direction appears to the line as if a DCE device is
sending and receiving data.
The Modulator (Transmit) BERT is enabled at <Intf: Test – Send BER>, and the Demodulator
(Receive) BERT is enabled at <Intf: Test – Rcv BER >. With either transmit or receive being enabled
by choosing either the 2047 or 2^23-1 test pattern options. Both BERT setting should be the same to
operate properly.
When the Demodulator receive BER Test is enabled, there are seven (7) test status items shown in
the Interface Test column. These seven (7) items are:
1. BER – The ratio of errored bits to un-errored bits since the test began or was last reset.
Expressed in bits per bit as x.yyy E-power where the mantissa (x.yyy) is always between 0
and 10 and power is the power of 10. For example 1.200 E-6 is 1.2 errored bits in 10^6 bits,
or 1.2 errors per million bits. No errors are expressed as 0.000E-power. Since Errored bits
do not accumulate during a sync loss, it is possible to lose sync for several seconds and not
have the BER affected.
2. BER Sync Loss – The total number of sync losses that have occurred since the test began
or was last reset.
3. BER Errors – The total number of bit errors that have occurred since the test began or was
last reset. Errored bits do not accumulate during a sync loss.
4. BER Bits – The total number of bits that have been received since the test began or was last
reset.
5. BER EFS – Error Free Seconds. The percentage of the total number of seconds with no
errors occurring during that particular second. Compiled since the test began or was last
reset. No errors are shown as “100.00%”. Errored seconds accumulate during a sync loss.
6. BER Erred Sec – The total number of seconds with errors occurring during that particular
second, since the test began or was last reset. Errored seconds accumulate during a synch
loss
7. BER Total Sec – The total number of seconds since the test began or was last reset.
The test is reset or started over by viewing any of the 7 status items listed above and pressing the
“Edit” or “0” key, then responding to the prompt “Enter to Restart” by pressing “Enter”. A restart on
any items resets all items and values.
A single error may be inserted when the BER test is active to verify proper operation by using the
<Intf: Test – Send BER> parameter and pressing “3” and “Enter”. This could be useful since it is
sometimes difficult to see errors with the Turbo Product Codes FEC.
In the loop-back diagram shown above, the BER test sets are physically between the satellite and
terrestrial loop-back functions. Thus data traversing through either of these loop-backs does not
involve the BER test sets, even if enabled. If the built-in BERT is being used the local “satellite loop-
back” function should not be enabled.
The transmit output from the built-in BERT always faces toward the modem’s transmit or satellite
side, while the receive comes from the modem’s receive side. It is not designed to transmit and
receive signals from the terrestrial side of the data connection.
All of these settings and test results are also available via the remote control interface, allowing for
automated and periodic testing of units not in service.
4.4. Troubleshooting
The following is a list of possible problems that could be caused by failures of the modem or improper
setup and configuration for the type of service. The list is arranged by possible symptoms exhibited
by the modem. When simple solutions yield no results then test equipment may be necessary to help
isolate the trouble. A spectrum analyzer and an external Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) function are
invaluable. The modem has a built in BERT function that can be used as a substitute for the external
BERT function.
In most cases the first attempt at isolating a problem suspected of being within the modem is to
substitute the suspect modem with known good equipment assuring the configuration parameters are
correct. If the configuration setting of the equipment is not the source of the problem, this method will
quickly eliminate items from the potential source list. The two drawbacks to this method are the
availability of extra equipment and the possibility of interaction between two or more equipment items.
4.4.1. Symptom: The Modem will not acquire the incoming carrier:
Possible Cause: Improper receive input to modem.
Action: Verify all receive cabling is correct.
4.4.2. Symptom: The Modem acquires a carrier but loses lock intermittently.
Possible Cause: Receive acquisition range set too narrow. When the carrier drifts outside of the
acquisition range the demodulator loses lock until the carrier returns inside the acquisition range.
Action: Check the actual receive carrier frequency and the receive offset at the front panel and
set the acquisition range appropriately.
Possible Cause: Receive Carrier signal Eb/No is too low resulting in poor BER performance.
Action: Ensure that the transmit end is properly set and that the receive subsystems are all
operating correctly. In a small station ensure that the antenna is “peaked” on the satellite. In a Ku-
Band station, intense rain can cause poor receive performance.
Possible Cause: Transmit and Receive scrambler or differential encoder options do not match or
not enabled. Note – The differential encoder in the M7 is under processor control only, but this
cause could apply to a mixed system linked to another modem.
Action: Check the current state of the Scrambler and differential encoder. In all operating
systems the differential encoder/decoder and one of the available scramblers must be enabled.
4.4.5. Symptom: Receive DTE equipment indicates “clock slip” or “sync lost”.
Possible Cause: The FIFO automatically re-centers when an overrun or under-run condition
occurs.
Action: Check that the proper clocking options are used and the FIFO buffer is set large enough
to handle the expected satellite Doppler shift over a 24 hour period. No amount of buffering will
correct for different clocks on the input and output of the FIFO.
There are two (2) ways to upgrade the firmware in the M7.
The first is to replace the internal SD card with a new card that has the updated firmware.
The second is to update the M7 firmware via the Web Browser interface.
Before starting the update process access the Unit-Test tab and verify the installed firmware.
Upgrading from one feature set to another is accomplished in the following manner.
Contact your local reseller or Datum Systems directly requesting an upgrade and noting the Unit
Serial Number, current version and the version to which you would like to upgrade to. Upon
purchasing an upgrade you will be provided with a special 20 digit code which is used to enable the
upgraded features. The code is unique to this unit’s serial number and will not work in any other
modem.
There are a couple of ways to insert the feature code into the M7.
Feature sets can only be upgraded. There is no code to downgrade a feature set to a lower one.
The M7 also has a significant number of FEC compatibility modes for aid in achieving compatibility
with some competitive modems, especially in Turbo FEC modes. These modes are denoted by the
FEC Option type “CT” on the front panel selection.
4.7.1.1.2. Is Datum Systems' Turbo Product Codes compatible with that made by other
modem manufacturers?
The M7 also has a significant number of FEC compatibility modes for aid in achieving compatibility
with some competitive modems, especially in Turbo FEC modes. These modes are denoted by the
FEC Option “CT” on the front panel selection. These modes are typified by the modes used in the
CDM5xx and CDM6xx series of competitive modems.
There are several modes that are probably not compatible for several reasons. First is that
there is no standard for implementation of TPC. Second, Datum Systems spent a lot of time
and development in implementing a full set of TPC parameters (i.e. Rates 1/2, 3/4 and 7/8),
and insuring the absolute best performance with no compromises. We have seen no other
TPC implementation that even comes close to ours. Third, because we have many
customers that use our modems in systems requiring low latency we implemented an
alternate "Short Block" mode that reduces the typical TPC delay by approximately 1/3. The
techniques used in this TPC achieve the best performance of any modem currently produced.
Our latest TPC “Advanced” modes are also proprietary to Datum Systems, simply because
we know of no one else using the specific parameters.
and select option “0” or “Factory”. From that point you make necessary changes to set the desired
configuration. Once all parameters are set as required the configuration can be saved using the
<Unit: Configuration - Store> control. From there you can always go back to this configuration by
recalling it.
4.7.1.2.2. Why doesn’t my M7 talk to another M7 over the satellite? I have set all the
parameters the same.
Any satellite modem has a significant number of parameters, which are settable in order to achieve
the maximum performance at the least cost. Because there are so many parameters it is possible to
have one unit with a slightly different parameter set than that at the other end of the link. If after
insuring that all parameters are set the same and that the acquisition range is correct and that there
are no interfering carriers; one other method is to take both modems back to the factory default
condition and rebuild the configuration from “scratch”. Use the front panel <Unit: Configuration -
Recall> and select option “0” or “Factory”. You may want to save your current configuration before
resetting to the default.
4.7.1.2.3. What is the delay from end to end using the M7?
The satellite link itself represents a fixed and very slightly variable delay due to the distance of the
satellite from the two stations linked. This delay is approximately 250 milli-seconds. In addition
Appendix A lists the specified fixed and rate dependent delays incurred in the modem’s transmit and
receive processing, including those in the IBS Multiplexer and Reed-Solomon if equipped and
enabled.
4.7.1.2.4. Can I use the M7 to help align the station antenna? Is an AGC output provided
to feed to automatic antenna positioning equipment?
Yes - The M7 has a single analog output that is produced by the main processor and converted to
analog by a D/A converter. The parameter selected for this output can be either the AGC, Eb/No or
Mod CXR Level selected in the <Unit: Monitor - Mode>. The slope and polarity are selected using
the “Zero” and “Full” parameters below this. The signal is available at the rear panel on the J5 Alarm
Connector, pin 5 with the Ground return on pin 6. See Installation Section 2.3.3, “Alarm Connection”,
and Operations Section 3.11 for more information on connection and use of the monitor function.
The AGC has been the classic parameter used for this type of function, but the M7 provides an output
that may be better in most situations. That is the Eb/No, which is a function without the slope changes
and negative signal sense of the AGC signal.
4.7.1.2.5. Where is the “Eye Pattern” test points for the I and Q channel receive signals?
The M7 does not have an analog test point to view the eye pattern. All information at this point in the
receive chain is digital and measured by the modem processor. The result of this measurement is
presented as the Eb/No. If it is absolutely essential to view the eye pattern as analog test information,
contact the factory for availability of a special test fixture for conversion.
4.7.1.2.6. What happened to the Burst Modulator mode in the M7?
The M7 has the basic circuitry necessary to implement burst modulation. The burst demodulation
scheme compatible with the modulation used in the PSM-2100 is no longer manufactured, and there
is no clear standard for implementing this capability. Modifying the M7 to work with a specific burst
demodulator scheme is an option which requires contacting the factory for availability.
4.7.1.2.7. How do I use the modulator and demodulator functions to invert the spectrum?
These options were added into the M7 to aid in building specialized systems which may invert the
spectrum sense of the received carrier. The main cause of this would be an up or down converter
which performs a spectrum inversion.
4.7.1.2.8. How do I use the modulator and demodulator functions to vary the FEC C0 and
C1 values?
These options were added into the M7 to help achieve compatibility with other brands of modems at
the other end of a link. These parameter settings also allow changing the modulation of adjacent
carriers on the satellite so that a demodulator will not lock to them. This has value if the carriers are
placed closer than the required receive acquisition range. Using this scheme requires the use of the
demodulator search mode.
Intelsat in the latest IESS 308/309 has changed the definition of the C0 and C1 values. This option
allows compatibility with any definition.
4.7.1.2.9. How do I determine the transmitted "Symbol Rate" of the modem?
This particular parameter used to be a lot simpler to define. With the introduction of Turbo
Product Codes coupled with all the other modem modes and options like programmable IBS
multiplexer data load it is now extremely hard to define. The modem knows though, and it is
available at the front panel parameter showing the current transmit/receive symbol rate. It is
in the <Mod: Test – Symbol Rate> and the <Dem: Test – Symbol Rate> parameters.
4.7.3.5. Why can’t I find or see a certain option parameter that is shown in the tables?
Many parameters are only available when another option has been enabled which requires that
parameter. For example, the <Demod: IF – Sweep Time> parameter is only visible if the <Demod:
IF – Sweep Mode> is set to “Search”. These options are shown in the tables as gray to indicate this
status.
4.7.3.6. Can I control the far end modem from the front panel of a local modem?
The M7 has the ability to control the far end modem (when linked and locked) from a local modem,
but only using the remote control port. This ability requires enabling the Multiplexer option. Control
from the front panel is prone to possible mistakes that would lead to accidentally setting the remote
modem in a state that could not be recovered without going to the remote site.
4.7.3.7. The far right “Remote” LED is blinking. What does it mean?
The Unit Remote Activity parameters allow setting this lamp to blink when activity is detected on the
USB or serial remote control ports. The same is possible for the “Local” LED using the Unit Keyboard
Activity control.
4.7.3.8. I seem to have no modulator or demodulator functions available?
There are two reasons that could explain this. First, there are some units sold with only one function
installed for special purposes. These units would have a model number indicating this such as PST
for a Modulator transmit only or PSD indicating a Demodulator receive only.
The other reason could be that the Modulator or Demodulator is disabled. To check and enable if
desired, go to the <Unit: Config – Modem>.parameter which shows what is enabled and allows
changing.
4.7.3.9. What do the abbreviations on the front panel and in the manual mean?
See the abbreviations in FAQ Section E below.
4.7.4. Remote Control
4.7.4.1. Where is the ASCII Control packet structure in the M7?
The M7 and the PSM-4900 modems do not have an ASCII control packet protocol, only the binary
packet protocol. The SnIP however does have a fairly complete command line driven control method
via the “M7ctl” program. In addition the SnIP can potentially control multiple modems connected via
its external RS-485 control port.
4.7.4.2. Can I use the USB connector at J10 to remotely control the M7?
The USB connector is mainly intended for firmware updates requiring a faster speed than the RS-
232/449 connection can supply. It is possible to control the modem in binary packet mode via the
USB connection. However, this connection does not use or accept addresses in the packet structure,
so it will likely require re-writing your packet routines.
You cannot currently use the USB connection for “Terminal Mode” control.
4.7.4.3. Is there a “compatibility” mode for the remote control binary packet protocol that
looks like that in the PSM-4900?
Yes. The new M7 design dictated a new structure to implement the significantly greater number of
commands available in the M7. Many items such as the interface structure, data rates and available
options are so different that creating a compatible command set was impossible. However the M7
actually contains both its own and a copy of the PSM-4900 protocol, allowing the M7 to accept and
respond to PSM-4900 packets within the limitations of the PSM-4900 capabilities. This allows mixed
systems of 4900 and 500 series modems without initially changing control software. The compatibility
does not currently extend to operation over the link on the MCC channel.
4.7.4.4. Is there a “compatibility” mode for the remote control binary packet protocol that
looks like that in the PSM-2100?
No. The new commands dictated a new structure to implement the significantly greater number of
commands available in the M7. Many items such as the interface structure, data rates and available
options are so different that creating a compatible command set was impossible. The packet structure
itself is virtually identical though and in most cases the new command set can be accommodated by a
“driver” tailored to the M7.
4.7.5. Data Interface
4.7.5.1. How do I make a cable to connect to my V.35 (or EIA-530) device?
See the “Installation” Chapter 2 and Appendix C on “Cabling Specifications” which shows how to
make cables to interface between the modem’s DB37 connector and other types of common
connectors used.
4.7.5.2. Where do I get a “Y” cable to implement 1:1 redundancy?
These may be purchased from Datum Systems or it is possible to build your own. The connections
are discussed in Chapter 2 “Installation” and shown in Appendix C, “Cabling Specifications”.
4.7.5.3. Why do I keep getting “sync losses” on my link? Or why does a BERT test show
“sync losses”?
This is usually a sign that some section of the link has a clock or data inversion. See Chapter 4 of the
manual for “Loop” testing to try to determine where the problem is and correct either the wiring or
change the modem data or clock sense.
4.7.5.4. Why does the modem occasionally fail to operate with my DTE equipment, and to
correct it I have to invert the data or clock?
The only cause in an otherwise functioning modem for this symptom is that the differential
encoder/decoder is turned off. Modems use the differential encoding to determine the proper
relationship between the clock and data. If the encoder is turned off the modem has a possibility of
locking to a signal with the wrong phase. For all normal operation of the modem the Modulator
differential encoder and the Demodulator differential decoder must be “Enabled”.
The Turbo Product Codes (TPC) option does not use the differential encoder, and when it is enabled
the differential encoder and/or decoder is turned off and the option is removed from the parameter
matrix. Other modes also automatically control the differential encoder and decoder in the M7, but a
linked modem may have the ability to turn it on or off.
4.7.5.5. How do I use the built-in Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) set?
See Maintenance Section 4.1.2 for information on using the built-in BERT. The M7 BERT now has
the ability to be switched to look at the data line side.
4.7.5.6. Can I use the built-in Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) set to test the line or DTE side
equipment?
Yes with reservations. The BERT is designed to normally transmit and receive to the modem side.
New in the M7 is the ability to electrically switch the direction that the BERT “looks” toward the line
side. However, because of the hard wiring of the interface the pinout is fixed as a DCE device. See
Maintenance Section 4.1.2 for information on using the built-in BERT.
4.7.5.7. Why doesn’t my 1:1 redundant switch on certain alarms?
The 1:1 redundancy logic is programmable on two levels. First is the <Unit: Redundcy – SW Rqst>
parameter which selects whether a switch is requested on all alarms, alarm A and/or alarm B. If it is
set to any options but “On All Alarms” then the particular alarms that are summed into the A and B
alarms are themselves programmable, creating the second level. See the discussion in section for
more information.
4.7.6. Manual
4.7.6.1. What do the abbreviations on the front panel and in the manual mean?
A good example is the display and manual representation "Redundcy SW Rqst". Unfortunately the
display does not hold enough characters to display the full text of "Redundancy Switch Request".
Following is a list of abbreviations used.
Lvl Level
Max Maximum
MCC Modem Control Channel
Min Minimum
Mod Modulator
Mux Multiplexer
Opt Option
OverHd Overhead
RCV, Rcv Receive, into the Demodulator
Redundcy Redundancy
Ref Reference
Rqst Request
RS, R-S Reed-Solomon – Type of FEC
Sat Satellite
SCPC Single Channel Per Carrier
SER Symbol Error Rate
Satellite network Interface Processor, our name
SnIP
for an Ethernet Interface running Linux.
SW, Sw Switch
Sync Synchronous or Synchronization
SysClk System Clock
Ter, Terr Terrestrial – Line side of modem
TPC Turbo Product Codes – Type of FEC
Tst Test
USB Universal Serial Bus
VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal
XMT, Xmt Transmit, from the Modulator