Base Station Antenna Systems

Antenna Theory
Basic Principles For Daily Applications
Base Station Antenna Systems

March 2009
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

CommScope 1
Base Station Antenna Technology Evolution
Antenna
Core
Technology
Omni Vertical DualPol DualPol Dual Band Digital SmartBeam

Directional Polarization MIMO RET Capacity Improvement Beam Former Capacity
Interference Reduction with Frequency SDMA Load Balance
MIMO MIMO Capacity MIMO
Air
Dominate Application Significant Application Low Application
Interfaces
AMPS
GSM
CDMA
W-CDMA
WiMAX
TD-SCDMA
LTE

CommScope 2
Dipole
F0 (MHz) (Meters) (Inches)

30 10.0 393.6
80 3.75 147.6
160 1.87 73.8
280 1.07 42.2
460 0.65 25.7
800 0.38 14.8
F0 960 0.31 12.3
1700 0.18 6.95
2000 0.15 5.9

CommScope 3
3D View Antenna Pattern
Source: COMSEARCH

CommScope 4
Understanding The Mysterious dB
dBd Signal strength relative to a dipole in empty space
dBi Signal strength relative to an isotropic radiator
dB Difference between two signal strengths
dBm Absolute signal strength relative to 1 milliwatt

1 mWatt = 0 dBm Note: The
1 Watt = 30 dBm Logarithmic Scale
20 Watts = 43 dBm 10 * log10 (Power Ratio)
dBc Signal strength relative to a signal of known strength,
in this case: the carrier signal
Example: 150 dBc = 150 dB below carrier signal
If two carriers are 20 Watt each = 43 dBm
150 dBc = 107 dBm or ~0.02 pWatt or ~1 microvolt

CommScope 5
Effect Of VSWR
Good VSWR is only one component of an efficient antenna.
Return Transmission Power Power

VSWR Loss (dB) Loss (dB) Reflected (%) Trans. (%)
1.00 0.00 0.0 100.0
1.10 26.4 0.01 0.2 99.8
1.20 20.8 0.04 0.8 99.2
1.30 17.7 0.08 1.7 98.3
1.40 15.6 0.12 2.8 97.2
1.50 14.0 0.18 4.0 96.0
2.00 9.5 0.51 11.1 88.9

CommScope 6
Shaping Antenna Patterns
Vertical arrangement of properly phased dipoles allows
control of radiation patterns at the horizon as well as
above and below the horizon. The more dipoles that are
stacked vertically, the flatter the vertical pattern is and the
higher the antenna coverage or gain is in the general
direction of the horizon.

CommScope 7
Shaping Antenna Patterns (Continued)
Aperture Vertical Horizontal
of Dipoles Pattern Pattern Stacking 4 dipoles vertically in
line changes the pattern shape
(squashes the doughnut) and
Single Dipole increases the gain over single
dipole.
The peak of the horizontal or
vertical pattern measures the
gain.
The little lobes, illustrated in the
4 Dipoles Vertically
lower section, are secondary
Stacked minor lobes.
General Stacking Rule
Collinear elements (in-line vertically).
Optimum spacing (for non-electrical tilt) is approximately 0.9.
Doubling the number of elements increases gain by 3 dB, and reduces vertical beamwidth by half.
CommScope 8
Gain
What is it?
Antenna gain is a comparison of the power/field characteristics of a device under test
(DUT) to a specified gain standard.
Why is it useful?
Gain can be associated with coverage distance and/or obstacle penetration (buildings,
foliage, etc).
How is it measured?
It is measured using data collected from antenna range testing. The reference gain
standard must always be specified.
What is Andrew standard?

Andrew conforms to the industry standard of +/1 dB accuracy.

CommScope 9
Gain References (dBd And dBi)
An isotropic antenna is
Isotropic (dBi)
a single point in space
Isotropic Pattern Dipole (dBd)
radiating in a perfect
Gain
sphere (not physically Dipole Pattern
possible). dBi
dB
A dipole antenna is one d
radiating element
(physically possible).
A gain antenna is two or 3 (dBd) = 5.14 (dBi)

more radiating
elements phased 0 (dBd) = 2.14 (dBi)
together.

CommScope 10
Principles Of Antenna Gain
Omni Antenna, Side View Directional Antennas, Top View
-3 dB
0 dBd
0 dBd 60
-3 dB
+3 dBd 180
+3 dBd 30
-3 dB
-3 dB
+6 dBd 90
+6 dBd 15
-3 dB
-3 dB
7.5
+9 dBd +9 dBd 45
-3 dB
-3 dB

CommScope 11
Theoretical Gain Of Antennas (dBd)
3 dB Horizontal Aperture Typical Length

(Influenced by Grounded Back Plate) of Antenna (ft.)
800/900 MHz DCS Vertical
360 180 120 105 90 60 45 33 PCS 1800/1900 Beamwidth
Vertically Spaced (0.9)
1 0 3 4 5 6 8 9 10.5 1 0.5 60
2 3 6 7 8 9 11 12 13.6 2 1 30
# of Radiators
3 4.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 12.5 13.5 15.1 3 1.5 20
4 6 9 10 11 12 14 15 16.6 4 2 15
6 7.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 15.5 16.5 18.1 6 3 10
8 9 12 13 14 15 17 18 19.6 8 4 7.5
Could be horizontal radiator pairs for narrow horizontal
apertures.

CommScope 12
Antenna Gain
Gain (dBi) = Directivity (dBi) Losses (dB)
Losses: Conductor
Dielectric
Impedance
Polarization
Measure using Gain by Comparison

CommScope 13
Antenna Polarization
Vertical polarization
Traditional land mobile use
Omni antennas
Requires spatial separation for diversity
Still recommended in rural, low multipath environments
Polarization diversity
Slant 45 (+ and ) is now popular
Requires only a single antenna for diversity
Lower zoning impact
Best performance in high and medium multipath
environments
Measured data will be presented in the Systems Section

CommScope 14
Various Radiator Designs
Elements
Dipole 1800/1900/UMTS DualPol (XPol)

Directed Dipole Directed Dipole
Patch 800/900 MHz MAR

Directed Dipole Microstrip Annular Ring

CommScope 15
Dipoles
Single Dipole Crossed Dipole

CommScope 16
Feed Harness Construction
ASP705 ASP705K LBX-6513DS

(Old Style)
Series Feed Center Feed Corporate

(Hybrid) Feed

CommScope 17
Feed Harness Construction (Continued)
Center Feed
Series Feed Corporate Feed
(Hybrid)
Advantages Minimum feed losses Frequency Frequency
Simple feed system independent main independent main
lobe direction
beam direction
Reasonably simple More beam shaping
feed system
ability, sidelobe
suppression
Disadvantages +2
BEAMTILT Not as versatile as Complex feed
+1 corporate (less system
0
bandwidth, less
beam shaping)
+1 ASP-705
+2
450 455 460 465 470 MHz

CommScope 18
Feed Networks
Coaxial cable
Best isolation
Constant impedance
Constant phase
Microstripline, corporate feeds
Dielectric substrate
Air substrate

CommScope 19
Microstrip Feed Lines
Dielectric substrate
Uses printed circuit technology
Power limitations
Dielectric substrate causes loss (~1.0 dB/m at 2 GHz)
Air substrate
Metal strip spaced above a groundplane
Minimal solder or welded joints
Laser cut or punched
Air substrate cause minimal loss (~0.1 dB/m at 2 GHz)

CommScope 20
Air Microstrip Network

CommScope 21
LBX-3316-VTM Using Hybrid Cable/Air Stripline

CommScope 22
LBX-3319-VTM Using Hybrid Cable/Air Stripline

CommScope 23
DB812 Omni Antenna
Vertical Pattern

CommScope 24
932DG65T2E-M
Pattern Simulation

CommScope 25
Key Antenna Pattern Objectives
For sector antenna, the key pattern objective is to focus as much energy
as possible into a desired sector with a desired radius while minimizing
unwanted interference to/from all other sectors.
This requires:
Optimized pattern shaping
Pattern consistency over the rated frequency band
Pattern consistency for polarization diversity models
Downtilt consistency

CommScope 26
Main Lobe
What is it?
The main lobe is the radiation pattern 35 Total
lobe that contains the majority portion of Main Lobe
radiated energy.
Why is it useful?
Shaping of the pattern allows the
contained coverage necessary for
interference-limited system designs.
How is it measured?
The main lobe is characterized using a
number of the measurements which will
follow.

Andrew conforms to the industry standard.

CommScope 27
Half-Power Beamwidth
Horizontal And Vertical
1/2 Power
What is it? Beamwidth
The angular span between the half-power
(-3 dB) points measured on the cut of the
antennas main lobe radiation pattern. 30 30
Why is it useful?
It allows system designers to
choose the optimum characteristics
for coverage vs. interference
requirements.
How is it measured?
It is measured using data collected from
antenna range testing.


CommScope 28
Front-To-Back Ratio
What is it?
The ratio in dB of the maximum directivity
of an antenna to its directivity in a
specified rearward direction. Note that on
a dual-polarized antenna, it is the sum
of co-pol and cross-pol patterns.
Why is it useful?
It characterizes unwanted
interference on the backside of the
main lobe. The larger the number,
the better!
How is it measured?
It is measured using data collected from
antenna range testing. F/B Ratio @ 180 degrees
0 dB 25 dB = 25 dB
Each data sheet shows specific performance. In general, traditional dipole and patch
elements will yield 2328 dB while the Directed Dipole style elements will yield 3540 dB.

CommScope 29
Sidelobe Level
What is it?
Sidelobe level is a measure of a
particular sidelobe or angular
group of sidelobes with
respect to the main lobe. Sidelobe Level
(20 dB)
Why is it useful?
Sidelobe level or pattern
shaping allows the minor lobe
energy to be tailored to the
antennas intended use. See
Null Fill and Upper Sidelobe
Suppression.
How is it measured?
It is always measured with respect to the
main lobe in dB.

CommScope 30
Null Filling
What is it?
Null filling is an array optimization technique
that reduces the null between the
lower lobes in the elevation plane.
Why is it useful?
For arrays with a narrow vertical beam-
width (less than 12), null filling
significantly improves signal intensity in
all coverage targets below the horizon.
How is it measured?
Null fill is easiest explained as the
relative dB difference between the peak
of the main beam and the depth of the
1st lower null.
Most Andrew arrays will have null fill of 2030 dB without optimization.
To qualify as null fill, we expect no less than 15 and typically 1012 dB!

CommScope 31
Null Filling
Important For Antennas With Narrow Elevation Beamwidths
Null Filled to 16 dB Below Peak

Received Level (dBm)
0
Transmit Power = 1 W
-20
Base Station Antenna Height = 40 m
-40
Base Station Antenna Gain = 16 dBd
-60 Elevation Beamwidth = 6.5
-80
-100
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Distance (km)

CommScope 32
Upper Sidelobe Suppression
What is it? First Upper

Upper sidelobe suppression (USLS) is an array Sidelobe
optimization technique that reduces the Suppression
undesirable sidelobes above the main lobe.
Why is it useful?
For arrays with a narrow vertical
beamwidth (less than 12), USLS can
significantly reduce interference due to
multi-path or when the antenna is
mechanically downtilted.
How is it measured?
USLS is the relative dB difference
between the peak of the main beam
peak of the first upper sidelobe.
Most of Andrews arrays will have USLS of >15 dB without optimization. The goal of
all new designs is to suppress the first upper sidelobe to unity gain or lower.

CommScope 33
Orthogonality
What is it? d
The ability of an antenna to discriminate
between two waves whose polarization
difference is 90 degrees.
Why is it useful?
Orthogonal arrays within a single Decorrelation between the Green and Blue Lines
antenna allow for polarization diversity. d = 0, XPol = dB
(As opposed to spacial diversity.) d = 5, XPol = 21 dB
How is it measured? d =10, XPol = 15 dB
The difference between the co-polar d =15, XPol = 11 dB
pattern and the cross-polar pattern, d =20, XPol = 9 dB
usually measured in the boresite d =45, XPol = 3 dB
(the direction of the main signal). d =50, XPol = 2.3 dB
d =60, XPol = 1.2 dB
What is Andrew standard? d =70, XPol = 0.54 dB
Andrew conforms to the industry standard. d =80, XPol = 0.13 dB
d =90, XPol = 0 dB
XPol = 20 log ( sin (d))

CommScope 34
Cross-Pol Ratio (CPR)
What is it? 120
CPR is a comparison of the co-pol vs. cross-pol 0
-5
pattern performance of a dual-polarized -10
-15
antenna generally over the sector of interest -20
-25
(alternatively over the 3 dB beamwidth). -30
-35 Typical
Why is it useful? -40
It is a measure of the ability of a cross-pol array

to distinguish between orthogonal waves. The Co-Polarization
better the CPR, the better the performance of Cross-Polarization
polarization diversity. (Source @ 90)
120
How is it measured? 0
It is measured using data collected from antenna -5
range testing and compares the two plots in dB -10
-15
over the specified angular range. Note: in the -20
-25
rear hemisphere, cross-pol becomes co-pol and -30 Directed

vice versa. -35
Dipole
-40

For traditional dipoles, the minimum is 10 dB; however, for the
Directed Dipole style elements, it increases to 15 dB min.

CommScope 35
Horizontal Beam Tracking
What is it?
It refers to the beam tracking between the two
beams of a +/45 polarization diversity 120
antenna over a specified angular range.
Why is it useful?
For optimum diversity 45 +45
performance, the beams should Array Array
track as closely as possible.
How is it measured?
It is measured using data collected
from antenna range testing and
compares the two plots in dB over
the specified angular range.
The Andrew beam tracking standard is +/1 dB
over the 3 dB horizontal beamwidth.

CommScope 36
Beam Squint
Horizontal
What is it? Boresite
The amount of pointing error of a given beam
/2
referenced to mechanical boresite. Squint

Why is it useful? 3 dB +3 dB
The beam squint can affect the sector
coverage if it is not at mechanical
boresite. It can also affect the
performance of the polarization
diversity style antennas if the two
arrays do not have similar patterns.
How is it measured?
It is measured using data collected
from antenna range testing.
For the horizontal beam, squint shall be less than 10%
of the 3 dB beamwidth. For the vertical beam, squint
shall be less than 15% of the 3 dB beamwidth or
1 degree, whichever is greatest.

CommScope 37
Sector Power Ratio (SPR)
120
What is it?
SPR is a ratio expressed in percentage
of the power outside the desired sector
to the power inside the desired sector
created by an antennas pattern.
Why is it useful?
It is a percentage that allows comparison
of various antennas. The better the SPR,
the better the interference performance of
the system.
How is it measured?
It is mathematically derived from the Desired
measured range data. Undesired
300
What is Andrew standard? PUndesired
60
Andrew Directed Dipole style antennas have SPR (%) = 60 X 100
SPRs typically less than 2 percent. PDesired
300

CommScope 38
AntennaBased System Improvements
Key Antenna Parameters To Examine Closely
932LG Standard 85 Panel Antenna
7 dB Roll off 6 dB
Directed Dipole
at -/+ 60
74 -10 dB 83
74 points 83
Horizontal
16 dB
Ant/Ant 12 dB
Isolation
Next Sector
Ant/Ant
35 dB 18 dB
Isolation
120 Cone 60
Cone of Great Silence with of Silence Area of Poor Silence with
>40 dB Front-to-Back Ratio >27 dB Front-to-Back Ratio

CommScope 39
Key Antenna Pattern Objectives
Azimuth Beam
Beam tracking vs. frequency 1 1 1
Limited to sub-bands on broadband models
Squint 1 1 1
Roll-off past the 3 dB points 1 2 3
Front-to-back ratio 1 1 2
Cross-pol beam tracking 1 1 1
Elevation Beam
Beam tracking vs. frequency 1 2 3 Ratings:
Upper sidelobe suppression 1 2 3 1 = Always important
Lower null fill 3 3 2 2 = Sometimes important

Cross-pol beam tracking 2 2 3 3 = Seldom important

CommScope 40
Key Antenna Pattern Objectives (Continued)
Downtilt
Electrical vs. mechanical tilt 1 1 3
Absolute tilt 2 2 3
Electrical tilt vs. frequency 1 2 3
Effective gain on the horizon 1 2 3
Gain
Close to the theoretical value 2 1 1
(directivity minus losses)
Note: Pattern shaping reduces gain. Ratings:

1 = Always important
2 = Sometimes important
3 = Seldom important

CommScope 41
Advanced Antenna Technology
Adaptive Array (AA)
Planar array 4, 6, and 8 column vertical pol designs

for WiMAX and TD-SCDMA*
External digital signal processing
(DSP) controls the antenna pattern Often calibration ports are used
A unique beam tracks each mobile
Adaptive nulling of interfering signals
Increased signal to interference ratio * Time Division Spatial Code Division Multiple Access
performance benefits

CommScope 42
MIMO Systems
2 x 2 MIMO Spatial Multiplexing
Multiple Input Multiple Output A DualPol RET for 2x2 MIMO,

(MIMO) two separated for 4x4 MIMO
External DSP extracts signal from Spatial multiplexing works best in
interference a multi-path environment
Capacity gains due to multiple Space Time Block Coding is a
antennas diversity MIMO mode

CommScope 43
SmartBeam Antenna Family
Most flexible and efficient antenna system in the industry
Solution for the traffic peaks instead of raising the bar everywhere
Full 3-way remote optimization options
- RET Remote Electrical Tilt (e.g. 010)
- RAS Remote Azimuth Steering (+/ 30)
- RAB Remote Azimuth Beamwidth (from 35 to 105)
Redirect and widen the beam based on traffic requirements
Balance the traffic per area with the capacity per sector
Best utilization of radio capacity per sector
Convenient and low-cost optimization from a remote office
Quick and immediate execution
Scheduled and executed several times a day (e.g. business and residential plan)

CommScope 44
SmartBeam
3-Way Model
Azimuth
patterns
35 65 measured at
17102180 MHz
with no radome.
90 105

CommScope 45
SmartBeam
3-Way Model
Elevation
patterns
35 65 measured at
17102180 MHz
with no radome.
90 105

CommScope 46
System Issues
Choosing sector antennas

Narrow beam antenna applications
Polarizationvertical vs. slant 45
Downtiltelectrical vs. mechanical
RET optimization
Passive intermodulation (PIM)
Return loss through coax
Antenna isolation
Pattern distortion

CommScope 47
Choosing Sector Antennas
For 3 sector cell sites, what performance differences can be expected

from the use of antennas with different horizontal apertures?
Criteria
Area of service indifference between adjacent sectors
(ping-pong area)
For comparison, use 6 dB differentials
Antenna gain and overall sector coverage comparisons

CommScope 48
3 x 120 Antennas
120 Horizontal Overlay Pattern
-5
-10
Examples
-15
-20 VPol
-25
Low Band
-30
DB874H120
-35
DB878H120
49 -40
3 dB

CommScope 49
3 x 90 Antennas
90 Horizontal Overlay Pattern
-5 Examples
-10
XPol VPol
-15
Low Band
-20
-25
DB854DG90 DB842H90
-30
DB856DG90 DB844H90
DB858DG90 DB848H90
44 -35
LBX-9012 LBV-9012
-40
LBX-9013
High Band
DB932DG90 UMW-9015
DB950G85
HBX-9016
UMWD-09014B
UMWD-09016
5 dB

CommScope 50
3 x 65 Antennas
65 Horizontal Overlay Pattern Examples
XPol VPol
0
Low Band
-5
-10
CTSDG-06513 DB844H65
-15
CTSDG-06515 DB848H65
CTSDG-06516 LBV-6513
-20
DB854DG65
-25
DB856DG65
-30
DB858DG65
-35
LBX-6513
19 -40
LBX-6516
High Band
UMWD-06513 PCS-06509
UMWD-06516 HBV-6516
UMWD-06517 HBV-6517
HBX-6516
10 dB HBX-6517

CommScope 51
Special Narrow Beam Applications
4-Sector Site (45)
Road
6-Sector Site (33) Repeater

Narrow Donor,
Wide Coverage
Antennas
Rural Roadway

CommScope 52
Test Drive Route
35
183
CELL SITE

CommScope 53
Polarization Diversity Tests
DB854HV90
DB854DD90
1 2
DRIVE TESTS +45/-45 0/90
Test A
(Slant 45) (H/V)
.
A HANDHELD 1A 2A
Test B B MOBILE 1B 2B

CommScope 54
Slant 45 / Hand-Held In Car
Space Diversity vs. Slanted +45/45 TEST 1A
Test Set-Up and Uplink Signal Strength Measurements
-40
DB833 DB854DD90 DB833
A E B
9dB Green 9dB
-50 Red Black Blue

Signal Strength (dBm)
11dB
7.5 ft.
-60
-70
-80
moving away moving towards
from tower tower
-90
moving crossface
-100
Uplink Vert Vert Slant Slant
Signal Strength Left Right Div Div

CommScope 55
Slant 45 / Hand-Held In Car
Space Diversity vs. Slanted +45/45 TEST 1A
Difference Between Strongest Uplink Signals
16
12
Signal Strength (dB)
Slant 45
0 Improvement
-4
-8
Difference Between Polarization Diversity and Space Diversity

Average Difference

CommScope 56
Slant 45 / Mobile With Glass Mount
Space Diversity vs. Slanted +45/-45 TEST 1B
Test Set-Up and Uplink Signal Strength Measurements
-40
DB833 DB854DD90 DB833
A E B
9dB Green 9dB
Red Black Blue
Signal Strength (dBm)
-50
11dB
7.5 ft.
-60
moving away
from tower
-70 moving towards
tower
-80
moving crossface
-90
Uplink Vert Vert Slant Slant
Signal Strength Left Right Div Div

CommScope 57
Slant 45 / Mobile With Glass Mount
Space Diversity vs. Slanted +45/-45 TEST 1B
Difference Between Strongest Uplink Signals

16
12
Signal Strength (dB)
0
Slant 45
-4 Degradation
-8
Difference Between Polarization Diversity and Space Diversity

Average Difference

CommScope 58
Rysavy Research

CommScope 59
Future Technology Focus
Figure 16 shows that

HSDPA,1xEV-DO, and
802.16e are all within 2-3
dB of the Shannon bound,
indicating that from a link
layer perspective, there is
not much room for
improvement.
This figure demonstrates
that the focus of future
technology enhancements
should be on improving
system performance
aspects that improve and
maximize the experienced
SNRs in the system
instead of investigating
new air interfaces that
attempt to improve the link
layer performance. 1 Peter
Rysavy of Rysavy Research, Data Capabilities: GPRS to HSDPA and
Beyond, 3G Americas, September 2005

CommScope 60
The Impact
Lower Co-Channel Interference/Better Capacity And Quality
In a three sector site, traditional antennas
produce a high degree of imperfect power Traditional Flat Panels
control or sector overlap. 65 90
Imperfect sectorization presents
opportunities for:
Increased softer hand-offs
Interfering signals
Dropped calls
Reduced capacity
The rapid roll-off of the lower lobes of the Andrew Directed Dipole
Andrew Directed Dipole antennas create 65 90
larger, better defined cones of silence
behind the array.
Much smaller softer hand-off area
Dramatic call quality improvement
5%10% capacity enhancement

CommScope 61
120 Sector Overlay Issues
On the Capacity and Outage Probability of a CDMA Heirarchial Mobile System with
Perfect/Imperfect Power Control and Sectorization
By: Jie ZHOU et, al IEICE TRANS FUNDAMENTALS, VOL.E82-A, NO.7 JULY 1999
. . . From the numerical results, the user capacities are dramatically decreased as
the imperfect power control increases and the overlap between the sectors
(imperfect sectorization) increases . . .
15
Effect of Soft and Softer Handoffs on CDMA System
Percentage of
capacity loss
Capacity 10
By: Chin-Chun Lee et, al IEEE TRANSACTIONS
ON VEHICULAR TECHNOLOGY, VOL. 47, NO. 3, 5
AUGUST 1998
0
0 5 10 15
Overlapping angle in degree
Qualitatively, excessive overlay also reduces capacity of TDMA and GSM systems.

CommScope 62
Hard, Soft, and Softer Handoffs
Hard Handoff
- Used in time division multiplex systems
- Switches from one frequency to another
- Often results in a ping-pong switching effect
Soft Handoff
- Used in code division multiplex systems
- Incorporates a rake receiver to combine signals from multiple cells
- Smoother communication without the clicks typical in hard handoffs
Softer Handoff
- Similar to soft handoff except combines signals from multiple adjacent
sectors

CommScope 63
Soft and Softer Handoff Examples
Softer Handoff
Two-Way Soft Handoff
Three-Way Soft
Handoff

CommScope 64
Beam Downtilt
In urban areas, service and frequency utilization are frequently improved

by directing maximum radiation power at an area below the horizon.
This technique . . .
Improves coverage of open areas close to the base station.
Allows more effective penetration of nearby buildings, particular
high-traffic lower levels and garages.
Permits the use of adjacent frequencies in the same general region.

CommScope 65
Electrical/Mechanical Downtilt
Mechanical downtilt lowers main beam, raises back lobe.
Electrical downtilt lowers main beam and lowers back lobe.
A combination of equal electrical and mechanical downtilts

lowers main beam and brings back lobe onto the horizon!

CommScope 66
Electrical/Mechanical Downtilt (Continued)
Mechanical Electrical

CommScope 67
DB5083 Downtilt Mounting Kit
DB5083 downtilt mounting kit is

constructed of heavy duty galvanized
steel, designed for pipe mounting
12 to 20 wide panel antennas.
Correct bracket calibration

assumes a plumb mounting pipe!
Check antenna with a digital level.

CommScope 68
Mechanical Downtilt
Pattern AnalogyRotating A Disk
Mechanical tilt causes . . .

Beam peak to tilt below horizon
Back lobe to tilt above horizon
At 90, no tilt

CommScope 69
Mechanical Downtilt Coverage
100 90 80 100 90 80
110 70 110 70
120 60 120 60
130 50 130 50
140 40 140 40
150 30 150 30
160 20 160 20
170 10 170 10
180 0 180 0
190 350 190 350
200 340 200 340
210 330 210 330
220 320 220 320
230 310 230 310

240 300 240 300
250 290 250 290
260 270 280 260 270 280
Elevation Pattern Azimuth Pattern
Mechanical Tilt 0 4 6 8 10

CommScope 70
0 Mechanical Downtilt
Quiz What is the vertical beamwidth of a 4-element array?
85

CommScope 71
93

CommScope 72
123

CommScope 73
Horizontal 3 dB Bandwidth Undefined

CommScope 74
Managing Beam Tilt
For the radiation pattern to show maximum gain in the direction of the horizon,
each stacked dipole must be fed from the signal source in phase.
Feeding vertically arranged dipoles out of phase will generate patterns that
look up or look down.
The degree of beam tilt is a function of the phase shift of one dipole relative to
the adjacent dipole.
Generating Beam Tilt

Dipoles Fed In Phase Dipoles Fed Out of Phase
Energy
in
Phase
Exciter
Exciter

CommScope 75
Electrical Downtilt
Pattern AnalogyForming A Cone Out Of A Disk
Electrical tilt causes . . .

Beam peak to tilt below horizon
Back lobe to tilt below horizon
At 90, tilt below horizon
All the pattern tilts
Cone of the
Beam Peak Pattern

CommScope 76
Electrical Downtilt Coverage
100 90 80 100 90 80
110 70 110 70
120 60 120 60
130 50 130 50
140 40 140 40
150 30 150 30
160 20 160 20
170 10 170 10
180 0 180 0
190 350 190 350
200 340 200 340
210 330 210 330
220 320 220 320
230 310 230 310

240 300 240 300
250 290 250 290
260 270 280 260 270 280
Elevation Pattern Azimuth Pattern
Electrical Tilt 0 4 6 8 10

CommScope 77
Mechanical Vs. Electrical Downtilt
Mechanical Electrical

CommScope 78
Remote Electrical Downtilt (RET)
Optimization ATM200-002
RET Device (Actuator)
Local PC
ATC200-LITE-USB
Portable Controller
Local PC
ANMS
Remote ATC300-1000
Locations
Rack Mount Controller
Network
Server

CommScope 79
Ericsson Interoperability

CommScope 80
Intermod Interference
Where?
F1 F3
Tx Rx Tx Rx
F1 F2 F3 F1 F2 F3
Receiver-Produced Transmitter-Produced
Tx Tx
F2 F2
F1
F1 F2 F3
Rx
Tx1 F3
F3 DUP
C
F2 Tx1
Elsewhere O
M Rx3
Tx2 Tx2
B RF Path-Produced

CommScope 81
High Band
Product Frequencies, Two-Signal IM
FIM = nF1 mF2
Example: F1 = 1945 MHz; F2 = 1930 MHz
Product Product Product
n m Order Formula Frequencies (MHz)
1 1 Second 1F1 + 1F2 3875
1F1 1F2 15
2 1 Third 2F1 + 1F2 5820
*2F1 1F2 1960
1 2 Third 2F2 + 1F1 5805
*2F2 1F1 1915
2 2 Fourth 2F1 + 2F2 7750
2F1 2F2 30
3 2 Fifth 3F1 + 2F2 9695
*3F1 2F2 1975
2 3 Fifth 3F2 + 2F1 9680
*3F2 2F1 1900
*Odd-order difference products fall in-band.

CommScope 82
Two-Signal IM
Odd-Order Difference Products
Example: F1 = 1945 MHz; F2 = 1930 MHz
F = F1 - F2 = 15
F2 F1
1930 1945
dBc
2F2 F1 2F1 F2
3F2 2F1 1915 1960 3F1 2F2
dBm
1900 F F 1975
2F 2F
5th 3rd F2 F1 3rd 5th
Third Order: F1 + F; F2 - F
Fifth Order: F1 + 2F; F2 - 2F
Seventh Order: F1 + 3F; F2 - 3F
Higher than the highest lower than the lowest none in-between

CommScope 83
PCS A Band Intermodulation
11th 9th 7th 5th 3rd
1855 1870 1885 1900 1915 1930 1945
Channel Bandwidth FCC Broadband PCS Band Plan

Block (MHz) Frequencies
C 30 18951910, 19751990
Note: Some of the original C block licenses
C1 15 1902.51910, 1982.51990
C2 15 18951902.5, 19751982.5 (originally 30 MHz each) were split into
C3 10 18951900, 19751980 multiple licenses (C-1 and C-2: 15 MHz;
C4 10 19001905, 19801985 C-3, C-4, and C-5: 10 MHz).
C5 10 19051910, 19851990

CommScope 84
PCS A & F Band Intermodulation
3rd
1895 1935 1975
Channel Bandwidth FCC Broadband PCS Band Plan

Block (MHz) Frequencies
C 30 18951910, 19751990
Note: Some of the original C block licenses
C1 15 1902.51910, 1982.51990
C2 15 18951902.5, 1975-1982.5
(originally 30 MHz each) were split into
C3 10 18951900, 19751980 multiple licenses (C-1 and C-2: 15 MHz;
C4 10 19001905, 19801985 C-3, C-4, and C-5: 10 MHz).
C5 10 19051910, 19851990

CommScope 85
Causes Of IMD
Ferromagnetic materials in the current path:

- Steel
- Nickel plating or underplating
Current disruption:
- Loosely contacting surfaces
- Non-conductive oxide layers between contact surfaces

CommScope 86
700, 750, 850A&B, PCS & AWS polarization diversity
DBXNH-6565A-VTM DBXNH-6565A-VTM
LNX-6512DS-VTM X X LNX-6512DS-VTM
| | X X
| | X X X X
| | X X X X
| | X X X X
| | X X X X
PCS AWS
850 850 850 850
700 750
TMA TMA TMA
4 antennas
and 4
Triplex Triplex Triplex Triplex transmission
Lo/Mid/Hi Lo/Mid/Hi Lo/Mid/Hi Lo/Mid/Hi
lines
Triplex Triplex Triplex Triplex

Lo/Mid/Hi Lo/Mid/Hi Lo/Mid/Hi Lo/Mid/Hi
700 Lower 850 850 750

850 PCS
AWS AWS
A&B B+B A+A+A Upper C

CommScope 87
Upper 700 C / 850 A expanded
Product Frequencies, Three-Signal IM
FIM = F1 + F2 F3
F1 F2 F3 Product Product Formula Product

MHz MHz MHz Order MHz
755 890 869 Third 1F1+1F2+1F3 776
757 890 871 Third 1F1+1F2+1F3 776
869 869 891.5 Third 1F1+1F2+1F3 846.5
757 891.5 872.5 Third 1F1+1F2+1F3 776
757 891.5 869.5 Third 1F1+1F2+1F3 779
*Odd-order difference products fall in-band.

CommScope 88
System VSWR Calculator
System VSWR Calculator
Version 9.0
Frequency (MHz): 850.00 18-Mar-09
Cable Type / Cable Ins Loss % of Est.

Component Return Cable Length Reflections at
System Component Max. VSWR Component Length w/2 Conn System
Used? Loss (dB) (ft) input
Loss (dB) (m) (dB) Reflection
Antenna or Load 1.50 13.98 87.2% 0.1003
No 2 2 Jumper 1.05 32.26 VXL7-50 2
LDF4-50A 1.83 6.00 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Tower Mounted Amp 1.20 20.83 0.20 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Jumper 1.09 27.32 2 1.83 6.00 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Top Diplexer or Bias Tee 1.15 23.13 0.20 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Jumper 1.09 27.32 2.00 1.83 6.00 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Main Feed Line 1.07 29.42 8 200.00 656.17 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Jumper 1.09 27.32 4 30.48 100.00 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Bias Tee 1.15 23.13 0.10 11.00 36.09 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Jumper 1.09 27.32 2.00 1.83 6.00 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Surge Suppressor 1.07 29.42 0.10 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Jumper 1.09 27.32 3.00 1.83 6.00 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
No 2 2 Bottom Diplexer or Duplexer 1.20 20.83 0.10 0.00 0.0% 0.0000
Yes 1 1 Jumper 1.08 28.30 FSJ4-50B
1.00 27.30 89.57 3.00 12.8% 0.0385
100.0%
Legacy Jumper / TL Cables Andrew CommScope
1/2 inch Superflexible Copper FSJ4-50B Estimated Conn Loss ( 2per cable) 0.028
1/2 inch Foam Copper LDF4-50A CR 540
1/2 inch Superflexible Aluminum SFX 500 Typical System Reflection: 0.1074
1/2 inch Foam Aluminum FXL 540 Typical System VSWR: 1.24
Typical System Return Loss (dB): 19.4
Legacy Transmission Lines Andrew CommScope
7/8 inch Copper LDF5-50A CR 1070 Worst System Reflection: 0.1387
1 1/4 inch Copper LDF6-50 CR 1480 Worst System VSWR: 1.32
1 5/8 inch Copper LDF7-50A CR 1873 Worst System Return Loss (dB): 17.2
7/8 inch Very Flexible Copper VXL5-50
1 1/4 inch Very Flexible Copper VXL6-50 Total Insertion Loss (dB): 3.00
1 5/8 inch Very Flexible Copper VXL7-50
7/8 inch Virtual Air Copper AVA5-50 Return Loss to VSWR converter Feet to meters converter
Yes 1 5/8 inch Virtual Air Copper AVA7-50 Return Loss
VSWR Feet meters
7/8 inch Aluminum AL5-50 FXL 780 (dB)
1 1/4 inch Aluminum FXL 1480 17.00 1.33 100.00 30.48
1 5/8 inch Aluminum AL7-50 FXL 1873
No

CommScope 89
Possible Cascaded VSWR Results
Possible results (at a
given frequency) when
Antenna and TMA are
interconnected with
different electrical
length jumpers.
If: L = 1.5:1 (14 dB RL Antenna)
S = 1.2:1 (20.8 dB RL TMA)
Then: X (max) = 1.8:1 (10.9 dB RL)

S (min) = 1.25:1 (19.1 dB RL)
Worst case seldom

happens in real life, but
be aware that it is
possible!
From http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/editorial.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng&ckey=895674&nid=-35131.0.00&id=895674

CommScope 90
Recommended Antenna/TMA Qualification Test
Antenna 50 ohm load
6 foot LDF4-50A 6 foot LDF4-50A
Adapter or jumper to
bypass TMA TMA TMA
12 foot LDF4-50A
12 foot LDF4-50A
Transmission
Transmission Line
Line
20 foot
20 foot FSJ4-50
FSJ4-50
Antenna Return Loss Diagram TMA Return Loss Diagram

CommScope 91
Attenuation Provided By Vertical
Separation Of Dipole Antennas
Isolation in dB
Antenna Spacing in Feet (Meters)

The values indicated by these curves are approximate because of coupling which exists between the antenna
and transmission line. Curves are based on the use of half-wave dipole antennas. The curves will also provide
acceptable results for gain type antennas. If values (1) the spacing is measured between the physical center of
the tower antennas and it (2) one antenna is mounted directly above the other, with no horizontal offset
collinear). No correction factor is required for the antenna gains.

CommScope 92
Attenuation Provided By Horizontal
Separation Of Dipole Antennas
Isolation in dB
Antenna Spacing in Feet (Meters)
Curves are based on the use of half-wave dipole antennas. The curves will also provide acceptable results
for gain type antennas if (1) the indicated isolation is reduced by the sum of the antenna gains and (2) the
spacing between the gain antennas is at least 50 ft. (15.24 m) (approximately the far field).

CommScope 93
Pattern Distortions
Conductive (metallic) obstruction in the path

of transmit and/or receive antennas may
distort antenna radiation patterns in a way
that causes systems coverage problems and
degradation of communications services.
A few basic precautions will prevent pattern

distortions.
Additional information on metal obstructions can also be found online at:

www.akpce.com/page2/page2.html

CommScope 94
Pattern Distortions
Side Of Building Mounting
Building

CommScope 95
90 Horizontal Pattern
Obstruction @ 10 dB Point
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
300 -15 60 880 MHz

-20
290 70
-25
280 -30 80
-35
270
-40
90 0
260 100 10 dB Point
250 110 Building
240 120 Antenna Corner
230 130
220 140
210 150
200 160
190 180 170

CommScope 96
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
300
-15
60 880 MHz
-20
290 0
-25
280 -30 80
-35
270
-40
90 0 6 dB Point
260 100
250 110 Building

Antenna Corner
240 120
230 130
220 140
210 150
200 160
190 180 170

CommScope 97
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
300
-15
60 880 MHz
-20
290 0
-25
280 -30 80
-35 3 dB Point
270
-40
90 0
260 100 Building
Corner
250 110
240 120 Antenna

230 130
220 140
210 150
200 160
190 180 170

CommScope 98
0.51 Diameter Obstacle @ 0
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
-15
300 60 880 MHz
-20
290 0
-25
280 -30 80
-35
270 90 0
-40
260 100 12
250 110
240 120 Antenna

230 130
220 140
210 150
200 160
190 180 170

CommScope 99
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
-15
300 60 880 MHz
-20
290 0
-25
280 -30 80
-35
270 90
-40 45
260 100
8
250 110
240 120 Antenna

230 130
220 140
210 150
200 160
190 180 170

CommScope 100
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
-15
300 60 880 MHz
-20
290 0
-25
280 -30 80
-35
270 90
-40
60
260 100
6
250 110
240 120
Antenna
230 130
220 140
210 150 Additional information on metal
200 160 obstructions can also be found online
190 180 170
at www.akpce.com/page2/page2.html.

CommScope 101
350 0 10
340 20
330 0 30
320 -5 40
310 -10 50
-15
300 60 880 MHz
-20
290 0
-25
280 -30 80
-35
270 90
-40
260 100
80
250 110 3
240 120 Antenna
230 130
220 140
210 150 Additional information on metal
200 160 obstructions can also be found online
190 180 170
at www.akpce.com/page2/page2.html.

CommScope 102
General Rule
Area That Needs To Be Free Of Obstructions (> 0.51)
Maximum Gain
> 12 WL
3 dB Point
(45)
6 dB Point
(60)
WL > 3 WL 10 dB Point
(80 90)
Antenna
90 horizontal (3 dB) beamwidth

CommScope 103
Pattern Distortions
D

d
d
tan = D
d = D x tan
tan 1 = 0.01745
for 0 < < 10 : tan = x tan 1
Note: tan 10 = 0.1763 10 x 0.01745 = 0.1745
CommScope 104
Gain Points Of A Typical Main Lobe
Vertical
Beam
Width= 2 x
Relative to Maximum Gain (3 dB point)
3 dB point below boresite.

6 dB point 1.35 x below boresite.
10 dB point 1.7x below boresite.

CommScope 105
Changes In Antenna Performance In The Presence Of:
Non-Conductive Obstructions
Fiberglass
90 PCS Antenna
Panel
Dim A

CommScope 106
Performance Of 90 PCS Antenna
Behind Camouflage (" Fiberglass)
120 FIBERGLASS
PANEL
110
Horizontal Aperture
DIM A
100
90
80
1/4 1/2 3/4 1 1-1/2 2
70
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Distance of Camouflage (Inches) (Dim. A)

CommScope 107
Performance Of 90 PCS Antenna
Behind Camouflage (" Fiberglass)
1.7
1.6
VSWR (Worst Case)
FIBERGLASS
PANEL
1.5
DIM A
1.4
1.3
1/4 1/2 1 1-1/2 2

1.2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Distance of Camouflage (Inches) (Dim. A)
W/Plain Faade W/Ribbed Faade Without Facade

CommScope 108
Distance From Fiberglass
0
0 90 102
330 30 330 30
300 60 300 60
270 270 90
90
-55 -55
-50 -50
-45 -45
-40 -40
240 120 240 120
-35 -35
-30 -30
-25 -25
210 150 210 150
-20 -20
180 180
0
330
No Fiberglass 30
68 3" to Fiberglass
300 60
270 90
-50
-45
-40
-35
240 120
-30
-25
-20
210 150
-15
180
1.5" to Fiberglass
CommScope 109
Distance From Fiberglass
0 0
330 30
77 330 30
112

300 60 300 60

270 90 270 90
-50 -50
-45 -45
-40 -40
240 -35 -35

120 240 120
-30 -30

-25 -25
-20 -20
210 150 210 150
-15 -15

180 180

0
4" to Fiberglass 330 30
108 6" to Fiberglass
300 60
270 90
-50
-45
-40
240 -35
120
-30
-25
-20
210 150
-15

180

9" to Fiberglass
CommScope 110

Base Station Antenna Systems - Antenna Theory

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Base Station Antenna Systems - Antenna Theory

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Base Station Antenna Systems - Antenna Theory

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Antenna Theory

Basic Principles For Daily Applications

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Omni Vertical DualPol DualPol Dual Band Digital SmartBeam

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

F0 (MHz) (Meters) (Inches)

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

dBd Signal strength relative to a dipole in empty space

dBi Signal strength relative to an isotropic radiator

dB Difference between two signal strengths

dBm Absolute signal strength relative to 1 milliwatt

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Return Transmission Power Power

1.10 26.4 0.01 0.2 99.8

1.20 20.8 0.04 0.8 99.2

1.30 17.7 0.08 1.7 98.3

1.40 15.6 0.12 2.8 97.2

1.50 14.0 0.18 4.0 96.0

2.00 9.5 0.51 11.1 88.9

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Vertical arrangement of properly phased dipoles allows

control of radiation patterns at the horizon as well as

stacked vertically, the flatter the vertical pattern is and the

higher the antenna coverage or gain is in the general

direction of the horizon.

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

What is Andrew standard?

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

A gain antenna is two or 3 (dBd) = 5.14 (dBi)

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

3 dB Horizontal Aperture Typical Length

3 4.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 12.5 13.5 15.1 3 1.5 20

6 7.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 15.5 16.5 18.1 6 3 10

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Gain (dBi) = Directivity (dBi) Losses (dB)

Measure using Gain by Comparison

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Measured data will be presented in the Systems Section

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Dipole 1800/1900/UMTS DualPol (XPol)

Patch 800/900 MHz MAR

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Single Dipole Crossed Dipole

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

ASP705 ASP705K LBX-6513DS

Series Feed Center Feed Corporate

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL