NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV.

3
STANDARD WORK PROCESS PROCEDURE PAGE 1 OF 11
EFFECTIVE 1 August 2003

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ANTENNA SYSTEM FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
Manager, Quality Svs T&I Manager, CE&T Manager, T&I Manager, T&I President, BCOI

L. Jha R.J. Marl J. M. McLemore S. Tyrer C.W. Rau

1.0 PURPOSE
This procedure defines the standard work process for Antenna System Frequency Sweep Testing on
Telecommunication projects managed by the Telecommunications and Industrial (T&I) Global Business
Unit (GBU). The purpose is to ensure that sweep tests are performed and documented in a consistent
and safe manner. Acceptance criteria will be defined by project specific procedures or specifications.
Where project specific information does not exist, this procedure shall govern.

2.0 SCOPE
2.1 Applicability

This procedure applies to all Telecommunication projects constructed under the administrative control of
Bechtel Construction Operations Incorporated (BCOI). It encompasses all project personnel including
subcontractor and/or third party employees who perform sweep tests. Use and operation of sweep test
equipment shall be in accordance with manufacturers instructions and is not defined in this procedure.

2.2 Deviations

In accordance with Bechtel Operating Instruction, 4MP-T11-M105, Standard Work Process Procedures,
and deviation from this procedure shall be documented and approved by the responsible T&I GBU
Manager of Construction (MOC).

3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1 Sweep Test

A technical method of measuring the quality of the coaxial cable, connectors, components, and
antennas that makes up a cell site transmission system.

3.2 Sweep Test Equipment

Any of several models of test equipment commercially available used to perform sweep testing of
Telecommunication systems. Common models include the Anritsu SiteMaster ® Model 331B and the
Hewlett Packard Model 9714.

3.3 Sweep Test Technician

An individual who has been trained by the vendor to operate sweep test equipment and perform sweep
tests of the cell site transmission systems.

3.4 50 Ohm Load

A device used when measuring the system response during sweep testing. The load is a precision type
and is calibrated.

Bechtel Confidential
 2002, 2003 Bechtel Corp. All rights reserved. Contains confidential information proprietary to Bechtel not to be disclosed to third parties
without Bechtel’s prior written permission.
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
3.5 Precision Open/Short

A device used when measuring the system response during sweep testing. This device is calibrated and
simulates an open or short respectively in the system.

3.6 Test Lead

A specially manufactured coaxial cable used to connect the test equipment to the system being tested.
The test lead is a flexible, very high quality, phase-stable coaxial cable and is part of the equipment set
up calibration.

3.7 Impedance

A measure of a radio frequency (RF) component’s input and output size in terms of electrical resistance
expressed in ohms.

3.8 Return Loss

A measure of the match between RF components, expressed in decibels (dB). The better the match, the
less energy reflected, and the better/higher the return loss.

3.9 Insertion Loss

A measure of how much smaller the output signal of a passive device is with respect to the input signal,
that is cable loss. Insertion loss is measured in decibels.

3.10 Distance to Fault (DTF)

A measure for pinpointing the location and reflection amplitude of a transmission line and its
components, for example, connectors, etc.

3.11 Propagation Velocity (Vp)

The speed of the signal as it passes through a cable. Used to measure DTF.

4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 BCOI Operating Instruction 4MP-T11-M105, Standard Work Process Procedures

4.2 Standard Work Process Procedure 4MP-T81-01306, Retention of Construction Records

4.3 Standard Work Process Procedure 4MP-T81-07105, Telecommunications Control of Deficient

Items

4.4 Standard Work Process Procedure 4MP-T81-07106, Telecommunications Control of Measurement

and Test Equipment

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Project Field Engineer (PFE)

The PFE is responsible for the establishment and control of the sweep test program on the project in
accordance with the requirements of this procedure. (Note: If the project does not have a PFE assigned,
the project director shall identify who is responsible to establish and control the sweep test program.)
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
5.2 Market Manager

The Market Manager is responsible for assuring the (sub) contractor is aware of and follows the
requirements of this procedure when performing sweep tests. The Market Manager is responsible to
ensure employees monitoring subcontractor installations are indoctrinated to this procedure and are
properly trained. The Market Manager will ensure that final Bechtel review of sweep test results are
performed by Bechtel personnel that have completed the following minimum training:
TE139 or TE147 RF Quality Sweep Test Training

SWPP 4MP-T81-03310 Telecommunications Antenna System Frequency Sweep Testing (completed on-
line test)
SWPP 4MP-T81-07106 Telecommunications Control of Measuring and Test Equipment (completed on-line
test)

Project Sweep Test Specifications Signed off required reading

5.3 Field Coordinator

The Field Coordinator will monitor test performance and is responsible to ensure the requirements of this
procedure are followed when performing sweep tests. The qualified Field Coordinator will review and
approve sweep tests as assigned by the Market Manager. The reviewer shall document this review and
approval by signing and dating the sweep test data sheet (Attachment C). The reviewer should review
the Sweep Test Review Check List (Attachment D), prior to accepting the sweep test results, to ensure
that all pertinent attributes of the test plots are acceptable. Prior to accepting sweep test results, the
reviewer shall complete the minimum training as listed in 5.2.

5.4 Contract Administrator

The Contract Administrator is responsible to ensure subcontract language includes requirements

consistent with this procedure.

6.0 REQUIREMENTS
6.1.1 The standard work process for sweep testing is shown in the Work Process Flow Chart in
Attachment A.

6.1.2 When more than one entity is involved in the implementation of the work process, the multi-Entity
Work Process Division of Responsibility shown in Attachment B shall be prepared to establish
responsibility for implementation of the standard work process.

6.2 Prerequisites

Note: The use and operation of the test equipment used for sweep testing is beyond the scope of this
procedure. The (sub) contractor is responsible for providing trained and qualified sweep test technicians
knowledgeable about the setup and operation of the test equipment to be used. It is required that test
technicians be certified by the test equipment manufacturer. Training and Certification records shall be
maintained by the (sub) contractor. Sweep test technicians shall carry training certification cards. Tests
performed by uncertified personnel shall not be acceptable.

6.2.1 The make and model of test equipment (i.e. Anritsu Wiltron SiteMaster®, Hewlett Packard 8700
series, etc.) used for testing shall comply with project specific specifications. In the absence of a
specified make and model of test equipment, the (sub) contractor may use any test equipment
capable of performing the required tests provided the equipment is calibrated. For standardization
and ease of use, it is recommended the Anritsu SiteMaster® model 331B or newer be used.

6.2.2 Prior to performing any sweep testing activities, the sweep test technician will ensure the sweep test
instrument, test lead, adapters, and test open/load/short are calibrated and in good condition. At a
minimum, sweep test equipment, including test leads and precision open/load/shorts, shall be
calibrated annually in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A copy of the calibration
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
records must be kept and provided to Bechtel prior to start of testing. The test equipment serial and
model numbers and the date of the last calibration shall be entered on the sweep test data sheet.
Calibration and use of test equipment shall be in accordance with Section 4.4, SWPP 4MP-T81-
07106, Telecommunications Control of Measurement and Test Equipment.

6.2.3 Prior to performing any system testing, the test equipment shall be allowed to stabilize at ambient
temperature.

6.2.4 Test equipment shall be ‘field calibrated’ using a calibrated precision open/load/short prior to
performing any tests. The test equipment shall be re-calibrated whenever the test equipment is
turned off and back on, whenever the ambient temperature changes by 10° or more, whenever the
equipment display shows “C°↑”, whenever the testing frequency changes, whenever CAL OFF is
displayed on the screen, or whenever there is reason to believe the equipment is out of calibration.

Note: Every effort shall be made to eliminate the use of adapters during testing. However, if this is not
possible, the adapter(s) shall be of high quality, clean, dry, and included in the field calibration of the test
equipment. If an adapter is used for the field calibration of the test equipment, it cannot be removed from
the test setup unless a new field calibration of the test equipment is performed.

6.2.5 Unless specified otherwise in project procedures or elsewhere in this procedure, return loss tests
shall be performed from 820 MHz to 900 MHz for systems operating in the Cellular Frequency block
and 1850 MHz to 1990 MHz for systems operating in the PCS Frequency block. Distance to fault
tests should have the horizontal axis set to feet and the scale set to the estimated length of the
coaxial cable plus 20- 30%. As a minimum, it shall include at least 20 feet beyond the end of the test
boundary.

6.2.6 Tests shall be performed with the channel width (CW) mode turned off. Tests may be performed in
either the continuous sweep or the single sweep mode. Continuous sweep mode is preferred as
long as the “hold” button is used to stop the sweep prior to placing markers and recording the sweep.

6.2.7 If a masthead amplifier (MHA, TMA, LNA, etc.) is to be installed in the system, it shall be by-passed
for these tests using a clean, dry, high quality adapter. Ensure the test graph is labeled to record this
information.

6.2.8 Tests should be run, auto scaled, and performed again to ensure all relevant information is visible on
the display.

6.3 Tests

Note: The project will specify the tests to be performed and the criteria for acceptance for each. When a
discrepancy exists between this procedure and project specific procedures / specifications, project
specific documents shall take precedence. In lieu of a project specification, the following tests and
criteria for acceptance shall be followed.

6.3.1 Pre-sweeps and Final Sweeps for modified systems

6.3.1.1 Pre-sweeps shall be performed on any system or component to be re-used from an existing
installation. The following test(s) will be performed:

a. If no tower top work is to be performed, i.e. the existing feed line and antenna will be re-utilized, a
return loss test will be performed. The test shall be performed at the frequency of the new system to
be installed. The existing system shall be acceptable if the return loss is -16.5dB or better for a
system utilizing a panel antenna and -14.0dB or better for a system utilizing an omni antenna. If the
system fails to meet these criteria, the Bechtel Field Coordinator will be notified and will provide
direction on how to proceed. If any additions or modifications are made to the existing system, a
system return loss test shall be performed. The system consists of the bottom jumper, surge
arrestor, main coax, MHA (or equivalent if applicable), top jumper(s), and the installed antenna. The
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
criteria for acceptance of the system return loss through the antenna shall not be more than 1dB
lower than the pre-sweep reading, or -16.5dB for a panel system and -14.0dB for an omni, whichever
is more stringent as determined by RF Engineering.
b. If antennas are to be moved and the feed line system will be re-used, in addition to the return loss
test performed in 6.3.1.1 a., a distance to fault (DTF) test and a return loss test shall be performed
with a calibrated 50 ohms load connected to the system in place of the antenna. For the DTF test,
the individual components of the system shall be evaluated for acceptance based on the following
criteria:
• -25 dB or better for surge arrestors
• -31 dB or better for connectors
• -40 dB or better for all coaxial cable including jumpers
For the return loss test, the acceptance criterion is –20 dB.
(Note: These criteria are based on new installations and equipment. The project should address
these values and modify them based on the age of the existing installations and expectations for the
new installations.)
c. If the system components fail to meet these criteria, the Bechtel Field Coordinator will be notified and
will provide direction on how to proceed.

6.3.2 Acceptance Tests (The following test criteria is to be used for new installations)

6.3.2.1 Return Loss Antenna Only

a. If a new antenna is to be installed, the antenna shall be tested prior to installation. At a minimum this
test shall be performed by the manufacturer at the manufacturing facility (the Antenna Vendor’s Data
Sheet). If the project required additional testing, the antenna will be tested in the return loss mode.
The antenna shall be tested in an area where there are no obstructions in front, above, or beneath
the antenna to avoid reflections. (Usually the antenna is pointed at the open sky for this test.) The
bottom axis shall be set to the frequency range of the antenna to be installed. The antenna shall
meet the manufacturer’s specifications throughout the test frequency. One marker shall be placed at
the highest peak in the graph. The decibel reading at the marker will be recorded on the test data
sheet.
b. The Antenna Vendor’s Data Sheet provided with the antenna is a turnover document and must be
included with the sweep test results submitted to Bechtel.

6.3.2.2 Distance to Fault - Short

a. When specified by project procedures, the distance to fault- short test may be used to determine the
length of the cable system. The test equipment propagation value shall be set to the size and make
of the main coaxial cable in the system. The test equipment shall be set to the ‘distance to fault’
mode. The test line up shall consist of the bottom jumpers, surge arrestor, main coax, and top
jumpers, as applicable. A precision, calibrated short shall be attached to the end of the system, in
lieu of the antenna. There is no criterion for acceptance for this test. One marker shall be placed at
the highest peak in the graph. The 50Ω load shall be placed on the end of the line to verify the
highest peak is the end of the line. (With the load in place, the highest peak should be reduced. If
not, the highest peak is not at the end of the cable.) The length of the cable system at the marker
will be recorded on the test data sheet.

6.3.2.3 Distance to Fault - Load

a. Each antenna feed line system shall be tested in the distance to fault mode using a precision,
calibrated 50Ω load in lieu of the antenna. The test line up shall consist of the bottom jumpers, surge
arrestor, main coax, and top jumpers, as applicable. Decibel values for peaks shall be identified by
markers. The length of the system is the length reading at the load. The criteria for acceptance for
this test are as follows:
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
• -25 dB or better for surge arrestors
• -31 dB or better for connectors
• -40 dB or better for all coaxial cable including jumpers
b. The coaxial cable shall be visually inspected for any damage. If the coax or jumpers are damaged,
they shall be replaced even if they pass the criteria for acceptance stated above.

6.3.2.4 Insertion Loss

a. Each antenna feed line system shall be tested for insertion loss. This test will be performed in the
‘return loss’ mode at the frequency of the system to be installed. A precision, calibrated short shall
be attached to the end of the system, in lieu of the antenna. One marker shall be placed at the
highest peak of the graph, with a second marker placed at the lowest valley. These two readings will
be added with the sum divided by 4 to determine the average measured insertion loss in the system.
The criteria for acceptance should meet the minimum values as determined by the calculated
insertion loss. Calculations shall be completed using the manufacturer’s loss values. To determine
the calculated insertion loss:
• Obtain the loss per foot of the main coax from the manufacturer’s catalog.
• Multiply the loss per foot by the length of the cable system (as measured in 6.3.2.2 or
6.3.2.3).
• Determine the loss at the connectors. Multiply the number of connector pairs by -0.10dB at
894MHz or -0.14dB at 1990MHz.
• Add the cable loss total to the connector loss total. This is the calculated insertion loss.
b. The measured insertion loss must be equal to or less than the calculated loss. Record the measured
insertion loss and the calculated return loss on the data sheet.
Note: For antenna feed line systems utilizing Andrews coaxial cable and connectors, the insertion loss may
be calculated using Andrews’ Insertion Loss Calculator. If the insertion loss calculator is used, a copy of the
results shall be included with the sweep test results.

6.3.2.5 System Return Loss - Load

a. Each feed line system shall be tested for return loss. This test shall be performed using a precision,
calibrated 50Ω load in lieu of the antenna. The test line up shall consist of the bottom jumpers, surge
arrestor, main coax, and top jumpers, as applicable. The test will be performed in the return loss
mode. One marker shall be placed at the highest peak of the graph. The criterion for acceptance for
this test is -20dB minimum. Record the decibel reading at the marker on the data sheet.

6.3.2.6 System Return Loss - Antenna

a. Each antenna feed line system shall be tested for return loss. The test line up shall consist of the
bottom jumpers, surge arrestor, main coax, top jumpers, and the installed antenna. The test will be
performed in the return loss mode. One marker shall be placed at the highest peak of the graph.
The criteria for acceptance for this test are -18dB minimum for panel type antennas and -16dB
minimum for omni type antennas. Record the decibel reading at the marker on the data sheet.

6.4 Documentation

The (sub) contractor is responsible for reviewing and assuring the test results meet the criteria for
acceptance established by the project and this procedure. No Sweep Test documentation shall be
submitted to Bechtel if the sweep test results do not meet the criteria for acceptance (except pre-
sweeps). The (sub) contractor shall submit to Bechtel by fax or other means a copy of the data sheet
within 24 hours of an acceptable sweep test. A hard copy of the graphs and data sheet along with an
electronic copy of the sweep test results shall be submitted within 5 working days. Additional copies may
be required by the project.
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Bechtel will be responsible for record retention and submitting turnover documentation to our client in
accordance Section 4.2, SWPP 4MP-T81-01306, Records Retention.

6.4.1 Submittals

6.4.1.1 The following sweep test documentation shall be submitted by the subcontractor, for each site
tested, as applicable:

• Pre-Sweep Return Loss - Antenna

• Pre-sweep Distance to Fault – Load
• Pre-sweep Return Loss- Load
• Site Antenna System Data Sheet
• Antenna Vendor Data Sheets
• Return Loss Antenna Only
• Distance to Fault - Short
• Distance to Fault - Load
• Insertion Loss
• System Return Loss - Load
• System Return Loss – Antenna

6.4.2 Labeling

6.4.2.1 Sweep tests shall be clearly labeled. Labeling shall be as specified by the project. As a minimum,
each Sweep test shall identify the site name and site number. Pre-Sweeps shall be clearly
identified as Pre-Sweeps. Each graph will identify the site name and site number, the sector and
antenna being tested, the test being performed, the serial number of the test equipment, and the
date the test was performed. The Data Sheet supplied by the project shall be used. If the project
does not supply a Data Sheet, the attached Data Sheet (Attachment C) will be completed and
submitted with the sweep test graphs. The information on the data sheet shall be easily traceable
to the graph from which it was taken.

6.4.2.2 It is recommended that all sweep tests are saved in bold format to ensure a legible scanned
image. If bold format is not used, sweep test files must be converted to .pdf format to ensure an
legible and decipherable test plot.

6.4.3 All tests shall clearly identify equipment operator, name and serial number of the equipment and the
calibration date. To be classified as a successful test, the certification of the operator to operate the
equipment and the certificate of calibration must be on file with Bechtel.

7.0 ATTACHMENTS
7.1 Attachment A – Work Process for Antenna System Frequency Sweep Testing

7.2 Attachment B – Multi-Entity Work Process DOR

7.3 Attachment C – Sweep Test Data Sheet

7.4 Attachment D – Sweep Test Review Checklist

 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
Attachment A
WORK PROCESS FOR ANTENNA SYSTEM FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING
Start

Verify test
yes yes pass
equip. Perform field Pre-sweep Perform Antenna Tower top
calibrated calibration required? System sweep work?

fail yes
no
no no

Perform DTF-
fail pass
Return to Mfgr. or Notify Bechtel for load test
test lab for cal. disposition Perform Return
Loss- load test

per disposition
Replace/Repair
Antenna and/or
Rework system

Perform site work

no

New antenna
installed? Perfrom DTF-
Short
yes (if required)

test
pass Perform Calculate
antenna- yes Perform DTF-
Insertion Insertion
Meets Mfgr. load
Loss Loss
specs.?

no
fail

fail
Return to Mfgr. for Insertion Loss-
replacement Pass/Fail?
Repair/
Troubleshoot

pass

fail Perform
system loss-
load
pass
rejected
fail Perform pass
system loss-
antenna

Document results,
submitted to Bechtel
for review:
Data sheet- 24hrs,
Bechtel Sweep
Complete:Added to Package- 5 working
Test Review
Site Acceptance days
Package accepted

Bechtel Confidential
 2002, 2003 Bechtel Corp. All rights reserved. Contains confidential information proprietary to Bechtel not to be disclosed to third parties
without Bechtel’s prior written permission.
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING

Attachment B

MULTI-ENTITY WORK PROCESS DOR

WORK PROCESS: Antenna System Frequency Sweep Testing DATE:
PROJECT NUMBER: PROJECT NAME:

(SUB)CONTRACT NUMBER: (SUB)CONTRACTOR NAME:

ENTITY #1: ENTITY #2:
ENTITY #3: ENTITY #4:

RESPONSIBILITY
WORK PROCESS STEP: P = PRIMARY; S = SUPPORT; M = MONITOR; A = APPROVE
BECHTEL ENTITY #1 ENTITY #2 ENTITY #3 ENTITY #4
Verify Test Equipment is Calibrated

Perform Antenna System Pre-Sweep Test

Disposition Accept, Replace, Repair Antenna

Install Antenna/Equipment

Perform DTF/Insertion Loss Test

Calculate Insertion Loss

Prepare Final Documentation Package

COMMENTS:

PERFORMED BY: DATE:

REVIEWED BY: DATE:

Antenna System Frequency Sweep Testing

Bechtel Confidential
 2002, 2003 Bechtel Corp. All rights reserved. Contains confidential information proprietary to Bechtel not to be disclosed to third parties
without Bechtel’s prior written permission.
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM FREQUENCY SWEEP TESTING NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
PAGE 10 OF 11

Attachment C
SWEEP TEST DATA SHEET
Site Number: Test Technician: Signature:
Site Name: Phone: Date:
Equipment Model No. Serial No. Calibration Date:

Insertion System
Antenna Antenna Antenna Antenna Azimuth/ Cable Insertion Loss- Return System Return
Sector/ Model/ Serial Frequency Return Loss Down Tilt Feed line Length Loss- Actual Calculated Loss- Load Loss- Antenna
Line No. Range (MHz) (dB) (Deg) Cable Type (Feet) (dB) (dB) (dB) (dB)

Reviewer: Signature:

Title: Date:

Bechtel Confidential
 2002, 2003 Bechtel Corp. All rights reserved. Contains confidential information proprietary to Bechtel not to be disclosed to third parties without Bechtel’s prior written permission.
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SYSTEM NO. 4MP-T81-03310 REV. 3
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Attachment D

SWEEP TEST REVIEW CHECKLIST

Bechtel Confidential
 2002, 2003 Bechtel Corp. All rights reserved. Contains confidential information proprietary to Bechtel not to be disclosed to third parties without
Bechtel’s prior written permission.