Seminar

HFC networks

Schlgl 2005

Seminar HFC networks

Block diagram of an HFC system (4)

The performance of an HFC system (5)
Professional reception systems (6)
Headend technology for digital and analogue TV and radio signals (7)
Headend for network monitoring (KOM/HMS standard) (8)
Headend for ingress detection SIMS (9)
Headend technology for the Internet (CMTS) (10)
Provisioning software for the Internet according to DOCSIS (11)
HFC measuring device (12)
Forward path and return path matrix (13)
Optical star in 1310 nm technology (14)
1310 nm transmitters (15)
1550 nm analogue transmission; DWDM, CWDM, optical pushpull (16)
Passive optical components (17)
Optical compact node ORA 820/821 (18)
Fibre node for the BK 862 of the KDG (German Postal Telegraph and Telephone PTT) (19)

Schlgl 2005

Seminar HFC networks

CATV / HFC amplifiers (20)

Amplifier point BK 862 of the KDG (German PTT) (21)
Trunk amplifier and node system GGA 8 (22 and 23)
VGF/VGP 90xx trunk and line amplifier system (24)
VGF/VGO 938 line amplifier system (25)
Broadband return path amplifier (26)
The in-building network (27 and 28)
KOM / HMS transponder (29)
DOCSIS cable modem (30)
Technical appendix (31)
Downstream broadband interferences CSO and CTB (32)
Addition of distortion ratios (33)
Upstream broadband composite intermodulation noise CIN (34)
C/N and S/N ratios; modulation gain (35)
Echo attenuation in the coax part of the HFC system (36)
AGC; ALSC; Long Loop AGC (37)

Schlgl 2005

Block diagram of an HFC system

Transmission and service capability (Options)
Internet Service Provider
ISP

V 5.2 Interface
to the TELECOM

Video
server

Base package: Transmit a number of digital

and analogue TV- and radio channels to the
subscribers (No reversepath necessary)

Antenna array
Cable Modem Termination
System
with Provisioning Software
Billing
Status monitoring
ISP

Headend
for
digital and analogue
TV- and Radiosignals

Voice
Gate
Way
(VoIP)

Sweep
System

Video- on- demand

Reverse
unity
gain

Billing

Status Monitoring
System
HMS Standard
Ingress control
Reverse remote switch

Data services:
Fast Internet access
Fast Internet and VoIP
Fast Internet, VoIP and video streaming
Residential Gateway: Fast Internet ; VoIP
MPEG Decoder; USB; Blue tooth

Reverse path
necessary

Status monitoring and ingress control

System Sweeper, in order to aligne forwardand reversepath

Headends
Forward multiplexer

Reverse multiplexer

Add- on units like switches, routers, PC`s, TV`s etc. not shown
Forward
transmitter

Reversepath
receiver

Line

Opt.coupler

Status monitoring transponder

Multimedia sockets
House net
Star distribution

Line
amplifier(s)
Optical transmission:
Mono mode standard fibre
Point- to- point
Point- to- multipoint
1310 nm +/- 10 nm
Direct intensity modulated
Option: Redundancy

CM

EMTA

House amplifier
Line
tap

IP
EMTA streaming
box
Residential gateway

Splitter
Optical node

Trunkamplifiers
Trunk

5 - 65 MHZ
85 - 862 MHZ

Schlgl 2005

The performance of an HFC system

An HFC (Hybrid-Fiber-Coax) system, like a return path compatible CATV (Cable Television) system,
receives all possible services - including radio, TV, Internet, telephony etc. - at a central point, and
transmits them to various subscribers. The individual traditional transmission blocks can be divided into
- headend(s); channel-selective
- optical transmission network; broadband
- coaxial trunk and line network; broadband
- the in-building networks; broadband
The physical transmission medium is the coaxial cable (CATV), and for longer distances monomode fibre
(HFC). The physical coverage can be 200 km or more, i.e. the number of subscribers can certainly be
100,000 or more.
The forward frequency range is typically set to 80 - 862 MHz, and the return path from 5 - 65 MHz. The
signals are transparently transmitted using both analogue and digital modulation. In the forward path, up to
90 analogue TV channels can be transmitted in a 7/8 MHz pattern or, depending on the data compression,
significantly more digital radio/TV channels in conjunction with pure data channels for the Internet.
Additional equipment at the headend and at the subscriber facilitates cable telephony, video on demand
and much more
HFC systems are planned on a customer-specific basis, and are mainly realised using products complying
with a specification.
5

Schlgl 2005

Professional reception systems

For terrestrial reception (TV; FM and DVB-T);

in acc. with the PFL 3 specification (50 Ohm)
of the KDG (German PTT)
For terrestrial reception (TV; FM and DVB-T);
in acc. with the TL 5820- 3003 (75 Ohm) of
the KDG (German PTT)
Offset dish antennas acc. to KDG 1TS3; with
reflector and feed arm heating and multifeed
reception
Centrally fed dish antennas acc. to KDG
1TS1
Outside temperature control:
- Outside temperature - reflector temperature
- Snow cap - soiling
Standard outside temperature control with
electronical two-level controller and settable
temperature control
Quad feeder systems for central / offset dish
antennas acc. to the KDGs delivery terms

CAS 123 (centrally fed) and CAS 180 (offset) with heating

Schlgl 2005

Headend technology for digital and analogue TV and radio signals

11

10

12

R emo te/
D ow nlo ad

Ope rati on
Downlo ad

Po we r

E inga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2
-1 2

dB

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz
-1 2

dB

-1 2

Einga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

U0 1
11 2

dB

-12

dB

-1 2

dB

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz
-1 2

dB

-1 2

dB

-12

PC/M od em

Einga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

U0 1
11 2
dB

-1 2

dB

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz
-1 2

dB

-1 2

U0 1
11 2

dB

-12

dB

Sat-TV-Converter

Sat-TV-Converter

Sat-TV-C onverter

Sat-TV-Converter

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transmod.

DVB-S-Transmod.

DVB-S-Transmod.

UFO 340

UFO 340

UFO 340

UFO 340

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO386/TP

UFO386/TP

UFO 390

20610007

20610007

20610007

20610007

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610014

20610014

20610008

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transmod.

UFO 382

P
A

20610048

UFO 385

fa 920-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 75-85 dBu V

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 75-85 dBu V

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 302- 806 MHz
Pa 80-90 dBu V

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

V 4.08

V 4.08

V 4.08

DEC

POWER
V mA

31
9
12,5 390
5 1160

POWER
V mA

31
6
12,5 420
5 620

POWER
V mA

31
6
12,5 420
5 620

POWER
V mA

31
6
12,5 420
5 620

POWER
V mA

31
7
12,5 500
5 500

POWER
V mA

31
7
12,5 500
5 500

POWER
V mA

31
8
12,5 500
5 800

-1 2

dB

-12

dB

-1 2

dB

-1 2

dB

-1 2

dB

-12

dB

dB

dB

U0 1
11 2

11

10

12

R emo te/
D ow nlo ad

E inga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz

Einga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

U0 1
11 2

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz
dB

-1 2

dB

Einga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

U0 1
11 2
-12

dB

-1 2

dB

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz
-1 2

dB

-1 2

dB

U0 1
11 2
-12

dB

DVB-T-Transcod.

DVB-T-Transcod.

DVB-T-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

DVB-S-Transcod.

UFO 353

UFO 353

UFO 353

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

UFO 382

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610048

20610048

fe 171- 858 MHz

fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 171- 858 MHz

fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 171- 858 MHz

fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

fe 950-2150 MHz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG

PRG
.08

-1 2

.08

dB

08

-1 2

08

dB

08

-12

08

dB

08

-1 2

08

dB

08

-1 2

2 0610 015

206 1001 5

2 061001 5

PC/M od em

08

dB

C l a ss

Ope rati on
Downlo ad

Po we r

-1 2

C l a ss

U0 1
11 2
-12

-1 2

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz

B
Z
T

dB

E inga ng svert eiler

UFS 320
26 032 2

U0 1
11 2

C l a ss

dB

-1 2

B
Z
T

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz

C l a ss

92 0-2 15 0 M Hz

Einga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

C l a ss

Kla ss e

C l a ss

Kla ss e

C l a ss

Kla ss e

C l a ss

Kla ss e

C l a ss

Kla ss e

C l a ss

Kla ss e

C l a ss

Kla ss e

Kla ss e

Kla ss e

Kla ss e

C l a ss

31
6
12,5 420
5 620

POWER
V mA

31
9
12,5 320
5 800

-1 2

POWER
V mA

31
9
12,5 390
5 1160

dB

POWER
V mA

31
9
12,5 390
5 1160

DEC

Kla ss e

DEC

Kla ss e

DEC

-1 2

POWER
V mA

31
9
12,5 390
5 1160

DEC

dB

POWER
V mA

DEC

E inga ng svert eiler

UF S 320
26 032 2

DEC

-1 2

DEC

V 4 .08

fa 920-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 75-85 dBu V

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4 .08

fe 950-2150 M Hz
fa 110- 862 MHz
Pa 95 dBuV

V 4.08

206 455

.08

08

For small and medium-sized HFC systems

System-specific design
Mounted as specified by the customer in the
factory either in 19 technology or cabinet
mounting
Electronical tuning using control unit or laptop
with USW 30 software (telephone modem)
Optionally controllable via LAN and N-Port IP
adapter
Photorealistic on-screen display
Automatic recognition of the connected
headend
Twin modules for smaller HFC systems;
adjacent channel operation
Single modules with increased transmission
parameters and very low linear and nonlinear distortions; adjacent channel operation
Power supply unit redundancy
Passive output coupler
Highly constant output spectrum
Excellent price-performance ratio
Pilot generator(s) (MVG 10)
Output spectrum optionally KOM monitorable
(EoL monitor TLM 30)
Schlgl 2005

Headend for network monitoring (KOM/HMS)

HD

P ower

Keyboard

Reset

TCU 30

Reset

compact

d is c

48x

CREATIVE

O
Power

SAM
MCU
PWR

CCM
Harmonic
Ligthwaves

F
R
E
Q

A
B
C
D

HL485

Headend Monitoring System

Omni

TAM 9700 Series

Probe

LOCAL

SAM
MCU
PWR

CCM
Harmonic
Ligthwaves

F
R
E
Q

A
B
C
D

HL485

Headend Monitoring System

Omni

TAM 9700 Series

Probe

LOCAL

HEC controller TCU 40 with SIMS analyser

Synoptic board

Monitors the status and records information

about an HFC broadband network
Consists of one or more multi-protocol HEC
controllers, one or more view- PCs to
display the collected information on the
synoptic board and a number of monitoring
transponders
Monitors the headend (output level), optical
transmitters, optical receivers, coax amplifiers
(BK 862, GGA 8, compact amplifiers, house
amplifiers) and other peripheral devices if the
corresponding monitoring transponder is
used
Activates the 3-stage Ingress-switch in the
return path components
Operates conforming with both the KOM and
HMS standard and third party equipment
Polling mode; Auto detection of transponders;
Contention mode
Alarm indications are pre-set, but also userdefinable; Allows to automate any task that
can be manually performed
Forwards specific alarms to email,pager,SMS
SNMP Proxy Agent and SNMP managers
Schlgl 2005

Headend for Ingress Detection SIMS

SIMS analyser back

view

3-D grahical representation of carriers and ingress spikes

Allows hundreds of logged measurements, spot deterioration and alarm
conditions
Signal markers, display lines and digital readout

SIMS (Scanning Ingress Monitoring System)

is an option to KOM; 19 inch rack mount
SIMS fully automatically monitors any wanted
carriers as well as unwanted ingress spikes
in the return paths (5 to 75 MHz);
Spectrum analyser(s) with 4 periodically
connected inputs; 60 dB dynamic range
Display on the KOM view monitor
2D and 3D spectrum mode; Amplitude-time
mode; display plane; normalized mode
Extremely high scanning speed of 5600
frequencies per second; 50 kHz steps
Spurious <- 50 dBc (2 carriers 75 dBV)
Alarm indications can be set automatically or
user-defined
Displays and activates the ingress switches
during the spectrum analysis
In case of alarm, the measurement values
are automatically saved
Functioning at the headendside (RS 485)
and in any remote hub via the 2-way HFC net
Test port RJ-45 and front panel displays

Schlgl 2005

Headend technology for the Internet (CMTS)

US IN

US MON

ETHERNET

NETWORK

CMTS
CGW 100

NETWORK

CMTS
CGW 100

RESET
CONSOLE

DS OUT

US IN

DS MON

US MON

ETHERNET
RESET
CONSOLE

DS OUT

DS MON

INONET

S1HF01

128.50.1.218

Accton

1x

2x

3x

4x

5x

6x

7x

8x

9x

10x

11x

12x

13x

14x

15x

16

Cheetah S wi tch Workg roup-3016 A

P ow er
M D I-X

Lin k/Ac t

MD I

10 0M
FDX
1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

CMTS CGW 100 with server and switch

The Cable Modem Termination System is the

interface between the data network and the
HFC system
Functions in acc. with the DOCSIS (Data
over Cable Systems Interface Specifications)
and/or EuroDOCSIS specifications
1.0 Only for the Internet
1.1 For the Internet and VoIP (Voice over IP)
2.0 For the Internet and VoIP and QoS
(Quality of Service)
One or more downstream channels
One or more upstream channels
Redundancy input on the return path
Cluster formation due to frequency multiplex
and/or physical network separation to
improve the distortion ratio and increase the
amount of data per surfer
CMTS and Modems function synchronously
6,25 s time slots or a multiple of it in
downstream; MPEG-2 transport frame; 64 or
256 QAM

Voice gateway not shown

10

Schlgl 2005

Provisioning Software for the Internet acc. to DOCSIS

Registration of modems and hosts

IP administration
Determining of QoS profiles
Setting for the host ranges
Determining the parameters for BPI profiles
(data encryption)
TFTP, DHCP and TOD servers
SQL data bank
ZOPE managment system
SNMP query of the modem parameters
Three user levels
Billing basic packet/Billing outgoing
invoices/Billing traffic assessment
Modem monitoring
Transmission/reception level; S/N;
packet-errors; micro reflections
ISP additional services
Server 1 GHz CPU; raid 40 Gbyte
RedHat Linux 7.2
11

Schlgl 2005

HFC measuring device

SAT / TV / FM - TEST -RECEIVER MSK 33

G Hz
ns

On
Off

MHz
s

Mode

KHz
ms

dB..
s

Copy

Hel p

DC

Vol+
Ch-

C H+

max
0.5W

RF
75
Mains

Vol-

MVG 10

CH : .SO
LEV : 37.2 dBV

TV

MVG 10

CH : .SO
LEV : 37.2 dBV

V ID E O . SW EE P - G EN E R ATO R
RF

On

M en

75

Off

S el e ct

V ID E O . SW EE P - G EN E R ATO R
0

MVG 10

CH : .SO
LEV : 37.2 dBV

TV

TV

RF

On

M en

s- ch

75

Off

S el e ct

.
s- ch

V ID E O . SW EE P - G EN E R ATOR
RF

On

M en

75

Off

S el ect

.
s- ch

Consisting of MSK 33 QR / MVG 10 stationary in the headend

Detailed and accurate analysis in the

frequency, time and constellation domain
Measures satellite IF, terrestrial channels
(digital and analogue) telemetry carriers and
modulated data channels
Spectrum mode for any kind of digital and
analogue carriers
Audio / video baseband (line separation) i.e
for 2- T pulse; 20 T- pulse; S/N measurement
C/N, MER, BER
Baseband input and output
DISEqC 2.0
Multi Standard; Multi Norm
Downstream sweep
Protocol printer
Adjusts upstream unity gain
Upstream sweep
Battery operation
Remote controllable

MSK 33 QR / MVG 10 / MZK 15 portable

MVG 10 as pilot generators

12

Schlgl 2005

Forward path and return path matrix

Cluster 1
Cluster 2
CMTS
nominal
Cluster 3
input
Cluster 4
level i.e. 60 dBV Cluster 1 to 4 and Coax
(Redundance)

Cluster 1

Cluster 2
MSK 33 i.e 60 dBV Cluster 1 to 4 and Coax

SIMS i.e. 60 dBV

KOM i.e. 55 dBV

Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Coax
Cluster 1
Cluster 2
Cluster 3
Cluster 4
Coax
Return for other services

95 dBV from
optical receivers
Cluster 3

Cluster 4

Coax line input

65 dBV

Matrices connect the signal processing units

to the network clusters (forward matrix) and
the other way around (return path matrix)
The radio and TV headend is splitted to all
headend outputs via the forward path matrix,
providing the transmission level
Data headends (CMTS, Status Monitoring,
Scanning Ingress Monitoring) are connected
to clusters of the entire HFC network only,
and the other way around (physical
separation of the individual clusters and/or
frequency multiplex)
The return path matrix provides the
corresponding nominal reception levels for
the data headends
Matrices are system-dependently designed
and mounted from discrete components
(taps, splitters, amplifiers)

Return matrix (Example)

13

Schlgl 2005

Optical star in 1310 nm technology

TVA 08; OSA 82; TVM 21; ORR 05; ORA 80; TVR 01; TFN 42

Point-to-point and point-to multi- point

connection for approximately 30 to 40 km link
length for forward transmission
Optical multi-point to point transmission not
feasible, each receiver can just stand one
transmitter
Redundancy operation possible in the
forward path and return path
All essential status parameters can be
KOM/HMS monitored
Operating conditions are signalled with LEDs
at the front panel
Separate high- launch buffer amplifier
Highly linear DFB laser without pre-distortion
Settable, constant modulation-index,
19 cabinet or BK housing installation
No moveable parts for cooling
Active return path coupler, assists SIMS
Return path transmitter with fibre
identification frequency
Hot pluggable
230 V or remote powered

14

Schlgl 2005

1310 nm transmitters
B+

HF
i.e. 5-65 MHz

Mono mode fibre

Modulation
index

1310 nm

LD
IL

Blockdiagram of a laser transmitter

(Directly modulated)
(simplified)

dBmW

Optical light power

Clipping

100 %
Reserve for ingress
(Return data transmission)

Modulation index influences:

a) transmission distortions
b) outputlevel at the receiver

60 %

Optical operating point

Amplitude modulated light

i.e. 6 dBmW

Laser DC bias; factory adjust

Clipping

i.e. 30 mA

DC through the laser diode

mA

IL

Characteristic line of a
directly modulated laser

RF modulated carrier (time domain)

(FM, AM, QPSK,QAM)

Direct modulated transmitters (Chirp !) are

mostly used in standard single mode fibre
G.652 at 1310 nm wave length; 0.35 dB fibre
attenuation/km and zero dispersion
DFB laser with cooling (Peltier-element) for
the downstream
Monitor diode for control circuits
DFB laser without cooling for the upstream
(Internet and Telephony)
Fabry-Perot laser in the upstream only for
telemetry transmissions
RIN(transmitter); thermal and shot noise
(receiver); interferometric optical feedback
The modulation index (driver level)
determines the composite-distortions (CSO
or CIN). It is calculated, and must be adjusted
in the network levelling
Transmitters function point-to-point and pointto-multipoint
The wave length and optical output level
cannot be set
Best transmission quality together with pushpull amplifiers (Laser is CSO limited;
amplifier is CTB limited)
Schlgl 2005

15

1550 nm analogue transmission; DWDM; CWDM, optical pushpull

(Overview; planned in the factory as a matter of principle)

DWDM- Transmitter

1549,32
nm

Input
40 - 870 MHz

Narrowcasting
DWDM Transmission Principle
ITU - Grid
200 GHz(1,6 nm) spacing

Receiver

(Downstream and upstream)

7 dBm

Coloured Fibre means different Wavelength only!

1550,92
nm

Input
40 - 870 MHz

Demultiplexer

Multiplexer

Input 64 QAM and 256 QAM

Input
40 - 870 MHz

Input
40 - 870 MHz

1552,52
nm

Gain - Flattened EDFA

1554,13
nm

Targeted Digital Services

Digital Video, Video on Demand,Internet,Cable Telephony
Input
40 - 870 MHz

1555,75
nm

Input
40 - 870 MHz

1557,36
nm

Principle of optical push-pull

(With one or two fibers)
Optical amplifier

Transmitter with
external modulation
0
47- 862 MHz

Receiver

Link
extender

0
Fibre produces CSO

47-862 MHz

180
180
Modulation content
of the transmitter is at
the two outputs 180
out of phase

Link length 100 km and more

(Super trunk)

Link extender adds wanted

signals in phase (6 dB higher level)
and eliminates CSO of the fiber
C/N increases by 3 dB

1550 nm transmission technology for

distances up to appr. 100 km
Externally modulated transmitters (Chirp) for
analogue signal transmission; 2 outputs;
180 phase-delayed, chromatic dispersion of
the standard monomode fibre at 1550 nm =
17 ps/nm/km
Fibre generates CSO
Stimulated Brillouin (SBS), Raman and
Rayleigh scattering
Phase noise
Self-phase modulation
Wave length selected, direct modulated
transmitters in DWDM technology (Dense
Wave Division Multiplex) and wave length
couplers
CWDM technology (Corse Wave Division
Multiplex) of 1310 to 1625 nm in connection
with fibre type G.625.C
Optical pushpull (single fibre/two fibres
system) to improve the CSO and C/N ratios
Optical 1550 nm EDFA (Erbium doped fibre
amplifier), gain flattened
Schlgl 2005

16

Passive optical components

Mono mode fibre

Coating
Cladding 125 m
Core 9 m

Min. bending radius = 30mm

Transmitter

Optical coupler
20 %
10 %
70 %

Transmitter

Optical coupler
70 %

30 %
WDMC

Examples!
1310 nm
1550 nm

Wave length division

multiplex

CWDM
1430 nm
1450 nm
1470 nm / 1490 nm /
1510 nm/ 1530 nm

Coarse wave length

division multiplex

DWDM
1549,32 nm
1550,92 nm
1552,52 nm

Dense wave length

division multiplex

Equivalents to optical passive components:

Directional coupler
Splitter
Bandfilter
Channelfilter

Example of a fibre patch

field

E2000HRL connector; SM; 8 angled polish;

70 dB RL; 0,2 dB transmission loss; green;
locking and anti-dust cover
SC/APC plug; SM; 8 angled polish;
65 dB RL; 0,2 dB transmission loss; green;
locking
Patch cord; Jumper cord
Optical couplers; (sym./asym.; to multiplex
and de-multiplex)
DWDM wave length multiplexers and demultiplexers according to the ITU channel
pattern
CWDM wave lenght multiplexers and demultiplexers
WDMC wave length multiplexers and demultiplexers (1310/1550 nm)
Patch fields (mass tailored)
Dispersion zero near 1310 nm
Dispersion 17 ps/nm -km at 1550 nm
Loss 0,35 dB (1310 nm); 0,22 dB (1550
nm)/km
Splice loss 0,02 dB
Schlgl 2005

17

Optical compact node ORA 820 / 821

Node

Splice box

HF-splitter

Earth cable

LED red

-19 dBmW

LED orange

-8,5 dBmW

Operation with reduced carrier to noise ratio

-6 dBm

LED green

Recommended inputpower

0 dBm

Plug-and-play technology due to double

control system
- pluggable pilot control
- d.c. light control
GaAs technology, thus extremely low
intermodulation distortions
Several different output configurations
Pluggable modules for forward and return
path; redundancy
Return path transmitter(s) in Fabry-Perot,
DFB and 1550 nm DWDM technology
Frequency range filters pluggable
Pluggable module for KOM/HMS network
monitoring
LED signalling; monitor socket
E 2000 or SC/APC; PG11
Locally fed / remotely fed; 18 - 65 V
Electronical ingress return path switch

+3dBmW

Maximum input power

Receive

Transmit

OSR 30 series
-3 dBmW

-15 dBmW

OSR 50 series
0 dBmW

OSR 60 series (DWDM)

+9 dBmW

18
LED signalling ORA 820 and 821 nodes
Optical receive and transmit power

Schlgl 2005

Fibre glass amplifier point (GfVrP~Fgap) for BK 862 of KDG

OTR 810
TVB 812G OTR 810
812G
OTR810
TVB812G
OTR810 TVB
TVB813

TVR10

TVR10

EMF

EMF

R1

TVR 12TR
16

19

22

TFN41

TFN41

Spleiss
Box

R1

AB Ausg.

UPS

1
LSN

T ran sm .

P ou t

P ou t

L SN

L SN

-20dB

TP

TP

-20dB

-20dB

Receiver

TR

1
LSN

R4

0,5
1
2
4

0, 5
1
2
4

AB / C

R5
0,5
1
+
2M
4

AB / C

TP

-20dB

-20dB
Transmitter
EMF

EMF

-20dB

-20dB

Slope

R5

AB / C

0,5
1
+
2M
4

OMI

R4

Slope

Receiver
AB / C

Transmitter

R3

TR

AB Ausg.

T ran sm.

Fsp.1
Fsp.2

R2

R3

AGC
L imi t
Pilo t

PW R

EspFi

Ortssp.

TVR 12TR

UPS

Ret
L SN

P in

12

Pilo t

Rec eive r
AGC
L imi t
Pilo t

TP

TVT10

TFN 41 TFN 41

R2

Un it

R ec eive r
L SN

11

Red un da nt
L SN

P WR

10

dB

Slop e
Un it
Red un da nt

P in

9
Service

Un it

EN 60825-1:19 97

GEFAERDUNGSGRAD 1

8
Service

TVC 810
TVC810

N o min al

Un it

Fsp.Vert.

OMI

GEFAERDUNGSGRAD 1
EN 60825-1:19 97

N o min al

24 V

Aan Aab

+
24 V

KATHREIN

WFS865

KATHREIN

WFS865

A2

TP

WFS865

KATHREIN

-30dB
5-65MHz

5-65MHz

TP

85-862MHz

-30dB
5-65MHz

5-65MHz

TP

85-862MHz

-30dB
5-65MHz

5-65MHz
85-862MHz

St.vg

KATHREIN

E
A2

A1
A3 EBC803 EBC802

KATHREIN

A1
A3 EBC803 EBC802

10

11

12

Optik
an

To upgrade the BK 450

5 - 65 MHz / 85 - 862 MHz
In the fibre node, the optical signal is
transformed into an electrical signal, pilotcontrolled and amplified in the forward path
10 dB slope (111- 862 MHz) on the A/B
output
Switchable slope (16 dB; 19 dB; 22 dB) at the
C output
Electronical attenuator and slope elements
(LED/push buttons), uninterrupted signal flow
Non-volatile memory
In the return path, the signal which is
combined and amplified by all return path
inputs is optically modulated and transmitted
back to the headend (bBKVrSt)
Remote feeding via the A/B coax line or
remote feeding transformer
Cluster splitting in forward and return path
Remote-Inventory-Data-System
HMS status monitoring
On-site-controlled by Laptop and
CABLEwatch LMT (not HTE 10)
Schlgl 2005

19

CATV/HFC amplifiers
HFC systems are always designed for specific customers and in line with their particular philosophy. For example, an HFC system can
have short optical transmission links with long downstream amplifier cascades or conversely long optical connections with perhaps just
a single amplifier after the node. If no optical connections are used at all and everything is realised using bi-directional cascaded
amplifier technology, it is a CATV system. Amplifiers must therefore be designed in different ways depending on whether there is only
one or whether two or, e.g., forty amplifiers are to be connected in series. Different groups of customers have very different
designations for amplifiers with identical applications!
A forward path amplifier that is often cascaded is referred to as a line amplifier, trunk amplifier or, at KDG as an A/B amplifier. This
amplifier type is always pilot controlled (ALSC, see page 36), has an extremely low amplitude/frequency response, and can be fitted
with a system equaliser (not to be confused with a cable equaliser). Its relatively low nominal gain is also typical. If a second line is
branched from one line amplifier, this is done using a branch amplifier, subtrunk or trunkbridger amplifier. KDG calls this a B
amplifier. The traditional trunk does not include any passive components such as taps or splitters.
A forward path amplifier that is not frequently cascaded, if at all, is referred to as a line amplifier or at KDG as a C amplifier. It has
higher gain, typically no pilot control (C amplifier has AGC), and does not allow installation of a system equaliser. In contrast to the
trunk, passive distribution components are installed in a line.
The HFC system from the KDG has such a specific design that the system technology, equipment and their designations differ
completely from the standard terminology, system philosophy and products in normal HFC systems from other network operators in
Germany and other countries. To understand this, one needs to be familiar with the development history of the BK 300, BK 450,
BK2K2 and BK862.
All these amplifiers can be remotely fed, and can be installed above or sometimes below ground depending on the degree of protection.
The in-building amplifiers, on the other hand, are locally fed at 230 V and are designed for installation in dry locations. They are
intended to allow both a high signal output level and high gain. However, the amplitude/frequency response is higher than with the
other type of amplifier, as in-building amplifiers are not normally cascaded.
Return path amplifiers do not have different designations, but their transmission behaviour in terms of cascading is adapted to the
relevant forward amplifier types. They are not pilot controlled but, in contrast to the forward path amplifiers, have an electronically
operated 3-step swich (see page 25; switch through, 6 dB attenuation; disconnect) in the RF path. This allows the SIMS monitoring (page 9) to be
used to identify interference received from so-called man-made noise in the return path channnels, and disconnect the affected line
until it is repaired.
Schlgl 2005

20

Amplifier point (KxVrP) BK 862 of the KDG

8
Se rvice

TVC 810
TVC810

OTR810 TVB812G OTR810 TVB813

TVR10

EMF

EMF

19

Fast

AGC

PWR

TP
-20dB

AB / C

AB / C

AB / C

AB / C

EspFi

Ortssp.
Fsp.1
Fsp.2

R2

TR

1
LSN

R4

0, 5
1
2
4

0, 5
1
2
4

R5
0, 5
1
+
2M
48

0,5
1
+
2M
4
8

OMI

Slope

R5

EMF

R4

Fsp.Vert.

OMI

+
24 V

Aan Aab

+
24 V

-20dB

-20dB

TP

A2

WFS865

KATHREIN

-30dB
5-65MHz

5-65MHz

TP

WFS865

85-862MHz

KATHREIN

-30dB
5-65MHz

5-65MHz

TP

WFS865

85-862MHz

KATHREIN

-30dB
5-65MHz

5-65MHz
85-862MHz

St.vg

R3

TR

Slope

EMF

Spleiss
Box

R1

R3
1
LSN

M
-20dB

TP

TFN41

UPS

AGC
Limi t

AB Ausg.

-20dB

TVT10

TVR 12TR

UPS

Ret

P ilo t

PWR

P ilo t

AB Ausg.

TFN41

12

Pilo t

AGC

L SN

AGC
L imi t

LSN

11

TFN 41 TFN 41

R2

LSN

Fast

TVR 12TR

22 dB

S lop e

10

Service

TVR10

R1

16

TVB 812K

TVB 812K

KATHREIN

E
A2

A1
A3 EBC803 EBC802

KATHREIN

A1
A3 EBC803 EBC802

10

11

12

To upgrade the BK 450

Cascadable up to 20 times (NE2.2d or NE 3
trunk sections)
5 - 65 / 85 - 862 MHz
Cable-equivalent slope of 6 dB
Pluggable equalisers in the A/B amplifier;
electronical fine equalisation
Switchable slope (16 dB; 19 dB; 22 dB at the
C output
Electronical ALSC and attenuator elements
(LED displays and push buttons); manual and
remotely controlled setting, uninterrupted
signal flow
Non-volatile memory
High pass filter in the return path (Ingress)
2 pilot-controlled A/B amplifier
1 pilot-controlled C amplifier
Remote-Inventory-Data-System
HMS status monitoring
Power supply unit redundancy
On-site controlled by laptop and
CABLEwatch LMT (not HTE 10)
Schlgl 2005

21

Trunk amplifier and node system GGA 8 with electronical

parameter setting, KOM/HMS monitorable

GGA 8 being calibrated with HTE 10 hand-held unit

Downgradable with GGA 4, GGA 5 and

GGA 6 CATV transmission systems
CATV/HFC trunk amplifier and node system
for high cascading
Frequency range up to 606 MHz or 862 MHz
All parameters can be set electronically via
the manual control unit HTE 10 or optionally
via the KOM status monitoring system;
Inventory Data System
Cloning function
DFB return path transmitter for 1310 nm
Operating parameters are remotely
monitorable, ingress control switch is
remotely switchable
Scalable
2 Pilot ALSC, frequency agile
(CW/PAL/QAM)
ICS ingress control switch
Extremely high distortion ratios due to GaAs
technology
System equalisers can be used
Inventory-Data-System
Protection class IP 65 (DIN 40050)
Schlgl 2005

22

Trunk amplifier and node system GGA 8 with electronical

parameter setting; KOM / HMS monitorable
Lower and upper pilot adjust

Pilot processor VGP 08

ALSC limit

Red alarm

Pr
LSN
Handheld
Bus
Trunk amplifier; ALSC controlled VGP 83 (85)
0-5 dB
0-10 dB

Test
- 30 dB
B
A

-30 dB
Test
ALSC control elements

Interstage

C
Patch
Cable
equaliser

AC
WFS 65
5-65/85-862 MHz

D
AC
WFS 65
5-65/85-862
MHz

Handheld

Bus

LSN

Pr

Bridger amplifier VGS 40

C
0-10 dB

5-12 dB

2 fach

LSN

Remote power
patch field

Pr
G
-20 dB

X5
Ingresstest G2

Handheld

Bus

X6

4 fach

C
3- stage switches

Pilotgenerator

Return amplifer VGR 09 C

X7

Optical transceiver for GGA8

X8
bl
X9

X 17
Ripple equaliser

X 10
X 11
X 12
sw
X2

LSN

0-15 dB

Patch
D

X 18

Pr

X3
X4

1-8 dB

Bus

EMR

Handheld

Test

Test
G

Power supply

br X 16
24 V
X 15
gb
gb/gr
Remote power filter
GMZ 52
C

X 15 - X 18:

Status monitoring module

(HMS standard) TVM 40 L

EE
Prom

Ub
Temp
P

FSK
Demod

FSK
Mod
LSN

Adr
max. 14 m

X1
Bus

X2
X3
X 3c
X6
Rev. Amp External
UAC
RS 485
UPS extern
or
programming
to X 2

Bus of the motherboard: Sub- D 9 pins

Handheld: Sub- D Mini DIN
Testsockets WFS 65: Bi-di; no testprobe ERM 22 !
Testsockets are to be terminated
RF- Motherhousing connection:IEC to 3,5/12
3-stage switches remote controlled by KOM or on- site (X 3)

23
Handheld
HTE 10

Schlgl 2005

VGF / VGP 90xx trunk and line amplifier system; electronical

parameter setting, KOM/HMS monitorable

Highly linear GaAs compact amplifier

Excellent transmission data
Frequency range 5 - 65...85 - 606/862 MHz
2 pilot-ALSC, frequency agile
(CW/PAL/QAM)
Amplitude frequency response +/- 0.5 dB
Operating parameters are electronically and
automatically set using the HTE 10 hand-held
unit, or via the KOM; Cloning function;
Inventory Data
ICS switch
Ripple equaliser
One output/two outputs (sym./asym.)
Directional coupler test sockets:
Input/output; return path test in/ Ingress
(accessible from the outside)
Remote feeding current 7 A / 10 A insertion
Locally fed/remotely fed (30 - 72 V)
Very efficient power supply unit
Degree of protection: IP 66

Schlgl 2005

24

VGF/VGO 938 line amplifier system, manual parameter setting

with slide switches; KOM monitorable

VGF 938 with TVM 840/H HMS transponder

State-of-the-art GaAs compact technology

Plug-in filters (5 - 30/65.. 47/85 - 862 MHz)
Gain (switchable in interstage)
forward
38/35/32 dB
return
30/21 dB
Amplitude/frequency response +/- 0.5 dB
Loop-through RF input
De-emphasis at 450 - 862 MHz switchable in
0/4/8 dB steps for active C lines in KDG
networks
One output/two outputs (sym./asym.)
Directional coupler test sockets:
Input; output; Ingress; return path
Pluggable high pass filter <15 MHz to
attenuate the ingress on board
Locally fed/remotely fed (38 - 65 V)
Very efficient power supply unit
Remote feeding current 5 A / 7 A infeed
Degree of protection IP 54
PG 11 connectors
25

Schlgl 2005

Broadband return path amplifier

from the forwardpath

Status monitoring transponder

KOM or HMS standard
TVM 8xx

(Option)

LMT
Manually operated (Unity gain)
Electronically operated (VGF 9000 series)
Automatic levelling (pilotcontrolled VGP 9000 series
Cable Equalizer

Ingress Test

Attenuation

Control elements
for
"unity gain"
5 - 65 MHz out
85 - 862 MHz in
Blockdiagram of typical reversepath amplifier
inserted in lineamplifiers (i.e. VGF 8xxx)

Test
- 20 dB

SIMS 3 State Switch

0 dB
- 6 dB
"off"

5 - 65 MHz in
85 - 862 MHz out

Transports telemetry and digital data bursts

Push-pull
Operating level is calculated acc. the CIN
method (see page 34)
No pilot control; gain is temperature
compensated (over compensated)
3 state switch (ingress detection); set with the
hand-held unit or via the remote monitoring
system (Transponder has to be inserted)
Automatic levelling (by approximation) in
pilot-controlled VGP 9xxx line amplifiers on
initial operation
Unity gain operation (0 dB of the amplifier
together with its cable section behind)
Directional coupler feed in test socket
Ingress test jack to connect an ingress tester
Settings can be made without shutting down
the operation
One or more inputs combined into one output
26

Schlgl 2005

The in-building network (network level 4) for bi-directional

services

Typ. in-building network for 16 apartments (unmonitored)

Symmetrical star distribution to the

apartments in the return path
Tree structure inside the apartments
Modem outlet avoids any unwanted ingress
via the subscribers end devices; high
decoupling surpresses any interferences
caused by a transmitting modem
To maximise the signal-to-noise ratio, the
transmission level is applied at 105 dBV; no
settings are made on the modem itself
Calculated input level on the return path
amplifier plus distribution loss in the return
path should be 105 dBV, or be replenished
on the input using the attenuating element
3-stage ingress search switch which is
actuated with the monitoring
Ingress test socket
Future-proof for state-of-the-art data end
devices (e.g. Residential Gateways)

House amplifier, monitored

27

Schlgl 2005

The in-building network for bi-directional services

TV/FM

DCM 52 i

ESM 30/40

Cable modem

PC

A) Flat with one TV-/ Radio set and PC

TV/FM

B) Flat with several sockets and several PC

TV/FM

TV/FM

ESM31/41/42
DCM 52 i

C)Flat with several sockets and just one modem

with Hub and Ethernet

DCM 52 i
PC

Cable modem

D) Flat with triple-play-service

DCM 52 i
PC

PC

Cable Modem

Cable modem
EST 20
PC
TV
FM

Splitter

E) Flat with several sockets, wireless DECT

and wireless Ethernet
EVK 100
TV
Rdf
PC

C
NTU
DCM 52 i

Line tap-off

HFC- House amplifier

Splitter
KAZ 11

Cable modem

KOM
0
-6
off

Overvoltage protector

10 BaseT Hub

RF forward
RF return
10 Base T Ethernet (Twisted Pair)
a/b
USB

DCV 10 (E)

TV/FM

Fax
Telephone
PC

ESM 30/40

Cable modem
for triple play service

NTU`s for the very near future:

F) Flat with Embedded Medial
Termination Adapter

Splitter
EMTA

TV/Rdf
EVK 100

G) Flat with EMTA and IP- Streaming box

H) Flat with Residential Gateway

EMTA

ESD 85

IP Streaming

Residential Gateway

ESD 85
TV/Rdf

Wireless Ethernet
Wireless DECT

NTU
Wireless Modem

28
DECT

Schlgl 2005

KOM / HMS monitoring transponder

TVM 40/L and TVM 840 V and H

TVR 12/TR (BK2K2/GGA 8) not
shown

HMS is an international standard

KATHREIN compact transponder
TVM 840 (monitoring module)
KATHREIN BK transponder TVM 40(L)
3rd party transponders (e.g. by AM /
Harmonic)
Stores the operation and transmission
parameters of HFC devices
Activates the 3-stage switches in the return
path amplifiers
Registrated and managed by the HEC
controller
Automatic search for the HEC controller
reception frequency
Assignment of a transmission frequency and
time slot
MAC address and IP address
Using the LMT (Local Monitoring Terminal),
the transponder can be operated on site
(Software Win-LMT)
Schlgl 2005

29

DOCSIS cable modem (DCM 52 i)

Cable modem (DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 2.0 DCM 52 i

Conforms with the DOCSIS/ EuroDOCSIS

2.0 standard
Automatic registration
TurboDox to significantly increase the
download speed for TCP applications
Data rate in downstream up to 38 Mbps, in
upstream up to 30 Mbps (ED 64 QAM)
USB and Ethernet interfaces
Comprehensive SNMP management support:
MIB-II; Ethernet-like MIB; Bridge MIB; Cable
Device MIB; Baseline privacy interface
MIB;RF Interface MIB
Modulation receiver: 64/256 QAM
Modulation transmitter with
TDMA: QPSK, 64 QAM
S- CDMA: 8 - 128 QAM
Max. output level with S-CDMA:
113 dBV

Voice Modems (i.e. DCV 10) are being projected

30

Schlgl 2005

Technical appendix
The block diagrams in this seminar show the optical or high frequency signal progression necessary
for understanding.
Correct installation, earthing, weather protection, lightning protection and power supply has
not been dealt with!
The technical appendix does not contain comprehensive instructions for calculation of HFC
networks.
The intention is to provide an overview of how distortion ratios in the forward and return paths
behave in terms of the relevant operating level and how the distortion ratio sums are determided in
cascades. This is important because the installation engineer essentially does two things during the
calibration:
-

He balances the amplitude/frequency response using cable equalisers, to level out the
frequency progression of the coaxial cable. All channels transmitted then have the same
nominal level on the output.

He sets the appropriate output level on the amplifiers or the drive level for the
transmitters:...and therefore influences the distortion ratios (CSO; CTB; C/N and CIN).
If the associated end device does not have the required distortion ratio on the input
(and the necessary useful level of course), it will function only poorly or not at all.

We are pleased to provide advice about our HFC products and systems. Please contact us by e-mail
at: CATV@kathrein.de
31

Schlgl 2005

Downstream broadband nonlinear distortions CSO and CTBA

CENELEC plan; 47-606 MHz; 29 unmodulated vision carriers

Video carrier

CSO
f3

CTB
f4

Double light exposure !!

Multi-channel measuring station acc. to

CENELEC, ANGA/ZVEI or KDG pattern, fed
in the test sample
Spectrum analysis on the output
Composite Triple Beat (3 carriers mixing:
f1 +/- f2 +/- f3 = f4 (falls below vision
carriers)
Composite Second Order (2 carriers mixing:
f1 +/- f2 = f3 (falls within channels)
Rule 1: If the output levels of all channels are
changed by 1 dB, the CTB ratio will change
by 2 dB (lower outputlevel increases the
distortion ratio, but decreases the C/N ratio)
Rule 2: If the output levels of all channels are
changed by 1 dB, the CSO ratio will change
by 1 dB too (lower output; better CSO ratio)
Specification of the output level at 60 dB
distortion
Rules 1 and 2 only apply only below the
`maximum operating level indication
Visibility limit 55 dB CTB/CSO distortions
ratio in analogue TV signals and 43 dB C/N
CSO peaks at either end of the spectrum,
CTB however in the middle
Schlgl 2005

32

Addition of distortion ratios

3,4 dB

5 dB

The array of curves allows one to calculate

the distortion sum in two cascaded single
distortion margins (C/N;CSO;CTBA)
Example 1:
The output level of one amplifier stage is set
in such a way that the result is a calculated
CTB ratio of 70 dB.
Another amplifier stage which shows a CTB
ratio of 65 dB due to its output level is
arranged behind it. How much is the
composite triple beat sum?
Calculation:
First, the difference of the two triple beat
distortions is calculated
70 dB - 65 dB = 5 dB
On the x-axis Difference between two ratios,
one determines the intersection point of the
CTB curve at 5 dB; the result is 3.4 dB on the
y-axis.
The CTB sum = 65 - 3.4 = 61.6 dB

Example 2:
Two cascaded amplifers with 60 dB
C/N each; Alltogether it`s 57 dB
Schlgl 2005

33

Upstream broadband interference CIN

EN 50083-3/A1
Specification of active return components:
Input noise density (dbV/Hz) results from a
certain noise ratio (dB) for a certain dynamic
range (dB)
Example: - 8 dBV/Hz; CIN = 50 dB; Dynamic range 22 dB
40 amplifiers altogether; (10 cascaded, 4 lines in parallel)
Test rack determination:
Noise generator
Attenuator

Unit under test

Spectrum analyser
(reverse amplifier)
(reverse optical link)

S/N

White noise

Notch filter

CIN

Band limited

S
(N + Intermod)

VGR 34: 5 - 60 MHz

Calculation for 30 channels 2MHz
Carrier level = input noise density + 10log B(Hz)

VGR 34
1 Amplifier
40 Amplifiers

60 dB
22 dB Dynamic
64 dBV
50 dB

55 dBV(2 MHz)

not correlated noise

40 dB
10logx40
= 16 dB
30 dB

correlated noise

20 dB
dynamic range

20logx10
75
=20 dB
dBV

CIN = Composite Intermodulation Noise is

the (data burst) signal to (uncorrelated) noise
+ (correlated) intermodulation noise ratio
Input level range (based on 1 Hz) specified
for a certain minimum composite
intermodulation ratio
Bandwidth 5 - 65 MHz gives e.g. 30 channels
at 2 MHz.
PE=-8 dBV/Hz + 10 log 2x106; input level 55
dBV ....77 dBV gives a CIN ratio of => 50
dB for each of the 30 channels
The CIN ratio of an amplifier deteriorates with
each additional return path amplifier (funnel
effect)
The person planning the system determines
the signal-to-noise ratio/dynamic range the
system is to function with

55 dBV
- 8 dBV/Hz

34

Inputlevel dBV/Hz
(OMI %)

Schlgl 2005

C/N and S/N ratios; modulation gain

Amplifier
Input level 70 dBV

Carrier-to-noise ratio C/N= 63,2 dB

S/N= C/N+1,5 dB

Noise level 6,8 dBV

Noise figure 5 dB
= Noise level (5 MHz) 5+1,8 dBV

Analogue
Demodulation/Remodulation
FM
AM

E
D
0
F
cp
T
K
S
P
Q
2
lr1
d
M
m
vo

/N
-C
a
u
A
ith
w
e
sg
z.B
n
f

C/N 10 dB
C/N 42 dB
Conversion gain i.e. 32 dB (data sheet)
C/N at the output depends on C/N at the input

Transmodulation
Transcoder
PAL
QPSK

C/N at the output is the

Worst case C/N at the
noise of the modulator i.e. 61 dB
input has to be specified
QAM
i.e. 12 dB
C/N at the output does not depend on the C/N at the input

The C/N (carrier-to-noise) specifies the highfrequency noise ratio (dB) of a carrier signal
(dBV) based on the noise level (dBV)
The noise figure of an active component
specifies by how many dB the noise
increases compared to 75 ohm impedance
The noise level is based on a certain
bandwidth; in AM-TV signals with 5 MHz
bandwidth, the noise level is 1.8 dBV +
noise figure
The modulation gain is the difference of the
input carrier-to-noise ratio to the output
signal-to-noise ratio in different analogue
modulations

35

Schlgl 2005

Echo attenuation in the coax part of the HFC system

dB

Level of the entire frequeny spectrum is identical or sloped

because of the cable length

Splitter

Timedelayed reflection

dB

Amplifier

open or shortcircuited
cable

f
The level of the channels is now different
Forward and reflected waves are superimposed
Reflection(s) at the TV screen
Reduced carrier to noise ratio

Modem data traffic might slow down or is cut

"Critical cable length"

Echoes are caused by signal reflexions in the

system
Cause: open or shortcicuited cables, faulty
assembled RF connectors, components
whose return losses are too low, etc.
The return loss is the logarithmic ratio of the
forward path and reflecting energy
Increasing and decreasing levels in the
transmission spectrum depend on the echo
phasing
Ghost in TV, timedelayed
Measurement of the 2-T impulse on analogue
TV signals using the MSK 33
Return loss minimum value for all system
components in the distribution network: 20 dB
at 40 MHz - 1.5 dB/ octave (18.5 dB at 80
MHz; etc.)
Echoes in digital signals are more critical,
and depend on the modulation and bit rate
(micro-reflexions in modems)
Fibre does not show these effects; reflected
optical power may decrease the the C/N ratio
of the link; optical isolator

Schlgl 2005

36

AGC; ALSC; Long Loop AGC

Gain

AG C (Autom atic gain control)

AGC (Automatic Gain Control) controls the

levels frequency-independently
Headend (input level fluctuation)
Transmitter (Modulation-index)
Optical receivers (plug and play)

Frequency

+60C
+20C
- 30 C

C able loss variation

0,2 % /C

Gain variation of the trunk amp

Cable loss

ALSC (Autom atic level and slope control)

Am ber alarm threshold

+/-2dB

+/-5 dB
+60C
+20C
-20C

Frequency

Frequency

Long loop AG C
CM TS

forward

D ow nstream
H FC net
U pstream
N om inal input
level
(Firm w are adjusted)

ALSC (Automatic Level and Slope Control)

frequency-dependently controls the gain of
broadband amplifiers against the temperature
of the cable in front
1-pilot-control
2-pilots-control
Long Loop AGC; the CMTS controls the
transmission levels of each DOCSIS modem
until the nominal input level is achieved on
the CMTS

C able
m odem
return
Transm itting level

37

Schlgl 2005

Seminar HFC networks

Thank you very much for your kind

attention!

38

Schlgl 2005