QAM400A DTV Monitor

QAM400A Data Sheet

Multilayer, multichannel, remote monitoring and measurement at RF and
TS layers to DVB, ATSC, SCTE, DCII, and ISDB-T/Tb standards with
content-checking support for both MPEG-2 and H.264/AVC
Comprehensive user-defined template monitoring ensures right content
at the right place at the right time while content-ratings checking ensures
only appropriate content broadcast
Simultaneous connection of multiple remote users and Network
Management Systems (NMS) provides early visibility of problems to key
individuals throughout the organization to support quicker corrective
action
Embedded architecture designed specifically for continuous 247
operation maximizes service assurance, thus minimizing cost of
customer complaints and equipment maintenance (disk-free operation)
Remote recording allows capture and analysis of stream events for
expert offline analysis to diagnose difficult and intermittent problems,
requiring no engineer site visits

Features & Benefits

Comprehensive confidence monitoring at the RF modulated layer
with optional QAM Annex A, B, or C interfaces, as well as MER (up
to 37 db typical), BER, and Constellation displays. These critical RF
measurements provide early indication of signal degradation before
any picture impairment is visible to the end customer without additional
costly RF test equipment
Unique dual-level alarming and seven-day trend information proactively
identifies impending problems before they become visible to the viewer
FlexVu uniquely empowers operations staff with the simplest
information necessary to prove their service is delivering above their
defined thresholds for superior Quality of Service (QoS)
Powerful diagnostic user interface provides intelligent hierarchical views
of network information, media, and data, allowing engineers to rapidly
identify the root cause of underlying service problems

Highly scalable and field-upgradeable monitoring solution to tailor capital

expenditure with operational growth

Applications
Cable Headend Monitoring
IPTV Ingest and Headend Monitoring
Edge Network Monitoring
ASI to RF
IP to RF (Requires both IPM400A and QAM400A units)
IP to ASI
Deployed at key network nodes, the QAM400A provides an intuitive and
simplified presentation of video quality and diagnostic information to support
delivery of superior QoS levels in an increasingly complex broadcast
environment.
Verify RF and TS integrity on a QAM channel with the ability to tune to any
QAM channel for verification and diagnostics; ideal for monitoring output
of headend SEM or Edge QAM devices at the RF combiner, with support
for both MPEG-2 and H.264 at either Constant Bit Rate (CBR) or Variable
Bit Rate (VBR).

Data Sheet

Introduction
The QAM400A provides a complete solution for real-time transmission
monitoring of MPEG Transport Streams over RF and ASI interfaces.
Powerful confidence monitoring capability and deep diagnostic
measurements are both combined into a single integrated solution. This
enables cable operators to deliver superior QoS levels with reduced
operational expenditure. Deployed at key network nodes, the QAM400A
provides an intuitive and simplified presentation of video quality and
diagnostic information. This supports the delivery of superior Quality of
Service (QoS) levels in an increasingly complex broadcast environment.
When used together with VQNet, facility and network-wide views allow
engineers to sectionalize network problems.

Technical Overview
The QAM400A provides a complete solution for real-time transmission
monitoring of MPEG Transport Streams over RF and ASI interfaces.
Powerful confidence monitoring capability and deep diagnostic
measurements are both combined into a single integrated solution. The
confidence monitoring capability uniquely simplifies DTV monitoring with the
FlexVu summary displays, which include video thumbnail and Electronic
Program Guide (EPG) views. This empowers operational staff with the
simplest information necessary to ensure their service is delivering above
their defined thresholds for superior QoS.
The deep diagnostic option provides engineers with intelligent hierarchical
views of network information, media, and data to support rapidly identifying
the root cause of underlying service problems. This diagnostic monitoring
option provides more in-depth analysis of the MPEG Transport Stream
including recording capability and a comprehensive range of TS testing
including TR 101 290, A/65, A/78, SCTE-142 compliance testing.
The QAM400A provides a single Transport Stream processor platform
packaged in a 1 RU rackmount chassis to provide monitoring of a Transport
Stream at data rates up to 155 Mb/s*1. The QAM interface allows the
QAM400A to receive RF inputs and display key RF monitoring parameters
including MER, BER, and Constellation displays before demodulating the
signal to provide measurements on the health of the Transport Stream.

For a fully integrated monitoring solution, network management platforms

are supported with a full set of APIs to support wider distributed network
intelligence. This also includes video walls that can display up to the full
transmitted resolution of the video stream for network operation centers.

Flexible and Upgradeable

The QAM400A provides a highly scalable and field-upgradeable monitoring
solution to tailor capital expenditure with operational growth. The extended
confidence monitoring probes can be installed throughout the network
and powerful diagnostic capability (Option DIAG) can be added to the key
monitoring points where Transport Streams are manipulated.
Triggered recording to be captured and rapidly analyzed in greater depth
using powerful offline analysis tools such as the Tektronix MPEG Test
System Stand-alone Software*2
PSI/SI/PSIP/ARIB SI analysis and repetition rate graphing allows
broadcasters to determine that the system information is present and
correct in the Transport Stream
Exception monitoring with simple automated template generation
from reference streams. Template testing checks a number of key
parameters to ensure that the Transport Stream has been constructed
as the broadcaster intended. These parameters include the Transport
Stream ID and Network ID, the number of programs in the multiplex, that
each program has all of its components (Video, Audio, Data, Teletext,
Subtitles), and Conditional Access (CA) status
Bit rate testing determines whether PIDs, programs, services, or
user-defined groups of PIDs are within user-definable limits to ensure
correct multiplex operation. Tektronix-proprietary PID variability test
gives indication of PID bit rate variation to assess effects of statistical
multiplexing
In-depth PCR analysis with graphical results views enable timing and
jitter measurements to be made to ensure correct operation of the
network
Comprehensive service logging enables verification of service level
agreements to ensure that contractual obligations are met

The channel polling capability for the QAM400A probe combined with the
RF interface allows up to 200 RF channels to be monitored in a repeating
cyclic measurement process. Control and configuration of the polling is
undertaken using flexible XML scripting. This polling ability makes a single
QAM400A probe a broader tool, monitoring large numbers of network points
in a time-sampled measurement mode.

*1 Maximum Transport Stream bit rate is dependent on Transport Stream content and depth of analysis being
performed. Depth of stream analysis is handled gracefully if SI/PSIP max content is exceeded to ensure
critical measurements continue to be performed.

The remote user interface provides a highly simplified presentation of video

quality and diagnostic information for operations and engineering teams.

*2 MTS400 Series MPEG Test System offline software tools are available for use with the MTM400A. These
are stand-alone software applications intended to run on the customers control PC. Separate data sheet
is available.

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When used in conjunction with the VQS1000 Video Quality Software

application, provides reliable and sophisticated analysis algorithms
applied to decoded MPEG-2 or H.264 video to identify stuck, black,
macro-blocking, and compression artifacts

QAM400A DTV Monitor QAM400A

Measurement Functions
QAM400A Extended Confidence Monitor in Standard
Configuration
MPEG-2, DVB (TR 101 290), ATSC, and ISDB supported
TR 101 290 Priority 1, 2, and 3 measurements*3 in accordance with the
techniques specified in TR 101 290
Supports A/65, A/78, and SCTE-142 compliance testing
Continuity count displayed on a per PID or per TS basis
PSI/SI/PSIP/ARIB SI analysis and repetition rate graphing. Transport
Stream structure view with ability to drill down to examine tables
and service contents plus real-time graphical representation of table
repetition rates
Bit rate measurement in accordance with the methodology specified in
TR 101 290 MGB2
Packet size detection
Comprehensive error logging that context filters with navigation
Status of all tests and measurements is available through SNMP MIB
with support for SNMP traps*4

Diagnostic Monitoring Options (Opt. DIAG)

Triggered recording with user-definable pre-triggered buffering and up to
160 MB available storage
Template testing (for user-defined service plan testing). User-definable
tests with scheduled template updating
Bit rate testing on a per PID, program, or user-defined groups of PIDs
basis
In-depth timing analysis with graphical results views of:
PCR_OJ (Overall Jitter)
PCR_AC (Accuracy)
PCR_FO (Frequency Offset)
PCR_DR (Drift Rate)
PTS Arrival Interval

Remote User Interface

The Remote User Interface (RUI) is capable of providing simultaneous
measurement results to multiple key resources, supporting improved
organizational efficiency and workflow to minimize network downtime. It is
also capable of being integrated into wider network management platforms
to support wider distributed network intelligence. The confidence monitoring
capability uniquely simplifies DTV monitoring with the FlexVu summary
panels. For diagnostic monitoring a context-sensitive analysis paradigm
provides a rich multilayer environment that presents complex information
with an intuitive hierarchical approach. The supporting extensive navigation
options ensure that you can identify the root cause of error alarms with
minimal mouse clicks.

Confidence Monitoring
FlexVu uniquely presents simplified presentation of video quality and
diagnostic information, to enable delivery of superior QoS levels in an
increasingly complex broadcast environment
At-a-glance service view with video thumbnails and interactive Electronic
Programming Guide (EPG); empowering operations staff with the
simplest information to monitor service delivery
Comprehensive seven-day trending of IP and RF broadcast streams
supports proactive network optimization to minimize downtime

Diagnostic Monitoring
Powerful user interface provides intelligent hierarchical views of network
information, media, and data allowing engineers to rapidly identify the
root cause of underlying service problems
Accelerate time-to-insight with context-sensitive navigation and filtered
logging to isolate root cause of test failure
*1 Maximum Transport Stream bit rate is dependent on Transport Stream content and depth of analysis being
performed. Depth of stream analysis is handled gracefully if SI/PSIP max content is exceeded to ensure
critical measurements continue to be performed.
*3 Except T-STD buffer model analysis.
*4 Programmers Guide is available on request with full SNMP MIB and HTTP interface documentation.

Service logging of user-selected PIDs to record packet rates at

user-definable intervals
Channel polling allows up to 200 channels to be polled sequentially from
either the IP or the RF interface

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Data Sheet

Figure 1: FlexVu Configurable Window

Figure 2: RF Trending QAM Interface (with dual alarming)

Figure 3: EPG View

Figure 4: Video Thumbnails

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QAM400A DTV Monitor QAM400A

Characteristics

Monitoring
Maximum Data Rate 155 Mb/s*1.

Power Requirements

Minimum Data Rate 250 Kb/s.

Power Consumption (Nominal) 40 VA.

Voltage 100 to 240 V.
Frequency 50/60 Hz.

*1 Maximum Transport Stream bit rate is dependent on Transport Stream content and depth of analysis being
performed. Depth of stream analysis is handled gracefully if SI/PSIP max content is exceeded to ensure
critical measurements continue to be performed.

TR 101 290 Tests and Measurements

1st Priority Measurements

2nd Priority Measurements

3rd Priority Measurements

1.1 Ts_sync_loss
1.2 Sync_byte_error
1.3a PAT_error_2
1.4 Continuity_count_error
1.5a PMT_error_2
1.6 PID_error

2.1 Transport_error
2.2 CRC_error
2.3a PCR_repetition_error
2.3b PCR_discontinuity_indicator_error
2.4 PCR_accuracy_error
2.5 PTS_error
2.6 CAT_error

3.1a NIT_actual_error
3.1b NIT_other_error
3.2 SI_repetition_error
3.4a Unreferenced_PID
3.5a SDT_actual_error
3.5b SDT_other_error
3.6a EIT_actual_error
3.6b EIT_other_error
3.6c EIT_PF_error
3.7 RST_error
3.8 TDT_error

QAM Interface Characteristics (Options QA, QB2, QC)

QAM Annex A/C Measurements (Option QA or QC)

Characteristic

Measurement

QAM Annex A

QAM Annex B

QAM Annex C

88 MHz to 858 MHz, 62.5 kHz steps

51 MHz to
858 MHz, 62.5 kHz
steps
Modulation Format 16QAM, 64QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM 16QAM, 64QAM,
compliant with
256QAM
256QAM compliant
ITU J-83*5
Compliant with
with ITU J-83
ITU J-83
and DVB-C ETS SCTE07 Compliant
300 429
Modulation Baud
5 Mbaud/s min 5.057 Mbaud/s and 5 Mbaud/s min
Rate
5.360 Mbaud/s
5.5 Mbaud/s max
6.952 Mbaud/s
max
59 dBm to
64 dBm to
59 dBm to
Input Signal Level
19 dBm (50 dBuV 19 dBm (45 dBuV 19 dBm (50 dBuV
to 90 dBuV relative to 90 dBuV relative to 90 dBuV relative
to 75 ), with a 16, to 75 ) with a to 75 ), with a 16,
64, and 256 QAM 64 and 256 QAM 64, and 256 QAM
input typical
input typical
input typical
37 dB typical
Ultimate
Modulation Error
Ratio
Receiver
8 MHz nominal
6 MHz nominal
Bandwidth
Input Termination
75 nominal
Impedance
Input Return Loss
6 dB min, 10 dB typical, 51 MHz to 858 MHz
Loopthrough
1.5 dB to 4 dB
N/A
N/A
Power Gain
typical, 51 MHz
to 858 MHz
Loopthrough Noise
8 dB typical
N/A
N/A
Figure
Loopthrough
>10 dB typical
N/A
N/A
Output Return Loss
Input Frequency
Range

Description

RF Lock

RF lock is indicated by a LED on the rear panel and a

status icon on UI
EVM
Display Range for 64 QAM: 1% to 5% RMS
(Error Vector Magnitude) Display Range for 256 QAM: 1% to 2.5% RMS
Resolution: 0.1%
Accuracy: Within 20% of reading for S/N >25 dB typical
Ultimate MER
38 dB typical
(Modulation Error Ratio)
Post RS BER and TEF Post Reed Solomon Indicative BER (uncorrectable
(Transport Error Flag)
error count) and number of Transport Error Flags are
displayed on the UI
The RF constellation is displayed on the UI
Constellation

*5 Level 1 and Level 2 interleaving support compliant with all ITU J-83 Annex B, excluding I,J = 128,7 and
128,8.

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Data Sheet

QAM Annex B Measurements (Option QB2)

Environmental

Measurement

Characteristic

RF Lock

Description

RF lock is indicated by a LED on the rear panel and a

status icon on UI
Input Level
Range: 64 dBm to 19 dBm
(Signal Strength)
Resolution: 1 dBm
Accuracy: 3 dBm typical
This includes the ability to set alarms and produce trend
graphs over a seven-day period including min, max, and
average
EVM
Display Range for 64 QAM: 1% to 5% RMS
(Error Vector Magnitude) Display Range for 256 QAM: 1% to 2.5% RMS
Resolution: 0.1%
Accuracy: Within 20% of reading for S/N >25 dB typical
This includes the ability to set alarms and produce trend
graphs over a seven-day period including min, max, and
average
MER (Modulation Error Display Range for 64 QAM: 22 dB to 37 dB
Ratio) with Equalizer
Display Range for 256 QAM: 28 dB to 37 dB
Resolution: 0.1 dB
Accuracy:
1 dB for MER <25 dB
3 dB for MER 25 dB to 34 dB typical
This includes the ability to set alarms and produce trend
graphs over a seven-day period including min, max, and
average
SNR
Display Range for 64 QAM: 22 dB to 37 dB
Display Range for 256 QAM: 28 dB to 37 dB
Resolution: 1 dB
Accuracy:
1 dB for MER <25 dB
3 dB for MER 25 dB to 34 dB typical
This includes the ability to set alarms and produce trend
graphs over a seven-day period including min, max, and
average
BER
Pre FEC, SER, and Error Sec BER values are displayed
Post RS BER and TEF Post Reed Solomon BER (uncorrectable error count) and
(Transport Error Flag)
number of Transport Error Flags are displayed on the UI
The RF constellation is displayed on the UI
Constellation

Temperature
Operating
Nonoperating
Humidity
Operating
Nonoperating
Altitude
Operating
Nonoperating
Random Vibration
Operating
Nonoperating
Functional Shock
Operating
Regulatory
Electromagnetic
Compatibility

Safety

Description

+5 C to +40 C
10 C to +60 C
Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to
31 C decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at
40 C
10% to 95% relative humidity, noncondensing
0 to 3000 m (9800 ft.)
0 to 12000 m (40000 ft.)
5 to 500 Hz, GRMS = 2.28
.5 to 500 Hz, GRMS = 0.27
30 G, half sine, 11 ms duration
EC Declaration of Conformity: Meets EN55103.
Electromagnetic environment E4
Australia / New Zealand Declaration of Conformity:
Meets AS/NZS 2064
FCC: Emissions are within FCC CFR 47, Part 15,
Subpart B, Class A limits
Meets 73/23/EEC, EN61010-1, UL3111-1 and CAN/CSA
22.2 No. 1010.1-92, IEC61010-1

Physical Characteristics
Dimension

mm

in.

Height
Width
Depth

44
430
600

1.73
17.13
23.62

Weight*6

kg

lb.

Net
Shipping

6.0
9.0

13.3
19.7

mm

in.

*6 Weight does not include optional interface cards.

Required Clearance
Dimension

Top
Bottom
Left Side
Right Side
Front
Rear

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0
0
Standard 19 in. rackmount
Standard 19 in. rackmount
Clearance for handles required
Clearance for connectors required

0
0

QAM400A DTV Monitor QAM400A

Ordering Information

Service

QAM400A

Option

Description

DTV monitor for TS and RF cable network monitoring.

Includes: 1RU chassis fitted with Transport Stream processor card, QAM Annex A,
B, or C interface, manual, rack slides, power cord, and license key certificate.

Opt. R3
Opt. R5

Repair Service 3 Years (including warranty)

Repair Service 5 Years (including warranty)

Options

Power Connections

Option

Description

Opt. DIAG

Deep-dive MPEG diagnostic analysis

Includes:
Triggered recording capability up to 160 MB
Template testing (for user-defined service plan
testing)
In-depth PCR analysis with graphical result views
Bit rate testing functionality
Service logging
RF polling functionality
QAM Annex A interface
QAM Annex B interface
QAM Annex C interface

Opt. QA
Opt. QB2
Opt. QC

Option

Description

Opt.
Opt.
Opt.
Opt.
Opt.
Opt.
Opt.
Opt.
Opt.

North America power plug

Universal EURO power plug
United Kingdom power plug
Australia power plug
240 V North America power plug
Switzerland power plug
Japan power plug
China power plug
No power cord or AC adapter

A0
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A10
A99

Field Upgrade Kits

International Language Options
Option

Description

Opt. L0

English User Guide

Complementary Products
Item

Description

MTS4SA Opt. TSCL

Stand-alone Deferred Time Software package.

DVB/ATSC/ARIB TS Compliance Analyzer Software (TS
file size limited to 192 MB). For full details see separate
data sheet
Video Service Assurance Management System. For full
details please see separate data sheet
Video Quality Software application for single-ended QoE
analysis of video and audio content

VQNet
VQS1000

Option

Description

QAM4UP Opt. DIAG

Field upgrade kit to add deep-dive MPEG diagnostic

analysis to an existing probe

Product(s) are manufactured in ISO registered facilities.

Product(s) complies with IEEE Standard 488.1-1987, RS-232-C, and with Tektronix
Standard Codes and Formats.

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Data Sheet

Contact Tektronix:
ASEAN / Australasia (65) 6356 3900
Austria +41 52 675 3777
Balkans, Israel, South Africa and other ISE Countries +41 52 675 3777
Belgium 07 81 60166
Brazil +55 (11) 3759-7627
Canada 1 (800) 661-5625
Central East Europe, Ukraine, and the Baltics +41 52 675 3777
Central Europe & Greece +41 52 675 3777
Denmark +45 80 88 1401
Finland +41 52 675 3777
France +33 (0) 1 69 86 81 81
Germany +49 (221) 94 77 400
Hong Kong (852) 2585-6688
India (91) 80-42922600
Italy +39 (02) 25086 1
Japan 81 (3) 6714-3010
Luxembourg +44 (0) 1344 392400
Mexico, Central/South America & Caribbean 52 (55) 54247900
Middle East, Asia, and North Africa +41 52 675 3777
The Netherlands 090 02 021797
Norway 800 16098
Peoples Republic of China 86 (10) 6235 1230
Poland +41 52 675 3777
Portugal 80 08 12370
Republic of Korea 82 (2) 6917-5000
Russia & CIS +7 (495) 7484900
South Africa +27 11 206 8360
Spain (+34) 901 988 054
Sweden 020 08 80371
Switzerland +41 52 675 3777
Taiwan 886 (2) 2722-9622
United Kingdom & Ireland +44 (0) 1344 392400
USA 1 (800) 426-2200
For other areas contact Tektronix, Inc at: 1 (503) 627-7111
Updated 5 August 2009

For Further Information. Tektronix maintains a comprehensive, constantly expanding

collection of application notes, technical briefs and other resources to help engineers working
on the cutting edge of technology. Please visit www.tektronix.com

Copyright Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents,
issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material.
Specification and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of
Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
09 Apr 2010

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2AW-25285-0