Comtech EF Data RCS20 Redundant Modem Protection Switch

RCS20 M:N Modem Redundancy Switch

The Comtech RCS20 M:N Redundancy Switch provides backup switching/protection for up to nine pairs of satellite modem channels (modulators/demodulators) and is a companion product to the DMD15, DMD2401, DMD20, DMD50, DM240, DD240 Satellite Modems.

The RCS20 is an intelligent microprocessor-controlled system, capable of controlling up to nine modems in a variety of configurations. The RCS20 is comprised of three separate units that make up the switching system; the Redundancy Control Unit (RCU20) shown above, the Digital Data Switch (DDS20), and the Intermediate Frequency Switch (IFS20), which are not shown. The RCS20 can be operated automatically, in which case an automatic backup of a failed online modem occurs after a preprogrammed delay.

The switch may also be operated manually, allowing the operator to manually switch to a backup modem. Front panel controls and indicators provide for auto/manual configuration, as well as display of online/off line status information for all modems in the redundancy configuration.

Key Features

• Backup switching protection for up to nine (9) Satellite Modems (1 for 9 Protection)
• Flexible backup configuration, 1:9, 2:8, 2 x (1:4), etc. 
• Large display with easy-to-use menu structure 
• Automatic or manual modes of operation 
• Flexible automatic configuration mode 
• Independent modulator and demodulator switching 
• Two fully-redundant power supplies 
• Passive relay switching for terrestrial and IF signals 

Digital Data Switch (DDS20)

The DDS20 provides all of the data interconnections between the online and backup modems. The DDS20 also provides buffering of terrestrial data signals to backup modulators allowing hot-standby modes of operation. The DDS20 receives control and DC power through an interconnecting cable from the RCU20.

Terrestrial interface options for the DDS20 include RS-449, V.35, RS-232, ASI, DVB/M2P, HSSI, G.703 T1, E1, T2, E2, T3, E3, STS-1, and Ethernet. Intermediate Frequency Switch (IFS20) The IFS20 Intermediate Frequency Switch is the third component that makes up the RCS20 M:N Switch. The IFS20 interfaces the IF signals of the modems with the earth station IF system and provides backup switching. The unit provides all of the switching relays, with optional signal splitters and terminations that are necessary to backup any combination of up to nine modulators and demodulators. The IFS20 receives control and DC power through an interconnecting cable from the RCU20.