Antena GSM

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description
Alcatel
GSM Antenna Systems
Product Description
Alcatel
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CONTENTS
1. SCOPE........................................................................................................................................ 2
2. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 3
3. ANTENNAS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION ........................................................................... 4
3.1 Standard antennas................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Antennas with dual polarization............................................................................................. 8
3.3 Dual-band antennas............................................................................................................ 10
3.4 Microcellular antennas ........................................................................................................ 11
3.4.1 Outdoor antennas ...................................................................................................... 13
3.4.2 Indoor antennas......................................................................................................... 14
4. OPTIMIZED ANTENNA SYSTEMS ........................................................................................... 14
4.1 Antenna diversity ................................................................................................................ 15
4.2 Antenna beam tilt................................................................................................................ 16
5. ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS IN MOBILE NETWORKS ........................................................ 18
5.1 EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station........................................................................................ 19
5.1.1 Antenna diversity and air combining........................................................................... 20
5.1.2 Configurations without antenna diversity .................................................................... 21
5.2 EVOLIUM Micro Base Station ......................................................................................... 21
6. MECHANICAL ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURES............................................................... 22
6.1 Tower mounting for omni antennas..................................................................................... 23
6.2 Tower mounting for panel (directional) antennas................................................................. 24
6.3 Pole mounting on roof top................................................................................................... 26
6.4 Pole mounting on wall or parapet........................................................................................ 27
7. FEEDER SYSTEM .................................................................................................................... 27
7.1 Feeder cable....................................................................................................................... 28
7.1.1 Technical data for the feeders.................................................................................... 28
7.2 Feeder clamps.................................................................................................................... 30
7.3 Feeder accessory sets........................................................................................................ 31
7.3.1 Jumper cables ........................................................................................................... 31
7.3.2 Connectors ................................................................................................................ 32
7.3.3 Earthing of the feeder cable ....................................................................................... 32
7.4 Feeder systems for microcellular applications ..................................................................... 34
8. POWER DIVIDERS ................................................................................................................... 34
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1. SCOPE
This document describes the Alcatel GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900 and dual-band antenna
systems. The description contains the different modules of a complete base-station antenna
system.
2. INTRODUCTION
An antenna system consists of the following default items:
- Antennas including mounting clamps and mechanical downtilt kits,
- Mechanical antenna support structures,
- Feeders and clamps,
- Feeder accessories (earthing kits, wall glands, connectors, jumper cables, etc.).
Available options are:
- Power dividers,
- Radiating cables,
- Lightning protection for feeders.
The following scheme illustrates the typical arrangement of an antenna system.
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OPTIONAL with TMA

Lightning rod
Antenna
Jumper
cable
Mechanical
antenna
support
structure
Mounting
clamp
TMA
Jumper
cable1)
Jumper
1)
cable
Feeder
to BTS
Earthing kit
Feeder
installation
clamps
Earthing kit
Feeder
Sockets
7/16
Wall
gland
Plugs
7/16
Grounding
Jumper cables1)
1) Jumper
cables only required for feeder 7/8 or 1 5/8
Figure 1: Typical arrangement of an antenna system
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3. ANTENNAS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

For the link between base stations and mobile stations in general linear antennas are used, which
are made of either monopole (slab) or dipole elements. Mobile-station antennas mostly consist of a
single monopole or patch antennas. Base-station antennas are realized by an array of dipoles. The
following chapters focus on the base-station antennas.
3.1 Standard antennas

Antennas are generally composed of stacked dipoles (radiators) vertically bundling their radiated
power or more generally spoken, to form a particular, desired antenna pattern in vertical plains
around the antenna. Depending on the desired gain that wants to be achieved several of those
dipoles can be arranged on top of one another (Figure 2).
Dipole
Figure 2: Typical flat-panel antenna

For coverage of a complete, circular-shaped area, omnidirectional antennas are used, while sector
antennas illuminate a preferred section of the coverage area. Improved antenna directivity of such
sector antennas is achieved by placing antenna elements (radiators) in front of a reflector. By doing
so, superposition of wave components with suitable phase shifts will result in an accumulation of
energy in a preferred direction of space.
Besides such mechanical means to influence the antenna pattern (radiator and reflector
positioning), the individual radiators can be fed with voltages of exactly defined amplitude and
phase via a power distribution network to form the desired antenna pattern in the far field of the
antenna.
Generally macrocell antennas are offered with 7/16"-female connectors, but microcell antennas are
offered with N-female connectors. The Alcatel antenna sets contain mounting clamps for standard
poles (typically 90 mm diameter) and all directional antennas are delivered with a mechanical
downtilt mounting kit as a standard, if not otherwise stated.
Example for the meaning of the designation of an Alcatel antenna set:
Alcatel
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ANT*900/105/13.5/2T/XPol
I I I I
I
I I Extension for dual-polarized antennas
I I I I
I
I Electrical downtilt [ ]; swT: switchable Tilt
I I I I
I Antenna gain [dBi]
I I I I Horizontal beam width [ ] (omni: 360)
I I I Frequency range [MHz] (GSM 900, GSM 1800 or dual band)
I I Manufacturer ( * = independent from the manufacturer)
I ANTenna
1)
1)
Extension for dual-polarized antennas:

- XPol refers to +45 slanted (cross-polarized) antennas,
- V+H refers to vertically and horizontally polarized antennas.
Remark: Antenna gains may be variously specified in dBi (related to an isotropic radiator), or in
dBd (related to a /2 dipole). This document refers to dBi. For easy conversion between
differently stated values, the following formula may be used:
dBd = dBi - 2.1
Antennas are specified for a specific frequency range and cover usually the whole frequency band
including uplink and downlink direction. The impedance of antennas in mobile networks is generally
50 . Since it is not possible to have an exact impedance of 50 over the entire frequency range,
the parameter VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) defines accordingly the maximum mismatch.
VSWR is the ratio of the maximum and minimum voltage of the standing wave, in feeder cables
caused by reflection due to impedance mismatch. The indicated HPBW (Half-Power Beam Width)
in the designation of antennas specifies the angular range of main power emission. The HPBW is
limited by the directions where the antenna radiates half of the power compared to main beam
direction in the horizontal plane: 3 dB power decrease.
The spatial radiation characteristics, like the location of the maximum radiated power, the
respective sidelobes (local maximum, causing a certain risk of interference) and the null directions,
in which no power is radiated, are illustrated in the antenna diagrams.
With regard to the three dimensions, it is distinguished between the horizontal and the vertical
antenna diagrams. The horizontal part refers to the shape of the illuminated area (omni, horizontal
HPBW: 360; or sectorized area), whereas the vertical concentration of the radiated power are
shown in the vertical part. The following antenna diagrams present the spatial radiation
characteristics of a panel antenna.
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0 dB
Horizontal
0 dB
Vertical
-3 dB
-3 dB
-10 dB
-10 dB
HPBW
Sidelobe
Main beam
Null direction
Figure 3:
Example of a panel-antenna diagram
Horizontal HPBW: 65
Vertical HPBW: 9
Alcatel can provide all possible types of antennas (gain, beamwidth, polarization, etc.). The
antennas are manufactured according to the highest standards, using the most up-to-date
technologies.
The following table gives a short overview about the antennas most commonly used. With these
antenna types most of the applications can be covered.
Antenna gain [dBi]
HPBW
900 MHz
1800 MHz
1900 MHz
360
11
11
11
105
16
13
13
90
15.5
16
15.5
65
17
18
18
33
20
20
23
Table 1: Values for standard antennas

It is to be noted, that the offered antenna configurations in a tender should be considered as typical.
When the results of the radio network planning are available and after a site survey, the final
solution must be redefined, this can lead to different antennas and different prices.
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Figure 4a: Typical omni antenna
Figure 4b: Typical flat-panel antenna
3.2 Antennas with dual polarization

Applications of dual-polarized antennas may lead to simplified antenna systems and save costs.
Dual-polarized antennas contain two independent radiating systems, the polarization of which is
differing by 90. This can be achieved by either using vertical and horizontal polarizations or using
systems with +45 slanted (cross) polarizations.
Dual-polarized antennas consist of stacked dipoles
functioning basically as the standard antennas
bundling their radiated power. The dipoles for
vertical/horizontal polarization, respectively 45 are
interlocked, therefore the same mechanical
dimensions as for standard antennas can be
achieved. For necessary decoupling of the two
polarization branches the dipoles with a different
orient-ation are isolated against each other. Each
polarization branch has its own input connector.
Figure 5 illustrates the construction of a +45 slanted
(cross) polarized antenna.
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Figure 5: Arrangement of a
dual- (cross)
polarized antenna
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Reception by one dual-polarized antenna (polarization diversity) is an alternative to the conventional space diversity, where two adequately spaced antennas are used (please refer to section
4.1, antenna diversity). In this case both kinds of dual-polarized antennas are applicable .
By using dual-polarized antennas also for transmitting it must be considered, that the preferred
polarization plane for Tx signals is vertical and deviations will reduce the downlink budget. So the
vertical- and horizontal-polarized antenna is the recommended one for a one-Tx signal application.
3 dB 2 dB
Figure 6: Effect of different antenna polarizations on propagation

When air combining with dual-polarized antennas is introduced, transmission takes place on both
antenna branches. The idea of air combining is to combine transmitted signals in the air and not
with an additional combiner, in order to save the respective combiner losses. In this case the crosspolarized antenna is the preferred dual-polarized antenna type, because it must be avoided to
transmit in the horizontal plane (worst case for propagation conditions). The use of cross-polarized
antennas for urban and suburban areas can be recommended.
Due to less reflection and diffrection events in the rural area, the origin polarization (+45 or -45 of
the cross-polarized antenna) of the transmitted signal will be conserved and the signal content in
the other polarizations can be ignored. This leads to a dependence on the polarization and the
assigned TRX (transceiver) and might cause transmission problems as the following example
shows:
Assuming a two-TRX BTS, one TRX transmitting with +45 and the other TRX transmitting with
-45. The BCCH (Broadcast Control CHannel) is assigned to the antenna branch with +45. If a
neighbour-cell mobile tries to perform an HO (HandOver), caused by power budget or signal level,
the decision will be based on the received BCCH level. If the mobile is allocated on a TCH (Traffic
CHannel) of the other antenna branch (-45 ), there will occur a sudden change in signal level, due
to the different polarization. At the worst there will happen a drastic signal drop and the level-based
decision for the HO was incorrect and might lead to a call drop.
With respect to this problem and because in rural areas the polarization diversity gain is negligible
(please refer to section 4.1, antenna diversity), the vertical-polarized antenna is the preferred type
for rural applications.
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3.3 Dual-band antennas

A further step to simplify antenna systems is the usage of dual-band antennas. Among other things
the reduction of the antenna quantity improves the visual aspects. Thus a GSM-900 and a GSM1800 antenna are combined in one dual-band antenna. The antennas are available as single- or as
dual-polarized types.
Dual-band antennas, e.g. for GSM-900 and GSM-1800 applications, are characterized by being
suitable for both frequency ranges with separate input connectors. This leads to a double number of
antenna connectors, compared to a corresponding single-band antenna; two connectors for singleand four connectors for dual-polarized antennas. In this case a dual cable run from the BTS is
required to support both bands.
GSM 900
Dual-band
antenna
GSM 900
GSM 1800
+45
-45
+45
-45
GSM 1800
+45
-45
Diplexer +45
Feeder
-45
GSM 900
+45
-45
Diplexer -45
Feeder
Diplexer +45
+45
Dual-band
antenna
+45
-45
GSM 1800
+45
Diplexer -45
-45
+45
GSM 900
-45
GSM 1800
Figure 7: Cross-polarized dual-band antenna with and without diplexer application
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By upgrading the dual-band antennas with additional diplexers (often integrated in the antenna
radome), combining the GSM-900 and GSM-1800 antenna branches with the same polarization, the
number of antenna connectors will be less by half and the required feeder system will be the same
compared to a single-band antenna system. This kind of application requires further base station
diplexers with a corresponding resplit function (please refer to figure 7).
The additional costs for the diplexers will be justified, if the reduced expenditure of the feeder
system is predominant. Especially for the transition of a single- to a dual-band system the existing
feeder system can be used, ensuring a fast installation during retrofit.
The decision whether a dual-band antenna or two independent GSM-900 and GSM-1800 antennas
should be used, depends strongly on the planning philosophy of the network and operators aims.
This approach will be explained in the following examples:
Example 1: Application of a dual-band antennas in high-traffic urban areas
The customer has a GSM-900 as well as a GSM-1800 licence and is currently running a GSM-900
network in an urban area. With increasing traffic, network densification has already been performed, thus the cell ranges are reduced and the omni sites are already sectorized. Typically six
single-polarized or three dual-polarized antennas are installed per site in case of a three-sector
diversity configuration. In order to increase the traffic a two-layer network should be installed. The
coverage ranges of the GSM-900 and GSM-1800 cells will be similar, therefore it is a good solution
to reuse the existing sites and replace the existing GSM-900 antennas by dual-band antennas,
instead of increasing the amount of antennas up to twelve (or six), or what is even more difficult to
realize, that is the acquisition of new GSM-1800 sites.
Example 2: Application of separated GSM-900 and GSM-1800 antenna configurations
An operator is installing a new dual-band network in low-traffic areas. Since higher coverage ranges
can be achieved by means of GSM 900, the operator will try to perform coverage in rural areas with
GSM-900 cells and choose smaller cell sizes in urban areas by applying GSM-1800 cells there. In
these scenarios no dual-band antennas are required, the cells need to be configured independently
of each other.
So basically antenna configurations in a dual-band network can be split up in dual-band antenna or
monoband antenna configurations.
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3.4 Microcellular antennas

In the often heavily multipath-loaded environment of microcells, the electrical antenna properties
like gain, pattern, characteristics, etc. loose importance, while on the other hand, for aesthetical
reasons, visual appearance/style may appear more significant for the selection of a specific
antenna type.
For serving the microcellular environment, indoor as well as outdoor, microcellular antennas will be
installed at relative low height (generally below roof-top level) in very flexible ways, using
house/room walls, urban devices, ceilings, etc. as support or for fixation. Following the very
compact design of the Micro-BTS, the antenna installation (i.e. antenna plus connecting cables)
should also remain visually non-intrusive and - even more important for indoor installations - should
respect aesthetic aspects of the installation ambiance.
Figure 8:
Mounting of an outdoor and an
indoor microcellular antenna
The
use
of
small,
inconspicuous antennas is made possible due to the low transmit power of the Micro-BTSs. The
antennas are generally equipped with N-type female connectors.
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3.4.1 Outdoor antennas

The following table lists the commonly used outdoor antennas for microcellular applications.
Antenna gain [dBi]
HPBW
900 MHz
1800 MHz
360
2
5
2
5
90
65
5
bidirectional
10
Table 2: Values for outdoor microcellular antennas

The figures below show typical designs for outdoor microcellular antennas.
Figure 9b: Flat panel
Figure 9a: Omni antenna
Figure 9c: Bidirectional panel
Figure 9: Typical outdoor microcellular antennas
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3.4.2 Indoor antennas

The following table lists the commonly used indoor antennas for microcellular applications.
Antenna gain [dBi]
Beam width
900 MHz
1800 MHz
360
2
2
Multi-band antenna
7
Multi-band antenna
90
8
Table 3: Values for indoor microcellullar antennas

The figures below show typical designs for indoor microcellular antennas:
Figure 10c: Panel
Figure 10b: Flat panel
Figure 10a:
Omni, pole
Figure 10d: Omni antenna
Figure 10: Typical indoor microcellular antennas
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4. OPTIMIZED ANTENNA SYSTEMS

In this chapter, two methods will be introduced which improve the effectivity of antenna systems.
4.1 Antenna diversity

The purpose of using diversity is to reduce short-term fading effects, in order to achieve an
acceptable level of performance (receiver sensitivity), instead of increasing the transmitted power
or the bandwidth on the other side.
The principle relies on the combination of two or more signals, containing the same information,
which are at least partially decorrelated. If two signals of the same level are completely decorrelated, the probability that both signals will undergo the same depth of fade is only the square
compared to the probability for one signal. Therefore the signal reliability is increased.
The most commonly used diversity system is space diversity. The decorrelation is achieved by
receiving the signals by means of two spatially separated (horizontal or vertical) antennas. If the
separation of the antennas is at least 20 for horizontal separation (6 m for GSM 900 and 3 m
for GSM 1800) and 15 for vertical separation (5 m for GSM 900 and 2.5 m for GSM 1800), a
sufficient low correlation coefficient of 0.7 can be achieved. Space diversity systems use only one
polarization direction.
Rx
Demod
Deci- To BTS
sion
Rxdiv
Dualpolarized
antenna
Demod
Singlepolarized
antennas
Figure 11: Diversity systems

In urban scenarios, where multipath propagation due to reflection and diffraction is predominant, the
orientation of a single wave (and therefore the polarization) changes. Besides of signals with the
original vertical polarization, there are also signals with horizontal polarization. Considering the fact,
that a hand-held mobile or the antenna of a moving car is usually inclined to the vertical, there is a
degradation due to signal loss using space diversity systems.
Another diversity system, the polarization diversity system, recovers this signal energy loss by an
additional orthogonal polarization. Decorrelation is achieved by using antennas with different
polarizations (please refer to section 3.2, antennas with dual polarization).
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For urban and suburban application the achievable diversity gain is comparable for both types, the
space and polarization diversity. Due to the less multipath propagation the gain in rural areas is
generally lower. The polarization diversity gain of the rural area is even negligible, thus that the
space diversity is the preferred type for rural areas. The diversity gain itself depends on a lot of
parameters, like signal decorrelation and level, morphostructure, topology, antenna mounting, etc.,
and differs in the range of 2 dB up to 6 dB.
4.2 Antenna beam tilt

In dense networks it is often advisable to lower the main lobe of the antenna in the vertical plane
(downtilt) to ensure a reduction of interferences (see Figure 12). Hereby the main radiation lobe is
adjusted below the horizontal by a specific angular displacement expressed in degrees ().
Main beam direction
Ma
in b
eam
dire
ctio
n
Figure 12: Illumination with and without antenna downtilt

There are three kinds of beam tilt, the mechanical, the fixed electrical and the switchable electrical
downtilt and when used, it must be applied for the Tx as well as for the Rx antennas.
Mechanical beam tilt is achieved by physically tilting the antenna out of the perpendicular by using a
downtilt kit (brackets), factory-made specifically for that type of antenna. The following figure
presents such a downtilt kit.
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Figure 13: Mechanical downtilt kit for panel antennas

The advantages of this kind of beam tilting are the cost effectivity and the flexibility. A later
adjustment of the vertical tilt is possible and therefore only one single antenna type may be used.
The additional expenses for the mechanical downtilt are moderate and already included in the costs
for the Alcatel antenna sets.
The drawback is that the mechanical beam tilt has no effect on the side-lobe characteristics of the
antenna (please refer to section 3.1, Figure 3). Providing a much more accurate and predictable
means of controlling antenna coverage, the electrical beam tilt provides a distinct performance
advantage; all directions/lobes (main, side and rear) are tilted to the same measure, controlling
interferences of all directions. The electrical tilt is achieved by altering the phasing within the
antenna. This technique produces beam tilt without physical movement of the antenna.
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=0
=t
gle
tilt an
n
w
o
D
= 2t
= 3t
= delay time
Figure 14: Electrical-downtilt technology
The electrical downtilt can be provided as fixed or switchable. The fixed one is tuned by the
manufacturer, a later adjustment is not possible (except by means of an additional mechanical
downtilt kit). This is disadvantageous because new antenna types have to be introduced, if other
downtilts concerning a new network planning phase are required. This drawback can be avoided by
using antennas with switchable electrical downtilt. By means of this advanced antenna type the
electrical downtilt can be adjusted by a lever on the rear of the antenna. The antenna becomes very
flexible with regard to the changing network conditions while maintaining the advantages of an
electrical downtilt. On the other side this antenna type is rather expensive.
The common mechanical downtilt-values range is from 2 to 10 (sometimes even more), depending on the vertical beam pattern of the actual antenna. Antennas with switchable electrical downtilt
allow adjustments of the tilt angle from e.g. 3 to 15, in one-degree steps.
Both mechanical and electrical downtilt can also be combined. This results in a distinct range
reduction in sidelobe direction (interference reduction). When choosing sector antennas with high
electrical downtilt (6 to 8) and applying mechanical-uptilt installation, an optimum coverage range
in main-beam direction can be achieved.
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5. ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS IN MOBILE NETWORKS

In general there are many possibilities for antenna configurations. The antenna configuration
depends on the antenna coupling level (stage between the antennas and the TRX level) of the BTS
(Base Transceiver Station). This chapter gives an overview about the standard antenna configurations of the Alcatel EVOLIUM Base Station family.
5.1 EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station

The antenna coupling level of the EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station is based on the separation
between the combiner stage and a suitable antenna output stage. With this kind of modular construction the antenna coupling level can be adapted to a wide range of mobile-network requirements
for antenna configurations, like reduction of attenuation losses (e.g. combiner loss) and
minimization of the number of antennas per base station site.
Air interface
Crosspolarized
antenna
Singlepolarized
antenna
Singlepolarized
antenna
....
....
Antenna
configurations
Antenna output stage
Antenna output stage
Antenna
coupling level
.............
Combiner stage
TRX level
TRX
TRX
TRX
......
........................................
TRX
TRX
TRX
.............
BCF level
Station unit module
EVOLIUMTM A9100
Base Station
Abis interface
Abbreviations: BCF Base station Control Function; TRX Transceiver
Figure 15: Antenna configurations in conjunction
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with the EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station

5.1.1 Antenna diversity and air combining
For antenna configurations with antenna diversity, which use air combiner technique, Alcatel
provides the twin Receiver Front End (RFE) and duplexer stage. This antenna output stage
connects two transmit signals to two antennas (or to one dual-polarized antenna) and distributes the
received signals from each antenna to two receivers (for normal and the diversity reception). The
module includes duplexers, LNAs and splitters. Each EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station cell is
equipped with at least one such stage, which features high sensitivity, low attenuation and minimum intermodulation products. The following figure illustrates the supported antenna configurations
of the twin receiver front end and duplexer stage.
Crosspolarized
configuration
Antenna
Feeder
TxA - RxA - RxdivB
TxB - RxB - RxdivA
Antenna
Singlepolarized
configuration
Feeder
TxA - RxA - RxdivB
TxB - RxB - RxdivA
TxA - RxA - RxdivB
TxB - RxB - RxdivA
Duplexer
Filter
Duplexer
Filter
LNA
LNA
Splitter
Splitter
TxA
RxdivA
RxA
RxdivB
Twin RFE
and
duplexer
stage
TxB
RxB
Figure 16: Antenna configurations with one twin Receiver

Front End (RFE) and duplexer stage for one cell
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The cross-polarized configuration has the advantage of minimizing the amount of antennas. Both
configurations fulfil diversity aspects: By means of cross-polarized antennas the polarization
diversity and with single-polarized antennas the space diversity is realized.
One of this twin receiver front end and duplexer stage supports the air combining (no additional
combiner stage necessary) for up to two TRXs per cell. Under the name low-loss configuration the
EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station supports two of these stages per cell, and air combining for up to
four TRXs per cell is possible.
5.1.2 Configurations without antenna diversity
For antenna configurations with only one single-polarized antenna, in order to minimize the number
of antennas per site, Alcatel developed another antenna output stage: the RFE, duplexer and WBC
stage. This module covers the functionalities of both twin receiver front end and duplexer stage as
well as twin wide-band combiner stage.
Antenna
Feeder
Tx
Rx
Duplexer
Filter
Filter
LNA
WBC
TxA RxA
Duplexer
combiner
stage (ANs)
Splitter
TxB RxB
Figure 17: Antenna configuration with one RFE,

duplexer and WBC stage for one cell
This one-antenna configuration (for one cell) does not support the diversity and air-combining
aspects.
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5.2 EVOLIUM Micro Base Station

Alcatel has developed a broad range of EVOLIUM Micro Base Stations to provide against any
coverage needs. By using a modular concept the EVOLIUM Micro Base Stations are upgradable
with regard to the amount of TRXs and cells. Figure 18 presents the different antenna configurations for one-cell applications.
Antenna
Antenna
Feeder
Feeder
3-dB coupler
1 TRX
2 TRXs
2 TRXs
Figure 18: Different antenna configurations with the EVOLIUM

Micro Base Stations for one-cell applications
With regard to the requirements of micro base stations, like consideration of aesthetic aspects of
the installation ambiance (number of antennas), the antenna output stage of the EVOLIUM Micro
Base Station contains a duplexer which combines the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) paths. With
this technology only one antenna for one-TRX applications is needed.
The high output power provided by EVOLIUM Micro Base Stations can be achieved by using air
combining (no additional combiner losses) for the 2-TRX configuration. In this application either two
standard micro antennas (single-polarized) or one dual-polarized antenna are used, supporting the
antenna diversity technology.
In addition, Alcatel offers a one-antenna system for the 2-TRX configuration. The resulting benefits
are reduced site acquisition constraints and lower antenna installation efforts and costs.
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6. MECHANICAL ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURES

Mechanical antenna support structures serve two purposes:
Grouping and accurate positioning of the antennas or antenna arrays, as laid out for generation of the desired pattern to illuminate the specified area,
Mechanical interface and fixation of antennas or antenna arrays at the desired altitude to the
carrier structure, which may be a tower, mast, building wall or roof top, etc..
The following paragraphs concentrate on a few, but more often used and most convenient realization variants for antenna mounts. In general, the mounting hardware kits are applicable for antennas of all frequency ranges (900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz) and for dual-band antennas
including installation and grounding material.
Important remark: The figures, pictures and realization examples shown below shall be considered only as a basic technical reference. The detailed technical realization for a specific mount
must be traced to the respective materialization lists and has to be determined in co-operation with
the installation department.
Safety remark: Rigidity and stability of the mounts have to be checked/analyzed with respect to
total weight, ice and wind load (in projects often mandatory to get official tower permit).
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6.1 Tower mounting for omni antennas

If the tower or mast top is still available, the omnidirectional mounting as per Figure 19 will be the
preferable solution (for the EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station). A minimum horizontal spacing of
three or six meters between the poles bearing the Rx and Rxdiv antennas (please refer to section
4.1, antenna diversity) respectively between the poles carrying Tx and Rx antennas should be
preserved in order to confirm a sufficient decoupling between the antenna branches. If the
horizontal spacing is below the required minimum an additional vertical spacing of 0.5 m is
necessary.
Omni
antennas
Figure 19: Tower mounting for omni antennas
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6.2 Tower mounting for panel (directional) antennas

By means of horizontally supporting arms in conjunction with vertical carrier pipes, panel antennas
can be positioned at the right spacing away from the tower and at the required altitude along the
tower.
Horizontally
supporting
arms
Vertical
carrier
pipe
Grounding
Figure 20: Tower mounting for panel antennas
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The supporting arms are mounted to the tower legs by means of crossover plates. The type of tower
leg (tubular or angular cross section) and its size determine the required type of crossover plate.
The antenna panels are fixed by the usual U-clamps to the vertical carrier pipe, which itself is
mounted on both ends to the supporting arms by pipe crossover clamps, the latter being part of the
mounting assembly kit.
The mounting assemblies can be used on towers with square or triangular cross section. Instead of
the unidirectional (single-sector) configuration, also bi- or tri-sectored versions can be realized by
additional mounting assemblies at the adjacent/opposite tower legs.
6.3 Pole mounting on roof top

Especially in conjunction with tall buildings, small pipe masts or poles can be used for mounting and
carrying antenna arrays. Usually each pole would carry one or max. two panels in line, depending
on the panel height and the wind load restrictions. The Alcatel antenna pipe masts are modularly
upgradable. Therefore the masts are suitable for most applications.
Figure 21: Pole mounting on roof top
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Usually the pole is fixed by four heavy load bolts to the concrete roof surface. Tall poles are
additionally propped by two bracons. The antenna itself is fixed by means of standard U-clamps to
the pole.
In some cases it is necessary to have an additional mounting layer between the roof and the pole
mounting hardware. It protects the roof against direct mechanical effects of the mounting hardware
and has the benefits, that the weight of the mounting hardware is distributed over a larger plain
(stability aspects) and no fixing holes in the roof are necessary.
The layer is set up with a corresponding amount of hexagonal pavings (according to the stability
requirements) and an additional isolation between them and the roof. The hexagonal pavings are
pre-manufactured steel frames which will be fixed together and will be replenished with concrete on
site. This is an Alcatel option for the standard pole mounting.
6.4 Pole mounting on wall or parapet

Also small pipe masts or poles are applied to mount directive panel antennas in front of house
walls, house corners, roof edges or parapets. Adequately spaced, separate poles carry the
corresponding panel antennas. Due to the high bending momentum at least two anchor plates are
needed (please refer to Figure 22).
Anchor
plates
Figure 22: Wall mounting
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7. FEEDER SYSTEM
The feeder system presents the interface between the antennas and the base station. It includes the
feeder cable, the feeder clamps, and essential accessories, like jumper cables and earthing kits.
7.1 Feeder cable

The typical design of todays RF-transmission lines for mobile communications shows a dielectric of
foam polyethylene with a very low dielectric loss. This dielectric does not age and is not hygroscopic.
The inner conductors are copper wires. The outer conductors have an annular corrugation. By
means of the dielectric the inner conductor is centered in such a manner that no relative movement
between the conductors due to temperature variations or due to pulling can occur.
The cables have abrasion-resistant black polyethylene outer jackets. If required, the cables can be
supplied with flame-retarded low-smoke zero-halogen sheaths.
Inner
conductor
Outer
conductor
Dielectric
Jacket
Figure 23: Feeder cable

Feeder types and lengths depend on specific site and radio network planning requirements. The
exact length will be determined after a site survey.
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7.1.1 Technical data for the feeders

Inner conductor
Dielectric
Outer conductor
Jacket
Type
Copper wire
Low-density foam polyethylene (PE)
Corrugated copper tube
Polyethylene (PE), black
Minimum bending radius
Jacket
(outer diameter)
Weight (m)
Recommended
clamp spacing
Single bending
Repeated bending
LCF 1/2
70 mm
210 mm
16 mm
0.35 kg
0.6 m
LCF 7/8
120 mm
360 mm
28 mm
0.62 kg
0.8 m
LCF 1 5/8
300 mm
900 mm
49.7 mm
1.5 kg
1.2 m
Table 4: Mechanical data for feeders
Operating frequency:
900 MHz
Type
Attenuation / 100 m
Commonly used for up to 1)
LCF 1/2
6.6 dB
45 m
LCF 7/8
4.0 dB
75 m
LCF 1 5/8
2.6 dB
115 m
1800 MHz
Type
Attenuation/100 m
LCF 1/2
10.3 dB
30 m
LCF 7/8
6.0 dB
50 m
LCF 1 5/8
4.0 dB
75 m
1900 MHz
Type
Attenuation/100 m
LCF 1/2
10.6 dB
28 m
LCF 7/8
6.3 dB
47 m
LCF 1 5/8
4.2 dB
71 m
1) See next page
Table 5: Electrical data for feeders
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Remarks:
All attenuation values given in the above tables are related to 50- impedance type of feeder.
Values were derived from attenuation-vs.-frequency tables provided by manufacturer of feeders
through linearization between fixed, measured samples. Consequently, above statements should
not be regarded as highly accurate, measured values at a specific operating frequency (indicated in
the headers of tables).
1)
Column Commonly used for up to in table 5 is given in order to ensure feeder losses below or
equal to 3.0 dB (connector and jumper cable losses not included). These upper limits in
feeder length should be considered as guidelines only; rounded down to the closest integer value
in meters.
Deviations from recommended length values are possible, but must be considered in the
radio network planning process after discussion with the radio network planning team.
7.2 Feeder clamps

The feeder clamps mount the feeder cable to the mounting object, e.g. a mast or a pole. Each cable
clamp includes a twin-cable run for the common fixture of two feeders.

1. Cable clamps
3. Double bearing
2. Antenna cable
4. Counterpart
5. Anchor tape
Figure 24: Feeder installation
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7.3 Feeder accessory sets

Alcatel provides different accessory sets depending on the feeder type. These accessory sets
contain earthing kits, wall glands, connectors, isolation material and, if required, the jumper cable
between feeder and antenna.
The standard delivery consists of three earthing kits per feeder cable. An additional lightning
protection, by means of a lightning rod at the top of the building or mast and an EMP device
(ElectroMagnetic Protection, already included in the outdoor BTS) is available.
7.3.1 Jumper cables
With regard to the restricted minimum bending radius of the standard LCF feeder cable (please
refer to section 7.1.1, technical data data for feeders) a higher flexible connecting feeder cable, the
so-called jumper cable, is required. This jumper cable allows an accurate mounting and connection
of the feeder cable with the antenna or the BTS in areas that require tight bending and extremely
small bending radii. Particularly for the 7/8 and the 1 5/8 feeder cables these jumper cables are
essentially.
Feeder type
Jumper cable
Jumper cable
Jumper cable
Cable
length
Cable
diameter
Total attenuation
m
2
3
5
mm
13.5
13.5
13.5
900 MHz 1800 MHz

0.32 dB
0.42dB
0.42 dB
0.57dB
0.63 dB
0.88dB
Min.
bending
radius
mm
30
30
30
Cable type
HCF 1/2" CuH

HCF 1/2" CuH
HCF 1/2" CuH
Table 6: Jumper cables
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Figure 25: Flexible jumper cable

7.3.2 Connectors
One possible connection between feeder cable and jumper cable is shown in the following
illustrations. The connecting point must provide a perfect and long-term mechanical and electrical
connection, which is also resistant against environmental influences. These conditions are met due
to the construction of the components, and no further protection of the connecting point is required.
Figure 26: Connection between feeder and jumper cable

The connectors are generally 7/16 connectors with an outer-conductor diameter of 16 mm. This
system is used in all cases where robust and precise connections are required. The mating being
screw thread and sealed by a face ring. The feeder cable is equipped with female, the jumper cable
with male connector as a standard.
Male connector
Female connector
Figure 27: 7/16 connectors

7.3.3 Earthing of the feeder cable
The feeder cable earthing kits ground the feeder cable. They are mounted in defined distances over
the total cable length in order to protect overvoltages on the feeder cable. The earthing kit complies
with all relevant standards and is resistant to all relevant environmental influences. Figure 28
presents a possible earthing kit. The earthing body consists of stainless steel with vulcanized
Ethylene-Propylene-Caotchouc. The grounding wire (16 mm2, both ends terminated with cable
eyes) is fixed with stainless steel screws to the contact surface. This construction of a preassembled grounding kit enables a quick and accurate mounting.
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Figure 28: Cable earthing

At least three earthing points are recommended in order to achieve a good grounding result:
- One near the top of the feeder cable,
- One where the feeder cable leaves the tower or mast,
- One where the feeder cable enters the building or shelter,
- In areas of high lightning activities one on top of that every 20 m.
The following figure illustrates the earthing of the feeder cable at the cable entry of a building.
Figure 29: Feeder earthing at cable entry (wall gland)
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7.4 Feeder systems for microcellular applications

As already mentioned in section 3.4, microcellular antennas, the antenna installation (e.g. antenna
and connecting cables) for a Micro-BTS should consider the aesthetic installation aspects.
Figure 30 outlines the simple RF installation of the Micro-BTS. For the connection between the
Micro-BTS and the antenna, a factory-made feeder cable is used. Additional earthing, as shown, is
needed only in case of outdoor installation and in mixed configurations, when the BTS is installed
indoor and the antenna is mounted outdoor.
Microcellular antenna
Micro-BTS
unit
N-connector
Earth clamps
AC + data interface
N-connector
Cable channel (to support and hide the cable)
Factory-made feeder cable (optional lengths: 5 m and 15 m)
Earthing kit (required for outdoor installation)
Figure 30: Example of a microcellular antenna installation

The factory-made feeder is a highly flexible low-loss cable, already equipped with N-type male
connectors on both ends. If necessary, the cable length can be cut to the specific needs on site and
the connector can be reassembled.
Feeder type
MIC FEED 5
MIC FEED 15
Cable
length
Cable
diameter
Total attenuation
m
5
15
mm
13.5
13.5
900 MHz 1800 MHz

0.62 dB
0.88 dB
1.68 dB
2.43 dB
Min.
bending
radius
mm
30
30
Cable type
HCF 1/2" CuH

HCF 1/2" CuH
Table 7: Feeders for microcellular applications

In case of microcellular antenna feeder installation, cable tubes or plastic cable channels/ducts are
used. This allows to hide the (black-coloured) cable inside the cable channel. Besides this, the use
of cable channels enables an exact and rapid fixation.
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8. POWER DIVIDERS
Power dividers (or power splitters) can be used to connect two, three or four antennas to a single
feeder cable.
Two main applications for power dividers exist:
Creation of omni-directional antenna patterns by using directional antennas, when the top of a
mast or tower is not accessible (radial, skew or quasi-omni configuration),
Feeding of two directional antenna sets by a single BTS (cell) for road coverage.
Quasi-omni
configuration
4-to-1 power divider

6 dB distribution loss
To the BTS
Figure 31: Typical application of power dividers

The Power Divider (PD) can be combined with the tower-mounted amplifier equipment (TMA).
To combine antennas for particular radiation patterns or for an indoor distribution network, power
dividers with the following features are available:
Low-loss coaxial-line transformation,
High power rating,
Indoor and outdoor use,
Very small dimensions.
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The technical data of symmetrical power dividers are given in the tables below:
Electrical specifications
Divider type
Distribution loss
[dB]
Insertion loss
[dB]
2-way
3-way
4-way
4.8
< 0.05
VSWR
< 1.1
Impedance
50
Mechanical specifications
[mm]
Dimensions W x H x D
210 x 80 x 80
160 x 80 x 80
Connector type
285 x 80 x 80
7/16 female
Material
Case: Aluminum
Inner conductor: Brass
Mounting
Bracket included for wall mounting: For tubular-mast mounting

clamps with diameter between 50 mm and 105 mm
Table 8: Technical data for power dividers

For an especially adapted indoor distribution network, there are also asymmetrical power dividers
available.
End of Document
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Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

OPTIONAL with TMA

cables only required for feeder 7/8 or 1 5/8

Figure 1: Typical arrangement of an antenna system

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

3. ANTENNAS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION

3.1 Standard antennas

Figure 2: Typical flat-panel antenna

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Extension for dual-polarized antennas:

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Table 1: Values for standard antennas

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Figure 4a: Typical omni antenna

Figure 4b: Typical flat-panel antenna

3.2 Antennas with dual polarization

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Figure 6: Effect of different antenna polarizations on propagation

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

3.3 Dual-band antennas

Figure 7: Cross-polarized dual-band antenna with and without diplexer application

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

3.4 Microcellular antennas

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

3.4.1 Outdoor antennas

Table 2: Values for outdoor microcellular antennas

Figure 9b: Flat panel

Figure 9a: Omni antenna

Figure 9c: Bidirectional panel

Figure 9: Typical outdoor microcellular antennas

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

3.4.2 Indoor antennas

Table 3: Values for indoor microcellullar antennas

Figure 10c: Panel

Figure 10b: Flat panel

Figure 10d: Omni antenna

Figure 10: Typical indoor microcellular antennas

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

4. OPTIMIZED ANTENNA SYSTEMS

4.1 Antenna diversity

Figure 11: Diversity systems

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

4.2 Antenna beam tilt

Main beam direction

Figure 12: Illumination with and without antenna downtilt

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Figure 13: Mechanical downtilt kit for panel antennas

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

5. ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS IN MOBILE NETWORKS

5.1 EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station

Antenna output stage

Antenna output stage

Station unit module

Abbreviations: BCF Base station Control Function; TRX Transceiver

Figure 15: Antenna configurations in conjunction

Alcatel GSM Antenna Systems - Product Description

with the EVOLIUM A9100 Base Station

TxB - RxB - RxdivA

TxA - RxA - RxdivB