MAF 900-60S MULTI-CARRIER POWER AMPLIFIER USER MANUAL Table Of Contents Section 1 Page No. General Description ......................................................................................1 Section 2 Specifications ................................................................................................2 Mechanical Specifications ............................................................................3 Environmental Specifications .......................................................................4 Section 3 Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier Principals of Operation...............................5 Principals of Operation .................................................................................6 Principals of Operation .................................................................................7 Section 4 Operating Instructions...................................................................................8 Section 5 Installation Instructions.................................................................................9 Installation Instructions................................................................................10 Installation Instructions................................................................................11 Section 6 Maintenance .................................................................................................12 Maintenance .................................................................................................13 Maintenance .................................................................................................14 Maintenance .................................................................................................15 Maintenance .................................................................................................16 Section 7 Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................17 Section 1 Amplifier System Description Introduction This manual contains information and specifications of Paradigm Wireless Systems MAF 900-60S Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier. The purpose of this manual is to familiarize the user to the basic operation and specification of the product. Any misuse of information may lead to partial or total damage to the amplifier. This manual is organized into the following sections:
Section 1 Amplifier System Description Section 6 Maintenance Section 2 Amplifier Specifications Section 7 Troubleshooting Section 3 Principals of Operation Section 4 Operating Instructions Section 5 Installations 1.1 General Description The Paradigm Wireless Systems MAF 900-60S Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier (MCPA) is designed to operate in the 5 MHz frequency band of 935 MHz to 940 MHz. The MAF 900-60S amplifiers are designed for 2-way paging radio transceiver base stations using GMSK modulation. The MCPA is designed to integrate with a sub-rack system. Total composite output power is 80 Watts from the MCPA. The MCPA draws +27 Vdc power from the sub-rack. The LED on the front panel of the MCPA will be GREEN during normal operation. Any alarm condition will turn the LED to RED or AMBER. This will indicate an alarm condition within the MCPA. External alarms for connecting to the base station will be sent via the D-subminiature connector through the sub-rack. These are dry contact or RS485. Fans are used to cool the heat sink to ensure unit performs to specification over the temperature range. Air is pulled from the front of the amplifier and exhausted through the back of the sub-rack. Over temperature alarms will shut down the MCPA when the heat sink temperature reaches 95 C. The amplifier will auto restart when heat sink temperature decreases to 75 C. This will prevent thermal run away of the MCPA. Each MAF 900-60S MCPA will generate 1900 BTU of heat at full power. Proper cooling and ventilation is essential for continuous operation of the amplifier. 1 Section 2 MAF 900-60S Amplifier Specification The MAF 900-60S MCPA series electrical specification:
Frequency Range Channel Spacing Input Power Output Power Gain Gain Flatness Normal Operating Voltage Current Consumption Abnormal Operating Voltage Efficiency RF Gain Variation over Temperature Gain Variation over Dynamic Range IMD Modulation Type Output Return Loss Output Protection Output Isolation 935-940 MHz 25 kHz
+5 dBm 80 Watts (49.00 dBm)
+58 dB 0.2 dB
+27 Vdc 27.5 Amps @ 80 Watts Power Output
<24 Vdc
>28 Vdc 10.77 %
0.5 dB @ 0 -60 C. +27 Vdc 0.5 dB over 20 dB +27 Vdc
-65 dBc min @ 25 kHz channel spacing, 75 Watts
-63 dBc min @ < 24 Vdc to > 28 Vdc GMSK
-14 dB minimum Mismatched Protected 20 dB minimum MCPA Front Panel Switch CKT Breaker +27 Vdc Power Indicator 2 MAF 900-60S MCPA series mechanical specifications:
Physical Dimension of MCPA Weight Connector Type Connector Description 13.82 in. high x 3.90 in. wide x 17.0 in. long 31.5 lbs. D-Sub, Hybrid, Plug-in Type RF Connector: PKZ 26-
0020 series straight plug (Phoenix Co.) Pin Outs RF Input (Coaxial Contact) A1 Ground (Power Contact) A2
+27 Vdc (Power Contact) A3 RF Output (Coaxial Contact) A4 RX +
1 2 RX -
3 GND TX +
4 5 TX -
6 GND 7 8 9 DC ON/OFF 10 Reset 11 Reserved 12 Reserved 13 Amp Address #1 14 Amp Address #2 15 Amp Address #3 16 Reserved 17 Reserved LPA Detect Summary Font Panel LED Display RUN ALARM Major ALARM Minor ALARM Major ALARM Minor ALARM Definition (Major) ALARM Definition (Minor) FCC ID MCPA Captive Fasteners LED type: SMD GREEN (MCPA enabled for operation) RED (MCPA disabled MAJOR alarm occurred LED is ON) AMBER (MCPA enabled MINOR alarm) RED (MCPA disabled) GREEN Blinking (MCPA Standby) Over Power, Over Temperature, Loop Fail, DC Fail VSWR TBD Spring loaded, positive alignment 3 MAF 900-60S MCPA series environmental specifications Operating Temperature Storage Temperature Relative Humidity Operating Air Pressure Shock Pressure Vibration Corrosion Resistance/Salt Fog Altitude 0 to 60 C.
-40 to 80 C. 5%-90% RH (non-condensing) 860 to 1060 mbar 40 m/s s* @ 22 ms half sinusoid shock Integral forced air cooling must operate correctly at up to 0.3 back Bellcore TR-NWT-000063 (1 m/s*0.1
~ 200 Hz) The MCPA shall comply with the requirements of Bellcore Technical Reference TA-NWT-000487, Issue 2 Section 4.12 All specifications shall be met at an altitude up to 15,000 feet where the maximum external ambient temperature is decreased by 0.5 C/1000 feet above sea level. The MCPA shall not sustain damage when being transported at altitude up to 40,000 feet or uniformly applied pressure to 30 PSIA. 4 Section 3 Principals Of Operation 3.1 Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier (MCPA) Functional Description The MAF 900-60S MCPA is a linear, feed-forward multi-carrier power amplifier. The operating frequency of the amplifier is 935 to 940 MHz. The amplifier is designed to operate with a 2-way paging base station radio transceiver using GMSK modulation. Minimum channel spacing is 25 kHz. Each amplifier has a digital control board that controls the amplifiers performance and continuous IMD cancellation over temperature and phase. Continuously comparing active paths with passive references, and correcting for small variations through the RF feedback controls maintain constant gain. An LED on the front panel of the amplifier monitors status of the amplifier. Multi-color LED changes conditions when alarming of the amplifier. When MCPA failure occurs, the alarm signal would be transmitted to the host system via the D-subminiature connector at the rear of the amplifier. The amplifier is compliant to the requirements of FCC Part 90 with respect to spurious emissions. The amplifier is composed of:
A preamp A pre-main amplifier A main amplifier A pre-error and error amplifier Alarm monitoring and control Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier Functional Block Diagram 5 3.2 Pre- Amplifier The input of the amplifier uses two stages of class AB amplification that provide approximately 13.5 dB of gain in the 5 MHz band from 935 MHz to 940 MHz. The amplifier operates on + 27 Vdc. 3.3 Three-Stage Pre-Main Amplifier The input of the amplifier uses three stages of class AB amplification, which provide approximately 32 dB of gain in the 5 MHz band from 935 MHz to 940 MHz. The amplifier operates on + 27 Vdc and a bias voltage of + 5 Vdc. The logic controls the +5 Vdc bias that shuts down the amplifier. 3.4 Main Amplifier The signal provides approximately 11 dB of gain in the 935 MHz to 940 MHz frequency band. The main amplifier operates on +27 Vdc, and a + 5 Vdc bias voltage. The alarm logic controls the +5 Vdc bias voltage. The main amplifier employs class AB amplification for maximum efficiency. The error amplifier and feed forward loops are used to correct signal non-linearity introduced by the class AB main amplifier. The error amplifier operates in a class AB mode. The RF input signals are amplified by a preamp and coupled to an attenuator and phase shifter in the first feed forward loop. The main signal is phase shifted by 180 degrees and amplified in the pre-main amplifier. The output from the pre-main amplifier is fed to the class AB main amplifier. The signal output from the main amplifier is sampled using a coupler. The sampled signal is combined with the main input signal and input to the second feed-forward loop. The error signal is attenuated, phase shifted 180 degrees, then fed to the error amplifier where it is amplified to a level identical to the sampled output from the main amplifier. The output from the error amplifier is then coupled back and added to the output from the main amplifier. The control loops continuously make adjustments to cancel out any distortion in the final output signal. 3.5 Pre-Error and Error Amplifier The pre-error and error amplifiers operate on +27 Vdc, and a +5 Vdc bias voltage. The error amplifier applies approximately 30 dB of cancellation signal to the output of the main amplifier. 3.6 Alarm Monitoring and Control During routine operation, all normal variations are automatically compensated for by the feed-forward loop control. However, when large variations occur beyond the adjustment range of the loop control, a loop fault will occur. When this happens, the alarm LED will illuminate RED on the front panel of the amplifier. The amplifier will be in the shut down mode of operation. Reset of the amplifier is necessary for normal operation to resume. 6 3.7 Loop Control Circuit The primary function of the 1st loop is to provide an error signal for the 2nd loop. The primary function of the 2nd loop is to amplify the error signal to cancel out spurious products developed in the main amplifier. The input signal is amplified by a pre-amplifier and fed to a coupler and delay line. The signal from the coupler is fed to the attenuator and phase shifter in the 1st loop. The 1st loop control section phase shifts the main input signal by 180 degrees and constantly monitors the output for correct phase and gain. The 2nd loop control section obtains a sample of the distortion added to the output signals by the main amplifiers. The signal is phase shifted 180 degrees, then fed to the error amplifier where it is amplified to the same power level as the input sample. The signal is then coupled to the error signal on the main output signal. The final output is monitored by the 2nd loop and adjusted to ensure that the signal distortion and intermodulation distortion (IMD) on the final output is cancelled out. 3.8 Amplifier Module Cooling Although each amplifier contains it own heat sinks, forced air is required for cooling the heat sinks. This forced air-cooling pulls heat away from the heat sinks maintaining optimum operation of the amplifiers. This ensures that the amplifier will operate to specification across the specified operating temperature ranges. 3.9 Power Distribution Primary DC power for the amplifier is provided by the host system. The amplifier has a DC/DC converter and voltage regulator that converts the +27 Vdc to +15 Vdc, +12 Vdc, and +5 Vdc, for internal use. +27 Vdc for the MCPA is supplied by the sub-rack, through the D-subminiature connector on the rear of the MCPA. 7 Section 4 Operating Instructions 4.1 Introduction This sections contains the general operating instructions for Paradigm Wireless Systems MAF 900-60S MCPA. This will help guide the user on proper operation of the MCPA. 4.2 Initial Start-Up and Operating Procedure To perform initial start-up, proceed as follows:
1. Carefully remove MAF 900-60S MCPA series from shipping carton 2. Place MAF 900-60S MCPA into sub-rack assembly Caution When placing MAF 900-60S MCPA into sub-rack gently slide MCPA into matting connector. Damage can occur to matting connector due to abrupt handling of the unit. To ensure good performance of the unit visual matting is recommended. Note All RF connections to the unit will be of 50 ohm. Any changes in impedance will cause severe mismatch and VSWR to occur. Do not operate the amplifier without a load attached to output of sub-rack. 3. Connect all RF input and output cables to the sub-rack. 4. Ensure (Reset) switch to OFF position and source power is un-keyed or turned off. 5. Connect +27 Vdc power source to sub-rack 6. Turn +27 Vdc to ON position. Place (Reset) to ON position. 7. Ensure sub-rack fans are working. 8. Normalize amplifier for 5 minutes in ON position. Monitor for alarms on front panel. 9. Before turning on source power, verify RF level is set to minimum. High source input level can damage amplifier. 10. Turn-on 1 channel from source power. Set power level. Note If operating MAF 900-60S MCPA without sub-rack, individual fans, RF attenuation, and D-Sub connector needs to be assembled for operation. Please contact your representative at Paradigm Wireless Systems for information. 8 Section 5 Installation 5.1 Introduction This section contains unpacking, inspection, installation instructions and recommendations for the MAF 900-60S MCPA. It is important that the operator perform the following tasks correctly and in good faith. 1. Carefully read all materials in this section prior to equipment unpacking or installation. 2. Also read and review the operating instructions in Section 4 prior to installing the amplifier. 3. If applicable, carefully review the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulation as they apply to your installation 5.2 Site Survey Paradigm Wireless Systems recommends that a qualified individual or firms prior to equipment ordering or installation perform a site survey. Performing a survey will reduce or eliminate installation and turn-up delays caused by oversights. Attentions to power plant capacity, battery back up, cooling/air conditioning, AC breakers capacity, RF/DC cabling/breaker requirements are essential. 5.3 Electrical Service Recommendations Paradigm Wireless Systems recommends that:
Proper AC line conditioning and surge suppression be provided on the primary AC input to the +27 Vdc source. All electrical service should be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, any applicable state or local codes, and good engineering practice. Grounding of all equipment should be in accordance to Bellcore standards. Circuit breakers should be thermal type, capable of handling the anticipated inrush current. 5.4 Air Conditioning Each MAF 900-60S MCPA will generate approximately 1900 BTU of heat. When using more than one amplifier it is recommended that a thermal analysis be performed. Ensuring proper cooling will extend the Mean Time Before Failure of the unit. 5.5 Unpacking and Inspection This equipment (as applicable) has been operated, tested, and calibrated at the factory. Carefully open and remove the MAF 900-60S amplifier from the shipping container. Retain all packing material and shipping container in the event that the unit must be returned to the factory. Please perform the following steps:
9 Exercise care in handling equipment during inspection to prevent damage caused by rough or careless handling. CAUTION 1. Visually inspect the MAF 900-60S MCPA for damage that may have occurred during shipment. 2. Check for evidence of water damage, bent or warped chassis, loose screws, nuts or extraneous packing material in the connector(s). CAUTION Before applying power, make sure that all connectors to the MAF 900-60S are secure. Make sure that the input and output of the amplifier is terminated to 50 ohms. Do not operate the system without a load attached. Excessive input power may damage the equipment. If possible, inspect the equipment in the presence of the delivery person. If the equipment is damaged:
The carrier is your first recourse. A claim should be filed with the carrier once the extent of damage is assessed. Careful, immediate inspection is important if the carrier is suspect of damage. If the equipment is damaged and must be returned to the factory:
Contact your Paradigm Wireless Systems representative. Paradigm Wireless Systems may not accept returns without an RMA. 5.6 Installation Instructions Model MAF 900-60S MCPA is designed for use in a 900 MHz 2-way paging transceiver radio base station. The host enclosure must permit access to the sub-rack for DC power, RF and alarm cables as well as proper ventilation of sub-rack the assembly. 10 WARNING Verify that all circuit breakers on the MAF 900-60S MCPA is in the OFF position and
(Reset) switch is in OFF position before installation in sub-rack. Turn OFF all external power to the sub-rack before installing MAF 900-60S MCPA 1. Install sub-rack into host radio base station and secure it into place using #10 32x1/2 Phillips screws and #10 flat washers. 2. Connect +27 Vdc using #10 gauge wire. 1- Positive (red) 1- Return/Ground
(black). 3. Connect RF IN cable to sub-rack 4. Connect RF OUT cable to sub-rack. 5. Connect external ALARM interface to external summary alarm board in host radio base station. 6. Before installing the MAF 900-60S MCPA into the sub-rack, inspect the 21-pin-
D-sub combo connector on the rear of each amplifier. Verify that all pins are straight, no pins are recessed, and that the alignment shield is not bent. WARNING Do not slam amplifiers into the sub-rack. Forcing the amplifier into the sub-rack at too fast a rate may cause pins on the 21-pin-D-sub connector of the amplifier to become recessed or broken. 7. Continue installing MAF 900-60S amplifiers into sub-rack. 8. Apply +27 Vdc power to sub-rack. Measure with VOM +27 Vdc 1.0 Vdc. If the input voltage is above or below the limits. Check DC power rectifier system. 9. Verify cooling fans on sub-rack is operational. 10. Refer to Section 4 for initial turn-on and checkout procedure. 11 Section 6 Maintenance 6.1 Introduction This section contains periodic maintenance and performance test procedures for Paradigm Wireless Systems MAF 900-60S Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier. NOTE Check your sales order and equipment warranty before attempting to service or repair the unit. Do not break the seals on equipment under warranty or the warranty will be voided. Do not return equipment for warranty or repair service until proper shipping instructions are received from the factory. 6.2 Periodic Maintenance Periodic maintenance is recommended. Table 6-1 lists the intervals at which the task should be performed. Table 6-1 Periodic Maintenance Task Inspection Interval Cables and Connectors 3 months Performance Tests 12 months Clean Fans/Heat Sinks 3 months Action Inspect signal and power cables for frayed insulation. Check RF connectors ensure connectors are tight Annual performance test as outlined in paragraph 6.4 Inspect for debris. Remove dust with soft cloth, brush or vacuum cleaner. 6.3 Test Equipment Required for Test Test equipment required to test the amplifier is listed in table 6-2. Equivalent test equipment may be substituted for any item. Use of a thermistor type power meter is recommended for optimum results. All RF test equipment must be calibrated and within the calibration date. Any deviation from the nominal attenuation must be accounted for and factored into all output readings. NOTE 12 Table 6-2 Test Equipment Required Nomenclature Network Analyzer Spectrum Analyzer Power Meter Power Meter/Sensor Signal Generator Directional Coupler Attenuator Attenuator Manufacturer Model Agilent Agilent Agilent Agilent RDL Agilent Weinschel Corp Narda 8753 ET 8560E E4418B 437B / 8481A IMD-801D-03A 778D 53-30-34 766-20 6.4 Performance Test Performance test should be performed every 12 months to ensure that the amplifier meets the operational specifications. NOTE The frequencies used in this test are typically within the operating 5 MHz band of 935 MHz to 940 MHz. Select evenly spaced F1, F2, F3, and F4 frequencies that cover the instantaneous bandwidth of your system. Figure 6-2 13 6.5 Amplifier Performance Test To perform this test proceed as follows:
Connect test equipment as shown in figure 6-2. WARNING DO NOT APPLY ANY RF AT THIS TIME 6.6 Amplifier Spurious Emission Test:
Apply +27 Vdc from the power source. Apply 4-15 Watt continuous random tones from the RDL to the MAF 900-60S MCPA. Composite power will be 60 Watts measured from the Power Meter. Setup Spectrum Analyzer for Center Frequency (937.00 MHz), Start Frequency (930 MHz), Stop Frequency (945 MHz) Span (200 kHz) RES BW (1.0 kHz) Video BW (1.0 kHz) Measure and record data on Table 6-3. 6.7 Gain Test:
Disconnect spectrum analyzer from the MAF 900-60S. Connect Network Analyzer to MCPA. Set Network Analyzer as follows:
a. Normalize Network Analyzer for gain and return loss. b. Set start frequency to 935 MHz. Set stop frequency to 940 MHz. Setup Network Analyzer for 2- channel measurement. Set markers to 935 MHz, 937 MHz, 940 MHz. c. Adjust input power of Network Analyzer to measure 60 watts on the Power Meter. d. Measure and record amplifier gain on Table 6-3. e. Set marker to 935 MHz scroll marker (delta) across bandwidth to 940 MHz. Measure Gain Flatness and record on table 6-3. f. With Network Analyzer setup for 2-channel operation measure return loss using S11 data Record on. Table 6-3. 14 Table 6-3 MAF 900-60S MCPA Test Data Sheet Date_________________________ Module S/N___________________ TEST CONDITIONS:
Load and Source Impedance: 50 Ohms VSWR: < 1.2:1 Supply Voltage: +27 Vdc Temperature: Room Temperature SPECIFICATION Voltage = +27 Vdc P(
)out = 15 Watts per channel 935 MHz-940MHz Voltage = +27 Vdc
)out = 60 Watts P(
935 MHz-940MHz Voltage = +27 Vdc P(
)out = 60 Watts 935 MHz-940MHz Voltage = +27 Vdc P(
)out = 60 Watts 935 MHz-940MHz TEST Spurious Emission RF Gain Gain Flatness Input Return Loss PASS Tested By:
MIN MAX DATA
-63 dBc 0.5 dB 58 dB
-15 dB FAIL 15 6.8 Field Replacement of the MAF 900-60S The MAF 900-60S MCPA can be replaced in the field on the site by a qualified technician with experience maintaining RF power amplifiers and radio equipment. To replace a power amplifier module, proceed as follows:
1. Set ON/OFF switch on front of amplifier to OFF position. 2. Loosen the thumbscrews that secure the amplifier to the sub-rack. 3. Slide amplifier out of sub-rack. CAUTION When removing amplifier from the sub-rack, it is important to support the amplifier such that the rear of the module does not suddenly drop when the guide rail disengages from the rack. A drop such as this could damage the rear of the 21-pin-D-
sub connector. 4. Replacement of module is done in the reverse order of removal steps 1-3. 16 Section 7 Troubleshooting 7.1 Introduction This section contains a list of problems that may occur. Paradigm Wireless Systems has suggested corrective action that may correct the problem. If the suggested corrective action does not eliminate the problem, please contact your Paradigm Wireless Systems representative for further instructions. NOTE Check your sales order and equipment warranty before attempting to service or repair the unit. Do not break seals on equipment under warranty or the warranty will be voided. Do not return equipment for warranty or repair service until proper shipping instructions are received from the factory. 7.2 Troubleshooting Refer to Table 7-1 for troubleshooting suggestions:
Symptom Inoperative Over Heating Shut Down Over Power Shut Down Suggested Action 1.Check for proper power supply voltage. 2.Verify all RF connections. 3.Contact your Paradigm Wireless Systems representative. 1.Check for operation of fans on sub-rack assembly. 2.Check for debris in heat sink 3.Check air conditioning/venting unit for proper operation. 4.Contact your Paradigm Wireless Systems representative. 1.Verify host system radio output power level. 2.Verify sub-rack input attenuation. 3.Contact your Paradigm Wireless Systems representative. 7.3 Return for Service Procedures When returning products to Paradigm Wireless Systems, Inc. the following procedures will ensure response. 7.3.1 Obtaining an RMA (Return Material Authorization) A RMA number must be obtained prior to returning equipment to the factory for service. Please contact your Paradigm Wireless Systems representative to obtain this number. Failure to obtain this number may result in delays in receiving repair service. 7.3.2 Repackaging for Shipment To ensure safe shipment of the amplifier, it is recommended that the packaged designed for the amplifier is used. The original packaging material is reusable. 17