Platinum™ VAX

VHF Air-Cooled TV/DAB Transmitter

The Platinum™ VAX VHF air-cooled transmitter delivers the most advanced and proven VHF transmission platform, with exceptional power efficiency, an extended power range and a full operator feature set. These capabilities, along with the VAX transmitter’s flexible configurations and compact design, provide a solid foundation for broadcasters to build their network.

The Platinum VAX incorporates the Harris® PowerSmart® solid-state architecture, along with 50-Volt LDMOS amplifier devices and the Harris Apex M2X™ exciter technology, to provide today’s broadcaster with leading power efficiency and unmatched signal performance. The VAX power amplifiers have a record of proven performance and reliability in the DMB 670 and Z transmitter families. This powerful blend of technologies provides best-in-class performance with respect to transmitter size, power efficiency and features. The modular design allows for simpler installation, easier maintenance and reduced total cost of ownership over the life of the transmitters. The VAX is available in very low-power to high-power output, suitable for almost any broadcast application.

Designed with future broadcasting needs in mind, the VAX transmitter is capable of multiple modulation schemes for band III VHF analog or digital operation — including ATSC, ATSC MDTV, DVB-T/H, DVB T2, ISDB-Tb, CMMB, CTTB, DAB/DMB and future digital standards. Upgrading from analog to digital or to newer digital standards is readily accomplished to further extend the capability and life of the transmitter.

The VAX transmitter is available as standalone units or in single- or dual-cabinet configurations, and has digital power levels up to 12 kW ATSC, 6.4 kW DVB-T/T2, 10 kW DAB/DMB, and analog levels up to 16 kW.

Features

PowerSmart technology, for best-in-class power efficiency and lowest operating costs
Rugged, reliable design and construction
Digital power levels up to 12 kW ATSC, 10kW DAB & 6.4kW COFDM TV
Field-proven Harris Apex M2X exciter technology, allowing easy migration from analog to digital, or upgrading to new standards
All-digital linear and nonlinear pre-correction, including exclusive Harris® Real-Time Adaptive Correction (RTAC™)
Fully broadband PA modules — 168 to 242 MHz
1:1 PA module to power supply redundancy
Hot-pluggable linear RF amplifier modules and DC power supplies
Transmitter monitoring and in-depth diagnostics via easy-to-use, front-panel controls and indicators
Incorporates Harris Web-enabled remote control graphical user interface

Product Details

Harris PowerSmart Technology Inside
With PowerSmart technology in its architecture, the Platinum VAX transmitter offers superior power and efficiency. New 50 volt LDMOS device technology delivers a dramatic increase in power density, lower operating costs and reduced cost of ownership over the life of the transmitter.

To learn more about PowerSmart, please click on the logo below:

Compact Footprint
As the most compact air-cooled Band III transmitter, the Platinum VAX is ideal for crowded, shared transmitter sites. The Platinum VAX transmitter reduces facility space requirements, simplifies installation, lowers shipping costs and allows for easier maintenance.

Global Monitoring and Control
The Platinum VAX transmitter can be controlled from anywhere in the world with an intuitive browser-based GUI or SNMP over TCP/IP via a telecom or network connection with password protection.

Improved Uptime and Reduced Service Costs
Hot-pluggable, redundant power amplifier (PA) and universal power supply (PS) modules make on-air servicing easy and eliminate costly service interruptions. Light-weight universal PA pallets and universal PS modules facilitate overnight/same-day shipping for simple, cost-effective spares holding. With lightweight subassemblies, the Platinum VAX eliminates any two-person lift requirements for routine maintenance and troubleshooting.

Smooth Upgradeability
The Platinum VAX features the Apex M2X exciter technology, allowing for a seamless transition from any analog standard to a digital terrestrial standard, or from an existing digital standard to a future standard, such as from DVB-T to DVB-T2 or from ATSC to ATSC MDTV.

Images/Diagrams

Platinum VAX – 4PA and 8PA Systems

Up to 150W DAB, 100W COFDM TV, 180W ATSC, 250W Analog

Up to 600W DAB, 400W COFDM TV, 750W ATSC, 1kW Analog

Up to 2.5kW DAB, 1.6kW COFDM TV, 3kW ATSC, 4kW Analog

Up to 5kW DAB, 3.2kW COFDM TV, 6kW ATSC, 8kW Analog (single drive shown, dual drive avail. in two racks)

Up to 10kW DAB, 6.4kW COFDM TV, 12kW ATSC, 16kW Analog (single or dual drive available)

Specifications

Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

General
Frequency Range	168 to 242 MHz
Channel Bandwidth	1.5, 1.7, 5, 6, 7 or 8 MHz (system dependent)
RF Load Impedance	50 ohms, 1.1:1 VSWR over any single channel
RF Output Connector	DIN 7-16, 1-5/8 or 3-1/8 in. EIA (dependent upon power level)

AC Mains
AC Line Voltage	Up to 180W: 208-240 VAC, single phase, 50/60Hz; over 180W: 3-phase 50/60 Hz, 380 to 415 WYE, or 208 to 240 Delta/WYE (specify when ordering)
AC Line Variation	10% to -15% from nominal
Power Factor (displacement)	0.90 or better, 0.98 typical

Environmental
Altitude	Up to 13,123 ft (4,000 m) elevation above mean sea level
Ambient Temperature	32° to 113° F (0° to 45° C) at sea level (upper limit derated 3.6° F (2° C) per 984 ft (300 m) elevation AMSL)
Humidity	95%, non-condensing
Cooling Method	Liquid (Air cooled with internal fans)
Acoustic Noise	65 dBA (with optional front door, measured 1 meter in front of cabinet)

DVB-T/H / DVB-T2 / ISDB-TB / CMMB / CTTB
Power Output (average)	50 W to 6.4 kW
Systems	DVB-T, standard EN 300744; ISDB-Tb – Brazil standard, DVB-T2, standard EN302 755, CMMB, CTTB
ASI Inputs	2 BNC, female; 75 ohms according to EN 50083-9 (4 inputs for DVB-T hierarchical mode)
Output Power Reduction	0 to -6 dB
Crest Factor Maximum	13 dB
Shoulder Level	<-37 dB (before mask filter)
END	≤0.5 dB
MER	>33 dB
Harmonics (before filter)	<-40 dB
Central Carrier Suppression	>75 dB
Frequency Stability (without external reference)	±150 Hz/month
Frequency Offsets	1 Hz increments

DAB/DMB
Power Output (average)	50 W to 10 kW models available
Systems	DAB/DMB (OFDM) ETSI TR101 496-1
Frequency Range	168 to 242 MHz, in 8 kHz increments
Frequency Stability (without external reference)	<5 x 10-10 per day (OXCO aging)
Power Stability	≤±0.25 dB
Harmonic/Spurious Output	Complies with EN 302077-2 when used in conjunction with filterhaving following attenuation specifications: Non-critical mask: fc ± <768 kHz: <1.0 dB fc ± 970 kHz: >0 dB fc ± 1.75 MHz: >15 dB fc ± >3 MHz: >45 dB Critical mask: fc ± <768 kHz: <1.0 dB fc ± 970 kHz: >15 dB fc ± 1.75 MHz: >45 dB fc ± >3 MHz: >45 dB Critical Mask Case 3 fc+/- 970kHz >15 dB fc+/- 2.2MHz >65 dB fc=/- 3.0MHz >65 dB Critical Mask Case 4 (Ch 12D) fc+/- 970kHz >22 dB fc+/- 2.2MHz >65 dB fc=/- 3.0MHz >65 dB
Shoulder Before Filter	35 dB minimum, >36 to 40 dB typical (compensated)
ETI Inputs/Outputs	BNC-female 75 ohms 3x ETI (NI, G703) or ETI (NI, G703) + 2x ETI (NA, G704) or 2x ETI (NA, G704) resp. 2 x ETI (NI, G703) seamless input signal switch-over automatic. ETI(NI) select 2.048 Mb/s, unbalanced/balanced with optional 2 Mb adaptor
QPSK Input	50 ohms, type SMA-female, 950 to 2150 MHz, -65 to -25 dBm typ. 55 MHz BW, 1-45 MSymb/s, DVB-S QPSK according to EN 300421
LNB supply	12.5 to 4 V (maximum 350 mA) (vertical) 17.2 to 18.8 V (maximum 350 mA) (horiz.)
GPS Input	SMA-female, 50 ohms, 1.57542 GHz, -130 to -100 dBm. (5 VDC @ 100 mA max output for active antenna)
1 PPS Input	BNC-female, 75 ohms, TTL level
Reference Frequency Input	SMA-female, 50 ohms, 0.1/0.5/1/2.048/5/10 MHz, -7 to 15 dBm
Monitoring Outputs	- ETI Monitor - RF monitor (low power stage) - 1 PPS - Reference frequency 10 MHz

ATSC
Power Output (average)	60 W 12 kW models available; measured before mask filter
System	ATSC A-53, 8-VSB DTV standard
Data Input	19.39 Mb/s SMPTE-310M / ASI
Impedance	75 ohms, unbalanced
Standard	ATSC - A/53
Connector	2 BNC female, isolated
External Precise Frequency Input:
Impedance	50 ohms, unbalanced
Level	0 to 10 dBm, 10 MHz, sinusoidal
Connector	BNC 50 ohms, female
Signal to Noise (EVM)	27 dB or better (4% or less)
Phase Noise	<104 dBc/Hz @ 20 kHz offset (ATSC A/64)
Pilot Frequency Stability	Less than ±200 Hz/month Less than ±3 Hz with internal or external PFC
Harmonic Radiation and Spurious	Meets mask requirements specified in FCC 5th and 6th report and order
Sideband Performance	Compliant with FCC radiation mask, when measured at the output of Harris-supplied output filter

Analog
Analog Television Systems	CCIR G, I, K, K1, M, N
Color Systems	PAL, NTSC, SECAM
Sound Systems	Monaural, BTSC, IRT, NICAM G
Power Output (vision peak of sync)	2 to 16 kW per cabinet, measured before IMD filter

Analog Video Performance
Video Input	0.7 to 1.4 V, 75 ohms, 32 dB return loss
Regulation of Output Power ¹	±3%
Variation of Output Power²	±2%
Vision Sideband Response³	PAL system G shown (other systems available) -1.25 MHz and below -20 dB or less -4.43 MHz -30 dB or less -0.75 to -1.25 MHz 0.5 dB or less -0.5 to 4.5 MHz 0.5 to -0.5 dB 5.0 MHz 0.5 to -2.5 dB 5.75 MHz and above -35 dB or less
Frequency Stability⁴	±150 Hz/month
Differential Gain⁵	3%
Differential Phase⁵	3°
Low Frequency Linearity⁶	10%
Incidental Carrier Phase Modulation⁵	±3°
Signal to Noise Ratio	>60 dB (weighted)
K Factor	2% or less with 2T sin2 pulse
20T Equivalent Gain and Delay	3% total baseline distortion
Spurious and Harmonic Radiation	-60 dB, or better
In-Channel Intermodulation Distortion	-58 dB (-60 dB typical)

Analog Sound Performance
Frequency Stability	±150 Hz/month
Modulation Capability	±120 kHz peak deviation
Monaural Input	Adjustable 0 to 12 dBm, 600 ohms, balanced, >30 dB return loss
Pre-emphasis Selectable	75 or 50 µS
Frequency Response	±0.5 dB, 40 Hz to 15 kHz
Harmonic Distortion	0.5%, 30 Hz to 15 kHz
FM Noise	0 dB RMS with de-emphasis
AM Noise	50 dB RMS from 30 Hz to 15 kHz
Synchronous AM Noise	40 dB RMS at 400 Hz with ±25 kHz deviation
IRT Sound Available upon request
NICAM Sound Available upon request

Remote Control	Parallel Remote DB-37, female Relay Contacts 25 mA @ 24 VDC Digital Inputs (TTL level) Pulse duration ≥100 ms or permanent signal Ethernet/SNMP RJ-45, twisted pair

Compliance	RoHS 2002/95/EC R&TTE 1999/5/EC Safety: EN 60215 EMC: EN 301-489-1 FCC Part 73 Manufacturing: ISO 9001: 2008

¹ Variation of peak output power with a change in average picture level from black to white (0% to 100%).

² Peak-to-peak variation of peak sync voltage during one field using field test signal per EIA-508.

³ Response specified for transmitter operating into a resistive load of 1.05:1 VSWR.

⁴ After initial aging of 60 days.

⁵ Measured using 20% peak-to-peak amplitude swept video modulation with pedestal set at 10%, 50% and 90% APL. All percentages relative to a blanking to white transition.

⁶ Measured using a 5-step staircase signal. Test signal #3, CCIR REC. #421-3 derate maximum temperature by 3.6º F (2° C) per 1000 ft (305 m) above mean sea level.

VAX Power Levels

Model Number	Number of Cabinets	Number of Driver Modules	Number of PA Blocks	Number of IPA Modules	Number of PA Modules	RF Output Power (W)
VAX‐100AN VAX‐50DA VAX‐60AT VAX‐50DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	0 or 1	0	0	0	1	100/10 50 60 50
VAX‐250AN VAX‐150DA VAX‐180AT VAX‐100DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	0 or 1	0	0	0	1	250/25 150 180 100
VAX‐500AN VAX‐300DA VAX‐375AT VAX‐200DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	0 or 1	1	1	0	2	500/50 300 375 200
VAX‐1000AN VAX‐600DA VAX‐750AT VAX‐400DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	0 or 1	1	1	0	2	1,000/100 600 750 400
VAX‐2000AN VAX‐1250DA VAX‐1500AT VAX‐800DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	0 or 1	1	1	0	4	2,000/200 1,200 1,500 800
VAX‐4000AN VAX‐2500DA VAX‐3000AT VAX‐1600DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	0 or 1	1	1	1	8	4,000/400 2,500 3,000 1,600
VAX‐8000AN VAX‐5000DA VAX‐6000AT VAX‐3200DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	1 or 2	1	2	2	16	8,000/800 5,000 6,000 3,200
VAX‐12000AN VAX‐7500DA VAX‐9000AT VAX‐4800DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	2	1	3	3	24	12,000/1,200 7,500 9,000 4,800
VAX‐16000AN VAX‐10000DA VAX‐12000AT VAX‐6400DV/IS/CT/CM/T2	2	1	4	4	32	16,000/1,600 10,000 12,000 6,400