THIS FIELD NOTICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE FIELD NOTICE OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE FIELD NOTICE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS FIELD NOTICE AT ANY TIME.
Revision | Publish Date | Comments |
---|---|---|
1.0 |
16-Jun-16 |
Initial Release |
10.0 |
10-Oct-17 |
Migration to new field notice system |
10.1 |
22-Jan-19 |
Fixed Broken Image Links |
Affected Product ID | Comments |
---|---|
15454-M-TNC-K9 |
|
A93270.10240 |
|
A93270.10340 |
|
A93280.10240 |
|
A93280.10340 |
Defect ID | Headline |
---|---|
CSCvf34445 | There were no defects filed with this field notice at the time of publication. |
The Compact EGC Single and Dual amplifiers can be extended with an optional AGC module (Automatic Gain Control) allowing the amplifier to keep a constant slope and output level as input changes. In some cases the AGC function of the amplifier realign slope and output level with a step size that cannott be handled by certain QAM-tuners used in set-top boxes and TV-sets. When this occurs, the tuner loses synchronization and for a short period of time the viewer may experience a picture freeze or a loss of picture on digital channels (QAM-channels).
On analogue channels the realignment by the AGC function will pass unnoticed. If the AGC function has been disabled (AGC = Standby), the amplifier will work properly. Amplifiers without optional AGC module installed will work properly.
Only those amplifiers with the optional AGC module (Automatic Gain Control) installed will encounter the issue described in this field notice. The reference of the AGC module is given hereunder.
Pid | Description |
---|---|
A93270.10240 | Compact EGC Dual Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,230VAC |
A93280.10240 | Compact EGC Single Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,230VAC |
A93270.10340 | Compact EGC Dual Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,65VAC |
A93280.10340 | Compact EGC Single Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,65VAC |
4036170 | AGC Module for Compact EGC Amp (A93270/A93280) |
The step size of the slope and output level is controlled by the microprocessor of the amplifier and can vary depending on the required realignment.
In the new firmware of the amplifier, the step size for the AGC function has been fixed to 0.1 dB /step, making the slope and output level changes smoother and slower compared to the initial implementation with variable step sizes.
The symptoms are not always present since it depends on the required realignment and type of set-top box or TV-set.
The most noticeable symptoms are on digital channels (QAM-channels):
Most QAM-analyzers are very sensitive to level changes and will see the realignment of the AGC function as an error or poor signal quality. Therefore it is not recommended to use the QAM-analyzers for evaluating the AGC function. A better way is to see if the set-top box or TV-set gives issues during the realignment.
The firmware of the amplifier can be upgraded in the field by means of a Firmware download kit (4043135).
The firmware versions incorporating the change on the AGC function can be found in the table below.
The firmware can be downloaded from the Cisco.com or request at the TAC. Internal TAC centers can find the firmware at the following location:
\\10.90.140.144\AS_Share\VideoAccessPoint\Martin's Projects\Compact Amplifiers\Firmware
As always, customers have the option to RMA units that they need repaired.
With respect to issues requiring escalation, the TAC will follow normal processes for escalations to the Cable Access Business Unit.
PID | Description | Firmware Version |
---|---|---|
A93270.10240 | Compact EGC Dual Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,230VAC | DEA_1.03.18 |
A93280.10240 | Compact EGC Single Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,230VAC | DEA_1.03.18 |
A93270.10340 | Compact EGC Dual Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,65VAC | SEA_1.00.11 |
A93280.10340 | Compact EGC Single Output Amp,1GHz,40dB,65VAC | SEA_1.00.11 |
The firmware version of the amplifier can be retrieved via its LCI interface by means of the Handheld controller or LCI software. More details can be found in the I/O-guide on Cisco.com at this location
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps9051/prod_installation_guides_list.html
A label on the unit packaging as well as the unit itself will refer to the installed firmware version. See pictures below for examples.
If you require further assistance, or if you have any further questions regarding this field notice, please contact the Cisco Systems Technical Assistance Center (TAC) by one of the following methods:
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