Contemporary Research Readies Active RF Combiner
Contemporary Research said that at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, the company will introduce the QCA9-33, an active RF combiner that features eight high-level inputs and one low-level input.
Contemporary Research QCA9-33
Contemporary Research said that at InfoComm 2011 in Orlando, the company will introduce the QCA9-33, an active RF combiner that features eight high-level inputs and one low-level input. It’s capable of combining signals with high isolation and amplifying them up to a 33 dBmV output level.
Designed for QMOD HDTV applications, the eight RF inputs typically receive 29 dBmV RF from QMOD HDTV modulators. The ninth input is for RF signals up to 19 dBmV, such as an incoming cable feed, a control channel from an ICE-HE Head End control modulator, another QMOD, or another QCA9-33. Up to eight QCA9-33 combiners can feed a single combiner to deliver up to 76 channels.
The extremely low-noise, wideband 860 MHz amplifier compensates for combining losses and adds 3 dBmV of gain, typically supplying a total output of up to 33 dBmV, according to the company.
The compact QCA9-33 mounts two across in a single rack space using available Contemporary Research rack kits, and can be mixed with QMOD HDTV modulators using the same rack kits.
“We’re taking a fresh approach to digital RF distribution, placing the emphasis on maintaining signal integrity,” said Scott Hetzler, Contemporary Research president, in a statement. “By keeping the origination and combining side of the equation at the 30 dBmV range rather than analog-age 45 dB, we can achieve new benchmarks for high channel isolation and low noise, flat across the spectrum. This level is more than adequate for mid-sized installs, and saves the noisier 45 dB level for a single launch amplifier.”
