Comtech EF Data SFC1800A - Manual (Page 14)

Introduction SFC1800A Synthesized Frequency Upconverter
1-2 TM111 - Rev. 1.0
The SFC1800A Upconverter have been designed to provide performance that meets or exceeds
all industry standards in effect today for satellite communications earth station frequency
converter equipment found worldwide. In addition to providing robust performance, the
SFC1800A Upconverter are loaded with features that will provide ease of integration and
operation.
1.1 Protection Switch Versatility
Radyne SFC converters feature ‘plug-and-play’ ease of installation with the RCU101 1:1 or the
RCU108 1:8 Redundancy Control Units. All converters can be plugged into the backup slot and
assume the role of protection switch controller. The backup converter learns and stores the
frequency, gain and channel settings of the primary converters. The backup converter can be
operated automatically, in which case an automatic backup of a faulted, online Converter occurs
after a user-programmed delay. The Backup may also be operated manually, allowing the user
to manually switch in the Backup Unit. The Front Panel controls and indicators provide for
automatic/manual configuration, as well as display of online/offline status information. In the
event the stored settings of the Primary Converter are changed, the backup converter will notify
the user.
All circuits are protected upon installation of the switch and completion of the learning process.
This eliminates the need for complicated software configurations that might otherwise leave a
circuit vulnerable. Likewise, replacing a failed converter is as simple as plugging in a
replacement.
1.2 Chain Switching (Optional)
Chain Switching is available as an option for the SFC1800A Upconverter. This unit can be
delivered with the optional Chain Switching Module in place, or may be purchased separately and
installed by the customer (no tools are required). When equipped with this module, in the event
of a unit failure (in a 1:1 or 1:N Configuration where N is less than or equal to 8), the upconverters
themselves perform the switching. This eliminates the need for a separate converter protection
switch such as the Radyne RCU101 or RCU108.