Rfi Dspbr series User manual

User’s Manual

Digital Signal Processor

based Repeater

Base Line 5.4.2

Document Number: INS40821-3

Australian Patent No. 2010236015

US Patent No. 8,787,827

US Patent Application No. 62/567,405

DSPBR User’s Manual

Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 2

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 you 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

DSPBR User’s Manual

Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 3

Document Number INS 41978-1

First Printing: 5th December 2014

Version Number

Version Date

5.2.0

4th September 2014

5.2.1

2nd December 2014

5.2.2

5.2.3

4th December 2014

5.2.3

13th January 2015

5.2.4

27th January 2015

5.2.5

29th January 2015

5.2.6

9th April 2015

5.2.7

9th September 2015

5.2.8

9th April 2016

5.3.0

24th April 2016

5.3.1

15th March 2017

5.3.2

06th October 2017

5.3.3

04th December 2017

5.3.4

05th March 2018

5.3.5

12th June 2018

5.4.0

19th July 2019

5.4.1

07th September 2020

5.4.2

12th November 2020

________________________________________________________________________ ___

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

DSPBR User’s Manual

Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 4

Notice

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. R F Industries Pty. Ltd.

makes no warranty of any kind regarding 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 liability for any omissions, errors or misconstrued

information.

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]

Tech Support

[email protected]

[email protected].au

Telephone Intl

+1 (330) 486 0706

+44 1869 255 772

+61 7 3621 9400

Telephone local

330 486 0706

01869 255 772

1300 000 RFI

Fax Intl

+ 1 (330) 486 0705

+61 2 9630 0844

Web

rfiamericas.com

rfiemea.com

rfi.com.au

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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Table of Contents 
 Table of Contents.....................................................................................................................................................................5 
General 9 
1 Table of Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................9 
2 Occupational Health & Safety / Work Health and Safety Warnings............................................................................10 
2.1 General Caution .................................................................................................................................................10 
2.2 Earth Bonding ....................................................................................................................................................11 
2.3 High Temperatures.............................................................................................................................................11 
3.4 High Voltage......................................................................................................................................................11 
3.5 Electro Static Discharge.....................................................................................................................................12 
3.6 Laser Class 1 ......................................................................................................................................................12 
Firmware Licence Agreement 13 
Product Information 14 
1 Applications.................................................................................................................................................................14 
2 Product Overview ........................................................................................................................................................14 
2.1 Sub-rack Frame..................................................................................................................................................14 
2.2 DSP technology..................................................................................................................................................14 
2.3 Modulation integrity...........................................................................................................................................15 
2.4 Web browser configuration and alarm status reporting......................................................................................15 
2.5 Frequency Sub-Bands ........................................................................................................................................15 
2.6 Modular Construction ........................................................................................................................................16 
2.7 Module Types.....................................................................................................................................................16 
2.8 Optional Internal uplink and downlink combining.............................................................................................17 
2.9 External Duplexer ..............................................................................................................................................17 
3 Product Specifications .................................................................................................................................................19 
3.1 Electrical Specifications (across all sub-bands)..................................................................................................19 
3.2 Optional SFP Optical transceivers (used for inter-rack linking).........................................................................20 
3.3 Optional Internal Combiner (8-Way, full frequency agility)..............................................................................20 
3.4 Typical AC / DC estimated power consumption figures (examples)..................................................................20 
3.5 Mechanical.........................................................................................................................................................20 
3.6 Weights (approximate examples).......................................................................................................................20 
3.7 Environmental....................................................................................................................................................21 
3.8 Connectivity.......................................................................................................................................................21 
3.9 Indicators –CSC Module LCD Display (front panel)........................................................................................21 
3.10 Approvals...........................................................................................................................................................21 
3.11 Electrical Compliance ........................................................................................................................................21 
Functional Description 22 
1 General.........................................................................................................................................................................22 
2 Sub-rack Frame............................................................................................................................................................23 
3 Modules .......................................................................................................................................................................25 
3.1 PILM - PSU In-Let Module ...............................................................................................................................25 
3.2 PSU Module.......................................................................................................................................................25 
3.3 CSC –Central Systems Controller Module........................................................................................................27 
3.4 Ref Gen + Aux –Reference Generator Module .................................................................................................28 
3.4.1 Frequency Reference Disciplining options;........................................................................................................29 
3.4.2 Inserting the Multi-band cellular modem SIM card ...........................................................................................30 
3.4.3 SIM card Installation..........................................................................................................................................30 
3.5 DSP –Digital Signal Processor Module.............................................................................................................31 
3.6 RFFE –RF Front End Module...........................................................................................................................33 
3.6.1 Channel Configuration programmability............................................................................................................34 
3.6.2 Typical hardware configuration examples..........................................................................................................34 
3.7 RFBE –RF Back End Module...........................................................................................................................34 
3.7.1 Channel Configuration programmability............................................................................................................34 
3.7.2 Typical hardware configuration examples..........................................................................................................34 
3.7.3 Output power level settings................................................................................................................................34 
3.8 BPFM –Band Pass Filter Module......................................................................................................................35 
3.9 8-Way Internal Combiner Filter Unit.................................................................................................................35 
3.10 DSPbR® Sub-Rack Frame Architecture ............................................................................................................38 
3.10.1 Slot allocation architecture.................................................................................................................................38 
3.10.2 Internal up link and or down link RFBE combining...........................................................................................39 
3.11 DSPbR® Channel Expansion.............................................................................................................................39 
Installation 40 
1 Unpacking....................................................................................................................................................................40 
2 Mechanical...................................................................................................................................................................40 

 
 
 
 
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3 Electrical and Earthing.................................................................................................................................................43 
4 Lightning Protection ....................................................................................................................................................45 
4.1 The AC Mains....................................................................................................................................................45 
4.2 RF Coaxial Cabling ...............................................................................................................................................45 
4.3 Ethernet connection............................................................................................................................................45 
5 Antenna to Antenna Isolation.......................................................................................................................................45 
6 External / Internal Alarm Interface ..............................................................................................................................47 
Start Up 49 
1    CSC Front Panel Power On “ Active” and Alarm LED’s.............................................................................................49 
2 LCD Display.................................................................................................................................................................50 
2.1 Activating the selected Reset Menu:........................................................................................................................51 
3 General Connectivity ...................................................................................................................................................52 
3.1 Ethernet TCP/IP Connectivity............................................................................................................................52 
3.1.1 Web Browser GUI (Graphical User Interface).........................................................................................................52 
3.1.2 IP Address..........................................................................................................................................................53 
3.1.3 Determining the current Ethernet address settings .............................................................................................54 
3.2 Log in Page ........................................................................................................................................................54 
3.3 User Name and Password Levels .......................................................................................................................54 
Configuration 55 
1 GUI Tree......................................................................................................................................................................56 
2 Status Pages .................................................................................................................................................................57 
2.1 Status - Current Hardware..................................................................................................................................57 
2.2 Status –System Alarms (rack overview) & RSSI ..............................................................................................58 
2.2.1 Status -- Rack Alarms (rack specific detail).....................................................................................................59 
2.2.1.1 Status –Rack Alarms / External Alarms.............................................................................................................59 
2.2.1.2 Status –Rack Alarms / Slot & Module Alarms ..................................................................................................59 
2.2.1.3 Status –Rack Alarms / Power Alarms:...............................................................................................................60 
2.3 Status - Version Register....................................................................................................................................61 
2.4 Status - Racks.....................................................................................................................................................63 
2.5 Status –Channels...............................................................................................................................................65 
2.6 Status –Channels RSSI......................................................................................................................................67 
2.7 Status - Communications....................................................................................................................................68 
2.7.1 Ethernet..............................................................................................................................................................69 
2.7.2 SNMP Trap Alarm Reporting ............................................................................................................................69 
2.7.3 Modem Settings .................................................................................................................................................70 
2.7.4 Alarm Reporting.................................................................................................................................................71 
2.7.5 Serial Port...........................................................................................................................................................71 
2.7.6 Email Alarms .....................................................................................................................................................71 
2.8 Status - Trunking Extender .........................................................................................................................................72 
2.8.1 Parameters..........................................................................................................................................................73 
2.8.2 Primary Control Channel....................................................................................................................................73 
2.8.3 Secondary Control Channel................................................................................................................................73 
2.8.4 Traffic Channels.................................................................................................................................................73 
2.8.5 Advertised Adjacent Control Channels –Extender (Updated)...........................................................................73 
2.8.6 Advertised Adjacent Control Channels –Donor................................................................................................73 
2.9 Status - System............................................................................................................................................................74 
2.9.1 Racks..................................................................................................................................................................74 
2.9.2 System................................................................................................................................................................74 
3 Configuration Pages.....................................................................................................................................................75 
3.1 Configuration - Racks ........................................................................................................................................75 
3.1.1 Single (Master) Rack Configuration...................................................................................................................75 
3.1.2 Multi-Rack Configuration..................................................................................................................................76 
3.2 Configuration –Channels...................................................................................................................................77 
3.3 Configuration –Communications ......................................................................................................................79 
3.3.1 Ethernet Settings...................................................................................................................................................80 
3.3.2 Modem Settings.....................................................................................................................................................80 
3.3.3 SNMP Trap Alarm Reporting...............................................................................................................................81 
3.3.4 Alarm Reporting.....................................................................................................................................................81 
3.3.5 Serial Port...............................................................................................................................................................81 
3.3.6 Email Settings.........................................................................................................................................................81 
3.4 Configuration –Trunking Extender ...................................................................................................................82 
3.4.1 Parameters..........................................................................................................................................................83 
3.4.2 Advertised Adjacent Control Channels - Extender.............................................................................................83 
3.5 Configuration –System ...............................................................................................................................................84 
3.6 Alarm Matrix ...............................................................................................................................................................86 
3.6.1 Alarm Matrix - Reference Generator Module ....................................................................................................87 
3.6.2 Alarm Matrix - RFFE Modules..........................................................................................................................88 
3.6.3 Alarm Matrix - RFBE Modules..........................................................................................................................89 
3.6.4 Alarm Matrix –DSP Module.............................................................................................................................90 

 
 
 
 
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3.6.5 Alarm Matrix –Fiber Expansion Module / Trunking Extender .........................................................................91 
3.6.6 Alarm Matrix –PSU ..........................................................................................................................................92 
3.6.7 Alarm Matrix –Controller Module....................................................................................................................93 
3.6.8 Alarm Matrix –External Alarms........................................................................................................................94 
3.6.9 Alarm Matrix –Periodic SNMP.........................................................................................................................95 
4 Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................................96 
4.1 Features Management.........................................................................................................................................97 
4.2 Files Management..............................................................................................................................................98 
4.2.1 Uploading firmware................................................................................................................................................99 
4.2.2 Filter profiles ........................................................................................................................................................99 
4.2.3 Downloading Configuration Files.........................................................................................................................99 
4.2.4 Generate History Log............................................................................................................................................100 
4.3 User Management ............................................................................................................................................100 
4.4 Test Alarms......................................................................................................................................................101 
4.5 Alarm Event Log..............................................................................................................................................102 
4.6 System Checkpoint...........................................................................................................................................103 
4.7 Restart ..............................................................................................................................................................104 
5 Logout........................................................................................................................................................................104 
6 HELP Screens............................................................................................................................................................105 
UPGRADING FIRMWARE 106 
SNMP 123 
1 Main Features: ...........................................................................................................................................................123 
2 Configuration Procedure:...........................................................................................................................................123 
3 Testing SNMP trap: ...................................................................................................................................................123 
4 MIB Message Format: ...............................................................................................................................................124 
Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier (MCPA) 131 
1 Multi-Carrier Power Amplifier (MCPA) Operation...................................................................................................131 
2 Performance...............................................................................................................................................................131 
3 Power levels per carrier..............................................................................................................................................131 
4 Number of carriers.....................................................................................................................................................132 
5 Configuring the MCPA Feature.................................................................................................................................133 
Maintenance 137 
1 Access........................................................................................................................................................................137 
2 Module Replacement .................................................................................................................................................137 
2.1 Module replacement self-check........................................................................................................................137 
3 PSU replaceable fuses................................................................................................................................................137 
4 Fans and Fan filters....................................................................................................................................................137 
5 RF input and output port identification.....................................................................................................................138 
6 DSPbR® spare modules and ancillary equipment part numbers................................................................................139 
7 Recommended minimum spares listing .....................................................................................................................142 
FAQ 143 
1 Connectivity:..............................................................................................................................................................143 
1.1 TCP/IP Ethernet connection.............................................................................................................................143 
1.2 GUI Interface - Compatible Web browser programs........................................................................................143 
1.3 Master Slave DSPbR® configuration...............................................................................................................143 
1.4 RS232 and USB Interface ................................................................................................................................143 
1.5 SNMP Interface................................................................................................................................................143 
1.6 Cellular Modem ...............................................................................................................................................143 
1.7 Configuration via SMS.....................................................................................................................................143 
2 DSPbR® Modules .....................................................................................................................................................144 
2.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................144 
2.2 RFFE................................................................................................................................................................144 
2.3 RFBE................................................................................................................................................................144 
2.4 Setting the Uplink and Downlink RFBE RF output power levels....................................................................144 
2.5 Ref Gen + Aux .................................................................................................................................................145 
2.6 External 10MHz clock reference:.....................................................................................................................145 
2.7 CSC..................................................................................................................................................................145 
2.8 DSPbR® Slot Architecture...............................................................................................................................146 
2.9 Channel Gating Threshold Configuration Settings...........................................................................................147 
2.10 DSPbR® Channel / Band Expandability..........................................................................................................147 
2.11 Alarm Communication and Management.........................................................................................................148 
2.12 Temperature Measurement and front mounted cooling fans: ...........................................................................148 
3 AC Mains Power Supply............................................................................................................................................149 
4 DC Power Supply ......................................................................................................................................................150 
5 Earthing......................................................................................................................................................................150 
Appendices 151 
Supporting Information 157 
User Notes 158 
 

 
 
 
 
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 Lists Of Figures and Tables 
 
Figures 
 
FIGURE 1: TYPICAL DSPBR® FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM 18 
FIGURE 2:SUB-RACK FRAME MODULAR CONSTRUCTION 23 
FIGURE 3:DSPBR® FRONT VIEW 24 
FIGURE 4: DSPBR® REAR VIEW 24 
FIGURE 5: REMOVAL OR REFITTING OF DSPBR® AC PSU 26 
FIGURE 6: AC PSU FUSE LOCATION. 26 
FIGURE 7: CSC CONTROLLER 27 
FIGURE 8: REF GEN + AUX MODULE 28 
FIGURE 9: REF GEN MODULE INTERFACE 30 
FIGURE 10: DSP MODULE 31 
FIGURE 11: DSP MODULE WITH 2 X FIBRE INTERFACE (FITTED TO BOTH SIDE A AND B) 32 
FIGURE 12: DSP FIBRE PORT ORIENTATION. 32 
FIGURE 13: DSP + FIBRE EXPANSION BOARD BLOCK SCHEMATIC. 33 
FIGURE 14: RFFE + BPFM BOLTED TOGETHER 33 
FIGURE 15: BOLTING BPFM ONTO RFFE OR RFBE 35 
FIGURE 16: 2 X 8-WAY COMBINER FILTER BLOCKS MOUNTED INTO A DSPBR® SUB-RACK FRAME. 35 
FIGURE 17: REMOVAL OF 8-WAY COMBINER FILTER BLOCK FROM DSPBR® SUB-RACK FRAME. 36 
FIGURE 18: SLOT ALLOCATION ARCHITECTURE 38 
FIGURE 19: DSPBR® DIMENSIONS FRONT VIEW 40 
FIGURE 20: DSPBR® DIMENSIONS REAR VIEW 41 
FIGURE 21:DSPBR® DIMENSIONS LEFT HAND SIDE VIEW 41 
FIGURE 22: DSPBR® DIMENSIONS RIGHT HAND SIDE VIEW 41 
FIGURE 23: DSPBR® DIMENSIONS TOP VIEW 42 
FIGURE 24: DC 24 OR 48VDC PHOENIX HDFK 16A CONNECTOR TERMINATION BLOCK 43 
FIGURE 25: AC MAINS TERMINATION IEC320-C14 SOCKET CONNECTOR (240VAC) AND M6 EARTHING STUD. 44 
FIGURE 26: ANTENNA - TO - ANTENNA ISOLATION GRAPH. 46 
FIGURE 27: EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL ALARM INTERFACE 47 
FIGURE 28: ALARM INTERFACE CONNECTOR PINS. 47 
FIGURE 29: CSC FRONT PANEL LCD DISPLAY, MODE BUTTON AND LED’S 49 
FIGURE 31: EXAMPLE OF RFBE’S PERFORMANCE WITH 12 CARRIERS 132 
FIGURE 32: EXAMPLES OF RFBE’S WITH 8 AND 4 CARRIERS RESPECTIVELY 132 
FIGURE 33: FAN COVER REMOVAL 137 
FIGURE 34: USER DEFINED YELLOW LABEL MARKING SYSTEM 138 
 
 
Tables 
TABLE 1: ACRONYMS 9 
TABLE 2: DSPBR® GENERIC ELECTRICAL; MECHANICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS 21 
TABLE 3: 8-CH INTERNAL COMBINER FILTER, PER CARRIER MAX POWER SETTINGS 37 
TABLE 4: DBM TO RF POWER IN WATTS - CROSS REFERENCE 37 
TABLE 5: CONTROLLER LCD RESET AND CHECK POINT OPTIONS. 51 
TABLE 6: DSPBR® MODULE AND PARTS TABLE 141 
TABLE 7: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SPARES LISTING 142 
 

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1. General

1.1 Table of Acronyms

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

Downlink

DSP

Digital Signal Processor

DSPbR

Digital Signal Processor based Repeater

ETSI

European Telecommunication Standards Institute

GPS

Global Positioning System

GUI

Graphical User Interface

Intermediate Frequency

Mobile Station

PSU

Power Supply Unit

PILM

Power Inlet Module

PIP

Peak Instantaneous Power

Ref Gen

Reference Generator

Rev

Revision

Radio Frequency

RFBE

Radio Frequency Back End

RFFE

Radio Frequency Front End

RSSI

Receive Signal Strength Indication

RTC

Real Time Clock

Rack Units

Receiver

Transmitter

T--Ex

Trunking Extender

Uplink

VSWR

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio

Table 1: Acronyms

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1.2 Occupational Health & Safety / Work Health and Safety Warnings

1.2.1 General Caution

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

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 objectives and use common sense where safety warnings are not

necessarily explicit.

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

removal of the DSPbR® 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 a legally compliant

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) / Work Health and Safety (WHS) law 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 –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 DSPbR® 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.

Ensure that all RF termination connectors are fully mated and hand tightened.

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 DSPbR® 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 DSPbR, 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 a suitable 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 isolated.

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1.2.2 Earth Bonding

An equipment earthing / grounding M6 threaded stud is provided at the rear of the sub-rack frame located on the PILM

(Power Inlet Line Module).

The DSPbR® must be adequately bonded to the common 19” rack earth/grounding connection point within the 19” rack

frame/cabinet using the M6 stud provided.

1.2.3 High Temperatures

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.

1.3.4 High Voltage

The DSPbR® has been tested compliant to AS/NZS IEC 60950. When operated from an AC power source this unit complies

with the Australian AS/NZS 60950 equipment safety standard.

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

voltage surge protection and earth bonding may be required to reduce the risk of damage.

Regarding external antennas connected to the DSPbR, 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 DSPbR® repeater.

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

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1.3.5 Electro Static Discharge

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.

The Ref Gen + Aux module is not as protected as other modules for ease of access to the SIM Card holder. If removed this

module should be removed, handled and re-installed in an electro-static controlled environment and using equipment that is

purpose designed to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge onto the module.

1.3.6 Laser Class 1

Where the DSPbR® is configured for use with connectivity using fiber optic cables, the Small Form Pluggable (SFP) Fiber

Optic Transceivers use Class 1 lasers which are inherently safe under reasonable conditions of operation.

We recommend that this DSPbR® User’s Manual is made available “on site” to maintenance personal who are required to

maintain and service the equipment.

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2. Firmware Licence Agreement

This statement must be read in its entirety prior to the loading or use of the Firmware provided by RFI.

Introduction.

By loading any product related Firmware, you agree without reserve with all the conditions as detailed in this

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 DSPBR® 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.

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 DSPBR® or providing support for the DSPBR® 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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3. Product Information

3.1 Applications

The RF Industries DSPbR® (Digital Signal Processor based Repeater) is designed as a stand-alone or networked, multi-channel,

multi-band expandable rebroadcast repeater/booster used for extending RF coverage in either outdoor or numerous types of

indoor or below ground applications.

Fibre connectivity provides expandable connection between chassis where more than one DSPbR® chassis is required at a site to

accommodate the number of required channels in one band or across a number of bands.

Fibre connectivity facilitates master to slave or master to multiple slave topologies extending coverage wherever fibre

connectivity permits.

The DSPbR® is ideal for cost effective expansion of an RF network coverage boundary or to provide multi-site coverage

footprint from a single site infrastructure, reducing the need for large-scale site developments with dedicated backhauls.

3.2 Product Overview

The DSPbR® rebroadcasts RF carriers without demodulating the signal, providing modulation transparency, therefore not

interfering with the rebroadcast signal’s modulation integrity. The DSP platform provides selective channel bandwidth

adaptability ensuring spectrally clean transmission and rebroadcast of both analogue and most digital modulation schemes.

Adjustable per-channel, high power transmitter output power or in lower output power MCPA (Multiple Carrier PA) mode

enables this repeater platform to be highly versatile and adaptable for almost any RF network coverage scenario. The DSPbR® is

modular in design and upgradability providing the basis for a cost-effective future proof roadmap. The “on-board”GUI

(Graphical User Interface) provides the user with access to the configuration, status and alarming pages of the DSPbR® without

the need for additional software.

3.2.1 Sub-rack Frame

The DSPbR® is built into a standard 19” 4RU aluminium sub-rack frame with a depth of 440mm including top, bottom and side

covers. The respective mandatory and optional modules plug into a centrally located motherboard from the front and rear of the

frame. Slide rails are provided for each module to assist in correctly locating the motherboard.

Four 19” rack mount M6 fasteners mount the sub-rack into a standard 19” rack frame. Front mounted handles are provided of

ease of installation. The finish on the front of the DSPbR® is painted black and conforms to RFI front mounted panel layout

formats.

3.2.2 DSP technology

The 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 optimisation. When a migration of technology or

operational channel bandwidth is required this is simply achieved through a configuration change via the web-based browser

interface where several 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 “off-air”

rebroadcast of the incoming frequency or translation of the incoming frequency to a different rebroadcast frequency across

several bands and channels.

The DSPbR® can be used for frequency shifting or bridging several 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 that the gain through the repeater can be

considerably increased and the cell extension afforded greater coverage and signal strength.

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A flexible 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.

3.2.3 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 IF Filter profiles,

ensure optimised group delay characteristics in digital modulation schemes without compromising emission standards.

3.2.4 Web browser configuration and alarm status reporting

Customer specific repeater configuration is possible via two RJ45 IP Ethernet sockets from either the front or rear of the sub-

rack. This can be achieved either locally with the use of an Ethernet jumper cable or remotely, having connected the DSPbR® to

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 appear in the navigation menu.

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 within specific naming fields within the GUI to input and output frequencies of the

respective uplinks and downlinks.

3.2.5 Frequency Sub-Bands

The DSPbR® Series repeater is designed for configuration in many of the PMR/LMR frequency bands, including VHF, UHF and

7/800MHz.

Frequency bands currently available include; 132-152MHz, 150-174MHz (20MHz sliding window), 403-420MHz, 410-430MHz,

430-450MHz, 450-470MHz, 470-490MHz, 480-500MHz, 500-520MHz, 746-766MHz, 786-806MHz, 805-825MHz and 850-

870MHz.

RF Industries may add or change the availability of frequency bands as part of our ongoing product development program.

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3.2.6 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 and 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.

3.2.7 Module Types

The DSPbR® uses the following module types;

•PILM - AC or 24V / 48V DC Power Inlet Module

•PSU - AC or 24V / 48V DC Power Supply Unit

•Chassis - with integral backplane

•CSC - Central System Controller

•DSP - Digital Signal Processor

•Ref Gen + Aux–Reference Generator + Auxiliary Module, includes GPS and Cellular Modem

•RFFE –RF Front End (band specific)

•RFBE –RF Back End (band specific)

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

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

Each RFFE and RFBE is limited to a 20MHz operating bandwidth. One RFFE can source received frequencies to a number of

RFBE’s. Each RFBE is capable of rebroadcasting channels with typical channel bandwidths of 12.5 or 25 kHz. Other channel

bandwidths can be provided upon request.

At UHF and 7/800MHz, band-specific BPFM’s connect directly onto the input of the RFFE modules, and also on the output of

the RFBE modules. The VHF sub-band RFFE and RFBE modules have a built in BP Filter Module and are therefore not

detachable. These BPFMs provide sub-band specific RF filtering for the respective RFFE modules’ inputs, and RFBE modules’

outputs.

An optional 8 channel internal combiner filter block replaces individual BPFM modules, bolting directly onto the respective “n”

quantity of RFBE modules it is to combine.

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

connectivity, with connectors between interconnected modules and the internal chassis backplane mating and being aligned by

the correct insertion of the modules in their chassis slide rail and corrected seated by the modules fastening screws being

tightened.

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. Each RFFE regardless of band has both Sides fitting with RFFE boards. Although “same band” RFFE’s

are available as standard, fitted to both sides of the module, there are options that have been made available where each side may

be fitted with a different band. Each RFFE requires a corresponding frequency band compatible BPFM.

As with the RFFE, 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.

Although “same band” RFBE’s are available as standard, fitted to both sides of the module, there are options that have been

made available where each side may be fitted with a different band.

A bi-directional four channel, single band, non-frequency translating DSPbR® will likely use the RFFE board in side “A” of the

RFFE module for the uplink and the RFFE board in side “B” 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 to the allocated uplink and downlink boards within the nominated RFBE modules.

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

disciplined. A reference signal can be sourced via the on-board GPS receiver or from a 10MHz external reference. A multiband

cellular modem is fitted as standard onto the Ref Gen+ Aux board to facilitate SMS alarm notification and act as a cellular

wireless link to the DSPbR® via a PPP session providing IP Ethernet access. This assumes that the DSPbR® cell modem

terminal has been provided a fixed IP address in the cellular network.

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

require processing. There are two primary options, either 4 Channel 2 Band or 8 Channel 3 Band with a fibre expansion board

option to connect to other DSPbR® chassis.

The CSC module controls and manages all processing requirements to all modules within the DSP and is essentially the internal

communications hub. The CSC is fitted with non-serviceable lithium ion batteries and can send primary power fail alarms via

the Ethernet ports and Cell modem.

3.2.8 Optional Internal uplink and downlink combining

The downlink and uplink RFBE modules can be internally combined using an optional 8-Way combiner filter block that requires

the real-estate of 4 slots. The condition is that all combined channels are in the same 20MHz portion of the band and are

orientated in the same direction. For example, the combined channels are either configured for uplink or downlink, but not

mixed. When the internal combiner is fitted, the BPFM’s are removed.

The 8-Way combiner type allows for complete frequency agility within the RFBE sub-band of 20MHz.

As the carriers are combined to feed into a single output the configured output powers may be auto adjusted internally so as not

to increase the risk of breakdown in the output filter due to Peak Instantaneous Voltage breakdown. There is a table with the

adjusted figures for your reference in the specification section of this User’s Manual.

The 8-Way Internal combiner filter unit is available in most bands. As an alternative, external combining can be provided outside

of the sub-rack frame.

8-Way combiner filter blocks are currently available in UHF and 7/800MHz frequency sub-bands. The VHF sub-band does not

have detachable band pass filter modules and is therefore not available with an 8-Way internal combining option.

Where external combining is the preferred option, the individual RF outputs are accessible at the rear of the DSPbR® via the

BPFM’s that are fitted to the respective RFBE’s. This allows for various options of combiners and or separate RFBEs to be fitted

to a DSPbR® chassis and optimised for the frequency combinations in use.

3.2.9 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, but a diverse range of duplexer models is available from

RFI and may be fitted externally to the DSPbR® to cater for the many frequencies, Tx-Rx passbands, and applications into which

the DSPbR® may be deployed.

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Figure 1: Typical DSPbR® Functional Block Diagram

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3.3 Product Specifications

3.3.1 Electrical Specifications (across all sub-bands)

Model Reference

DSPbR® Series

Frequency Ranges

132-152MHz

150-174MHz (20MHz sliding Window)

403-420MHz

410-430MHz

430-450MHz

450-470MHz

470-490MHz

480-500MHz

500-520MHz

746-766MHz

786-806MHz

805-825MHz

850-870MHz

Max number of channels –single 4RU chassis

8 bi-directional (1 to 2 bands)

7 bi-directional (3 bands)

16 uni-directional (1 to 2 bands)

14 uni-directional (3 bands)

12 bi-directional (MCPA Mode)

24 uni-directional (MCPA Mode)

Max number of channels/bands/ chassis’

Up to 96 Channels and up to 64 band modules

- distributed across up to 8 Chassis

Synthesizer Offset (Channel Steps)

1.25kHz

Mode of Operation

Full Duplex, translating or non-translating

Channel Bandwidth

12.5kHz and 25kHz

Receiver Sensitivity

-116dBm (typical)

Adjacent Channel Selectivity

NB 60dB / WB 70dB

Intermodulation Immunity

> 70dB

Adjustable Gain Range (1dB steps) UL & DL

70-135dB

Adjustable downlink / uplink Output Power (1dB increments).

VHF/UHF Bands.

Refer to Table 3 for maximum power limits with internal combiner

fitted.

+10dBm (10mW) to +46dBm (35W)

Note: reduced output level for channels

passing APCO P25 Phase 2 and TETRA

waveforms.

Adjustable downlink / uplink Output Power (1dB increments).

700/800MHz Bands.

Refer to Table 3 for maximum power limits with internal combiner

fitted.

+10dBm (10mW) to +43dBm (20W)

Note: reduced output level for channels

passing APCO P25 Phase 2 and TETRA

waveforms.

Output ALC range

~100dB (channel independent)

Noise Figure (no ALC)

< 6dB

Tx Spurious and Harmonic Emissions

< -30dBm @ maximum output

PA Class of operation

Frequency Translating Error

< 10 Hz, 0 Hz typical

System Impedance

50 Ohm

Max Input power - no damage (RFFE and RFBE ports)

+10dBm

Ref Gen –GPS antenna feed voltage

+ 6V

Power Supply Options

24VDC, 48VDC & 110-240VAC

Power Consumption (typical) at 25ºC Ambient

Up to 1500W (depending on configuration)

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3.3.2 Optional SFP Optical transceivers (used for inter-rack linking)

Multi-mode SFP LC Duplex

1 band 400m, 2 bands 200m

Single Mode SFP LC Duplex –Medium Power

1 band 60km, 2 bands 50km

Single Mode SFP LC Duplex –High Power

1 band 100km, 2 bands 85km

3.3.3 Optional Internal Combiner (8-Way, full frequency agility)

Typical Insertion Loss

11.5dB

Maximum input power per channel

Refer to Table 3.

Frequency Ranges

Available for UHF, 700MHz and 800MHz.

VHF requires the use of external combining.

3.3.4 Typical AC / DC estimated power consumption figures (examples)

Configuration

@ 25ºC

@ 60 ºC (Full fans)

1 x Bi-directional (UL 43dBm & DL + 46dBm) channels