SPM-15 Selective Level Meter

SPM-15
Selective Level Meter
for the frequency range 50 Hz to 10 MHz, send section available
IEEE 488
® Selective and wideband measurements
® Synthesizer for high accuracy and stability of tuned
frequency
e Frequency is set quasi-continuous!y
Search-scan, AFC
Analog or digital level display with autoranging;
resolution 0.01 dB
Absolute and relative measurements
Automatic level calibration
Fast signal detector, AFC
Integral demodulator and loudspeaker
A.C. line and battery operation
Compact, handy, light
Version BN 955/02:
e Measures noise, reading in dBrnC
e Connectors for WECO male connectors
The SPM-15 Selective Level Meter is used for level measure-
ments on balanced and coaxial FDM systems, at the baseband
of radio-link and satellite systems with up to 1872 channels and
also in single voice-channels and sound programme channels.
Because the SPM-15 is compact, robust and can be battery
powered it is ideal for the servicing and maintenance work car-
ried out on postal systems, on railways and on the networks of
public utility companies supplying energy. The SPM-15 is par-
ticularly effective for detecting spurious signais, or for long-term
monitoring applications.
As the SPM-15 is accurate, flexible and remote controllable, it
can be used during the development, production and testing of
system components. When the send section is fitted, a com-
plete measuring setup for loss and gain measurements is
formed. The PS-15 Level Generator is available for measure-
ments at different send and receive frequencies, and for end-
to-end measurements.
Frequency conditioning in the SPM-15 is carried out in a synthe-
sizer with an especially high spectral purity, accuracy and
stability. The frequency can be tuned continuously, by incre-
ments or automatically (search-scan).
The frequency is shown on an LED display with a resolution of
1 Hz. The receive level can be displayed on a meter or digitally
with greater resolution. The automatic level calibration and
linearity check ensure a high accuracy of measurement. If re-
quired, the Level Meter can be delivered with a tracking genera-
tor, (inclusive batteries) or, alternatively, with the Interface Bus
<IEC 625>/1EEE 488 for control by a computer.
Frequency range ........ . 50 Hz to 10 MHz
Frequency adjustments . . . . ..... quasi-continuous,
by increments or search-scan
Error limits of the frequency +3x 1078
Display range (Z, = 75 Q)
selective . . . . . .. — 140 to + 20 dB/— 130 to +20 dBm
wideband —60 to + 20 dB/—50 to + 20 dBm
25 Hz”, 1.74 kHz, 3.1 kHz
* 100 Hz on request
Input impedance
coaxial . . ......... 75 Q, high impedance
balanced 124, 150 (135), 600 Q, high impedance
Intrinsic harmonicratio . . . . ........... =80dB
Send level range (with PSE-15) . . . . —60to + 11dB/dBm
Further characteristics and applications
e Switch-selectable bandwidths: Pilots, carrier leaks,
or frequency spectra can be investigated using the narrow
25 Hz filter. On the other hand, weighted noise measure-
SPM-15 Level Meter, BN 955/01
e High frequency accuracy: The small deviation of
3 x 10 from the set frequency means that the frequency
selected is also accurate at high frequencies, e.g. when
measuring pilot levels or carrier leaks. The error stated is
valid in the rated range of temperature and includes ageing of
the reference crystal.
Search-scan: This facility is used to rapidly locate hot
tones or discrete impairments whose level exceeds a set
threshold. The scan speed is set automatically for the selec-
ted bandwidth.
Automatic frequency control (AFC): Ensures exact
tuning to frequency under test. Operates in selective mode
and analog level display only.
Automatic level calibration: Ensures high measuring
accuracy in the selective mode, by using a tracking calibra-
tion signal which has the same frequency as the tuned fre-
quency. This signal is switched into the signal path at regular
intervals or when important setting parameters are altered.
Digital and analog level display: The digital display
has a resolution of 0.01 dB when autoranging is used. When
the analog display is used (overview measurements, align-
ments) the 20 dB range or the expander with a range of
+1 dB can be selected.
Absolute and relative level measurements: The
absolute level (in dB or dBm) can be stored as a reference
level so that the deviations from this value in subsequent
measurements can be read off on the digital or analog
ments can be carried out in single voice channels at the car-
rier frequency level using a 1.74 kHz effective noise band-
width filter. A flat 3.1 kHz filter for measurements over the
whole channel bandwidth (e.g. via the demodulator output)
can also be switched in. The SPM-15 can be equipped with
a 100 Hz bandwidth filter in place of 25 Hz to facilitate
measurements on FM 120 VFT systems.
Remote control: All important functions can be remote
controlled using the remote control board option. The board
complies with IEC 625/1EEE 488. The board is fitted in the
back panel instead of the BAZ- 15 Battery Pack.
If you have to perform rapid level measurements or to handle
large amounts of data (e.g. system monitoring), we recom-
mend the use of the SPM-19 Selective Level Meter (50 Hz
to 25 MHz).
BCI-1 Barcode Interface (accessory): All the important
device functions can be remote-controlled without using an
external computer. The BCI-1 converts barcodes into the
corresponding IEC bus commands. A generator program for
DOS computers with matrix or laser printers is included.
Economical design: Depending on the application, the
SPM-15 can be used with the PSE-15 Send Section (same
send and receive frequency), or with the PS- 15 Level Gener-
ator (translator and distortion measurements) to form a
measuring setup.
SPM-15 Level Meter, BN 955/02
like version BN 955/01, but also has
— built-in tracking generator (PSE-15)
— CF-channel noise displayed in dBrnC
— 75, 124, 135 and 600 © impedances
— Femaie WECO connectors
display. This simplifies both frequency response and distor-
tion measurements.
® Measuring very high levels: High impedance level
measurements on power-line carrier equipment and installa-
tions, for example, can be carried out by connecting in the
SDG-40 Balanced Attenuator (max. 30 V).
Specifications for the Selective Level Meter with tracking generator
SPM-15
If nothing to the contrary is stated, the data for the nominal ranges of ambient temperature, a.c. line voltage and a.c. line frequency are valid immediately after
switch-on.
Inputs Display ranges
+ - + oh »
Coaxialinput*. . . . .. Versacon 9 Universal Connector Input Selective Wideband "
System suitable for all usual connector types dB
BN 955/02: fem. connector for WECO 358 A male connector до = 75 © - br © 1 al 0 © O a
Inputimpedance, switchable . . . . 75Q and highimpedance >
Fr ncyrange .. .. ........... 50 Hzto 10 MHz 2, = 124, 150 © — 120 10 +20 dBm 40 to +20 dBm
Co a Z, = 600 Q —130 to +20 dB/dBm | —50to +20 dB/dBm
Balancedinput ............ 3 pole CF connector
Input impedance, switchable 124, 150 Q
and high impedance
BN 955/02: only 124 Q
tem. connector tor WECO 372 A/379 A male connector
Frequency range . . . . . . . ...—.. . 6kHzto 10 MHz
Signal balance ratio as per CCITT O.121,
f=6kHzto 1MHZ . ... .. .. =40dB
Returnlossatf = 100kHz =40dB
Inputimpedance, switchable . . 600 Q and high impedance
BN 955/02: also 135 Q2
135 Q fem. connector for WECO 241 A male connector
600 Q fem. connector for WECO 310 male connector
Frequencyrange . . . . . . ......... 50 Hz to 620 kHz
Signal balance ratio as per CCITT 0.121 . . ...... =40dB
Returnloss atf = 10 kHz =50 dB
Tolerable input voltage for atl inputs
Overload limit when terminated withZ,,V, ms . . . . . . . 10V
Tolerable d.c. voltage
at high impedance input
+ We + 2 a4 & = a x a =m » =
Frequency
Frequency settings
Manual quasi-continuous adjustment over the whole range
without switchover, resolution . . . . . . . . . .. ... 1Hz
also by increments with variable increment width and
automatic search-scan. Stopped by signal detector.
Automatic frequency control (AFC) operating in selective mode
and analog level display.
Synchronous tuning of the PS-15 Level Generator can also
be carried out.
Frequencydisplay..........., 7 digits with LED
Error limits for the tuning frequency including
ageingoverayear . . . . . . . .......... +3x 107°
Level display
Display of power level (dBm) referred to . 1MW
of voltage level (dB) referredto . . 0.775V
the level difference between an absolute
and a stored reference level! . . . . . . . dB
Noise level (dBrnC) with Option BN 955/00.23
instead of noise voitage level
1) OdBrnC = 90dBm
Display, switchable . . . . .......
Digital display, resolution . . . . . . . .
Analog display viameter, ranges . . . . . .
digital or analog
.... 0.01dB
+ 1 dB and 20 dB
Fast signal detector with LED
Activation threshold on the 20 dB scale . approx. — 15 dB
(= — 10 dB)
*) “Inputs” describes the impedances for BN 955/02
1) In analog measurement mode, the lower limit is 10 dB less
Measurement range selection
Autoranging for digital display
Manually in steps of 1 dB or 10 dB fcr analog display
Measurement errors
Selective measurements
for Zin = Zou = Z, and automatic level calibration
Error limits of level display for 0 dBm (dB) input level,
display digital or analog (+1 dB scale),
f= 10 kHz (100 kHZ at Z, = 124, 150 ©),
bandwidth 1.74 and 3.1 kHz
Coaxial | Bal.
inthe range (23 £3)°C . . +0.06 dB | +0.1 dB
inthe range Oto +50°C . . ++ *0.15dB | +0.2 dB
Additional error for any input level
coaxial input
+20 0 dBm -70 - 90 —100 -110
| +0.15 dB +0.1d8 | :0.15dB | +0.3d8 | +1d8” |
+20 0 dB —80 - 100 -110 —120
balanced input
0.15.08 | +0.1dB
1 1
+20 0 dB/dBm - 65 - 85 —95 - 105
*) Error limits only apply 10 the 25 Hz bandwidth.
| +0.15dB | +0.3d8 | +1d8"
F T 1
The variation of level display with frequency referred to 10 kHz
(100 kHz at Z, = 124, 150 Q), for input levels at least 40 dB
greater than intrinsic noise (values in dB).
Z,=750 | +03 | +0.08
2, = 124, 150 0 — | +04 | 10.15
2, = 600 @ | +08 [+025] +0.15 [-025| —
I 1 r 1 T I
50 200 2 6 60 100 620 10
Hz kHz MHz
Additional error for analog display 20 dB scale,
intherange —10to +2dB . . . . . . . ....... +0.3dB
Wideband measurements
Overall error in the range 0 to +50°C, Zin = Zou = Zo
and after calibration
Input *! Level range Error limits
Zo = 75 Q — 50 to +20 dB/ —40 to +20 dBm 10.6 dB
Zo = 124, 150 2 | -40to +20 dB/-30 to + 20 аВт +0.7 dB
Za, = 600 Q —40 to +20 dB/dBm +0.7 dB
“) See “inputs” for impedances for BN 955/02
Selectivity
The bandwidths are switchable between:
Bandwidth 25 Hz” 174kHZ” | 3.1kHz |
Eff. noise bandwidth (+10%) | — 1.74 kHz? | 3.1kHz |
Distance Af from =3d8 +7 Hz +650 Hz + 1.5kHz
centre frequency for =50 dB +80 Hz — —
an attenuation of
=60 dB +250 Hz +2 kHz +2 kHz
1) Values apply to a temperature range of + 5 to +40°C
2) 1.95 kHz for BN 955/02
100 Hz bandwidth
for BN 955/01 and /02 in place ot 25 Hz
for BN 955/04 as additional external filter
Bandwidth, attenuation =3dB . . 100 Hz + 5 HZ
attenuation = 18 dB + 100 Hz
attenuation = 60 dB + 400 Hz
Image frequency rejection and IF suppression =70dB
Harmonic ratio a, ay,
level of the fundamental =0 dB/dBm
with automatic calibration, frequency of the fundamental
FZ3kHZ . ... . =80dB
f =300 Hz (bandwidth 25 Hz) . . . =70dB
Noise power ratio (NPR)
when loaded with noise having the bandwidth 12 kHz to
8160 kHz, wideband level —25 to + 10 dBm, slot anywhere in
the band with By = 20 kHz, bandwidth 1.74 kHz (1.95 kHz)
and with automatic calibration =54 dB
EEE EEE E EN
Noise floor
Intrinsic noise and discrete spurious signals, selective,
bandwidth 25 Hz, input terminated with Z,, f = 3 kHz
Input75Q . . <— 135 dB (- 125 dBm)
Input 124, 150 Q (f =6kHz) . . . . . . <— 125 dB (- 120 dBm)
Input 135, 600 Q ........ 1100 <—120 dB/dBm
When the bandwidths 1.74 kHz (1.95 kHz) and 3.1 kHz are
used, the level values increase by +10 dB.
Additional outputs
Demodulator output
3 pole CF connector . . . ........... Zon = 600 9
BN 955/02: fem. connector for WECQO 310 male connector
SSBdemodulation . . . ... erect/inverted position
Frequency of the translated channel when tuned to
channelcarrier . . . ..... Oto 4kHz
A.C. voltage output (BNC), short circuit proof
(not fitted to BN 955/04)
Output level for Zou = Z = 75 Q and
OdBrangedisplay LL 211141 LL 0 dBm
Output frequency,
operating mode, selective . . .. 10kHz
wideband . . as input signal
D.C. output
3 pole CF connector o Zo => 5kQ
Open-circuitvoltageforf.s.d. .. .. ........ +5V
Outputforinternal standard frequency (BNC) . .. 10MHz
Control output for external tuning (BNC)
of the PS-15 Level Generator,
frequency range .. ... 1.221241 4110 40to 50 MHz
Options
PSE-15 Tracking Generator, BN 955/00.02
(Standard in BN 955/02 and BN 955/04)
Frequencyrange,
adjustmentanddisplay. .
Generator outputs
Coaxial output, fem . .
Outputimpedance
Return loss at 10OKHz . .
Balanced output, fem. . . .
Output impedance,
. . same as Level Meter
. . same as Level Meter
‚ 7/5 2
=50dB
. . same as Level Meter
switchable . . . . . 600, 150, 124 Q, approx. 15 Q
BN 955/02: 600, 135, 124, approx. 15 Q
Return loss
atf = 100kHzor 10kHz (600Q) . . . . . . =36dB
Signal balance ratio as per CCITT O.121 =40dB
Send level
Send level is displayed digitally by
pressing abutton, resolution . . ...... 0.1dB
Send level range
Coaxial Ze = 752 —55 to +12 dBm —65 to +3 dB
= | — ‚9 dB
Balanced 2, = 124 © 58 to +9.9 dBm 6510 +3 dB
Z,=150Q | -59to +9 dBm
Z, — 135 9 "| -58 to + 9.5 dBm —65 to +3 dB
Balanced Z,= 6000 65 to +3 dBm —65 to + 3 dB
Za = Ô —59 to + 11 dBm -59 to + t1 dB
1) BN 955/02: instead of 150 Q
Level adjustmentinstepsof . . . . 5dBor0.1dB
Error limits of the send level
for Zou = Zi = Zo OF Zaun — 0.2. = Z,
2, = 75 © +0.6 dB | +0.25 de
7, = 124, 1500 — | -0.3 dB
2, = 600 © _ __
7 _2, | !0698 +0.3 dB ~0.4 dB
27. = 600 © N _
7 oz -z| +068 +0398 ~0.6 dB
1
50 200 Hz 6 100 620 kHz 10 MHz
Intrinsic harmonic ratio a, and a,
f=50Hzto 10MHZ . ..... ..... =40 dB
Attenuation of discrete nonharmonic spurious signals,
at least 50 dB below wanted signal.
BAZ-15 Battery Pack”, BN 955/00.01
Operatingtime . . .......... . approx. 5h
Chargingtime . . . . ........... . approx. 14h
Interface Bus <IEC 625>/IEEE 488”, BN 955/00.04
Interface functions . . . . . SH1,AH1, T6, L4, SR1,RL1,
PP2, DC1, DT1, CO
Measurement times if level changed (x = measurement range)
withinx+1dB . . . . ............ typically 2 (2.3)s
X+ 100B .............. typically 3.3 (3.6)s
additionally (due to calibration clock) . . . . typically 1.9(2.3)s
(values in parentheses refer to 25 Hz bandwidth)
Default high impedance", BN 955/00.25
Input switches to high impedance after power interruption or
change of impedance.
General Specifications
Power supply
A.C. line
Nominal ranges of use for a.c. line voltage,
switchable . . . 110/117/127/220/227/237V, —12to + 10%
Nominal range of use for a.c. line frequency . . . 47.5t063 Hz
Power consumption, measuring orcharging . . approx. 38 VA
Safety class as per IEC 348 and VDE 0411. ...... Class |
Battery powered from BAZ-15 Battery Pack, BN 955/00.01.
Ambienttemperature
Nominalrangeofuse .. ..... . 010 +55°С
Limits operating range .. - ...... —10to +55°C
Ordering Information
Level Meter SPM-15* BN 955/01
Level Meter SPM-15 with Tracking Generator PSE-15, BN 955/02
noise measurements in dBrnC ”, and WECO connectors
Level Meter SPM-15 BN 955/04
same as BN 955/02, 75/124 Q connectors: WECO 558 A
Option (included in price)
Default high impedance BN 955/00.25
Options (at extra cost)
Tracking Generator PSE-15” (for BN 955/01) BN 955/00.02
Battery Pack BAZ-15, rechargeable“ BN 955/00.01
Interface <IEC 625> board * BN 955/00.04
with IEEE 488 connector and K 420 cable
100 Hz bandwidth BN 955/00.09
for BN 955/01 and /02 in place of 25 Hz
100 Hz bandwidth BN 955/00.06
for BN 955/04 as additional external filter
Storage andtransportation. .. .. .. ... —40 to + 70°C *
*) with BAZ-15 Battery Pack, BN 955/00.01, — 40 to +60°C
Dimensions(wxhxd)inmm ‚ З17 х 175 х 342
Weight
SPM-15 with PSE-15 . approx. 13kg
BAZ-15 ... 121011 44 14444 44140 approx. 2.8 kg
< IEC 625 > Interface Bus Card . . .
German Post Office Certificate of Approval No.
for SPM-15, BN 855/01
for PSE-15, BN 955/00.02
approx. 1kg
272 181 826-5
272918 104-5
for BAK-15, BN 955/00.01. ......... 191090 156-0
BN 955/00.21
Noise measurements in dBrnC”' (tor BN 955/01) ВМ 955/00.23
Accessories (at extra cost)”
BCI-1 Barcode Interface BN 3005/10
for SPM- 15 with IEC bus board
Return Loss Measuring Attachment RFZ-12 BN 810/01
200 Hz to 4.5 MHz
Signal Balance Ratio Measuring
Attachment SDZ-12 BN 811/01
200 Hz to 4.5 MHz
Impedance Magnitude Measuring
Attachment SFZ-1 BN 385/04
300 Hz to 612 kHz
SDG-40 Balanced Attenuator BN 608/00.01
IEEE 488/1EC 625 (plug) adaptor S832
Protective Transportation Cover SD-940 (1 set) BN 960/00.02
19” conversion kit BN 955/00.11
1) Factory installed. Order with instrument.
2) has bandwidth of 1.95 kHz instead of 1.74 kHz
3) The BAZ-15 and the Interface Bus cannot be used at the same time
4) For specifications and more ordering information see the Specification Sheet “Measuring Accessories”. Accessories suitable for BN 955/01.
"Equipped with the 75 Q basic connector Versacon™ 9 and BNC adaptor. For other adaptor types, see “Specification Sheet Versacon® 9", and order
chosen type when ordering instrument.