Comtech EF Data PCB-4000 - Manual (Page 29)

3–1
Chapter 3. INSTALLATION,
STARTUP,
AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROCEDURES
Comtech EF Data recommends that only qualified personnel familiar with high‐power
amplifiers, test equipment, and phase‐combined systems attempt the procedures provided
in this appendix. Furthermore, before attempting any of these procedures, you are strongly
advised to:
• Read Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION to become familiar with system terminology and
PCB‐4000 1+1 Phase Combiner System Theory of Operation.
• Read Chapter 2. EXTERNAL CONNECTORS to become familiar with the PCCB external
connectors and their functionality.
• Read Chapter 5. SERIAL REMOTE CONTROL to become familiar with the serial remote
control commands and queries used in this chapter.
3.1 Overview
As explained in Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION, the PCB‐4000 1+1 Phase Combiner system is aligned
at the factory using a network analyzer. All that should be required upon shipment is for you to
unpack, inspect, and assemble the 1+1 phase‐combined system – see Figure 3‐1 for an assembly
example – and to complete all required cable connections (Figure 3‐2 and Figure 3‐3).
Although the techniques featured in this appendix afford easy adjustment and setting of the
phase shifter for optimum output power combining over the full amplifier bandwidth,
alignment in the field is generally not required and you are strongly cautioned against making
unneeded adjustments. However, if you replace an amplifier or other critical system component
(e.g., the PCB‐4000 unit), the procedures provided in this appendix explain the steps necessary
to restore proper system operation. This appendix also provides a verification procedure in the
event that you just need to confirm proper system operation.