ULC-0-50-CI Universal LNB Controller
User Manual
Acronyms
| CI | Control Interface |
| IFL | Interfacility Link |
| LLC | Line Length Compensation |
| LNB | Low-noise Block Downconverter |
| OCXO | Oven controlled crystal oscillator |
| PLC | Programmable Logic Controller |
| RF | Radio Frequency |
| ULC | Universal LNB Controller |
Safety
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Changes or Modifications to Equipment Changes or modifications to this equipment, not explicitly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. |
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Accessories and Devices The use of non-approved accessories or devices may lead to a degradation in performance, damage to equipment, or potential hazards. |
Overview
The Norsat Universal LNB Controller (ULC) is a standalone control unit for a single multi-band LNB. This system allows a user to select LNB frequency bands without any additional control hardware. The ULC can be configured to fit most applications and has options for:
- RF Connector customization
- 10MHz reference configurations
- Line Length Compensation (LLC) to compensate for voltage drop between the ULC and LNB
- Control Interface customization
System Overview
The ULC system consists of a ULC, universal power supply, and mounting plate. When powered on, the unit supplies a variable voltage and tone control signal to a multiband LNB, supporting up to quad-band applications. The ULC is installed between the Modem and LNB as shown in the diagram below.
Hardware
System
The ULC system supports a single multi-band LNB. This system is designed in accordance with the DiSEqC 1.x standard, supporting up to quad-band LNBs.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Number of LNBs supported | 1 |
| Maximum LNB supply current | 500mA |
| LNB Control Specification | DiSEqC 1.x |
| # of Bands supported | Up to 4 |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, WEEE |
Mechanical
The ULC has a compact mechanical design allowing it to be easily integrated into existing satellite systems. The included baseplate also allows for easy mounting and flexibility. The ULC mechanical layout offers multiple connector configurations depending on the options selected.
The diagram below gives an overview of the connector locations and mechanical dimensions.
The following table also outlines the options for each connector.
| CONNECTOR | DESCRIPTION |
| Modem & LNB RF Connectors | Options for: • 75 Ohm F connectors • 50 Ohm N Connectors • 50 Ohm SMA Connectors |
| DC Input | Threaded Barrel Connector |
| Control Interface | Options for: • Control Switch • Control Interface |
| 10MHz Injection (Optional) | Options for: • 75 Ohm F connector • 50 Ohm N Connector • 50 Ohm SMA Connector |
| Line Length Control (Optional) | Toggle Switch |
Interfaces
RF Connectors (LNB to Modem)
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | TYP. | MAX | UNITS |
| RF Frequency Range | 950 | – | 1950 | MHz |
| LNB supply current | – | – | 400 | mA |
| 22kHz Tone Frequency | 20 | 22 | 24 | kHz |
| 22kHz Tone Amplitude | 550 | 650 | 900 | mV |
| LNB Voltage Band 1 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | V |
| LNB Voltage Band 2 | 17.3 | 18 | 18.7 | V |
| LNB Voltage Band 1 with LLC | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | V |
| LNB Voltage Band 2 with LLC | 18.3 | 19 | 19.7 | V |
| RF Path Loss | – | – | 3 | dB |
DC Input Connector
| SPECIFICATION | MIN | TYP. | MAX | UNITS |
| Input Voltage Range | 23 | 24 | 25 | V |
| Power Consumption (No 10MHz) | 450 | mA | ||
| Power Consumption (Internal 10MHz) | 600 | mA |
10Mhz Reference Options
The ULC has the following 10MHz configurations:
- No Reference
- Internal 10MHz Reference
- 10MHz Injection
No Reference
With the No Reference option selected, the ULC will pass through a 10MHz signal from the modem port to the LNB. The specifications for this option are listed below.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| 10MHz Path Loss | < 2dB |
| 10MHz Filtering from Modem to LNB | Passthrough |
Internal 10MHz Reference
With the Internal 10MHz Reference option, the ULC is configured with high stability, low phase noise OCXO 10MHz reference which is passed through to the LNB port. The specifications for this option are listed below.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Reference Type | OCXO |
| Frequency | 10MHz +/- 0.2Hz |
| Thermal Stability | 5.00E-07 |
| Frequency Tolerance | ±1.0E-07 @ +25°C |
| 10MHz Power Level | +2dBm to +5dBm |
| 10MHz Filtering from Modem | 10MHz Blocked (> 55dB attenuation) |
| SPECIFICATION | 10Hz | 100Hz | 1kHz | 10kHz |
| 10MHz Phase Noise | -125dBc/Hz | -145dBc/Hz | -150dBc/Hz | -155dBc/Hz |
10MHz Injection
With the 10MHz injection option, the ULC is configured with an external 10MHz injection port. The specifications for this option are listed below.
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| 10MHz Injection Path Loss | < 1 dB |
| 10MHz Filtering from Modem | 10MHz Blocked (> 55dB attenuation) |
| 10MHz Injection Port | Options for: • 75 Ohm F connector • 50 Ohm N Connector • 50 Ohm SMA Connector |
Control Interface
The ULC has the following control interface options:
- Switch Control Only
- Line Length Compensation with Switch
- Control Interface Cable
The control interface controls the following parameters:
| SETTING | DESCRIPTION |
| 22kHz Tone | When active, sends a 22kHz signal to the LNB |
| Voltage | Selects either +13V or +18V output |
| Line Length Compensation (LLC) |
When active, increases the LNB output voltage to +14V or +19V to compensate for the DC voltage drop between the ULC and LNB |
Switch Control Only
For the Switch Control Only option, the tone and voltage output is controlled by turning the control switch. A summary of the switch position and corresponding outputs is shown below:
| SWITCH POSITION (LEFT TO RIGHT) | OUTPUT |
| 1 | 13V |
| 2 | 18V |
| 3 | 13V + Tone |
| 4 | 18V + Tone |
Line Length Compensation with Switch
The Line Length Compensation with Switch option provides an external LLC switch and a control switch. A summary of the switch positions and control outputs is shown below:
| CONTROL SWITCH POSITION (LEFT TO RIGHT) |
LCC SWITCH POSITION | OUTPUT |
| 1 | OFF | 13V |
| 2 | OFF | 18V |
| 3 | OFF | 13V + Tone |
| 4 | OFF | 18V + Tone |
| 1 | ON | 14V |
| 2 | ON | 19V |
| 3 | ON | 14V + Tone |
| 4 | ON | 19V + Tone |
Control Interface Cable
For the Control Interface Cable option, the control switch is replaced with a 4-pin connector (see image below). With this option, the ULC can be controlled by applying a voltage to the control pins (see tables below). A mechanical diagram of the control pinout is shown below.
Note: It is the user’s responsibility to determine how to drive the control pins on the ULC.
With the provided 2m long cable, the ULC can be connected to control hardware such as a PLC, Microcontroller, Ethernet I/O module, or another programmable logic device.
| SIGNAL LEVEL | RANGE |
| Low (L) | 0 – 0.8V |
| High (H) | 2.5 – 6V |
| Input Current | 20mA Max |
| 22kHz TONE | VOLTAGESELECT | LINE LENGTH COMPENSATION | OUTPUT |
| L | L | L | 13V |
| L | H | L | 18V |
| L | L | H | 14V |
| L | H | H | 19V |
| H | L | L | 13V + TONE |
| H | H | L | 18V + TONE |
| H | L | H | 14V + TONE |
| H | H | H | 19V + TONE |
Universal Power Supply
The ULC system includes a universal AC/DC power supply. The power supply includes multiple AC connector adaptors to support a variety of international plug types. The AC/DC power supply specifications are shown in the table below:
| SPECIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Supported Plug Types | North America (Type A), Europe (Type F), United Kingdom (Type G), Australia (Type I), and China (Type A) blades included |
| Input Voltage Range | 90VAC to 264VAC |
| DC Plug type | Barrel connector, center positive |
| Cable Length | 2 meters |
| Environmental Rating | Indoors |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +40°C |
| Safety Approvals | UL/cUL, RCM, CCC, PSE |
Operation
- Connect all external cables to the ULC. Ensure that all connectors are properly threaded and secure.
- Plugin the universal power supply.
- Select the desired LNB control signals (See Section 3.5)
System Troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | TROUBLESHOTING STEPS |
| No power to the LNB | 1. Verify that the ULC power supply is connected to AC power. 2. Verify that the LNB is connected to the “LNB” RF connector and not the “Modem” RF connector. 3. Verify that the LNB RF cable is threaded properly on the ULC. 4. Swap LNBs to determine if the LNB is malfunctioning. 5. If the problem is not corrected in the above steps, contact the manufacturer. |
| LNB not switching frequency bands | 1. Verify that the control interface is set properly (See Section 3.5) 2. Verify that the LNB is connected to the “LNB” RF connector and not the “Modem” RF connector. 3. Verify that the multiband LNB is compatible with the voltage and tone control provided by the ULC. 4. Power cycle the ULC 5. If the problem is not corrected in the above steps, contact the manufacturer. |
System Maintenance
| NO. | DESCRIPTION | FREQUENCY |
| 1 | Inspect and tighten all connectors on the ULC | Once per month |
| 2 | Inspect all cables for damage | Once per month |
ABOUT NORSAT
Norsat International Inc., founded in 1977, is a leading provider of innovative communication solutions that enable the transmission of data, audio, and video for remote and challenging applications.
Norsat’s products and services include customizable satellite components, portable satellite terminals, maritime solutions, and satellite networks. The company’s products and services are used extensively by telecommunications services providers, emergency services and homeland security agencies, military organizations, health care providers, and Fortune 1000 companies.
110 – 4020 Viking Way | Richmond | British Columbia | Canada
V6V 2L4 | support@norsat.com
www.norsat.com
© Norsat International Inc. (“Norsat”) All Rights Reserved
2021-05-11 DOC-001243 Rev A
Documents / Resources
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Norsat ULC-0-50-CI Universal LNB Controller [pdf] User Manual ULC-0-50-CI, Universal LNB Controller, ULC-0-50-CI Universal LNB Controller |
