Rack-mount TWTAs and KPAs (model numbers XTRD-xxxxx and XTK-xxxxx), antenna-mount TWTAs (model numbers XT-xxxxD), and single TWTA controllers (model number XTC-100D) use time and date information when recording faults in their fault logs. Time and date functions are not used in the operation of these products.

The dates that are recorded in the fault logs are stored in 2-digit format. Date codes greater than 50 refer to 19xx and date codes less than or equal to 50 refer to 20xx. These products recognize the year 2000 as a leap year.

There is one anomaly that occurs at the transition from 1999 to 2000. If the unit is off during the transition from 1999 to 2000, the computer date will be reset to 01/01/1980. The date and time must be manually set to correct date through the operator interface. Once the time and date have been reset, time and date functions continue to maintain the correct time and date even after the unit is power cycled. This problem is caused by a bug in the BIOS of the single board computer, which is used in our products.

The Fault Log function is affected because an incorrect date and time could be stored if a fault occurred. Faults are stored sequentially in the order of which they occurred. (The manufacturer of the single board computer currently has no plans to fix this problem.)

In TWTA firmware versions 3.77, digital TWTAs and XTC-100D firmware version 3.25, and all KPA firmware versions, Xicom has added code that detects the transition from 1999 to 2000 and corrects the Y2K problem. This fix only works if the unit is turned on during the date change.

Amplifiers with older firmware versions need to have the time and date reset after January 2000. These Xicom products will continue to operate properly even with an incorrect time and date. Owners of the XTC-100D product should obtain firmware updates, because time and date can not be manually reset in revisions older than 3.25.

Xicom has tested its hardware using National Software Test Laboratory's Year 2000 compliance system test software YMARK2000.