RFI BD Series User manual

Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas
0
User’s Manual
BD Series Bi-Directional Amplifier
(BDA)

Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas
RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
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Company Overview
RFI has been serving the needs of the wireless communications market for over 40
years. First founded as a manufacturer of antenna systems, RFI has grown to be a key
player in the development, manufacturing and distribution of wireless technology and
energy products. Through our extensive network of resellers, systems integrators and
retail outlets, RFI is a key supplier to both industry and Government.
Our research and manufacturing facilities have talented people, sophisticated test
equipment, state of the art software with class leading manufacturing systems and
techniques. Additionally, we have in place a quality management program which is
certified to ISO9001, environmental management system certification to ISO14001 and
occupational health and safety standard AS4801 giving our customers complete
confidence in everything we do.
RFI’s products are truly innovative and as a result we are active around the globe taking
our Australian designed and manufactured products to key markets in Asia Pacific, the
Americas and EMEA regions via offices ‘In-region’ in addition to exporting directly to in
excess of 50 countries.
One of RFI’s key principals is to remain totally customer focused as we recognise our
future depends on the success of our customers. We know that to be chosen as your
supplier we must add value to your business and to achieve this we will work hard to
deliver the best product when and where you need it and back this up with the very best
technical support available.

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
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Disclaimer
Product part numbering in photographs and drawings is accurate at the time of printing. Part
number labels on RFI products supersede part numbers given within this manual. Information
is subject to change without notice.
Document Number
Copyright ©2022 RF Industries Pty Ltd
First Printing: 18 August 2020
Version Number
Version Date
0.1
Draft
1.0
Release
1.1
09-Feb-2021
1.2
29-March-2021
1.3
26-April-2021
1.4
20-Oct-2021
1.5
01-Mar-2022

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
RF Industries Pty. Ltd. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material,
including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose.
RF Industries Pty. Ltd. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental
or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of
this material.
All information contained in this manual has been reviewed. However, RF Industries
Pty. Ltd. accepts no liability for any omissions, errors or construed information.
2022, RF Industries Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation or translation without prior written permission is prohibited
except as allowed under copyright laws.
For further information or help with this product contact your nearest RFI sales office or through
the following:
Region
USA
EMEA
Asia Pacific
Sales Email
[email protected].au
[email protected].au
[email protected]om.au
Tech Support
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Telephone Intl
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
Telephone Local
330 486 0706
1300 000 RFI
1300 000 RFI
Fax Intl
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
Web
rfiamericas.com
rfi.com.au
rfi.com.au

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
Table of Contents
1. Occupational Health & Safety / Work Safe and Safety Warnings ..............................................5
2. Firmware Agreement License.....................................................................................................6
3. BD Series Introduction................................................................................................................8
4. Physical Dimensions.................................................................................................................10
5. BD Series Components ............................................................................................................11
5.1 BDASC Module.........................................................................................................................11
5.3 HPA Module..............................................................................................................................12
5.4 Duplexer....................................................................................................................................12
5.5 RF over Fibre (RFoF) Modules.................................................................................................12
5.7 Base Plate.................................................................................................................................13
5.8 System Block Diagrams............................................................................................................15
6. Power Consumption .................................................................................................................17
7. Installation.................................................................................................................................18
7.1 Unpacking.................................................................................................................................18
7.2 Physical Installation ..................................................................................................................18
7.3 Power Cable Connector Wiring ................................................................................................25
7.4 RF Level Configuration.............................................................................................................26
7.5 Gain Setting (BDASC)..............................................................................................................26
7.6 AGC Operation .........................................................................................................................26
7.7 Other BDASC and HPA settings ..............................................................................................28
8. BDA Configuration....................................................................................................................29
8.1 Command Line Interface (CLI) and Software (S/W) Flash Upgrading .....................................29
8.2 Ethernet Connection Set-up .....................................................................................................29
8.3 Command Line Interface (CLI) Operation ................................................................................29
8.4 Reset Factory Default Ethernet Addresses and Access. .........................................................31
8.5 Editing Values...........................................................................................................................32
9. Maintenance, Inspection and Repair Advice ............................................................................37
9.1 Firmware Upgrades ..................................................................................................................37
9.2 BDASC Fault Diagnostics.........................................................................................................38
10. Appendix 1................................................................................................................................39
10.1 BDASC - Electrical and Mechanical Specifications..................................................................39
10.2 HPA - Electrical and Mechanical Specifications.......................................................................40

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
1. Occupational Health & Safety / Work Safe and Safety Warnings
Only a suitably qualified person should be allowed to install and commission this equipment
after becoming familiar with all the safety and installation instructions contained in this User’s
Manual. It will be assumed that a qualified person will have a fundamental knowledge of the
installation’s objectives and use common sense where safety warnings are not necessarily
explicit.
The unit is heavy and appropriately considered a two-man lift.
On unpacking the equipment, familiarise yourself with equipment, reading and following all
warning labels attached to the equipment. Please ensure that the warning labels are kept in a
legible condition and replace if necessary.
Ensure all general, regional and site-specific installation and safety regulations are adhered to
when working on high voltage installations, as well as regulations covering use of tools and
personal protective equipment.
It is the responsibility of the network operator or service provider to have in place and
implemented compliant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) / Work Health and Safety
(WHS) procedures as applicable, detailing prevention measures to avoid health hazards which
may be associated with radiation from the antenna(s) connected to this equipment. Please
ensure familiarisation and compliance to country specific regulations on RF exposure.
Ensure all adjustable repeater settings comply with intended use and applicable National,
State and Regional regulatory requirements.
Ensure that access to this equipment is restricted to qualified personnel only.
There is no On/Off switch on the unit. The unit becomes active and commences its start-up
routine as soon as power is connected via the provided power cable.
Do not allow the unit or any associated equipment to become wet or to be subjected to a
corrosive environment, humidity or temperatures outside the specified operating ranges.
Do not operate the unit near any flammable substances or in a flammable atmosphere.

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
Ensure that all RF termination connectors are fully mated and tightened using correct torque
values.
Should an upgrade or maintenance require any further deconstruction or access to the
equipment, the AC or DC power supply should be disconnected and isolated.
Temperature
Owing to probable power dissipation within the equipment, the
exposed rear portion of the equipment may reach relatively
elevated temperatures above ambient.
Electrostatic Discharge
Although the modules and exposure of the interconnect sockets /
pins have been designed to significantly reduce the risk of
electrostatic discharge (ESD), precautions must be observed
during installation and maintenance to protect all the modules
within the equipment.
2. Firmware Agreement License
This statement must be read in its entirety prior to the loading or use of Firmware provided
by RFI.
Introduction.
By loading any product related Firmware, you agree without reserve with all the conditions
as detailed in this RFI Firmware License Agreement.
The term “Firmware” for the sake of this statement includes all software or firmware
upgrades, either as a new installation, revision, patches or upgrades. Any reference to
software, for the purposes of this license agreement, will therefore be included in the term
Firmware.
RFI refers to the Australian registered company RF Industries Pty Ltd.
The copyright of all Firmware relating to this product remains the property in whole of RFI
and is therefore protected by the respective international copyright or trademark laws.
You agree that by using and or downloading any of the BDASC product specific Firmware,
that you have fully understood and agree to comply and be bound by the all of the
conditional requirements as detailed in this Firmware License Agreement and accept the
disclaimer thereof.

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
RFI reserves the right to update and change, from time to time, any attribute, function,
feature and in the main any content of the firmware and any documentation attributed and
referenced to the Firmware underwritten by this Firmware License Agreement without
notice to existing users.
The use of this Firmware is non-exclusive and non-sub licensable, nor does it give the user
the right to re-sell, lease, loan, distribute, or transfer the Firmware nor the rights thereof.
This Firmware License Agreement grants or implies no right, title, or interest in any
intellectual property owned or licensed by RFI.
Support and Firmware Updates.
RFI may elect to provide you with customer support and/or Firmware upgrades,
enhancements, or modifications for the RFI Firmware at its sole discretion and may
terminate such support at any time without notice to the user. RFI may change, suspend, or
discontinue any aspect of the Firmware at any time, including the availability of any
Firmware feature, database, or content.
From time to time RFI may provide notice through the RFI web site of any available updates
or Firmware revision downloads.
Fees.
RFI reserves the right to charge fees for upgrades or revisions of the applicable Firmware
download.
Disclaimer.
Use of any Firmware enabling operation of the BDASC or providing support for the BDASC
is at the user’s discretion and risk. RFI will not be held responsible or liable for any damage
or loss that results from the downloading and or use of the Firmware or incompatibilities or
other problems experienced as a result of any combination of operating system(s),
firmware, or software the user may use.
RFI will not be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies, completeness or inadequacy
regarding the Firmware as the basis of the provision of the Firmware is on a “fit-for-purpose,
best effort” approach.
RFI will not be liable to the user for claims and liabilities of any kind arising out of or in any way
related to the use of the Firmware by the user or any third party.
The failure of RFI to exercise or enforce any right or provision of this Firmware License
Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
3. BD Series Introduction
RFI's UHF Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) is a compact IP-rated wall or pole mountable, RF-
transparent repeater. The BDA is ideal for rebroadcasting RF coverage in confined areas
such as in tunnels and mining sites as well as remote locations. Depending on the model,
the internal duplexers can either pass a 5MHz or 1.5MHz window in each direction in the
selected frequency sub band. The BDA is also available in models without the internal
duplexer to be used with desired external filtering which can enable alternative bandwidths,
guard-bands and gain values. The BDA’s RF-transparent operation is compatible with most
analogue and digital technologies. Communications content is passed without
demodulation and network protocol features, such as encryption and over-the-air-rekeying
which are passed securely. The standard architecture of this BDA provides user-friendly,
convenient and efficient in-field maintenance. The BDA is available in standard and high-
power variants with optional RF over Fibre interface and multiple power supply and battery
backup options.
Figure 1 –BD Series BD
Frequency sub bands:
BD series BDA is available in six different UHF sub bands:
Model Number
Frequency Sub Band
BD3840-yyyy-zz
380-400MHz
BD4043-yyyy-zz
400-430MHz
BD4345-yyyy-zz
430-450MHz
BD4547-yyyy-zz
450-470MHz
BD4750-yyyy-zz
470-500MHz
BD5052-yyyy-zz
500-520MHz

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
BDUEXT-yyyy-zz models come without the internal duplexers. Appropriate external filtering shall be
used with these models.
RF Power Capabilities:
These BDAs come in standard and high-power variants. The high-power models feature a High-
Power Amplifier (HPA) in either Downlink path, Uplink path or both:
Model Number
RF Power Capability
BDxxxx-0yyy-zz
Standard Power Downlink and Uplink
BDxxxx-1yyy-zz
High Power Downlink, Standard Power Uplink
BDxxxx-2yyy-zz
Standard Power Downlink, High Power Uplink
BDxxxx-3yyy-zz
High Power Downlink and Uplink
The maximum RF output power and gain range for the standard and high-power models are:
Maximum RF Output
Power dBm
High Power
+40 (1 Carrier), +37 (2 Carriers), +34 (4 Carriers), +31 (8 Carriers)
Standard
+21 (1 Carrier), +18 (2 Carriers), +15 (4 Carriers), +12 (8 Carriers)
Gain Range dB
High Power
53-84*
Standard
38-67
External filtering is required for >70dB gains to provide the required isolation for the BDA.
RF over Fibre (RFoF):
BD series BDAs are also available with the optional RF over Fibre interface. When RFoF is used,
normally two BDAs are required. One BDA will be the headend unit and will be installed near the
donor RF site. The other BDA is the remote unit which provides coverage in the desired coverage
area and communicates with the headend over Fibre.
There are two options available for the Fibre interface: Dual fibre (separate Tx and Rx) and
Single Fibre (WDM):
Power Supply Options:
BD series BDAs are available in 90-264V AC as well as 12V, 24V and 48V DC models:
Model Number
Power Supply
Option
BDxxxx-yyyy-12
12V DC
BDxxxx-yyyy-24
24V DC
BDxxxx-yyyy-48
48V DC
BDxxxx-yyyy-AC
90-264VAC
Model Number
Fibre Configuration
BDxxxx-y0yy-zz
No RF over Fibre
BDxxxx-y1yy-zz
Single Fibre (WDM)
BDxxxx-y2yy-zz
Dual Fibre (Simplex)

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
Internal Duplexer:
Model Number
Passband
Guard Band
BDxxxx-yy0y-zz
5 MHz
4MHz (Minimum)
BDxxxx-yyNy-zz
1.5 MHz
4 - 5MHz (Fixed)
BDxxxx-yyEy-zz
N/A
N/A
4. Physical Dimensions
The physical dimensions of the BD series BDA are illustrated in the below figure
Figure 2 –Physical Dimensions

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
5. BD Series Components
5.1 BDASC Module
Figure 3 –BDASC Module
BDASC is a high-linearity, single or multi carrier Bi-Directional RF amplifier.
The gain of the BDA is configurable for both the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) RF signal
path directions via the BDASC module. This gain value is configurable in 1dB steps via
the front panel rotary switches:
Figure 4 –BDASC Module’s Gain Setting Rotary Switches
The gain value is also configurable via the command line interface (CLI).
Depending on the gain settings, Automatic Gain Control (AGC) operation may be
enabled to provide up to 31dB of gain control.
BDASC features excellent Noise Figure (NF) and output amplifier 3rd Order Output
Intercept Point (3OIP) specifications.
BDASC module has three (3) front panel LED indicators to provide a visible indication of

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
the module’s DC Power (green), Alarm (red) and AGC (yellow) status, with
corresponding information also available via the CLI.
5.2 HPA Module
High Power Amplifiers (HPA) module is a non-adjustable fixed gain amplifier used to
boost the output power from the BDASC in high power variants of the BD series BDAs.
Depending on the model, the BDA may have only one HPA in either Downlink or Uplink
paths or two BDAs for both Downlink and Uplink.
Figure 5 –HPA Module
5.3 Duplexer
Depending on the model, BD Series BDAs feature band pass, compact milled UHF
internal duplexer(s). The internal duplexer covers one of these sub bands:
380-400MHz, 400-430MHz, 430-450MHz, 450-470MHz, 470-500MHz, 500-520MHz
The duplexer combines/separates the transmit and receive signals at the donor and
rebroadcast sides and provides the necessary isolation between the two signals.
The non-RFoF variants of the BDA feature two duplexers in one enclosure (for donor
and rebroadcast sides) whereas the RFoF models have one duplexer in each
enclosure (headend or remote).
5.4 RF over Fibre (RFoF) Modules
Depending on the model, the RFoF variants of the BD series BDAs feature either a
single (WDM) or dual (Simplex with separate Tx and Rx) RFoF modules. The optical
connectors are of FC/APC type and are located inside the BDA’s housing.

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
5.5 Base Plate
The base plate is located at the bottom of the BDA with all the connectors to the external
equipment including the service and donor antenna connectors (depending on the
model), power input, Ethernet Comms Port and Fibre Input/output ports (depending on
the model).
The connector positions as illustrated below are for the Non-RFoF, DC Models:
Figure 6 –Base Plate, Non-RFoF, DC Power Models
1. Service Antenna Port
2. Donor Antenna Port
3. Power Input
4. Comms Port (Ethernet)
5. Alarm Cable Gland
The locations of the internal components of the BDA are illustrated in the Images as
follows:

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
Figure 7 –BDA Components in Standard Power Model, No RFoF
A. BDASC, Bi-Directional Amplifier Module
B. Band Pass Duplexers
C. Power Supply Cover
Figure 8 –RFoF Model
D. RF over Fibre Modules (Dual fibre model shown)

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
5.6 System Block Diagrams
Figure 9 –BDxxxx-00yy-AC Model Block Diagram
D/L
U/L
Downlink
Uplink
BDASC
HPA HPA
Attenuator
Attenuator
Bandpass Duplexer Bandpass Duplexer
Power Supply Unit
110-240V AC
Donor Antenna
To Extended Coverage Area
DAS
Figure 10 –BDxxxx-30yy-AC Model Block Diagram
D/L
U/L
Downlink
Uplink
BDASC
Bandpass Duplexer Bandpass Duplexer
Power Supply Unit
110-240V AC
Donor Antenna
To Extended Coverage Area
DAS

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
D/L
U/L
Downlink
Uplink
BDASC
HPA
Attenuator
Attenuator
RFoF Module Bandpass Duplexer
Power Supply Unit
110-240V AC
To Extended Coverage Area
DAS
Fibre to the Headend Unit
DC-DC
Converter
Figure 11 –BDxxxx-11yy-AC Model Block Diagram
D/L
U/L
Downlink
Uplink
BDASC
HPA
Attenuator
Attenuator
Bandpass Duplexer
Power Supply Unit
110-240V AC
To Extended Coverage Area
DAS
Fibre to the Headend Unit
DC-DC
Converter
RFoF Module
RFoF Module
Figure 12 –BDxxxx-12yy-AC Model Block Diagram

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
6. Power Consumption
The power consumption of each variant is driven by the components used in that specific
model. The typical and maximum input power values for some of the more common
configurations are as follows:
Model Number
Description
Typical Input
Power (Watts)
Maximum Input
Power (Watts)
BDxxxx-0000-zz
Standard Power, No RFoF
20
25
BDxxxx-1000-zz
High Power in DL, No RFoF
70
160
BDxxxx-2000-zz
High Power in UL, No RFoF
70
160
BDxxxx-3000-zz
High Power in UL & DL, No RFoF
120
300
BDxxxx-0100-zz
Standard Power, Single Fibre RFoF
29
35
BDxxxx-1100-zz
High Power in DL, Single Fibre RFoF
79
169
BDxxxx-2100-zz
High Power in UL, Single Fibre RFoF
79
169

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
7. Installation
7.1 Unpacking
The BD Series BDA is shipped in an appropriate cardboard shipping box. Inspect the
shipped box before unpacking the equipment. Document and report any visual damage
to the shipping company or RFI prior to installation. Verify that all the shipped content is
included, as listed below, otherwise contact RFI prior to installation.
Checklist of delivered items
✓BD Series BDA.
✓Test Results sheet.
✓Mounting brackets –either wall, pole or rack.
✓4 bolts for attaching the BDA to mounting kit.
✓Security Hex tool for the BDA front door Hex bolts.
✓Mains mating connector.
✓External user interface connectors (1 off 10-way & 2 off 3-way Phoenix plugs). These
are assembled onto the BDA Backplane Assembly.
✓Any other specifically ordered items.
7.2 Physical Installation
The BDA is designed for indoor or outdoor wall and pole mounting installations.
7.2.1 Required Tools and Material
A standard professional tool kit including: -
✓Marker pen
✓Ruler/tape measure
✓Drill suitable for drilling brick, block or masonry walls
✓Drill bit suitable for drilling brick, block or masonry walls and to suit “Rawlplug -
through bolt” size
✓Blow pump
✓Spirit level or plumb bob
✓Socket wrench to suit M10 “Rawlplug - through bolt” nuts & M8 mounting
bracket bolts
CAUTION!!
It is recommended that two people lift the BDA as it weighs approximately 32 kg (depending
upon the configuration).
ATTENTION!!
The BDA housing should be closed using the 4 captive Hex screws in the front door. The
screws must be fully tightened. Failure to do so may affect the IP65 compliance and therefore
void any warranty.

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RFI BD Series BDA User’s Manual
✓PPE: - Glasses, gloves & earplugs.
✓Off “Rawlplug - through bolt’s, consisting of: -
Anchor bolt: M10, 50 –75 mm long
M10 Washer(s).
Figure 13 - M10 “Rawlplug - through bolt” (R-XPTIIA4-10065/5) OR equivalent –
recommended for wall mounting.
7.2.2 Wall Mounting
✓Choose the wall location and prepare the required elements
✓Mark the drill holes and position of the BDA on the wall
✓Drill the holes, insert the bolts and mount the wall brackets
✓Lift the BDA onto the wall mounting brackets
✓Wall compatibility
The BD Series BDA, including wall mount bracket assembly, should be fixed to a
solid wall (such as brick, block work, or concrete). Due to the weight of the BDA,
it is NOT recommended to fix to a hollow/cavity wall.
✓Plan for the mounting
Check the actual fixing centres, figure below, andoverall dimensions of theBDA
enclosure. The BDA is supplied with two wall mounting brackets; when the BDA
is mountedonthese brackets adequate ventilationis provided betweenthe BDA
and the wall to which it is fixed.