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CAT-LINK Digital STL/TSL For T1

It's pure digital. It provides real-time encoding/decoding with no compression techniques and with no audible delays to annoy on-air talent. It can send composite and high quality discrete audio channels, and it means flawless bidirectional transmission for your station.

It's CAT-LINK (Composite Audio Transmission Link) from QEI.

Plug it in...turn it on...and notice the difference immediately. CAT-LINK allows you to bring audio processing back to the studio where it’s easier to operate and maintain. Expand your STL and TSL capability without additional phone lines. In fact, its single digital T1 line allows you to replace multiple analog phone lines...and realize even greater savings.

CAT-LINK is the digital STL/TSL for the 21st century. Its output signal is compatible with T1 (DS-1) facilities, fiber optic transmission media, and T1 (DS-1) microwave using commercially available T1 subcarrier generators with a bandwidth as little as 1 MHz.

• The FIRST linear, non-compressed digital STL system for broadcast on DS-1.
• The ONLY system to transmit FM composite digitally on T1
• The ONLY system available with real-time transmission, eliminating audible delays.
• An expandable MODULAR system.
• Allows clear, clean, undistorted program material in any kind of weather.
• Allows complete control of your audio from the studio.

Q-MAX Modules

Increase the performance of your existing or new CAT-LINK STL/TSL system with Q-MAX MODULES. The system utilizes a 16-bit Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital converter on the input module and an 18-bit Sigma-Delta digital-to-analog converter on the output module. The modules utilize 64-times oversampling inputs and outputs.

Q-MAX MODULES have self-calibrating DC-offset circuitry to allow passage of ultra-low frequency audio components, thus avoiding interference with your station’s “sound signature”. Phase and amplitude linear, digital input and output filtering means that no artifacts are introduced into program material.

Input and output digital data is completely linear, with no data or audio compression.

There are no analog “filters” in the Q-MAX transmission chain, other than a protective RC network.

Automatic muting means no “digital noise” should the data path fail.

Sample CAT-LINK Configurations*

STEREO FM + TWO SCAS

STL BANDWIDTH

Composite FM: 53 kHz
Audio SCA #1: 6 kHz
Audio SCA #2: 6 kHz
Control: 3 kHz

TSL BANDWIDTH

Sat. Audio SCA #1: 15 kHz Q-Max
Sat. Audio SCA #2: 15 kHz Q-Max
Telemetry: 3 kHz
RPU Audio: 10 kHz

STEREO FM + CO-LOCATED AM

STL BANDWIDTH

Composite: FM 53 kHz
AM Audio: 10 kHz
Control: 3 kHz

TSL BANDWIDTH

Sat. Audio SCA #1: 15 kHz Q-Max
Sat. Audio SCA #2: 15 kHz Q-Max
Telemetry: 3 kHz
RPU Audio: 10 kHz

* CAT-LINK firmware accommodates many combinations of channels, provided all fit within the 1.544 megabit DS1 standard. These sample configurations represent only a few of the wide range of possible CAT-LINK configurations. Contact QEI for more information on your particular requirements.

Technical Specifications

Transmission Media

Public Network DS1 circuit: DSX-1 (T1) per ANSI T1.102 (1987) with D4 framing and AT&T Pub.#62411 (i.e. AMI, ones density); ESF framing or B8ZS line coding available with special CSU.

Other DS1 applications: DSX-1 per ANSI T1.102 (1987)

Optical fiber (with optional converter)

All transmission media capable of accepting a DSX-1 interface

Digital Output Interface

Public network DS1 circuit: DSX-1 per ANSI T1.102(1987) with D4 framing and AT&T Pub. #62411 (i.e. AMI, ones density); ESF framing or B8ZS available with special CSU

Other DS1 applications: DSX-1 per ANSI T1.102 (1987)

Video radios: 1 Vp-p into 75 Ohms; greater than 40 dB down at 3 MHz

Digital Input Interface

DS1 applications: 0 dB sx to -15 dB sx

Video applications: 1 Vp-p into 75 Ohms

FM Composite Stereo Input/Output

Input level (100%): 3.5 Vp-p

Input level (clip): 4.55 Vp-p

Input impedance: 2 kOhm unbalanced (BNC)

Output level: 3.5 Vp-p nominal, adjustable 2.75-5.0 Vp-p

Output impedance: 300 Ohms unbalanced (BNC)

Quantization: 14 bit linear maximum

Distortion (THD/IMD): 0.01%

Separation, 15 kHz: 55 dB

Q-MAX Auxiliary Input/Output Modules

Channels per module: Stereo

Input level (clip): 0 to 10 dBm

Input impedance: 600 Ohms active balanced/unbalanced/HiZ

Bandwidth: 10, 15 (DIP)

Quantization: 16 bit capable; configuration dependent; maximum S/N 88 dB

Distortion: 0.01% THD minimum; configuration dependent

Output level (clip): 0 to 10 dBm

Output impedance: 600 Ohms, active balanced

Standard Auxiliary Input/Output Modules

Channels per module: 2

Input level (clip): +12 dBm

Input impedance: 600 Ohms, active balanced

Bandwidth: 3, 5, 6 or 10 kHz; EPROM programmable; maximum S/N 72 dB

Distortion: 0.1% THD minimum; quantization-dependent

Output level (clip): +12 dBm

Output impedance: 600 Ohms, transformer balanced

QEI maintains on ongoing of research and development to insure the finest product performance and quality. All specifications subject to change without notice.

Protected by Patent #5,054,070 1991