1:2 Redundant Amplifier  Switch Controller

Description for the Model UP12A.            

The UP12 can be interfaced with any type of amplifier that provides a dry contact output for fault status.  Amplifiers could be HPAs, TWTs, or Upconverters …….any redundant amplifier system that operates a Switch.   

Switches are typically either a Waveguide Switch,  a Coax Switch, or a ganged Waveguide/Coax switch.  Switch interface can be “pigtailed” to operate both a Waveguide and Coax switch together [indicators are only taken off of the Waveguide Switch (that connect to the J1(S1) and J2(S2)  input) for this application.  Both switches must be of the same voltage and “Polarity”.] 

The control unit monitors 3 Amplifiers, and 2 waveguide/coax switches. 

Control of the switches can be achieved locally or remotely. 

For information pertaining to the controller computer interface remote control capabilities, refer to the CIF (computer interface) document associated with this controller.

The controller has a universal Filtered AC input.  110/220 VAC

Note: (28V refers to any voltage in the range from 20V to 30V.)

The standard controller has a switch common of –28v and the position commands are +28v.  The 5-volt power supply, which is used to power the controller logic and all internal circuitry, is also contained internally to the unit.  The negative side of the 5V supply is connected to chassis ground, which is connected to safety ground (green lead of power connector).

The Local control unit has a height of  1.75”., a front panel width of  19”, and a depth of approx. 10” (no cables attached).   It is designed to mount in a standard 19” relay rack.  

Amplifier Interfaces consist of fault inputs, and Inhibit outputs.

Inhibits:

An Inhibit is a dry contact closure that is provided for each amplifier.  When an Amplifier is in transmit mode, it’s important that the amplifier output doesn’t “see” a short or open circuit.  It wants a clear path to the antenna.  When a Waveguide Switch (which is located at the output of the amplifier (S1B on front panel) switches, the rotating mass of the waveguide switch will cause a harmful reflection back to the amplifier.  So it’s important that the amplifier be turned off while the Waveguide switch completes it’s mechanical travel over to the desired position.  This time period is typically measured in milliseconds, but they are very important milliseconds.

The inhibit output from the UPL-2 is a form C type relay output.  Most amplifiers require a “short” across two pins that allow normal operation, and an “open” for the inhibit function.  Some amplifiers require an “open” for normal operation, and then a “short” for the inhibit.  The form “C” type inhibit output satisfies both of these cases. 

Faults:

HPA faults are relay contact inputs. There are 2 types of HPA fault inputs for each amplifier. 

Each Amplifier has a Normally Open fault input (closure represents a fault), and a Normally Closed fault input (an open represents a fault).  One or both may be used.  If the Normally closed fault input is not used, then it is necessary to place a permanent short across the fault input pins.

 A fault is latched.

In the event of a fault, the HPA BI-colored led turns from green to a flashing red.  The audible alarm sounds (if enabled) on and off.  The only way to turn off the alarm is to push the RESET button.  If the fault no longer exists, then the HPA led will go from a flashing red to green.  If the fault still exists, the HPA led will remain on steady red until the fault has been corrected.

The External Alarm input is a normally closed (dip switch selectable)  relay contact input.  An “open” at these two pins will constitute an external alarm fault. 

The Switch: (Not included with the standard pricing for controller) 

With a switch connected, 2 diagonal LED’s should be lit at all times showing the switches’ position.  A switch position is generally referred to as position 1 or position 2.   

A waveguide switch is a 4 port device.  On the front panel of the UPL-2, the waveguide switch has the designation of S1B.  The S1A represents the input switch.  In your application, this switch may be replaced with an input divider or power splitter.

Switch position information is taken from the output waveguide switch for illuminating both input and output switches on the front panel. 

Waveguide switch status is constantly monitored and displayed on the front panel of the control unit.   Changing a switches’ position is accomplished by setting the control unit in MANUAL, then depressing the switch command button located inside the switch icon on the front panel.  After entering a switch command, a command  relay inside the control unit closes, activating the W.G. switch to change position.  The command relay is activated for about 500 mSec.  There is a command relay for position 1 and for position 2 for every waveguide switch.  A led is mounted on the control unit circuit board next to each command relay.  The led is lit as long as a command voltage is being sent out to the waveguide switch.  With no switching taking place, all of these LED’s should be off.  The waveguide switch is in position 1 when amplifier 1 is “online” and amplifier 2 is working into the load.

A switch position may be changed by using the manual override knob (if provided) on top of the switch without effecting the operation of the control unit. 

The UP12A model of controller can be configured to be a 1:1 protection switch controller.  This is a dip switch setting.

(Both priority leds are lit and the second switch positions are dimmed while in a 1:1 configuration.) 

The UP12A offers a prioritized switching.  A prioritized amplifier will be backed up in the event of a fault even if the backup amplifier is in the process of backing up the other online amplifier.