Introduction to, JDSU Smartclass Home Coax Map

Revision: 001 Preliminary By Mike Gotwals 5808 Churchman Bypass Indianapolis, Indiana 46201 May 27, 2008

This document and the information herein are proprietary to JDSU. No reproduction or distribution of this document, except as specifically permitted by JDSU, is permitted. The holder shall exercise reasonable care to hold the information contained in this document in strict confidence.

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Table of Contents Introduction......................................................................................................................... 3 The Ideal Transmission Line: ............................................................................................. 3 Return Loss ......................................................................................................................... 4 Return loss with an Ideal load......................................................................................... 4 Return loss with and open (no load) ............................................................................... 5 Return Loss Math............................................................................................................ 5 The impact of reflected signals ........................................................................................... 5 Splitters ............................................................................................................................... 6 Simple circuit with and Ideal two-way splitter ............................................................... 6 The Thee-way splitter ..................................................................................................... 7 The Four-way splitter...................................................................................................... 7 The real two-way splitter example.................................................................................. 8 Interpreting the Coax Map Data ......................................................................................... 8 A real example: ............................................................................................................... 8 Coax Map and other Devices.............................................................................................. 9 Barrels ............................................................................................................................. 9 Home Run Cables ......................................................................................................... 10 Low Quality Splitters.................................................................................................... 10 3 and 4 way splitters ..................................................................................................... 11 Coax Map Special scenarios ............................................................................................. 12 No Reflections .............................................................................................................. 12 Too many reflections or Active Signal Detected.......................................................... 12 Splitters with equal length legs ..................................................................................... 12 Splitters with open port................................................................................................. 13 Coax Map Configuration Parameters................................................................................ 13 Velocity of Propagation ................................................................................................ 14 Cable Compensation ..................................................................................................... 14 Using Coax Map to Troubleshoot..................................................................................... 14

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Introduction
Smartclass Homes Coax Map feature is a single ended coax physical layer test based on Frequency Domain Reflectometery (FDR). FDR is a powerful technique with advantages in analyzing RF transmission lines. The Coax Map test measures how well the signal passes through the transmission line, by identifying impairments that cause standing waves. The transmission lines in a typical home are a network of 75 coax cables, typically RG-6 or RG-59, and RF splitters, interconnected to distribute the RF signals to various locations in a home. Traditionally this has been used by the cable television service providers to provide video service and was installed during construction of the building. As new services are installed using this same coax network, its important to qualify the coax performance and troubleshoot any impairments that may degrade the services running on the cable. Coax Map helps qualify and troubleshoot the coax wiring within the home to ensure proper operation of services. This document is intended to help users understand the full potential of the SmartClass Homes Coax Map feature. This document covers how the test is performed using FDR, what is measured during the test, as well as some additional information on how results are interpreted within the test device. In order to give a solid background there is also additional information on typical coax networks and how splitters operate within the home network. NOTE: In the examples used in this document it may be easier to associate the elements of the example to what they are really referring to in the home. In these examples the source is the JDSU SmartClass test device, the coax line is either RG-59 or RG-6 coaxial cable, and the load is either a Set Top Box, TV, HPNA box, or anything else connected to the coaxial cable that is not the source. When performing the Coax Map test all active elements should be powered OFF and disconnected from the coax network so they do not interfere with the measurement.

The Ideal Transmission Line:

First we will discuss how signals operate in a typical coax network. A basic ideal example is a signal source with an impedance of 75 is driving a 75 coax line with a 75 load connected. In this ideal case, because all components of the network have the same 75 impedance all RF power transmitted by the source is passed through the coax and delivered to the load.

Transmission line theory states that all power is transferred from the source to the load if the load and the source have the same impedance. In this case the impedance is 75 .

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Figure 1 Ideal Transmission Line

The impedance mismatch created when the load on a CATV transmission line is other than the ideal 75 causes a portion of the signal to be reflected or returned toward the source. In the case where the load impedance is zero (a short) or infinite (an open) the entire source signal is reflected, or returned. These reflection signals interact with the source signal and degrade the source signal by causing standing waves. Standing waves degrade the frequency response of the transmission line.

Figure 2 Open Transmission Line

Return Loss
Return loss is a measure of how much of the sources signal level is reflected back toward the source due to impedance mismatches in the network.

Return loss with an Ideal load

Return loss is a measure of how much of the source signal level is reflected back. In the ideal case, if the load is the same impedance as the rest of the network the transmitted signal will be absorbed by the load so nothing is reflected back. No reflection means the loss of the return signal, in the form of the reflected signal, is infinite. The resulting return loss measured value is a large negative value.

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For example -90.0 dBrl would indicate that the reflection measured is very small indicating the network is very good and the majority of components of the coax network are very similar in impedance.

Return loss with and open (no load)

In the case of an open, an unterminated end or infinite impedance, none of the signal is transferred to the load so the entire signal is reflected back. In this case there is no loss of the return signal, or reflected signal. This is because the signal has no where else to go but back toward the source since there is no load to absorb the signal. In the example where the entire signal is reflected the resulting return loss value is 0 dBrl.

Return Loss Math

Z L ZO ) Z L + ZO Where ZL is the Load Impedance and ZO is the source Impedance Re turnLoss (dB ) = 20 * log( Ideal Example Open load Example

Re turnLoss (dB ) = 20 * log(

75 75 ) 75 + 75

Re turnLoss (dB ) = 20 * log(

75 ) + 75

20 * log(0) = Loss of the reflected signal is infinite so all power is delivered to the load.

20 * log(1) = 0dB The is no loss to the reflected signal so the source signal is completely reflected back

By following the mathematic equations above one can see how the return loss is calculated.

The impact of reflected signals

We know that when a signal contacts an impedance mismatch, a portion, up to the entire signal can be reflected back toward the source. This reflected signal will then collide with the source signal. Where the two signals meet the two signals voltages are summed together. This sum of voltages result will impact the frequency response of the network. When the reflection and source signals are in phase the signals are additive. This means the amplitude of the combined signals voltage will be higher than either of the two signals by themselves. When the signals are out of phase they subtract from each other. Meaning the amplitude of the combined signals voltage will be lower than either of the two signals by themselves. This adding and subtracting of the signal causes rippling and nulls in the frequency response of a coax network. This effect is commonly referred to as standing waves.

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Standing waves

Figure 3

Null point

With an ideal frequency response, left picture in Figure 3 above, all frequencies reach the load at its transmitted level. Stated another way this coax network has a flat response, it has the same attenuation at all frequencies. NOTE: all real coax has a loss per length specification defined at multiple frequencies, for example: -2 dB/100 ft at 50 MHz. The picture on the right of Figure 3 shows how our ideal frequency response can be altered when reflected signals collide with the source signal. Standing waves cause nulls that will severely attenuate some frequencies and prevent the network from operating at its designed efficiency. This means these nulls can cause low data rates or bit errors for digital signals and, snowy pictures on analog signals at the effected frequencies. It is always best for a network to try and eliminate the potential for major reflections which cause standing waves and interrupt services.

Splitters
RF splitters are commonly used throughout a coax network to help the signal reach various locations in a building. They are designed to divide the power equally from a single source so it can drive multiple loads. Splitters have circuitry to allow the connection of multiple devices to a single source while maintaining the 75 impedance of the coax network. There are various forms of splitters available, below are a few examples of ideal and real splitters.

Simple circuit with and Ideal two-way splitter

Figure 4

In this case the splitter is ideal, meaning it maintains an exact 75 impedance from input to outputs. Since it is a two-way splitter it splits the signal in half and delivers half power to each of the 75 loads. By reducing the power of the signal by half causes the Page 6 of 15

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measured signal level to drop by 3 dB. In this ideal example if the signal going into the input was measured at 0dBmV, the outputs of the splitter would measure -3dBmV. NOTE: Real world splitters, however have some internal loss so the outputs on a typical real splitter will be reduced in level by 3.5 dB.

The Thee-way splitter Realistic loss

A three-way splitter is simply two two-way splitters connected as shown in the diagram below. Given a real two way splitter has approximately 3.5 dB of loss from the input to each output, we can see that on a three-way splitter one of the outputs only passes through a single splitter so its loss is 3.5 dB; however, the other two outputs must pass through 2 two-way splitters. Resulting in two 3.5 dB loses for a total of 7 dB loss through the other two outputs.

Figure 5

The Four-way splitter Realistic loss

Since the four-way splitter is made up of three two-way splitters, each output has a total of 7.0 dB of loss because all signal paths must pass through 2 two-way splitters.

Figure 6

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The real two-way splitter example

Realistically a splitter is not a perfect 75 so it causes some small amount of signal to be reflected. With a high quality splitter this reflection is very small and will result in a return loss of greater than 30 dB. This means that there is a difference greater than 30dB between the measured signal sources level and the measured reflected signals level. In the case that the splitter has a return loss of 30dB, the Coax Map mode would display the number -30.0 dBrl. The unit dBrl stands for Decibels of Return Loss. The following diagram illustrates the small reflected signal from the splitter input.
Source Signal

Figure 7

Reflected Signal

The Coax Map mode is a very powerful tool. Using its in-depth algorithm the Coax Map not only measures return loss but is also able to determine the distance to an open or a splitter and can help determine what type devices or network elements the reflections represent. It does so by analyzing at what frequencies the reflections occur and based on a collection of rules on the distance, size and number of return signals common coax elements display. In some cases the quality of a splitter is so good the return reflection is too small to measure. The Coax Map algorithm can still determine a splitter must be present based on the number of open reflections it detects. In these cases the splitter label has an asterisk after its comment splitter* indicating it is an assumed splitter. The dBrl value is set to display -99 dBrl.

Interpreting the Coax Map Data

A real example:
The following example utilizes a signal source entering and exiting a typical two-way splitter attached to 2 unterminated lengths of coaxial cable. When the source, large white arrow, passes through the splitter it is reduced by 3.5 dB with half of the power going to each output, represented by the smaller white arrows to the right of the splitter. Once the source signal makes contact with the splitter a small reflection is then sent back toward the source, represented by the small red arrow. The signals which passed through the splitter are then reflected at the opens on each end of the output legs, green and blue Opens. The Opens reflected signals, green and blue arrows, then pass through the splitter

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one more time. This second pass through the splitter means the signals are again reduced by 3.5 dB. So the meter will display the return loss of the opens as -7.0 dB.

Figure 8

For this example we are assuming the splitter has a -30dBrl reflection signature. The Coax Map screen would show a table similar to the one below.
Length (ft) 30 70 100 dBrl -30 -7.0 -7.0 Comment splitter open open

This table tells us that the splitters reflection is small, so we can assume this is a good splitter and is not adversely affecting this network. We also see that the return loss for the two opens is -7.0 dB, just what we would expect for a two-way splitter. Signal level as it passes through the network in Figure 8
Source -> Return Reflection <Return Reflection <Return Reflection <Measured 0 dB -30.0 dB -7.0 dB -7.0 dB Splitter in 0dB -30.0 dB -7.0 dB -7.0 dB -3.5 dB -3.5 dB -3.5 dB -3.5 dB Splitter out -3.5 dB Open -3.5 dB

Coax Map and other Devices

A coax network can have many various elements within itself that can affect the performance of the signals traveling on the network. The Coax Map mode can help determine a variety of common coax elements other than just splitters. Helping the user identify and locate problematic areas.

Barrels
One common coax element is a barrel, which is just a double sided F connection which allows two coax cables to connect as one longer cable. A good barrel should look like a piece of 75 coax and not alter the network in any way. It should pass all signals (i.e. have no loss) and reflect nothing. So of the source signal passes through the barrel with Page 9 of 15

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no loss and on toward the other end. If the end is open it will reflect back the entire source signal which passes back through the barrel, again with no loss, and will be measured at the meter as a reflection with 0.0 dB of return loss. Since the barrel should have no loss and no reflection of its own the two cables connected together would resemble one longer cable and the barrel would not be shown in the results on the Coax Map table. This result would be fine since the cables and barrel are operating perfectly. If the barrel has an issue that prevents it from acting as a 75 coax this impedance difference will cause some signal to be reflected. The same issue that caused the reflection will cause a loss of signal level through the barrel. If a barrel is causing a loss of 1 dB, we can apply the same math we did in the splitter case to understand the results. Signal level as it passes through the bad barrel
Source -> Barrel return Reflection <Open Return Reflection <Measured 0 dB -35db -2.0 dB Barrel in 0dB -35 dB -2.0 dB Barrel out -1 dB Open -1 dB

-1 dB

-1 dB

Since a perfect barrel would have infinite return loss the larger the negative number the better the splitter. Conversely as the return loss gets less negative it will approach 0 dB. When it reaches 0 dB the barrel is either shorted or open, ether way no signal is being passed through the barrel and should be located and replaced or terminated.

Home Run Cables

Home run cables should be free of interfering coax elements such as splitters. They should look just like the perfect coax cable with an open end. The coax should have very low loss and the open should cause the entire source signal to be reflected back. The reflected signal passes back through the low loss cable and results in a return loss very close to 0.0dBrl. Real world measurements and real cable that has some loss may cause the opens return loss to be 0.0 2dB

Low Quality Splitters

Most splitters that are available to the average consumer are very low quality. Most splitters bought at hardware or electronic retail stores are of this low quality type. Though these splitters are widely available to everyone their biggest drawback is that they do not contain impedance matching circuitry to maintain constant 75 impedance. In most cases, the splitter contains short wires connected from the input and looped once on a core and connected to the outputs. These low quality splitters cause a relatively large reflection of the source signal back from the splitter. Some low quality splitters will only have a difference of 15dB or less between the source signal and the reflected signal. These splitters displaying a return loss

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of -15dBrl to 0dBrl should be located and replaced. Splitters found to be between -20dBrl and -15dBrl are also very suspect to a correctly operating coax network. NOTE: Typical good quality splitters range from -25dBrl to -99dBrl.

Figure 3 Low Quality Splitter

This design depends on the impedance of loads on the outputs to set the impedance, so any devices connected that are not 75 will cause the whole network to be mismatched. In the case where one of these outputs are left open this splitter will cause bad standing waves which we know effect the frequency response of the network and will result in nulls that produce attenuation of certain frequencies.

3 and 4 way splitters

As was mentioned earlier there is a difference in the expected outputs of different types of splitters. Three-way splitters have a lower loss output on one of the outputs and fourway splitters have equal loss on all 4 outputs. The expected open return levels change based on what kind of splitter is in line. The following tables contain the nominal values expected in the Coax Map mode for each of these two types of splitters, assuming a -30dBrl splitter.

Typical three way splitter Length dBrl Comment -30 Splitter -7 Open -14 Open -14 Open Typical four way splitter Length dBrl -30 -14 -14 -14 -14

Comment Splitter Open Open Open Open

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Coax Map Special scenarios

The Coax Map tool is based on known physical characteristics of a coax network. The mode determines what elements are present and their distance based on the assumptions of these coax physical characteristics. As with most tests there are some scenarios with certain characteristics that deserve special considerations. This section explains some of the special cases that may occur while using the Coax Map mode.

No Reflections
In the case where the Coax Map test is run with an impedance matching 75 termination connected to the meter, all of the signal will be absorbed by the termination and no reflections will occur. This principle also applies when the test is run on a network that is well matched to 75 with a load of 75 . All of the meters signal will be absorbed in the 75 terminations and none will be reflected back to the source. The Coax Map mode will report No Reflection Detected when the entire signal is absorbed in the 75 terminations. In this case, remove the termination and retest. The Coax Map test is best run with no terminations attached to the network.

Too many reflections or Active Signal Detected

The Coax Map test must be run on an unterminated and inactive coax network. If devices other than the Smartclass Home are injecting signals on the network while the test is running the results will be inaccurate. The meter has been designed to test for active signals before running the test and report an error before executing the Coax Map test. In some cases the signals that come and go may be missed by the initial active signal test, in which case the Coax Map may report there are Too many reflections. Check for active devices on the coax network, disconnect them and retest.

Splitters with equal length legs

Another situation that may occur, but is unlikely in a home is when two legs off the output of a splitter are equal length. A splitter with two equal length cables on its output may confuse the meter. This happens since the return reflections from the two or more equal length opens return simultaneously and tends to sum together and appear as only one open to the test device. This means that a two-way splitter with equal length output legs which really has 2 opens with -7 dBrl per leg will look like one open with a -3.5dBrl to the Coax Map test. If the splitter is of good quality then the results of the Coax Map test will resemble that of a single run of coax cable with an open at the end. If the splitter is of low quality the results will indicate that it thinks there is a barrel/splice in the line with an open at the end.

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Splitters with an open port

A situation may arise when a two port or more splitter does not have a cable run attached to one of its ports. When a splitter has an open and unterminated port one of the opens on the Coax Map results screen will occur at the same length as the splitter. The reflection from the open port will be many times larger than the splitters own reflection, so it will mask the normally low splitter reflection signature. The meter knows there must be a splitter present since no reflections were found shorter than the first open so it will add a splitter and give it the same distance and dBrl as the first reflection. An example of a three-way splitter exhibiting this situation is shown below.

Length (ft) 30 30 50 120

dBrl -7 -7 -14 -14

Comment Splitter* Open Open Open

Coax Map Configuration Parameters

The Coax Map mode is capable of working right out of the box. However, different types of coaxial cable have differing physical characteristics which can make a difference in results of the Coax Map test. The test has default settings enabled which coincides for testing most common RG6 coaxial cable found in homes. If different types of cables are being tested some modification may need to be made to the configuration of the mode so the Coax map algorithm to provide accurate results. The test needs information on two parameters, the cables Velocity of Propagation (VOP) and Cable Compensation. These important parameters define the operating characteristics of the coax. Using these parameters, a user can calibrate the test to a specific cable type. This information can usually be found on the data sheet shipped with the cable reel. See the sample data sheet below, for an example as to where to find these parameters.
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES:

IMPEDANCE: 75.0 +/- 3.0 Ohms VELOCITY OF PROPAGATION: 85.0% NOMINAL

ATTENUATION: @ 68F (20C) @ Frequency MHz 5 MHz 55 MHz 83 MHz 187 MHz 211 MHz 250 MHz 300 MHz dB/100 ft. (MAX.) 0.58 dB 1.60 dB 1.95 dB 2.85 dB 3.05 dB 3.30 dB 3.55 dB dB/100 meters (MAX.) 1.90 dB 5.25 dB 6.40 dB 9.35 dB 10.00 dB 10.82 Db 11.64 dB

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Velocity of Propagation
The velocity of propagation parameter defines how fast a signal travels through a cable. It is expressed as a percentage of the speed of light. For example a VOP of 0.85 or 85% states that the signal propagates through a cable at 85% the speed of light. This parameter is required by the Coax Map algorithm to convert the raw reflection data to accurate distances to the device that caused the reflection. The VOP for a specific cable type can be found on the cables data sheet. Typical common coax VOP values will range from 70% - 85%.

Cable Compensation
The cable compensation parameter defines the loss characteristic of the coax cable. Coaxial cable data sheets specify loss or attenuation in a table. The table gives a loss per distance at different frequencies. Typically at higher frequencies Coax cable has a higher attenuation. The cable compensation parameter is used by the Coax Map calculation to ignore the effect of loss due to the cable alone. This allows an open to be 0 dBrl at 10 ft and at 500 ft which helps better identify other elements in the coax network at any distance. The cable compensation parameter for Coax Map test to look for on a data sheet is the cable attenuation at or closest to 50 MHz. It will be expressed in dB per 100ft and typical values are usually 1-2 dB.

Troubleshooting Strange Results

In real world troubleshooting, sometimes the results may not make sense initially. A defective component or cable can alter the reflection signature and confuse the Coax Map algorithm. Strange Coax Map results are a clear indicator that the test network or a component in the network has issues. The key to success in deciphering strange Coax Map results is to divide and conqueror. Things to try include:

Make sure no active devices are attached. o In some cases inactive devices may mask an open. If a Cable modem, set top box, or TV has a tuner that is a good 75 termination it will reduce or eliminate the reflection. Its best to disconnect all devices. o Diplex filters may also cause problems. The initial reflection will be at the correct location but reflections past the diplexer may be inaccurate. This is caused by the diplex filter filtering out some of the coax map test frequencies. Test the cable from the other end. Compare the lengths. o They should be the same if the cable is a home run. o They may be different if a device is inline. Using the first reflection length, locate the device, remove it and retest. Verify splitters are installed properly. o Backwards splitters can cause unexpected results. Sometimes you may have to segment each coax run to find the one with a problem. Pay attention to reflection dBrl values in the table. Note whether it is a big or a small reflection.

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The instrument has a field replaceable F-connector barrel. These connectors wear out due to repeated use so make sure to replace this barrel regularly. Its the first component in the measured network and poor performance will impact test results.

Remember: When the coaxial network is correct the Coax map results will make sense.

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