Summary

Cable operators have thousands of legacy nodes with return transmitters using Fabry-Perot (FP) laser technology widely deployed in the 1990s. For advanced data and telephony services—for example, 64 and 128 QAM—higher performance return optics are required and higher output optical power may be desired. As a result, total reliability and consistent performance are critical characteristics that must be ensured prior to launching high bit rate advanced services. To support cable operators’ launch of advanced services such as high speed data and digital telephony,

Standard Communications offers a high performance, cost-effective alternative to comprehensive node removal and replacement.

The DecisionOne of the most perplexing decisions faced before launching advanced services is dealing with the budgetary and operational aspects of either: 1) removal and replacement of all the nodes throughout the network or 2) upgrading only the optical return transmitters. Node segmentation planning may be another one of the elements critical to the overall decision.

Cost ConsiderationsRegardless of the individual factors, replacing nodes has become complex and expensive and is composed of numerous elements, such as: cost of the physical nodes, labor, equipment, shift-pay differential, fiber splicing, cable connectors, node alignment, and sweep and the potential alignment of all active devices within the node area. Some operators report node removal and replacement projects cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per location.

Standard Provides Affordable Node Return Optics

Toll Free 800-745-2445 Node Return Transmitter Solutions

The Solution: NRT™Standard Communications now offers the NRT™, a series of return transmitters designed for most nodes. Outstanding performance, gold-level optics warranty, tremendous price/performance ratio and our nearly 40 years in the broadband industry make the NRT™ products the right choice for upgrading nodes to support high bit rate advanced services.

The EvidenceStandard Communications has analyzed available original and replacement node return transmitters to understand the performance of legacy devices, current OEM offerings and third-party offerings. Our analysis highlights significant problems with existing FP and DFB optical devices and caused us to establish a number of absolute requirements for our NRT products:

•FormandfitthesameastheOEMmodel •OperatingTemperatureRangeof110°C(-40°Cto+70°C) •FrequencyRangeof5~200MHz •Flatnessof±0.5dBbetween5~50MHz •CNRof>45dB* •Flatnessof±0.75dBbetween5~200MHz •CSOof<-48dBc* •RFInputHeadroomof+15dB •CTBof<-54dBc* •TargetMarketPriceofunder$600

We strongly believe this represents a tremendous value to operators to upgrade to DFB optics for their node return transmitters. Once again, Standard Communications brings innovation and value to the broadband industry.

We applied the same set of performance tests and analyses to competing node return transmitters to assist system operators with their own product evaluation and selection processes. These reports are available for each of the node return transmitters we offer. Results varied widely from low-end FP devices that began clipping after a 3dB change in RF input level, all the way to high level/high cost devices, some costing as much as $1,500. However, one common factor was observed in our analyses: The performance of the NRT™ devices exceeded the competitors’ devices.

The Path to Improved Network Reliability

NRT™

Side-by-Side Testing Shows Superior Performance…

Frequency Response at -40° C, 25° C, +70° C

NRT SA20

OEM Product

Frequency (MHz)

Rel

ativ

e R

esp

on

se (

dB

)R

elat

ive

Res

po

nse

(d

B)

Frequency (MHz)

25°C -40°C 70°C

Toll Free 800-745-2445 Node Return Transmitter Solutions

…Priced for Superior Value

Typical Distortion Performance (versus Input Variations)Even with input excursions as much as 15 dB, distortion is managed to approximately the same level or significantly better, over the entire 110°C range.

Side-by-Side Testing Results (Representative)Parameter OEMSample StandardNRTSA2ActualCNR at 12dBmV/ch 19.82dB 48.4dB

CNR at 27dBmV/ch 34.33dB 61.6dB

CSO at 12dBmV/ch -42.78dBc -82.1dBc

CSO at 27dBmV/ch -56.15dBc -81.6dBc

CTB at 12dBmV/ch -42.62dBc -73.0dBc

CTB at 27dBmV/ch -56.06dBc -80.0dBc

Flatness 5Mhz to 50MHz 1.97dB at +25ºC .5dB at -40ºC

.58dB at +25ºC

.57dB at +70ºC

Flatness 5Mhz to 200MHz 13.5dB at +25ºC .56dB at -40ºC

.72dB at +25ºC

.84dB at +70ºC

Return Loss 5Mhz-50MHz @25ºC 10.5dB 17.86dB

Return Loss 5Mhz-200MHz @25ºC 3.2dB 17.86dB

CN

R (

dB

)C

SO

(-d

Bc)

CTB

(-d

Bc)

NRT™

Specifications subject to change.

Parameter MinimumPerformanceFrequency Range 5~200 MHzCNR >45 dB*CSO < -48 dBc*CTB < -54 dBc*Flatness, 5~50 MHz ± 0.5 dB 5~200 MHz ± 0.75 dBRF Input Range +15 dBOperating Temperature Range 110°C (-40°C to +70°C)Physical Size Per OEM form & fitPower/Connectors Per OEM form & fit

Specifications

NRT-AC NRT-BTN

NRT-SA2 NRT-SA4

NRT-CC

NRT-DNA

NRT Models & Specifications

*The use of SC/UPC optical connectors degrades performance by 3dB, typical

Toll Free 800-745-2445 Node Return Transmitter Solutions

Standard offers OEM replacement/upgrades for a variety of manufacturers’ products. Our units with DFB lasers can be configured to the specific requirements of your network node.

Customer: ______________________________________________ System Address: _______________________________________________________

Contact: _______________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State: _________ ZIP: _____________

Quantity: ___________ Date Required: ___________________ Notes: __________________________________________________________________

Configuration Instructions: Complete by filling in each space with the appropriate bold letter/number corresponding to the choices in each menu. The end product should contain 3 letter/number combinations. (See example below)

_______________ – _______________ – _______________ OEM/Model Output Connector/Polish (see Legend) 00 0 dB out SC/APC 03 3 dB out SC/UPC 05 5 dB out FC/APC

NRT Ordering Information

NRT-AC ADC/C-COR ISX: Model 3030, 3040

NRT-BTN Motorola/GI Mini-Node: Model BTN-B

NRT-CC C-COR FlexNode: Model LN-SM3

NRT-DNA Magnavox/Philips: Model DNA

NRT-SA2 Scientific-Atlanta Node: Model 6920

NRT-SA4 Scientific-Atlanta Node: Model 6940, 6942, Gainmaker

OEM/Model Legend

Sample Configuration:

NOTE: Additional power output levels, connectors, polishes and node models available on request

C-CORFlexNode3dB output with

SC/APC Connector1310nm, DFB Laser

Order NRT:NRTCC-03-SCAPC

NRT™

www.picodigital.comToll Free 800-745-2445

Gold Standard Support Program

UnitedStatesCorporateHeadquarters6260 Sequence DriveSan Diego, California 92121858-546-5300800-745-2445858-546-5051 faxSales@picodigital.com

Formoreproductinformation,contact:

*

Standard offers a 3 Year Gold Warranty program:

The three year Gold Warranty apply to all products marked with this logo*.

The 3 Year Gold Warranty means a unit is repaired or replaced free of charge

the fist year and repaired for a fee during the next two years.

Please call a customer service representative for service rates.