CATV RF Analog QAM fiber optic transmitter, RF 1550nm RF transmitter

Q: I'm an ISP provider using fiber optic, and I want to implement CATV. This device: "1550nm RF Over Fiber Tx 45-870 MHz 2 -16 mW" How many channels does it tune? For example, will I have to have one such device per channel? How much does it cost? How do I buy it?

This is an RF over Fiber device, which allows you to put a coaxial cable into the unit with all programs between 45-870 MHz. This unit will convert the RF signal to fiber, and then on the receiver side, it will convert all the programs from fiber back to coaxial cable. You will also need a fiber optic receiver as well: https://thorbroadcast.com/product/rf-catv-mini-optical-receiver.html https://thorbroadcast.com/product/catv-rf-fiber-receiver-high-rf-power-rack-8230.html This product does not "tune" channels; it is a device to send CATV over fiber optic cable. Here are some questions from our engineer: CATV Transmitter/Receiver will take and convert all your CATV RF analog or digital channels from 45-1000 MHz. What is the fiber optic distance? Do you have single-mode fiber? Is it point-to-point or point-to-multipoint application? Do you want to use it with the optical splitter?

Q: We are installing a PON fiber network for a community of approximately 400 homes. They will own and operate this network in-house as a CoOp. They are in a rural area that is difficult to receive Digital Broadcast Television, and, at my suggestion, would like to distribute the RF signal from their large antenna tower throughout the community over the fiber network for their residents' use. This aspect is new to me, although the concept and hardware seem straightforward from the literature I've read. The 1550nm wavelength will be free to use for this distribution. Can you provide any RFOG theory, standards of installation, types of compatible receiving devices, or other relevant information for your products to assist in planning this deployment? Specifically, I am inquiring about the 1550nm Direct Modulated CATV over Fiber RF transmitter with AGC 2-16mW product and if this is a good choice for this project. If possible, they would like to be able to add a couple of community access channels to the transmission as well, but that is a perk, not a requirement, as they can stream those over IP as an alternative.

We would be happy to assist you with the system design to deliver CATV RF over 1550nm wavelength on the existing PON network. In order to advise on and design the system, we would need to know the topology of your PON and the distances between the headend, hubs, and the houses. The 1550nm optical wavelength can be amplified, which is why it is usually used for CATV RFOF distribution. The signal can split, but each splitter has different optical loss. The RF optical receivers have a specific optical input window range, which is why all optical powers need to be calculated. Do you have some drawings, even hand drawings? I will give you a call to discuss it: 800-521-8467 ext 2.

Q: Thanks for the reply. We are still in the planning stage and wanted to factor the TV into the design. Our current plan is for GPON circuits with a 1/16 PLC split within 1/4 mile of the final destination. Distance from the headend to PLC splitter(s) will range from 1 mile to 3 miles depending on the area served. We will have adequate fiber to provide a redundant or second channel per drop if needed, but would prefer to incorporate it within the single fiber and reserve the remainder for future population or technology growth. I am curious about the versatility or any advanced features such as on-demand capabilities or the ability to remove access from individual users within the split group to different channel packages or the service entirely. They would like to be able to contract with a wholesale programming provider or lease access to an established CATV provider in the future. The initial goals are to provide free access to basic OTA broadcast channels for every residence that is connected and then add subscription options later. We have roughly 20 miles of fiber to plan and install and have a timeline of 12-24 months depending on interest. Thanks again for any time and information regarding this project.

So the fiber transmitter/receiver works as a coax extender. It carries all the channels you will inject on the input. You can send clear RF CATV QAM, and consumers would be able to decode it using TV tuners. For all other services, you would need to implement scrambled channels and STBs for each user, but this is totally external to fiber optic transport. The fiber optic link will carry clear or scrambled channels the same way as it would on the copper coax. We can offer optical transport equipment only: TX, EDFA, and receivers. You could always start with clear QAM, then add scrambled channels in the future on different frequencies. Please let me know if this is clear.

Q: I am unable to locate the exact device I need on your site thorbroadcast(dot)com, so maybe you can help me. The specifications are as follows: Input: one 45-870 MHz band. I am going to transport a CATV feed. 2mW (3dBm) optical output power is fine for me. Output: I am going to transport this feed over a DWDM infrastructure. I need to use one of the ITU Grid available frequencies. So I need the output to be, for example, Channel 47 - 1539.77nm. The device should be able to modulate the signal over this exact frequency and not interfere with the surrounding channels, as they are active and used by others. Can you offer me this kind of solution? If you can, please provide more specifications for the device, or you can send me a datasheet directly. On the other hand, I am going to need to detect and regenerate the CATV RF signal. So can you point me to a device that can demodulate a DWDM frequency and regenerate the original RF signal.

Thank you for your inquiry into our products. Yes, DWDM is a special-order device for us. This is a link to our standard 1550nm (CWDM) unit. We can upgrade the laser to any DWDM for your customization needs. That custom Part Number is F-RF-TX-2Mw-ITU47 (DWDM RF CATV Transmitter - DWDM ITU Ch 47 -1539.77) For the RX, you can use our standard CATV optical receiver.

Description

1550nm Direct Modulated CATV Over Fiber RF Transmitter with AGC 2-16mW

F-RF-1550-TX-2mW 1550nm +2dBm output RF Transmitter
F-RF-1550-TX-4mW 1550nm +4dBm output RF Transmitter
F-RF-1550-TX-8mW 1550nm +8dBm output RF Transmitter
F-RF-1550-TX-16mW 1550nm +14dBm output RF Transmitter

1550nm - 2-16mW fiber optic transmitter for Television RF (radio frequencies) from 45-870 MHz. Operates on the 1550 C-Band wavelength for compatibility with EDFA systems. Directly converts any incoming RF signal within this band to optical RF. Transports all channels and programs over one fiber. Can be used for point-to-point or combined with PLC couplers and fiber optic splitters for point-to-multipoint applications. Outputs industry-standard RFoG (RF over Glass) signals that can be accepted by most fiber optic RF receivers from other manufacturers. Easy-to-read front panel LCD provides information and alarm data and simplifies configuration. This system features a highly linear DFB laser with automatic adjustment circuitry and Automatic Gain Control. For added reliability, a second internal Power Supply Unit is available as an option.

Transmitter can be used with Thor Fiber optical RF receivers

F-RF-RX-RM CATV RF Rack-Mountable Receiver, High Power	F-RF-RX-MN CATV RF Mini optical receiver	F-Mininode CATV Mininode - RF Receiver and return path RF transmitter

Features

- 2-16 mW Optical Power Output from a C-Band laser compatible with EDFA amps
- Can be optically amplified to high power levels for fan-type distribution
- Transports entire 45-870 MHz band even with full channel lineups
- Creates high-security "Fiber Breaks" to eliminate coax signal return path
- Automatic Gain Control (AGC) manages RF level with no adjustment needed
- Compatible with all Thor RFoG CATV series optical receiver systems

IMPORTANT NOTE*** (It is very important to interface our unit with an SC/APC - Angle Polished Connector to avoid any light reflections.)

If your fiber is terminated with the SC, ST, FC/PC flat connector, you need to use an optical jumper from PC type to SC/APC for proper conversion.

Drawings

Model Selection

F-RF-1550-TX-2mW 1550nm +2dBm output RF Transmitter
F-RF-1550-TX-4mW 1550nm +4dBm output RF Transmitter
F-RF-1550-TX-8mW 1550nm +8dBm output RF Transmitter
F-RF-1550-TX-16mW 1550nm +14dBm output RF Transmitter

Specification

*All Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice
Input	1x Type-F connector - 75 Ohm
Optical Wavelength	1550nm
Line Width:	< 1 MHz FWHM
Extinction Ratio	>20 dB XP
Equivalent Noise Intensity	< -160 dB/Hz
Output Power	F-RF-1550-TX-2mW 1550nm +2dBm output RF Transmitter F-RF-1550-TX-4mW 1550nm +4dBm output RF Transmitter F-RF-1550-TX-8mW 1550nm +8dBm output RF Transmitter F-RF-1550-TX-16mW 1550nm +14dBm output RF Transmitter
Return Loss	>55 dB
Optical Connector	SC/APC - Angle Polished IMPORTANT NOTE* (It is very important to interface our unit with SC/APC - Angle Polished Connector to avoid any light reflections.) If your fiber is terminated with the SC, ST, FC /PC flat connector, you need to use an optical jumper from PC type to SC/APC for proper conversion.**
RF Power Level	11-29 dBmV AGC Managed
Flatness	<+/- 0.75 45 - 862 MHz
SBC Restraint	>17 dBm
CNR	>50 dB @ 10km fiber length
CTB	< -63 dB
CSO	< -57 dB
Dimensions	19 x 10 x 1.75 inch
Weight	2.5 kg
Operating Temperature	0 - 45 deg C

Question and Answers

Question:
I'm an ISP provider using fiber optic, and I want to implement CATV. This device: "1550nm RF Over Fiber Tx 45-870 MHz 2 -16 mW" How many channels does it tune? For example, will I have to have one such device per channel? How much does it cost? How do I buy it?

Answer:
This is an RF over Fiber device, which allows you to put a coaxial cable into the unit with all programs between 45-870 MHz. This unit will convert the RF signal to fiber, and then on the receiver side, it will convert all the programs from fiber back to coaxial cable. You will also need a fiber optic receiver as well: https://thorbroadcast.com/product/rf-catv-mini-optical-receiver.html https://thorbroadcast.com/product/catv-rf-fiber-receiver-high-rf-power-rack-8230.html This product does not "tune" channels; it is a device to send CATV over fiber optic cable. Here are some questions from our engineer: CATV Transmitter/Receiver will take and convert all your CATV RF analog or digital channels from 45-1000 MHz. What is the fiber optic distance? Do you have single-mode fiber? Is it point-to-point or point-to-multipoint application? Do you want to use it with the optical splitter?

Question:
We are installing a PON fiber network for a community of approximately 400 homes. They will own and operate this network in-house as a CoOp. They are in a rural area that is difficult to receive Digital Broadcast Television, and, at my suggestion, would like to distribute the RF signal from their large antenna tower throughout the community over the fiber network for their residents' use. This aspect is new to me, although the concept and hardware seem straightforward from the literature I've read. The 1550nm wavelength will be free to use for this distribution. Can you provide any RFOG theory, standards of installation, types of compatible receiving devices, or other relevant information for your products to assist in planning this deployment? Specifically, I am inquiring about the 1550nm Direct Modulated CATV over Fiber RF transmitter with AGC 2-16mW product and if this is a good choice for this project. If possible, they would like to be able to add a couple of community access channels to the transmission as well, but that is a perk, not a requirement, as they can stream those over IP as an alternative.

Answer:
We would be happy to assist you with the system design to deliver CATV RF over 1550nm wavelength on the existing PON network. In order to advise on and design the system, we would need to know the topology of your PON and the distances between the headend, hubs, and the houses. The 1550nm optical wavelength can be amplified, which is why it is usually used for CATV RFOF distribution. The signal can split, but each splitter has different optical loss. The RF optical receivers have a specific optical input window range, which is why all optical powers need to be calculated. Do you have some drawings, even hand drawings? I will give you a call to discuss it: 800-521-8467 ext 2.

Question:
Thanks for the reply. We are still in the planning stage and wanted to factor the TV into the design. Our current plan is for GPON circuits with a 1/16 PLC split within 1/4 mile of the final destination. Distance from the headend to PLC splitter(s) will range from 1 mile to 3 miles depending on the area served. We will have adequate fiber to provide a redundant or second channel per drop if needed, but would prefer to incorporate it within the single fiber and reserve the remainder for future population or technology growth. I am curious about the versatility or any advanced features such as on-demand capabilities or the ability to remove access from individual users within the split group to different channel packages or the service entirely. They would like to be able to contract with a wholesale programming provider or lease access to an established CATV provider in the future. The initial goals are to provide free access to basic OTA broadcast channels for every residence that is connected and then add subscription options later. We have roughly 20 miles of fiber to plan and install and have a timeline of 12-24 months depending on interest. Thanks again for any time and information regarding this project.

Answer:
So the fiber transmitter/receiver works as a coax extender. It carries all the channels you will inject on the input. You can send clear RF CATV QAM, and consumers would be able to decode it using TV tuners. For all other services, you would need to implement scrambled channels and STBs for each user, but this is totally external to fiber optic transport. The fiber optic link will carry clear or scrambled channels the same way as it would on the copper coax. We can offer optical transport equipment only: TX, EDFA, and receivers. You could always start with clear QAM, then add scrambled channels in the future on different frequencies. Please let me know if this is clear.

Question:
I am unable to locate the exact device I need on your site thorbroadcast(dot)com, so maybe you can help me. The specifications are as follows: Input: one 45-870 MHz band. I am going to transport a CATV feed. 2mW (3dBm) optical output power is fine for me. Output: I am going to transport this feed over a DWDM infrastructure. I need to use one of the ITU Grid available frequencies. So I need the output to be, for example, Channel 47 - 1539.77nm. The device should be able to modulate the signal over this exact frequency and not interfere with the surrounding channels, as they are active and used by others. Can you offer me this kind of solution? If you can, please provide more specifications for the device, or you can send me a datasheet directly. On the other hand, I am going to need to detect and regenerate the CATV RF signal. So can you point me to a device that can demodulate a DWDM frequency and regenerate the original RF signal.

Answer:
Thank you for your inquiry into our products. Yes, DWDM is a special-order device for us. This is a link to our standard 1550nm (CWDM) unit. We can upgrade the laser to any DWDM for your customization needs. That custom Part Number is F-RF-TX-2Mw-ITU47 (DWDM RF CATV Transmitter - DWDM ITU Ch 47 -1539.77) For the RX, you can use our standard CATV optical receiver.