VIAVI VSE-1100 Digital Spectrum Video Analyzer and Noise Troubleshooter

Digital spectrum and video analyzer with upstream noise troubleshooting for CCAP and Remote PHY cable networks, measuring 0.5 to 1,800 MHz.

Weight: 11.2 lb (5.08 kg)
Size (H x W x D): 2.75 x 11.75 x 14 in (7 x 29.85 x 35.56 cm)

Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI VSE-1100 is a digital spectrum and video analyzer combined with an upstream noise-troubleshooting platform, developed for cable networks moving to the converged cable access platform (CCAP) and Remote PHY. It covers testing from the service layer down to the physical layer, so the same instrument can be used in the headend or hub site and in the field to verify problem sources.

The instrument is built around a measurement engine that is operated from an Apple iPad tablet interface. The tablet can be detached and connected over Wi-Fi, which allows the measurement unit to be left in a remote network location for longer-term measurements while a technician runs tests from any network-accessible location.

Downstream analysis

RapidScan compares power level, MER and ingress under the carrier across adjacent channels in a single view. Performance Scan runs a scheduled set of measurements on a selected channel set and produces a report that can be uploaded to StrataSync or copied as CSV or HTML. AutoChannel detects channel programs and builds channel plans automatically, including DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM carriers, whose power is measured in 6 MHz blocks. TimeTrak records level, MER and DQI for up to 25 hours to help locate intermittent degradation.

Upstream analysis

Hyper-Spectrum uses real-time, gap-free overlapping FFT analysis to separate noise and transient interference from service signals in a loaded return band, with an optional persistence heat map that shows ingress under active upstream channels. MACTrak Local demodulates upstream signals to detect codeword errors and linear distortions, and the dual-input NoiseTrak mode displays spectrum and demodulated signals from two return-path legs simultaneously to identify the leg containing the noise source.

MPEG analysis

An optional MPEG analysis capability provides transport-stream analysis with TR101-290 verification, real-time status and bandwidth use, and recording of transport streams from RF or GigE sources for further analysis.

Key Features

Frequency range up to 1.8 GHz in RapidScan and Spectrum modes
DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM carrier identification and measurement
Performance Scan automated analysis with reporting
TimeTrak tracking of level, DQI and MER for up to 25 hours
Real-time VIAVI Hyper-Spectrum overlapping FFT analysis for transient interference and noise detection
HyperSpectrum persistence heat map view showing ingress under active upstream channels
Portable MACTrak demodulation of upstream signals to detect codeword errors and linear distortions
Dual-input NoiseTrak mode for identifying the noisy return-path leg
AutoChannel automatic channel program detection and channel plan building
RapidScan comparison of level, MER and ingress under the carrier across channels
MPEG error visibility with live transport-stream display and post-capture analysis
One-screen display of spectrum, level and MER measurements for all channels
In-band and in-service fault measurements
Up to 20 saved plans per channel plan type and up to 40 CW signals per physical channel plan
Spectrum Subtraction against a stored reference trace
Tablet user interface with detachable remote use via Wi-Fi

Specifications

Physical

Weight	11.2 lb (5.08 kg)
Size (H x W x D)	2.75 x 11.75 x 14 in (7 x 29.85 x 35.56 cm)

Frequency

Range	0.5 to 1,800 MHz 1.8 GHz high-end test frequency in RapidScan and Spectrum modes is described as optional on page 8
Accuracy	1 ppm
RBW	1.4 kHz to 5.12 MHz variable steps
Spectrum update rate	10 frames/sec on full scan

Level

Max input level	65 dBmV
Min detectable level	−58 dBmV 320 kHz RBW
Amplitude accuracy	±0.75 dB @ 25°C typical CW
Amplitude accuracy (carriers)	±1.5 dB on carriers over levels, temperatures, and frequency
Return loss	14 dB typical, 12 dB worst case

Upstream Analysis

Dual inputs for comparisons	Demod and spectrum
Maximum and minimum hold for zero dead time	RBW 320 kHz; Dual overlapping FFTs; No time gaps 99.99% coverage
Amplitude accuracy	±1.5 dB on HyperSpectrum and upstream carriers over levels, temperatures, signal type (QAM/QPSK), mod rate (1.28, 2.56, 5.12), and frequency
Packet Dashboard and Packet Table (MACTrak Local)	Upstream channel details (frequency, modulation, symbol rate); codeword errors (correctable, un-correctable); equalized and unequalized MER; constellation diagrams (equalized and unequalized MER); carrier performance index (CPI); carrier level (with upstream spectrum trace); synchronized spectrum with demodulation; micro-reflection; in-channel response; group delay; ingress under the carrier; impulse noise; packets received, level, and MER (equalized and unequalized) trace; source MAC address
Persistence	One second persistence in 0.4 to 85 MHz
Minimum detectable level upstream	−58 dBmV

Downstream Analysis

Display	Simultaneous display of carriers (with min and max), noise, and MER for any number of channels
Fast level measurement — SA scan	10 updates per second
AutoChannel plan builder	Auto detection of channel parameters (analog/digital, symbols, QAM, DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM); spectral estimation of channel parameters

Analog Channel Measurement

Measurements	Video and audio levels (dual)
Standards	NTSC and PAL
Accuracy	±0.75 dB @ 25°C (Typical); ±1.5 dB over temp

Downstream Digital Channel Analysis

QAM modulation(s)	QAM-64, QAM-128, QAM-256 annex A, B, and C
Regional demods	DVB-C
MER scan	10 channels/sec Full span MER
MER range	to 50 dB
MER resolution	0.1 dB
MER accuracy	±2 dB for signals less than 42 MER, over temperature
BER	Single Channel BER down to 1E-9 (Pre/Post FEC)
Performance Scan selectable Pre/Post BER	1E-8, 1E-9, 1E-10
Ingress under carrier	Full span ingress noise trace
Additional measurements	Group delay and in-channel response (ICR); Digital Quality Index (DQI) (including strip charts); errored/severely errored seconds; digital hum; constellation diagrams; level, measured symbol rate, carrier frequency, modulation, interleaver depth, AGC stress, EQ stress

Display/Interface

Display	Color touch screen
Remote use	Detachable remote use via Wi-Fi
Tablet requirements	Apple iPad (iPad Air or iPad with Lighting connector)/iOS 8.1 or greater
Will charge tablet from VSE-1100	2.0 A available when plugged into wall

Usability

Typical battery life	>6 hr
Battery charge time (AC charger)	5 hr
Boot time	15 sec

Environmental Ruggedness

Hard rain	4 in/hr (10 cm/hr)
Drop	4 ft (1.22 m)
Temp range	−4° to 122°F (−20° to 50°C)
Storage temp	−20° to 149°F (−20° to 65°C) As printed in the datasheet

MPEG Analysis Option

Analysis VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	Comprehensive real-time MPEG analysis
Source inputs VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	RF and GigE transport stream source input options
Event Log Tracking VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	Time, Severity, Description
Recording Transport Streams VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	Manual or Timed with adjustable recording length
TR101-290 Limit Testing VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	Configurable limits for Pass/Fail analysis
Transport Stream VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	Sync Loss Count; Transport Stream ID; Bitrate; NULL PID Bitrate; Packet Count; Sync Byte, Transport, and Continuity Count Errors; Errors catagorized by Priority 1, 2, 3, or Other; Summarize bandwidth (Pie Chart breakdown); Stream type analysis; DOCSIS Transport Stream analysis with DOCSIS Tunnel Selection
Programs VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	Identified list of programs in stream; ID, Type, Logical Channel number, Name, Encrypted status, Bit Rates; Status (Priority 1, 2, 3, Other); Summarized bandwidth (Pie Chart breakdown); PMT/PCR PIDs; Conditional Access information; Continuity Counter errors
Packet IDs (PIDs) VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	PID; Stream type analysis; Packet Count; Encryption Status; Bitrate Information; Continuity Counter errors
Tables VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	MPEG-PSI, SCTE, DigiCipher II

Input/Outputs

RF	(2) F connectors (replaceable)
Port 1	Upstream and downstream
Port 2	Upstream only 85 MHz Port 2 cutoff frequency is 85 MHz
USB	USB host (thick and thin client)
Ethernet	RJ45
Power	Polarized

Asset and Data Management

Asset and data management	StrataSync™ asset and data management
Reporting Capability	Measurement screen capture save and recall; .csv file save via StrataSync and USB export; StrataSync data management; StrataSync asset management

Remote Access/Connectivity

Remote operation	Measurement unit can be left behind for longer-term measurements/recording
Addressing	Addressable via IP address or name (same subnet), Bonjour/Avahi
Connections	WiFi, Ethernet connections
WiFi	802.11n WAP and client
Logical Channel Plan Acquisition	DVB NIT/SDT; DOCSIS DSG tunnel (Cisco, Motorola, and Broadcast)

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

DOCSIS 3.1 OFDM carrier level alignment
Spectrum, QAM and MPEG video analysis for headend and hub sites
Upstream noise, ingress, linear impairment and codeword error troubleshooting in the HFC plant
CCAP and Remote PHY rollout and troubleshooting verification
Troubleshooting intermittent issues
Automated performance analysis and documentation
Upstream carrier and node leg performance assessment
Impulse noise and ingress identification
Collaborative MPEG and RF analysis across network segments

Included

Case with detachable tablet holder and shoulder strap
AC power supply with choice of country-specific adapter plug
12 V DC automobile power supply
Quick-start guide
Supported by StrataSync Core

Options & Accessories

Option	Description
VSE-BASE-42MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Base model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 42 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-BASE-65MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Base model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 65 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-BASE-85MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Base model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 85 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-DS-42MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Downstream model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 42 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-DS-65MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Downstream model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 65 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-DS-85MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Downstream model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 85 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-US-42MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Upstream model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 42 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-US-65MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Upstream model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 65 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-US-85MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Upstream model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 85 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-SA-42MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Spectrum analyzer model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 42 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-SA-65MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Spectrum analyzer model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 65 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-SA-85MHZ-18GHZ-PKG	Spectrum analyzer model, 1.8GHz highest frequency, 85 MHz return pass band — Includes complete set of standard features and is option capable
VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ	MPEG video analysis, factory installed
VSE-VIDEO-ANLZ-FLD	MPEG video analysis, field upgrade
VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ-TIMED	MPEG video analysis, timed option license
VSE-VIDEO-ANLYZ-FLOATING	MPEG video analysis, floating license
VSE-1100-SA-TO-DS	Upgrade SA model to DS model
VSE-1100-SA-TO-BASE	Upgrade SA model to BASE model
VSE-1100-US-TO-BASE	Upgrade US model to BASE model
VSE-1100-DS-TO-BASE	Upgrade DS model to BASE model
VSE-INTERFACE	VSE-1100 interface (Air) — Optional accessory