Flexiva™ High Power

Air-Cooled FM Transmitter for Analog and Digital Standards High Power - 5kW to 40kW

FlexivaFMTransmitter.jpgThe Harris® Flexiva™ air-cooled FM solid-state transmitter family provides today’s broadcaster with a single transmission platform capable of analog and digital operation. Incorporating field-proven Harris technology, Flexiva transmitters deliver world-class performance, reliability and quality.

Flexiva is designed for low- and high-power requirements, up to 40 kW, while utilizing the most compact design on the market today. Flexiva continues the legacy of the highly successful line of Harris FM transmitters and combines innovative, new quad-mode RF amplification and software-defined exciter technology to take FM transmission to the next level.

Featuring Harris PowerSmart® technology in its architecture, the Flexiva line offers unmatched efficiency that makes it ideal for all FM applications. The 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.

As the digital transmission leader, Harris has developed a solid core competency backed by years of experience in the complex technical areas that are essential for maximum transmitter performance. Customers can also count on Harris for implementation, and the company offers a range of support options from standard 24/7 telephone technical assistance and parts to installations, training, full system design and field maintenance contracts.

Features

Flexiva High Power Class Transmitter Features

  • Identical power blocks for scalability. 5,000 Watts to 40,000 Watts
  • Small and compact. 5kW or 10kW power blocks in only 16 rack units
  • Common dual 1800 Watt Power Amplifier and IPA modules for all power levels simplifies spares
  • Single-phase or 3-phase power, Delta or Wye configurations. 190 to 464 VAC
  • 1:1 Power supply to Power Amplifier module maximizes redundancy
  • Hot-Pluggable, hot-swappable power amplifier and power supply modules minimizes down-time and simplifies maintenance
  • Simple, distributed hardware based control architecture uses analog circuits to control critical transmitter functions. Not reliant on a microprocessor for high reliability
  • Hardware based life-support backup controller provides added robustness, reliability
  • Can use any standard FM exciter or can be tightly integrated with FAX low power exciter

Flexiva Family Common Features

  • Full power range from 1 to 40,000 Watts in two classes of the same family
  • Fully broadband, 88 to 108 MHz — requires no tuning or adjustments
  • Best-in-class power efficiency — lowest operating costs
  • Extremely high power density; compact and lightweight space-saving design
  • Latest state-of-the-art LDMOS-FET power amplifier technology
  • High efficiency (96%) auto-ranging, hot pluggable power supplies.
  • Continuously variable speed fans optimize cooling, maximizes efficiency and minimizes fan noise
  • Redundant internal cooling fans draw air from front to rear with ducted air options available
  • Digital Ready: Quad-mode operation: FM, FM + HD Radio™, HD Radio only or DRM+
  • Maintain power up to 1.5:1 VSWR. Proportional VSWR foldback for safe operation at reduced power into marginal loads (icy antenna etc.)
  • Automatic restart after AC mains interruption; returns to previous operational mode
  • Global control and monitoring via the World-Wide Web remote graphic user interface (GUI) works with any PC, tablet or smart-phone
  • Full SNMP network control and monitoring support
  • In-depth diagnostics and setup via an easy-to-use front-panel control
  • Dual-Drive with automatic failover exciter switching
  • N+1, Dual Transmitter and Main/Alternate and with automatic switching capability

Product Details

The Flexiva Advantage

FlexivaFMTransmitter.jpgMaximum Efficiency
Flexiva is the most efficient solid-state FM transmitter available. Leveraging the Harris PowerSmart architecture, 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.

Compact Footprint and Lightweight Design
Flexiva is the most compact FM transmitter on the market, with a significantly reduced size compared with other products in its power class. Ideally suited to fit in crowded, shared transmitter sites, Flexiva reduces the cost and space required in the facility, simplifies installation, lowers shipping costs and allows for easier maintenance.

Highest Power – Elegant Simplicity
Flexiva achieves market-leading power levels (up to 40 kW). Featuring distributed control architecture, Flexiva delivers outstanding reliability, and enables soft failure operation and simple serviceability.

Low to High Power, Analog or Digital
From very low power (5 W) to very high power (40 kW and beyond), the Flexiva family does it all. Whether it is 50 W of analog FM or 40 kW of
FM+HD that is needed, Flexiva transmitters all provide the same outstanding value.

Improved Up Time
Hot-pluggable, redundant power amplifier (PA) and universal power supply (PS) modules make on-air servicing a breeze and eliminate costly service interruptions.

Reduced Service Costs
Lightweight and universal PA modules (broadband from 88 to 108 MHz; 4.5 kg) and PS modules (auto-ranging 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz; 2.5 kg) facilitate overnight/same-day shipment from a centralized depot for simplified and cost-effective spares holding. The use of lightweight modules virtually eliminates two-person lift requirements for routine maintenance. Flexiva also supports the simple replacement of pre-tuned amplifier pallets in the field, eliminating the need for complex tuning after FET replacement.

Smooth Upgradeability
Flexiva features world-class software-defined exciter technology, allowing for a seamless transition from analog to digital in the user’s time frame.

Flexiva1kW.jpg 

Reliable, Distributed System Control
The Flexiva transmitter uses a hardware based central interface to a distributed hardware control system. Featuring extensive protection and full backup control capabilities, the distributed nature of the design provides for fast-acting independent protection at the module level for maximum reliability. A liquid-crystal control screen allows easy review of all operational parameters and easy diagnosis of any potential equipment problems. Front-panel buttons and bright LED indicators allow for simple control and feedback on all the key operating parameters. The navigation buttons allow for quick review, setup and recall of all menus via the front-panel screen. By simply connecting a PC to the front panel RJ-45 jack, the user can monitor and control all the settings locally on the PC. When integrated with single or dual Flexiva exciters, all control of the transmitter and exciter(s) are combined into a single IP address.

Advanced Global Monitoring and Control
In addition to local control, the Flexiva transmitter can be controlled from anywhere in the world with an intuitive, browser-based graphical user interface (GUI) over TCP/IP via a telecom or network connection with password protection. A rear RJ-45 jack is provided for LAN/WAN connection.

Full Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) facilities are provided for network management of the entire transmission system using industry-standard MIB protocols.

Remote Communication
The following remote interfaces are available:
• GUI
• Ethernet network connection RJ-45 (10/100Base-T) with TCP/IP protocol
• Automated remote alarms in the event of a fault, which are sent via SNMP or e-mail with the connection to a network
• Simple, parallel interface to panels and remote control systems

Multi-System Controller (MSC)
To support greater redundancy, the Multi-System Controller (MSC) supports a range of backup options, including 1+1, full N+1 and dual-transmitter installations. The MSC monitors and controls the transmitter systems and controls RF switching.
 
Common Parts
The complete Flexiva line utilizes the same major parts — from the highest-power, air-cooled transmitter to the compact, low-power systems.

Advanced Digital Precorrection
Harris Real-Time Adaptive Correction (RTAC™) is an advanced type of digital precorrection that enables the exciter to more fully utilize the transmitter power amplifier, yet maintain spectral mask compliance of the digital signal.

RTAC and adaptive non-linear correction is available in Flexiva transmitters and exciters, as well as the Flexstar Exciter. RTAC delivers the highest level of correction, resulting in a broadcast signal that is spectrally pure, while delivering the maximum power output and best efficiency.

There are two types of precorrection used: linear and nonlinear. Linear precorrection is for the non-ideal amplitude response and time response of the transmission system, including the power amplifier and any bandpass filters. Linear precorrection is helpful in optimizing the modulation performance of the transmitted digital signal so that less equalization is required at the receiver. Nonlinear precorrection is for the two major types of nonlinearity (AM->AM and AM->PM) in the RF power amplifier, which cause undesired spectral components and poor RF mask compliance.

AM to AM nonlinearity causes the RF power amplifier’s output amplitude to not accurately track the input amplitude. Typically, this nonlinearity occurs near the peak output power of the amplifier, where saturation effects cause the output response to flatten as the input continues to increase and where the amplifier output goes to zero. AM to PM nonlinearity causes the RF power amplifier’s output phase to not track the input phase. The amplifier acts like a phase modulator as the power output varies to follow the input signal, producing undesirable sidebands.

Precorrection can be implemented in many ways. In order of sophistication, they are:
• Analog fixed precorrection
• Digital fixed precorrection
• Digital adaptive precorrection
• Digital, memoryful, adaptive precorrection (RTAC)

Images/Diagrams

Flexiva Configuration
Each Flexiva transmitter combines an FM exciter and one or more amplifier bays — each with various configurations of PA modules to achieve the rated power.

The amplifier bays contain several major systems:

FlexivaFAX10K-BD.jpg

FlexivaFAX20K-BD.jpg

FlexivaFAX40K-BD.jpg

Power Amplifier Module
This hot-pluggable, hot-swappable module features a pair of 50v LDMOS-FET based broadband (88-108 MHz) RF PAs that require no user adjustments. The PA modules are identical and fully interchangeable in each Flexiva transmitter. Each amplifier can be re-biased on-the-fly for operation in FM, FM + HD Radio and HD Radio only, or DRM+ mode.

Intermediate Power Amplifier Module (IPA)
Identical and swappable with the PA modules for models 10Kw and higher, the IPA module provides RF drive through the PA splitter to the input of the PAs. The IPA uses only one-half of the module leaving the other half as a standby IPA with automatic failover switching in the event of on-air IPA failure. This feature provides additional redundancy protection.

Power Supply Module
This hot-pluggable module is a 2400 W 48 V PS with a .98 power factor and mains input range of 90-264 V. The PS interface provides on/off functionality to the power supplies, a fan tachometer alarm and redundant feed to the cooling system. Each module also has +5 V output to redundantly drive the low-voltage control circuits and 1:1 power supply to power amplifier redundancy. Each 48 V power supply’s output is also summed and fed to the dual IPA, fans and control system for maximum redundancy.

FlexivaMarketingDiagram.jpg

Cooling System
The air cooling system includes internal redundant fans that pull cool air from the front through a removable filter, allowing exhaust to exit through the rear of the transmitter. Systems integrated in Harris cabinets feature top exhaust to support ducting and, optionally, can have ducted air input plenum to permit top, bottom or rear air input.

Control System
Featuring extensive protection and control capabilities, the main system control is located in the Flexiva amplifier bay and communicates directly with the Flexiva for fully integrated control and monitoring. Each PA module has dedicated control and monitoring to support on/off functionality and alarms for reflected power, temperature and current overloads. The control systems also provide for remote access via a parallel, SNMP and Web-enabled GUI.

Specifications

Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

General
Transmitter Type Solid State VHF Power Amplifier for FM, HD Radio and DRM+
Exciter Requires external FM Exciter
Frequency Range 87.5 to 108.0 Mhz, 10 kHz steps
Operating Modes “Quad-Mode” on-the-fly switching between FM HD only, FM+HD or DRM+
Frequency Stability ±150 Hz
Power Stability ≤ ±0.25 dB
Asynchronous AM SNR >60 dB
Synchronous AM SNR >50 dB
RF Harmonic and Spurious Suppression Meets or exceeds FCC, IC, CE, CCIR IRTU and IEC215 requirements
VSWR Protected against open or short circuit, all phase angles 
Compliance RoHs, FCC, CE, IC, R&TTE 1999/5/EC compliant

 
Output FAX5K FAX10K FAX20K FAX30K FAX40K
Nameplate Power Watts 5000 10,000 20000 30000 40000
FM Analog Power Range Watts 500-5500 1000-11000 2000-22000 3000-33000 4000-44000
FM+HD -20 dBc Max Power Watts 4500 9000 18000 27000 36000
FM+HD -14 dBc Max Power Watts 3500 7000 14000 21000 28000
FM+HD -10 dBc Max Power Watts 2650 5300 10700 15900 21200
HD Only -20 dBc Max Power Watts 2000 4000 8000 12000 16000
HD Only -14 dBc Max Watts 1850 3700 7400 11000 14800
HD Only -10 dBc Max  Watts 1550 3700 6200 9300 12400
50 ohms RF Output Connector
* Optional Adapter
3-1/8" EIA 3-1/8" EIA 3-1/8" EIA 3-1/8" EIA 4-1/16" EIA
3-1/8" EIA*
Electrical FAX5K FAX10K FAX20K FAX30K FAX40K
AC Input Voltage, VAC 47 to 63 Hz Single Phase and 3-Phase (3-Wire) Delta: 190-264
3-Phase (4-Wire) Wye): 330-460
Mechanical FAX5K FAX10K FAX20K FAX30K FAX40K
Width 19 in.
(48 cm)
19 in.
(48 cm)
22 in.
(59 cm)
47 in.
(120 cm)
47 in.
(120 cm)
Depth 29 in.
(74 cm)
29 in.
(74 cm)
37.5 in.
(95.3 cm)
37.5 in.
(95.3 cm)
37.5 in.
(95.3 cm)
Height 16RU
28 in. (71 cm)
16RU
28 in. (71 cm)
44RU
83 in. (211 cm)
44RU
83 in. (211 cm)
44RU
83 in. (211 cm)
Weight (approx w/ modules installed) 145 lbs
66 kg
276 lbs
125 kg
1002 lbs
455 kg
1700 lbs
771 kg
1850 lbs
839 kg

Environmental
Altitude 15,000 ft 3,000 (4,572 m) AMSL
Ambient Temperature Range 0 to +45° C inlet air temperature must not exceed 45° centigrade at sea level.  Derate at 2° C per 1000 ft (300 m) AMSL
Humidity 95%, non-condensing

Audio Performance with Flexiva Exciter
FM Modulation Capability ±150 kHz deviation, 200% modulation
Stereo Amplitude Response ±0.05 dB
Wideband Amplitude Response ≤ +/- 0.04 dB, 20 Hz to 53 kHz
Stereo Separation ≥70 dB
Crosstalk ≥70 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion ≤0.05%
Intermodulation Distortion ≤0.05%
Stereo FM SNR ≥83 dB 75 µs de-emphasis “A” weighting
Composite/Mono FM SNR ≥90 dB
Pre-emphasis 0, 25, 50, or 75 microseconds

Program Inputs with Flexiva Exciter
Audio Inputs 2 AES3 XLR 110 ohms balanced, -2.8 dBfs nominal;
0 dBfs to -15 dBfs, 44.1 to 96 kHz
1 Analog L/R, XLR, 10K/600 ohms balanced
Nominal +10dBu +15 dBu maximum
MPX/Composite 2 BNC balanced 10K/50 ohms
External SCA / RDS 2 BNC, unbalanced 10K ohms, 1.5 V nominal 4 V maximum
Internal RDS Generator Internal Static RDS/RBDS generator
Supports fields: TP, PI, PS, PTY, RT and 8 AF channels

Reference I/O with Flexiva Exciter
External 10 MHz Clock Input BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms, -10 dBm to +10 dBm
External 1 PPS Clock Input BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms, TTL level
GPS Antenna Input w/ Internal GPS Option Optional GPS with supplied antenna +5v 30ma. +5v 30ma
10 MHz Clock Output w/ Internal GPS Option BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms, 0dBm
1 PPS Clock Output w/ Internal GPS Option BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms, TTL level
19 kHz Pilot Sync Output BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms resistive, sinewave, phase adjustable, AC coupled, 4.5 V pk-pk nominal, unterminated

Remote Control I/O
Ethernet Ports 2 RJ-45 100 Mb Ethernet/IP ports
1 front panel with DHCP server and fixed IP address for maintenance access
1 rear panel with static or dynamic IP address for LAN/WAN access to Web GUI and SNMP
Parallel GPI/O DB25 female standard remote control GPI/O
Active-low, 5v 100ma
Exciter Interface 2 DB15 female direct interface control for dual exciters

Ordering Information

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  • Europe and Africa +44 118 964 8200
  • Middle East and South Asia  +971 4 433 8250
  • Asia, Pacific Rim +852 2776 0628
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