Operations Manual

Alarm Definitions
MCPS2000 Operations Manual
Spectrian Proprietary -- See notice on first page
20
3.2.1.1 Minor Alarm
A minor problem exists, but the fault does not require a module to be taken out of
service.
Routine service attention is recommended.
3.2.1.2 Major Alarm
A major problem exists such that the MCPS2000 is not meeting all performance
specifications, but the unit is not automatically disabled.
Urgent service attention is required or the unit may take itself out of service.
3.2.1.3 Critical Alarm
A major failure or a condition exists that could result in damage. The MCPS2000 is
automatically taken out of service.
Immediate service attention is required.
3.2.2 Alarm Responses
The fault management system automatically responds when a fault is detected.
Responses vary in impact from alarm notification with no subsequent action (for
minor faults) to alarm notification and shut-down (for out-of-service faults). The
hierarchy of responses is designed to keep the MCPS2000 in operation unless
continued operation would result in damage to the unit. Under some fault conditions,
the MCPS2000 continues to operate in a degraded state. The operator may choose to
continue to operate in a degraded state, shed channels, or shut down the MCPS2000
until repairs can be completed.
3.2.2.1 Automatic Alarm resets
Critical Alarm
When a critical alarm occurs, the MCPS2000 will automatically be DISABLED (i.e.,
taken out of service) until the operator ENABLES the unit.
Major Alarm
When a major fault is detected, the MCPS2000 attempts to clear the fault by
performing a reset. In most cases, the MCPS2000 will attempt to reset three times.
If the alarm condition fails to clear after three attempts, the MCPS2000 remains in
operation with the fault alarm set.
In the case of an over-temperature major alarm, the fault manager will attempt to
clear the alarm one time only by resetting. If the fault condition does not clear, the
alarm classification will escalate to out-of-service, and the MCPS2000 will shut
down and remain off-line until returned to service by the operator.
Alarm Transient Supression
To minimize false alarms from transient anomalies, the fault management system is
designed with built-in hysteresis. If the fault condition persists past the hysteresis
interval, the appropriate fault alarm is set.