Module Module 77: :

IPSTAR Uplink Access Test (IUAT)IPSTAR Uplink Access Test (IUAT)

Ground System Training Department

IPSTAR Uplink Access Test (IUAT)IPSTAR Uplink Access Test (IUAT)

2012-03-Standard (iUAT1.14)-UTI-101 THAICOM Public Company Limited

Module Objectives

At the end of the module the participant shall be able to:

• Describe the importance of IUAT process.• Use IUAT program to run IUAT process.• Explain the meaning of messages displayed in IUAT program while running

IUAT process.IUAT process.

Topics

• Introduction to IUAT process• IUAT program installation• IUAT process

– Information required for IUAT process– IUAT mode REF: 10 m length reference cable– IUAT mode ACT: Actual length cable– IUAT mode ACT: Actual length cable

• UAT QC Parameters

Introduction to IUAT processIntroduction to IUAT process

What does IUAT process do ?

• Help to align the antenna to achieve the best quality of received and transmitted signal of UT.

• Calibrate the most suitable transmission power of UT.

• Verify whether the received and transmitted signal quality met the calculated reference level at each installed location.

When we need to do IUAT ?

• New UT installation

• UT component replacement which include feed assembly (BUC and LNB), cable , attenuator and IDU

• ODU relocation• ODU relocation

• UT regular maintenance

IUAT program

• At the UT installation site, installer needs the iUAT program to run IUAT process.

IUAT program

IUAT program installationUAT program installation

Setup file

• Double click on “setup” file to

install iUAT program.

Microsoft .NET Framework

• If your computer didn't have .NET framework, program will ask you to install .NET framework.

� Click "Accept“ to automatically install to your computer.

� After installation finish, regular installation of iUAT 1.16 program will start.

• If your computer already has Microsoft • If your computer already has Microsoft .NET Framework, the installation of iUAT1.16 program will start right away.

Installation on progress …

Open iUAT program

• The shortcut of iUAT program will automatically

appear on the desktop.

• Double click on “iUAT1.16” to open iUAT program.

Information required before running IUATInformation required before running IUATInformation required before running IUATInformation required before running IUAT

Information required before running IUAT

• Installer ID and Password

• Installation Job order

• Frequency profile

1. Installer ID and Password

• IUAT process shall be performed by only authorized installer.

• Installer ID and password will be given to installer after passing UT installation training.

2. Installation job order

Job ID

Authorize key

• Created from Webpro by Service provider and sent to installer

• Parameters to input in IUAT program� Job ID

Frequency profile

� Job ID� Authorize key� Frequency profile

3. Frequency profile• Frequency profile contains information of received frequency for each beam.• Installer should check on the latest frequency profile with Service provider.

Frequency Profile

Loading frequency profile

1. Click on “Load Profile”.

Loading frequency profile (Cont.)

2. Select frequency profile

3. Click “Open”

Loading frequency profile (Cont.)

4. Click “Yes”

Loading frequency profile (Cont.)

5. Click “OK”

IUAT processIUAT processIUAT processIUAT process

Mode in IUAT• IUAT program can run in 2 modes.

– REF mode : Reference 10 m length cable mode– ACT mode : Actual length cable mode

• Purpose of REF mode– To help installer to align antenna by using not too long cable.– Installer can know the quality of received and transmitted signal when – Installer can know the quality of received and transmitted signal when

using the cable that he knows the cable loss.

• Purpose of ACT mode– To calibrate the transmission power of UT when using the actual cable.

• For new installation , it is recommended to run IUAT process with both REF mode and ACT mode.

Work flow of IUAT process

StartInsert Tx

optimizer/attenuator

IUAT process :

REF modeConnect to IDU.

Quality

Control

IUAT process :

ACT mode

Quality

ControlFinish

PASSPASS

FAIL

FAIL

** No need to

align antenna

Place IDU inside the building and

wire actual cable inside the

building.

IUAT process consists of 8 steps as follows.

Step 1 : Authentication

Step 2 : ODU Information

Step 3 : Terminal Connecting

Step 4 : Antenna AlignmentStep 4 : Antenna Alignment

Step 5 : Searching for TOLL frequency

Step 6 : Transmitted Power Calibration

Step 7 : Polarization Alignment

Step 8 : Quality Control

IUAT : mode REFIUAT : mode REF

(Reference 10 m length cable)(Reference 10 m length cable)

MODE : REF | Step 1 : Authentication

• Fill in authorized information as follows:1. Installer ID2. Password3. Job ID: (from job order)4. Authorization Code: (from job order)

Click “Next”

MODE : REF | Step 1 : Authentication (Cont.)

• Installer can input more accurate location using latitude and longitude obtained from GPS by clicking on the “Specify location” check box and then enter latitude and longitude.

Click “Next”

MODE : REF | Step 1 : Authentication (Cont.)

• After clicking “Next”. Program will ask if the installer is using 10 m reference cables.

• Click “yes” to proceed to REF mode of IUAT process.

Click “Yes”

Recover of Last Information Entered

• Click on “Keys” icon to recover the last information entered.

MODE : REF | Step 2 : ODU information

Fill in ODU information as the following:1. Antenna and BUC size2. BUC & LNB S/N (Serial Number) and Model are labeled on the equipments.3. The recommended cable type is RG-6 or RG-11.4. Cable MFG (Manufacturer) information5. Uncheck ‘Default’ checkbox and select new LNB local frequency required for that UT if the

actual LNB LO frequency is different from the default value.6. Enter value of Tx&Rx optimizer/attenuator if used.7. Click ‘Next’ to continue.

Information will be recorded in the system

and will be useful for problem investigation

in case there is problem on that UT after

installation. Click “Next”

MODE : REF | Step 3 : Terminal connecting

• Enter “Terminal IP address” which is LAN IP address of IDU. • Default logon power is set at -20 dBm.• Click “Next” to continue to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : REF | Step 3 : Terminal connecting (Cont.)

• Waiting for profile setting : IDU is downloading information from frequency profile.

MODE : REF | Step 4 : Antenna alignment

• Hardware Initializing : IDU is being initialized.

MODE : REF | Step 4 : Antenna alignment (Cont.)

• Installer performs antenna alignment by adjusting Az, El, and Pol angles of antenna until maximum TOLL Es/No is found.

Current Rx level

Max Rx level

TOLL Es/No

Beam ID

Freq ID

MODE : REF | Step 4 : Antenna alignment (Cont.)

• Parameters in Step 4: Antenna alignment

Parameter Description

Current Rx level Level of received signal while adjusting AZ , EL and POL angle.

Max Rx level Maximum level of received signal obtained during antennaMax Rx level Maximum level of received signal obtained during antenna

alignment.

TOLL Es/No Level of TOLL Es/No received in dB

Beam ID ID number as in frequency profile to represent the actual

beam number

Freq ID ID number as in frequency profile to represent the received

frequency for TOLL of the related beam

Change Text Color

• For better readability, color of displayed text can be changed by – clicking “Color” icon – selecting the box that required changing– choosing the color (recommend yellow color) – clicking “OK.”

1

23

4

Resizable Dialog box

• Program dialog box can be resized by placing the mouse cursor over the edge of the dialog box and move to adjust the size.

MODE : REF | Step 4 : Antenna alignment (Cont.)Before adjusting antenna in this step , the AZ , EL and POL angle should be pre-adjusted according to the job order.

1. Sweep antenna in Azimuth (AZ) directionuntil the received signal is found, and TOLLEs/No is detected. Continue to scan for themaximum TOLL Es/No in Azimuth direction.Note: If the desired signal is not found increase

1

Note: If the desired signal is not found increaseor decrease elevation setting by 1 degree andrepeat azimuth sweep.

2. Slowly adjust Elevation (EL) angle to achievehigher TOLL Es/No.

**Alternately adjust Elevation (EL) andAzimuth (AZ) until maximum TOLL Es/No isobtained.

2

MODE : REF | Step 4 : Antenna alignment (Cont.)

Adjust polarization angle to obtain the

maximum TOLL Es/No.

� For 1.2m antenna , polarization

angle is adjusted by rotating feed

assembly.assembly.

� For 84cm antenna , polarization

angle is adjusted by rotating

antenna reflector.

1.2m

0.84

m

MODE : REF | Step 4 : Antenna alignment (Cont.)

• After adjusting AZ , EL and POL angle , click “next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : REF | Step 5 : Searching for TOLL frequency

• TOLL Scanning : UT automatically scans TOLL carrier to get signal for synchronization.

MODE : REF | Step 5 : Searching for TOLL frequency (Cont.)

• Waiting for Synchronization : UT is about to synchronize with the gateway.

MODE : REF | Step 6 : Transmitted Power Calibration

• UT is automatically searching for UAT channel.• When UAT channel is found , UT will obtain the necessary information e.g.,

frequency for sending logon request to the gateway.

MODE : REF | Step 6 : Transmitted Power Calibration (Cont.)• UT searches for logon frequency and sends logon request to the gateway.• “Logon Accepted” means IPSTAR gateway already accepts logon request.

Re-login of Installer ID and/or Password

• If installer keys in wrong installer ID and/or Password, iUAT1.16 allow re-login of installer ID and/or Password up to 3 trials without restart IUAT from Step 1.

• This feature will be active when use IUAT 1.16 with TIS version 4.3.2 or higher.

MODE : REF | Step 6 : Transmitted Power Calibration (Cont.)

• Tx Power Cal : Transmission power of UT is being calibrated.

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment

• Polarization adjustment at transmission part in order to avoid making interference to other satellites.

Sig

nal le

vel

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

This step is to maximize the transmitted signal

level at Co-polarization and minimize the

interference from the Cross-polarization.

Cross-polarization

Polarization angle

Sig

nal le

vel

Co-polarization

Sig

nal le

vel

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

15.5

Polarization angle

Step A)

Find the maximum Aloha STAR EsNo.

Ex. Maximum value of Aloha STAR EsNo = 15.5

**** This maximum value might not be at the minimum

cross polarization.

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

AA

Step B)

� Rotate in CW direction until ALOHA STAR EsNo decreases

from the maximum value by “1.5dB.”

� Make a mark on the side of the feed horn. While you are

making a mark, the timer will count 20sec. (Position A)

� After the countdown clock is done, iUAT program will

display message telling installer to rotate in the “other direction.”

A

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

A B

B

Step C)

� Rotate in CCW direction until ALOHA STAR EsNo pass the maximum

value and reaches the value of "1.5dB" dropped from the maximum

value again.

� Make another mark on the side of the feed horn. While you are

making a mark, the timer will count 20sec (Position B).

� After the countdown clock is done, iUAT program will display

message telling installer to adjust copol to the center of green area.

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

A A B

C

BC

Step D)

� Rotate the feed assembly to the middle point

(Position C) between position A and position B.

� Tighten the 2 bolts at the feed clamp.

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

• After POL angle adjustment , click “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : REF | Step 7 : Polarization alignment (Cont.)

• The program will ask to do IUAT QC. Click “Yes” to continue.

Click “Yes”

MODE : REF | Step 8 : Quality control

• Link information is sent to the gateway.

MODE : REF | Step 8 : Quality control (Cont.)

• Parameters in IUAT result (REF mode) e.g., Tx gain , Max gain , TOLL Es/No, STAR Es/No and Delta will be displayed on the left side.

• It will show TOLL “PASS,” STAR “PASS,” and Delta “PASS” if TOLL Es/No, STAR Es/No and Delta Power to Max are higher than the reference values at that particular installation location.

IUAT results (REF mode)

MODE : REF | Step 8 : Quality control (Cont.)

• Close IUAT program after IUAT program shows IUAT successful. • IUAT process (REF mode) is successfully completed.

Click here to close

IUAT program.

IUAT : mode ACTIUAT : mode ACT

(Actual length cable)(Actual length cable)

IUAT : Mode ACT

• The main purpose of IUAT ACT mode is to calibrate transmission power of UTwhen using the actual cable.

• 8 steps of IUAT process will be repeated as in REF mode but there is no need to adjust look up angle again since it is already done in IUAT REF mode.

• Before proceeding to IUAT mode ACT …– Place IDU in the building at the actual using place.– Wire the actual cable inside the building– Insert Tx optimizer/attenuator – Connect to IDU.

MODE : ACT : Step 0 – Select the existing job

• Open IUAT program again and select “Existing Job” which is the same Job ID as REF mode. Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : ACT : Step 2 : ODU information

• Fill in the information of the actual cable.1. Cable type2. Cable length3. Cable MFG (Manufacturer)4. Tx & Rx Optimizer/Attenuator if used

• Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : ACT | Step 3 : Terminal connecting

• Enter “Terminal IP address” which is LAN IP address of IDU. • Select “Logon power” which can be adjusted to compensate the loss in actual

cable.• Click “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : ACT | Step 4 : Antenna alignment

• In step 4 of ACT mode , installer does not have to adjust AZ , EL and POL angle again.

• Click “next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

Checking if Rx Attenuator is required

• In Step 4 of ACT mode, the program will automatically check the current Rx level. • If the current Rx level is higher than 100 which is exceeding the saturation point

of IDU , IUAT will not proceed to the next step.• “Rx signal strength saturated” message will be displayed asking to install Rx

optimizer/attenuator.

• Click “OK” to close IUAT • Click “OK” to close IUAT

program.

• Turn off IDU and insert Rx

attenuator.

• Then, start running IUAT

process: ACT mode again.

Current Rx level > 100

Click “OK”

MODE : ACT | Step 5 : Searching for TOLL frequency

• TOLL Scanning and Waiting for Synchronization will run automatically by IUAT program.

MODE : ACT | Step 6 : Transmitted Power Calibration

• UT will automatically proceed to logon to the gateway.

MODE : ACT | Step 6 : Transmitted Power Calibration (Cont.)

• Tx Power Cal: Transmission power of UT using actual cable is being calibrated.

Checking if Tx Attenuator is required

• In Step 6 of ACT mode, if the UT’s transmission power is higher than the maximum value of the range required in IPSTAR system (-15 dB) after Tx power calibration, IUAT will not proceed to the next step.

• “Tx gain exceeded” message will be displayed asking to remove Tx optimizer/ attenuator.

• Click “OK” to close IUAT

program.program.

• Turn off IDU and remove

Tx optimizer/attenuator.

•Then, start running IUAT

process: ACT mode again.Click “OK”

MODE : ACT | Step 7 : Polarization Adjustment

• In Step 7 of ACT mode , installer does not have to adjust POL angle again.• Click “next” to proceed to the next step.

Click “Next”

MODE : ACT | Step 7 : Polarization Adjustment (Cont.)

• Program will ask to do IUAT QC. Click “Yes” to continue.

Click “Yes”

MODE : ACT | Step 8 : Quality control

• Link information is sent to the gateway.

MODE : ACT | Step 8 : Quality control (Cont.)

• IUAT results in ACT mode (e.g., TX Gain , Max Gain , TOLL Es/No, STAR Es/No and Delta) will be displayed on the right side of the table.

• It will show TOLL “PASS,” STAR “PASS,” and Delta “PASS” if TOLL Es/No, STAR Es/No, and Delta Power to Max are higher than the reference values at that particular installation location.

• Click “Confirm” to confirm

Click “Confirm”

IUAT result (ACT mode)

• Click “Confirm” to confirm

IUAT QC results within 60

seconds.

MODE : ACT | Step 8 : Quality control (Cont.)

• IUAT program automatically updates IUAT results to the gateway.

MODE : ACT | Step 8 : Quality control (Cont.)

• IUAT process (ACT mode) is successfully completed.• Installer can close the iUAT program.

UAT QC parametersUAT QC parametersUAT QC parametersUAT QC parameters

UAT QC parameters

• The quality of IUAT can be evaluated from 5 parameters.

� Max gain

� Tx gain

� Delta

� TOLL Es/No� TOLL Es/No

� STAR Es/No

QC Delta Power to Max

• IUAT1.16 can support QC data for “Delta Power to Max” value.• This option will be active when Terminal Installation Server (TIS)

version 4.3.2 or higher is used.

TOLL Es/No (dB)

• TOLL Es/No indicates the quality of TOLL carrier received by UT.

• TOLL Es/No in UAT QC result should to be the same as the TOLL Es/No obtained from IUAT step 4: Antenna Alignment.

• To pass UAT QC, TOLL Es/No must be higher than the reference TOLL Es/No at the UT’s location. “TOLL: PASS ” must be shown in UAT QC result.

STAR Es/No (dB)

• STAR Es/No indicates the quality of STAR carrier received by IPSTAR gateway.

• In UAT QC, STAR Es/No is the signal quality when UT transmits at the maximum transmission power.

• To pass UAT QC, STAR Es/No must be higher than the reference STAR Es/No at the UT’s location. “STAR: PASS ” must be shown in UAT QC result.

Tx Gain (dB) and Max Gain (dB)

• Tx Gain and Max Gain are the proper operating point of IDU’s transmission power selected in step 6 of IUAT: Transmitted Power Calibration.

• Tx Gain is the IDU’s transmission power when it logs-on to IPSTAR system.

• Max Gain is the maximum IDU’s transmission power allowed for IDU to transmit.transmit.

• The operating point of Tx Gain required in IPSTAR system is in the range between -33 dB and -15 dB.

-33 dB < Tx Gain < -15 dB

• The value of Tx Gain and Max Gain depends on the location of UT, antenna size, gain of BUC, cable length and Tx attenuator insertion .

Delta Power to Max (dB)

• By definition, Delta Power to Max is the range between Tx Gain and Max Gain.

Delta Power to Max (dB) = Max Gain (dB) – Tx Gain (dB )

• It indicates the amount of additional transmission power from Tx Gain that IDU • It indicates the amount of additional transmission power from Tx Gain that IDU can transmit.

• The proper Delta Power to Max value depends on the location of UT, antenna size (m) and BUC size (Watt) .

Delta Power to Max (dB) - Continue

Proper value of Delta Power to Max at the center, 50% contour, and EOC of an

IPSTAR spot beam (207) for antenna size 0.84m, 1.2m and 1.8m

Contour

Antenna

0.84m 1.2m 1.8mContour1W

BUC2W

BUC1W

BUC2W

BUC1W

BUC2W

BUCCenter 14.66 17.66 16.40 19.40 19.92 22.92

50% Contour 12.28 15.28 13.12 16.12 16.64 19.64

EOC 7.21 10.21 8.71 11.71 12.23 15.23

Delta Power to Max (dB) – Continue• With the same antenna size (m) and BUC size (Watt):

– UT in the center of IPSTAR spot beam will have more Delta Power to Max than the UT in the edge of IPSTAR spot beam or shape beam.

1.2m Antenna:– In the center of an IPSTAR spot beam, the UT with 1.2m antenna and 1 W – In the center of an IPSTAR spot beam, the UT with 1.2m antenna and 1 W

BUC should have Delta Power to Max at least 17 dB .– In the edge of an IPSTAR spot beam, the UT with 1.2m antenna and 1 W

BUC should have Delta Power to Max at least 9 dB .

0.84m Antenna:– In the center of an IPSTAR spot beam, the UT with 0.84m antenna and 1 W

BUC should have Delta Power to Max at least 15 dB .– In the edge of an IPSTAR spot beam, the UT with 0.84m antenna and 1 W

BUC should have Delta Power to Max at least 8 dB .

Delta Power to Max (dB) – Continue

• With the same location and BUC size (Watt):

– UT with bigger antenna size will have more Delta Power to Max than UT with smaller antenna size.

• With the same location and antenna size (m):

– UT with higher BUC size will have more Delta Power to Max than UT with lower BUC size.

Special Options of IUAT Special Options of IUAT 11..1616Special Options of IUAT Special Options of IUAT 11..1616

Special Options

• IUAT1.16 has 4 new options that can reduce time for IUAT process.• If special criteria meet, installer can click “Option” and select the special option(s).

Click “Option”

1. Check UT’s Configuration

• This option will reduce the process of rebooting UT and waiting for profile setting around 70 seconds.

• With this option, IUAT will check two conditions.– Is “Rx Frequency (L-Band)” in current IDU configuration same as current Frequency

profile in IUAT ?– Is “10 MHz BUC Reference Disabled” in Satellite tab in xWebGateway unchecked?

• If the answers for both questions are “Yes,” IUAT will skip “Waiting for Profile Setting” and proceed with “Hardware initialization.”

• If one of the answers or both answers are “No,” IUAT will take 70s for “Waiting for Profile • If one of the answers or both answers are “No,” IUAT will take 70s for “Waiting for Profile Setting.”

2. Skip TOLL Scanning Feature

• With this option, iUAT program will save time in scanning TOLL frequency. • This option can be used when

– No overlap beam– Fix beam on Job Order

• iUAT will use the default TOLL frequency for the beam specified in Job Order.

3. Rx Level Sensitivity

• With this option, IUAT will use “Median filter” algorithm to get rid of overshoot/undershoot signal.

• If Rx level sensitivity is set to be “Fast,” IUAT will collect less data causing overshoot of signal.

• If Rx level sensitivity is set to be “Slow,” IUAT will collect more data showing smoother and less fluctuation signal.

4. Expand TOLL Tracking Frequency Range• This option will solve LNB LO frequency shifting problem.• IUAT will expand TOLL tracking frequency range to 1MHz (500kHz on each side).• The procedures for IUAT frequency shifting are:

– Start with F0 (center frequency).– If F0 cannot synchronization, change to F0 + 500kHz.– If F0 + 500K cannot synchronization, change to F0 – 500kHz.

Quiz

1. What is the importance of IUAT process ?A. Help to align the antenna to achieve the best quality of received and

transmitted signal of UT.B. Calibrate the most suitable transmission power of IDU.C. Verify whether the received and transmitted signal quality met the

calculated reference level at each location.D. All of the above

2. Installer does not need to run IUAT in which case below ?A. New UT installationB. Changing Tx or Rx cableC. Changing Tx Optimizer/attenuatorD. Changing IP address of UT

Quiz (Continue)

3. What authorized information should be obtained before running IUAT ?A. Installer ID and PasswordB. Job IDC. Authorization codeD. All of the above

4. What does installer have to do in step 4 of IUAT program ?A. Adjust AZ , EL and POL angle to achieve maximum STAR Es/No.B. Adjust AZ , EL and POL angle to achieve maximum TOLL Es/No.C. Calibrate transmission power of UT.D. Click confirm IUAT result.

Quiz (Continue)

5. Which statement is true regarding step 6 of IUAT program ?A. In step 6, UT automatically scans TOLL carrier to get signal for

synchronization.B. In step 6, transmission power of UT is being calibrated.C. In step 6, installer has to adjust AZ , EL and POL angle.D. In step 6, IDU is downloading information from frequency profile.

6. Which statement is incorrect ?A. Tx Gain is the maximum IDU’s transmission power allowed for IDU to

transmit.B. The operating point of Tx Gain required in IPSTAR system is in the

range between -33 dB and -15 dB.C. Delta Power to Max indicates the amount of additional transmission

power from Tx Gain that IDU can transmit.D. In the center of an IPSTAR spot beam, UT with 1.2m antenna and 1 W

BUC should have Delta Power to Max at least 16-17dB .

Quiz (Continue)

7. Assume that Reference TOLL Es/No = 12 dB and Reference STAR Es/No = 20 dB , which case the IUAT program will allow UT to pass QC if installer get below TOLL Es/No and STAR Es/No ?

A. TOLL Es/No = 12.1 dB STAR Es/No = 19 dBB. TOLL Es/No = 11 dB STAR Es/No = 20.1 dBC. TOLL Es/No = 12.1 dB STAR Es/No = 20.1 dBD. TOLL Es/No = 11 dB STAR Es/No = 19 dB

Quiz (Continue)

8. Comparing the IUAT result of 2 installers who install UT at the same location and use the same type of UT , which one perform better installation ?

� Installer A Tx gain = -28.3 dB Max gain = -5.3 dB

� Installer BTx gain = -28.5 dB Max gain = -19.8 dB