Subrack

Template:Hierarchy header Two types of MCE subracks are in production:

• a large (72-HP) subrack containing 5 MDM connectors and four read-out cards.
• a small (48-HP) subrack containing 3 MDM connectors and two read-out cards.

An intermediate sized 60-HP subrack was also prototyped but not produced in large numbers. Functionally it is equivalent to the modern 48-HP subrack.

(what is HP?)

Components

A fully-kitted subrack contains:

• 1 clock card
• 2 (48-HP subrack) or 4 (72-HP subrack) readout cards (fewer are installed if the extra read-out capacity is not needed)
• 3 bias cards (in some situations one might be removed)
• 1 address card

It also contains the following which are generally not "user-replaceable":

• 1 bus backplane
• 1 instrument backplane
• 3 (48-HP subrack) or 5 (72-HP subrack) MDM filter boxes

Notes

• before the development of fast bias cards, in each subrack, one bias card was often replaced with a biasing address card (BAC), to allow for fast SQ2 switching. Modern bias cards can now perform fast switching and the BAC option is now obsolete.
• the 72-HP subrack also has space for a power supply (PSA) which is now obsolete and no longer installed. See MCE Power Requirements for current subrack power options

Dimensions and Weight

• A fully populated 3-MDM MCE weighs approximately 9.5 kg
• Dimensions for a 48-HP MCE: ~ 40cm x 31cm x 34cm (L x W x H)
  • MCE 48-HP Mounting Dimensions (PDF)
  • MCE 48-HP Dimenstions (PDF)

• Note: We are currently working on reducing the depth of the subracks by ~5cm and this will reduce the weight as well.

(what is HP?)

Other information

• MCE Power Requirements
• Hardware Interface Block Diagram(PDF) (SC2_ELE_S580_005)
• Subrack Mounting Instructions (DOC) (SC2-MEC-S580-504)
• Hardware Maintenance notes