newsletter 13 / 2005

PROMAX NEWSLETTER13 / 2005

Television ExplorerField strength metersDTT signal generator

Cable televisionOptical fibre

Monitoring systemsPLC test equipment

Wireless test equipmentDigital oscilloscopes

Electromagnetic field monitor

CABLE TV ANALYSERSAn instrument for each application and budget .................................................................15

INDEX2

NEWSLETTER 13 / 2005

DIGITAL TELEVISION

CABLE TELEVISION

OPTICAL FIBRE

POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS MEASUREMENTS

MONITORING SYSTEMS

WI-FI MEASUREMENTS

DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPES

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MONITOR

THE TELEVISION EXPLORERThe evolution of the field strength meter PRODIG-5...........................................................3FIELD STRENGTH METER: PROLINK-4 and PROLINK-4C PremiumNew functions for DVB-T measurements: the impulse response........................................9DVB-T DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TV MODULATOR: MO-170DVB-T receiver testing system ......................................................................12

EURODOCSIS / DOCSIS ANALYSER: PROMAX-26For installation and supervision of cable modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

OPTICAL SPECTRUM ANALYSER: PROLITE-60The first truly portable and economic analyser for WDM applications .................19

PILOTS GENERATOR: RP-200For testing in cable TV networks.................................................................................18

MONITORING SYSTEMS: PROWATCHControl of telecommunication networks .....................................................................23SPECTRUM MONITORING: PROWATCH-DEIDEDetection and Identification of broadcasting signals .........................................................24

PLC NETWORKS TEST SYSTEM: PROPOWERFor installation and test of Power Line Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

WIRELESS NETWORK ANALYSER: PROFI-70Wi-Fi Network coverage analyser ...............................................................................29

LOW COST DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPESeries OD-57x (with B&W display) and OD-58x (colour display) .....................................30

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MONITOR: MG-626Protection of the environment ...........................................................................................31

A new concept

PROMAX leads the television insta-llation and maintenance test equip-ment market. With the launching ofthe EXPLORER, the equipmentconcept has changed and from nowon it is never going to be the sameagain.

We are introducing a new instru-ment that has a new concept. In thedesign we have exploited the possi-bilities that new digital design tech-niques are offering to produce aninstrument that is above all, easy touse.

The EXPLORER is innovative bothin the functional aspects and inthose related to ergonomics.

Any television systems installerexpects from a meter functions thatallow for installation and maintenanin the fastest and most comfortableway.

At the same time, he wishes theinstrument can really establish areference before determinig pro-blems of the input signal, in the dis-tribution components or with thereception equipment.

Due to the extremely compactdesign, the technical specificationsand the low cost, the EXPLORER isgoing to become the benchmarkinstrument for installers.

THE TELEVISION EXPLORERThe evolution of the field strength meter: PRODIG-5

PROMAX continues to revolu-tionise the television fieldstrength meters market.

The PRODIG-5 is a new meterthat is going to change the wayusers make and understandsignal measurements.


THE TELEVISION EXPLORER 3

Simultaneous measurements

The operation of the EXPLORER isextremely easy.

A symbol based keyboard allows thedirect access to the various functions andthe measurements are displayed simulta-neously.

An avalanche of functions

The highlights of the EXPLORERare its reduced dimensions andweight, its low cost and its incredi-ble technical features:

* Coverage of satellite and televi-sion.

* Tuning by channel and frequency(IF or direct in the case of satellite)

* Automatic channel search with thepossibility to create channel plansfor each new session.

* Automatic identification of the typeof signal.

* Multistandard analogue measure-ments: Level, Video-Audio, C/N.

* Digital measurements: Power,C/N, Channel Identification.

COFDM 2k/8k: MER, VBER, CBERQPSK: CBER, VBER, MER.QAM 16/32/64/128/256: BER, MER.

* Simultaneous display of all themeasurements and main associa-ted parameters.

* MPEG decoding.

*List of services and PID's.

* 5" TFT Monitor (320 candles/m2).

* Total precision:1.5 dB terrestrial.2.5 dB satellite.

* Li-ion batteries: 4 1/2 hours useand recharge to 80% in 1 hour.

* Dimensions: 230 x 161 x 76 (totalvolume: 2814 cm3).

* Weight: 1.9 kg (without protector).

* DiSEq 1.2.

In this way, the EXPLORERbecomes a fully automated andagile instrument, able to detect andto identify practically all of the chan-nels in a television system.

Even in adverse situations, whenthe conditions of the signal to beidentified are very poor or when thecharacteristics of the signal do notcomply to any of the algorithms fortheir identification, the equipmentallows a manual configuration.

Signal detection

When the same 'identification' key is

pressed for a few seconds, a newspectrum exploration sessionbegins.

The EXPLORER is able to determi-nate channel bandwidths and digitalchannel shifts.

Channel Identification

The EXPLORER has been desig-ned to satisfy the measurementneeds in this transitional period tothe analogue switch off in terres-trial, satellite and cable. For thisreason it is equipped with functionsto measure both analogue and digi-tal signals.

When pressing the 'identification'key, it searches and identifies thesignal under test. First it recogniseswhether the signal is an analoguechannel or a digital one. If the chan-nel is analogue, it determines thetelevision standard of the signal.

When the signal is digital, it analy-ses for each modulation type QAM /QPSK / COFDM all the associatedparameters such as the modulationsystem (2k-8k), the symbol rate, thecode rate and determines the valueof the signals under test.

THE TELEVISION EXPLORER4


The Explorer

Unlike the meters currently on themarket, the PRODIG-5 makes adynamic exploration of the spec-trum, detecting all the channels inthe explored band, this applies forthe terrestrial and satellite televisionbands.

This measurement concept marks aradical change in the way to unders-tand and to use the meter. Themeter is no longer a passive equip-ment, that only allows to measurethe state of a series of channels, butit is the meter on its own that beginsby locating the channels and collec-ting them in a data base.

The meter locates all thechannels in the spectrumwith no need of any pre-vious information aboutthe number of channels,the type of signals trans-mitted or their characte-ristics.

The PRODIG-5 discerns analogueand digital signals. With the datacollected after each exploration, itcreates a register that containstables of channels that can be inde-pendent for each system or installa-tion. These tables of channels can

be personalised by assigning thema name. At any time, the measure-ment sessions using only the pretuned channels can be repeated. Inthis way it is possible to optimise themeasurement process.



Speed of process

Time is a limited resource

By increasing the equipment’sintelligence, devices have beenincorporated that allow to increasethe speed of processing. The finalresult is much shorter measurementtimes than those equipments withtraditional designs existing untilnow.

Display

The PRODIG-5 incorporates a highquality 5" TFT- LCD display thatallows optimal resolution.

A light sensor activates the contrastand luminosity of the displayaccording to the environmentalconditions.

Indication of status

At all times the instrument indicatesthe type of measurement that is

being made i.e.Terrestrial / Satelliteand Analogue / Digital.

Ergonomics

The EXPLORER has an ideal sizeto hold with a hand. The instrumentcan be held to the body with thecarrying bag which at the same timeprotects it from the rain.

Another detail that has been takeninto account, especially consideringits outdoors use, has been theanti-shock protector that completelycovers the instrument.

The front panel does not have any

keys nor gaps to avoid accidentalwater ingress.

The weight without the anti-shockprotector is less than 2 kg!

Li-ion Batteries

The instrument is fitted as standardwith Li-ion batteries. These batteriesare the type that provides a maxi-mum operating time and a minimumcharging time. In level measurementmode, the estimated duration is

more than 4 1/2 hours.

It is possible, at any time, to checkstatus of the battery.

A sensor initiates adjustment of thecontrast and brightness of thedisplay.

This extends battery operation time.

Video output

On some occasions, it is convenientto display the measurements of thespectrum analyser in a larger for-mat. The equipment has a videooutput that provides a signal to abigger screen or a projector.

Transport case (option)

Optionally, the instrument can besupplied with a strong transportcase.



Antenna installation

The EXPLORER has been desig-ned to make compatible type ofmeasurements that require of verydifferent working configurations.

A specific function has been develo-ped for easy antenna alignment.When selecting...

the instrument configures itself tooffer a very fast sweep time of thespectrum and a high sensitivitygraphical bar allows the fine adjust-ment of signal peaks necessary tooptimise antenna alignment.

The EXPLORER incorporates thesupply voltage for amplifiers and LNB,including the 5 V for DVB-T indoorantennas. It does also include com-mands to program Diseq 1.2 devices.

Selection of measurement

All the related measurements aredisplayed simultaneously on thescreen. When pressing the measurementkey, a main measurement is selec-ted, so that the one that appearsemphasised in the display can beselected.

Which means the instrument adaptsto the diverse preferences of theuser without adding any complica-tion during familiarisation or opera-tion.



Spectrum analyser

One of the features that has beenmost carefully studied in the instru-ment design has been the spectrumanalysis functions.

Features like accuracy, resolution,sensitivity and sweep time canmake a spectrum analyser a veryuseful tool or a completely uselessinstrument. We believe thePRODIG-5 is well designed to meetthe diverse applications the tele-communication installer has toundertake.

Our accumulated experience andknow-how has been used in theEXPLORER to develop a spectrumanalyser adapted to a wide varietyof measurement requirements, fromthe installation of the antennal to thedetection of complex impulsionalnoise events. While all advancedcontrol possibilities have been incor-porated, a new system to simplify itsuse has been implemented.

The EXPLORER presents an inno-vative control system based on fourarrows, that makes the use of thespectrum analyser very intuitive.

The 'UP-DOWN' arrows set thereference level, so that when pres-sing the 'UP' arrow reference levelis increased by 10 dB (when in adynamic margin of 10 dB/division).When pressing the "DOWN" arrow,the reference level is reduced by10 dB allowing to check signals oflower level.

The "Left-Right" arrows allow toselect the span or expansion, sothat when "right" is pressed themargin of frequencies in display isincreased and when "left" is pres-sed the zone around the cursor canbe analysed with more detail.

By means of the rotating button anyfrequency or channel that needs tobe tuned can be selected.



The impulse response

We introduce the new channelimpulse response function forPROLINK-4C Premium andPROLINK-4 Premium. This featureallows the detection of "echoes" inreception.

DVB-T digital terrestrial televisionhas begun to be implemented in afew countries whilst in many othercountries the introduction is plan-ned.

Working in Single FrequencyNetworks, all the transmitters in thecovered area transmit the sameprogramme in the same channel.

FIELD STRENGTH METERS: PROLINK-4 & PROLINK-4C PremiumNew functions for DVB-T measurements: the impulse response

The most complete instrumenton the market now incorporatesa new function: the impulseresponse.

To the already very wide rangeof functions for measurementsin satellite, terrestrial cabletelevision systems, the instru-ment adds now a new feature,specially useful to work inDVB-T Single FrequencyNetworks.


FIELD STRENGTH METER 9

FIELD STRENGTH METER10


It is necessary that all the transmit-ters are very well synchronised bothin time and in frequency. Usually,GPS based systems are used forthis purpose.

In the area where the coveragemaps from different transmittersoverlap, the signals from differenttransmitters reach the same receiverat different instants of time.

The guard interval is the period oftime that the signal incorporates toabsorb these differences in the arri-val time to the receiver, so that onlyone of the signals is going to beconsidered as a reference and therest will be echoes.

The new impulse response functionbuilt in the PROLINK-4 Premiumand PROLINK-4C Premium allowsthe graphic analysis of this guardinterval and the different events.

The guard interval is represented inthe figure above. The horizontal axisshows the different arrival times ofthe signals from the different trans-mitters and the vertical axis showsthe level.

The distance in kilometres for thedifferent arrival paths is also indica-

ted on the screen. The further thedistance to the transmitter, the lon-ger the time required for the signalto reach the receiver.

This function will be included asstandard in the instruments of newdelivery. If required, it is also possi-ble to upgrade the firmware of theinstruments in the field.

Quality of the digital signal

The PROLINK-4 Premium andPROLINK-4C Premium includemany other functions to determinethe quality of the DVB-T signals. Forexample, the measurement ofPower, C/N, BER, CSI and MER.

The Bit Error Rate (BER) is a para-meter that determines the limit ofacceptability of the signal. This limitis established by DVB. Signals witha BER value higher than 2 x 10-4are not acceptable as they may con-tain too many errors and could evengenerate artefacts in the picture,showing those frozen square pieceson the screen.

But to define the quality of the signalother measurements such as CSI orMER have to be taken in considera-tion. Such parameters will determinethe noise margin or, in other words,

how far we are from the limit ofacceptability.

The constellation

Another very important and comple-mentary function to that we havedescribed previously is the conste-llation. A well designed and perfectlysynchronised transmission systemdoes not assure a reception free oferrors in all the coverage area.

The DVB-T Digital TerrestrialTelevision uses COFDM modula-tion. This technique divides thebandwidth of a television channel inmany portions. Each one is occu-pied by a QPSK, QAM 16 or QAM-64 modulated carrier. Most of thesecarriers (1705 in 2k systems and6817 in 8k) are transporting informa-tion. The so called pilot or TPScarriers, are necessary for thesynchronisation of the receivers.

The constellation diagram is a grap-hic representation of all the digitalsymbols received in a period of time.Thus, the 16 QAM is represented onthe screen by a total of 16 differentzones.

In the ideal case, the symbols arerecognised without any noise by thedemodulator and they appear in the

constellation diagram like points thatone after another are hitting the cen-tre of each zone.The noise and other defects of thetransmission to channel cause thedemodulator to not always read thesymbols suitably. The points can notthen hit in the theoretical centre andthe constellation diagram will showa greater dispersion with diverseforms depending on the type ofnoise.

The constellation function allows toanalyse each one of the QAMcarriers within a COFDM signal:1705 in the system 2k and 6817 in8k.

Transport stream analyser

Another very useful function is thetransport stream analyser. Thisfunction allows the detection ofimpulsive noise affecting the signalreception. The impulsive noise ismainly caused by home appliances,vehicles, etc. These interferencesare easily leaked through theantenna and can affect the recep-tion, but they are not always pre-sent.

This function allows permanentsurveillance of the signal to detectthe appearance of such randominterferences.The PROLINK-4 Premium and

PROLINK-4C Premium allow thedemodulation of the signal to verifythe tables of channels and services,the PID tables, pictures and sound.The built in CAM module also allowsthe demodulation of encrypted sig-nals.


FIELD STRENGTH METER 11

DVB-T DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TV MODULATOR12


COFDM Modulator

The MO-170 modulator providesCOFDM signal in any UHF or VHFchannel.

It allows the adjustment of the signalparameters, such as the modulationtype 2-4-8k, the constellation QPSKor 16/64 QAM, the code rate, etc. Italso allows the generation andadjustment of different quality

signals so to check the response ofthe systems under test.

Verification system

The input signal can be accepted ineither ASI series or SPI parallelformat. Using the GV-998 generator,it makes a complete and indepen-dent testing set denominatedGV-999.

DVB-T DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TV MODULATOR: MO-170DVB-T receiver testing system

We presented a solution for tes-ting of DVB-T digital terrestrialtelevision receivers and sys-tems.

In addition to the multistandardanalogue signal modulated inVestigial Side Band from 35 to900 MHz, the system provides adigital DVB-T signal of selecta-ble quality, essential to verifythe margins of operation of thereceivers.

TV GeneratorGV-998

ModulatorMO-170

Analogue Digital

SPI

ASI

It can be used in two different ope-rating modes, registered and nonregistered.

In non registered mode thePROMAX-26 displays importantcable modem system behaviourparameters such as return path atte-nuation, frequencies in use, MER orconstellation and digital channelpower.

In registered mode it measures sta-tistical data about packet transmis-sion in the network and displayscorresponding IP addresses.

Return path attenuation

PROMAX-26 communicates withthe CMTS automatically displayingimportant information about thecable modem system such asfrequency assignment, downstream

performance, cable modem trans-mission power or return pathattenuation.Return path attenuation is speciallyimportant. Installers must take

action if this parameter is out of aspecific range for system operationmay be compromised otherwise.

MER and constellationdisplay

These measurements are importantfor early detection of excessive sys-

tem noise or intermodulation pro-blems in the downstream. In generalpoor MER may cause cable modemsystem to operate with difficultiesand at a low speed due to lost pac-kets and interruptions.

Graphic constellation display and biterror rate (BER) are other helpfulmeasurements for downstream per-formance evaluation.

PROMAX-26 is an analyserdesigned for the installation,commissioning and maintenan-ce of interactive high speed dataand video services over cableTV networks using EURODOC-SIS and DOCSIS 2.0 standards.In addition, it performs the mea-surements needed to test VoIPservices.

EURODOCSIS / DOCSIS ANALYSER: PROMAX-26Installation and maintenance of cable-modem networks


EURODOCSIS / DOCSIS ANALYSER 13

EURODOCSIS / DOCSIS ANALYSER14


Scan & signal level meterfunction

The instrument can be also used tomeasure analogue and digital RFsignal levels. Measurement of signallevels can help to locate many pro-blems specially when the systemdoes not work well enough to permitcommunication betweenPROMAX-26 and the CMTS

Packet loss ratio

Once PROMAX-26 is registered inthe network it can display usefuldata regarding IP address assign-ment in the communication and howpackets flow through the network.Packet loss ratio (PLR) is obtainedas a result of sending and receivingping packets. It is a statistical mea-sure of the effectiveness of packetcirculation through the network andtherefore is crucial to estimate glo-

bal cable modem system perfor-mance.

Channel Search

Search function explores all EURO-DOCSIS/DOCSIS channels and liststhem. For each channel it displaysthe power level, the MER and theUpstream Channel Identifier (UCI).

Channel evaluation

The instruments includes a functionto generate a time-continuous signalwith selectable level, frequency,modulation and symbol rate in orderto evaluate the quality of the upstre-am channel.

DATA LOGGER

Most important upstream anddownstream measurement parame-ters can be stored in the localmemory using the data logger func-tion with a capacity of 100. All thesedata can be transferred to a PCcomputer to be processed further orto be included in measurementreports.

CABLE TV ANALYSERSAn instrument for each application and budget

PROMAX-10 PremiumQAM Analyser

PROMAX-10 Premium is the mostcompact cable TV analyser withconstellation display available in themarket. In addition, it includes otherfeatures such as BER and MERmeasurements.

PROMAX-10 Premium is a perfectinstrument for all type of operatorsand contractors. It allows installationand verification of both digital and

analog systems. It analyses videoand data signals with 6 and 8 MHzbandwidths.

It is compatible with DOCSIS andEURODOCSIS downstream chan-nels. For signals based on QAM ITUJ1 Annex A/B/C (16/32/64/128/256),it measures power, C/N, BER andMER. For analog signals: level, C/N,V/A and levels of interference byintermodulation (CSO-CTB).

PROMAX cable TV analysersare designed to perform themeasurements needed to installand maintain coaxial cablenetworks.

These analysers cover the mea-surement needs for both analogand new digital systems.


CABLE TV ANALYSERS 15

CABLE TV ANALYSERS16


It includes an scan mode to displayall channels or a group of themsimultaneously.

TILT function provides fast verifica-tion of level difference between two,three or four channels.

The spectrum analyser provides manydifferent applications for measure-ments in both the forward and thereturn path.

The Max Hold function allows detec-tion of transients such as ingress, toverify the transmission quality of thesubscriber cable modem.

Data logger facilitates automaticacquisition of measurements.

Total Power function measures thetotal power of the RF signal toprevent optical converters in HFC

systems from saturation (laserclipping).

Main functions

Video carrier level and digital channel power

Carrier-to-Noise C/N (analogue and digital)

Video/Audio ratio

Intermodulation CSO-CTB

Scan - Tilt

Spectrum Analyser with transient detector

Automatic measurements and data acquisition

BER and MER (Annex A/B/C)

Constellation

PROMAX-10

Premium

PROMAX-8

Premium

PROLINK-1CThe most economical

TV and FM level meter PROLINK-1Cis a professional and portable instru-ment that performs level measure-ments of analogue and digitalsignals with a high degree of accu-racy. It incorporates advancedfeatures such as V/A ratio measure-ment, tunable audio carrier, remotecontrol possibility, etc.

It covers the frequency band from46 MHz to 870 MHz.

Optionally it also covers the returnband starting at 5 MHz.It is possible to program up to seven

different channel plans.It also performs demodulation of FMaudio and includes a tone with fre-quency proportional to signal level.

Measurements are numerically dis-played with a resolution of 0.1 dB orby means of a graphical bar.

It is also available an option to feedexternal units, specially useful formicrowave links (MMDS).

Printer CI-023 can be used for auto-matic printing of measurements ofall predefined channels.

Main functions

Video carrier level

Signal/Noise ratio (analogue)

Video/Audio ratio

Digital channel power

Configurable channel plans

Program memories

5-862 MHz Tuning range

45-862 MHz Tuning range

Rubber holster - Weight: 580 g

PROMAX-6

PROMAX-5

PROMAX-4

PROMAX-6 / 5 / 4

Hundreds of companies havehomologated this equipment for ins-tallation and maintenance.

The success of these products resi-des in the technical characteristicsas much as in the mechanical ones.They are very small and light equip-ment that can be configured tomeasure predefined channels.


CABLE TV ANALYSERS 17

PILOT GENERATOR18


Full band

The RP-200 is able to provide up tofour continuous wave signals (CW)in the band from 5 to 900 MHz. Thisallows to test line or line sectionsand devices in both the forward andthe return band.

Using PROMAX-10 Premium orPROMAX-8 Premium in conjunc-tion with RP-200, level differencescan be adjusted with the TILTfunction.

Low-level harmonics

Output level can be selected from90 to 110 dBuV and independentlyfor each carrier. The level of harmo-nics is -60 dB and therefore produ-ces no interference into adjacentchannels. It is an ideal equipment toinstall new lines and insert reference

signals in operating networks.

The equipment is battery operatedwhich makes it appropriate to resol-ve problems on the field.

Return path monitor

A solution to monitor the return pathis the RP-100 or the RP-100-Q, 2and 4 pilots generators respectively,in conjunction with the RP-300 inthe head-end. This equipmentallows to send through a freechannel, the video signal with theequalisation status. A meter with amonitor will display at any point ofthe network the return channelsequalisation.

PILOTS GENERATOR: RP-200For testing cable TV networks

The RP-200 pilot generator has

been designed to test cable

networks and their associated

devices. It is an ideal equipment

to generate reference signals for

band equalisation of both

downstream and return chan-

nels.

RETURN PATH

FORWARD PATH

HEAD-END

CATVMODULATOR

Adapted for operating inthe field

The optical spectrum analysersavailable until now have very highmeasurement capacity but theywere very bulky and extremelyexpensive. In few words they wereideal for laboratory use but were lac-king the charactristics required formeasurements in the field.

The PROLITE-60 changes the wayto understand optical fibre measure-ments.

PROMAX presents the PROLITE-60portable optical spectrum analyserready to work in extreme conditions.It has an internal battery that provi-des up to 4 hours operating timeand is protected against ingress ofwater and dust.

OPTICAL SPECTRUM ANALYSER: PROLITE-60The first truly portable and economic analyser for WDM applications

One of the priorities for the tele-communication operators is tomake the already existing opti-cal networks profitable. The firststep to achieve that goal is toincrease fibre capacity usingmore wavelengths simultane-ously to carry information. Inorder to evaluate the quality ofan optical signal in a fibre thatcarries more than one wave-length it is not enough with apower meter, for this type ofequipment can not discriminatebetween two or more of thecarriers. It becomes necessaryto have test equipment that canguaranty the correct transmis-sion of information in each oneof the carriers, that is to say itrequires an optical spectrumanalyser.


OPTICAL FIBRE 19

OPTICAL FIBRE20


Easy to use

Different parameters can be confi-gured that substantially affect theform in which the measured signal isdisplayed such as the vertical orhorizontal scales (or Span).

For convenience, so that the user isaware at any time of the portion ofthe whole spectrum being displayed,the PROLITE-60 shows in a smallerwindow in the lower part of thescreen as a Reference Display withindication of the whole spectrumand the part being magnified.

Trace memory

A measurement can be stored in thememory for later display and compa-rison with the current measurement.

Since the PROLITE-60 can be ope-rated in the temperature range from0º to 40º C this feature can be veryuseful for a number of applications.For instance, to observe the wave-length and power drift of a lightsource with changes of ambienttemperature.

It is possible to store up to 10 diffe-rent traces.

SLED Option

Optionally, the PROLITE-60 can bedelivered with a SLED(Superluminiscent Light EmittingDiode) light source.

These sources provide a light of awide spectral content, covering awavelength range of approximately100 nm.

The SLED option can be requested

for centre wavelengths of 1310 nmor 1550 nm thus being able toanalyse the response of devices inboth bands.

The possibility to insert a known testsignal into an optical fibre systemcan be very useful for certificationpurposes both for its active compo-nents as for the optical fibre itself.

Special functions

When a PROLITE-60 user needs tocertify an optical fibre network or isworking in a production line foroptical devices it becomes essentialto accelerate the measurementprocesses.

The PROLITE-60 has a menu with

several functions made specificallyfor most of the situations a user willencounter in everyday work.

Thanks to the technology used inthe design of the PROLITE-60 it ispossible to add special functions atany time after the purchase.

It is beacuse of these special func-tions the PROLITE-60 can make agreat number of tests in a preciseand automatic way.

Spectrum areadisplayed

Analysis of optical devices

There is a great number of activeand passive components in additionto the optical fibre itself in any opti-cal fibre network, even more nowwith FTTP (couplers, multiplexers,amplifiers, circulators, etc) that mayrequire adjustments and can also bepotential sources of errors in thenetwork.

With the SLED option thePROLITE-60 user can make the

necessary adjustments of suchoptical components by inserting thereference test signal.

In addition to the field applications

the PROLITE-60 is an excellent

option for optical equipment

production lines. Custom functions

for specific production needs are

also available.

WDM analysis

Working with a WDM optical network, both CWDM and DWDM types, it is vital

to know constantly if all the carriers (LASER) involved are present and transmit

at the expected wavelengths.

By having the WDM function the PROLITE-60 can identify, automatically and

inmediately all the carriers together with their power level and wavelength.

Once all the carriers are identified it is possible to store the measurement data

in a file to process and review at a later stage.


OPTICAL FIBRE 21

OPTICAL FIBRE22


Analysis of optical source quality (DFB & F.P.)

Depending on the application (network size, capacity,budget, etc.) the optical fibre network operators have todecide what type of light sources need to be used andalso what will be the homologation and maintenance pro-

cedures.

Nowadays opticalcommunicationnetworks com-monly use twotypes of LASER.The F.P. is usedfor short distan-ces or LAN Local

Area Networks and the D.F.B is used for long distancehigh capacity links.

It is essential in both cases to ensure that the transmittersare operating properly. The PROLITE-60 offers two spe-cial functions designed for the testing of these two typesof LASER in an automatic way.

Self-calibration and firmware upgrade via Internet

The PROLITE-60 has three types of communication ports (RS-232,parallel and Ethernet). These are of special interest as they providehigh flexibility to upgrade the instrument's firmware via internet or PCconnection.

Thanks to these capabilities any additional function can be updatedsimply by connecting to Internet

Web serverSometimes it is necessary to monitor optical fibre networks remotely. Itis possible that an optical fibre system has to be monitored 24 hours aday or alternatively a system technician must travel long distances tobe able to make the necessary measurements and analysis.

Unwanted travelling can be also avoided thanks to the Web Serveroption since complete system control can be performed remotely.

MONITORING SYSTEMS: PROWATCHControl of telecommunication networks

The PROWATCH system is an idealsolution for the control of existingtelecommunication platforms or ascomplement for the deployment ofnew networks such as digital terres-trial television, digital cable, DABradio, FM, satellite, etc.

It is made of one or more stationsthat permanently monitor the statusof the signal at different locationsand generate alarms to a centralmanagement system when unwan-ted conditions are encountered or

measurements fall outside presetvalues.

The PROWATCH is based on theSNMP protocol, being a manage-ment system that defines the ins-tructions for communication andcontrol of the network.

All objects managed under theSNMP protocol are arranged in MIBdatabases. The PROWATCH mana-ges these databases to obtain thedesired type of network control.

PROWATCH is a new equip-ment line designed for thecontrol of telecommunicationsystems with special featuresfor radio and television broad-cast networks.

The system is extremely ver-satile and can be customisedto match particular applicationrequirements.

It covers remote control of themonitoring equipment, alarmsgeneration and interactionwith MIB databases.

Integration into alreadyexisting control systems issimple when using SNMPprotocol.

Managingequipment

Monitoring equipment 1

Monitoringequipment 2

SNMPRequestsAnswersAlarms


MONITORING SYSTEMS 23

Monitoringequipment N

MONITORING SYSTEMS24


The DEIDE is an applicationin the PROWATCH familywhere the equipment is usedfor the control of radio broad-cast as well as analogue anddigital television networks.

They can be used in two mainapplications: the supervisionof the quality of the networkand the control of the radio-electromagnetic spectrum todetect and recognise theappearance of unwantedtransmissions.

SPECTRUM MONITORING: PROWATCH-DEIDEDetection and Identification of broadcasting signals

MONITORING

PROWATCH DEIDE is designed forthe detection, automatic identifica-tion and monitoring of signals in the5 to 2150 MHz range with remotecontrol capabilities.

The system is made up of one orseveral automated measurementstations.

The equipment is available in rackand portable lockable suitcaseformats, allowing a permanent andautomatic control of the radio spec-trum.

Detection of new or unauthorisedtransmissions is possible thanks topermanent spectrum monitoringoperating at the same times assignal quality verification.

PROWATCH equipment producesalerts inmediately if any of thepredefined limits are in any wayexceeded.

You can also view and listen to thevideo or audio of any of the chan-nels being tested remotely from anydevice in the network.

Applications

* Real time control of the completespectrum.

* Detection and identification oflegal carriers and unauthorised(illegal) transmissions.

* Control of the reception quality ofthe broadcast signal on the basisof predefined limits.

* Cost reduction and increasedefficiency in the monitor and pro-secution of illegal transmission bycentralisation of the control system.

* Support to television and radiobroadcasters during migrationfrom analogue to digital.

* Legal prosecution evidence ofillegal transmitting stations inspecific or sensitive areas.

Remote, local or manualcontrol?At the beginning of the session thesystem offers the possibility tochoose the remote control option.The system then connects to anot-her PROWATCH via internet orTCP/IP protocol. Thus low qualitysignal or illegal transmission alarmsare received having full 100%control even if the remote device islocated thousands of kms awayfrom the control centre.

A GPS receiver is integrated in thePROWATCH to allow for associationbetween measurements, generationof alarms and geographicallocations.

It is also possible to select the localoperating mode and to carry out allmeasurements using the localequipment.

Finally it is most practical to makemeasurements using the equip-ment’s own keyboard in the manualmode.

How does it work?

* The system sweeps the spectrumto obtain a sample that will beused as a reference under thename of Spectral Record. Thesystem also produces the identityand type of each of the carriers inthe Spectral Record.

* During the Spectral Surveillancesession the spectrum is conti-nuously swept.

* Each new sweep is comparedautomatically with the SpectralRecord that was taken as a refe-rence and also to the predefinedquality limits and informs if:

- A new carrier is detected.The system generates an alarm if it is

not identified in the Spectral Record.

- The level of one or severalcarriers varies beyond the allowedlimits.The system registers the transmitter or

transmitters affected and generates an

alarm.



Thanks to the remote control capabilities several PROWATCH devices can work independently from each other and beoperated from a single control centre.

PROWATCH system control centre

MONITORING SYSTEMS26


Total network supervision

All equipment data used in the net-work must be stored in a databaseso that it can be controlled from anyof the PROWATCH system.

Every PROWATCH device will havea unique IP address and descriptionname to allow for interconnectionthrough the network.

To select, tune and view.

It is possible to access the servicelist of a digital multiplex and selectthe desired program. Broadcast pro-grammes can be viewed and liste-ned to via the built-in display andloudspeaker.

In the remote control mode, it is pos-sible to transmit the audio (VoIP)and the video (Video Streaming)and to supervise it from the controlcenter.

Identification of the carriersdetected in the band

The full spectrum display, as well asa graph, representing the levels ofthe available carriers, is perma-nently on screen during the spec-trum monitoring phase according touser defined settings.

Following a colour code in the graphit is very easy to know the total num-ber of channels in the band, theoccupied channels and those withproblems (unidentified transmission,low reception quality, etc).



SYSTEMS FOR PLC NETWORKS28


SYSTEMS FOR PLC NETWORKS: PROPOWERFor Power Line Communications systems installation and troubleshooting

The Power Line Communicationstechnology (PLC) utilises the electri-cal distribution wires to transmitdata. Using to this technology it ispossible to build local area networksor establish connections to broad-band services (BroadbandPowerline, BPL) using the mainsdistribution wires.

Using the electrical distributionnetwork for data communicationspresents frequent technical pro-blems that are difficult to identifywithout suitable test equipment.

The electrical wires were designedoriginally for the distribution of elec-trical energy using alternatingcurrent (AC) at frequencies of 50 or60 Hertz and were not designed for

higher frequencies.

Another of the problems of usingthis technology is the noise inducedin the network by householdappliances that can cause distur-bance to the PLC signal.

The PROPOWER range can beused for the analysis of the networkfrequency response and to identifysources of interference and noise.

The equipment is also useful forother applications using signalsmodulated in the frequency band upto 50 MHz. For example domesticapplications or automatic meterreading (AMR) systems.

The new PROPOWER range

consist of three basic devices,

PLC Spectrum Analyser, Test

Signal Generator and Noise

Generator.

All instruments have been

designed for application in the

field and their combined use

allows for frequency response

testing in PLC networks.

PROPOWER-1PLC NoiseGenerator

PROPOWER-3PLC Test SignalGenerator

PROPOWER-5PLC SpectrumAnalyser


WIRELESS NETWORK ANALYSER 29

WIRELESS NETWORK ANALYSER: PROFI-70Wi-Fi Network coverage analyser

In the last few years the deployment ofEthernet wireless area networks, hasexperienced a very important growth.Their ease of development and accesscomfort makes them very attractive.

This new technology requires the useof new test tools for installation as wellas troubleshooting.

Wireless networks

One of the challenges of wirelesslocal area networks is that sincethey operate in a licence freefrequency band the interference withother services can be difficult tocontrol.

It is therefore essential in the deve-lopment of this new technology tohave test equipment that can beused simultaneously for coverageanalysis and prediction of potential

conflicts among different networksthus to analyse the complaints fromthe system users.

The PROFI-70 makes possible anefficient deployment of the wirelessnetworks by allowing for the analysisof the levels of the various channelsas well as the identification of theMAC addresses involved.

Security in the networks

To connect to a wireless area

network can be very simple. Thenetworks themselves generate bea-con signals to facilitate accessibility.

Any client with a WiFi 802.11b or802.11g card in their computer canaccess the network. Of course thisopen conception is also exposed toattacks to the network from unwan-ted computers which just need to beoperating close by.

The PROFI-70 can also be used todetermine the system security leveland to detect the presence of intru-ders in the area.

LOW COST DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPESOD-57x series (with B&W display) and OD-58x (colour display)

DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPES30


Bandwidth 60 60 150 150 250

5,7" LCD Display B&W Colour B&W Colour Colour

Sampling speed up to 25 GS/s. In repetitive mode

125 k memory length

Automatic configuration

FFT function (Fast Fourier Transformation)

Simultaneous T/V cursors

Zoom and visualisation of 12 horizontal divisions

Variable frequency probe calibration signal --- --- ---

Sequence of 15 automatic measurements

Functions Pass/Fail for production applications

RS-232C interface

USB interface - Printer port - Pass/Fail Output optional optional

GPIB interface --- --- optional optional optional

Software and driver for PC included

OD-571

OD-576

OD-581

OD-582

OD-586

The MG-626 is a portable instru-ment that allows for permanentreal time monitoring of electric,magnetic and electromagneticfields, at low and high frequen-cies. It has a range of isotropicsensors to measure in the fre-quency range from 5 Hertz to60 GHz. It can be used with aPC computer or a Pocket PC inapplications such as personalhealth and safety and the pro-tection of people in public andprivate environments.

Atmospheric contamination is one ofthe more important risk factors forthe environment. The threat to theozone layer, the excess of acousticnoise, the radiation of high voltagecables or the exposition to electro-magnetic radiation caused by anten-nas can have a negative influenceon our health.

We at PROMAX are committed tothe protection of the environmentand we want to become a referencefor public and private organisationsin this field.

With our developments we help thepublic administration to adopt pre-ventative and corrective measuresfor environmental protection toachieve a sustainable industrial andurban development.

PROECO is the new PROMAXrange of equipment for permanentmonitoring of the environment.

The PROECO acquisition systemcan be used to measure differentenvironmental polluting agents byselecting the suitable probes:electromagnetic low and high

frequency fields, ozone (O3), CO2,NOX, benzene, meteorological data(temperature, humidity, wind speedand direction, precipitation), noise,ultraviolet, pressure, SO, etc...


ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MONITOR 31

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MONITOR: MG-626Protection of the environment

[email protected] * www.promax.es

0 IP

4580

PROWATCH RECEIVES A DESIGN AWARD

We are proud to announce that we have received the prestigious PREMI CONNEXIÓ 2005award for the design of the PROWATCH system. Offered by FECEMINTE, the Catalanfederation of telecommunication installation enterprises, in the World TelecommunicationDay, this award is given to the year’s most outstanding technological design.

Oriol Ferran, secretary of telecommunications department for university, research andinformation society gave the award to PROMAX ELECTRONICA S.A. General ManagerJose Clotet.

UNIVERSAL TV EXPLORER...the field strength meter

has finally evolved

A new TV analyser concept

Less than 2 kg. in weight

At unbelievable price

newsletter 13 / 2005

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