Delivery: Online |
College Credit: 4 Credit Hours |
Est. Length: 26 Seat Hours
Price: $910.00 |
Equivalency Exam: $120.00
Course Overview
The NCTI System Technician course is designed for the broadband professional ready to advance to the “Master Technician” level. While previous courses taught you what the equipment does, this course teaches you how it works down to the component level.
This advanced curriculum dissects the physics of the HFC network. Students will study the principles of Amplitude, Frequency, and Phase Modulation, which are the building blocks of modern digital signals. The course covers the internal circuitry of network equipment—including Transistors (BJT/FET), Op-Amps, and Oscillators—giving technicians the knowledge to troubleshoot escalated problems that baffle others. Additionally, students will master next-generation diagnostic tools like Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM) features in DOCSIS 3.1, Spectrum Analyzers, and Network Sweeping systems.
Who Should Attend:
- Senior Maintenance Technicians
- Headend Technicians
- Network Engineers
- Technicians preparing for SCTE BDS/BTS Certification
What You Will Learn
Upon completion, students will be able to align distribution amplifiers for optimal performance, interpret spectrum analyzer displays, and oversee underground construction projects.
Core Competencies:
- Modulation Theory: Analyze the elements of a carrier wave and distinguish between AM, FM, Phase Modulation, and Digital Modulation schemes.
- Circuit Analysis: Describe the operation of Bipolar Junction Transistors, Field Effect Transistors, and Class A/Push-Pull amplifiers within network equipment.
- RF Amplifiers: Explain the parameters for optimal RF amplifier operation, balancing noise vs. distortion, and executing proper Distribution Amplifier Alignment.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Leverage DOCSIS Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM) to identify linear distortion and impending failures before they cause outages.
- Test Equipment: Operate a Spectrum Analyzer for various HFC measurements and perform Forward/Return path Network Sweeping.
- Construction: Describe methods for constructing underground plants, including trenching, plowing, and directional boring.
Certification and Benefits
The Path to Master Technician
This course offers significant academic value, providing 4 hours of college credit and serving as a critical step toward the prestigious NCTI Master Technician status.
Additional Benefits:
- SCTE Prep: Excellent preparation for SCTE Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) and Broadband Transportation Specialist (BTS) certifications.
- Industry Recognition: Receive the NCTI Certificate of Graduation.
- Deep Diagnostics: Move beyond swapping modules to understanding the root cause of component failures.
Course Outline
Module 1: Modulation and Circuits
- Modulation: AM, FM, Digital Modulation, and Carrier Waves.
- Components: Receivers, Tuned Circuits, and Transistors (BJT/FET).
Module 2: Amplifiers and Oscillators
- Op-Amps: Structure and basic circuit applications.
- Discrete Amps: Class A, Push-Pull, and RF Amplifier specifications.
- Oscillators: Crystal oscillators and Multivibrators.
Module 3: Maintenance and Testing
- Aligning Distribution Amplifiers.
- PNM: Leveraging DOCSIS modems for maintenance.
- Testing: Spectrum Analyzer basics and Network Sweeping.
Module 4: Underground Construction
- Trenching and Backfilling.
- Plowing and Directional Boring (Dry/Fluid-Assisted).