Filters + Accessories

Return Step Attenuators

Improve return path performance

Return Step Attenuators enable the return path network to perform at maximum capacity. It is well know that homes connected to high value taps are inherently less prone to be the source of noise and ingress entering the return path network as compared to homes connected to lower value taps – the higher value taps attenuate any spurious noise or ingress signals significantly more than lower value taps. By installing Return Step Attenuators, additional return path loss is provided without affecting the forward, such that all connected homes can have the same high degree of isolation. This minimizes the noise and ingress entering the network and effectively lowers the noise floor on the entire node. The added attenuation forces the modems to transmit at a higher level, improving CNR of the return channel. Return Step Attenuators also provide protection from micro-reflections caused by poor tap to tap isolation, further improving the return path performance and increasing customer satisfaction. Arcom is the original inventor and patent holder of the Return Step Attenuator.

How RSA Works

RSAs can significantly minimize the network effect of ingress and impulse noise generated from the home. A correlation exists between the tap value and the susceptibility of a subscriber location to introduce noise and ingress into the network. The figure below demonstrates that lower tap values inherently allow greater levels of noise and ingress into the network. To implement a step attenuator solution; in general, high value RSAs are placed on lower value taps, and vice versa. Installed correctly, this allows the taps at every return band frequency to offer the same isolation as a high value tap, minimizing the effect of home-generated noise and ingress.

The added Attenuators provided by RSAs also lessens the spread of signals along the return path, minimizing overload and laser clipping issues. To accommodate the demand on modern CATV networks, lower tap values and higher output amplifiers are used. Because of this, the output level of the return transmitter must be decreased, which is accomplished through long loop automatic level control systems (ALCS) that vary the modem’s transmit level according to the received signal level. The low level transmits that this process creates in devices attached to low value taps may be problematic for DOCSIS 3.0. RSAs can adjust the return path signal to correspond with the forward path and eliminate the loss caused by passive devices, optimizing your network performance.

Productivity Driven

Built to Help you Perform Better

Expert: Attenuators from the inventors of the technology.

Selective: Add Attenuators where and when you need it in the return band and allow the system operator to engineer the HFC network for optimal two-way communications.

Mitigating: Minimize the network effect of ingress and impulse noise generated from the home. Use to make the low value taps behave like the better isolating high value taps. Minimize laser-clipping issues and minimize micro-reflections.

Customizable: Engineered to your parameters to meet your exact needs.

Sensitive: >20dB return loss.

Compliant: Meet all SCTE connector interface standards.

Guarded: 6KV surge protected.

Tailored: Available in dual F-port options, 7/16-inch hex, or spanner wrench.

Durable: Engineered to minimize broken taps ports better than longer, thinner designs.

Engineering: Designed using specialized modeling and synthesis software to optimize response and return loss performance.

Identifiable: Color-coded, bar-coded labeling – and metal-stamped model number.

Weatherproof: 4-point precision weather-sealed female seizure mechanism and fully moisture-sealed construction for long-term reliability.

>1GHZ passbands.

>120dB shielding.

Easy: Available pre-assembled with jumper and security shields.

Models + Options

Return Step Attenuators

Arcom Return Step Attenuators can significantly help MSOs in the launch of DOCSIS 3.0.

Helpful Information + Resources

Reference

Arcom Library

Inform the way you maintain your network.