CATV /DBS Taps

S I T U AT I O N

HRT*, HRvT*, HRTw HRvT2*, HRT2*

DBS Ka/Ku or ATSC off-air signals are required at
multiple locations connected via coax cable. Signal
must be directional coupled from the trunk to conserve
trunk signal level while providing sufficient tap levels. HRT*,6,9,12,16,20

SOLUTION HRvT*,6,9,12,16,20
Models HRT*, HRvT*, & HRwT* placed in the trunk
“tap” a portion of the signal from the trunk while HRTw*,6,9,12,16
isolating the tap port from the trunk.

RELATED CONSIDERATIONS
Tap input and output return loss is critical to
maintain signal integrity. SONORA taps feature high
return loss for excellent match. HRvT2*,12, 16 HRT2*,12, 16
DESCRIPTION
Tap isolation is critical in large distribution systems to
prevent reflections from exiting the tap port. SONORA Indoor / Outdoor 175 to 2150 MHz DBS / ATSC line
taps feature isolation. powered amplifiers with 14 dB gain and optional
external powering.
F E AT U R E S -35 dBm
SAT SAT SAT SAT DC 20 ft RG6
• CATV / Ka/Ku bandwidth ......................... 15 to 2150 MHz to 1 2 3 4

per floor
-55 dBm LAL204a 4 dB ave loss
• High Return Loss ................................................... > 14 dB OUT OUT OUT OUT
with taps
1 2 3 4

• High Isolation .............................................Output to Tap -20 dBm -36 dBm

16 dB
• Indoor / Outdoor case .......................................... die cast
• IN / OUT DC pass .................................... tap: DC blocking -24 dBm 16 dB -40 dBm

A P P L I C AT I O N N O T E S -28 dBm 16 dB -44 dBm

Model LAL20a and LAL204a amplifi ers have 20 dB
automatic gain input windows to provide -32 dBm 12 dB -44 dBm
a clean fixed output. Model HRT106,
HRT109, HRT112, HRT116 and HRT120
-36 dBm 9 dB -45 dBm
directional couplers tap a portion of the
signal to feed distribution nodes. The
-40 dBm 6 dB -46 dBm
trunk level is indicated on the left and the tap level
output is indicated on the right.
-45 dBm
SAT SAT SAT SAT DC

Vertical versions of the taps HRvT106, 109,

1 2 3 4

112, 116 and HRvT120 are available. LAL204a

OUT OUT OUT OUT
1 2 3 4

-20 dBm

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com

 CATV /DBS Taps

HRT*, HRvT*, HRTw

Model I N / O U T L os s ( QC dB ) I N P UT R e tur n Los s (QC dB M i n)
Frequency
(MHz) 15-47 250 950 1450 2150 15- 47 250 950 145 0 2150
HR T106 2.6 ± 0.3 2.5 ± 0.3 2.9 ± 0.3 3.3 ± 0.3 3.6 ± 0.4 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 13 dB
HR Tw6 2.6 ± 0.4 2.5 ± 0.3 2.9 ± 0.3 3.3 ± 0.3 3.3 ± 0.4 13 dB 16 dB 18 dB 16 dB 14 dB
HRvT106 2.5 ± 0.4 2.5 ± 0.3 2.7 ± 0.3 3.0 ± 0.3 3.2 ± 0.4 13 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T108 2.2 ± 0.4 1.9 ± 0.3 2.2 ± 0.3 2.7 ± 0.3 2.9 ± 0.4 13 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR Tw9 2.2 ± 0.4 1.9 ± 0.3 2.0 ± 0.3 2.1 ± 0.3 2.3 ± 0.4 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT109 1.6 ± 0.4 1.8 ± 0.3 1.9 ± 0.3 2.0 ± 0.3 2.2 ± 0.4 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB
HR T112 1.5 ± 0.4 1.6 ± 0.3 1.7 ± 0.3 1.9 ± 0.3 2.1 ± 0.4 14 dB 15 dB 16 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR Tw12 1.5 ± 0.4 1.6 ± 0.3 1.8 ± 0.3 1.9 ± 0.3 2.2 ± 0.4 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HRvT112 1.5 ± 0.4 1.6 ± 0.3 1.8 ± 0.3 1.9 ± 0.3 2.0 ± 0.4 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T116 1.4 ± 0.4 1.5 ± 0.3 1.6 ± 0.3 1.7 ± 0.3 1.8 ± 0.4 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR Tw16 1.4 ± 0.4 1.5 ± 0.3 1.6 ± 0.3 1.7 ± 0.3 1.8 ± 0.4 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT116 1.4 ± 0.4 1.5 ± 0.3 1.6 ± 0.3 1.7 ± 0.3 1.8 ± 0.4 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB

Model I N / T a p L o s s ( QC d B ) TAP R e turn Los s ( QC dB M i n)

HR T106 6.6 ± 0.4 6.3 ± 0.4 6.6 ± 0.4 7.0 ± 0.5 7.6 ± 0.5 14 dB 15 dB 16 dB 16 dB 14 dB
HR Tw6 6.5 ± 0.5 6.6 ± 0.4 6.9 ± 0.4 7.5 ± 0.5 8.0 ± 0.6 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HRvT106 6.5 ± 0.5 6.6 ± 0.5 6.7 ± 0.5 7.2 ± 0.5 7.4 ± 0.6 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T108 8.5 ± 0.5 9.0 ± 0.5 9.0 ± 0.5 9.5 ± 0.5 10.0 ± 0.6 14 dB 15 dB 16 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR Tw9 9.0 ± 0.5 9.0 ± 0.5 9.1 ± 0.5 9.5 ± 0.5 10.0 ± 0.6 14 dB 15 dB 16 dB 16 dB 14 dB
HRvT109 9.0 ± 0.5 8.5 ± 0.5 8.5 ± 0.5 8.5 ± 0.6 8.8 ± 0.7 14 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR T112 12.5 ± 0.5 12.6 ± 0.5 12.6 ± 0.5 13.1 ± 0.6 13.5 ± 0.6 14 dB 15 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR Tw12 12.5 ± 0.5 12.6 ± 0.5 13.0 ± 0.5 13.5 ± 0.5 14.0 ± 0.6 14 dB 15 dB 16 dB 16 dB 14 dB
HRvT112 12.2 ± 0.5 12.2 ± 0.5 12.2 ± 0.5 12.4 ± 0.6 12.6 ± 0.7 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T116 16 ± 0.5 16.2 ± 0.5 16.5 ± 0.5 17 ± 0.6 17.4 ± 0.7 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR Tw16 16 ± 0.5 16.2 ± 0.5 16.3 ± 0.5 16.5 ± 0.6 16.6 ± 0.7 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HRvT116 16 ± 0.5 16.2 ± 0.5 16.3 ± 0.5 16.5 ± 0.6 16.6 ± 0.7 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB

Model I s ol ati on Tap to Output (QC dB M i n) OUTP UT Re turn Los s ( QC dB M i n)

HR T106 24 dB 18 dB 20 dB 16 dB 15 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR Tw6 24 dB 22 dB 23 dB 19 dB 18 dB 15 dB 18 dB 18 dB 18 dB 15 dB
HRvT106 24 dB 24 dB 23 dB 20 dB 18 dB 15 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T108 18 dB 18 dB 18 dB 19 dB 18 dB 15 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR Tw9 18 dB 19 dB 20 dB 19 dB 18 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT109 18 dB 18 dB 20 dB 19 dB 18 dB 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T112 22 dB 24 dB 23 dB 20 dB 20 dB 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR Tw12 22 dB 24 dB 23 dB 20 dB 20 dB 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HRvT112 22 dB 24 dB 23 dB 20 dB 20 dB 14 dB 16 dB 16 dB 16 dB 15 dB
HR T116 22 dB 21 dB 25 dB 25 dB 25 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR Tw16 26 dB 26 dB 28 dB 28 dB 28 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT116 26 dB 26 dB 28 dB 28 dB 28 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com

 CATV /DBS Taps

HRvT2*, HRT2*
Model I N / OUT Los s ( QC dB ) I N P UT Re turn Los s ( QC dB M i n)
Frequency
(MHz)
15- 47 250 950 1450 2150 15-47 250 950 1450 215 0

2.5 dB 2.7 dB 3.0 dB 3.3 dB 3.5 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB

HR T212 ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB Min Min Min Min Min
2.5 dB 2.7 dB 3.0 dB 3.3 dB 3.5 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT212 ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB Min Min Min Min Min
1.5 dB 1.5 dB 1.6 dB 1.7 dB 1.8 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR T216 ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB Min Min Min Min Min
1.5 dB 1.5 dB 1.6 dB 1.7 dB 1.8 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT216 ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB ± 0.3 dB Min Min Min Min Min

Model I s ol a ti on T a p to T a p ( QC dB M i n) OUT P UT R e tur n L os s ( QC dB M i n)

20 dB 20 dB 20 dB 18 dB 16 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRT212 Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min

20 dB 20 dB 20 dB 18 dB 16 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR vT212 Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min

24 dB 24 dB 23 dB 20 dB 18 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRT216 Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min

20 dB 20 dB 20 dB 18 dB 16 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT216 Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min Min

Model I N / T a p L o s s ( QC d B ) T A P R e t u r n L o s s ( QC d B M i n )
11 dB 11 dB 11 dB 11.5 dB 12 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HR T 212 ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB Min Min Min Min Min

11 dB 11 dB 11 dB 11.5 dB 12 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT212 ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB Min Min Min Min Min

16 dB 16 dB 16.5 dB 17.2 dB 17.6 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB

HRT216 ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB Min Min Min Min Min

11 dB 11 dB 11 dB 11.5 dB 12 dB 13 dB 15 dB 15 dB 15 dB 14 dB
HRvT216 ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB ± 0.5 dB Min Min Min Min Min

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com

 CATV /DBS Taps

RETURN LOSS REFLECTIONS

• Signal inserted into the first device passes
to the the second device connected via a
20 S1 RG6 S2 20
20 dB pad to a spectrum analyzer.
T T
SIGNAL SPECTRUM
GENERATOR ANALYZER
• Devices not equaling 75 ohms reflect
part of the signal back to the source.
Standing waves are created.

• The top plot compares the difference

between (2) 15 dB return loss devices
and (2) 6 dB return loss devices.

• The frequency of the standing waves is

proportional to the spacing between
devices.

• The second plot shows (2) 6 dB return

loss devices spaced at 1 ft and at 20 feet
of coax.

• Transponders passing between the

6 dB RL devices are distorted by the standing
waves. Note the un-distorted 15 dB
return Loss signal vs the signal passing
through (2) 6 dB RL devices.

• The reflection amplitude table is created

with equations provided by Hewlett
Packard. SONORA confirmed the table
Device 1 Device 2 RIPPLE using known return loss devices.
Return Loss Return Loss
15 db 15 dB 0.5 dB • CATV systems require 20 dB return loss for
15 dB 12 dB 0.8 dB devices connected to the trunk.
15 dB 10 dB 1.0 dB

12 db 12 db 1.1 dB • Consumer grade products like TV’s have

12 dB 10 dB 1.4 dB
from 6 dB to 10 dB return loss.
12 dB 8 dB 1.7 dB
• Ripple greater than 2 dB peak amplitude
10 dB 10 dB 1.7 dB
can freeze digital signals.
10 dB 8 dB 2.2 dB

10 dB 6 dB 2.8 dB

6 dB 8 dB 3.5 dB

6 dB 6 db 4.5 db

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com

 DIRECTV® MDU

(4) FLOOR, TAP PER FLOOR

99 110 119 95
4FL_LA145A_1FS
101
103 SL5 20 ft RG6 per floor
ROOF 1 floor spacing An AU9 SL5S signal consisting of the 99º,101º,103º,
50 feet 4 dB ave loss 110º and 119º is supplemented with a single dish
RG6 including taps
focused on the 95º satellite.
-35 dBm
SAT SAT SAT SAT
1 2 3 4

Model SEQ409, LA145a and 5SATPL start the

SEQ409
OUT
1
OUT
2
OUT
3
OUT
4 distribution located 50 feet from the dishes.
-39 dBm
SAT SAT SAT SAT SAT
FLOOR 1 2 3 4 5
DC
The signal levels expected are indicated on the left. A
4
LA145a distance of 20 feet of RG-6 is assumed to determine
OUT
1
OUT
2
OUT
3
OUT
4
OUT
5 DC
the average loss per floor. (2 dB loss) A per floor loss
is assumed to be 4 dB.
20v 14v 20v 14v 20 24
22k 22k PS
24
An AU9 dish typically has an output of -30 dBm.
5SATPL
101º 110/119º FLEX
2000

PORT 1
EVEN 101º EVEN 119º
ODD ODD
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

After 50 feet of RG-6 the signal to the SEQ409

-25 dBm -37 dBm equalizer is -35 dBm.
SWMBOX-32
12dB PORT 2

3 PORT 1
At the higher Ku frequency, the SEQ409 insertion
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

-29 dBm -38 dBm loss is 4 dB. The LA145a with 14 dB of gain has an
9dB SWMBOX-32 output of -25 dBm.
PORT 2
PORT 1
2
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

Model HRvTxx taps are used to couple some of the

-33 dBm -39 dBm
SWMBOX-32 signal to the IDF equipment. The insertion loss of
6 dB PORT 2
the tap values is averaged. High value taps have
PORT 1
1 less insertion loss than lower value taps. (1.5 dB
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4
SWM5
SWM6
SWM7
SWM8

-38 dBm -44 dBm to 3 dB)

6 dB SWMBOX-64
T T T T T PORT 2

Model SWMBOX-64 hubs provide the signals to up

to (8) SWM8 switches at zero loss. SWM8 switches
Bill of Materials have AGC simplifying the design. Inputs of -25 dBm
(1) SEQ409 to -55 dBm is required to each IDF.
(1) LA145a
(1) 5SATPL Model SWMBOX-32 hubs provide the signals to up to
(5) HRvT112 (4) SWM8 switches with 9 dB loss. A minimum input
(5) HRvT109 of -46 dBm is required to each IDF.
(10) HRvT106
Note a SWMBOX-64 is used in each case on floor
1. The signal level is at the low end to feed a
SWMBOX-32.

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com

 DIRECTV® MDU
8FL_LA284a_LA145A_1FS

(8) FLOOR, TAP PER FLOOR

99 110 119 95
101
ROOF 103 SL5 20 ft RG6 per floor
1 floor spacing A model LA285a amplifier is used to start the
100 feet 4 dB ave loss distribution due to the longer dish to floor 8
RG6 including taps
distance.
-42 dBm
SAT SAT SAT SAT
1 2 3 4
FLOOR
8 SEQ409
OUT OUT OUT OUT
An AU9 dish typically has an output of -30 dBm.
1 2 3 4

-46 dBm After 100 feet of RG-6 the signal to the SEQ409
SAT SAT SAT SAT DC LNB DCL DCA
1 2 3 4
equalizer is -42 dBm.
LA281a
LA284a OUT DCL DCA

OUT
1
OUT
2
OUT
3
OUT
4
At the higher Ku frequency, the SEQ409 insertion
loss is 4 dB. The LA285a with 28 dB of gain has an
20v 14v 20v
22k
14v
22k
20 24
PS output of -18 dBm.
24

5SATPL
101º 110/119º FLEX
2000

Decreasing value tap values are used on sequential

EVEN 101º EVEN 119º
ODD ODD PORT 1
floors. Once the IDF level drops below -40 dBm, the
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

-18 dBm -34 dBm

SWMBOX-32 next floor receives a LA145a amplifier.
16dB PORT 2
PORT 1
7
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

A second series of sequential taps are used.

-22 dBm -38 dBm
SWMBOX-32
16dB PORT 2
PORT 1 The insertion loss of the tap values is averaged. A
6
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

-26 dBm -38 dBm per floor loss is assumed to be 4 dB.

SWMBOX-32
12dB PORT 2
PORT 1
Bill of Materials
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

5
-30 dBm -39 dBm (1) SEQ409
SWMBOX-32
9dB PORT 2 (1) LA145a
(1) LA145a-T
-34 dBm (1) 5SATPL
SAT SAT SAT SAT SAT DC
1 2 3 4 5 PS
20
(5) HRvT116
FLOOR
4 LA145a 1200
(10) HRvT112
OUT
1
OUT
2
OUT
3
OUT
4
OUT
5 DC PORT 1 (10) HRvT109
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

(10) HRvT106
-20 dBm -36 dBm
SWMBOX-32
16dB PORT 2
PORT 1 SWM8 switches are added as subscribers are
3
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

-24 dBm -40 dBm added. Use SWMBOX-64 hubs for higher expected
SWMBOX-32
16dB PORT 2 penetration.
PORT 1
2
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

-28 dBm -40 dBm

SWMBOX-32
12dB PORT 2
PORT 1
1
SWM1
SWM2
SWM3
SWM4

-32 dBm -41 dBm

SWMBOX-32
9dB
T T T T T PORT 2

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com

 CATV /DBS Taps

HRTw WALL TAPS

• Some homes have a single coax that loops
SL5S from one room to another as opposed
to one coax from each room back to the
MPOE.
-31 dBm

• Model LA141R is a line powered by model

-40 dBm 24V -26 dBm
@ 100 ft
2A HRPIR242 which provides voltage to the
HRPIR LA141R and SL5S dish.
242

24V to • The amplified SL5S signal goes 50 feet to

SL5S
MPOE room 1 that has a model HRwT116 tap.
@ 50 ft
The input is -30 dBm, the tap output is -46
50 ft 3 to 4 4 1
-52 dBm IN -30 dBm IN dBm and the thru output is -32 dBm. (2 dB
6 dB tap 16 dB tap
H -58 dBm H
-46 dBm insertion)
R R
W W
T T
ANT IN

SAT IN
ATSC IN

FTM • From room 1 the signal goes another 50

D12 RECEIVER H20 HD RECEIVER
feet to room 2. A model HRwT112 tap is
50 ft 2 to 3 3 50 ft Rm1 to 2 2 used.
-43 dBm IN -36 dBm IN
6 dB tap 12 dB tap
-49 dBm -48 dBm
H
R
W
H
R
W
RECORDING
PROGRAM
• From room 2 the signal goes 50 feet to
T
T
room 3. A model HRwT106 tap is used.
ATSC IN

FTM
SAT1 SAT2 ATSC
HR20
H20 HD RECEIVER
IN IN IN
HD DVR
• From room 3 the signal goes 50 feet to
room 4. A model HRwT106 tap is used.

Contact: Sonora Design Associates t 805.644.8913 t www.sonoradesign.com t info@sonoradesign.com