Multi-Function Digital Receiver

for Satellite Based Data, Audio and IP Multicast Broadcast Systems

Model DCR-972 DigiCeiver

Introduction

The Model DCR-972 DigiCeiver^® is a multi-function, programmable data/audio receiver intended for use in satellite based broadcast systems. Its many applications include worldwide news services, radio program distribution to network affiliates, nationwide advertising distribution, financial and banking services, paging broadcasts, music distribution, corporate data base updates, software distribution and others.

The DCR-972 utilizes newly available digital technology which allows the user a wide degree of configuration and control flexibility. Its unique, over-the-network, programmable feature gives complete control to the user for changing operating parameters and adding future software upgrades without the necessity of hardware modifications. This time and money saving feature enables the user to upgrade his system, after deployment, quickly and cost effectively. All receiver operating parameters are programmable over-the-network using our Network Control System (NCS), through the front panel operator interface, or through receiver remote control port with a local PC or dial up modem connection to the NCS.

The basic DCR-972 provides one data output and one optional expansion port. Both the basic data port and the optional port can be configured to operate in an Single Channel Per Carrier (SCPC) or Multiple Channels Per Carrier (MCPC) mode as outputs from a TDM or packet multiplexed data stream. The expansion port can also be configured for an Ethernet 10Base-T output and used for IP multicasting.

A high performance sequential Forward Error Correction (FEC) decoder provides outstanding bit error rate (BER) performance over this entire range of data rates. Optional FEC decoders include a Viterbi decoder and a DVB compliant concatenated Reed-Solomon/Viterbi decoder which will provide essentially error free operation at any Eb/No above the threshold. The DCR-972 is fully compatible with existing BPSK and QPSK, rate 1/2 coded digital signals currently transmitted by many service providers. Open network standards are followed for differential encoding, scrambling, forward error correction and signal spectral shaping to allow use in many existing open networks.

The DCR-972 has two expansion slots for additional data and/or audio capability. Up to two of ICP's DDP-104 Four Port Data Demultiplexer Expansion Cards can be added for a total of ten usable data outputs from a single DCR-972. Each output can be individually controlled by the ICP Network Control System (NCS).

For CD quality audio capability, the DCR-972 expansion slots can also accommodate up to two of ICP's DAP-102 two channel or DAP-104 four channel Digital Audio Processor Expansion Cards. Both audio cards utilize ISO/MPEG Layer II coding and can provide mono, dual mono, stereo or joint stereo from a single digital stream up to 384 kbps.

In addition to the basic data capability, a fully configured DCR-972 Chassis can provide a total of eight analog audio outputs, four RS-232 async data outputs, sixteen switch closures and four AES/EBU outputs. The RS-232 async data output operates at standard rates from 300 baud up to 19.2 kbps.

Receiver operating parameters for Center Frequency, Carrier ID, Mode of Operation, Data Rate, Sweep Limit, and Error Rate Test Length can be configured locally through the front panel controls and display. These parameters are also configurable through ICP's Network Control System (NCS). NCS commands for configuring the receiver operating parameters may be issued via the satellite NCS overhead control channel or through a standard dial up modem to modem connection to the receiver remote control port. When using the dial-up modem connection, receiver status information can be read at the network head-end on the NCS display.

Another key feature of the DCR-972 is its small 12"W x 8.25"L x 3"H desk top chassis design with optional rack mounting kit.

The receiver operates with an input frequency range of 950 to 1450 MHz utilizing "Data Grade" C-Band or Ku-Band LNB's and also provides power to the LNB.

An internal, universal input, switching power supply provides operation from 90 VAC to 260 VAC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz. An optional DC input power supply will allow operation from 18 VDC to 36 VDC battery systems.

Specifications

Receiver Characteristics

Input Frequency Range

950-1450 MHz (compatible with "Data Grade" C-Band or Ku-Band LNB's)

Input Connector

Type "F" female, 75 Ohms

Carrier Frequency Tuning

Synthesized in 0.10 MHz steps from 950 MHz to 1450 MHz

PSK mode

BPSK or QPSK, programmable

Data Rate

64 kbps up to 1024 kbps in BPSK mode, or 64 kbps up to 2048 kbps in QPSK mode (Higher rates optional)

Forward Error Correction

Rate 1/2 sequential, 2 bits soft decisions. Viterbi K=7, 3 bit soft decision or concatenated Reed-Solomon/Viterbi, compatible with DVB standard, optional

Acquisition Sweep Range

Programmable up to ±2 MHz

Bit Error Rate Performance

Typically 10^-7 at 5.5 dB Eb/No

Data Output Electrical Interface

EIA RS-232 or RS-422 electrical interface, via 9 pin "D" type connector

Configuration Storage

Non-volatile

Demultiplexer Characteristics

Aggregate Rate

19.2 kbps up to 2048 kbps compatible with clear channel fractional T1/E1 services

TDM Channels

Synchronous transparent data channels in increments of 64 kbps up to the limitation imposed by the aggregate capacity

Packet Multiplexed Channel

ASYNC, HDLC or BISYNC packet multiplexed data at standard baud rates up to 38.4 kbps are supported. Also supported are "product identification" codes which allow each site to select stories according to their content.

Number of Output Channels

The basic DCR-972 receiver includes one data port (two optional). One or two additional DDP-104 demux card(s) can be added to provide four or eight additional data outputs.

Audio Channels

One or two DAP-102 or DAP-104 audio processor expansion cards can be added to provide up to eight mono or four stereo outputs.

Control and Display Functions

Controllable Parameters

LNB band, carrier frequency selection, BPSK/QPSK mode, data (symbol) rate, sweep width, local or remote control, signal strength (Eb/No) display, error rate display

Indicators

LED's Indicate: Power, LNB Fault, Summary Fault, Demodulator Lock, Carrier ID, Download, Local Control

Network Control Channel

Provides synchronization, carrier identification and control of the receivers operating parameters.

Addressability

Each site is individually addressable. Addresses may be global, group or individual.

Remote/Diagnostic Port

Remote control and monitoring of all receiver operating parameters. Standard baud rates up to 9600 bps are supported. Optional modem capability for remote control via telephone line.

Power/Physical/Environmental

LNB Power

+20 V nominal at up to 0.5 A separately fused and surge protected.

AC Power

Universal input, 90 VAC to 260 VAC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz, less than 50 watts

Chassis Size

3" high, 12" wide, 8.25" deep desktop mounted chassis, rack mounting optional

Weight

Less than 5.5 lbs (2.5 Kg)

Remote/Diagnostic Connector

9 pin male Type "D" connector

Temperature

0° C to +50° C operating temperature

Humidity

0 to 100% non condensing

Options

Audio Decoder

DAP-102 two channel single decoder ISO/MPEG Layer II audio card with AES/EBU outputs, 4 relay closures and one ancillary data stream up to 19.2 kbps.

DAP-104 four channel dual decoder ISO/MPEG Layer II audio card with AES/EBU outputs, 8 relay closures and two ancillary data streams up to 19.2 kbps

Data Demultiplexer

DDP-104 provides four additional data ports. Up to two DDP-104 cards can be used with the DCR-972 chassis.

FEC Decoders

Viterbi, rate 1/2, k=7 decoder or DVB compliant concatenated Reed-Solomon/Viterbi decoder

Emergency Service Channel

Provides low data rate continuous operation during severe rain fades or system outage through direct modem connection to data source

Click Here to View Back Panel of DCR-972 with DAP-104 Audio Card Installed