The Stealth Digital Analyzer (SDA) cable network measurement tools test a wide range of critical parameters, helping you prove and maintain your system’s performance. Advanced features include tools to support preventative maintenance programs for improving network quality. Applications include aligning amplifiers such as optical nodes, testing the performance of both forward and reverse path networks, finding and fixing sources of reverse path ingress, measuring signal quality (both continuous and bursty digital carriers), and fulfilling FCC and CENELEC proof-of-performance requirements. You can perform comprehensive troubleshooting and preventative maintenance tests with accuracy and ease using Acterna’s SDA products: • Quickly check frequency response, signal levels, hum, carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio, depth of modulation, and monitor the general performance of the cable system • Perform tests without interfering with CATV subscribers' service • Evaluate system performance precisely and diagnose and eliminate problems quickly to maintain quality operation of your CATV system equipment. Acterna’s Stealth Sweep System consists of at least two major components: a headend transmitter and a field receiver. SDA-5500 Stealth Sweep Transceiver The SDA-5500 is a standard 19" rack mount unit weighing approximately fifteen pounds. Its 320 X 240 dot matrix LCD shows measurement data in both graphical and numerical form. It is a full-featured signal analysis meter with a complete spectrum display and an analog representation of single channel measurement data. When tuned to a specific channel, a comprehensive set of information is provided, including: • tuned channel • video frequency and level • audio frequency and level • differences between video and audio carrier levels The SDA-5500 performs essential cable TV system preventive maintenance tests with accuracy and ease. Signal levels, hum, C/N, and, in tandem with the SDA-5000, frequency response, can be quickly tested without interfering with subscribers’ service. The Sweep System is made up of two components: the field unit (SDA- 5000), and one or both of the headend units (SDA-5500 and SDA-5510). Sweep response is tested by injecting a low-level signal in vacant spectrum areas and by monitoring cable system carrier levels in occupied spectrum areas. In addition to generating the sweep test signal, the SDA-5500 continuously monitors the system carriers. It sends headend level readings to the field receiver with every sweep update. In this way, any headend level changes are compensated for by the receiver, maintaining measurement accuracy. Sweep response measurements won’t be affected by changing signal levels in the headend. The SDA-5500 has the measurement capability of the SDA-5000 so you can keep an eye on headend levels. With the Reverse Sweep option (OPT2), a transmitter is built into the hand-held sweep receiver. The headend sweep transmitter (SDA-5500) is set up to receive the reverse sweep sent from the field. When a reverse sweep is activated from a field test point, the headend transmitter receives the telemetry signal indicating which receiver is sending the sweep. The headend transmitter measures the sweep and sends the results to the field via its telemetry signal. The field receiver with the tagged serial number then displays the sweep response as measured in the headend.