- Radio Frequency Systems

The Radio Frequency Systems Bulletin
3G—a problem
shared?
A world of wireless
at RFSWorld.com
China’s communications boom
4th quarter 2001
A downtilt view of CDMA
The Clear Choice in Wireless™
3 Editorial
12 Website
All is new at RFSWorld.com
Communications make the ‘global village’
4 What’s New
14 Broadcast Buzz
DTV takes a combined approach
RFS enviro-sensitive cellular solutions
3G co-siting MUX & TMA family
16 Regional Focus
RFS unveils UMTS/GSM 1800 dual band tilt
Chinese cellular market speeds to the lead
Gains increase with four-foot
RFS CompactLine antennas
18 In Touch
6 e-commerce
Vodacom opts for RFS’s dual band and tilt
e-commerce: business of the future
Indonesian TV networks roll out with RFS
RFS Shanghai production expands
7 Generation Next
RFS Q1 2002 shows & exhibitions
3G: a problem shared is a problem solved?
‘Featherweight’ antenna load test?
10 Cellular Directions
Optimizing CDMA networks:
the adjustable downtilt perspective
Radio Frequency Systems
WorldWideWeb:
http://www.rfsworld.com
Publisher: Jörg Springer
Executive Editor/Editor EMAI: Mark Davies
Editor Asia Pacific: Peter Walters
Editor Americas: Dwight Staehler
Managing Editor: Allan Alderson
Production Editor: Christian Michatsch
Art Director: Matthias Schwedt
Authors: Allan Alderson, Dr Ellen Gregory,
Doug Sharp (Ericsson Wireless Communications),
Andy Singer
2
Photos: RFS archives, John Bragagnolo,
Graeme Chapman, Tony Koopmanns,
Stefan Lehmann, Eric Patron, Maurice Trabsky
INDEX
Cover art: Matthias Schwedt
Print: Print Design, Minden
3G: a problem shared is a problem solved?
Layout and Graphics:
inform advertising, Hannover
7
‘Infrastructure sharing’ just might be the cure
for the current 3G/UMTS deployment ills.
While some forms of ‘sharing’ promise huge
economic advantages—others are yet to
be proven.
Editorial Services:
Relate Technical Communications, Melbourne
12
All is new at RFSworld.com
RFS unveils a ‘new look’ website—with new
content, new tools, and new functionality.
16
10
Optimizing CDMA networks:
the adjustable down tilt perspective
Chinese cellular market speeds
to the leads
Exploring the role of antenna downtilt in
meeting the challenges of pilot pollution
and hard handoff in CDMA networks.
STAY CONNECTED examines how cellular
technology—and Radio Frequency
Systems—is evolving to meet the demands
of the hungry Chinese market.
IMPRINT
C o m m u n i c a t i o n s m a ke
the ‘global village’
The events of September 11 seemed—at
technology, specifically to avoid detection.
result, rescue procedures were swiftly
least for a moment—to stop the world in its
On the other hand, passengers on the
mobilised, while airports and other public
tracks. For many, the enormity of the
hijacked flights used cell phones to make
facilities around the globe quickly secured.
attacks on New York and Washington and
much-publicised calls in an attempt to
Perhaps more importantly, the world was
the scale of injury and death are almost
communicate their situation to the outside
instantaneously and accurately informed as to
incomprehensible. I’m sure all at RFS
world.
precisely what had happened and where. This
around the world join with me in expressing
stands in sharp contrast to other destabilising
our deepest sympathies for those caught
events in modern world history, where slow
up directly or indirectly in this tragedy.
or inaccurate communication often played
an insidious role in further disaster.
EDITORIAL
Occurring almost days after the publication
The world today is an increasingly small
of the previous issue of STAY CONNECTED, it
place. The ‘global village’ is a reality, with
was an incident that simply rocked the
modern communications one of its prime
world to its foundations. As RFS is a
tight-knit global group, the impact of this
Jörg Springer
Global Director PR and
Publisher of STAY CONNECTED
foundations. We hope this ‘village’ nature
of the modern world will allow these
troubles to pass, and see world peace
tragedy was acutely felt right across our
But from a window on the world perspec-
speedily
tive, the part played by modern communi-
all its forms—will be central to this
Modern communications—most notably
cations in all of this was, and will continue
healing process.
digital cellular technology—found itself
to be, much more significant. Advanced
being used for both good and bad
communications technology facilitated the
purposes in these attacks. The terrorists
message and images of this horror to be
were known to have selected digital cellular
beamed instantly around the world. As a
entire organisation.
restored.
Communications—in
Jörg Springer
3
R F S e n v i ro - s e n s i t i v e c e l l u l a r s o l u t i o n s
Environmental issues pose a dilemma to
Q4 2001. The customised surface treatment
flage concept, we are the first to present a
cellular network planners in many parts of
will be developed to exactly match digital
truly comprehensive solution for our entire
the world: while the more prominent
images of the background environment
panel antenna range.” The two remaining
antenna site locations often offer best
supplied by the operator, and boasts a 10-year
phases of the range will appear in Q1 2002,
performance, they can also attract higher
operating life in all weather conditions.
and comprise a series of ‘standard’ sticker
levels of opposition. Two new ranges of
“We’re very excited about these develop-
solutions–such as ‘forest’, ‘sky’ and ‘wall’
‘environmentally sensitive’ cellular antenna
ments,” said RFS Area Product Manager
patterns–and a serial pattern surface treat-
solutions launched this quarter aim to
Yannick Lascaux. “While other antenna
ment that optically redefines the width of
minimise visual site impact, and thus simplify
manufacturers have toyed with the camou-
the antenna. The latter will be a standard
site negotiations.
feature of all RFS cellular panel antennas
The first is a series of ‘camouflage’ antenna
from Q1 2002 onward.
solutions, using unique surface treatments
The second new range is a series of low
to modify the appearance of the panel
impact cellular antenna solutions, using
antenna. The range will be developed in
uniquely low profile antenna arrays. Three
three stages, with the first phase–a
formats are available: a three-panel cluster
customised image applied to the surface of
antenna for GSM 1800 with independent
the panel to optimally blend it with its back-
variable electrical tilt; a tri-sector antenna
ground– available commercially during
for GSM 900 and CDMA 800 comprising
The RFS camouflage antenna solution
4
WHAT ’S N EW
proved a fascinating exhibit at this
year’s UMTS Expo in Barcelona, Spain.
3G co-siting
MUX & TMA
family
sharing in 2G/3G base station co-siting
accommodating diplexing of GSM 900 and
applications.
GSM 1800, and GSM 900 and 3G/UMTS
Specifically
developed
to
complement RFS’s advanced single and
cellular networks.
multi-band 3G antenna range, the launch
The third element of the family–the ATM W
of this range is ideally timed to support
1912 tower mounted amplifier–ensures a
current 3G/Universal Mobile Telecommuni-
high signal-to-noise ratio in most BTS-to-
cations System (UMTS) roll-out timetables.
antenna loss situations. Providing DC feed,
RFS has announced the launch of a unique
The range has been optimised to comprise
control and alarm signalling through the
family of RF conditioning products, designed
just three components–two diplexers and a
feeder, it provides 12 dB of gain and comes
to help meet the challenges of feeder
3G dual duplexed tower mounted amplifier
with a complete set of control components
(TMA)–yet these form combinations that
for BTS installation. It can be controlled by
support almost any 2G/3G antenna system
its own BTS-based control hardware, or
co-siting scenario.
adapted to an existing OEM control inter-
The two two-way diplexers–the FD DW
face.
6505 and FD GW 5504–merge two incom-
Weighing less than two kilograms each and
ing signals to a common output port. Both
boasting IP65 enclosure protection, all
are bi-directional, so can be deployed either
three components are robust, easy to install
at the BTS or the antenna end of the shared
and ideal for either outdoor or indoor in-
feeder. The FD DW 6505 provides GSM
stallation. The units are compact in size and
1800 and 3G/UMTS diplexing, while the
designed to complement the antenna as-
FD GW 5504 is a broadband design
pect, ensuring minimal site visual impact.
three fixed-tilt antennas within a single
radome; and a three-panel cluster antenna
for CDMA 800 and GSM 900 featuring
RFS unveils UMTS/GSM
1800 dual band tilt
variable electrical tilt and in-fill panels
between antennas for vermin exclusion. All
Visitors to the UMTS Expo 2001 in
electrical tilt in both the GSM 1800
three arrays are ultra-
Barcelona, Spain in October this year
and UMTS bands.
slim–with outside dia-
witnessed the unveiling of an important
Variable electrical tilt is an essential network
meters
mm,
new development in 3G cellular antenna
planning tool for both existing 2G and the
400 mm and 435 mm
technology–Radio Frequency Systems’ dual
new wideband Code Division Multiple
respectively–yet offer
band 3G/2G cellular antenna offering inde-
Access (W-CDMA)-based 3G networks. It
the
of
220
performance
pendently adjustable variable electrical tilt
permits the cell coverage ‘footprint’ to be
of equivalent ‘full
(VET) in both bands. RFS’s new ‘side-by-side’
precisely trimmed to meet demand require-
diameter’ assemblies.
antenna configuration offers 3G network
ments, an important issue at a time of
Equivalent
low
planners and developers a step-jump in net-
changing subscriber populations and densi-
impact arrays are
work deployment flexibility at this vital
ties. W-CDMA networks, in particular,
currently being
stage of global 3G network deployment.
require precision cell size control, as the cell
developed
The new antenna is part of RFS’s growing
is said to ‘breathe’–expand and contract in
by RFS for
‘antenna à la carte’ family–a Universal
3G applica-
Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)/
tions.
Global System for Mobile Communications
5
(GSM) 1800 dual-band series offering fully
customer-configuration of its specific an-
RFS’s ultra-slim GSM 1800 three-panel
tenna elements. The UMTS/GSM 1800 dual
footprint size. Separate antenna elements
cluster antenna, with outside diameter
band VET antenna exhibited at Barcelona, is
with independently adjustable tilt optimisa-
measuring just 220 mm
the world’s first antenna offering variable
tion in each band are essential.
G a i n s i n c re a s e w i t h f o u r- f o o t
RFS CompactLine antennas
Radio Frequency Systems has extended its
with shaped subreflector for optimum
diameter antenna,” said Wojtkowiak. “The
range
performance.
four-foot CompactLine antenna provides
microwave antennas to include a new mod-
According to Area Product Manager Daniel
the higher gain required while minimising
el, four feet (1.2 metres) in diameter.
Wojtkowiak, the first four-foot Compact-
the environmental visual impact.”
To be used for point-to-point applications,
Line antennas have been designed for
In 2002, RFS will produce four-foot anten-
the four-foot antenna incorporates all the
frequencies of the 19, 22 and 25 GHz
nas tailored for frequency bands between
standard features of RFS’s single and dual
bands. “Although mainly one- and two-
15 and 10 GHz. Wojtkowiak explained that
polarized CompactLine ranges–including
foot antennas are used at these frequen-
at these frequencies, reasonable system
a short shroud for low visual impact
cies, high capacity applications demand a
gain for radio links is achieved only with
and a modified Cassegrain feed system
greater system gain and thus a larger
antennas of at least this size.
of
cost-effective
CompactLine
e - C o m m e rc e :
b u s i n e s s o f t h e f u t u re
RFS Americas General Manager and global e-Business Steering Committee
member, Bill Bayne, reflects on RFS’s e-commerce philosophy and its likely
implications for business.
6
With the December 2001 launch of Radio
Bayne maintains that e-commerce will have
Frequency Systems’ new global website
far reaching implications to the company’s
(see pages 12 and 13) comes the dawn of a
business, ensuring global efficiency and
new business age for the company. E-com-
resource optimization as the result of fluent
merce is just over the horizon, and seems
data
set to transform business practices for all
“Decisions will be made in a much more
companies across the globe. To commemorate
immediate manner. Our times to accept
the occasion, STAY CONNECTED invited RFS
and process sourcing activities will further
Americas General Manager and e-Business
improve, thereby assisting those customers
Steering Committee member, Bill Bayne, to
who may depend upon our systems to
reflect on RFS’s global e-commerce philoso-
make their respective businesses simpler!”
phy and its likely implications for business.
he says.
transfer
and
market
feedback.
E-COMMERCE
“RFS is strongly committed to expanding
Common challenges
e-business and e-commerce functionality,”
“We all share similar challenges in the tele-
says Bayne. “It’s part of our focus on bring-
com world, and one of the key challenges is
ing increased value to our customers’
to make our businesses more efficient,” he
doorstep. We have a strong history of
continues. “There are many large global
providing high quality products, services
wireless communication organizations with
and technical expertise, but must now com-
a primary investment focus on building
plement those efforts with e-business.”
their
system
infrastructures.
This
encourages RFS to invest in and provide
Value platform
tools that can be applied throughout such
According to Bayne, the new RFS global
processes.
web site will provide the platform to deliver
“We have been encouraged by several
these values: from product specifications to
customers to expand our e-tools and create
technical data; site design tools to required
a user-friendly e-commerce approach.
bill of materials; and from inventory availa-
Providing a web-based ‘RFS
bility to pricing. “Our philosophy is to
consistently improving technical tools, and
encourage our customers to seek RFS
providing for e-commerce will become an
support—from system design through
industry mandate that directly aligns with
integration. Our global web presence with
our business strategies.”
e-business tools will help drive that
objective,” he says.
text book’,
3 G : a p ro b l e m s h a re d i s
a p ro b l e m s o l v e d ?
announced they would cooperate in the
construction of network infrastructure and
initial network operation in both Germany
and the United Kingdom. In the same
month, the German regulator RegTP
‘Infrastructure sharing’ just might be the cure for the current 3G/Universal
Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) deployment ills. While some
forms of ‘sharing’ promise huge economic advantages—others are yet to
be proven.
announced it would allow license holders
to share some network infrastructure.
While the detail is uncertain, these are
clear indications that a ‘shared approach’
will certainly play a significant role in early
3G roll-outs.
As 3G/UMTS roll-out takes its first tentative
Others believe that the current challenges
steps, would-be 3G operators stand face-
are quite unique. Helmut Heinz, Siemens
to-face with a double headed deployment
Director of RF Engineering, cites two key
Three share models
dragon: limited base station site availability
differences—a chronic shortage of sites
Most infrastructure-sharing concepts and
in urban areas, coupled with increasing
across Europe and dramatically elevated
technologies fall into one of three basic
pressure to drive capital expenditure costs
levels of environmental sensitivity and
models. The first is base station site
down, courtesy of last year’s Euro117
subscriber expectations.
sharing—a technique well-established in
billion spectrum price tag. Added to this is
“The first 2G operators in Europe had
contemporary 2G deployment across site-
an overriding pressure to complete these
extremely good locations,” says Heinz.
starved Europe. Typically, operators share
networks as quickly as possible. When
“The late comers on the 2G market had to
site space, civil structures, power and so
commercial-grade handsets and node Bs
take the rest. For 3G, I’m afraid we’re
on. The Radio Access Networks (RANs)
GEN E RATION N E XT
finally become available, the race will be on
picking over the ‘rest of the rest’. It will be
to win subscriber market share.
very tough to acquire good new sites.”
Apart from the overwhelming financial
The high penetration and strong growth of
pressure, other pressures impacting on
GSM in Europe over the past four to five
operators and others will also come into
years has, according to Heinz, elevated
play as the roll-out commences. The move
subscriber expectations to almost unattain-
to UMTS marks a major technology change
able levels. “Today’s subscriber is not
for Europe—a move from Time Division
willing to take a step back. If you want a
Multiple Access (TDMA)-based Global
2G customer to convert to 3G, he expects
System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
at least the same quality of services and
technology to Code Division Multiple
coverage he has today.”
Access (CDMA)-based UMTS modulation.
What is strikingly similar between the 2G
Engineering skills and know-how may
and 3G deployment is the race to roll-out.
ultimately prove to be the weakest link, as
“3G operators will need very good cover-
network designers and planners clamber
age in a very short time to meet customer
up the UMTS learning curve.
expectations,” Heinz says. This urgency to
roll-out paves the way for ‘infrastructure
2G to 3G contrasts
Some
industry
observers
sharing’, most importantly for those
claim
the
operators with no established 2G base.
problems of 3G deployment are strikingly
In late June this year, rival networks
similar to that of last decade’s 2G roll-out.
Deutsche Telekom and British Telecom
7
remain completely separate. In some cases,
Site sharing
dramatically,” explains CGTI sales engineer
antennas themselves are shared, but
While the technical and operational issues
Didier Girardeau. CGTI also plans founda-
almost exclusively within a single network.
of the NETCO and RANCO are being
tion-free towers, which will permit easy
The two new models most recently spoken
addressed, the immediate reality of infra-
turnkey
about—and
the
structure sharing today is essentially site
without the conventional delays associated
greatest cost saving opportunities and
sharing. This offers operators a most
with acquiring building permits.
implementation
those
presenting
challenges—are
the
development
of
3G
towers
practical and immediate 3G deployment
In Norway, operator and 3G license holder
Network Company (NETCO) and Radio
path.
Netcom is a case-in-point demonstrating
Access Network Company (RANCO) mod-
Mark Dismorr, Director of Engineering at
this site sharing trend. The company owns
els. In the first, a separate company is
Crown
and operates around 2,500 GSM sites, and
established to run the entire network,
operator of shared wireless communica-
including the core network itself, as a
tions and broadcast infrastructure—points
shared entity.
out that conservative estimates gauge
The RANCO model again requires a
around
separate company to own and operate the
required for each of the United
radio access infrastructure elements—
Kingdom’s five 3G license
node
holders. “But you won’t
Bs,
radio
network
controllers,
Castle—a
10,000
global
sites
owner
will
and
be
antennas and so on—but with each opera-
see 50,000 3G sites in
tor owning and running separate core
the
networks. In both models, billings, mainte-
insists. “There’ll be a
nance and operating expenditure costs are
great deal of net-
all teased out and allocated to each
work sharing at the
network ‘user’.
site level, and many of
Making real these more complex coopera-
these are going to be
tion proposals presents many challenges.
deployed
These range from the practicality of
towers.
actually administering network operating
operators are looking to deploy in
expenditure costs and billings revenue,
excess of 80 per cent of their [3G] sites
through to the delays and inefficiencies
on existing radio structures.”
that might occur in such ‘cooperative’
Tower manufacturers and designers are
designs. Most important is the issue of
also acknowledging this trend and devel-
is currently actively co-siting 3G base
maintaining industry competition and the
oping innovative technologies to support
stations on its own 2G locations.
ultimate rulings of Europe’s regulators.
it. Paris-based CGTI Pylônes is currently
“In the first phase of our roll-out we are
Some observers believe the degree of 2G
developing uniquely tall, enhanced-rigidity
trying to use our own sites as much as
penetration achieved in Europe was
structures, specifically designed to support
possible, because of the complexity of
largely due to the essentially competitive
multi-platform antenna configurations for
sharing with other parties, particularly
nature of its deployment. Could a more
cellular co-siting applications. “There’s a
when key 3G base station components are
cooperative 3G market achieve the same
general trend towards these shared tower
not yet available,” says Trond Botheim,
success?
structures,
Netcom’s engineering manager of UMTS.
UK,”
Dismorr
8
on
Some
existing
incumbent
particularly
to
meet
the
growing demand from cellular infrastruc-
Botheim
ture brokers. 3G will escalate the need
deploying new 3G networks at the earliest
stresses
the
importance
of
opportunity. “We will need at least two
ensure there is adequate RF isolation
variable electrical tilts (VET) for each band.
years to be able to provide coverage and
between each system—3G to 3G, 2G to
“There’s potentially a whole spectrum of
then services to the majority of the Norwe-
3G and vice-versa. “The release 99 layer 1
3G scenarios—2G/3G co-siting, 3G/3G
gian population, so an early start was
standards are mature and very clear as to
co-siting, 3G gap-filling and micro-cell
imperative,” Botheim says. “This is fine, so
what is required here,” says Clavel. “It’s
sites, stand-alone 3G sites and even
long as you rollout in a ‘future proof’ way
very important to ensure that the co-sited
RANCO and NETCO deployment,” Clavel
by ensuring the hardware is compliant with
antenna outputs and interference levels
concludes. “The challenge here is to
the final release 99 standard.”
fall below the isolation levels specified, to
provide the widest RF technology range to
avoid Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and
ensure optimal site fit-out flexibility.”
Shared RF solutions
node B blocking and interference prob-
A powerful and increasingly popular infra-
lems. Typically, this sort of data should be
Optimal solutions
structure alternative is the range of ‘shared
provided for a range of antenna configura-
What ultimately proves the best ‘infra-
RF’ options. Botheim points out that for
tions and separation distances.”
structure sharing’ choice will depend on
those 2G/3G co-sites where multiple
Multiband and shared antenna options
just how the European 3G market evolves.
antennas prove difficult, Netcom opts
help overcome the key hurdle of environ-
An important factor will be whether 3G is
for dual and sometimes triple band
mental impact, by reducing the total
fought on traditional network coverage
UMTS/GSM antennas. “We use
number of ‘visual antennas’ from two—
and quality issues, or whether services will
multiband antennas for five to
and sometimes three—to just one. To this
be the decider. Many believe coverage and
10 per cent of the sites,”
end, RFS has developed a family of cross-
quality will be a secondary issue, but
says Botheim, “particularly
polarised multiband GSM/UMTS antennas
Clavel disagrees. “A number of European
GEN E RATION N E XT
in urban areas with strong
known as ‘antenna à la carte’. This range
operators are actually struggling with the
aesthetic requirements, or if
offers a selected combination of the
capacity of their existing 2G networks,”
we feel we are being asked to
existing GSM and UMTS antenna ranges,
Clavel says. “Capacity might be an
including tri-band options, fitted within a
impotant reason for migration to 3G, which
GSM antenna-sized radome.
will shift the focus back to coverage.”
meet
unreasonable
[rental]
demands from a building owner.”
Indeed, some of today’s most enter-
Network planning and optimisation for
The
prising operators are rolling out 3G
Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA) is entirely
solution will no doubt be a blend of shared
passive sites now, with shared RF solutions
different to that for GSM, Clavel advises.
sites and site structures, shared RF
factoring high on the list. These consist of
“Aside from the smaller W-CDMA cell size,
solutions, RANCO/NETCO-style operator
ready-fitted masts with antennas and
the cell is said to ‘breathe’—expand and
‘cooperatives’ and leased facilities, and
feeders, without node Bs. “They will be
contract in footprint size—which is a
Virtual Private Network Operators (VPNO).
able to plug equipment to the site when it
unique CDMA operational characteristic.
The challenge to operators will be to
is ready,” says Radio Frequency Systems’
From this point of view, GSM/W-CDMA
decide swiftly and deploy—at least at the
European strategic marketing manager
sharing a broadband antenna simply isn’t
base station layer 1 level—as soon as
Pierre Clavel. “It is a low capital investment
an option. Separate antennas with inde-
possible. The release 99 standard is ready,
into the least expensive and most time-
pendently adjustable tilt optimisation in
and node B, radio network controllers and
consuming part of network deployment.
each band are essential—even in multi-
handsets not too far away. Like 2G, the
Shared RF solutions can play a key role
band antennas.” To address this problem,
first to realise coverage will win the richest
here.”
each element of the antenna à la
revenue streams.
An important factor to consider in co-sited
carte is supplied with independent fixed
antenna solutions, Clavel points out, is to
tilt,
or
with
continuously
adjustable
ultimate
‘shared
infrastructure’
9
The Optimizer's improved performance, clean
patterns and excellent front-to-back ratios
have proven to provide the optimal CDMA
solution.
Optimizing CDMA
networks: the adjustable
d o w n t i l t p e rs p e c t i v e
Doug Sharp, Senior Engineer, ERICSSON Wireless
Communications and Andy Singer, Radio Frequency Systems’
Director Marketing & Technical Services for the Americas, explore the role of antenna downtilt in meeting the challenges
of pilot pollution and hard handoff in CDMA networks.
10
RF Engineers deploying Code Division
Each sector of the CDMA site is allocated a
Multiple Access (CDMA) systems have
unique pilot signal—a type of beacon to
developed a number of techniques to assist
allow handsets in the region to assess
with optimizing network performance. Key
signal conditions in the area. The pilot
optimization
signal
challenges
include
over-
allows
the
handset
to
firstly
coming so-called ‘pilot pollution’ and
identify those sectors that are up and
improving hard handoff (HHO) in multi-
available to accommodate the call, and
frequency CDMA systems.
secondly to assess actual signal levels
Figure 1: When 'Frequency 1' (F1) is
deployed throughout a system's entire
coverage area (left), its propagation is
limited by the bordering F1 FA cells.
Problems may occur when 'Frequency 2'
(F2) is added to accommodate highdensity traffic areas (right)—the F2 area
extends geographically further, since
there is no F2 FA in the immediate
vicinity.
CELLULAR DIRECTIONS
Currently, in the 2G-cellular world these
in the area on a sector by sector basis.
call rates increase. This condition is known
two challenges are restricted to those
The handset’s ‘Four Finger Rake’ searches
as ‘Pilot Pollution’. Similar problems will no
cellular
CDMA-based
and assesses the pilot signals—one ‘finger’
doubt be experienced with 3G W-CDMA
technologies known as cdmaOne. With
searches for pilots in the area, while the
networks where a similar number of rake
much of the existing Global System for
other three de-correlate the signals from
fingers are used.
Mobile Communications (GSM) world
various pilots or multi-paths of the pilots.
currently eyeing off Wideband CDMA
As a result, multi-paths are actually used to
Optimizer variable electrical tilt
(W-CDMA) as the path of choice to third
the CDMA handset’s advantage.
The solution to the CDMA pilot pollution
generation cellular, these challenges are
Unfortunately, a downside to the CDMA
problem is to realise improved accuracy in
soon
‘Four Finger Rake’ has been discovered as
cell coverage, along with reduced side and
systems expand and grow. As the network
rear lobe radiation. Antennas using variable
load increases, the number of cells within
electrical tilt technology—such as the RFS
the network become smaller and denser,
Optimizer panel antenna range—coupled
resulting in an increased probability of
with high precision cell-site planning tools
multiple pilots arriving at the handset.
and techniques have proven to be the
multi-path
With current generation CDMA handsets, if
optimal means of minimizing the pilot
problems. The CDMA ‘Four Finger Rake’
more than three pilots of relatively the same
pollution problem.
system actually uses multi-paths to its
signal strength arrive at the handset coinci-
This
advantage,
digital
dentally, the portable phone doesn’t know
challenging when deploying CDMA in high-
processing and the use of pilot signals
how to react to the information, the Frame
density urban areas, where planning regula-
transmitted from the CDMA base station.
Error Rate (FER) deteriorates and dropped
tions and space availability often preclude
networks
to
using
become
globally
far
more
widespread.
CDMA rake technology
‘CDMA
handsets
unique
technology—known
technology’—to
commonly
overcome
through
use
as
ingenious
a
‘rake
situation
becomes
even
more
the use of spatial diversity antennas.
added only in those high-density traffic
The poor front-to-back ratios experienced
areas that require extra capacity (see figure 1).
Texan town proves
Optimizer a winner
with certain antenna technologies again
A fundamental problem encountered with
Figure 2 shows drive test data from a
raises the spectre of pilot pollution. The
CDMA networks is that the CDMA signal
specific location in a medium-sized city in
Optimizer’s improved performance, clean
can travel long distances in the absence of
Texas where pilot pollution proved a
patterns and excellent front-to-back ratios
interference from other cells operating on
problem.
have proven to provide the optimal solution
the same frequency or FA. This is the likely
specifically deployed to overcome pilot
to this vexing CDMA problem.
case for those F1-assigned cells operating
pollution that was causing dropped calls at
on the periphery of the F2-assigned cells.
a busy intersection.
FA challenges
Here,
the
Optimizer
was
As is shown in the upper section of figure 2,
Another area where pilot pollution can
Matched coverage
the CDMA signal began to experience poor
negatively affect network performance is
In most cases, RF optimization engineers
FER (frame error rate) on the approach to
when attempting to optimize a CDMA
will try to match the coverage of the F1 and
the intersection suffering pilot pollution.
system for multi-frequency operation.
F2 cells, taking into account cell-to-cell
RFS was called in to help with this pilot
Many CDMA network deployments utilize
interference on F1, and lack of cell-to-cell
pollution issue—it determined that an
a single frequency assignment (FA) to
interference on the F2 frequency border. By
antenna site to the east had utilized
provide coverage, but in areas of high
controlling F2 cell coverage, it is much
excessive mechanical tilt. This presented a
easier for the network-planning engineer
fourth strong pilot signal at the intersec-
to select the ‘target cell’ for the HHO.
tion, and proved to be the cause of the
So how does one match coverage between
poor FER.
F1 and F2 frequency assignments? One
RFS suggested that the operator replace the
method is to decrease the coverage of the
standard panel antennas on the site
F2 border cell, thus not having any cell-to-
with the RFS Optimizer. By utilizing the
cell interference, in order to match the F1
Optimizer’s
coverage. This can be achieved using
electrical tilt (figure 2, bottom section), the
antennas with particularly clean patterns,
operator was able to eliminate the pilot
traffic density additional frequency assign-
such as the RFS Optimizer with continuously
pollution causing dropped calls at this
ments are often added. As the number of
adjustable electrical downtilt. By using the
intersection.
subscribers increase, the need for greater
adjustable tilt feature and performing
capacity often results in the operator
drive testing along the border, the coverage
deploying additional frequencies in a
can be adjusted for optimal handoff
CDMA network. Thus, some cells within
performance.
the system will operate with only one FA,
The experience of several leading North
while other cells will have multiple FAs.
American OEMs and operators has shown
Calls are distributed using a ‘hashing
that
algorithm’—an
downtilt
IS-95
defined
routine
continuously
antenna
adjustable
technology
is
an
important tool in minimising CDMA pilot
the frequency assignment—coupled with
pollution and realising optimal HHO in
hard handoff (HHO) mechanisms. When a
multi-frequency CDMA systems.
HHO is triggered, a message is sent
These two challenges will inevitably present
instructing the mobile station to move to
themselves to today’s 3G cellular world, as
the new frequency assignment. Assuring a
existing GSM operators move into the new
robust and reliable HHO can be difficult if
CDMA-based 3G technologies. Advanced
the system is not properly optimized.
antenna
For example, assume that ‘Frequency 1’ (F1)
Optimizer, will no doubt prove vital to
is deployed throughout a system’s entire
W-CDMA network RF engineers in their
coverage area, and ‘Frequency 2’ (F2) is
quest to optimize these emerging networks.
such
adjustable
electrical
designed to ensure load balancing across
technologies,
continuously
as
RFS’s
Figure 2: Application of the RFS Optimizer at
this busy intersection eliminated dropped calls
caused by pilot pollution.
11
All is
new at
RFSworld.com
RFS unveils a ‘new look’ website—
with new content, new tools, and
new functionality.
Radio Frequency Systems has recently
launched a ‘new look’ website—but it’s had
more than just a facelift. Unveiled in
December 2001, the new RFSworld.com
offers visitors a plethora of new pages, links
and tools guaranteed to keep them returning on a regular basis.
According to John Gu, RFS Global Chief
Information Officer, the new site represents
12
WEBSITE
a breakthrough in information sharing for
the company. “We’re primarily targeting
engineers, who are increasingly using the
New RFSworld at a glance
Internet to find information about our
RFS’s new website is abundant with new
products,” Gu says. “And they generally
features and functionality. Five of the high-
want to find it quickly. The search tools on
lights are:
• Quick Links—provide instant connec-
the new site are a powerful means of
honing in on the information they need.”
• Sitemap—a
colour-coded tree out-
tions to important and popular pages, such
RFS Director E-Commerce, Katrin Rosen-
lining the pyramid structure of the website
as RFS Tools, FAQ, Press Releases, Job
berg agrees. “The Internet will facilitate RFS
under the five main sections: Products,
Opportunities, and STAY CONNECTED on-
dealings with clients,” she says. “Our
News, Support, Contact Us, and Inside RFS.
line.
they need—whether product, service or
• Search tools—the
• Product information—the product
tool related. And the new website lays
general search function, which explores the
database
an
global
entire site, and the WebXpress search
enhanced in line with RFS’s complete range
e-commerce, which is coming down the
engine, which focuses on RFS’s on-line
of global and regional product offerings.
track.”
product catalogue.
customers have easy access to any tools
important
foundation
for
site supports a
has
been
expanded
and
• Sleek design—the site utilizes bands
of muted colour to delineate between
frames and menus, and to signal the
‘surfer’ which page he is viewing.
Content is the key
News & events on-line
Gu and Rosenberg emphasise that the
Another
number one aim in developing the new site
RFSworld.com is the focus on current news
us,
was to provide a user-friendly environment
and events throughout RFS. The home
directory is clearly listed on each page,
with easy-to-find information. “Content is
page highlights the most significant of
enabling
the key,” says Gu. “And the new format is
these at any given time—whether an
subsections.
designed to make it easier for visitors to
announcement of a major new contract,
find what they’re looking for.”
details of the latest exhibition that RFS is
Towards e-commerce
WebXpress is the engine used to search the
attending, or profiles of important or new
Rosenberg and Gu admit that the long term
product database, which itself has been
products.
goal of RFS is to embrace the world of
expanded and enhanced in line with RFS’s
A complete archive of RFS press releases
e-commerce (see page 6 in this issue of
complete range of global and regional
and technical articles is also available on-
STAY CONNECTED). “The website is a single
product offerings. While the WebXpress
line. Information about the full gamut of
point of contact for all our customers,” says
search engine is the quickest method of
the company’s global activities can be
Rosenberg. “In the future, customers will be
finding a specific item, visitors also have the
accessed from this single point of contact—
able to visit the website for more than just
opportunity to browse through the on-line
with the general search tool particularly
product information. They’ll be able to
catalogue, which is arranged in ‘tree’-fashion
helpful
topics.
check their order status, check on the
according to general function and then
The available material covers product
progress of any trouble-shooting queries
specific design. Product data sheets will be
descriptions,
(for example) they may have placed, and
available in both html and PDF format.
and projects, and objective examinations
feature
at
of
targeting
the
viewing.
revamped
specific
technical
applications
Within
each
of
five
main
sections—products, support, news, contact
and
inside
easy
RFS—an
navigation
appropriate
between
even order standard products.”
WEBSITE
In addition to searching the product
of the markets throughout the world
“Global customers will be able to visit a
database, visitors have the power to search
in which RFS is particularly active.
single website and track their orders across
the entire site for specific entries using text-
As revealed in the previous issue of
the world,” enthuses Gu. “This is likely to
based key words. “Although arranged in a
STAY CONNECTED (3rd quarter 2001 issue),
be the way business in the future is
logical fashion, the site has multiple layers,”
a virtual form of this magazine itself is also
conducted,
says Rosenberg. “It’s a multi-tiered series of
available at the website, completing a
between us, our customers, and our
sections and subsections. Visitors to the
0triumvirate of editorial resources for those
suppliers.”
website may find it easier to use the general
visitors who want to read and know more
Both agree that establishing a strong, com-
search tool, rather than scrolling through all
about RFS’s global activities.
prehensive Internet presence is the first step
the
different
sections—particularly
if
with
vertical
integration
The new-look RFSworld.com is a blend of
in these ambitions. The new RFSworld.com
they’re looking for specific information.”
simplicity and style. “There was a conscious
represents the foundation for a leap to the
Complementing the two search tools is the
decision to avoid complicated graphics that
future. “The Internet has potentially far
array of ‘Quick Links’ to be found on the
take forever to download,” says Gu. “The
greater reach than our print catalogue,
home page of the site. The quick links
first objective was to give our audience
which has a finite distribution,” says Gu. “It
provide instant connections to important
information. We also wanted people in
is now the critical link between our past and
and popular pages RFS Tools, FAQ, Press
places where bandwidth may be limited to
our future business relationships.”
Releases, Job Opportunities, and the RFS
be able to access the website easily.”
eZine (STAY CONNECTED on-line), which
Instead of pages and pages of graphics, the
may also be approached by navigating
new site utilizes bands of muted colour to
through the main sections, or using the
delineate between frames and menus, and
Sitemap.
to signal the ‘surfer’ which page he is
Embrace a world of new
c o n t e n t , t o o l s, a n d
functionality; visit the
n e w w w w. R F S w o r l d . c o m
13
D T V t a ke s a
c o m b i n e d a p p ro a c h
In response to the specific needs of digital television (DTV) broadcast,
RF combining technology has moved into an era of ‘DTV-tailoring’.
14
Real world digital television (DTV) deployment
directly result from the allocation of
solutions aim to make the best use of existing
‘adjacent channels’ for DTV broadcast.
broadcast site RF hardware— towers, anten-
Located
nas, buildings and so on. This ensures that the
channels, these ‘gaps’ are the channels
new DTV services can be overlayed with exist-
preferred by spectrum authorities around
ing analogue services in the timeliest and
the world for DTV, in a quest to optimize
most cost-efficient manner. An important
spectrum use. In conventional analogue
‘tool’ used to realize this is the RF combiner.
broadcast
The balanced combiner (see figure 1) has
problems
wide applications due to its modular con-
adjacent channels unusable. The advent of
struction and minimal interaction between
digital broadcast has liberated adjacent
inputs. Its purpose is to combine multiple
channels, but at a price. To realize contiguous
transmitter signals into a single antenna
channels,
between
existing
applications,
previously
complex
analogue
interference
rendered
masking
these
filters—
BROADCAST BUZZ
Long slender filter assemblies in
RFS’s new ‘all-coaxial’ solution
system, while keeping the transmitter isolated
essentially ‘brick wall’ filters—are required
were large and bulky, and capable of
and properly matched. Forming an opera-
to minimize out-of-band products.
handling less than 20 per cent frequency
tional duo with the broadband panel array, RF
The issue of site space constraints––particu-
span, which limited the scope for future
combining technology has taken centre-stage
larly in high-density urban areas—is another
channel additions outside this span. Also,
in realising such combined DTV solutions.
practical problem confronting broadcasters
adjacent channel combining demanded
For European DTV deployment, combiners
in many parts of the world. Most DTV
waveguide filters as complex as eight-cavity
fall into one of three site power-based
retrofits aim to realize the extra channels
(eight-pole). These could be as tall as four
categories:
within the space constraints of existing
metres high, which is often too large for
• High power sites (2-100 kW): those sites
building leases. Lastly, the pace of DTV
many rooms.
providing coverage of cities and larger
roll-out we’re now seeing around the world
To overcome these problems, RFS turned to
centres.
demands higher levels of flexibility and
the directional waveguide combiner—a
• Medium power sites (20 W-5 kW): those
modularity in filter/combiner application.
waveguide filter technology often used in
sites addressing regional centre coverage,
Combiner filters that are tunable—ideally
gap-filling and transposer applications.
across the entire UHF band—have proven
• Lower power sites (less than 250 W): Used
to be a major step in this direction.
for very small area coverage, gap filling and
RFS’s earliest work focussed on the high
translator applications.
power areas (2-100 kW). Waveguide
coupling technology was obviously the
Adjacent channel challenge
preferred method to accommodate such
Many
performance
power levels. Conventional waveguide UHF
characteristics required of DTV combiners
combiner systems posed limitations—these
of
the
advanced
Figure 1: Balanced combiner schematic
MMDS systems. A number of innovations
coaxial filter in the most compact total
transmission, voltage simply isn’t a major
were required to convert the directional
package.
issue. Fairly sophisticated computing tools
waveguide combiner for UHF use, and
proven an important design element.
are required to model and predict these
these are the subject of patent applications.
By applying a network of cross-coupling
voltages. Using computer aided design
In this arrangement, the two perfectly
paths, RFS realized an elliptical function
tools such as Mathcad, RFS has explored
matched filters in a balanced combiner are
filter in 6- and 8-pole options for adjacent
this area extensively.
effectively realized in a single circular wave-
channel applications, plus 3- and 5-pole
Future effort will be focused on the
guide assembly. Similarly, careful design of
Chebychev variants for conventional wide
development of innovative low-cost devices
the wideband waveguide path (the ‘spine’)
and semi-adjacent channel combining.
for low power site applications (less than
has provided dramatic improvements in
The cross-coupling paths are carefully
250W). This is an area of great growth,
frequency
cross-coupling
tuned to produce ‘notches’ or cross-
particularly in Europe. Development will
between cavities has helped realize eight
coupling zeros in the filter characteristic
also focus on working with transmitter
pole performance using the shorter six-pole
(see figure 2). These provide the sharp
manufacturers in designing appropriately
assembly.
‘masking’ filter response required for DTV
‘matched’ levels of filtering supplied with
The result is a particularly compact wave-
semi-adjacent
transmitter/combiner pairs. To date, filter-
guide filter/combiner, which is around half
applications.
ing techniques in channel combiners and
the
waveguide
External cross-coupling has been chosen in
transmitters have been developed indepen-
combiners, yet offers a frequency span of
preference to conventional folded configu-
dently, creating a potential source of dupli-
around 46 per cent. Just two models of
ration. This has permitted the development
cation and extra cost.
directional waveguide filter accommodate
of a purely in-line configuration, comprising
Solutions
the entire UHF frequency range. This
long slender filter assemblies, with the
economic and practical limits of DTV are
size
span.
of
Lastly,
conventional
External
cross-coupling
and
adjacent
has
channel
addressing
the
technical,
BROADCAST BUZZ
compact waveguide filter/combiner tech-
input coupler at the base and the output
evolving very quickly—we are and will
nology is now being used across Europe,
coupler at the top. By applying this in-line
continue challenging the bounds of RF
Australia and North America in particular,
configuration, the single 855 by 1100 mm
combining know-how. These develop-
where larger power broadcast sites are
rack shown can accommodate up to six
ments will be driven by broadcasters’
more common. The most notable applica-
channels, in a mix of 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-pole.
demands for higher performance, more
tion of this technology is the combining of
Today, filters are often being ordered in
compact and reduced cost combining
14 high power channels for three antenna
advance of final frequency assignments;
technology.
systems on Chicago’s Sears Tower, the
channels are added in after design comple-
world’s
Using
tion; and filters are retired at one site and
directional waveguide combiners, this was
redeployed at another. In response, RFS
achieved in a room with a footprint of just
developed a range of coaxial filter cavities
seven metres by seven metres.
comprising just two sizes, providing full
tallest
office
building.
tunability across the UHF band.
Medium power focus
Most
recently,
the
medium
power
Voltage modelling
(20 W-5 kW) combining applications have
DTV RF results in much higher peak to
been the area of greatest development.
average voltages than those experienced
Such powers are the regime of the more
with conventional analogue TV, as the
compact ‘all coaxial’ filter solution. As with
signal comprises a large number of carriers
the waveguide combiner, the challenge
within a single frequency band. This was a
here has been to realize a higher order
new issue to RF designers—in analogue
Figure 2: Typical filter responses
15
The production facility moved quickly into
C h i n e s e c e l l u l a r m a r ke t
speeds to the lead
the manufacture of GSM 900 vertical polar
antennas in September the same year,
earning a reputation across the country for
the quality of its product and speedy
Few could have predicted the explosion in Chinese cellular subscriptions
over the past five years. STAY CONNECTED examines how cellular
technology—and Radio Frequency Systems—is evolving to meet the
demands of the hungry Chinese market.
China, now the world’s largest cellular
launch a nationwide network of Code
market, is currently undergoing a communi-
Divisional Multiple Access One (CDMAOne)
cations revolution. Driven by factors such as
standard. It was announced in June 2001
strong economic growth, changes to the
that contracts for the deployment of the new
regulatory environment, and new technolo-
CDMA network have finally been awarded.
gies and products, the expansion of the
From barely one million subscribers in
Chinese telecommunications industry over
1994, the number of cellular subscribers
the past couple of years has been so huge as
in China was 20 million in 1998, 85
to defy prediction.
million by the end of 2000, and 120
China’s
16
is
million in July 2001. Yet these staggering
somewhat unique, and inextricably linked to
telecommunications
industry
figures represent a current penetration
REGIONAL FOCUS
the nation’s political and trade policies. Until
of less than seven per cent of the Chinese
1994, China’s only telecommunications
population,
provider was China Telecom, regulated by
growth potential still exists. (Industry
the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunica-
observers
tions
Total
number approaching 300 million for 2005.)
Access Communications (TAC) analogue
In orderto accommodate this relentless
systems in the early 1990s, China Telecom
demand, it is clear that cellular technologies
adopted the digital Global System for
will have to stand up to the charge.
(MPT).
After
flirting
with
revealing
are
that
currently
enormous
predicting
a
Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) in 1993;
now operating as China Mobile, it has since
China’s GSM roll-out race
become a major force in the Chinese
During the past half-decade, China’s race to
cellular market.
roll-out GSM digital networks across the
China’s second telecommunications player,
country, has driven an escalating demand
China Unicom, was born in 1994. With its
for base station RF hardware—specifically
market-oriented business structure, focus on
world-class
providing
and
within China. To help meet this need, RFS
services, and willingness to accept foreign
established its Shanghai manufacturing
assistance, Unicom’s unique approach has
facility in late 1999, with production
introduced new business philosophies to
of
China. Now, in addition to its GSM license,
low-loss RF cable range commencing
the company has the exclusive license to
in Shanghai in January 2000.
the
best
technologies
the
technology
company’s
manufactured
popular
CELLFLEX
turn-around. As the market has matured,
the need for reduced capital and installa-
commenced
the
local
tion costs, tower and wind loading, and en-
of
vironmental impact has driven an increas-
technology in the latter half of 2001.
cross-polarised
manufacture
cellular
antenna
introduction of remote electrical tilt. This
new technology extends the convenience of
variable electrical tilt by relocating the tilt
adjustment facility from the antenna body
ing demand in China for more cost- and
space-efficient cellular antenna technology.
Beyond GSM 900
to the tower base or the network manage-
To meet this need, RFS Shanghai has
One expansion option for network planners
ment centre. In an age where fast and
confronted with such phenomenal market
efficient network tuning is becoming
growth as exists in China, is to add more
critical, remote tilt technology will provide
spectrum. In China, the 1800 MHz band
substantial site optimisation benefits.
was added to complement the 900 MHz
GSM band in 1997.
300 million subscribers
Yet already the existing GSM networks in
It is still the dawn of the cellular explosion in
China are challenged to meet demand,
China—and, as one industry observer has
leading network operators to cast about for
pointed out, the future direction of world
further options. Field trials in China for
cellular telephony standards will likely be
CDMA 800 MHz were first conducted by
shaped by the needs of the Chinese market.
the People’s Liberation Army a couple of
With the number of subscribers anticipated
years ago, and now China Unicom will roll
to reach 300 million within five years, it is
out the first nationwide CDMA network
clear that those needs will be great indeed.
this year.
At the beginning of the 1990s, few could
To support China Unicom’s CDMA 800
have predicted the degree to which China
deployment strategy, RFS Shanghai has
has embraced cellular communications.
mobilised to locally manufacture CDMA
Now the demand for high volume networks
800 MHz cross- and vertical-polarised panel
is tremendous, with technology factors—
antennas. These provided an important
such as antenna performance—being the
attraction at October 2001’s PT/Wireless &
critical path. 3G cellular is planned for 2005.
Networks Comm exhibition in Beijing.
RFS’s
The latest antenna development by Radio
cellular antenna technologies will help this
Frequency Systems—also unveiled at the
market through the enormous growth of
Beijing Expo in October this year—is the
the coming years.
RFS poised to meet China’s
wireless demand
seeing many in the Chinese RF industry
RFS offers the Chinese communications
tive has—and continues to be—to ensure
market a product set embracing the entire
we have the infrastructure in place to
spectrum of passive RF technology, from
guarantee both premium quality and
GSM and CDMA cellular technologies,
delivery,” Jaeger said.
through to microwave, confined coverage
“We’ve made great investments over the
RF, and coaxial feeder systems.
past two years—most particularly in our
“We’ve witnessed amazing growth of RF
Shanghai-based
technology application across China over
manufacturing facilities—plus our sales and
the past decade, in every area of the wireless
technical support facilities in Beijing and
communications
Hong Kong. Our plan is to dramatically
industry,”
said
innovative
locally-manufactured
struggle with current demand, so our objec-
Chris
cable
and
antenna
Jaeger, President of RFS Asia Pacific.
increase this investment in local manufac-
The challenge, he emphasised, will be for
ture in the coming year. In short, we’re
suppliers to meet the escalating demand for
poised to meet the demand!”
premium quality RF technology. “We’re
17
‘Among the palms’–an example of Vodacom´s environmentally
conscious cellular antenna deployment solutions.
Vo d a c o m o p t s f o r R F S ’s
dual band and tilt
18
A multi-billion Rand network upgrade by South
functionality, which permits tilt adjustment
African cellular operator, Vodacom Pty Ltd, is
with the simple turn of a knob.
nearing completion, with advanced cellular
“An antenna technology that ensures the net-
antenna technology from Radio Frequency
work is genuinely future-proof was an impor-
Systems at its heart. Market leader Vodacom
tant consideration for this upgrade,” said
received the last of over 4,200 advanced
Stefan Lehmann, Director of RFS South Africa.
technology cross polarized dual band panel
The dual band nature of this antenna, Lehmann
antennas with variable electrical tilt from RFS
said, has provided Vodacom with room to
in late July this year.
grow—a vital element for the operator, which
RFS’s dual band antennas were selected by the
celebrated a record five million subscribers in
carrier, not only for their superior performance,
March this year. The early-2001 allocation of
but also to provide a significant level of net-
1800 MHz spectrum by South Africa’s telecom-
work future proofing. The antenna supports
munications
operation in both the Global System for Mobile
Communications Authority of South Africa
Communications (GSM) 900 and GSM 1800
(ICASA), has underscored the importance of
bands, plus provides variable electrical tilt (VET)
such multi-spectrum RF technologies.
regulator,
the
Independent
For the TransTV antenna system in Jakarta,
RFS supplied two 6-1/8-inch coaxial feeder
cables to enable full redundancy.
IN TOUCH
Indonesian
TV networks
roll out
with RFS
In the race to meet ‘On-Air’ deadlines,
infant
Indonesian
television
networks
UHF license to broadcast an additional
broadcast industry. “Our long experience in
TransTV and DVN-Tivi7 have both signed
UHF channel in Jakarta.
Indonesia means that RFS is very familiar
contracts with Radio Frequency Systems for
RFS has supplied both TransTV and
with most of the transmitting locations, so
the supply and installation of critical broad-
DVN-Tivi7 with antenna systems for each
we are able to quickly design cost-effective
cast infrastructure.
network’s inaugural Jakarta installation.
systems for the best coverage at a
The launch of TransTV and DVN-Tivi7
The TransTV Jakarta installation will be
particular location,” said Darryl Hancock,
will take the tally of Indonesian free-to-
followed by RFS installations in the cities of
RFS’s Chief Representative in Indonesia.
air television networks on air to nine—
Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang
“RFS’s in-country support also ensures that
comprising eight commercial UHF stations,
and Medan.
our Indonesian customers receive fast
plus the government VHF network, TVRI. In
With an office in the country, RFS has a long
response
addition, TVRI is planning to utilize its own
history supplying equipment to the Indonesian
support.”
to
inquiries
and
technical
RFS Shanghai
p ro d u c t i o n e x p a n d s
Ai, one of the greatest challenges faced by
China’s cellular network operators is the
increasing need for faster deployment
speed. “Across the board, cross-polar
In response to growing market demand,
range, plus locally manufactured cross-
antenna technology is proving to be the
Radio Frequency Systems has expanded its
polarized cellular panel antennas.
technology of choice here in China,” said
Shanghai production facility to include two
The Shanghai facility is the manufacturing
Ai. “By manufacturing cross-polar antennas
new lines: the 1/2-inch size (LCF12) of its
and distribution centre for its premium
locally in Shanghai, RFS can ensure that
popular
quality antenna systems, RF feeder cables
supply is able to meet the rising demand. It
CELLFLEX
low-loss
RF
cable
Quality control Manager Jenny Wang (left) and Production Coordinator
David Shi test RFS’s 1/2-inch CELLFLEX® foam dielectric coaxial feeder
cable (LCF 12-50 J).
‘ F E AT H E R W E I G H T ’
A N T E N N A L OA D
TEST?
and accessories in the
also
means
shorter
lead
times
and
People’s Republic of
reduced costs for customers.”
China. Inaugurated in
RFS Area Product Manager, Zhu Du-qing
early 2000, the facility
agrees, pointing out that the RFS CELLFLEX
is located in the Song
cable range has been used in some of the
Jiang Industrial Zone,
biggest cellular rollouts seen to date in
some 30 kilometres
China. “RFS China’s prime focus is to
south-west of central
guarantee speedy supply in an environment
Shanghai.
of increasing demand,” Zhu said. “Local
According to RFS Area
production of the 1/2-inch CELLFLEX cable
Sales Manager Jennifer
is an important part of this strategy.”
RFS Q1 2002
shows & exhibitions
2002 is just around the corner. RFS has a busy global
schedule of exhibitions and shows commencing in the
New Year—we hope to see you in your corner of the
world sometime soon.
EXPO COMM Mexico
NRB
3GSM World Congress
Convergence India 2002
CeBIT Hannover
CTIA Wireless
TELEXPO 2002
NAB
12-15 February
16-19 February
20-22 February
6-8 March
13-20 March
18-20 March
19-22 March
6-11 April
In remote outback Australia,
an RFS monopole HF antenna is
subjected to an unexpected weight
loading—a flock of native parrots (galahs).
Mexico City, Mexico
Nashville, TN, USA
Cannes, France
New Delhi, India
Hannover, Germany
Orlando, FL, USA
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Las Vegas, NV, USA
R F S G L O B A L O R G A N I Z AT I O N
RF Conditioning
Phoenix, USA
Tel.: +1 602 252 8058
Fax: +1 602 256 2632
Antenna Systems Europe,
Middle-East, Africa, India (EMAI)
Hannover, Germany
Tel: +49-511 676 2520
Fax: +49-511 676 2521
Antenna Systems Americas
Meriden, USA
Tel: +1-203 630 3311
Fax: +1-203 821 3850
Antenna Systems Asia Pacific
Melbourne, Australia
Tel: +61-3 9751 8400
Fax: +61-3 9761 5711
www.rfsworld.com
Bangkok
Beijing
Paris
Calgary
Corvallis
Glendale Heights
Hillerød
HongKong
Jakarta
Johannesburg
Lannion
London
Markham
Marlboro
Mexico City
Miami
Monza
Moscow
The Clear Choice in Wireless™
North Haven
São Paulo
Shanghai
Singapore
Trignac