BASIC SITE MASTER & ANTENNA

SYSTEM THEORY

The information contained herein is the property of True Move and is provided on condition
that it will not be reproduced, copied, lent or disclosed, directly or indirectly, nor used for
any purpose other than that for which it was specifically furnished.

AUTHOR

Komsun Bunchasak

DOCUMENT OWNER

Kittisak Lohumnuaykul

DIVISION

Regional Network Operation

DEPARTMENT

Regional Network Operation Support

CONFIDENTIALITY STATUS

Project Confidential

DOCUMENT REFERENCE
DOCUMENT REVISION
REVIEW PERIOD

5.0

Project Confidential

Document Release History

Version
No.

Release Date

Purpose

1.0

1.1

29/09/2003

Amendments for self build project and correction of errors

2.0

09/10/2003

Updated Version

3.0

14/10/2003

Updated & Coordinate for approval

3.1

08/01/2004

Updated Isolation Test Section

3.2

08/01/2004

Updated Isolation Loss Section to mimic Phase 4

4.0

02/02/2004

Updated Version

5.0

13/02/2008

Updated Version

Initial Release

Document Review Team:

N

Division/Department

Kittisak Lohumnuaykul

Regional Network Operation

Chayanon Chinapak

Regional Network Operation

Komsun Bunchasak

Regional Network Operation

Approvals
Approved By

Signature

Date

AUTHOR: Komsun Bunchasak

ELECTRONIC COPY NO PERSONAL

SIGNATURE

13/02/2008

ELECTRONIC COPY NO PERSONAL

SIGNATURE

13/02/2008

QA REPRESENTATIVE:
DOCUMENT OWNER: Kittisak Lohumnuaykul
GENERAL MANAGER:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Version No..................................................................................................................................................................2
Release Date...............................................................................................................................................................2
Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................................2
1.0...............................................................................................................................................................................2
1.1...............................................................................................................................................................................2
29/09/2003..................................................................................................................................................................2
Amendments for self build project and correction of errors........................................................................................2
2.0...............................................................................................................................................................................2
09/10/2003..................................................................................................................................................................2
Updated Version.........................................................................................................................................................2
3.0...............................................................................................................................................................................2
14/10/2003..................................................................................................................................................................2
Updated & Coordinate for approval............................................................................................................................2
3.1...............................................................................................................................................................................2
08/01/2004..................................................................................................................................................................2
Updated Isolation Test Section...................................................................................................................................2
3.2...............................................................................................................................................................................2
08/01/2004..................................................................................................................................................................2
Updated Isolation Loss Section to mimic Phase 4.......................................................................................................2
4.0...............................................................................................................................................................................2
02/02/2004..................................................................................................................................................................2
Updated Version.........................................................................................................................................................2
5.0...............................................................................................................................................................................2
13/02/2008..................................................................................................................................................................2
Updated Version.........................................................................................................................................................2

1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................4
2. SCOPE..............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 ANTENNA SYSTEMS___________________________________________________________________4
3. ANTENNA TESTING THEORY.........................................................................................................4
3.1 INSERTION LOSS______________________________________________________________________4
3.2 RETURN LOSS_______________________________________________________________________5
3.3 ISOLATION LOSS______________________________________________________________________5
4. HOW DO WE TEST ANTENNA SYSTEMS?....................................................................................5
4.1 DTF (TDR) MEASUREMENT____________________________________________________________7
4.2 INSERTION LOSS _____________________________________________________________________7
4.3 RETURN LOSS_______________________________________________________________________8
4.4 ISOLATION LOSS______________________________________________________________________8
5. TIPS AND TRICKS WITH THE SITE MASTER...............................................................................10
5.1 POWER OUTPUT_____________________________________________________________________10
5.2 CALIBRATION_______________________________________________________________________10
6. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS..................................................................................................10
6.1 DTF (TDR) MEASUREMENT___________________________________________________________10
6.2 INSERTION LOSS_____________________________________________________________________11
6.3 RETURN LOSS______________________________________________________________________12
6.4 ISOLATION LOSS_____________________________________________________________________13
7. USE OF SOFTWARE TOOLS.........................................................................................................15
8. APPENDICES..................................................................................................................................16

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1.

INTRODUCTION
This document is designed to be a guide for True Move Engineers, to enable them to
understand and verify Antenna test results, using the Site Master 251B. It is not a complete
step-by-step guide to the Site Master. Detailed information can be found in the Site Master
user guide. Alternatively, the Anritsu website has a series of application notes which can be
downloaded in PDF format.
Visit: http://www.us.anritsu.com/downloads/
Central Support can provide Onsite training.

2.

SCOPE
This document will cover the following:

Antenna systems
Measurements required
Use of Site Master
How to interpret the results
Use of software tools

2.1

Antenna Systems
Within the project we have several suppliers of antennas. Antennas are designed with
different characteristics for varying applications. RF Planners use different types of antennas
to achieve specific coverage requirements.

3.

ANTENNA TESTING THEORY

To verify antenna system performance we should test for the following:

Length of feeder cable

Insertion Loss
Return Loss
Isolation Loss

3.1

Insertion Loss
The attenuation of signals due to the impedance when passing the signals through a system.
Specified as a decibel value (dB) over a frequency. From National Instruments Library.
This is the equivalent of DC voltage drop through a system.

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3.2

Return Loss
A measure of undesirable signal reflections from a non-ideal termination of the transmission
line. Expressed in dB. From National Instruments Library
Using AC terminology, maximum power transfer occurs when the input and output
impedances are equal. However, at RF frequencies mismatches do occur due to the
complexities of RF signals and Antennas. When there is an impedance mismatch, part of the
signal will be reflected back to the source. What we measure is the reflected power against
the transmitted power and express it logarithmically in Decibels (dB).
Return loss is the same as VSWR, except that VSWR is expressed as a direct ratio of forward
versus reflected voltages.
Mathematically, Return loss is expressed as:
Return Loss

RL = -20*log[r]dB

3.3

Voltage Standing
Wave Ratio

VSWR =

Reflection Coefficient

Isolation Loss
A measure of electrical seperation between Tx and Rx Antennas, expressed in dB.
An important aspect in antenna engineering is EMC (electromagnetic compatibility), which
covers aspects of spurious emission, switching and modulation spectrum, intermodulation,
receiver sensitivity and blocking. The BTS hardware needs to fulfil these requirements
according to the GSM specification 11.21 and 05.05. These requirements are based on the
assumption, that there is a minimum decoupling of 30 dB between the transmitter and the
receiver. In case of too small antenna spacing the decoupling becomes insufficient and a
degradation of the receiver performance due to intermodulation and receiver blocking can
occur. From RF DSD
More importantly this test can determine if individual feeders have been crossed between
sectors.

4.

HOW DO WE TEST ANTENNA SYSTEMS?

Before we can verify the Performance of the Antenna system we must know the
characteristics of the Antenna System we are going to test.
When testing Antenna system we must sweep the entire operating band of the
Antenna.

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Before testing Antenna systems always ensure that an outage has been approved by NMC
and the BTS is off the air.
The following two tables illustrate the feeder and Antenna characteristics for Celwave feeder,
RFS and Kathrein Antennas, however for full specification please refer to manufacturer
specification sheets.

Table 1: Feeder Characteristics

Feeder

Max.
Feeder length

Total attenuation

Velocity factor

Attenuation
@ 2000MHz

1/2

20 m

2.14 dB

0.88

0.107 dB/m

7/8

30 m

1.83 dB

0.88

0.061 dB/m

1 1/4

45 m

1.94 dB

0.88

0.043 dB/m

1 5/8

55 m

2.04 dB

0.88

0.037 dB/m

Note:

Above lengths exclude jumpers.

Table 2: Antenna Characteristics

Antenna Types Supplier

Usage

H-BW

Tilt

Freq Range

Pol.

K 739 496

Kathrein

Dense Urban, Urban

65

1710-1990

X-Pol

APX186515-T6

RFS

Dense Urban, Urban

65

1710-1880

X-Pol

K 739 707

Kathrein

Suburban, Rural

90

1710-1880

X-Pol

APX189015-2T2

RFS

Suburban, Rural

85

1710-1880

X-Pol

K 739 494

Kathrein

Highways

65

1710-1880

X-Pol

AP186516-T2

RFS

Highways

65

1710-1880

X-Pol

Note: Antenna data for macro sites

Before we can verify the Performance of the Antenna system we must first determine the
Length of the feeder. This can be done in two ways; either measure the length physically with
a tape measure, or electrically with the Site Master (DTF measurement).

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4.1

DTF (TDR) Measurement

This measurement is required for commissioning and should be performed by True move so
the length of the feeder can be checked.
Perform the test as follows:

Turn on the Site Master and let stabilize for 5 minutes.

From the MODE function select DTF RETURN LOSS.

Set up the sweep distance D1 & D2 parameters using table 1 (above) according to the
feeder installed.

Select DTF Aid Function and set the Start and stop frequencies F1 & F2, using table 2
Antenna Characteristics for the particular antennas installed.

Set up the cable parameters using the DTF Aid Function using the velocity and cable
parameters from table 1 (above).
Calibrate the Site master as per the Operating manual.
Connect feeder A1 and make measurement
Use the AUTO SCALE function to ensure the whole sweep is displayed on the screen
Use the MARKER function markers 1-4 to highlight the peaks in the display

Save the sweep using the SAVE DISPLAY function. Use a file name such as
BKD059A1D
Repeat measurement and save file for all feeders. (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 etc)

4.2

Insertion Loss

This measurement must be carried out at commissioning. The measurement involves

connecting a short circuit to the end of the feeder and is the only accurate method to measure
Insertion Loss. Note that the isolations test should test the total loss of the feeder system
including both top and bottom jumpers also including Surge Arrestors if installed.
Also note that TMAs, if installed, must be physically bypassed during this test with a
dongle at the top of the tower.
Warning:
The Out Of Band Method should not be used!
The out of band method gives an indicative result only as the cable loss at the out of
band frequency can be very different to the cable loss in band.
Perform the test as follows:

Turn on the Site Master and let stabilize for 5 minutes.

Disconnect the jumper from the base of the antenna and connect a short circuit to the
end of the jumper.

From the MODE function select CABLE LOSS or RETURN LOSS mode depending
on the test device you have (note: you will have to half the results if return Loss mode is
used).

Set up the sweep frequencies F1&F2 to the operating frequency band (1710-1880 mHz)
Calibrate the Site master as per the Operating manual.

Connect the Site Master to the jumper on the feeder to be tested and make
measurement.
Use the AUTO SCALE function to ensure the whole sweep is displayed on the screen.

Use the MARKER function markers 1 & 2 to highlight the peaks and valleys in the
display. Note that the worst point of the insertion loss is measured in the deepest valley.

Save the sweep using the SAVE DISPLAY function. Use a file name such as
BKD059A1G.
Remove short from the jumper and reconnect to antenna.

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Repeat measurement and save file for all feeders. (A1,A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 etc)

4.3

Return Loss
This measurement is a key requirement from the DSD. To verify the subcontractors
commissioning results we can repeat the measurements.
Note that TMAs ,if installed, must be physically bypassed during this test with a
dongle at the top of the tower.
Perform the test as follows:

Turn on the Site Master and let stabilize for 5 minutes.

From the MODE function select RETURN LOSS.

Set up the sweep frequencies F1 & F2, using table 2 Antenna Characteristics, for the
particular antennas installed.
Calibrate the Site master as per the Operating manual.
Connect feeder A1 and make measurement.
Use the AUTO SCALE function to ensure the whole sweep is displayed on the screen.

Use the MARKER function markers 1 & 2 to highlight the peaks and valleys in the
display. Up to 4 markers may be used.

Save the sweep using the SAVE DISPLAY function. Use a file name such as
BKD059A1R.
Repeat measurement and save file for all feeders. (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 etc)

4.4

Isolation Loss

Isolation between Antenna ports is required to be measured by the subcontractor at

commissioning. For True move we can measure the isolation to verify 2 things. Firstly to
verify Antenna performance, and secondly, and most importantly, to check for feeders
crossed between sectors.
Perform the test as follows: This is a two port Measurement

Turn on the Site Master and let stabilize for 5 minutes.

From the MODE function select INSERTION LOSS(+6dBm).

Set up the sweep frequencies F1 & F2, using table 2 Antenna Characteristics, for the
particular antennas installed.

Calibrate the Site master as per the Operating manual. Using the two cables and
calibration devices.
Connect feeder A1 and A2 and make measurement.
Use the AUTO SCALE function to ensure the whole sweep is displayed on the screen.

Use the MARKER function markers 1 & 2 to highlight the peaks and valleys in the
display. Up to 4 markers may be used.

Save the sweep using the SAVE DISPLAY function. Use a file name such as
BKD059AI.
Repeat measurement and save file for all sectors (B1-B2, C1-C2, etc.) for new sites.

When any sectors have double cross- polar antennas for example sector1 in below
figure, the measurement between 1st and 2nd antennas belonging the same sector (A1A'1, A'1-A'2) and of the existing ones (A1-A2, B1-B2, C1-C2) shall be performed.

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When the additional sector is added, the measurement of new sector (D1-D2) shall be
performed. For the case, if there are any changes (location of feeders) on the existing
sectors, do the measurement and save file for those sectors as well.

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5.

TIPS AND TRICKS WITH THE SITE MASTER

5.1

Power Output
Always ensure that the RF output power for all measurements is set to maximum (+6dBm for
S251B). This will ensure best accuracy and reduce interference from external sources.

5.2

Calibration
To remove the need to calibrate the Site Master for each different measurement, calibrate the
instrument at power up for a 2 port test.

6.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

6.1

DTF (TDR) Measurement

Below is a typical result from a Bangkok Site
D is ta n c e - to - fa u lt
B K D 059C1D

M 1 : -5 0 .4 6 d B @ 2 .0 2 m

M 2 : - 3 3 .5 6 d B @ 3 1 .9 4 m

M 3 : -4 4 .4 4 d B @ 1 8 .9 1 m

-2 5
-3 0

dB

-3 5
-4 0
-4 5
-5 0
M1

R e s o lu tio n : 2 5 9
B ia s T e e : O F F
D a te : 0 1 /1 3 /2 0 0 2
M o d e l: S 2 5 1 B

M3

10

15

20
25
D is ta n c e (0 .0 - 4 0 .0 M e te r )

C A L: O N (C O A X )
O u tp u t P o w e r : 6 .0 0 d B m
T im e : 1 6 :2 2 :0 0
S e ria l # : 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 8

M2

30

35

40

In s .L o s s :0 .0 0 0 d B /m
P r o p .V e l:0 .8 0 0

From the Sweep display above we can conclude the following:

M2 shows a reflection at 32 metres. This is the reflection from the antenna. By using Table 1
Feeder Characteristics we can determine that 32 metre feeder length is OK when 7/8 feeder
is used.
M1 shows a reflection at a distance of 2 metres. This is a reflection from the first connector
after the bottom jumper which is well within specification and can be ignored.
M3 shows a reflection at 19 metres. Unexpected peaks in the reading such as this are to be
investigated by visual inspection. This feeder checked OK visually.

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The DTF measurement is an excellent way to isolate any faults along the length of the feeder,
which would not otherwise show as part of a Return Loss sweep. Typical faults are loose
connectors, over bent feeders, crushed feeders etc.
Investigate any unexpected peaks in the DTF sweep by visual inspection.
6.2

Insertion Loss
Below is a typical result from a Chang Mai Site.

In the plot above, we can see that Marker M2 is set to the valley, which relates to the
frequency at which the insertion loss is the worst for the cable being tested. It should be
noted that this is a peek measurement of insertion loss.
The acceptance value is equal to Calculate cable loss value plus 0.2 dB allowance including
all jumpers connectors and surge arrestors. Where the calculated value is equal to Length
multiply by cable loss spec. plus two jumper cable loss. Length cable can be found by DTF
measurement.
Calculate Loss cable

Acceptance value

Length (m) x Cable loss (dB/m.) + 2 jumper cable loss (dB)

Length (m) x Cable loss (dB/m.) + 1.0 (dB)

Calculate Cable loss (dB) + Allowance (dB)

Calculate Cable loss (dB) + 0.2 (dB)

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6.3

Return Loss
To simplify the interpretation of these results a single minimum return loss of better than 16dB
must be achieved. As well as achieving this target the plot must show a reactive response
characterised by sharp variations in level between 20 and 40 dB as per the plot below. If the
plot is too flat it can mean that the system is resistive rather than reactive and hence faulty.
Please note that sites with long feeders will appear to have a better return loss measurement
than sites with short feeders due to the greater cable losses.
Below is a typical return Loss sweep from a Bangkok site.
R e tu rn L o s s
B K D 05 9B 2R

M 1 : -2 1 .4 1 d B @ 1 8 7 0 .6 2 M H z

M 2 : -5 0 .4 6 d B @ 1 7 2 8 .4 4 M H z

-2 0
-2 5

dB

-3 0
-3 5
-4 0
-4 5
-5 0

M2

M1

1750

R e s o lu tio n : 2 5 9
B ia s T e e : O F F
D a t e : 0 1 /1 3 /2 0 0 2
M o d e l: S 2 5 1 B

1800

1850
1900
F r e q u e n c y ( 1 7 1 0 .0 - 1 9 9 0 .0 M H z )

1950

C A L : O N (C O A X )
O u tp u t P o w e r : 6 .0 0 d B m
T im e : 1 6 :4 8 : 0 4
S e r ia l # : 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 8

From the Sweep display above we can conclude the following:

M1 at the peak of the sweep shows that the minimum Return Loss is 21.4 dB. For a feeder
length of 32 metres with Kathrein 739496 Antennas this is well within specification.
M2 shows a null of 50 dB.

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6.4

Isolation Loss
As mentioned earlier that purpose of this test is to verify antenna performance and check if
there are any crossed feeders at the site.
All Antenna manufacturers quote figures of >30dB for isolation between Antenna ports
however it is almost impossible to achieve isolation figures better than 55dB. To this end we
can assume that if the worst point in the isolation plot is between 30dB and 55dB that the
feeders are correctly installed. Or it the antenna feeders are crossed we would expect an
isolation greater than 55dB.
For double-antenna BTS, the isolation between antennas depends on the distance separation
between them as shown in table below. We would expect the isolation plot of TX-TX between
1st and 2nd antennas belonging the same sector (A1-A'1) is below 30 dB that antenna
performance is proper.
Distance between 1st-2nd
Antennas

30cm

50cm

80cm

Isolation loss (A1-A'1)

31.1 dB

35.5 dB

39.6 dB

Note: 1. Assume antenna 65 BW and Gain 17.5 dBi used in calculation

2. Both antennas point to the same direction

Diagram showing 2 sectors with crossed feeders and one sector with correct feeders

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The following sweep shows a normal port isolation curve.

G a in /I n s e r tio n L o s s
BK D 059A I

M 1 : -4 7 .5 8 d B @ 1 9 4 8 .7 5 M H z

M 2 : - 6 1 .2 6 d B @ 1 7 7 0 .7 7 M H z

Peak
-4 7 .5

dB

-5 0 .0

-5 2 .5

-5 5 .0

-5 7 .5
M2

1750

M1

1800

R e s o lu tio n : 2 5 9
B ia s T e e : O F F
D a te : 0 1 /1 3 /2 0 0 2
M o d e l: S 2 5 1 B

1850
1900
F re q u e n c y ( 1 7 1 0 .0 - 1 9 9 0 .0 M H z )

1950

C A L: O N (C O A X )
O u tp u t P o w e r : 6 .0 0 d B m
T im e : 1 6 :5 8 :0 1
S e ria l # : 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 8

From the Sweep display above we can conclude the following:

M1 tells us that the minimum port isolation for this sector is 47dB.
connected to the same Antenna
M2 tells us that the Antenna null is at 1770.77MHz.

The 2 feeders are

The Sweep below shows the port isolation from a site with crossed feeders.
G a in /I n s e r tio n L o s s
B A D IS O L

M 1 : -7 5 . 5 6 d B @ 1 7 6 8 .6 M H z

M 2 : -1 0 7 .1 3 d B @ 1 8 6 9 .5 3 M H z

Peak
-8 0

dB

-9 0

-1 0 0

-1 1 0
M1

M2

-1 2 0
1750

R e s o lu tio n : 2 5 9
B ia s T e e : O F F
D a te : 0 1 /1 3 /2 0 0 2
M o d e l: S 2 5 1 B

1800

1850
1900
F r e q u e n c y ( 1 7 1 0 .0 - 1 9 9 0 .0 M H z )

1950

C A L : O N (C O A X )
O u tp u t P o w e r : 6 .0 0 d B m
T im e : 1 6 :5 4 :0 0
S e ria l # : 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 8

From the Sweep display above we can conclude the following:

M1 tells us that the Antenna port isolation is 75dB. The 2 feeders are not connected to the
same Antenna.

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7.

USE OF SOFTWARE TOOLS

The Site Master has a comprehensive software tool, which gives the ability to upload sweep
results to a PC. Using this facility is possible to save the sweep results to the hard drive or
network server.
To install the software on an True move PC, the IT Department will need to be consulted, to
enable the software installation to proceed.
Once installed it is simply a matter of connecting the Site Master to a PC and using the
CAPTURE function from the software menu. The selected sweeps will then be uploaded.
Once uploaded sweeps can be modified. Changes can be made to titles, limit values and
properties.
It is also possible to convert a Return Loss plot to VSWR plot.
Tip: For best results save files in Windows Metafile (*.wmf) format.
sweeps can easily be inserted into Documents for best presentation.

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Using this format,

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8.

APPENDICES
For those who want to convert to VSWR, the following table shows Return Loss versus
VSWR and Reflection Coefficient:

RL(dB)

VSWR

RL(dB)

VSWR

RL(dB)

VSWR

RL(dB)

VSWR

46.0

1.01

0.00498

26.0

1.11

0.0521

17.7

1.30

0.130

8.0

2.32

0.398

40.0

1.02

0.00990

25.0

1.12

0.0566

17.0

1.33

0.141

7.0

2.61

0.445

37.0

1.03

0.0148

24.0

1.13

0.0610

16.0

1.38

0.158

6.02

3.01

0.500

34.0

1.04

0.0196

23.5

1.14

0.0654

15.0

1.43

0.178

5.0

3.56

0.562

32.0

1.05

0.0244

23.0

1.15

0.0698

14.0

1.50

0.200

4.0

4.42

0.631

30.4

1.06

0.0291

22.0

1.17

0.0783

13.0

1.58

0.224

3.01

5.85

0.707

29.0

1.07

0.0338

21.5

1.18

0.0826

12.0

1.67

0.250

2.0

8.72

0.794

28.0

1.08

0.0385

20.7

1.20

0.0909

11.0

1.78

0.282

1.0

17.39

0.891

27.0

1.09

0.0431

20.0

1.22

0.100

10.0

1.92

0.316

0.5

34.75

0.944

26.4

1.10

0.0476

19.0

1.25

0.112

9.0

2.10

0.355

0.0

Infinity

1.00

END OF DOCUMENT

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