American Fibertek MX-480 Instruction Manual

©Copyright 2007, American Fibertek, Inc. 1210J D


Instruction Manual

MX-480
Bi-directional Multi-Protocol Data
2


Table of Contents


Functional Description...........................................................................................3

Installation.............................................................................................................3

Power Source........................................................................................................3

Power Connection.................................................................................................4

Fiber Input / Output Connections...........................................................................4

Data Input / Output Connections ...........................................................................5

Typical System Data Connections.........................................................................5

Data Configuration ................................................................................................5

Data Bias / Termination Switches..........................................................................6

RS485 Data Termination.......................................................................................6

Offset Bias - RS485 Data......................................................................................6

MX-480 Status LED Indicators ..............................................................................7

Warranty / Service Information..............................................................................8
3
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing your American Fibertek MX-480 multimode bi-directional multi-protocol data
transmitter. Please take a few minutes to read these installation instructions in order to obtain the
maximum performance from this product.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The MX-480 operates as half of a transceiver pair for the transmission of one bi-directional data
channel. This data channel can be configured for any one of the following protocols: RS485 (2 or 4
wire) data, RS422 data, RS232 data, or Manchester / Bosch data.

NOTE: This unit is shipped with the data channel in the RS485 4-wire configuration. For other
configurations, please refer to the DATA CONFIGURATION section for changes to the default
switch settings.

The MX-480 is designed to operate with another MX-480 or RX-480 transceiver with bi-directional data
over two multimode fiber optic cables.

The MX-480 converts a single data signal into a high speed serial data stream. This serial data stream
modulates a laser at 1310 nm wavelength. The MX-480 also detects a serial data stream signal
returning on a separate optical fiber using a 1310 nm wavelength detector. The 480 Series product is
designed to operate over an optical loss budget range of 0 to 18 dB on 62.5 um multimode fiber. The
MX-480 will also operate on 50 um multimode fiber at a reduced loss budget range. Refer to the
product specification sheet for additional performance data.

The RS485 channel may be configured for 2-wire (half duplex) or 4-wire (full duplex) with or without
biasing. Switch selectable internal 120 ohm terminations are available for RS422 or RS485 data.

This unit is contained in a rugged aluminum housing with internal dc voltage regulation. The detachable
terminal blocks and LED indicators provide for easy installation and monitoring of data and optical
power.

The MX-480 is designed for mounting as a modular stand alone unit. For a rack mounted version
please see the RX-480.

INSTALLATION
THIS INSTALLATION SHOULD BE MADE BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON AND SHOULD
CONFORM TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA 70 AND LOCAL CODES.

Mount the unit to a secure surface using #8 (3mm) hardware in four places. See the drawing on the
next page for mounting dimensions. Be sure to allow sufficient room for the required minimum bend
radius of the fiber cable used.

POWER SOURCE
THIS PRODUCT SHALL BE POWERED BY A LISTED CLASS 2 POWER SUPPLY ONLY.

This unit requires a +12VDC power source with a current rating of 500 milliamps for proper operation.
The DC input is diode protected. In the USA and in Canada an American Fibertek PS-12 is supplied
with this unit. The negative side of the power input is directly connected to ground. ANSI/NFPA 70
Class 2 wiring is recommended.
4
POWER CONNECTION
Power is supplied to the unit via a two pin terminal connector on the right side of the unit. Follow the
label on unit for proper orientation of +12 volt dc and ground.

FIBER INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
The fiber optic connections are made via SC connectors located on the right side of the unit. Follow the
label on unit for proper orientation of the fiber input and output cables. Please note that Fiber Out of this
unit will become FIBER IN at the corresponding unit.




5
DATA INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
Data input and output connections are made via terminal blocks on the right side of the unit. For
RS485, RS422, and Manchester data, please follow the label on the unit for proper orientation of the
data connections. Please note RS485 2-wire data uses the two terminals labeled DATA IN. For RS232
data please see the drawing below for proper orientation of the input and output connections.



For all formats with the exception of 2-wire RS485, DATA OUT on the MX-480 becomes DATA IN on
the corresponding MX-480 or RX-480 after going across the fiber. The reverse flow follows the same
orientation. For 2-wire RS485 format data flows through DATA IN on both ends.

TYPICAL SYSTEM DATA CONNECTIONS
The RS422 or RS485 four wire interconnection between the MX-480 and the copper device to which it
is attached is based on industry standard EIA terminology for the transmission of electronic data
signals. Using this terminology, the driver of an electronic signal is labeled TX or Data Out.
Correspondingly, the receiver of an electronic signal is labeled RX or Data In. Following this standard,
the Data Out of the copper device is connected to the Data In of the MX-480. The plus terminal of the
copper device is connected to the plus terminal of the MX-480 and the minus is connected to the
minus. The reverse flow of data from the MX-480 to the copper device follows the same pattern. Not all
manufactures follow standard EIA terminology. Consult the installation instructions for your copper
device if you are unsure which two wires are the drive (data out) wires and which two wires are the
receive (data in) wires.


DATA CONFIGURATION
NOTE: This unit is shipped with the data channel in the RS485 4-wire configuration.

For other data configurations please refer to the drawing below for changes to the default switch
settings of switch bank S1. These configuration switches are located on the left side of the unit and can
be modified without opening the unit.

6
DATA BIAS / TERMINATION SWITCHES
NOTE: This unit is shipped with the data bias and termination switches in the off position .

Switches are available externally that allow offset bias and termination features to be activated when
using RS485 data. These bias / termination switches, labeled S2, are located on the left side of the unit
and can be modified without opening the unit. These switches also allow termination features to be
activated when using RS422 data. When transmitting RS232 or Manchester data, the bias and
termination switches must remain in the off (up) position. Please refer to the drawing below for changes
to the default switch settings of switch bank S2.


Please remember when using offset bias switches that they must be used in pairs. If switch #1 is down
then switch #3 must also be down. The same situation applies for switch #4 and switch #6. Also, if
using offset bias, it is important that the corresponding termination resistor switch be in the on (down)
position. Using offset bias without a termination on the line will cause communications to fail. An
explanation follows on general bias and termination guidelines.

RS485 DATA TERMINATION
The RS485 protocol is an expanded version of the original RS422 protocol. RS485 differs from RS422
in the ability of the transmitter devices to go into a high impedance (Hi-Z) state. This allows multiple
transmitter devices to reside on the same wire pair. The software must dictate a protocol that allows
only one device to transmit at any one time to prevent data crashes. In many cases the system head
end controller will continuously poll data from all remote devices. The remote devices all respond back
to the head end (one at a time) as they are addressed. The driver chips that are used in RS485
communications are capable of changing into their high impedance state very rapidly. On even short
lengths of wire there can exist a residual voltage after a driver circuit turns off. This can interfere with
circuits that are used to detect the Hi-Z state. It is very important that the copper communications lines
be terminated with resistors across the data wire pair. The best place to locate such resistors is at the
furthest electrical devices at the ends of the wire pair. For instance, if several RS485 devices are
connected in a daisy chain fashion, the wire connection would loop across all devices in a chain. The
furthest two points in the chain would need to be terminated.

OFFSET BIAS – RS485 DATA
The RS485 specification requires receivers to detect input signals down to 200mVp-p of voltage level.
In many cases this can cause systems to be sensitive to noise on the data wires. In an effort to
eliminate the effects of low levels of noise, some manufacturers of equipment that communicate using
RS485 have introduced a small voltage bias to the data lines. This is usually accomplished using a 470
Ohm resistance to +5V on the positive line and 470 Ohm resistance to ground on the negative line.
When used in conjunction with the appropriate termination resistors referred to in the previous section,
this introduces about a 300 mV offset, improving noise immunity.
7
MX-480 STATUS INDICATORS
The MX-480 transmitter provides the following LED status indicators to aid in installation and
troubleshooting:

OLI
A bi-color LED indicator monitors the optical input power of the data signal that is being received at the
MX-480 from the corresponding MX-480 or the RX-480. DC power and optical input status associated
with this LED are summarized below.

Optical Level Indicator DC Power Status Optical Status
Green On Proper Optical Input Power Present
Red On Optical Input Not Detected
Off Off Check Power Supply

TX DATA
A green LED indicator is provided to monitor the data coming in from the electrical interface, through
the MX-480, and out onto the fiber. The intensity of this indicator will vary with input data patterns,
however in typical applications it will cycle on and off as data is transmitted. Data transmitted status
associated with this LED is summarized below.

TX DATA LED Data Status
Green Data Flow Present
Off Data Flow Not Detected

RX DATA
A green LED indicator is provided to monitor the data coming in from the fiber, through the MX-480,
and out onto the electrical interface. The intensity of this indicator will vary with input data patterns,
however in typical applications it will cycle on and off as data is received. Data received status
associated with this LED is summarized below.

RX DATA LED Data Status
Green Data Flow Present
Off Data Flow Not Detected


8








LIFETIME WARRANTY INFORMATION
American Fibertek, Inc warrants that at the time of delivery the products delivered will be free of defects
in materials and workmanship. Defective products will be repaired or replaced at the exclusive option of
American Fibertek. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number is required to send the products
back in case of return. All returns must be shipped prepaid. This warranty is void if the products have
been tampered with. This warranty shall be construed in accordance with New J ersey law and the
courts of New J ersey shall have exclusive jurisdiction over this contract. EXCEPT FOR THE
FOREGOING WARRANTY, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WHICH EXTENDS
BEYOND THE WARRANTY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT. In any event, American Fibertek will
not be responsible or liable for contingent, consequential, or incidental damages. No agreement or
understanding, expressed or implied, except as set forth in this warranty, will be binding upon American
Fibertek unless in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer of American Fibertek.

SERVICE INFORMATION
There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
In the event that service is required to this unit, please direct all inquiries to:

American Fibertek, Inc. Phone: (877) 234-7200
120 Belmont Drive Phone: (732) 302-0660
Somerset, NJ 08873 FAX (732) 302-0667
E-mail: techinfo@americanfibertek.com