DM240XR Digital Video Broadcast Modulator with AutoEQ

The DM240XR is DVB-S2 ready and can easily be upgraded in the field. The DM240XR provides a comprehensive set of advanced S2 features. The DM240XR extends its dominance in broadcast applications through increased data rate capability and the addition of 16-APSK and 32-APSK support. Proven performance operating near Shannon's limit offers results with 30% better bandwidth efficiencies and carrier to noise figures below the noise floor.

The DM240XR includes the ability to select the output frequency of 70/140 MHz or L-Band operation without any hardware modifications. The modulator offers a frequency agile IF output from 50 to 90 MHz, 100 to 180 MHz and 950 to 2050 MHz in 100 Hz steps. The DM240XR offers high data rates (up to 190 Mbps for the DVB-S2 and 238 Mbps for the DVB-S), and the most flexible modulation schemes available (QPSK, 8-PSK, 16-QAM, 16-APSK and 32-APSK).

The DM240XR AutoEQ™ feature supports amplitude and group delay equalization over the satellite system. When installed, AutoEQ offers the ability to compensate the overall system group delay and amplitude flatness by pre-correcting the uplink carrier. This eliminates the need for external group delay/amplitude equalizers and makes possible equalization at L-Band. The AutoEQ will operate over the full transponder from a symbol rate of 10.1 Msps to 45 Msps.

The DM240XR offers the flexibility to support up to three different data interfaces. The XR includes a builtin ASI interface along with the Plug-In Interface Card (PIIC) system which allows for the selection of two additional data interfaces that can be easily upgraded in the field. Supported interfaces include DVB-ASI, HSSI, RS-422, M2P/DVB, LVDS M2P/DVB and Ethernet (Pro-MPEG CoP 3 and Bridge modes). The powerful onboard Monitor and Control (M&C) processor has the unique capability to upgrade features via the front panel or Web interface. Features can be added to the installed equipment base with extreme ease, allowing enhancements with changes in service while lowering initial installation budgets. Remote interfacing can be achieved through one of three onboard connections: Ethernet (Web or SNMP), RS-485, or RS-232. Additionally, FTP capability for firmware upgrades allows a quick, reliable method to update installed systems. The front panel offers push-button control of all features and a backlit LCD display.

The DM240XR supports various redundancy schemes. The Built-In PIIC system supports 1:1 data redundancy, allowing the user to set data interface priorities. The RCS11 is a 1RU chassis providing superior system reliability that offers 1:1 redundancy control for both IF and data. The RRS11 or STS11 supports 1:1 redundancy for IF or L-Band signals. The DM240XR interoperates with the RRS11/STS11 supplying digital logic and voltage to the redundancy unit.

AutoEQ™ Automatic Uplink Equalization System

The AutoEQ Automatic Uplink Equalization System is the most user friendly satellite communication system equalizer available. Unlike legacy analog equalizers which are difficult to adjust, the AutoEQ system is extremely easy to use. Transponder equalization is done in the digital domain; it is very accurate and can compensate for amplitude and group delay variations that are nearly impossible to compensate for with an analog equalizer.

The AutoEQ consists of special software built into the DM240XR coupled with a special digital receiver on a PIIC card. The receiver analyzes the signal path while the software computes the compensating equalizer values. Equalizing the link typically takes less than 2 minutes and can be done at the front panel or remotely.

A remote receiver capability is also supported for those systems where the DM240XR hub cannot see the return path from the distant end. Remote calibration is done by simply connecting and configuring the Ethernet control ports of the modulator and remote receiver to a network with internet access. The DM240XR takes care of the rest.

The AutoEQ Automatic Uplink Equalization System supports single channel per carrier (SCPC) equalization of group delay and amplitude over the entire satellite frequency range.

AutoEQ works with all modulation and coding types supported by the DM240XR (i.e. QPSK, 8-PSK, 16-QAM for DVB-S and QPSK, 8-PSK, 16-APSK, and 32-APSK for DVB-S2). The BER/bandwidth improvement is greater as the level of modulation increases. The equalization process is nearly independent of receive signal to noise ratio. Accurate automatic equalization is possible down to the lowest specified levels of Eb/No associated with each modulation and coding type supported by the DM240XR.

The equalizer is based on the generation of complex coefficients. What this means is that it can even compensate for amplitude or group delay that is not symmetric over the carrier frequency spectrum, as would be the case if two independent carriers were placed on one transponder.

Up to 32 sets of equalization parameters can be stored within the DM240XR. This allows a DM240XR to be preconfigured for multiple carriers and multiple transponders.

Should the satellite uplink parameters change, recalibration of the AutoEQ can be easily initialized at any time, allowing for maximum flexibility for the uplink earth station.

The end result is greatly improved bandwidth and power utilization of your satellite transponder.

AutoEQ Features

• Full or partial transponder (complex) equalization
• Digitized transponder characterization, plug and play
• No external adjustments required
• Easily upgradable into existing DMD240XRs
• Closed loop equalization using a plug-In PIIC receiver
• Supports all DM240XR modulation and frequency parameters up to 45 Msps
• Capable of multiplexing LNB power

AutoEQ System Performance