Technology

Innovation is our most important driver and the way we solve complex problems.

We continually re-examine, re-engineer and refine our core technologies to keep improving the way we help monitor and maintain cable networks. Our core signal correlation expertise was initially commercialized with the Xcor technology, which we used to identify CPD in the HFC network. This presented the opportunity to evolve and develop QAM Snare, which applies a variant of the correlation process to more accurately and effectively identify leaking QAM signals. And this led us to develop the world’s first network traffic-compatible TDR based on an autocorrelation variant of the core Xcor technology. Most recently we have developed and advanced a unique solution to detect OUDP burst signals being transmitted by the CM for high split networks. It’s our culture of sustained innovation that drives us to continually reinvent the way cable networks are monitored, diagnosed and serviced.

NTC TDR

Locate the source of impairment without interrupting your network.

Network traffic-compatible (NTC) Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) transmits very low-level, non-intrusive spread spectrum signals using return path frequencies in the forward, auto-correlating the reflected signal and providing an easy-to-understand return loss indication of the entire span up to the next active – with incredible accuracy and impressive distance resolution.

Download the NTC TDR white paper >
How it works

XCOR

Passive Radar Technology

Xcor’s cross correlation process compares two signals sets to see if and when they are statistically the same. Xcor’s passive radar technology uses existing QAM channels as radar probing signals and transmits them to a CPD simulator, which creates a CPD reference signature. As these same QAM channels travel through the network, and as they pass through a nonlinear distortion source, intermodulation products are inherently created. These products will propagate in the forward and the return. We then capture signals traveling back through the return path and correlate them with the CPD reference. If the signals correlate we know with certainty that CPD exists, and we know the time distance to the impairment. What makes this technology so great is that our device noise floor is significantly lower than the system noise floor, so identifying low level or intermittent CPD is simple – and previously challenging impairments are easy to identify and repair. Traditional tools cannot distinguish CPD from noise on all-digital networks – Xcor is the only technology available able to discern the two.

XCOR®

Faster, more cost-effective impairment location.

Xcor uses existing QAM and OFDM channels as radar probing signals to calculate the exact distance to a distortion source. A reference signature is created by capturing forward QAM and OFDM schannels as they pass the connection point, and this reference is cross-correlated with return path signals to determine the precise distance to the impairment.

Download the Xcor White paper
How it works

NTC/TDR

Network traffic-compatible, time Domain Reflectometer

A Quiver with the added NTC TDR option is connected to amplifier test points or to a line passive using a test probe. The operator simply presses a button to enter TDR mode and the device transmits a short duration and imperceptible low-level spread spectrum pulse across the return band. The reflected signal is analyzed using an autocorrelation process, and the return loss is calculated for the entire cable span up to the next amplifier, pinpointing the problem source so your technician knows precisely where to go to fix it. The accuracy and resolution of Arcom’s NTC/TDR are exponentially greater than legacy TDR’s. Better still, the process does not require the network to be disconnected in order to make the measurement.

QS Technology

Advanced engineering for effortless simplicity.

The most accurate, sensitive, and flexible leak location platform in the industry. QAM Snare utilizes a combination of location algorithms including time delay inherent in the correlation detection process and a patented doppler location technique, to provide the most precise and accurate detection and calculated GPS leak location, with no false alarms or any of the hassle traditionally associated with leakage mitigation. Simply go to the flagged GPS location and use our multipath-impervious detector to move lightning fast to the leak location – a perfect example of technology-enabled simplicity.

How it works

QS technology

INNOVATION IN HIGH SPLIT AND FDX LEAKAGE DETECTION

Arcom pioneered and patented the OUDP approach which has become the de facto standard for upstream leakage in high split and FDX networks. Under control of the CMTS, the cable modem generates a burst test signal with known characteristics. The QAM Snare detector uses advanced signal processing techniques to resolve and capture the burst signal – confirming the presence of a leak. The technique provides superior sensitivity with no false detections. Additionally, through the use of ordered lists of cable modems, the process can be optimized such that the cable modem MAC address and corresponding physical address can be determined without the technician exiting the vehicle.

UNIQUE OFDM DETECTION METHODOLOGY

When detecting leakage at frequencies where OFDM signals are transmitted, the Arcom OFDM technique provides optimum sensitivity and a foolproof location algorithm – regardless of vehicle speed. The patented approach where multiple harmonics of pilots are detected within a 6 MHz bandwidth requires no headend equipment or any inserted signals. Simply capture existing components of the OFDM signal. The doppler location technique measures frequency shift to precisely determine the GPS coordinates of the leak. The technique makes it super easy for the technician to find and fix, saving significant time and effort as compared to alternative status quo approaches.

Correlation Processing

For QAM detection, the field unit correlates signal samples captured at the headend with signal samples captured with a local antenna on the device. When there is correlation, the detect signal originated at the headend, traveled through fiber and coax to the leak location, then traveled over air to the receive antenna. QS Technology calculates differences in time delay (TDOA) at multiple detection points to determine the precise GPS coordinates of a leak. Once identified, the leak location is flagged on a map displayed on the user’s meter, so the technician knows exactly where to start the repair process.

FLEXAR system

Smallest size, best insertion loss, and best return loss in the industry.

RF Filters have been our bread and butter for decades, and we still take them quite seriously. They were the building block that enabled us to expand and develop the groundbreaking technology that has reinvented the way modern networks are monitored and maintained. The current FlexAr System represents decades of incremental improvements incorporated from 100 million units plus of experience. FlexAr incorporates the most advanced computer simulation and filter synthesis programs to build the smallest size, best insertion loss, and best return loss filters in the industry. Details matter. FlexAr was engineered from the ground up to produce consistent high-quality filters designed to last in any field environment.

Helpful Information + Resources

Training

Arcom Academy

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Operation

Arcom User Guides

Comprehensive manuals that help you master a specific technology or device.
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Software

Install and Update

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