Rfi Dspbr series User manual

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2009905291

User’s Manual

Rebroadcast Repeater/Booster.

Base Line release 1.0

DSPbR

Series

DSPbR Series – User’s Manual

Document Number 00000.B Page 2/75

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 the

material.

All information contained in this manual has been reviewed.

RF Industries Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any omissions, errors or misinterpretation of information.

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;

Within Australia dial: 1300 000 RFI (1300 000 734)

International: +61 7 3621 9400

Sales email: [email protected]

Technical support email: [email protected]

Note:

Operation of this equipment pursuant to Part 90 of the FCC rules should be identified by

selecting “Part 90 Operation” in the GUI Channel Configuration screen, thereby limiting the

per-channel RF output power and preventing frequency-translating operation.

Note:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions;

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

The user is cautioned that changes and/or modifications not approved by the responsible

party could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide

reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a

commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency

energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause

harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential

area may cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the

interference at their own expense.

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Document Number 00000.B Page 3/75

Table of Contents

Chapter Page

1 General

1.1 Used abbreviations

1.2 Tables and Figures List

1.3 Health and Safety warnings

1.4 About RF Industries Pty Ltd

1.5 RFI Contact Details

2 Introduction

2.1 Application

2.2 Product Overview

2.3 Product Specifications

3 Functional Description

3.1 General

3.2 Sub Rack Frame

3.3 Modules

3.3.1 PSU Inlet Module

3.3.2 PSU -Power Supply Module

3.3.3 CSC –Central System Controller Module

3.3.4 Ref Gen + Aux –Reference Generator Module

3.3.5 DSP –Digital Signal Processor Module

3.3.6 RFFE –RF Front End Module

3.3.7 RFBE –RF Back End Module

3.3.8 BPFM –Band Pass Filter Module

3.3.9 CXXX-8 –8Ch Combiner Unit.

3.3.10 TLM –Through Line Module

3.4 Band & channel configurations

3.5 Internal RFBE combining

3.6 Available frequency bands

3.7 System expansion

4 Installation

4.1 Unpacking

4.2 Mechanical

4.3 Earthing and Electrical

4.4 Lightning Protection

4.5 Antenna Installation

4.6 External / Internal Alarm Interface

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5 Start –Up

5.1 Connectivity

5.2 Ethernet Connection Set up

5.2.1 Webb Browser GUI (Graphical User Interface)

5.2.2 IP Address

5.2.3 Log in page

5.2.4 GUI Tree

5.2.5 Introduction

5.2.6 Status pages

5.2.7 Configure pages

5.2.8 Maintenance

5.2.9 Logout

5.3 Ref Gen Module –GPS/Ext 10MHz Ref/Int 10MHz Ref/Cell Modem

5.4 CSC Module - Front Panel LCD Display, Mode Buttons and LED’s

5.5 Uploading and Downloading Firmware

6. Temperature Management

7. Alarming and Supervision

8. Firmware User’s Licence Agreement.

9. Maintenance

9.1 Access

9.2 Module replacement

9.3 PSU resettable and replaceable fuses.

9.4 Fans and fan filters

9.5 RF input and output port identification

10. Ancillary equipment and spares part numbers

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Appendix

A Slot architecture configuration options

Revision History

Name Revision Date

Hedley Boyd-Moss A 10/06/2010

Scott Alford B 10/7/2010

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1. GENERAL

1.1 Used abbreviations

ALC Automatic Level Control

BPF Band Pass Filter

BPFM Band Pass Filter Module

BTS Base Transceiver Station

CAN Controller Area Network

CAT5/6 Category 5 or 6 (Ethernet cable –standard wiring)

CLI Command Line Interface

CSC Central System Controller

DL Downlink

DSP Digital Signal Processor

DSPbR Digital Signal Processor based Repeater

ETSI European Telecommunication Standards Institute

GPS Global Positioning System

GUI Graphical User Interface

IF Intermediate Frequency

MS Mobile Station

PSU Power Supply Unit

Ref Gen Reference Generator

Rev Revision

RF Radio Frequency

RFBE Radio Frequency Back End

RFFE Radio Frequency Front End

RSSI Receive Signal Strength Indication

RTC Real Time Clock

RU Rack Units

Rx Receiver

TLM Through Line Module

Tx Transmitter

UL Uplink

VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Radio

1.2 Tables and Figures List

Table 1 -Abbreviations

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Tables Page

1 Abbreviations.

2 DSPbR Generic Product Specifications

3 8-Ch Internal Combiner Filter, per Channel Max Power Ratings

4 dBm to RF Power in Watts –Cross Reference

5 Ancillary Equipment and Spare Part Numbers

6 Recommended Spares Listing

Figures Page

1 Typical DSPbR Functional Block Diagram

2 DSPbR Front View

3 DSPbR Rear View

4 DSPbR AC PSU

5 AC PSU Fuse location

6 CSC Controller

7 Ref Gen + Aux Module

8 DSP Module

9 RFFE & BPFM Bolted together

10 Bolting RFFE or RFBE onto BPFM

11 Cxxx8. 8-Ch Internal Combiner Filter Unit

12 Slot Allocation Architecture

13 DSPbR Dimensions –Front View

14 DPSbR Dimensions –Rear View

15 DSPbR Dimensions Right Hand Side View

16 DSPbR Dimensions Left Hand Side View

17 DSPbR Dimensions Top View

18 Sub Rack Frame M6 Earthing Stud

19 AC Mains IEC320-C19 Plug and Socket

20 DC Cable Termination Connector Phoenix HDFK16A

21 DSPbR Antenna Isolation Chart

22 Alarm Interface Circuit Diagram

23 GUI Tree

24 Ref Gen + Aux Board

25 Cell Modem Installation

26 SIM Card Installation

27 LCD Display and LED Indicators

28 Fan Cover Removal

29 User Defined Yellow Label Marking System

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1.3 Health and Safety warnings

Only suitably qualified people should be allowed to install and commission this equipment after comprehending

and becoming familiar with all the safety and installation instructions contained in this manual. It will be

assumed that a qualified person will have a fundamental knowledge of the objectives and use common sense

where safety warnings are not necessary explicit.

The unit is heavy and appropriately considered a two-man lift. Handles are provided on the equipment to assist

in removal of the unit from the packaging and during installation.

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, an

applicable and legally complaint Heath and Safety policy, 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 regional regulatory

requirements.

Please note that only the authorised licence holder for the respective frequencies or frequency range is allowed

to operate this equipment.

Ensure that access to this equipment is restricted to qualified personnel only.

There is no On/Off switch on the unit –it becomes active as soon as AC or DC power is connected via the

provided AC mains cable or DC power source.

Do not allow the unit or any associated equipment to become wet or to be subjected to temperatures outside

the specified operating temperature range.

Do not operate the unit near any flammable substances or in a flammable atmosphere.

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Ensure that all connectors are fully mated.

Use this equipment only for the purpose specified by RF Industries Pty Ltd. Do not carry out any modifications

or attempt any module repairs. All modules in this unit are not intended to be field repairable and should be

returned to RF Industries for service or repair.

When engaged in upgrading or maintaining the unit, please note that the RF Front End and RF Back End

modules are “Hot Swappable” accessible from the rear of the sub rack frame using the provided module

extraction tool. Should an upgrade or maintenance require any further deconstruction or access to the

equipment, the AC or DC power supply should be disconnected and appropriately isolated.

Although the modules and exposure of the interconnect sockets / pins have been designed to significantly

reduce the risk of electro static discharge (ESD), precautions must be observed during installation and

maintenance to protect all the modules within the equipment. An equipment earthing M6 stud is provided at the

rear of the sub-rack frame.

Owing to probable power dissipation within the equipment, the exposed rear portion of the equipment may

reach relatively high temperatures. Please take the necessary precautions when servicing or removing any

RFBE modules, filters, transmitter combiners or unscrewing any terminated RF coaxial cables.

There is a level of surge protection built into the PSU of the DSPbR, however additional site specific lighting

protection, voltage surge protection and earth bonding is required to reduce the risk of damage. We recommend

the use of adequate coaxial lighting protection and earth bonding through grounding kits on the RF feeder

cables prior to termination into the respective RF termination connectors on the repeater. AC or DC mains

should also be afforded surge protection, along with the IP Ethernet connection into the repeater.

The DSPbR sub rack frame must be well bonded to the 19” rack earth/grounding connection point.

An AC mains supply resettable circuit breaker is mounted on the front of the DSPbR between the two fans.

There is no fuse replacement required. Should this AC resettable circuit breaker “pop-out” under operational

conditions, a PSU failure alarm will be activated. It is strongly recommended that an investigation be made prior

to resetting the circuit breaker as to the possible reasons why the circuit breaker was activated.

Ensure that this User’s Manual is available to maintenance personal who are required to maintain the

equipment.

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1.3 About RF Industries Pty Ltd

RF Industries Pty Ltd has over thirty years of experience providing RF coverage products and solutions.

Designing and manufacturing state of the art “on air” RF rebroadcast repeaters, in both the traditional PMR /

LMR and Cellular bands. The company maintains a strong technical advantage and in-depth knowledge to

providing both custom and “off the shelf” rebroadcast repeater coverage solutions for different RF technologies

and modulation schemes.

RF Industries DSPbR can provide coverage in almost every application including filling in outdoor shadow

areas, extending outdoor coverage from a donor cell, tunnels, subways, hospital buildings, large commercial,

business and retail buildings and shopping centres, university campuses, airports, railways stations and sports

stadiums, the applications are numerous.

RF Industry designs and manufactures hand portable, mobile and base station antennas, antenna combining

systems, and supplies system components, lighting protection products, RF coaxial cables and connectors.

RF Industries is a proudly Australian company with an international reach supplying products and field

engineering services to over 50 countries around the globe.

All products are thoroughly tested at pre-determined stages i.e. after final modular or system configuration,

ensuring reliable operation from the time of installation into a long service history.

Contact Details;

Sales email: vicsales@rfi.com.au

Web Site: rfi.com.au

Within Australia Dial: 1300 000 RFI (1300 000 734)

International: + 61 7 3621 9400

Technical Support: [email protected]

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2. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION.

2.1 Application

The RF Industries DSPbR (Digital Signal Processor based Repeater) Series is designed as a multi-channel,

multi-band expandable rebroadcast repeater/booster used for extending network coverage in either outdoor or

indoor applications.

Ideal for cost effective expansion of a network coverage boundary or to provide multi-site coverage footprint

from a single site infrastructure –without the need for large-scale site developments with dedicated backhauls.

2.2 Product Overview

The DSPbR is a modulation transparent, channel bandwidth adaptive, spectrally clean, high power channel

selective rebroadcast repeater/booster. The DSPbR strengths lie in its modular upgradability and user-friendly

adaptable connectivity options for configuration and alarm reporting. The DSPbR can be used to rebroadcast

both analogue and most digital modulation schemes.

Sub Rack Frame

The DSPbR is built into a standard 19” 4RU sub rack frame with top, bottom and side covers.

DSP technology

The RF Industries DSPbR uses Digital Signal Processing technology, replacing traditional fixed hardware used

in IF filtering such as crystal filters with software defined digital filtering providing flexibility and real time

optimisation. When a migration of technology is required, whilst using a DSPbR rebroadcast repeater/booster

this is simply achieved through a configuration change via the web based browser interface where a number of

the specifications can be re-configured such as channel filter profile, uplink and downlink frequencies, output

power or gain. The DSP capability allows for up to 8 bi-directional channels in a single sub rack frame. Up to six

individual configuration dependent bands can be accommodated, each band having a fixed bandwidth of

20MHz.

The frequency agility of the DSPbR within the predetermined band of the respective RF module allows for either

“on-air” rebroadcast of the incoming frequency or translation of the incoming frequency to a different

rebroadcast frequency across a number of bands and channels.

The DSPbR can be used for frequency shifting or bridging a number of channels to a second DSPbR unit

remotely sited from a host BTS to extend the BTS frequencies without facing input to output isolation problems

when broadcasting on the same frequency. The major advantage in not having to rebroadcast “on frequency” is

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that the gain through the repeater can be considerably increased and the cell extension afforded greater

coverage and signal strength.

A useful feature using this technology is the choice of setting receiver gating on a respective channel. This can

be set to open above a fixed dBm input level, or at a pre-determined level above a dynamic input noise level or

simply disabled keeping the receiver channel open.

Modulation integrity

The DSPbR does not demodulate the rebroadcast signal and the modulated carrier integrity is left unchanged

whether encrypted or not, effectively allowing modulation scheme and multiplexing methodology transparency.

A library of optimised IF Filter profiles ensure low group delay characteristics in digital modulation schemes

without compromising emission standards.

Web browser configuration and alarm status reporting

Customer specific repeater configuration is possible via the RJ45 IP Ethernet socket connection from either the

front or rear of the sub rack. This can be achieved either locally with the use of an IP Ethernet jumper cable or

remotely, having connected the unit into an IP Ethernet network.

Two levels of access are provided, which are user name and password protected. The first elementary level

provides access to the status screens only. The second level provides access to all screens, which include

status, configuration, and maintenance screens.

Entering the factory default IP address will bring up a log in screen and once the required level of user name

and password has been entered, the relevant screens will be accessible.

Configurable channel specific settings include uplink and downlink channels, receive and rebroadcast

frequencies across band or in-band as required, selecting technology applicable channel bandwidth profiles,

uplink and downlink RF output power levels, uplink and downlink channel gain and optional styles of receiver

gating.

Names or references can be allocated to input and output frequencies of the respective uplinks and downlinks.

Frequency Bands

The DSPbR is designed to accommodate any number of selected frequency bands between 400 and 870MHz.

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Modular Construction

The DSPbR hardware is modular in construction and designed to provide exceptional installation and channel

expansion efficiency, allowing hot-swappable hardware upgrades to increase the number of repeater channels

up to a maximum of eight bi-directional channels or up to 16 separate transmitters in a single 19” 4RU sub rack

frame.

The RFFE and RFBE modules are bolted to their respective BPF modules or TL Module, slid into the mating

connectors of the centrally located motherboard via top and bottom mounted guide rails within the allocated slot

and screw fastened into the sub rack frame using the module fastening facility.

Modules

The DSPbR has the following modules;

AC or DC Power Inlet

AC or DC PSU.

CSC -Central System Controller

DSP -Digital Signal Processor

Ref Gen + Aux–Reference Generator + Auxiliary module, includes GPS and optional cell modem.

RFFE –RF Front End (band specific)

RFBE –RF Back End (band specific)

BPFM –Band Pass Filter (band specific, bolted to input of RFFE and output of RFBE)

TLM -Through Line Module (optional)

Cxxx-8 Combiner Filter Unit (band specific / optional)

The RFFE and RFBE are limited to a 20MHz bandwidth. One RFFE can feed a number of RFBE’s, each RFBE

capable of rebroadcasting channels with typical channel spacing’s of 6.25, 12.5 or 25 kHz.

Band specific BPFM’s fit directly onto the input of the RFFE modules and output of the RFBE modules and the

8 Channel combiner filter unit replaces the BPFM’s fitting directly onto the RFBE modules.

There are no internally fitted coaxial interconnect cables. All modules are provided with guided slide fit and

fasten connectivity.

An RFFE module is partitioned into Side “A” and Side “B”. Two separate RFFE’s boards can therefore be

accommodated within a single RFFE module. Fitting both sides of the module with RFFE’s boards is optional

and dependent on the required configuration and prospect of future upgradability.

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Each RFBE and corresponding BPFM module is internally partitioned into Side “A” and Side “B”, effectively

providing two RFBE’s per RFBE module. The BPFM must correspond in terms of frequency compatibility with

the RFBE. Fitting both sides of the module with RFBE’s is optional and dependent on the required configuration

and prospect of future expandability and upgradability.

A four channel single band non-frequency translating DSPbR will use a single RFFE board (side “A” of the

RFFE module) for the uplink and a single RFFE board (side “B” of the same RFFE module) for the downlink.

The full 20 MHz bandwidth of both RFFE boards will be converted from analogue to digital and individual

channels are processed through their respective IF filter profiles and then converted back to analogue and fed

into the respective uplink and downlink RFBE boards.

The Ref Gen + Aux/GPS module is primarily purposed to provide a reference signal against which the DSPbR

is referenced. A reference signal can be sourced via the onboard GPS receiver or from a 10MHz external

reference. A multiband cellular modem option is also available fitted to the Ref Gen+ Aux board for SMS alarm

notification. It will be possible using a firmware upgrade in the future, to bridge an IP network with the cellular

modem in a TCP/IP session where an IP network is not available on site.

The DSP module is partitioned into Side “A” and Side “B” boards, populated according to the number of

channels and bands that require processing.

The CSC module is fitted with the non-replaceable back-up lithium ion batteries. The CSC module controls and

manages all processing requirements, including providing a CAN bus extension to facilitate multi-rack

configurations.

Internal or external uplink and downlink combining

The downlink and uplink RFBE RF outputs can be either internally (8-Channel combiner filter unit contained

within sub rack frame) or externally combined.

An internal 8 channel combiner filter unit option is available which has been designed to fit directly to the

outputs of the RFBE modules, replacing the channel specific Band Pass Filter Modules (BPFM’s). The

transmitter combiner however has a real estate footprint which extends over a total of four consecutive RFBE

modules (8 RFBE channels). The combiner unit fits within the spatial confines of the sub rack frame.

An Internal combiner filter unit is available in all bands. A single combiner can be fitted to either the outputs of

the uplink RFBE’s and or downlink RFBE’s.

External combining can be provided outside of the sub rack frame.

Where external combining is the preferred option, the individual outputs via the RFBE – BPFM’s are extended

to the rear of the sub rack frame where they can be fed via coaxial cables into an external combiner.

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This allows for various options of combiners to be selected and optimised for the frequency combinations in

use.

A Through Line Module (TLM) can be used to extend the output of a RFBE to the rear of the sub rack frame

without incurring the additional loss of a BPFM. This module is only used when an external combiner provides

sufficient band pass filtering.

It must be noted that the internal combiner filter option is not subject to frequency changes within the 20MHz

band of the unit, however the external combiner, depending on type, may be restricted to fixed frequencies.

External Duplexer

Where uplink or downlink paths require combining into a single feeder network or antenna, an external duplexer

will be required. RF Industries have a number of 19” rack mountable duplexer types and options available for

most frequency, power and bandwidth requirements.

There is currently no internal duplexer option available for the DSPbR.

DOWNLINK

UPLINK

MICRO

CONTROLLER

BPF

HYB

COMB

HYB

COMB

DONOR

BASE

STATION

FACING

ANTENNA

EXTENDED

COVERAGE

AREA

CELL

MODEM

Channel Module

GPS

Active GPS

Antenna

OPTIONAL

Channel Module

Figure 1 -Typical DSPbR Functional Block Diagram

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2.3 Product Specifications

The DSPbR Series repeater is designed for configuration in a number of popular bands.

RFFE and RFBE modules with corresponding BPFM’s for both up and downlinks are currently available in the

following RF bands; 400-420MHz, 450-470MHz, 470-490MHz, 805-825MHz and 850-870MHz

RF Industries will be adding bands to the current list during our program of continued development. Please

contact our offices for an update on band availability if your required band is not already listed.

Electrical Specifications (across all bands)

Model Reference DSPbR Series

Frequency Ranges Contact RFI for latest list

Max number of channels –single 4RU sub rack frame

8 bi-directional (1 to 2 bands)

16 uni-directional (1 to 2 bands)

Max number of channels –multi-racks

Please consult with RFI

Synthesiser Offset 0.00kHz or 6.25kHz

Mode of Operation Full Duplex, translating or non-

translating

DSP channel filter profile options (current) 9 (12.5kHz) & 15kHz (25 kHz)

Channel Spacing 12.5kHz and 25kHz

Receiver Sensitivity -118dBm (typical)

Adjacent Channel Selectivity NB 60dB / WB 70dB

Intermodulation Immunity > 70dB

Uplink Channel Gain (+40dBm per Ch 1dB steps) 50-130dB

Downlink Channel Gain (+45dBm per Ch 1dB steps) 55-135dB

Adjustable downlink / uplink Output Power without internal

combining unit fitted (RFBE module output) –1dB

increments. Refer to Table 3 for maximum power limits

with internal combiner fitted.

400-490MHz Bands

+30dBm (1W) to +45dBm (35W)

805-870MHz Bands

+30dBm (1W) to +43dBm (20W)

Output ALC range 100dB (channel independent)

Noise Figure (no ALC, max gain) < 6dB

Tx Spurious and Harmonic Emissions < -30dBm @+45dBm output

PA Class of operation AB

Frequency Translating Error < 10 Hz, 0 Hz typical

System Impedance 50 Ohm

Maximum Input power no damage +10dBm

Ref Gen –GPS antenna feed voltage + 6V

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Power Supply Options 48VDC /110-240VAC

Power Consumption (max –fully configured) 1500W

Internal Combiner

Typical Insertion Loss 11dB

Maximum input power per channel Refer to Table 3.

Typical Power AC / DC power consumption figures

1 x Bi-directional (UL 42dBm & DL + 45dBm) channels