Feature Overview
Performance
With satellite bandwidth at a premium, higher order modulation schemes and coding rates afford the ability to pack more data throughput in less RF bandwidth. In order to realize these gains, increased RF signal quality is required for signal demodulation and recovery. As the RF router is the heart of the facility's RF distribution system, it must not impair the signals passing through it, but rather preserve the quality of these signals from input to output. Evertz understands the needs of modern facilities to take advantage of the latest modulation technologies and the importance of signal quality and the impact on recoverability of signals. The XPRF platform is designed with signal quality as a top priority and is the industry's best performing large-capacity router with superior frequency response, isolation, return loss and linearity.
Reliability
All active components (including fans) within the XPRF are modular, front-accessible and hot-swappable. No cables ever need to be removed and no rear access to the router is required to service any module. The XPRF offers optional redundancy for system power supplies, frame controllers and LNB power supplies. The XPRF14-FR frame also offers unique optional redundancy for input, output and midpoint modules for complete 1+1 redundancy of all active modules. When system expansion is required above the maximum frame configuration, the XPRF offers plenty of built-in gain, allowing for the use of passive splitters and combiners. These passive devices do not affect system reliability as compared to architectures without enough available gain which necessitate added points of failure through active splitters and combiners.
LNB Power
The XPRF Series offers optional integrated 13V/18V LNB powering +22kHz tone, individually controllable on all inputs. The LNB power supplies are hot-swappable, optionally 1+1 redundant, and feature individual active current protection per port. This protection features automatic recovery, therefore, there are never any fuses to replace. LNB current is also individually monitored on each port with adjustable alarm thresholds. This provides a means of monitoring LNB health and issuing advanced warning of failure.
Maximum Uptime
The RF router is typically installed early on in a facility's signal chain in downlink applications, and closer to the end of the signal chain in uplinks. In either case, it is normally a device with a large amount of the facility's revenue-generating signals flowing through it. Fast, automatic response to problems ensures that this revenue is maintained and downtime costs are not incurred. The XPRF Series provides an unprecedented level of signal protection. Sophisticated self-diagnostics monitor signal paths in the router. In the event that there is any fault detected, the router will quickly and automatically re-route the signal to maintain continuity. This offers total protection of incoming and outgoing feeds and the revenue they generate.
Monitoring & Control
Advanced router control solutions are a core foundation at Evertz which extend to the XPRF platform. Multiple intuitive control interface options are available including an integrated 19" touch screen display; largest in its class. The standalone web browser provides quick and easy access to all router controls.
Evertz' MAGNUM unified facility control system allows for integration of the XPRF into efficient end-to-end facility control systems. The advanced VUE customizable graphical control solution supports technologies such as touch screens, single and multi-touch interfacing and widgets, providing a highly efficient and effective control surface. A host of advanced touch-screen, x-y style, and virtual control panels are also available. SNMP capability can also be used to integrate third party M&C systems or Evertz' own VistaLINK® PRO software.
For additional third party support, the 7700R-SC-BRC protocol translator can bridge a number of third party control systems, while integral serial and Ethernet interfaces provide further options. An optional built-in spectrum analyzer allows the operator to monitor the feeds right on the touch screen display as well on the PC via the web browser. The XPRF presents all of these interfaces with a host of controls including routes, gain and threshold adjustments as well as monitoring parameters such as self-diagnostic information, RF power levels, LNB current values and more.