DTU-236 ATSC/QAM/NTSC RF Probe


Overview

The DTU-236 RF Probe and RFXpert software is a comprehensive solution designed to provide real-time analysis and monitoring of terrestrial signals (8-VSB, QAM A/B/C and NTSC RF channels). The RFXpert software is intended to be loaded by the end-user on a PC or laptop and work in conjunction with the DTU-236 RF Probe. RFXpert provides complete RF analysis and logging, along with transport stream recording.

The DTU-236 can be combined with Sencore’s RFXpert software for a truly powerful RF measurement tool. RFXpert provides easy-to-read spectral displays, both constellation and eye diagram displays, and the ability to turn off and on 8-VSB tap equalization to see the uncorrected signal being received.
◦ True demodulated digital reading for MER, Pre-BER, Post BER and EVM
◦ A proof-positive method of signal documentation or drop-point comparisons with programmable, user defined logging and auto-inspection capabilities.

 Adding StreamXpert to a DTU-236 makes for a cost-effective and user-friendly MPEG-2/H.264 transport stream analyzer. Signals can be analyzed from either the ASI or RF inputs of the DTU-236 and can be  validated against industry-standard ETR101-290 templates. Transport streams can also be captured in the field with StreamXpert for later use.
◦ Real-time analysis, monitoring and recording of MPEG-2/H.264
◦ PCR Accuracy and ETR101-290 checking
◦ Integrated MPEG-2 video and audio decoding with AC3 and Dolby Digital+ Support

Features

  • Ruggedized, lightweight portable unit
  • Includes channel plans for all regions world-wide
  • Includes Sencore’s RF Expert software package for an integrated RF analysis solution
  • Easily connected to a laptop PC for power and data via its USB 2.0 connection

Specifications

DTU-236 RF Probe
RF Input:
Connector:75 Ω Type “F”
Frequency:44-865 MHz
Level Tuning:-25 to 60 dBmV
Modulation:8-VSB, QAM A/B/C, NTSC
Band:Broadcast, FCC Cable, IRC, HRC Cable
ASI Input:
Connector: 75 Ω BNC
Receive Bitrate: 0-214 Mbp/s
Dimensions:
Physical:7.1” x 4.2” x 1.4”
Weight: < 1 lb.
  
RFXpert
RF Tests:
Level Measurement:>-30 to +50 dBmV, 0.1 dB
resolution, +/- 1 dB accuracy
MER:15 to 38 dB
(measured from constellation)
EVM:2.3 to 16.5% RMS
BER:Pre/Post FEC, SER,
Errored Seconds
Modulation Displays:Constellation and Eye diagram
Echo Profile:-2.3 to +40 μS delay range,
0 to -30 dBc echo level
Spectrum Display:Channel (6-8 MHz), Adjacent
(18-24 MHz), Full (50-865 MHz)
Logging
Type:Interval and Alarms
Auto Inspect:Automatic analysis and logging of a channel plan
File:User-defined, limited by host hard drive space
Minimum PC/Laptop Requirements:
Operating System:32-bit Windows XP/2003/Vista
USB:2.0 for communication/power
Processor:PIII 1.0 GHz
RAM:256 MB minimum
StreamXpert
Input Bitrate:
214 Mb/s maximum, limited by the capabilities of the input device
Minimum PC / Laptop Requirements:
Operating System:Windows XP/2003/Vista or higher
DirectX:9.0c or higher
Video Card:AGP 64 MB equivalent or better
(SD video decoding);
1 GB for HD H.246
Sound Card:Standard sound card (for audio decoding)
Processor:

PIII 1.0 GHz (no video decoding)
P4 1.7 GHz / Pentium M 1.5 GHz (SD Decoding)
P4 3.0 GHz / Pentium M 2.0 GHz
(HD Decoding)*
*Hyper threading CPU yields best results*
**Or equivalent AMD processor**

RAM:256 MB minimum
Best results (HD) with 512 MB+
dual channel DDR400
Disk Drive:
(For Stream Recording)		Rates > 40 Mb/s use drive separate\
(For Stream Recording) from Operating System
Rates ≤ 100 Mb/s use single 7200
RPM SATA or SCSI
Rates > 100 Mb/s use single 15000
RPM SCSI, Striped 7200 RPM
SATA, or Striped SCSI*
*Best performance is achieved using Striped
SATA or SCSI Drives*
  
 Note1: Parallel ATA Drives may be used, but
usually do not achieve same performance as
SATA or SCSI.
 Note 2: Drive specifications are
recommendations. Different architectures
will yield different results in some systems.
When in doubt, refer to drive/motherboard
specifications or contact a Sencore
representative.

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