Understanding Cable & Antenna Analysis

AGENDA
Introduction Common Problems FDR vs TDR Propagation Velocity Return Loss/VSWR Cable Loss Distance to Fault (DTF) Test Examples Interpretation Sitemaster Family Summary

Introduction
Cable and Antenna system plays a crucial role of the overall performance of a Base Station system. Degradations and failures in the antenna system may cause poor voice quality or dropped calls. result in loss of revenue. Problematic base stations can be replaced Cable and antenna systems not so easy to replace. Field technicians troubleshoot the cable and antenna system and ensure the overall health of the system Field technicians today rely on portable cable and antenna analyzers to analyze, troubleshoot, characterize, and maintain the system.

Common RF & Microwave Problems

Cables Connectors Antennas

Installation problems
Poor grounding Excessive bends Crimping, Crushing and Deforming

Mis-installation
Poor center pin contact Low quality connectors Poor weather proofing Loose connectors

Mis-installation
Shipping damage Out of Specification

Routine Maintenance
Storm damage Extreme temperatures

Routine Maintenance
Damaged/Dented Ground Shield Kinks in the cable Broken center conductor

Weather
Water ingress Corroded connectors Extreme temperatures plane landing/cruising

Weather
Excessive Moisture like snow, rain Sea water Corrosion

Common RF & Microwave Problems

System performance problems are typically seen in one of two ways:

Excessive Reflections More common Numerous causes Excessive Insertion Loss Less common Typically due to water in cable
Reflection Impedance Mismatch

Insertion Loss

Return Loss/Reflection Coefficient

Return Loss = - 20Log (reflection coefficient)

Signal Power From Source = Pi Pi

Pr Reflected Power is Proportional to Impedance Mismatch

Reflection Coefficient = = Pr / Pi Expressed in Voltage Terms, = Er / Ei

Impedance Not Matched, Not 50 Ohms

Standing Waves, SWR

Low Frequency Middle Frequency Signal Voltage From Source = Ei High Frequency Reflected Signal Voltage = Er DUT Input Impedance Not Matched, Not 50 Ohms

The ratio of maximum to minimum is VSWR.

Mismatch Equations

VSWR = V max / V min = (1 + ) / (1 - ) Return Loss = RL = - 20Log () Reflection Coefficient = = Er / Ei = Return Loss = -20Log VSWR -1 VSWR +1

V max

V min

VSWR -1 VSWR +1

Return Loss Display

Displays ratio of Reflected Power to Reference power in dB. Easier to compare small and large signals on a Logarithmic scale. Scale is usually 0 to 60 dB
0 represents short 60 represents close to perfect match

VSWR Display
VSWR displays the match of the system linearly. Measures the ratio of voltage peaks and valleys. The greater this number is, the worse the match is. A perfect or ideal match in VSWR terms would be 1:1

VSWR Vs Return Loss Plot

The two graphs illustrate the relationship between VSWR and Return Loss. 26 dB RL 1.1 VSWR
Return Loss
Antenna1
0 -10
Limit : -15.0

VSWR
AntennaVSWR
M3: -25.98 dB @ 1913.504 MHz
M1: 1.439 @ 1844.161 MHz M2: 1.419 @ 2081.387 MHz M3: 1.104 @ 1913.504 MHz

M1: -15.01 dB @ 1844.161 MHz

M2: -15.27 dB @ 2081.387 MHz

3.0

-20 -30 -40 -50

M1 M3 M2

2.5 VSWR

dB

2.0

1.5

Limit : 1.42

M1

M3

M2

-60 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2050 Frequency (1700.0 - 2200.0 MHz) 2100 2150 2200

1.0 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2050 Frequency (1700.0 - 2200.0 MHz) 2100 2150 2200

Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 02:59:37 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 03:01:16 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF

Cable Loss
Measures the energy absorbed, or lost, by the transmission line in dB/meter or dB/ft. Different transmission lines have different losses, and the loss is frequency and distance specific. The higher the frequency or longer the distance, the greater the loss.

Distance-To-Fault
Reveals the precise fault location of components in the transmission line system. Helps to identify specific problems in the system
connector transitions Jumpers kinks in the cable or moisture intrusion.

Passing DTF Plot

Failing DTF Plot

Distance-To-Fault
Maximum distance range & fault resolution is dependent upon frequency range and number of data points. DTF Aid shows how the parameters are related. Horizontal range is increased by reducing frequency span or increasing number of data points. Fault resolution is inversely proportional to frequency range Fault resolution improved by widening frequency span.

Propagation Velocity

Air

Dielectric Constant (er)

c = 3 x 108 m/sec

V =

Fault Resolution and Display Resolution

Fault resolution is the system's ability to separate two closely spaced discontinuities. If the fault resolution is 10 feet and there are two faults 5 feet apart, the instrument will not be able to show both faults unless Fault Resolution is improved by widening the frequency span. Fault Resolution (m) = 1.5 x 108 x vp / F

Reference Plane

The reference plane defined for vector measurements is the point at which calibration standards are applied.

Low Cost, Phase Stable Cables

Phase stable Cables reach difficult locations without loss of accuracy.

Open/Short/Load Calibration must be performed at the cables end.

Precision Calibration Components

Terminations
Standard N :> 35 dB Precision N :> 42 dB Precision 7/16:> 45 dB

Like any analyser, the quality of the calibration components determines accuracy.

FDR Versus TDR

FDR
Sources Spectral Density

TDR
Less than 2% of TDR source energy is in the RF bands

f1
DC Pulse versus Frequency Sweep

f2 FDR

TDR

Frequency Domain Reflectometry

Return Loss
Return Loss
800 - 900 MHz (cal on)

800 - 900 MHz (cal on)

M1: -26.94 dB @ 857.4 MHz M2: -26.94 dB @ 857.4 MHz

Del M1-M2: .00 dB, .0 MHz

-5

-5

-10

-10

-15

-15 dB M2 M1

dB

-20

-20

-25

-25

-30

-30

-35

-35

800

810

820

830

840

850 MHz

860

870

880

890

900

800

810

820

830

840

BEFORE
0 -5 -10 Return Loss (dB) -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45

850 MHz

860

870

880

890

900

Distance To Fault
0 - 150 Feet (cal on)
M1: -27.33 dB @ 46.51 Feet M2: -20.26 dB @ 108.14 Feet

Distance To Fault
0 - 150 Feet (cal on)
0 -5 -10 Return Loss (dB) -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 M1 M2 M1: -22.38 dB @ 46.51 Feet M2: -20.63 dB @ 108.14 Feet

AFTER

Del M1-M2: 7.07 dB, 61.63 Feet

Del M1-M2: 1.75 dB, 61.63 Feet

M1

M2

50 Feet

100

50 Feet

100

Baseline The System

Test Examples

Record/Store DTF and Return Loss Data

Distance to Fault - baseline
0 - 140 feet (frequency = 800 - 1200 MHz)
0 -5 -10 -15 Return Loss (dB) -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 dB M1 M2 M1: -36.97 dB @ 30.38 feet M2: -12.54 dB @ 112.86 feet 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 M1 M2

Return Loss - baseline

800 - 1200 MHz (cal on)
M1: -21.01 dB @ 806.2 MHz M2: -21.01 dB @ 902.3 MHz

50 Feet

100

800

850

900

950

1000 MHz

1050

1100

1150

1200

Loose Connector

Test Examples

Connector with pin gap problem

Distance to Fault
0 - 140 feet (frequency = 800 - 1200 MHz)
0 -5 -10 -15 Return Loss (dB) -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 dB M1 M2 M1: -26.70 dB @ 30.38 feet M2: -12.56 dB @ 112.86 feet 0 -5 -10 -15

Return Loss - with pin gap

800 - 1200 MHz (cal on)
M1: -22.62 dB @ 806.2 MHz M2: -18.71 dB @ 902.3 MHz

problem? baseline data

-20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 M1 M2

Negligible Change Here

50 Feet

100

800

850

900

950

1000 MHz

1050

1100

1150

1200

FDR finds connector problems before water intrusion destroys the cable.

Cable Defect, Dent

Test Examples

Antenna System with dent in cable

Distance to Fault
0 - 140 feet (frequency = 800 - 1200 MHz)
0 -5 -10 -15 Return Loss (dB) -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 dB M1 M2 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 M1 M2 M1: -24.77 dB @ 14.1 feet M2: -36.91 dB @ 30.38 feet

Return Loss - with dent

800 - 1200 MHz (cal on)
M1: -17.20 dB @ 806.2 MHz M2: -17.86 dB @ 902.3 MHz

-5 -10 -15

problem?

-20

baseline data

Negligible Change Here

50 Feet

100

800

850

900

950

1000 MHz

1050

1100

1150

1200

Water in Antenna

Test Examples

Water can be hard to find in some antennas

Distance to Fault
0 - 140 feet (frequency = 800 - 1200 MHz)
0 -5 -10 -15 Return Loss (dB) -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 dB M1 M2 M1: -37.83 dB @ 30.38 feet M2: -11.30 dB @ 112.86 feet 0 -5 -10 -15

Return Loss - water in antenna

800 - 1200 MHz (cal on)
M1: -20.92 dB @ 806.2 MHz M2: -17.46 dB @ 902.3 MHz

No Changes Here

-20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 M1 M2

Slight Changes Here

50 Feet

100

800

850

900

950

1000 MHz

1050

1100

1150

1200

Water in Antenna

Test Examples

Sweep only the antenna bandwidth

Distance to Fault
0 - 140 feet (frquency = 806 - 901 MHz)
0 -5 -10 -15 Return Loss (dB) -20 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 -55 dB M1 M2 -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50 M1 M2 M1: -25.35 dB @ 14.1 feet M2: -23.78 dB @ 115.03 feet

Return Loss - water in antenna

806 - 901 MHz (cal on)
M1: -19.33 dB @ 806.0 MHz M2: -18.34 dB @ 901.0 MHz

Del M1-M2: .99 dB, 95.0 MHz -5 -10 -15

problem?

Slight Changes Here

-20

problem?
810 820 830 840

baseline data
870 880 890 900

50 Feet

100

850 860 MHz

Storm Damage

Test Examples

High winds can mis-position the antenna

Distance to Fault
0 - 140 feet (frequency = 800 - 1200 MHz)
M1: -24.55 dB @ 14.1 feet -10 M2: -8.09 dB @ 112.86 feet

Return Loss - antenna moved

800 - 1200 MHz (cal on)
M1: -12.62 dB @ 803.1 MHz Del M1-M2: 2.67 dB, 99.2 MHz -5 M2: -15.29 dB @ 902.3 MHz

-20 Return Loss (dB)

problem?

-10 -15

-30

-20 -25 -30

-40

-50

dB

M1

M2

M1

M2

-35 -40

Changes Here Also

-60

baseline data
-70

-45 -50

50 Feet

100

800

850

900

950

1000 MHz

1050

1100

1150

1200

Introduction to Trace Interpretation

A Trace is the measurement that results from a Line Sweep. A Line Sweep measures the quality of an antenna or coax cable (a cable plus antenna is called a system). Traces (Line Sweep measurements) must be interpreted to determine if they Pass or Fail. Traces are initially stored in the Anritsu Site Master instrument at the antenna site where they are made. Later, Traces are transferred to a computer for interpretation. Traces may be sent via CDROM, Memory Stick or email.

Trace Interpretation
There is a 4 step process to interpreting traces: Step 3: Check Limit Line & Markers Step 4: Check the Trace

Step 2: Check Left Side

Step 1: Check the bottom

6-4

Trace Interpretation Chart

Typical Measurement Ranges
0dB 10 15 20

Freq RL Mode
Insertion Loss

0dB 5

DTF Mode
Open or Short

If your Trace has If your Trace has 15 FREQ System/Antenna FEET or METERS More along Antenna the bottom, along the bottom, Reflections 25 use the left side of use theLoss of side of Less 30 Return right this Connectors chart Cable with chart Load this
Load after Calibration 40 Coax/ Load Meters / Feet 6-6

42 60dB Freq (MHz)

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Freq-Return Loss of Precision Load after calibration
0

-10

-20

dB

-30

-40

Limit : -42.0

-50

-60 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 Frequency (1850.0 - 1990.0 MHz) 1975

Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 01:59:24 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF

6-11

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Freq-Return Loss Measurement with a 50 ohm Load
0

-10

-20

dB

-30
Limit : -33.5

-40

-50

-60 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975 Frequency (1828.0 - 2050.0 MHz) 2000 2025 2050

Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 02:50:16 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF

6-13

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Freq-Return Loss measurement with a 50 ohm Load

6-15

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Freq-Return Loss of a transmission line and antenna
0

-10
Limit : -15.0

-20

dB

-30

-40

-50

-60 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975 Frequency (1828.0 - 2050.0 MHz) 2000 2025 2050

Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 02:46:53 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF

6-17

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Freq-Return Loss of a transmission line with a TMA

6-19

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Freq-Return Loss of an Antenna
0
M1: -15.01 dB @ 1844.161 MHz M2: -15.27 dB @ 2081.387 MHz M3: -25.98 dB @ 1913.504 MHz

-10
Limit : -15.0

Best Operating Frequency

-20

dB

-30

-40

Operating Range of Antenna

-50
M1 M3 M2

-60 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2050 Frequency (1700.0 - 2200.0 MHz) 2100 2150 2200

Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 02:59:37 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF

6-21

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Antenna Sweep in Freq-SWR Mode
M1: 1.439 @ 1844.161 MHz M2: 1.419 @ 2081.387 MHz M3: 1.104 @ 1913.504 MHz

3.25 3.00 2.75 2.50 VSWR 2.25 2.00 1.75

Best Operating Frequency Operating Range of Antenna

1.50 1.25

Limit : 1.42

M1

M3

M2

1.00 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2050 Frequency (1700.0 - 2200.0 MHz) 2100 2150 2200

Resolution: 259 Std: --Date: 09/03/2010 Model: MT8212E

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Channel: N/A Time: 03:01:16 Serial #: 01007099

CW: OFF

6-23

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Insertion Loss of a transmission line with a short (Freq-RL Mode)
B-1 TX1RX1/ RTL SHORT
GSM 1900
M1: -6.15 dB @ 1862.90 MHz M2: -7.79 dB @ 1942.90 MHz

0 -1 -2 -3 -4 dB -5 -6 -7 -8
M1

Marker to Peak -6.15dB Marker to Valley -7.79dB

M2

-9 1850 1875 1900 1925 Frequency (1840.0 - 2000.0 MHz) 1950 1975 2000

Resolution: 259 Date: 06/28/2005

CAL:ON(COAX) Time: 16:50:14

CW: OFF

6-25

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Insertion Loss of a transmission line with a short
Cable Loss
CABLE1CL 0.0 -0.5 -1.0 -1.5 dB -2.0 -2.5 -3.0 -3.5
M1 M2

M1: -.70 dB @ 826.40 MHz

M2: -.92 dB @ 842.60 MHz

Marker to Peak -0.70dB Marker to Valley -0.92dB

-4.0 800 810 820 830 840 850 860 870 Frequency (800.0 - 900.0 MHz) 880 890 900

Resolution: 259 Date: 09/20/2005

FlexCAL:ON(COAX) Time: 18:23:16

CW: OFF Avg.CableLoss: -.81 dB

6-27

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Distance to Fault - Return Loss Mode

6-29

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Distance to Fault - SWR Mode

6-31

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

DTF-SWR of cable system
Distance-to-fault
SWR Mode Feet
M1: 1.02 @ 56.43 ft M2: 1.04 @ 48.02 ft M3: 1.04 @ 8.41 ft M4: 1.11 @ 28.22 ft

DTF-RL of cable system

Distance-to-fault
RL Mode Feet
0
M1: -40.92 dB @ 56.43 ft M2: -33.56 dB @ 48.02 ft M3: -33.56 dB @ 8.41 ft M4: -26.02 dB @ 28.22 ft

1.100

-10

1.075 VSWR

Limit : 1.07

-20 dB

1.050

-30

Limit : -30.0

-40 1.025
M3 M4 M2 M1

-50 60 70 0

M3

M4

M2

M1

1.000 0 10 20 30 40 Distance (0.0 - 70.0 Feet) 50 10 20 30 40 Distance (0.0 - 70.0 Feet) 50 60 70

Resolution: 259 Date: 03/26/2002 Model: S332B

CAL: ON(COAX) Time: 08:57:55 Serial #: 00937026

Ins.Loss:0.013dB/ft Prop.Vel:0.880

Resolution: 259 Date: Mar/26/200 Model: S332B

CAL: ON(COAX) Time: 08:55:39 Serial #: 00937026

Ins.Loss:0.013dB/ft Prop.Vel:0.880

6-33

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

DTF - End of transmission line terminated with an open or Clifton Springs / 300R176A Blue 1 short DTF Short
End of transmission line
0
M1: -30.75 dB @ 0.0 Feet M2: -1.84 dB @ 209.34 Feet

-10

Notice this peak

-20 dB

Ripple pattern caused by short (Miller Effect)

-30

Limit : -30.0

-40

-50

M1

M2

25

50

75 100 125 150 Distance (0.0 - 220.0 Feet)

175

200

Resolution: 517

CAL: ON(COAX)

6-35

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

DTF - End of transmission line terminated with a load
Clifton Springs / 300R176A
Blue 1 DTF
0
M1: -32.77 dB @ 0.0 Feet M2: -31.37 dB @ 209.34 Feet

-10

The peak is gone!

-20

No more Miller Effect

dB -30
Limit : -30.0

-40

-50

M1

M2

25

50

75 100 125 150 Distance (0.0 - 220.0 Feet)

175

200

Resolution: 517

CAL: ON(COAX)

6-37

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

DTF - End of transmission line terminated with a 50 Ohm load - FAILURE
Distance-to-fault
DTF TERM
M1: -37.077 dB @ 68.341 Feet 0 -5
Fault in line Notice the Marker

-10 -15 -20 R tu L ss(d ) e rn o B -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50
M1 Limit : -19.30

Connectors at main feed and top jumper

First connector

Last connector

10

20

Resolution: 130

30 40 50 Distance (0.0 - 76.0 Feet) CAL: ON(COAX)

60

70

CW On

6-39

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

End of transmission line terminated with an Antenna
Distance-to-fault
DTF ANT
M1: -15.139 dB @ 71.287 Feet 0
Notice the Marker

-5 -10 -15 -20 R tu L ss(d ) e rn o B -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50
M1 Limit : -14.66

Connectors at main feed and top jumper

10

20

Resolution: 130

30 40 50 Distance (0.0 - 76.0 Feet) CAL: ON(COAX)

60

70

CW On

6-41

Trace Interpretation - Basic Measurements

Handheld Software Tools Trace Overlay of DTF traces before and after setting Vp(Propagation Velocity)
Distance-to-fault
DTF OPEN
0 -5 -10 -15 -20 R tu L ss(d ) e rn o B -25 -30 -35 -40 -45 -50
M1

M1: -2.418 dB @ 68.341 Feet

Limit : 0.00

With Correct Cable Type Entered End of cable shown at 68 feet

Before Correct Cable Type Entered End of cable shown at 62 feet

10

20

Resolution: 130

30 40 50 Distance (0.0 - 76.0 Feet) CAL: ON(COAX)

60

70

CW On

6-43

Master Software Tools

Cable Analysis Products Overview

Site Master VNA Master Cell/BTS Master

1-port

1-port, 2-port transmission

1-port, SPA, 2-port transmission

VNA, 1/2-port transmission

1-port, SPA 2-port transmission Demod, backhaul

S331E 2 MHz to 4 GHz

S331E / Op21 2 MHz - 4 GHz

S332E / Op21 2 MHz - 4 GHz VNA 100 kHz - 4 GHz SPA

MS20X4A/B 500 kHz 4 GHz

MT8212E 4 GHz VNA/SPA Demod, Backhaul

S361E 2 MHz to 6 GHz

S361E / Op21 2 MHz - 6 GHz

S362E / Op21 2 MHz - 6 GHz VNA 100 kHz - 6 GHz SPA

MS20X6A/B 500 kHz - 6 GHz

Summary
For contractors, installers, and Wireless Service Providers who need an instrument to reduce per site maintenance expense, The Site Master is a trusted, maximize system uptime, and find small practical, integrated, intuitive, problems before they become big easy to-use, fast, and complete problems, handheld cable & antenna The Site then look no further. Thank You analyzer. Master is a Hand-Held fully featured Cable & Antenna Analyzer for installing, provisioning, It is the de-facto industry maintaining, and standard. troubleshooting wireless base station cable and antenna systems.