Norsat ULC-0-50-CI Universal LNB Controller User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Norsat
Table of Contents
ULC-0-50-CI Universal LNB Controller
User Manual
Acronyms
| CI | Control Interface |
|---|---|
| IFL | Interfacility Link |
| LLC | Line Length Compensation |
| LNB | Low-noise Block Downconverter |
| OCXO | Oven controlled crystal oscillator |
| PLC | Programmable Logic Controller |
| RF | Radio Frequency |
| ULC | Universal LNB Controller |
Safety
| Changes or Modifications to Equipment
Changes or modifications to this equipment, not explicitly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
---|---
| Accessories and Devices
The use of non-approved accessories or devices may lead to a degradation in
performance, damage to equipment, or potential hazards.
Overview
The Norsat Universal LNB Controller (ULC) is a standalone control unit for a single multi-band LNB. This system allows a user to select LNB frequency bands without any additional control hardware. The ULC can be configured to fit most applications and has options for:
- RF Connector customization
- 10MHz reference configurations
- Line Length Compensation (LLC) to compensate for voltage drop between the ULC and LNB
- Control Interface customization
System Overview
The ULC system consists of a ULC, universal power supply, and mounting plate. When powered on, the unit supplies a variable voltage and tone control signal to a multiband LNB, supporting up to quad-band applications. The ULC is installed between the Modem and LNB as shown in the diagram below.
Hardware
System
The ULC system supports a single multi-band LNB. This system is designed in
accordance with the DiSEqC 1.x standard, supporting up to quad-band LNBs.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Number of LNBs supported | 1 |
| Maximum LNB supply current | 500mA |
| LNB Control Specification | DiSEqC 1.x |
| # of Bands supported | Up to 4 |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, WEEE |
Mechanical
The ULC has a compact mechanical design allowing it to be easily integrated
into existing satellite systems. The included baseplate also allows for easy
mounting and flexibility. The ULC mechanical layout offers multiple connector
configurations depending on the options selected.
The diagram below gives an overview of the connector locations and mechanical
dimensions.
The following table also outlines the options for each connector.
| CONNECTOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Modem & LNB RF Connectors | Options for: |
• 75 Ohm F connectors
• 50 Ohm N Connectors
• 50 Ohm SMA Connectors
DC Input| Threaded Barrel Connector
Control Interface| Options for:
• Control Switch
• Control Interface
10MHz Injection (Optional)| Options for:
• 75 Ohm F connector
• 50 Ohm N Connector
• 50 Ohm SMA Connector
Line Length Control (Optional)| Toggle Switch
Interfaces
RF Connectors (LNB to Modem)
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | TYP. | MAX | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | 950 | – | 1950 | MHz |
| LNB supply current | – | – | 400 | mA |
| 22kHz Tone Frequency | 20 | 22 | 24 | kHz |
| 22kHz Tone Amplitude | 550 | 650 | 900 | mV |
| LNB Voltage Band 1 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | V |
| LNB Voltage Band 2 | 17.3 | 18 | 18.7 | V |
| LNB Voltage Band 1 with LLC | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | V |
| LNB Voltage Band 2 with LLC | 18.3 | 19 | 19.7 | V |
| RF Path Loss | – | – | 3 | dB |
DC Input Connector
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | TYP. | MAX | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 23 | 24 | 25 | V |
| Power Consumption (No 10MHz) | 450 | mA | ||
| Power Consumption (Internal 10MHz) | 600 | mA |
10Mhz Reference Options
The ULC has the following 10MHz configurations:
-
No Reference
-
Internal 10MHz Reference
-
10MHz Injection
No Reference
With the No Reference option selected, the ULC will pass through a 10MHz signal from the modem port to the LNB. The specifications for this option are listed below.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 10MHz Path Loss | < 2dB |
| 10MHz Filtering from Modem to LNB | Passthrough |
Internal 10MHz Reference
With the Internal 10MHz Reference option, the ULC is configured with high stability, low phase noise OCXO 10MHz reference which is passed through to the LNB port. The specifications for this option are listed below.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Reference Type | OCXO |
| Frequency | 10MHz +/- 0.2Hz |
| Thermal Stability | 5.00E-07 |
| Frequency Tolerance | ±1.0E-07 @ +25°C |
| 10MHz Power Level | +2dBm to +5dBm |
| 10MHz Filtering from Modem | 10MHz Blocked (> 55dB attenuation) |
| SPECIFICATION | 10Hz |
| --- | --- |
| 10MHz Phase Noise | -125dBc/Hz |
10MHz Injection
With the 10MHz injection option, the ULC is configured with an external 10MHz
injection port. The specifications for this option are listed below.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 10MHz Injection Path Loss | < 1 dB |
| 10MHz Filtering from Modem | 10MHz Blocked (> 55dB attenuation) |
| 10MHz Injection Port | Options for: |
• 75 Ohm F connector
• 50 Ohm N Connector
• 50 Ohm SMA Connector
Control Interface
The ULC has the following control interface options:
- Switch Control Only
- Line Length Compensation with Switch
- Control Interface Cable
The control interface controls the following parameters:
| SETTING | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 22kHz Tone | When active, sends a 22kHz signal to the LNB |
| Voltage | Selects either +13V or +18V output |
Line Length
Compensation (LLC)| When active, increases the LNB output voltage to
+14V or +19V to compensate for the DC voltage drop between the ULC and LNB
Switch Control Only
For the Switch Control Only option, the tone and voltage output is controlled
by turning the control switch. A summary of the switch position and
corresponding outputs is shown below:
| SWITCH POSITION (LEFT TO RIGHT) | OUTPUT |
|---|---|
| 1 | 13V |
| 2 | 18V |
| 3 | 13V + Tone |
| 4 | 18V + Tone |
Line Length Compensation with Switch
The Line Length Compensation with Switch option provides an external LLC
switch and a control switch. A summary of the switch positions and control
outputs is shown below:
CONTROL SWITCH POSITION
(LEFT TO RIGHT)| LCC SWITCH POSITION| OUTPUT
---|---|---
1| OFF| 13V
2| OFF| 18V
3| OFF| 13V + Tone
4| OFF| 18V + Tone
1| ON| 14V
2| ON| 19V
3| ON| 14V + Tone
4| ON| 19V + Tone
Control Interface Cable
For the Control Interface Cable option, the control switch is replaced with a
4-pin connector (see image below). With this option, the ULC can be controlled
by applying a voltage to the control pins (see tables below). A mechanical
diagram of the control pinout is shown below.
Note: It is the user’s responsibility to determine how to drive the control
pins on the ULC.
With the provided 2m long cable, the ULC can be connected to control hardware
such as a PLC, Microcontroller, Ethernet I/O module, or another programmable
logic device.
| SIGNAL LEVEL | RANGE |
|---|---|
| Low (L) | 0 – 0.8V |
| High (H) | 2.5 – 6V |
| Input Current | 20mA Max |
| 22kHz TONE | VOLTAGESELECT |
OUTPUT
---|---|---|---
L| L| L| 13V
L| H| L| 18V
L| L| H| 14V
L| H| H| 19V
H| L| L| 13V + TONE
H| H| L| 18V + TONE
H| L| H| 14V + TONE
H| H| H| 19V + TONE
Universal Power Supply
The ULC system includes a universal AC/DC power supply. The power supply includes multiple AC connector adaptors to support a variety of international plug types. The AC/DC power supply specifications are shown in the table below:
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Supported Plug Types | North America (Type A), Europe (Type F), United Kingdom |
(Type G), Australia (Type I), and China (Type A) blades included
Input Voltage Range| 90VAC to 264VAC
DC Plug type| Barrel connector, center positive
Cable Length| 2 meters
Environmental Rating| Indoors
Operating Temperature| 0°C to +40°C
Safety Approvals| UL/cUL, RCM, CCC, PSE
Operation
- Connect all external cables to the ULC. Ensure that all connectors are properly threaded and secure.
- Plugin the universal power supply.
- Select the desired LNB control signals (See Section 3.5)
System Troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | TROUBLESHOTING STEPS |
|---|---|
| No power to the LNB | 1. Verify that the ULC power supply is connected |
to AC power.
2. Verify that the LNB is connected to the “LNB” RF connector and not the
“Modem” RF connector.
3. Verify that the LNB RF cable is threaded properly on the ULC.
4. Swap LNBs to determine if the LNB is malfunctioning.
5. If the problem is not corrected in the above steps, contact the
manufacturer.
LNB not switching frequency bands| 1. Verify that the control interface
is set properly (See Section 3.5)
2. Verify that the LNB is connected to the “LNB” RF connector and not the
“Modem” RF connector.
3. Verify that the multiband LNB is compatible with the voltage and tone
control provided by the ULC.
4. Power cycle the ULC
5. If the problem is not corrected in the above steps, contact the
manufacturer.
System Maintenance
| NO. | DESCRIPTION | FREQUENCY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inspect and tighten all connectors on the ULC | Once per month |
| 2 | Inspect all cables for damage | Once per month |
ABOUT NORSAT
Norsat International Inc., founded in 1977, is a leading provider of
innovative communication solutions that enable the transmission of data,
audio, and video for remote and challenging applications.
Norsat’s products and services include customizable satellite components,
portable satellite terminals, maritime solutions, and satellite networks. The
company’s products and services are used extensively by telecommunications
services providers, emergency services and homeland security agencies,
military organizations, health care providers, and Fortune 1000 companies.
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2021-05-11 DOC-001243 Rev A