Model 9170 Return RF Multiplexing Switch
The Model 9170 “CommSwitch” is an accessory to the OmniMCUTM that allows the MCU communications cards to cope more effectively with return path noise in specific installations. It provides greater control when combining a large number of return RF paths into a single MCU modem RF receiver. In a typical installation, each MCU RF communications card is intended to control transponders in a large segment of transmission plant, which might contain 40 to 200 return RF paths. Combining this many returns into one or two communications card receivers could result in data corruption due to accumulated RF noise and ingress. The 9170 “CommSwitch” solves this problem by applying only one return path segment at a time into each communications card receiver. The 9170 is a dual 8:1 RF multiplexing switch which is controlled by the communications card so that only the return signal path from the addressed transponder is applied to each receiver. When the next transponder is polled, the switch changes position to select the proper path for that transponder. Using this technique, each of the two communications card receivers only sees 1/8th of the noise energy it would have seen if all of the return paths were connected together. Furthermore, noise or ingress on one return path will not affect performance of transponders on the other paths. The 9170 “CommSwitch” is packaged in a 1RU rack-mount format. The rear panel has 19 RF fittings, plus an RJ-11 connector for interfacing to the RS-485 port on the MCU communication card. An additional RS-485 connector is provided to allow for a loop-thru connection to other equipment. The unit is powered by either the OmniMCU card that it is connected to, or from an external power source. The front panel has 16 LEDs to indicate which port is selected, plus an additional LED that indicates communications status between it and the communications card. As each switch port is enabled in the scanning process, its associated front panel LED will illuminate flashing green. If any switch port has been ‘locked out’ of the scanning process by the operator, its associated LED will illuminate solid red.		Features Improves Status Monitoring Data Communications Performance In Signal Heavy Environments Expands Return Path, Combining Capacity By 8:1 Prevents One Return RF Leg From Impairing System Performance Front Panel LED Scanning Indicators Graphical Display In Omni2000™ Management Software RS-485 or RF Communications to OmniMCU for Remote Operation
Connection
OmniMCU™ and Omni2000™ are trademarks of AM Networks, Inc.