Anritsus SMIU newsletter that delivers solutions to todays field and maintenance challenges

Since its introduction,

Site Master has taken
the mystery out of
RF measurements
for many cell site
installers. Its
simplicity allows
technicians to conduct
highly accurate
measurements,
including Distanceto-Fault (DTF).
The importance
of taking DTF
measurements
and understanding
them is sometimes overshadowed by
the simplicity with which measurements
can be performed with a Site Master.
DTF uses Frequency Domain Reflectometry
(FDR), which is superior to Time Domain
Reflectometry (TDR) because it uses
RF frequencies instead of the DC pulses
used in TDR. The result is a method that
pinpoints RF faults so that transmission
line problems are found before they become
costly, time-consuming system failures.

Measurements

1
2
volume

Distance-to-Fault

i ssue

Understanding

relative propagation velocity and cable

How does DTF work? Well, lets
loss in dB/ft (dB/m), the Site Master
explain it this way. DTF and return
transforms the time domain results into
loss measurements are based upon the
distance and displays the
same basic signal
reflection in terms of
reflection principles
return loss or Standing
shown in Figure 1.
Tower
Wave Ratio (SWR) and
No transmission
Lightning
Damage
distance. The return loss
line component is a
at any distance in the
perfect impedance
DTF display is basically
match; each reflects
Connectors
an average of the return
some of the RF signal
Untightened
loss across the frequency
energy. Each antenna
Connector
Partial
band measured at that
system has a unique
Signal
Reflections
Cable Finished
signal signature
distance.
because different
Coaxial Cable
There are other factors
cable lengths, cable
to consider when
types, dielectric
conducting accurate
thickness variations
DTF measurements.
and the component
One of the more
position will cause
notable is the
various reflections at
Signal
propagation velocity
Transmission
different positions in
mentioned above.
the transmission line.
Figure 1
In the next issue of
In-Site, well explain the cable propagation
The Site Masters built-in Inverse Fast
velocity value and its importance in
Fourier Transform (IFFT) function converts
providing you with an even greater
the reflected signals from frequency
understanding of DTF measurements.
domain to time domain. With known

www.us.anritsu.com/SMIU

Top 5 Questions of the Trade From the SMIU Knowledge Database

Question: Why is propagation velocity
important to DTF but not to frequency
return loss or SWR?
Answer: Return loss and SWR are
frequency-based measurements, while
DTF is a distance measurement. A
mathematical formula uses the propagation
velocity to convert frequency to distance.
If the value isnt correct, it will affect
the outcome of the formula.

Question: How do I interpret traces?

Answer: A return loss measurement is
like using a SWR meter it is a quick
pass/fail type of measurement. DTF is
used to identify where a problem occurs.
Your knowledge of the installation will
dictate the problem. For example, a
large spike in the middle of a main feed
line typically indicates an open or short
of some type. In some areas of the U.S.,
cables make excellent target practice,
and bullet holes are common. Another
possibility is that the cable is crushed
somewhere in the middle.

Question: How do I interpret the

presence of a connector, jumper or
antenna using the DTF graph?
Answer: The rule of thumb is that if
you are in DTF Return Loss Mode, all
connectors should be below -30 and all
cables should be below -40, as viewed
on the vertical scale on the left hand
side of the display. This will depend on
the cable run and antenna (application).
The antenna usually reads in the order
of -15 to -20. However, the application
will dictate whether you are operating

in the 800 or 2000 MHz area or using

low band radio at 150 or 480 MHz.
With this data, you can establish reference
points that allow you to determine a
connector pair at the junction of a
jumper to the main feed line. Jumpers
are usually about two meters long, so
you should be able to establish your
reference points from the cable length.
Question: How do I get the graph from
Software Tools into a Microsoft Word
document or Excel spreadsheet?
Answer: Software Tools provides several
methods of exporting a graph for use in
other applications. The Copy and Paste
method will work for all Microsoft
Windows-compatible programs. In
addition, the File, Export function can
save your graph in a Windows Meta
File format (.WMF) or to a text file that
contains the data behind the graph for
importing into any spreadsheet.
Question: How important is calibration?
I made a calibration for the 900 MHz
band and saved the setup. Two days
later I recalled the setup and used it to
measure feeder without calibration.
Do you recommend this procedure?

Also, it is good practice to re-calibrate

and save when you have time, such as
while someone is working up a tower.

TestTip

For best calibration results, ensure that

the Open/Short/Load is at the end of
the test port or optional extension
cable. In other words, make sure it is at
the same point where you will connect
the antenna or device under test (DUT).

Answer: Calibration is absolutely

necessary for good measurements.
With the B and C series Site Master,
the calibration data is stored with the
setup when you save it. As long as the
temperature icon does not appear on
the display you are in good shape.

If you require a Test Port Extension

cable, use a phase stable cable. If you
use a typical laboratory cable to extend
the test port to the DUT, cable bending
subsequent to the Open/Short/Load
calibration will cause uncompensated
phase reflections inside the cable.
Thus, cables that are not phase stable
cause unacceptable measurement
errors that are more pronounced as
the test frequency increases.

Now, design engineers are correct when

they say that you may turn the Site Master

For optimum calibration, we recommend

using precision calibration components.

FieldHelp
Wireless field engineers and technicians
can now more accurately and easily detect
cable feed line and antenna system
problems, thanks to Site Master Software
ToolsTM v 6.41. The innovative software
program, which can be used with any
of Anritsus Site Master and hand-held
spectrum analyzers, provides a database
to compare maintenance interval
performance to site commissioning data.

off and then, at a later date, turn the unit

back on and recall the saved setup with
calibration. However, it is always good
practice to allow the Site Master to warm
up for about five minutes after it is turned
on. Then, recall the saved setup, recalibrate
and save it again over the same location.
This eliminates the possibility that the
temperature window was close to a
limit, especially in those areas where
the outside temperature may change
dramatically over the course of a day.

Site Master Software Tools

Signature characteristics, such as the

antenna systems return loss/SWR,
gain/insertion loss and Distance-to-Fault
(DTF), are downloaded into the Site Master
Software Tools database during the site
commissioning process. Maintenance
technicians then only have to recall these
signature characteristics during periodic
maintenance verification. Up to 200 Site
Master trace memory locations can be
downloaded with a single menu selection.

www.us.anritsu.com/SMIU

casehistory

After the power grid was taken offline,

a team consisting of one contractor and
one power utility worker was lifted to
the tower equipment. The Site Masters
portability proved invaluable
because it allowed for a
quick and accurate
assessment of the
antenna quality, which
was measured and found
to be satisfactory. Using the
Microwave Site Master S820A,
technicians soon found the cause of
the problem the antenna connector
was loose and improperly weather sealed,

As effective as the Site Master S820A has

been in Seattle and other areas, Anritsu
will be offering an enhanced version of
the analyzer the S820C in October.
Among its new features will include the
ability to store up to 200 measurement
traces in nonvolatile memory, 517 data
points to locate long-range problems,
multilingual user interface and the
ability to store 10 test setups for fast,
repeatable testing.

Have any great user stories youd like to

share? Contact Katherine Van Diepen at
Katherine.VanDiepen@anritsu.com.
Your story may appear in the next
Quarterly Newsletter. One pair of
Simmons Redline Binoculars will be given
out to the best user story each quarter.

www.us.anritsu.com/SMIU

0
2

The new antenna jumper was reinstalled

in the antenna system and technicians used
the Anritsu Microwave Site Master S820A
to immediately verify the performance,
which was noticeably improved. A
measurement of -20.5 dB RL was
realized with the new configuration,
considerably better than the previous
measurements of -11.5 dB RL. Signal
strength had also improved, from
immeasurable to greater than -45 dBm.
The result was a very reliable link that
has allowed the carrier to effectively
operate its wireless network while
complying with local regulations.

The faulty connector was quickly

replaced, but after the technician used
the Microwave Site Master S820A to
verify the repair, it was determined
that the jumper in use had less than
desirable performance at 6 GHz.
A more suitable cable and connector
configuration was assembled and its
performance verified on the ground.

Of course, the microwave link wasnt

without its challenges. Microwave
tends to be the least expensive upfront
approach, but it creates
a whole new set
of concerns,
both during
and after
construction.

The S820A was particularly helpful

in determining the cause of a rapidly
degrading microwave link on one of the
high voltage power poles. This particular
microwave link was a 5.8 GHz Spread
Spectrum and covered a range of about
12 miles. Using the Anritsu Microwave
Site Master in a Distance-to-Fault mode,
the field technicians were able to determine
that the antenna system had a major
reflection point of -11.5 dB RL at the
tower top, which was assumed to indicate
a problem with either the antenna itself
or one of the antenna jumper connectors.

which allowed water to fill both the

connector junction and connector body.

The fact that there are extensive networks

of high voltage power lines has made them
attractive alternatives for service providers.
However, there are obstacles to overcome.
One major hurdle is finding an alternate
delivery of T-1 circuits because of
restrictions regarding the installation of
copper circuits within a certain distance
of high voltage lines, as was the case in
Seattle. After evaluation, the carrier
determined that a microwave link was a
better alternative than fiber optics.

That made it imperative for the carrier to

have the ability to quickly and accurately
identify problems in the antenna system.
Anritsus S820A Microwave Site Master
proved to be the perfect tool.

A major wireless carrier in Seattle

recently faced a situation that is becoming
more prevalent nationwide. Increased
zoning restrictions and municipal
moratoriums on tower construction
forced the carrier to find an alternative
to constructing new wireless towers as
part of its network. Existing high voltage
power line poles and Anritsus Site Master
cable and antenna analyzer proved to
be the perfect solution.

Site Master Helps Wireless Carrier Locate Faults

on a High Voltage Power Line Pole

WhatsUp?
Our Certified Site Master Training Courses continue to
be a tremendous success. The intense, hands-on, two-day
training program that focuses on RF line-sweep theory,
technology and practical applications has taught countless
professionals the skills necessary to install, test and maintain
RF cable feedline and antenna systems.
In case you havent attended a course yet, or have and
know someone who could benefit from the two-day
program, heres an upcoming schedule:

Upcoming dates:
Sponsor
Hutton
Hutton
Talley
Tessco
Hutton
Hutton
Tessco
Tessco

Dates
9/24/02 9/25/02
9/26/02 9/27/02
10/01/02 10/02/02
10/07/02 10/08/02
10/22/02 10/23/02
10/24/02 10/25/02
11/05/02 11/06/02
11/07/02 11/08/02

Location
Dallas, TX
Dallas, TX
TBD
Reno, NV
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Hunt Valley, MD
Hunt Valley, MD

Also, dont forget to stop by our booth at the Tower Summit and Trade Show in New Orleans in November.
We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, visit our Web site.

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SMIU Newsletter
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PO Box 19050
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