MERIDIAN TECHNOLOGIES SX-2FX-5 (01) PDF MANUAL

MERIDIAN TECHNOLOGIES SX-2FX-5 (01) PDF SUMMARY:

How do I install the SX-2FX-x series card in a Meridian chassis?

Orient the card with the Meridian logo at the top of the module and slide it onto the top and bottom card guides in the chassis. Press securely on the top and bottom of the module to ensure it is fully seated, allowing the electrical connector to mate with the chassis-mounted motherboard. Manually tighten the two thumbscrews at the top and bottom of the card. Do not use tools or overtighten them.

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What type of fiber and connectors are compatible with the SX-2FX-x cards?

The cards are designed for single-mode fiber and are available with either FC or ST optical connectors.

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How does the automatic switching function work in the SX-2FX-x?

When a loss of the fiber’s optical signal is detected, the switch automatically switches from its primary fiber to the alternate or redundant path in less than 10 milliseconds.

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Can I manually override the automatic switching?

Yes, the user can override the switch to manually select one of the fiber paths using the “Auto/Manual” switch on the front panel.

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How is the optical switch typically used?

The optical switch is typically used at the receiving or head-end side to automatically switch the transmission path to the redundant fiber in the event of a main fiber break.

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How does the switch indicate a loss of optical signal?

Upon detecting a loss of the optical signal, the switch automatically switches to the redundant fiber. The switching threshold can be set by the user. The card has indicators on the front panel to indicate the status of each of the input fibers and the switch position.

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What happens to the switch’s state during a power loss?

The switch is latching, meaning it will retain its state during a loss of electrical power. An internal microcontroller ensures it maintains its last position when power is restored.

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What types of bi-directional information can the card be used with?

The card can be used with bi-directional information such as camera PTZ control and video conferencing systems.

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What is the function of the “Auto/Manual” switch on the front panel?

The front panel “Auto/Manual” switch allows the user to force the optical switch to either the A or B position or allow it to operate automatically by monitoring the status of the input fibers.

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Does the SX-2FX provide any alarm outputs?

Yes. A Form-C relay provides a contact output indicating the status of the switch. An alarm contact output will also close when the switch has changed positions due to a fiber fault.

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What is SpectraSmart and how does it relate to the SX-2FX-x?

SpectraSmart is Meridian’s PC-based network management and remote diagnostic software system. It monitors the operating parameters of the card and allows the user to remotely select the optical transmission path and change the switching threshold.

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What additional protection does optional conformal coating provide?

Optional conformal coating provides an additional level of protection from environments with high humidity and condensation.

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What chassis are compatible with the SX-2FX-x?

The SX-2FX-x series products occupy one slot in Meridian’s standard chassis (SR-500/S, SR-1002/S, SR-1600/R, and SR2001 & SR-2000 series 19" equipment chassis).

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What should I do to ensure proper cooling in a fully populated subrack?

A fully populated subrack should have forced-air cooling to avoid excessive heat buildup. A fan assembly tray (P/N FA-2000/1) with three (3) fans is available from Meridian and should be installed under the 19" SR-2000/1 whenever possible.

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How do I interpret the bi-color LEDs associated with the optical input ports?

The card has two optical input ports (Port A and Port B) with a bi-color (Red, Green) LED associated with each port. A green LED indicates which port is currently active. A red LED illuminates when the signal drops below the predetermined (user-set) threshold. If a channel is active but the signal has dropped below the threshold, the red LED will flash.

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How do I interpret the bi-color LED for the optical output port?

Green LED means the Unit is in Auto Mode, Red that the unit is in manual mode, Orange that the unit is being controlled by a remote PC.

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What is the function of the “Status Set” dip switch?

The “Status Set” two-position dip switch is located below the front panel mounted optical output connector. The top switch selects the operating mode: Auto (left) or Manual (right). In Auto mode, the bottom switch selects the Primary fiber path (A or B).

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What happens in the event of a fiber alarm in Auto mode?

In Auto mode, if a fiber alarm occurs, the unit will switch to the redundant path.

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How do I select the Primary fiber path?

The bottom switch of the “Status Set” dip switch selects the Primary fiber path. Primary A is on the left, Primary B is on the right. In Manual mode, the switch will reflect the path chosen.

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What is the purpose of the manual mode?

Manual mode allows the user to perform routine testing or maintenance on either fiber while keeping the switch in a fixed position.

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What types of dry contact closures does the card have?

The card has two independent dry contact closures. The first is a N.O. Alarm Relay, which closes when any Alarm is detected. The second is for remote monitoring of the currently used optical input port; this is a form C relay (SPDT).

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Where can I find the DIP switch for setting threshold levels and other parameters?

Inside the unit, there is a 10-position DIP switch for selecting threshold levels, alarm switch delays, and enabling SpectraSmart control.

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What are the DIP switch settings for the auto-switch power threshold? The DIP switch settings are as follows:

Threshold Setting	Sw1	Sw2	Sw3	Sw4	Sw8	Sw9
-5dBm	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF	ON	OFF
-10dBm	ON	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF
-15dBm	ON	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF
-20dBm	OFF	ON	OFF	OFF	OFF	OFF
-25dBm	OFF	OFF	ON	OFF	OFF	OFF
-30dBm	OFF	OFF	OFF	ON	OFF	OFF

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What are the DIP switch setting for Alarm Notification delay?

Delay	Sw1-4	Sw5	Sw6	Sw7-10
0 sec (no delay)	NA	OFF	OFF	NA
100msec	NA	ON	OFF	NA
500msec	NA	OFF	ON	NA
1 sec	NA	ON	ON	NA

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How do I enable the card to be controlled by SpectraSmart software?

Switch #7 on the internal DIP switch is used to enable SpectraSmart control. Normally in the OFF position, move Sw7 to the ON position to enable.

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How does SpectraSmart PC detect error conditions?

SpectraSmart scans card parameters sequentially, checking for levels against factory/user-set threshold values. If an error or out-of-range condition is detected, the PC scans through system components until the error condition has been detected three times before showing an Alarm message.

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What information does the SpectraSmart software display?

The SpectraSmart software displays a representation of the card’s front panel layout, identifies various indicators and associated input/output interfaces. When an alarm is generated, it indicates the card and the cause of the alarm.

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What parameters can be adjusted through the SpectraSmart Software when DIP switch position 7 is ON? You can set:

• Differential offset levels between the two optical input ports in 1 dB increment.
• Other operational parameters.

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How are the settings from SpectraSmart Stored? Information that is sent to the card is stored in non-volatile memory.

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What is the function of switching hysteresis and delay parameters?

The switching hysteresis and delay parameters prevent the switch from oscillating between the inputs when the input signals are near the switching thresholds.

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Are switching hysteresis and delay parameters User adjustable?

Yes, these values are user-adjustable under software control and may need adjustment to suit the specific installation and input optical power values of each input to the card.

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Can the switching threshold of each port be individually adjusted through SpectraSmart software?

Yes, Under Spectrasmart control, the switching threshold (in dBm) of each input can be individually adjusted to compensate for differences in the optical loss and subsequent received power of each fiber port.

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How to access card parameters for viewing and modification via Spectrasmart?

Right-click the mouse button on the front panel image of the card and choose “Parameters” from the dropdown menu.

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How can the operational status of the card be checked using SpectraSmart?

SpectraSmart’s “Current Parameters” screen displays various card signal and operating condition settings, including real-time values, minimum, and maximum values measured.

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What information is stored on the card’s EEPROM?

The on-board EEPROM stores the card’s information, including part number, date of manufacture, working (operational) days, and maximum operating temperature.

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What is the Wavelength range for a 1310nm Optic?

1260nm to 1610nm.

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What is the typical Insertion loss for 1310/1550nm Optic?

6. 5dB.

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What is the typical Switching speed?

5msec.

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What is the Optical Input range?

-50dBm to +10dBm.

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What are the available part numbers, interfaces and wavelenghts?

Part Number	Fiber Interface	Optical Connector	Wavelength
SX-2FX-2	Multimode	ST	850/1300nm
SX-2FX-5	Single-mode	FC, ST	1310/1550nm

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What do I do if the module does not fit into the chassis slots?

Check the module orientation. The Meridian “Globe” logo must be oriented on the top left-hand side of the module. Ensure the card guides in the chassis are aligned with the extrusion on the module.

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What do I do if the Card power LED does not light?

Check the power supply to ensure it is plugged in and turned on. If the problem continues, move the module to another chassis or location in the same chassis, if available.