Measuring tools of Planar Company

 

Review contents:

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In 2003 Planar Company has started manufacturing new series of devices for measuring parameters of TV radio signal. Series consists of two models: IT-08 and IT-09. They feature compact size and light weight. IT-08 and IT-09 works in extended 5…870 MHz frequency range. Operation temperature range is -10…+40°C. The use of modern raw elements base allows decreasing RF signal measuring error to ±1.5 dB. Input electronic attenuator with automated attenuation selection allows measuring RF signal level up to 120 dBµV.

IT-09 “Malysh” (“Baby”) is a portable device designed for measuring TV radio signal’s level. It features measuring parameters of TV radio signal (V/A ratio and V/N ratio, additional service modes at operation with external computer, upgrade of built-in software application via COM port with no additional equipment, flexible c system, large memory volume, memory division onto work chapters with comments recording: address, object’s name, date etc.), dynamic “notebook” memory assignment, automated frequency plan detection in the cable TV network, operation with several frequency plans, ability to correct frequency plan with 125 kHz step, checking parameters of cable network using predefined templates according to State Standard.

IT-09 “Malysh” TV radio signal measuring too main technical characteristics:

IT-08

• Frequency range — 5…870 mhz;
• Range of level measured — 30…120 dBµV;
• Level measuring resolution — 0.1 dB;
• Main affordable measuring error limit at tuned frequency — ±1.5 dB;
• Indication — symbol LCD display 12×2;
• Continuous operation time from built-in battery — no less than 4 hours;
• Dimensions — not more than 125×80×45 mm;
• Weight — not more than 0.25 kg.

IT-08 “Graphic” TV radio signal level measurer has main technical characteristics similar to IT-09 ones. There are few differences:

IT-09

• Indication — graphic LCD display 128×64;
• Dimensions — not more than 200×85×50 mm;
• Weight — not more than 0.5 kg.

IT-08 is a portable device designed for measuring TV radio signal’s levels and it features the same functionality as IT-09. Besides, it can operate in specter analyzer mode with ability to select a viewing range by frequency and amplitude. Device has built-in speaker for audio signal monitoring. IT-08 can operate within a system for measuring and monitoring the return channel’s parameters. Device’s keyboard allows inputting channels’ numbers and frequency values directly; functional buttons give a possibility to perform quick switchover and mode selection.

With a development of interactive cable networks the installers face a problems related to adjustment, fault detection and operational monitoring of return channel. For solving this task the system ’Complex OK’ designed for measuring and monitoring return channel’s parameters is offered.

This system allow measuring return channel frequency response using four frequency points relatively to selected control network’s point with installed in it pilot signals generator (PSG further). Device also gives a possibility to measure radio signal specter in the return channel frequency band. All this guarantees continuous monitoring of cable network operability. Parameters measured are shown on LCD display of central measuring device (CIU further), on computer’s display connected to CMD or on the display of TV measurer TVM further) connected to any point of network

Complex OK technical parameters:

• Frequency range for parameters measuring — 5…65 MHz;
• Frequency setup step — 125 kHz;
• Level measuring error — ±1.5 dB;
• Specter measuring dynamic range — not less than 60 dB;
• Return channel frequency response measuring time — not more than 0.5 sec;
• Frequency range for measured parameters transfer — 400…450 MHz;
• Number of PSGs in a bundle — up to 8.

The system consists of:

• central measuring device (CIU-01). It is designed for measuring levels of pilot signals coming from each PSG and radio signal’s specter with further showing parameters on built-in display, sending data to computer and cable network within direct channel’s frequency range
• pilot signals generator (PSG-01). It is dedicated for creating control pilot signals for return channel’s frequency response measuring
• TV measurer (IT-08). It is designed for receiving and displaying information about return channel parameters sent by CIU and for measuring radio signal levels in frequency ranges of direct and return channels.

The system works as follows. PSG generators are being installed in control points of cable network where return channel’s frequency response monitoring is needed. PSG is being programmed using computer or measuring device which is included into the system. It is possible to measure number of pilot signals (up to 4) and their frequencies in 5…65 MHz range (with 125 kHz step). Output level of a voltage is being adjusted in 80…120 dBµV range with 1 dB step. Pilot signals are being created sequentially in time. Each radio pulse contains number of PSG (1…8) which can be changed by user. Mode of continuous radiation in defined frequency is possible.

Generator is made in metal cabinet with dimensions of 160×85×155 mm. Power feeding is realized either from 220 V power networks or from built-in battery. Operation time from battery is not less than 4 hours.

Central measuring device (CIU) is placed within head (nod) device, for example headend station, fiber optic unit and so on. CIU is being adapted to current network configuration. Search for working PSG is being performed and pilot signals’ frequencies are being defined. Scanning frequency range is being done separately by frequencies of operating PSGs for measuring frequency response of return channel and over full range with minimal step for radio signal specter measuring. Parameters measured are being encoded into digital stream and transferred to the network in 400…450 MHz direct channel frequency range.

CIU is made in 19" chassis according to MAC297 standard. Device is equipped with built-in LCD display for showing operation modes and measuring results investigating. Device is powered from 220 V network.

TV measurer connected to random point of network receives information from CIU and shows it on display. It is possible to view either pilot signals’ levels from selected PSG or a specter of whole return channel range.

Using computer connected to CIU it is possible to perform automated monitoring of cable network operability, statistical information gathering, quick parameters measuring and storing measuring results. Computer connection to local computer network or telephone modem allows realizing a function of fault alarm.

Material is provided by Planar Company