December 2007 HF/50MHz TRANSCEIVER i7700 A top of the line transceiver with ultimate receiver performance To claim the right of being a top of the line transceiver, it is necessary to have the absolute best performance and features. However, the requirements for a top of the line HF transceiver are essential elements of performance beginning with receiver anti-distortion performance. Then and only then is a radio considered a REAL high grade machine. Icom proudly unveils the long-awaited HF transceiver with unparalleled receiver performance, the IC-7700. The radio for those who appreciate only the best. More than 110dB dynamic range. More than +40dBm IP3. More than +110dBm IP2 in the HF bands. For those who obtain the IC-7700, they will know they have the most powerful receiver performance available. The sound of the HF world you thought was normal, will start changing. SELLING POINTS 110dB dynamic range, +40dBm 3rd order intercept point in HF bands Two 32-bit floating point DSP units (One for the transmitter/receiver, one for the spectrum scope) Three roofing filters (3kHz, 6kHz, 15kHz) 7-inch wide (800 400 pixels) TFT color display 200W output, full power, full duty operation -1-
Double conversion super-heterodyne system While multiple IF stages often become a cause of signal distortion and spurious emissions, the IC-7700 utilizes a simple double conversion super-heterodyne system using our original image rejection mixer. A high performance D-MOS FET array for the 1st mixer stage is infused with a signal from the high-level C/N, high-drive Local Oscillator from the PLL unit. This mixer reduces signal distortion through IF processing and provides a high-fidelity signal to the DSP unit. 110dB dynamic range and +40dBm 3rd order Intercept Point (IP3) There is a trade-off between sensitivity and IP3 figure. So by sacrificing radio sensitivity, the IP3 figure of a radio will increase. However, Icom considers this non-sense. To achieve a REAL high performance machine, the whole analog circuit was reviewed and the IC-7700 employs mechanical relay BPF switching, digital preselector, three roofing filters and a simple double super-heterodyne system. And the analog circuit was well-balanced to the DSP units, the IC-7700 provides superior performance in sensitivity, and a superb dynamic range of 110dB, +40dBm IP3 (even in strict USB mode (2.4kHz filter width)). Dynamic range characteristics (in 14MHz band) Audio output level [db] 50 Dynamic range 110dB IP3 (3rd order Intercept Point) +40dBm 40 30 20 10 0 Sensitivity 3rd order Intermodulation Noise floor level 3dB Input level at the antenna connector [dbm] More than +110dBm 2nd order intercept point (IP2) More than +110dBm IP2 means the 2nd order distortion from strong broadcast stations will be completely rejected. The endless pursuit of leading analog circuit engineering makes it possible to achieve this high specification. * Measurement was made with custom made measuring equipment, due to normal signal generator (SG) and duplexers are limited to about +85dBm. The figure of IP2 is typical value. IP2 (2nd order Intercept Point) +112.4dBm OUTPUT [db] 250 200 150 100 50 High specification inband IMD Inband IMD (intermodulation distortion) is undesired modulation (2nd, 3rd or higher order) caused by the non-linear processing of received multiple signals. The IC-7700 has superior IMD figures in every order of IMD figures. These differences in the IMD figures will be evident especially in CW mode. The sound of the received audio will change and you will be able to copy a weak signal buried in internal distortion or noise. Band pass filter and mechanical relays To eliminate as much distortion as possible, the use of semi-conductors has been reduced to the absolute minimum in the high amplitude switching circuit. The IC-7700 also uses large coil condensers in the filter structure. Mechanical relays and large toroidal coils and condensers which are resistant to magnetic saturation are also used to prevent distortion before the input of the band pass filter, and provide superior linearity. 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 (in HF bands) INPUT [dbm] BPF Unit -2-
DIGI-SEL (Digital pre-selector) function The DIGI-SEL function rejects unwanted suppression by out-of-pass band interference at the primary stage of signal processing. It is useful to reject unwanted out of band interference from multi-multi operation or strong broadcast stations. Within the HF bands, the DIGI-SEL automatically tracks the intended signal at a minimum of 2 khz steps keeping the pre-selector s bandwidth centered on the operating frequency. The DIGI-SEL has a sharp-pointed very narrow peak characteristic in the pass band. Together with the band pass filter it greatly attenuates out of the pass band. This combination reduces 2nd, 3rd and even higher order IMD components immensely. The center frequency of the pre-selector is manually adjustable from the DIGI-SEL tuning knob on the front panel. DIGI-SEL Characteristics in 14MHz band REF 0.0dBm DL 30.0dBm MKR 14.16MHz 10dB/ * A_Write Norm B_Blank Norm 8.73dmB MARKER 0dB 14.16MHz DIGI-SEL UNIT START 0Hz STOP 30.00MHz RBW 300kHz VBW 300kHz SWP 200ms ATT 10dB Pre-amplifiers The IC-7700 has a total of 4 pre-amplifiers, two for the HF bands and two for the 50MHz band. The purpose of pre-amplifiers is to improve receiver sensitivity; for the pursuit of higher gain and a better noise figure. The IC-7700 employs a noiseless feedback design with push-pull amplifiers. Using feedback transformers, the pre-amplifiers provide a high IP3 while keeping a low noise figure. 1st mixer The mixer element SD5400, used in the IC-7700 applies a 16V peek to peek voltage LO signal. Icom s wideband power-amplifier technical know-how is used in this mixer to generate such a high-level LO signal. Three filters including 3kHz The IC-7700 employs three filters of 15kHz, 6kHz and 3kHz before the 1st amplifier. Icom ordered special customized high specification devices to improve IMD and achieve better impedance characteristics. As a result, the 3kHz roofing filter provides approximately 134dB of blocking dynamic range and allows you to pull out a weak signal while blocking strong adjacent signals. * At 14.1MHz receive, with 5kHz separation of interference signal. 3kHz filter characteristics (50kHz span) 3kHz filter characteristics (500kHz span) Three roofing filters -3-
2nd image rejection mixer The image rejection mixer for the 2nd stage rejects image spurious through IF processing. In conjunction with the roofing filters, rejection characteristics of more than 100 db can be realized. The result of the stable operation of the analog image rejection mixer makes it possible to design a simplified receiver circuit, and improve the distortion-free performance of the receiver. Two AGC Loops The IC-7700 has two Automatic Gain Control loops. The first AGC loop prevents the saturation of the 1st IF amplifier from strong signals out of the Band Pass Filter bandwidth, and improves the dynamic range against adjacent signals. The second AGC loop detects the AGC voltage at the digital IF filter output which only passes the intended signal without causing AGC blocking. In addition to the preset AGC time constants (slow, medium and fast), the manual AGC volume provides flexible detailed AGC tuning. 2nd mixer Image rejection mixer DSP Circuit IF IF 90 Phase shifter IF A/D BPF IF AGC DET 90 Phase shifter D/A AGC DET AGC Loop line High stability OCXO unit The frequency control of these circuits is done by the high stability Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator unit. This OCXO unit has ±0.05ppm high stability on the basis of temperature. That means that within the specified temperature range, the frequency will deviate only 5Hz out of every 100 million Hz! This specification is equivalent to that specialized measuring equipment. Also, a 10MHz reference frequency can be the input/output for external equipment. OCXO Unit 7-inch wide color TFT LCD Response time, color, resolution, visibility - the IC-7700 s display has been examined for all aspects, and an active matrix 7-inch (800 400 pixels) TFT color display was selected. This large display shows operating frequencies various settings and operating conditions as well as spectrum scope, S-meter and RTTY/PSK31 decoded messages. The S-meter shows near analog like needle swings that are smooth and accurate. In addition to the 3 styles of digital meter, the IC-7700 has digital multi-function bar graphic meters to show various conditions such as Final PA temperature, PA voltage etc. Further more, the IC-7700 has a VGA connector for an external monitor and an S-meter connector for an external analog S-meter. USB ports on the front panel Two USB ports on the front panel, allowing you to easily connect USB type keyboard or USB memory stick to save transceiver settings, update firmware, or transfer settings to other IC-7700's. Two USB ports -4-
RTTY /PSK31 operation without PC connection The IC-7700 has a built-in modulator and demodulator for RTTY and PSK31 modes. By simply connecting a USB keyboard, you can immediately get on with enjoying these modes. In addition, you can pre-program transmit messages in the internal message memory or a USB memory stick and transmit them without connecting a USB keyboard. Also, received messages can be stored to a USB memory stick and transferred to your PC. 4 antenna connectors The IC-7700 has 4 antenna connectors (ANT1 to ANT4) with an automatic antenna selector. Once you program the operating band to the antenna memory, the antenna memory automatically selects the antenna as you change the operating band. Each antenna can be set to the antenna usage type such as for Tx/Rx use, Rx only* use and off line. The antenna switch button allows you to change operating antenna temporarily. * Rx setting is available for ANT4 only. Triple band stacking register With the push of a band button, the band stacking register allows you to simply bring back the last three operating settings (including antenna setting) per band for simple recall. This function is convenient when you operate 3 modes such as SSB, CW and RTTY on one band. Real time spectrum scope With the dedicated DSP unit for the spectrum scope, the IC-7700 achieves 80dB of dynamic range at the signal input level. It also improves the scope response time and signal resolution, so that it is possible to accurately tune to the intended signal as you see it on the spectrum scope screen. The spectrum scope range can be set independently from the receiving frequency. You can monitor the band condition between the selected sweep edges (Fixed mode), as well as sweep a Center mode screen. selected band width centered on the receiving frequency in the scope screen (Center mode). In addition, the scope has many features including scope attenuator (10dB/20dB/30dB), 2 types of marker (Transmit, Receiver) and Max hold function. The mini scope function is convenient for continuous monitoring even while adjusting the set mode. Digital IF filter When receiving a weak signal buried between adjacent channels, the DSP-based digital IF filter shows its superior filtering performance. Depending on the operating situation, for example handling a pile-up, or receiving a very weak signal, you can flexibly change sharp and soft filter shapes or narrow or shift the filter width, even while actually receiving a signal. Manual notch filter and auto notch filter The manual notch filter controlled by the DSP unit has extremely sharp characteristics and provides more than 70dB of attenuation. The notch filter width is selectable from 3-types, allowing you to select the suitable filter width depending on the operating mode and band. It eliminates persistent beat tones without affecting the AGC loop function. And more, the automatic notch filter tracks 2 or more interfering signals such as beat signals and RTTY signals. [db] Manual Notch (Narrow) [db] Manual Notch (Middle) [db] Manual Notch (Wide) 10 10 10 0 0 0 10 10 10 20 20 20 30 30 30 40 40 40 50 50 50 60 60 60 70 70 70 80 80 80 90 90 90 100 100 100 800 600 400 200 0 200 400 600 800 800 600 400 200 0 200 400 600 800 800 600 400 200 0 200 400 600 800 [Hz] [Hz] [Hz] -5-
Digital twin PBT The DSP-based digital IF filter of the IC-7700 blocks out signals out of the pass band, and keeps the in-band signal free of any distortion or depletion in quality. In addition, sharp and soft filter shapes are selectable. You get the signal reproduction you like to hear. The digital twin PBT eliminates interference and noise from the upper and lower sides by changing the IF filter bandwidth. The IF shift function allows you to shift or move the IF pass band from either side to hear the actual signal. The passband width, shift direction and steps (50Hz) are graphically displayed on the LCD. Noise reduction The 32-bit floating point DSP has excellent calculation performance, which processes complex and sophisticated algorithms. This allows the DSP to attenuate noise without delay and extracts noise-level signals. It is possible to vary the suppression level in 16 stages. Variable noise blanker The noise blanker provides significant reduction of pulse-type noise. The noise blanker allows the operator to change the threshold level as well as blank time parameter and attenuation level. Digital Voice Recorder The Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) is a convenient function for contests, DX-peditions, field day and even normal operation. Record your callsign, CQ, or other station information into a memory. Independent "Record (REC)" and "Play" buttons are on the front panel. S/P DIF interface The IC-7700 has the S/P DIF optical digital interface for audio output and modulation input. By connecting an external device* through a connection cable, flexible audio tuning is possible, while keeping good sound quality. * Third party connection cable, PC with S/P DIF supported sound board and software are required. New RX HPF/LPF setting The IC-7700 has the RX HPF/LPF setting for each mode. The high-pass filter and low-pass filter are adjustable for each mode. SSB data mode When you narrow the IF filter passband to 500Hz or less in SSB mode or SSB-data mode operation, the IC-7700 automatically selects special band pass filters (BPF).The BPF automatically has a very sharp filter edge for better rejection of interfering signals like a CW filter. Along with the BPF setting, the IC-7700 has the 1/4-tuning step function for easier operation. Firmware upgrade for maintaining the best performance Icom will provide the latest firmware for keeping the radio up to date always. Just download the latest firmware from the Icom web site whenever a new version has been uploaded, and update your IC-7700 via the USB memory. 200W output power at full duty cycle, full power operation The IC-7700 uses two MRF150 power amplifiers connected in push-pull-parallel. The power amplifiers provide a reliable 200W of output power up to 54MHz. The effective quad cooling fan system makes it possible to generate 200W full power output even during full duty cycle operation. The digital PSN modulator using a dedicated DSP unit consistently reproduces an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, providing clean and clear transmission. The PA amplifier works with 48V DC and provides all of the output power with low IMD in all bands. RX HPF/LPF setting screen. Quad cooling fan -6-
Microphone equalizer and adjustable transmit bandwidth The built-in audio equalizer has the separate bass and treble adjustment for a total of 121 combinations, so you can tone your voice up or down as you want. In addition, the transmit bandwidth is selectable from 100, 200, 300, 500Hz at the low-pass edge, and 2500, 2700, 2800, 2900Hz at the high-pass edge respectively. 3 types of high and low combinations can be stored in the memory as favorite settings. With this flexibility of DSP based waveform shaping, transmit audio quality is adjustable to your preference. Memory keyer The IC-7700's memory keyer has 4 channels with 55 characters for CW, 8 channels with 70 characters for RTTY and 8 channels with 70 characters for PSK31 operation. The memory keyer is convenient for programming station information, calling CQ and call sign for a DX-pedition or contest. Also, the CW memory keyer has other time saving functions such as automatic repeat, serial contest number auto-counter, and morse cut number functions. Other outstanding features [Antenna line] High speed automatic antenna tuner covers HF and 50MHz bands BNC type RX IN/OUT connectors for receiver antenna or external attenuator [Receiver] General coverage receiver covers from 30kHz to 60MHz (* Some frequency bands are not guaranteed, depending on version) 4-step attenuator (6/12/18dB and OFF) Twin peak audio filter for RTTY operation [Transmitter] Low distortion RF speech compressor Tx monitor 50 CTCSS tone encoder and decoder VOX capability (Voice operated transmission) All mode power control [CW] Multi-function electronic keyer with adjustable keying speed, dot-dash ratio and paddle polarity and bug key function APF (audio peak filter) function with soft/sharp filter shape The normal (default) CW carrier point is selectable from USB and LSB mode. CW pitch control from 300 to 900Hz DSP controlled CW keying waveform shaping Double key jack system Full break-in function Frequency lock function for split operation CW/AM auto tuning function [Operation] Memory pad stores up to 10 (or 5) operating frequencies Built-in voice synthesizer announces operating frequency, mode and receiving signal strength Programmed scan, memory scan, select memory scan, VSC scan and F scan Set mode function for flexible and speedy setting Quick split function SSB/CW synchronous tuning Single knob control from squelch volume to RF gain RIT and Tx variable up to ±9.999kHz Quick RIT/ TX clear function UTC/Local Clock and timer function 1Hz pitch tuning and 1Hz indication 101 memory channels with 10-character comment Auto tuning step function Dial lock Main dial tension control Band edge beep CI-V interface capability RS-232C connector for PC connection BNC type Transverter connector External speaker connectors FFT scope wave averaging function Screen saver function -7-
PANEL VIEW Front panel view Rear panel view OPTIONS IC-PW1/EURO HF+50MHz 1kW LINEAR LIFIER SM-20 STAND MICROPHONE SP-20 EXTERNAL SPEAKER HM-36 HAND MICROPHONE CT-17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AC power cable Spare fuses Speaker plug Rackmount handles -8-
SPECIFICATIONS Specifications described below are target values. They may be subject to change. GENERAL Frequency coverage : U.S.A.version Rx 0.030 60.000MHz* Tx 1.800 1.999MHz* 3.500 3.999MHz 5.3305, 5.3465, 5.3665, 5.3715, 5.4035MHz** 7.000 7.300MHz 10.100 10.150MHz 14.000 14.350MHz 18.068 18.168MHz 21.000 21.450MHz 24.890 24.990MHz 28.000 29.700MHz 50.000 54.000MHz ** USB mode only. Europe, UK versions Rx 0.030 60.000MHz* Tx 1.810 1.999MHz 3.500 3.800MHz 7.000 7.100MHz (Europe version only) 7.000 7.200MHz (UK version only) 10.100 10.150MHz 14.000 14.350MHz 18.068 18.168MHz 21.000 21.450MHz 24.890 24.990MHz 28.000 29.700MHz 50.000 52.000MHz * Some frequency bands are not guaranteed. Modes : LSB, USB, CW, RTTY, PSK31, AM, FM No. of memory channels : 101 (99 regular, 2 scan edges) Antenna impedance : 50Ω unbalanced (Tuner off) Antenna connector : SO-239 4 and BNC 1 Power supply requirement : 85 265V AC Operating temp. range : 0 to +50 C; +32 to +122 F Frequency stability : Less than ±0.05ppm (0 C to +50 C after warm up) Frequency resolution : 1Hz (minimum) Current drain : Receive Stand-by 200VA typ. Max. audio 210VA typ. Transmit Max. power 800VA Dimensions (W H D) : 425 149 437 mm; (projections not included) 16 23 32 5 7 8 17 7 32 in Weight : 22.5kg; 49.6lb (approx.) TRANSMITTER Modulation system : SSB DPSN modulation AM Digital low power modulation FM Digital phase modulation Output power : SSB, CW, FM, RTTY, PSK31 5 200W AM 5 50W Spurious emissions : Harmonics More than 60dB (HF bands) More than 70dB (50MHz band) Unwanted emissions More than 50dB (HF bands) (Except harmonics) More than 66dB (50MHz band) Carrier suppression : More than 63dB Unwanted sideband suppression : More than 80dB Microphone impedance : 600Ω (8-pin connector) Tx variable range : ±9.999kHz RECEIVER Receiver system : Double-conversion superheterodyne Intermediate frequencies : 1st 64.455MHz 2nd 36kHz Sensitivity (typical): SSB, CW, RTTY 0.1 1.799MHz 0.5µV* 1 (BW=2.4kHz, at 10dB S/N) 1.8 29.990MHz 0.16µV* 1 50 54.000MHz 0.13µV* 2 AM (BW=6kHz, at 10dB S/N) 0.1 1.799MHz 6.3µV* 1 1.8 29.990MHz 2µV* 1 50 54.000MHz 1µV* 2 FM 28 29.990MHz 0.5µV* 1 (BW=15kHz,at 12dB SINAD) 50 54.000MHz 0.32µV* 2 * 1 pre-amp1: ON * 2 pre-amp2: ON Squelch sensitivity (pre-amp: OFF): SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK31 Less than 5.6µV FM Less than 1µV Selectivity (typical) : SSB, RTTY (BW=2.4kHz) More than 2.4kHz/ 3dB Less than 3.6kHz/ 60dB CW (BW=500Hz) More than 500Hz/ 3dB Less than 700Hz/ 60dB AM (BW=6kHz) More than 6.0kHz/ 3dB FM (BW=15kHz) Less than 15kHz/ 60dB More than 12kHz/ 6dB Less than 20kHz/ 60dB Spurious and image rejection ratio: More than 70dB Audio output power : More than 2.6W at 10% distortion with an 8Ω load RIT variable range : ±9.999kHz PHONES connector : 3-conductor 3.5 (d) mm ( 1 8 ) External SP connector : 2-conductor 3.5 (d) mm ( 1 8 ) /8Ω ANTENNA TUNER Matching range : HF bands 16.7 to 150Ω unbalanced* 1 50MHz band 20 to 125Ω unbalanced* 2 * 1 VSWR : Less than 1:3 * 2 VSWR Less than 1:2.5 Minimum operating power : HF bands 8W 50MHz band 15W Tuning quality : VSWR Less than 1:1.5 Insertion loss (Motor stopped) : Less than 1.0 db (Matched) Icom, Icom Inc. and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries. 1-1-32 Kami-minami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003 Japan -9-