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FlexStar® HDx

The FlexStar® HDx exciter delivers unrivaled performance and an impressive feature set. One of the most advanced HD Radio™ exciters ever invented, the FlexStar HDx system is also the world’s first tri-mode exciter — capable of handling HD, analog FM, or FM+HD simultaneously. The FlexStar HDx exciter provides a digital signal of flawless integrity, with complete technical and regulatory compliance for Flexiva™ tube and solid-state HD Radio transmitters. The HDx exciter analog FM performance is unsurpassed in the industry. Designed to accept the broadest range of analog and digital inputs, the FlexStar HDx exciter can be operated in the studio’s current configuration, and then upgraded to HD Radio on any preferred timetable. Even the analog input will provide exceptional audio quality improvements upon installation.

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The FlexStar^® HDx exciter delivers unrivaled performance and an impressive feature set. One of the most advanced HD Radio™exciters ever invented, the FlexStar HDx system is also the world’s first tri-mode exciter — capable of handling HD, analog FM, or FM+HD simultaneously. The FlexStar HDx exciter provides a digital signal of flawless integrity, with complete technical and regulatory compliance for Flexiva™ tube and solid-state HD Radio transmitters. The HDx exciter analog FM performance is unsurpassed in the industry. Designed to accept the broadest range of analog and digital inputs, the FlexStar HDx exciter can be operated in the studio’s current configuration, and then upgraded to HD Radio on any preferred timetable. Even the analog input will provide exceptional audio quality improvements upon installation.

For HD Radio implementation, award-winning HDE-200 embedded HD Radio exporter is required. The exporter is typically located at the studio and may be joined by the HDI-200 importer for advanced applications, such as supplemental audio channels (multicast) and additional data services.

The exclusive Real-Time Adaptive Correction (RTAC™) technology incorporated in the FlexStar HDx exciter continuously monitors the transmitter output, while automatically adapting for system nonlinearities. This keeps the station well within FCC compliance and maximizes coverage. Sustainable performance is another key benefit of the FlexStar HDx exciter — it delivers the same unsurpassed quality today as it did on the day of final testing at the factory. The integrated digital stereo generator with the adjustable Digital Composite Limiter (DCL) uses proprietary look-ahead algorithms to anticipate and eliminate over-modulation peaks before they occur.

Incredibly versatile, the FlexStar HDx exciter will far exceed current requirements and easily enables future station growth.

Embedded Digital Signal Processing (DSP) based FM, HD or FM+HD exciter
Direct-to-channel digital FM modulation
Dual-output, tri-mode FM, HD or FM-HD operation (two exciters in one)
RTAC (Real-Time Adaptive Correction)
Digital adaptive group delay equalization
Optimized correction for FM tube- and solid-state transmitters
RF mode switching on-the-fly
Integrated N+1 control system
World’s best FM analog performance
10 MHz input reference for synchronous booster and Single Frequency Network (SFN) support
Easy-to-use Graphic User Interface (GUI)
Spectrum display; shows real-time performance
Integrated digital stereo generator with updated digital composite limiter
Two built-in subcarrier (SCA) generators
Integrated, static RBDS generator
Up to three external subcarrier inputs
Auto-switching between analog, AES-3 Main and AES-3 AUX inputs for on-air reliability
Compact design (only 12 in. deep) eliminates external racks
Efficient, easy-to-service interior
High-efficiency, auto-ranging power supply
Internal harmonic filter for standalone transmitter

General
Power Output Range, Main Output	1 W to 55 W for FM mode; 0.5 W to 20 W for FM+HD mode; 0.2 W to 10 W for HD mode, each adjustable from front panel, via remote IO and remote GUI Mode independent from aux output
Power Output Range, Aux Output	-30 to +3 dBm (2 mW) into 50 ohms Requires GatesAir FlexStar Boost Pro to drive transmitter Modulation independent of main output Mode independent from main output
RF Output Impedance	50 ohms, unbalanced (BNC)
VSWR	1.9:1 at rated power Open and short circuit protected at all phase angles
RF Harmonic and Spurious Suppression	Internal harmonic filter meets or exceeds all FCC, IC, CE, CCIR and IEC215 requirements Meets or exceeds standard NRSC-5A emission limits in all modes
Frequency Range	87.5-108.0 MHz, programmable in 10 kHz steps
Frequency Stability	±150 Hz, 0° to 50° C using high-accuracy internal (59.535 MHz) TCXO 10 MHz input for synchronization to external (GPS) reference Automatic switching to internal oscillator if external reference fails
External Frequency Control	Parallel I/O control of up to eight frequencies and modulation setups Unlimited frequency selection via optional N+1 controller
Modulation Types	FM digitally synthesized direct to channel, HD digital direct to channel, FM+HD digital direct to channel
Operating Modes	“On-the-Fly” switching among FM only, HD only, FM+HD and Split Level in any combination on either of 2 RF outputs
FM Modulation Capability	Greater than ±300 kHz
Modulation Indication	Auto-ranging (14% / 140% full scale) GUI modulation display with peak hold
Asynchronous AM S/N Ratio	75 dB minimum below equivalent 100% amplitude modulation by 400 Hz using 75 μs de-emphasis (no FM modulation present)
Synchronous AM S/N Ratio	60 dB minimum below equivalent 100% amplitude modulation with 75 μs de-emphasis and 400 Hz high-pass filter (FM deviation 75 kHz by a 1 kHz sine wave)
Measured at wideband input Diagnostics	Front-panel 1/4 VGA color touch-sensitive Graphical User Interface
AC Input Power	90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, 260 W max
Operating Temperature Range	0° to 45° C, derated 2° C per 1000 ft Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL)
Humidity	95% non-condensing
Altitude	15,000 ft. (4,573 m)
Dimensions (H X W X D)	7 x 19 x 12.5 in. (17.8 x 48.3 x 31.8 cm), slide-out mounting rails included
Mounting	Standard 19 in. (48.3 cm) EIA rack with optional rackmount adapter
Weight	22.1 lbs (10 kg)
Input/Output Specifications
AES3 Audio Inputs	2 auto-switching AES3 inputs, female XLR, 110 ohms balanced; -2.8 dBfs nominal; GUI adjustable level from 0 dBfs to -15 dBfs in 0.1 dB steps for ±75 kHz deviation; input sample rate 32 to 96 kHz
Analog L/R Inputs	Female XLR, >10K ohms, balanced, resistive; default level is +10 dBu for ±75 kHz deviation. Level GUI adjustable from -10 dBV
Analog Composite Input	2 BNC inputs (one balanced, one unbalanced); Balanced impedance is 10K ohms or 50 ohms (selectable); Unbalanced is 10K ohms; Input level: 3.5 V P-P for ±75 kHz deviation; Adjustable 2 to 5 V pk-pk
SCA Audio Inputs	2 inputs combined on one 5-pin XLR-female connector (mating male connector supplied); >10K ohms balanced, resistive; +10 dBV nominal for ±6 kHz of FM sub-carrier
External SCA inputs	2 BNC female, unbalanced; >10K ohms; 1.5 V pk-pk nominal for ±7.5 kHz (10%) deviation of main carrier; adjustable from 1 to 4 V pk-pk
External 10 MHz Clock Input	BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms, -10 dBm to +10 dBm
External 1 PPS Clock Input	BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms, TTL level
User Remote Interface	Sub-D 25-pin female
Transmitter Interface	Sub-D 15-pin female
N+1 Interface	Sub-D 25-pin female
RF Sample Out	BNC jack, -40 dBc, post harmonic filter
RF Output	2 BNC female connectors; main RF channel and auxiliary RF channel
19 kHz Pilot Sync Output	BNC female, unbalanced, 50 ohms resistive, sinewave, phase adjustable, AC coupled, 4.5 V pk-pk nominal, unterminated
Communication Ports	2 Sub-D 9-pin female; RS-232 protocol, for RBDS or VT-100 data
Ethernet Ports	2 RJ-45 on main processor board; 2 RJ-45 on Exgine board (HD version only); all Ethernet ports 10/100; supports static or dynamic IP address
USB Port	Front-panel USB type-A connector; USB 1.1 /2.0 compliant; supports configuration save/restore and software updates via flash drive
RF Sample Inputs	2 digital precorrection inputs, SMA female, unbalanced 50 ohms, resistive, maximum input is +5 dBm average in HD mode, maximum is +9 dBm average in FM or FM+HD mode
Stereo Generator Performance (AES3 or analog inputs)
Modes	Stereo, Mono L+R, Mono L, and Mono R; remote controllable
Pre-emphasis	Selectable 0, 25, 50, or 75 microseconds
Stereo Pilot Tone	19 kHz ±0.03 Hz; injection adjustable 0% to 12% in 0.05% steps; Nominal: 9% 38kHz, 57kHz, 76 kHz, 95 kHz
Suppression	80 dB below ±75 kHz deviation
Stereo Separation	80 dB*/60 dB, 10 Hz to 15 kHz
Dynamic Stereo Separation	80 dB/60 dB, 10 Hz to 15 kHz
Stereo Amplitude Response	±0.1 dB, 10 Hz to 15 kHz referenced to selected pre-emphasis curve, LPF cutoff selectable
Stereo Signal-to-Noise Ratio (L or R)	85 dB below 100% modulation at 400 Hz; measured in a 10 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth with 75 μs de-emphasis and DIN “A” weighting
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion	0.005%*/0.02%, any modulating frequency 10 Hz to 15 kHz, in bandwidth 10 Hz to 22 kHz; with 75 μs de-emphasis
Stereo Intermodulation Distortion (L or R)	CCIF: 0.005%*/0.02% Note 1; (14/15 kHz 1:1), SMPTE: 0.02% (60 and 7000 Hz 1:1)
Transient Intermodulation Distortion (DIM	0.008%*/ 0.02%; (2.96 kHz square wave/14 kHz sinewave modulation)
Linear Crosstalk	90 dB below 100% modulation reference (AES3 Input); L+R to L-R or L-R to L+R due to amplitude and phase matching of L&R channels (10 Hz-15 kHz)
Nonlinear Crosstalk	80 dB below 100% modulation reference; L+R to L-R or L-R to L+R due to distortion products
Audio Overshoot	Less than 0.16 dB
Mono Performance (AES3 or analog input)
Pre-emphasis	Selectable 0, 25, 50 or 75 microseconds
FM Mono Signal-to-Noise Ratio	100 dB*/94 dB below 100% modulation at 400 Hz; measured in a 10 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth with 75 μs de-emphasis and DIN “A” weighting
Amplitude Response	±0.05 dB, referenced to selected pre-emphasis curve (no low-pass filter)
Mono Total Harmonic Distortion	0.002%*/0.01% THD, 10 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth
Mono Intermodulation Distortion	CCIF: 0.005% (14/15 kHz 1:1); SMPTE: 0.005% (60/7000 Hz 1:1)
Mono Transient Intermodulation Distortion (DIM)	0.005% (2.96 kHz square wave/14 kHz sine wave)
Wideband Analog Input Performance
FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio	100 dB*/94 dB below ±75 kHz deviation at 400 Hz; measured in a 10 Hz to 100 kHz bandwidth with 75 μs de-emphasis; DIN “A” weighting
Amplitude Response	±0.005 dB 20 Hz to 53 kHz; ±0.03 dB, 53 to 100 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.002%*/.01% THD over stereo sub band (10 Hz to 53 kHz) with 75 microsecond de-emphasis
Intermodulation Distortion	CCIF: 0.005% (14/15 kHz, ratio 1:1); SMPTE: 0.005% (60/7000 Hz, Ratio 1:1)
Transient Intermodulation Distortion (DIM)	0.005% (2.96 kHz square wave/14 kHz sinewave modulation)
Slew Rate	11.8 V/μs - symmetrical
Phase Response Variation	±0.05° from linear phase, 10 Hz to 100 kHz
Group Delay Variation	±5 ns, 10 Hz to 53 kHz, ±30 ns, 53 to 100 kHz
External SCA, RBDS Performance SCA Format	Externally generated, analog FM subcarriers in the range 53 to 99 kHz
SCA sub-band Amplitude Response	±0.5 dB, 40 to 100 kHz; high-pass filtered
SCA Channel FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio	80 dB below +6 kHz subcarrier deviation at 400 Hz with 150 μS de-emphasis
Harmonic Distortion	Less than 0.2% in audio passband of SCA generator
Intermodulation Distortion	SMPTE (60 and 7000 Hz, 1:1): 0.2% or less, no pre/de-emphasis, SCA generator low-pass filter bypassed
Crosstalk, SCA to Stereo	80 dB below 100% modulation, L or R channel with 75 μs de-emphasis
Crosstalk, Stereo to SCA	80 dB below 100% modulation referenced to ±6 kHz deviation and 150 μs de-emphasis
Crosstalk, SCA to SCA	80 dB below 100% modulation (referenced to +6 kHz deviation and 150 μs de-emphasis per channel)
Dual Internal SCA Performance
Pre-emphasis	Selectable: 150 μS, 75 μS, none
Amplitude Response	±0.5 dB, 10 Hz to 7.5 kHz; selectable 4.3 or 7.5 kHz lowpass filter
Subcarrier Frequency	57 to 99 KHz in 1 kHz steps
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	80 dB with de-emphasis (150 μS), 65 dB without de-emphasis at ±6 kHz deviation
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.1% 10 Hz to 5 kHz
SCA Deviation Capability	±1 to ±12 kHz; ±-6 kHz default
Injection Level	2 to 20%, adjustable in 0.1% increments
Spurious and Harmonic Performance	Second Harmonic: better than 40 dB below subcarrier; Third Harmonic: better than 45 dB below subcarrier; All other components: 50 Hz to 100 kHz: better than 80 dB below subcarrier
RBDS Generator Performance
Functionality	Static field entry
Subcarrier Frequency	57 kHz, ± 0.09 Hz
Injection Level	2 to 20% in 0.1% increments
HD Radio Performance	Compliant with iBiquity and NRSC 5A standards
*NOTE: Specifications were measured using laboratory digital demodulation techniques for product performance verification. All other specifications were measured to the performance limits of currently available production test equipment.
*HD Radio is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corp.