The Radio Frequency Systems Bulletin

1st quarter 2003 Indian wireless takes to the air LA broadcasters opt for broadband New Optimizer® antenna series Multi-carrier/multi-band in-building system CDMA escalates in China

The Clear Choice in Wireless™

12 Confined Coverage

3 Editorial

Tunnels gain communications for fast train in Spain

Flexible solutions inspire wireless confidence

Radio Frequency Systems

4 What’s New

14 Microwave

New Optimizer® antenna series addresses global 2G/3G challenge Lightweight polymer 3G filters 450 MHz combiner integrates performance and reliability RFS solves multi-carrier/multi-band in-building RF riddle

WorldWideWeb: http://www.rfsworld.com

Microwave backbone provides link for Turkish operator

Publisher: Jörg Springer Executive Editor/Editor Asia Pacific: Peter Walters Editor EMAI: Alan Walp Editor Americas: Ann Polanski Managing Editor: Dr Ellen Gregory Production Editor: Regine Krüger Art Director: Matthias Schwedt

15 Broadcast LA broadcasters opt for broadband Indonesian TV diversifies and reaches out

18 In Touch

8 Regional Focus

Swiss tunnels ride with RADIAFLEX® Broadband at NAB 2003 India expo for RFS RFS world: the search continues RFS Products 2003

Indian wireless takes to the air

10 Cellular CDMA escalates in China Tunisia celebrates new cellular service

Authors: Allan Alderson, Dr Ellen Gregory, Zach Phillipps Photos: Blickpunkt Photodesign, Alexandre Foin, Tony Koopmans, Uwe Mensing, Shelton Muller, RFS archives, Antonio Sanchez-Lopez, Morris Trabsky, Erik Wille, Nick Wymant, stock images on cover, page 8 and 18 from GettyImages.

12 Feeder Systems

Cover image: GettyImages

Seamless transition to 3G with RFS CELLFLEX® ‘A’ series

Cover art: Matthias Schwedt Print: Print Design, Minden Layout and Graphics: inform advertising, Hannover

2

Editorial Services: Relate Technical Communications, Melbourne

INDEX 10

4

Indian wireless takes to the air After a decade of fast-paced liberalization, the Indian wireless market has emerged as the world’s fastest growing. In the quest for true end-to-end solutions, Indian wireless operators are turning to RFS.

Optimizer®

New antenna series addresses global 2G/3G challenge RFS’s new Optimizer® cellular antenna series offers the premium performance demanded by today’s mature second generation (2G) and emerging third generation (3G) cellular networks.

CDMA escalates in China As the number of subscribers to China’s CDMA network escalates, RFS supplies local operators and OEMs with RF infrastructure in support of China Unicom’s critical network expansion.

8

15 6

RFS solves multi-carrier/multi-band in-building RF riddle The new RFS ‘high-end in-building solution’ provides a reliable and cost-effective means of realizing multi-carrier/multi-band RF coverage within larger public buildings.

LA broadcasters opt for broadband Mount Wilson, Los Angeles’ premiere broadcast site, will soon house a sophisticated RFS broadband solution, with antenna patterns especially sculpted to limit the TV signals reaching the Mexican border.

IMPRINT

F l e x i b l e s o l u t i o n s i n s p i re w i re l e s s c o n f i d e n c e A particularly interesting paper published in

future of these next-generation wireless

are drawn from product sectors that our

the closing days of 2002 provides an

technologies. Radio Frequency Systems

company has long excelled in, yet all

incisive view of the wireless communica-

concurs with this optimism, as it is founded

represent a complete rejuvenation of these

tions world that we enter in 2003. Prepared

on an historically proven fact—that needs

products to ensure they are state-of-the art

by research group Forrester Techstrategy

inspire solutions.

and tailor-made to fit today’s needs.

Research and entitled ‘3G’s belated break-

Solutions can and will come forward to

These new products have already generated

even’, the paper in part presents the

overcome the challenges currently facing

enormous

surveyed opinions of a number of European

these emerging wireless technologies.

network operators, OEMs and installers.

cellular operators. Of interest is the cellular

Interestingly, these solutions aren’t always

We will formally present these and many

operators’ fascinating perspective on the

direct answers to the most obvious

more RFS innovations to visitors at the

third generation (3G) cellular market—one

challenges. Many solutions will be born

major industry exhibitions at which RFS is

of quite blatant optimism, set against an

of a lateral perspective on the problem at

scheduled to participate in the coming

acknowledged uncertainty as to just how

hand,

technical

weeks and months (most notably CTIA in

these networks and services will come

alternatives. The coming six months will see

New Orleans, CeBIT in Hannover, and NAB

together.

RFS launch some important examples of

in Las Vegas). We look forward to seeing

and

offer

refreshing

Dr Jörg Sellner Chairman of RFS

enthusiasm

from

wireless

EDITORIAL

The paper reports that almost 90 per cent

you in your part of the world, and

of the UMTS license holders interviewed are

demonstrating

confident they will have their 3G networks

provide flexible solutions to inspire RF

up and running by first-quarter 2003, and

confidence—and profitability!

that they are equally confident about the

this type of solution, where our primary

commercial future of 3G. In the same

objective has been to provide wireless

breath, the interviewees admit their 3G

operators with premium deployment and

plans are largely guesswork, and that issues

optimization flexibility. Such flexibility will

such as handset availability remain a big

allow the next-generation wireless operator

question.

to realise optimal RF coverage quickly at

This ‘confidence in the face of uncertainty’

minimal

seems to be a recurring theme right across

performance

today’s wireless technology industry—from

uncertainty and opportunity.

W-LAN through to broadband service

The pages of this issue of STAY CONNECTED

deployment and digital television. While all

showcase a number of these important RFS

these new markets may indeed be untried,

innovations, such as the new Optimizer

the technology still emerging and ‘killer

premium performance cellular antenna

apps’ still to take shape, the major players

range, the CELLFLEX ‘A’ series feeder cable

express an almost unshakeable belief in the

and the high-end in-building solution. All

cost—essential attributes

RF in

just

how

interface times

of

Jörg Sellner

RFS

can

3

New Optimizer® antenna s e r i e s a d d re s s e s g l o b a l 2G/3G challenge

4

RFS Optimizer® global mount system.

A new range of premium-grade cellular

including an advanced broadband variable

antenna solutions—the Optimizer series—

tilt cellular antenna, a selection of high

will be launched by Radio Frequency

performance fixed-tilt cellular antennas,

Systems in 2003. Scheduled for progressive

and the new Optimizer global mounting

release over the coming months, the

system.

Optimizer

the

The new Optimizer GSM 1800 / PCS

premium performance attributes demanded

1900 / UMTS broadband cellular antenna

by today’s mature second generation (2G)

solutions (APXV18-2065XXL series) support

and emerging third generation (3G)

a broad frequency range of 1710 MHz

cellular networks.

through to 2170 MHz, with gain ranging

The concept for the new range was

from 17.5 to 19.2 dBi. As a result, they are

inspired by RFS’s popular and well-estab-

ideally suited to both European or Asian

lished Optimizer antenna launched in the

GSM 1800 operators migrating to UMTS,

USA, explained Patrick Nobileau, RFS Vice

and

WHAT ’S N EW

The ‘first release’ selection of RFS’s high performance Optimizer® antenna family will be launched during March 2003 at both the CTIA Wireless 2003 and CeBIT exhibitions:

RFS’s new Optimizer® broadband cellular antenna (APXV18-2065XXL series), shown here fitted with the Optimizer® RT antenna control unit.

President Base Station Antenna Systems.

CeBIT, 12 to 19 March, 2003. Hall 13, Stand No. C57, Hannover Exhibition Grounds, Hannover, Germany.

The new Optimizer broadband variable tilt

antenna

series

offers

“RFS has decided to extend the Optimizer

North

concept—a superior antenna we initially

a comprehensive range of new fixed and variable tilt antennas for 65- and horizontal

beamwidth.

PCS

1900

antenna is a high gain (17.5 dBi), 1.3 metre cellular antenna solution, providing a

CTIA Wireless 2003, 17 to 19 March, 2003. Booth No. 5931, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.

introduced with variable electrical tilt—into

90-degree

American

The RFS Optimizer® fixed tilt antenna for GSM 900 (APX906515L) or CDMA 800 (APX866515L).

nominal

65-degree

beamwidth,

and

featuring a highly-aerodynamic and stylish shaped fibreglass radome.

All

Complementing the Optimizer broadband

critical performance parameters have been

operators

Federal

will be a selection of RFS Optimizer fixed

optimized: not just with regards to tilt,

Communications Commission’s recently an-

tilt antennas: the APX 866515L, which is

but also gain, side lobe suppression,

nounced 1710-1755 MHz / 2110-2155 MHz

designed for CDMA 800 applications, and

front-to-back ratio, null fill and so on.”

3G cellular spectrum allocation.

the APX906515L for GSM 900 networks.

RFS Optimizer antennas feature upper side

The

the

Available in zero and six degree downtilt

lobe suppression typically better than

Optimizer broadband antenna enables

models, both incorporate all the features

20 dB across the entire tilt and frequency

operators to focus the antenna beam

and benefits of this important new

range, and significantly increased gain.

down into inner-urban cellular traffic

antenna family.

Optimizer antennas incorporate null fill,

hot

emerging

Also incorporated in the first release, will be

and all variable tilt Optimizer antennas feature

3G cellular applications. Unlike competing

the new Optimizer global mount system—

a uniquely wide 0 to 10 degrees of

broadband

the

an advanced mechanical antenna mounting

continously adjustable variable electrical tilt.

Optimizer broadband antenna’s enhanced

system offering optimal mounting flexibility.

A selection of ‘first release’ Optimizer

side lobe suppression extends across

Mount options include direct mount,

antennas will be launched in March 2003,

its entire tilt range.

azimuth adjustment, beam tilt and scissor kit.

moving

extended

spots—a

into

tilt

must

cellular

the

range

in

of

products,

L i g h t w e i g h t p o l y m e r 3 G f i l t e rs In support of high-performance lightweight

“The polymer filters are injection moulded,

integrated products can be produced

cellular base station components, Radio

with ten times as many units produced

without the need for secondary machining.

Frequency Systems has developed an air

from a single mould before re-tooling is

As with aluminium filters, the polymer

cavity filter made predominantly from

required,” said RFS Area Product Manager

components are then silver-plated for con-

plastic. The world’s first polymer-based

Erik Wille. “Complex shapes for highly

ductivity purposes and RF-performance.”

3G filter exhibits identical RF properties to

The polymer filters are of identical shape

its aluminium counterpart, while having

and size to RFS’s conventional aluminium

just half the weight.

filters, ensuring a mechanical fit with the

The new polymer filters are ideal for use in

company’s full range of RF conditioning

tower-mounted base station applications,

components. Mechanical stability and high

as their light weight leads to numerous

precision tooling are ensured by glass fibre

installation advantages. The first such

and mineral filler reinforcement within the

application is RFS’s new tower mounted

polymer matrix, while optimum thermal

amplifier

mobile

expansion properties are achieved by a

telecommunications systems (UMTS). The

unique blend of polymer materials. RFS has

dual TMA weighs in at just 2.7 kilograms—

also performed comprehensive environ-

more than 50 per cent lighter than most

mental tests to ensure high product quality

others on the market.

and long lifetime.

(TMA)

for

universal

The world’s first polymer-based 3G filter: left, silver plated finished component; right, raw polymer filter body.

WHAT ’S N EW

4 5 0 M H z c o m b i n e r i n t e g ra t e s p e r f o r m a n c e a n d re l i a b i l i t y The new SJD series of coaxial cavity-ferrite

isolator loads. This means that the units

transmitter combiner is now available from

have higher reliability and a higher overall

Radio Frequency Systems. Designed for use

bandwidth—just four SJD models are

in the 403 to 512 MHz frequency band,

required to cover the entire 403 to

used globally for land mobile and trunk

512 MHz band.

performance, while the combiner’s high

radio applications, the SJD combiner’s fully

Fundamentally a four channel combiner,

isolation

integrated design offers improved band-

the SJD series can be easily converted into

intermodulation.

width, performance and reliability over

an eight channel unit with the addition of

The integrated isolator loads can handle

conventional units using interconnecting

an optional harness kit for linking two

up to 150 Watts forward and reflected

cables.

four-channel units.

power per channel. In addition, integrated

The SJD combiner utilizes low-loss, low

The SJD series features a particularly high

sampling ports in the SJD combiners permit

intermodulation dual-stage isolators with

‘Q’ or quality of cavity response, embodied

in-service diagnostics and tuning, making

integrated coaxial cavities. Rather than the

by a high attenuation of unwanted

the units very ‘field friendly’ for mainte-

combiner comprising individual cavities

frequencies, while the selected channel

nance.

connected via coaxial cable, a single cavity

passes through each cavity. The low-

optimal performance over power and

is divided into four integrated cavities with

loss

temperature fluctuations.

characteristic

maximizes

system

between

Precise

channels

compensation

minimizes

ensures

5

RFS solves multi-carrier/multi-band in-building RF riddle In response to the increasingly complex RF

high-end

in-building

coverage requirements found within large

co-located RF operators to actually share the

combiners offers band-specific combining

buildings such as airports, shopping malls

in-building RF infrastructure within the

of up to four carriers per frequency band.

and stadiums, Radio Frequency Systems has

premise.

The 19-inch rack-based MCC series sup-

developed a fully modular and scalable

substantial installation cost savings for

ports

in-building RF solution set. The new RFS

in-building operators, plus the ongoing

TETRA 380, CDMA 800, GSM 900,

‘high-end in-building solution’ provides a

system reliability advantages of a largely

GSM 1800 and UMTS 2100—the largest

reliable and cost-effective means of realizing

passive RF system.”

selection on the market today. Connectivity

The

solution

benefits

are

permits

two-fold:

multi-carrier/multi-band RF coverage within

The

MCC

five

series

of

commonly

multi-channel

used

bands—

to the base transmission station (BTS) is via

larger public buildings.

Combining components

separate high-power transmit/receive ports

The product set is a unique mix of passive

The RF combining aspect of the new RFS in-

for each carrier, with all signals combined to

and active technologies that accommodate

building system comprises two families of

a common duplex output port. Each MCC

a global range of cellular frequency bands.

combiner units—the MCC series band-

provides an additional RF interface to link

This includes TETRA 380, CDMA 800,

specific

fibre optic converters.

multi-channel

combiner

suite,

GSM 900, GSM 1800 and UMTS 2100, with other bands such as Cellular 800, SMR 800 Figure 1: Multi-carrier/multi-band combiner assembly (head end).

6

WHAT ’S N EW and PCS 1900 to be added in mid-2003. The new RFS high-end in-building system is Figure 2: The fibre optic extension network permits the in-building system to extend over a distance of up to 20 kilometres.

founded on two key component groups: a selection of RF multi-channel combining technologies and broadband passive distribution systems, plus an advanced suite of fibre-optic components that enable distribution across particularly large campuses. The new product set is designed to enable operators and building owners to meet the growing

demand

for

multi-carrier/

multi-band RF services in large buildings, explained Dr Peter Raabe, RFS Global Product Manager, Wireless Distributed Communication Systems. “The traditional ‘one RF system per service or carrier’ can be

and

combiner

RFS’s new broadband BBC series of

prohibitively costly when used to support a

suite. These are complemented by RFS’s

distributive combiners provides high

multiplicity of carriers and bands within a

world-renowned RADIAFLEX broadband

flexibility, as the specific mix of incoming

single large building,” Raabe said. “By using

radiating cable range, CELLFLEX feeder

RF services to be combined is dependent on

passive

and

cables, point source antennas and low-

the particular application. A four-input/four-

RFS

loss service splitters and combiners.

output port model (BBC-4/4-380/2200) is

broadband

combining

technology,

distribution the

new

the

BBC

broadband

available, and will be complemented by

in-building system to be extended over up

wavelength ‘RF over fibre optic’ in larger

a

model.

to 20 kilometres, by linking ‘optical unit’

campus applications. The receive module

Optimized for all RF bands between

and ‘remote unit’ via mono mode fibre

(ORM) offers high dynamic range and is

380 MHz and 2200 MHz, the BBC

optic cable (see figure 2).

based on an extremely linear and low-noise

combiner’s multiple output ports permit

“The basic weakness of conventional

30dB broadband amplifier, while the

even distribution of a combined RF signal

‘RF-on-fibre’ solutions to date has been the

transmit module (OTM) uses a DFB laser and

across multiple sectors of a distributed

reduced dynamic range,” Raabe explained.

offers high linearity and low noise.

wireless network. By splitting the signal at

“This can lead to intermodulation in the

the combiner, rather than branching off at

downlink, and excessive noise in the

Predominantly passive

each floor or segment, overall system

uplink.” The active nature of the fibre

According to Raabe, the key advantages of

two-input/two-output

port

the new RFS high-end in-building solution extend

well

beyond

the

specific

performance of each individual component—total reduced

system

total

performance

system

cost

and

are

the

most important factors. An emphasis on retaining a predominantly passive system has ensured premium reliability and serviceability of the entire in-building solution. “Our high-end in-building solution is essentially passive, and is founded on our tried The ‘Head end’ signal combiner assembly, comprising the broadband BBC series distributive combiner, coupled with a selection of band-specific MCC series multi-channel combiners.

The ‘Back end’ rack, incorporating optical unit, I-RFU amplifiers, patch panel and power supply unit.

losses are reduced and smaller cables

system can also present a potential weak-

and

may be used throughout the system.

WHAT ’S N EW proven

RADIAFLEX

broadband

ness in terms of system reliability. RFS has

radiating cable technology. All our passive

in

overcome these problems by developing a

components—such as power splitters and

combination with the BBC combiner, a total

uniquely high-gain remote site amplifier—

directional couplers—are broadband to

of 16 carriers may be driven into a single

the I-RFU—which is purpose-built to

2.5 GHz, ensuring that the distributive

broadband passive distribution system

support multi-carrier/multi-band systems.

network can support applications such as

(see figure 1). This presents a highly cost-

The modular amplifiers are high-end, high-

WLAN as well. RFS in-building solutions are

efficient RF distribution platform, both from

amplification units designed to meet the

absolutely

an installation and operations perspective.

stringent European Telecommunications

By

By

using

the

new

MCC

series

futureproof,”

providing

said

Raabe.

premium-quality

active

Standards Institute (ETSI) intermodulation

components,

‘RF-over-fibre’ components

requirements. The I-RFU amplifiers incorpo-

in-building solution actually minimizes the

To reach remote sites on larger campuses,

rate built-in soft redundancy, ensuring

total number of active components in the

RFS

RF

absolute reliability. The units provide 20 to

system, thereby improving total system

complements

its

advanced

the

new

RFS

high-end

complete

50 dB up-link and down-link gain in 2 dB

reliability and performance.

‘RF-over-fibre’ system—a rack-based fibre

steps, and can typically support passive RF

“The RFS in-building system is optimized for

optic transmit/receive system (OTM and

system coverage of areas between 50,000

a multi-carrier/multi-band environment,”

ORM optical convertor series); plus a range

and 80,000 square metres.

Raabe

of high-performance, low-noise modular

The RFS OTM and ORM optical convertor

technically challenging, but an absolute

amplifiers (I-RFU series) for remote site

modules are ‘plug-in’ components of RFS’s

must have for commercial operators and

re-amplification of each RF signal. Used in

complete 19-inch rack fibre optic series,

building

combination, this product set permits the

designed to transmit and receive 1310 nm

markets.”

combining

solution

with

a

concluded.

owners

“This

planning

is

for

uniquely

future

7

I n d i a n w i re l e s s t a ke s t o t h e a i r After a decade of fast-paced liberalization, the Indian wireless market has emerged as the world’s fastest growing. In the quest for true end-to-end solutions, Indian wireless operators are turning to RFS.

8

Outside its borders, India is a country

Telecom Policy (NTP94) in 1994. The

that is regularly misunderstood and

legislation’s clear objective was to tap

misrepresented, yet its truths are often

into the private sector to introduce new

‘stranger than fiction’. In contrast with

players into India’s fixed line service area,

the ‘developing nation’ aspect often

and to kick-start the country’s cellular in-

presented in the West, India is actually

dustry. A total of 18 cellular service areas

the home of leading-edge technology

(known as ‘circles’) were determined,

developments and numerous corporate

roughly in accordance with the country’s

‘centres of excellence’. The country is a

state borders. Two licenses were offered

REGIONAL FOCUS massive 3.3 million square kilometres—an

in each ‘circle’, and in each of the four major

fledgling industry. NTP99 saw the high-cost

area larger than all of East and West Europe

metropolitan areas of Delhi, Mumbai,

fixed fee spectrum license scheme replaced

(excluding CIS)—has a population close to

Kolkata and Chennai. Cellular license fees

by a lower cost structure based on revenue

one billion (18 per cent of the world), and

and

investment

sharing. Today, each operator pays between

supports a booming middle-class whose

demands were high, but at the time, many

8 to 12 per cent of its adjusted gross revenue,

total number exceeds the population of the

industry pundits perceived the revenue

depending on the category of the service

United States.

opportunities as almost limitless.

area. NTP99 also saw the end of the duopoly

Cellular telephony in India is barely seven

Just as has been the recent experience in

in each circle, with third and fourth licenses

years old, with the first operator—Modi

Europe after the issue of third generation

issued in each area during 2001.

Telstra—launching its Kolkata network in

(3G) cellular licenses, the years immediately

August 1995. Today, the country boasts over

following the 1994 Indian license issue saw

Challenge 2003

40 networks across the nation, serving

the then-13 Indian cellular operators waking

In 2003, the Indian cellular market faces

almost 10 million subscribers in over 1400

to a non too-cheery ‘morning after’. Many

numerous challenges. While the industry

towns and cities. In just seven years, the

were reminded of the well-known Hindi

boasts escalating growth, most operators

Indian cellular market has grown from

proverb “Don’t bargain for fish that are still in

are

nothing, to being the world’s fastest

the water”. All struggled with the punishing

explains

growing, exceeding that of China.

license fees, and the far slower than expected

Manager of Radio Frequency Systems India,

government-stipulated

experiencing Sukant

falling

ARPU.

Chakravarty,

This,

Country

growth in subscribers and average revenue

is the result of India’s extraordinarily low

Direct to deregulation

per user (ARPU).

cellular

‘Deregulation’ was the order of the day when

In 1999, new government legislation—the

lowest. “This is the irony of the Indian

the Government introduced its National

so-called NTP99—brought great relief to the

cellular market in 2003. In principle, it is

tariffs—currently

the

world’s

booming, but the ARPU and average

technology. This issue is currently being

the technology needed to make up the

minutes of use (MOU) tend to be low. In the

contested in the courts between the

passive RF link. This is something that has

meantime, operators must meet ongoing

Cellular Operators Association of India

been sadly lacking in India up to now.” The

capital investment to keep pace with

(COAI) and TRAI.

end-to end nature of the RFS solution, he

subscriber growth,” Chakravarty says. “The

says, will help India’s operators get on the air

long-term opportunities are astounding,

RFS in India

faster and more cost- and time-efficiently—

but in the meantime it can be tough.”

The RFS India office was established in Delhi

an important advantage in such a competi-

Chakravarty

issues

in February 2002, and has seen the

tive market.

impacting on the Indian cellular market at

believes

company quickly win favour across the

RFS Senior Sales Manager Uwe Mensing

this time are foreign direct investment (FDI)

Indian wireless market. In late 2001, RFS

concurs, pointing out that the company

policy, spectrum allocation, revenue sharing

supplied nearly 2000 code division multiple

plans

and the general issue of license definition.

access (CDMA) 800 antennas for operator

“Presently, we are at the final stages of

The Indian Government currently limits

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), and is

appointing local sales partners in India. This

foreign investment to a maximum of 49 per

currently providing total RF solutions for FM

will permit us to offer a range of value-

cent, with legislation currently before

radio consortiums in Delhi, Kolkata and

added services to our Indian customers,”

parliament to increase this to 74 per cent.

Chennai (see breakout story). In 2001, RFS

Mensing says.

“This will be an important advance

was appointed to provide a complete

“In the very near future, RFS will offer, via

for our industry, because clearly the

turnkey confined coverage system for the

our local sales partners, important services

industry needs an injection of new

Delhi Metro. The new system will provide a

such as Rupee invoicing, local warehousing,

funds,” Chakravarty says. He believes

TETRA 380 train radio system for the metro’s

fast delivery turn-around and customized

that

on

new 11-kilometre north-south section,

product for the Indian market.” He cites as

spectrum allocation and revenue sharing

which is scheduled to be completed during

an example of the latter the ‘GSM Site

would also provide much needed relief.

2003-2004. The company is currently

Express Service’ base station kits, which will

Perhaps most controversial in 2003, is the

tendering for numerous upcoming cellular

be launched at the March Convergence

issue of license definition. In recent times,

and broadcast projects.

India exhibition in Delhi. The purpose-built

the industry’s regulatory authority, Telecom

Chakravarty believes that RFS offers the

kit contains all the RF technology needed to

Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has

Indian wireless market a refreshing alterna-

realize effective GSM cellular operations.

determined that the licenses awarded to

tive to its legacy suppliers. “We’ve been

“RFS is keen to be a professional and strong

‘basic service’ (fixed line) operators permit

applauded by our Indian customers over the

part of the Indian wireless business,”

them to establish ‘limited mobility’ wireless

past year, primarily for our widely-reputed

concludes Mensing. “This is a very big

networks at no additional fee. These are

product quality, also—and perhaps more

country and an exciting market. We’re

networks of less than 25 kilometres in

importantly—for the true ‘end-to-end’

proud to be part of its growth.”

diameter, based on wireless local loop

nature of our solutions. RFS can provide all

corrections

to

the

the

key

policies

important

expansions

in

2003.

India FM in Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai In first quarter 2003, residents of Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai will enjoy a

broadband

selection of new commercial FM stations, thanks to a fast-track broadcast

surveys, and a dynamic RF technology partner.”

development program supported by RFS.

RFS was selected to be this technology partner, and offered a solution

Legislation has required that the new FM license holders in each city form

based on two essential components: the RFS 904 series full-band FM

broadcaster consortiums to share existing tower structures of the

panel array mounted atop the existing AIR tower structure, coupled

incumbent government broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR). “While tower

with the RFS CZ series multi-channel balanced combiner to provide a

sharing will speed deployment and minimize capital investment,

combined signal from all broadcasters to the broadband array. RFS

it also presents a number of challenges,” says Country Manager

HELIFLEX flexible air-dielectric coaxial feeder cables will form the link

RFS India Sukant Chakravarty. “Tower sharing demands more elegant

between the combiner and the FM array at each site.

RF

solutions,

comprehensive

site

and

tower

CDMA escalates in China

components such as filters to screen stray GSM frequencies. Similar products are

As the number of subscribers to China’s CDMA network escalates, RFS supplies local operators and OEMs with RF infrastructure in support of China Unicom’s critical network expansion.

also being supplied to OEMs Nortel Networks and Shanghai Bell Samsung for base stations in an even wider range of provinces.

Chinese cellular operator, China Unicom,

Levels of urgency

has of late enjoyed massive subscriber

According to Zhu, the various branches

RFS Shanghai expands

growth of its code division multiple access

have different levels of urgency for their

“The majority of these products are

(CDMA) network—the only network of its

network expansions. Not all provinces are

manufactured at RFS’s facility in Shanghai,”

kind in China. Reaching one million

approaching the limit of their capacities,

Zhu said, adding that the company is

subscribers in six months, the network has

while for others the capacity upgrade is

currently expanding this facility yet again to

since escalated in popularity, with the

becoming imperative. Many provincial

meet demand. “We’ll soon have signifi-

number of subscribers hitting around seven

operators are also focusing on extending

cantly expanded antenna production—

ultimate target capacity of a further

the coverage area of their networks; and

including variable electrical tilt cross-

15 million users.

most of the coastal provinces have found it

polarized antennas—and a wider variety

network

necessary to upgrade their systems to the

of feeder cables. This is very important, as

expansion, Radio Frequency Systems is

2.5G technology CDMA-1x in order to

in most cases we need a very short

supplying antenna and feeder systems

remain competitive against the GSM/GPRS

lead time on products—they have to

to many of the individual provincial

network of China’s other major cellco,

be available very quickly.”

operators. “The initial network deployment

China Mobile.

These

was undertaken for the whole of China

RFS is supplying equipment to a number of

manufacturing facility will enable RFS to

by China Unicom headquarters,” said

provincial branches, including Guang-dong

better support all the China Unicom

Zhu du Qing, RFS Area Product Manager.

Unicom, Jiang-su Unicom, Fu-jian Unicom

provincial operators as they continue

“However,

phase

and Beijing Unicom. The range of RFS

expanding the CDMA network. “We’ve

expansion, the provincial branches of

products encompasses fixed and variable

developed a very good relationship with

China Unicom have taken responsibility.

electrical tilt cross-polarized antennas (the

China Unicom, and we hope to keep

They are each working to their own

APX and APXV series), CELLFLEX feeder

working with them into the future,”

time schedule.”

cable and accessories, plus RF Conditioning

Zhu said.

million at the end of 2002 after just a year of operation. Faced

with

a

projected

demand

of

21 million subscribers by the end of 2003, China Unicom launched the second phase of its network deployment in August 2002.

10

CELLULAR While the first phase involved the nationwide deployment of a complete CDMA network capable of supporting 14.5 million subscribers; the current project involves the staged expansion of the network on a province-by-province basis, with an

In

support

of

for

the

the

CDMA

second

upgrades

to

RFS’s

Shanghai

Tu n i s i a c e l e b ra t e s n e w cellular service At the launch of Tunisia’s second GSM network, demand for cellular communications was so high that initial growth was five times the operator’s expectation.

Careful pattern shaping One reason for this careful pattern shaping was so that lower tower masts could be

On the day that Tunisia’s second cellular

the

Tunisians

used to reduce visual impact of antenna

network was launched in the national

languished on a subscription waiting list

base stations. Before network deployment

capital, crowds of people queued for hours

that was taking months—even years—to

commenced, the operator was required to

to sign up for the new global system for

clear. This led the Tunisian Telecommunica-

complete a visual impact study to be

mobile communications (GSM) service.

tions Ministry to award a second licence for

approved by the Environment National

Operated by Orascom Telecom Tunisia, a

dual band GSM 900 and 1800 services to

Agency. Other low visual impact solutions

joint

venture

between

the

Egyptian

point

that

700,000

Orascom Telecom in March 2002.

included combinations of RFS’s low visual

Orascom Telecom and Kuwait’s Wataniya

The inaugural phase of the network roll-out

impact Optimizer series antennas, plus

Telecom, the Tunisiana network was

commenced in July 2002, and involved the

antennas mounted in the central face of

launched on 27 December 2002. After just

deployment of GSM 900 base stations in

buildings.

two weeks, the number of subscribers had

Tunisia’s capital, Tunis. Radio Frequency

After launching the network in Tunis,

far surpassed expectations.

Systems supplied antennas and coaxial

Orascom Telecom Tunisia plans to expand

Orascom Telecom Tunisia’s chief technical officer, Hisham Siblini: “The traffic has increased much quicker than expected. It’s really very exciting for us.”

CELLULAR

The Northern African nation of Tunisia is

services rapidly to cover 60 per cent of the

one of the world’s emerging markets. With

population by the end of May 2003. This

just 14 per cent of the population having

has involved covering the coastal cities of

access to fixed telephone lines, the growth

Hammamet and Nabeul, followed by cities

potential for wireless communications—

such as Sousse, Sfax and Bizerte. Targeting

and cellular telephony in particular—is

the deployment of 50 new base stations

perceived to be tremendous. Hisham

per month, the operator plans to have

Siblini, Chief Technical Officer at Orascom

services available to 80 per cent of the

Telecom Tunisia, believes that the nation

feeder cable for all base stations in

population by the end of 2003. In support

will increase its cellular penetration from

this initial deployment phase.

of this growth, RFS is supplying antennas

five to 40 per cent within two to three

The antenna selection comprised a mix of

and transmission lines for at least another

years. “It’s likely that wireless will eventually

RFS’s Optimizer series of cross polarized

150 base stations.

take over from fixed telephony,” he says.

panel antennas, which meet the high gain,

“Wireless can reach areas where fixed lines

vertical/horizontal aperture, front to back

The high traffic demand looks set to ensure

are non-existent. It’s very important.”

ratio, and electrical tilt specifications of

that densification of the Tunisiana network

Orascom Telecom Tunisia. “Two suppliers

proceeds in conjunction with expansion of

Cellular demand

could supply antennas that matched our

services. “We didn’t think that dual band

Tunisia’s first GSM 900 network, operated

list of important technical specifications,”

would come for around two years,” says

by the state-owned Tunisie Telecom, was

says Siblini. “In the end, the advice and

Siblini. “But the traffic has increased much

launched in 1998. Yet by 2001 the extreme

professional support from RFS made a

quicker than expected. It’s really very

demand for mobile phones had reached

significant impact.”

exciting for us.”

11

S e a m l e s s t ra n s i t i o n to 3G with R F S C E L L F L E X ®® ‘A’ s e r i e s RFS presents a sneak preview of a significant evolution of its popular CELLFLEX®® foam dielectric feeder cable range.

RFS will preview the CELLFLEX® ‘A’ series high-performance feeder cable and RAPID FIT™ connectors during March 2003 at both the CTIA Wireless 2003 and CeBIT exhibitions:

12

F E E D E R SYST E M S

CeBIT, 12 to 19 March, 2003. Hall 13, stand No. C57, Hannover Exhibition Grounds, Hannover, Germany.

RFS’s new CELLFLEX® ‘A’ series feeder cable—the perfect balance between improved feeder cable performance, and backward compatibility.

CTIA Wireless 2003, 17 to 19 March, 2003. Booth No. 5931, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Radio Frequency Systems’ new high-performance CELLFLEX ‘A’ series feeder cable has been specifically developed to meet the exacting performance needs of third

RFS RAPID FIT connector range. Quick and easy to install, the CELLFLEX ‘A’ series RAPID FIT connector offers improved return loss (up to 6 dB improvement at 2.2 GHz)

generation (3G) cellular networks, while

friendly’—a comprehensive and familiar

and consistently low and stable inter-

retaining ease of handling and backward

range of sizes, connector formats, cable

modulation (IM) levels. The new connector

compatibility in cable connector systems.

accessories and so on—as this clearly helps

series is available for all CELLFLEX cable

Due for global launch on July 1 2003, the

streamline the entire installation process

sizes ranging from 7/8 inch through to

cable family boasts a number of features,

and reduces roll-out costs. RFS has achieved

2-1/4 inch, and in both type N and 7-16 DIN

including an improvement in attenuation

this with the CELLFLEX ‘A’ series: the

interface.

performance of up to six per cent.

perfect

improved

The entire CELLFLEX ‘A’ series will be

“Cellular operators worldwide are now

feeder cable performance, and backward

launched in July 2003, and will be available

faced with the challenge of deploying new

compatibility.”

in all popular feeder cable sizes (7/8, 1-1/4,

3G cellular base stations as cost-efficiently

As a first release of this important range,

1-5/8 and 2-1/4 inch cable diameter),

and as quickly as possible,” said Eric

the CELLFLEX ‘A’ series RAPID FIT cable

plus a choice of standard UV-resistant

Munro, RFS Global Product Manager

connector family will be globally launched

polyethylene or flame and fire retardant

Transmission Lines. “On the one hand, they

in March 2003. Completely backward

jackets. For more demanding applications,

must address the issue of attenuation

compatible with the existing CELLFLEX

‘Premium Performance’ CELLFLEX ‘A’ series

at the higher frequencies allocated to

feeder cable family, the single-piece RAPID

is available, offering the lowest possible

3G networks. On the other, they are looking

FIT cable connector is identical in installa-

voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) over a

for feeder solutions that are ‘installer-

tion, handling and tooling to the existing

customer-specified operating bandwidth.

balance

between

Tu n n e l s g a i n communications f o r f a s t t ra i n i n S p a i n

supporting the GSM-R service, which is targeting the train’s single antenna.” Lara explained further that the low coupling loss was not compromised by the special tape integrated into the cable jacket

In support of the European railway safety communications standard, GSM-R, RFS has supplied confined coverage RF infrastructure for 16 new tunnels along the new high speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona.

to ensure low smoke emissions, owing to the unique method of its application.

Helical antennas In order to maintain speeds of around

“The coupling loss is particularly low when

Communications in the remaining tunnels

360

‘very

fast

the RAY cable is optimized for vertical

are covered by a series of distributed

straight

rail

polarization,” said Enric Lara, Director

antenna networks incorporating RFS helical

tracks. In the case of the high speed

General of RFS’s new Madrid office. “This is

antennas and CELLFLEX feeder cable—

route between the Spanish cities of

an

antennas are also featured at both en-

kilometres

trains’

per

demand

hour,

very

especially

important

feature

for

Madrid and Barcelona, this has led

trances of the RADIAFLEX-covered tunnels.

to the construction of a new train

“RFS was the only supplier qualified to pro-

line

vide antennas for this application,” Lara

to

that prevent

incorporates the

Madrid-Barcelona

16

tunnels

600-kilometre line

from

Ave

said. “The special helical shape of the

curving

antennas make them ideal for tunnels with

with the contours of the countryside.

very

high

pressures—such

as

those

CONFINED COVERAGE Yet as locomotives power through hills and

experienced when a train passes at

under cities, it remains imperative to

360 kilometres per hour!”

maintain on-board safety and emergency

The broadband helical antennas also

communications. The European railway

feature a high gain of 10 dBi that allows

safety communications standard, GSM-R,

them to be spaced up to 2000 metres apart

operates in the 876 to 925 MHz band, and

within the tunnels. No RF modifications

is used for all European rail networks. To be

to the helical antennas were required to

detected only by a train’s roof-mounted

support GSM-R, although the mounting

antenna, GSM-R was the first wireless

hardware was reinforced to accommodate

communications service deployed along

the extra stresses associated with the very

the new Ave Madrid-Barcelona line.

fast train’s passing.

Low coupling loss In support of GSM-R, Radio Frequency

The ‘Las Hechiceras’ tunnel in Lerida, Spain—one of 16 new train tunnels for which RFS has supplied confined coverage infrastructure.

The Ave Madrid-Barcelona now travels between the two cities in under 2.5 hours— less than half the time taken by ordinary

Systems has supplied confined coverage RF

locomotives. Given that the entire route will

infrastructure for the 16 new tunnels along

ultimately also be supported by commercial

the new route. Three of the longest tunnels

GSM services, the very fast train is certain to

feature

RFS’s

provide a competitive alternative to air

RADIAFLEX 1-1/4 inch RAY foam dielectric

travel for the thousands of daily commuters

radiating cable—a unique cable exhibiting

between these major centres of Spanish

very low coupling loss.

business and industry.

redundant

lengths

of

13

level of pattern performance is required

M i c ro w a v e b a c k b o n e p ro v i d e s l i n k f o r Tu r k i s h o p e ra t o r

due to high radio congestion. This is because the Ultra High Performance family has a reduced side lobe level, owing to the inclusion of an RF absorbing shroud which reduces reflections. RFS antennas also offer a high antenna gain. “High gain is very

In January 2003, Turkish GSM operator Aycell launched the next phase of its deployment: a microwave backbone system for its GSM 1800 network utilizing RFS microwave antenna technology.

important—it means the link distance can be greater,” said Arndt. The balance of the antennas are from the RFS High Performance range.

14

As growth upturns in the Turkish wireless

Istanbul, plus the popular tourist destina-

market, fledgling global system for mobile

tions

communications (GSM) operator Aycell has

January 2003.

One of the challenges associated with

launched the next phase of its deployment:

The selected microwave antennas comprise

installation of microwave antennas is

a microwave backbone system for its

a mix of sizes optimized for the 19 GHz and

related to their potential size. “Installation

GSM 1800 network. Majority owned by

7 GHz frequency bands. According to RFS

of 19 GHz antennas is fairly straightfor-

government institution Turkish Telecom,

Regional Sales Manager, Dietmar Arndt, the

ward, as they’re relatively small—between

of

Izmir

and

Antalya,

during

Suitable sizes

Aycell is one of two new cellular services

one and six feet in diameter,” said Arndt.

recently introduced to the market, bringing

“But the 7 GHz antennas get up to four

the number of Turkish operators up to four.

metres in size—they’re huge!”

MICROWAVE NEC, together with its partner Karel, was

Such large antennas are delivered in two or

awarded the contract to provide Aycell with

three pieces, which are then assembled on

the microwave communications network,

site. Considering the whole installation

which is planned to comprise 600 different

process—which includes mounting of the

stations

The

reflector, hoisting of the complete antenna

purpose of the microwave backbone

up a 100-metre mast, connection of long

system within densely populated areas is to

waveguide lengths, and the mounting of

link voice and data between base stations

active equipment at the bottom of the

throughout

the

nation.

and switching centres; it is also used at lower

19 GHz antennas will be used for

mast—these microwave antennas can take

frequencies to provide communications

microwave links spanning up to 20 kilome-

up to a week to install.

between switching centres across longer

tres, such as those more commonly seen in

RFS delivered the first 200 microwave

distances.

more densely populated areas. “In rural

antennas to NEC and Aycell in December

areas where there’s lower population densi-

2002, with the balance to follow through-

Turnkey in Turkey

ty, it makes more sense to have the 7 GHz

out 2003. Added to this, RFS is also

As part of this 2003 project, Radio

connections,” he said. “These are typically

supplying all cellular panel antennas and

Frequency

50 to 60 kilometres in length.”

feeder cables for Aycell’s GSM 1800 base

microwave antennas to NEC in addition to

About 20 per cent of the microwave anten-

stations via Nortel Netas/Palmet and Alcatel

providing turnkey installation and commis-

nas ordered for Aycell’s backbone network

Teletas. This means that by the end of 2003,

sioning via RFS’s Turkish agent, FPS

are derived from RFS’s Ultra High Perfor-

the whole Aycell network will be on-air

Mühendislik.

were

mance antenna range, which is the

with wireless coverage by RFS.

installed in the major cities of Ankara and

optimum choice for systems where a high

Systems

The

is

first

supplying

stations

600

L A b ro a d c a s t e rs o p t f o r b ro a d b a n d Mount Wilson, Los Angeles’ premiere broadcast site, will soon house a sophisticated RFS broadband solution, with antenna patterns especially sculpted to limit the TV signals reaching the Mexican border.

the current analogue services over to digital will be an easy transition, and we’ve allowed room for another two combiner chains to be installed.”

As digital television (DTV) deployment

“We started out looking for a solution to

heats up in the United States, it is perhaps

allow eight or more stations to feed a single

New full wavelength combiner

fitting that broadcasters in Los Angeles,

antenna system, while also giving us

Wymant says that the combiner modules

arguably the global home of TV, are break-

control over the pattern.” He says that RFS

will be shipped in early March from RFS’s

ing new ground. In an innovative although

was introduced into the project due to its

design and manufacturing facility, and will

not unprecedented move, a consortium of

extensive global experience in designing

include the newly developed full wave-

four LA broadcasters have banded together

high power broadband panel arrays.

length directional waveguide combiner.

to share digital broadcasting facilities atop

The pattern shaping requirements were

“In order to accommodate the very high

the city’s premier site, Mount Wilson.

made particularly complicated by the need

combinations of peak power and frequency

Multi-service systems are few and far

to protect Mexico—whose closest border is

in the system—such as channel 50 at

between in the USA, where broadcasters

just 129 miles (207 km) from Mount

85 kW—we’ve developed a full wavelength

have shown a traditional preference for

Wilson—from transmitted signals. This has

combiner,” says Lewis Steer, RFS Broadcast

Two Two UHF UHF antenna antenna stacks stacks and and eight eight flexible flexible feed feed lines lines will will be be installed installed on on this this Mount Mount Wilson Wilson tower tower to to provide provide aa broadband broadband solution solution for for four four LA LA broadcasters. broadcasters.

BROADCAST

stand-alone systems. However, the advent

necessitated the sculpting of the antenna

Engineer. “It features reduced loss and has

of DTV and simulcasted digital/analogue

patterns so that they reduce towards the

double the surface area for dissipating

services means that mountain real estate is

border without losing any performance in

heat.” The antennas will be shipped in

now at a premium. This, and the consider-

the city. “I don’t know any way, other

early May.

able cost involved in deploying new

than using panel antennas, we could

RFS will supervise installation of the two

infrastructure, has spawned a search for

have done this without compromising

antenna stacks and eight associated flexible

alternative solutions.

performance,” Weiss says.

coaxial feeders, but will take charge of

The resulting RFS solution comprises dual

installation and commissioning of all

Share to be there

combined antenna systems with the

combiners

For more than three years, broadcast

capacity to accommodate a total of

including

consultant S. Merrill Weiss, of the Merrill

12 digital or analogue services from

transmitter room.

Weiss Group, has been working with Radio

channel 32 to 56, with a total combined

By the time the DTV deadline is reached,

Frequency Systems, infrastructure provider

input power of 195 kW per antenna. Initial

just about all of LA’s broadcasters will be

American Tower Corporation, and trans-

operation will incorporate four digital

operating from Mount Wilson—a projected

mitter manufacturer Axcera, to develop a

services, each radiating 1 MW effective

43 out of 50 services. “There is simply not

multi-system digital/analogue solution for

radiated power (ERP), and three analogue

the space for each broadcaster to have

LA broadcasters KDOC, KXLA, KOCE and

services, each radiating approximately

separate antennas,” says Weiss. “But I also

KJLA. “The common facility will achieve

2.4 MW ERP.

think US broadcasters are starting to

both economies of scale and a means of

“We built a deal of flexibility and future-

recognize that if they cooperate and

fitting all seven new services onto the

proofing into the system,” says Nick

co-locate they can all have a better chance

mountain without interference,” Weiss says.

Wymant, RFS project manager. “Changing

at profitability, let alone survival.”

and rigid

switching feeder

equipment,

lines

to

the

15

I n d o n e s i a n T V d i v e rs i f i e s a n d re a c h e s o u t As five new commercial TV stations vie for market share in a country of 210 million people, in-depth site knowledge in Indonesia is seen as essential to the successful installation of broadcast infrastructure.

16

Amidst the social and political upheaval

Indonesia until 1989, when pressures

of the past few years, Indonesia has

on

continued to experience growth in its

more

TV broadcast industry. Driven by a shift

of programs led to some deregulation.

in government policy, the country is

In that year, UHF permits were issued

currently undergoing important changes

to Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia

to its broadcast licensing laws. This has

(RCTI) and Surya Cipta Televisi (SCTV).

resulted in five new networks going

These

‘On-Air’ in October 2001, with further

commercial

licences being issued to regional

Pendidikan Indonesia (TPI) in 1991,

broadcasters Bali Ranadha TV and

Cakrawala Andalas Televisi (ANteve)

Jawa TV.

and IDOSIAR in 1993.

Radio Frequency Systems has posi-

The introduction of the commercial

tioned itself well to support the

free-to-air TV stations was viewed

newcomers. Many years of designing

positively by Indonesians, especially those

systems for the more-established networks

in the main metropolitan areas. The new

have given it ‘on the ground’ experience

stations

in tailoring antenna configurations to suit

choices, including international items, and

each site. This knowledge has become

created an advertising revenue stream.

valuable to the new networks as they

After strong growth in the major cities, a

expand and compete with the country’s six

number

existing broadcasters.

concentrating on expanding their coverage

the

government

entertainment

were

provide

and

diversity

followed

by

broadcasters:

offered

of

to

the

more

A lightning arrester sits at the top of a UHF antenna in Jakarta—the capital city has been the starting point for many of the Indonesian TV networks.

other Televisi

programming

networks

are

now

to more remote areas of the country.

The early years of TV Indonesian TV began in Jakarta during the

New networks emerge

1962 Asian Games. The first live VHF

Since the 1999 award of a further five

broadcast was conducted at the opening

licenses, broadcasters TransTV, TV7, Lativi,

ceremony by government-owned broad-

MetroTV and Global TV have commenced

caster, Televisi Republik lndonesia (TVRI). As

TV services in the UHF band. They face

one of the major sources of news and

many challenges as they set out to

information to rural Indonesians, TVRI

establish themselves during unpredict-

went on to set up stations all over the

able economic times and in a fiercely

country and, in 1976, began to reach

competitive

many of the more isolated communities

networks are not sharing the existing

with the launch of the Palapa satellite.

broadcast infrastructure so, in addition to

TVRI remained the only TV broadcaster in

covering

the

environment.

costs

of

Some

new

programming,

6-1/8-inch coaxial feeder cables were supplied for the TransTV antenna system in Jakarta.

they have had to raise the capital

to custom-design cost-effective antenna

focusing power over a long distance

required to install their own equipment.

systems for their intended target areas.

without directing all the power away from the

For recent arrivals, TransTV and TV7,

population

living

directly

below.

expansion beyond Jakarta has necessitated

The benefit of experience

RFS was subsequently very careful to tailor

targeting one or more cities at a time, and

RFS has been operating in Indonesia since

the pattern of the antenna to reach both

then attempting to match or better the

1978. It has developed a long-standing

target regions.

coverage of the existing networks. For their

relationship with TVRI and has much

inaugural Jakarta installation in 2001,

experience with INDOSIAR, ANTeve and

Overcoming access issues

they independently consulted RFS. To

TPI. Over the years, RFS has developed

In addition to optimizing coverage, RF

meet performance requirements, 12-level,

valuable in-country knowledge, including

technology

4-sided, directional panel antennas, with

details of site locations, where the local

confronted with engineering and logistical

associated feeder systems and accessories,

populations live and the types of coverage

problems. Access can prove challenging

were installed by both broadcasters.

that broadcasters are interested in. As the

to a number of sites, especially where

The power ratings of the systems were high

older networks focus on setting up fill-in

narrow roads prevent simple entry and exit

and required two 6 1/8 inch coaxial feeder

stations to compensate for coverage gaps

of people and equipment. For TV7’s

cables to provide full redundancy.

in and away from the cities, RFS is finding

Jakarta installation, the 250 metre tower

TransTV and TV7 have followed up

that its experience translates very well to

was built in a residential area, requiring

with installations in the cities of Bandung,

the needs of the new broadcasters.

the access roads to be widened and

Surabaya,

and

According to Norm Franke, Sales Manager,

strengthened. For TransTV at its Semarang

Medan. In most cases, these are smaller

RFS Asia Pacific, “Site knowledge is essen-

site, it was necessary to repair the bridges.

antenna

tial due to the diverse range of difficulties

At other sites, where supply of equipment

Yogyakarta,

systems

Semarang

with

lower

power

suppliers

are

frequently

BROADCAST requirements.

RFS

support

expansion

the

was

chosen

would normally necessitate using a large

its

primary concern are coverage challenges

vehicle, limitations of access have often

brought about by topography, and the

forced RFS to offload everything onto small

setting

earlier

networks,

specific requirements of each local trans-

trucks, or even carry by hand. This was

and

incountry

mission site. Experience in antenna design

something that RFS had to contend with in

support. “RFS is very familiar with most

in a particular area allows RFS to optimize

early 2002, where the quality of the roads

of the transmitting locations so we are

coverage patterns to suit the location while

to the central Java town of Yogyakarta

able to quickly design the most suitable

avoiding unwanted reflections from the

created obstacles to the supply and

and

the

environment. “The end result is a system

installation of a two tonne antenna.

required coverage, for that particular

that pushes maximum power in the

As the newer networks seek to reach more

location,” said Darryl Hancock, Chief

desired region of coverage and minimizes

remote populations, site knowledge—

Representative, RFS Indonesia.

wastage, such as radiating into mountains

such as that demonstrated by RFS—is

RFS was also awarded the supply of

or out to sea,” said Franke.

proving

antenna systems for regional broadcaster

A challenge for RFS at Semarang, on the

the design and placement of critical

Bali TV, which went to air in May 2002.

north coast of central Java, was to con-

broadcast infrastructure. Ultimately, this

Regional

are

struct an antenna system for TV7 that

will go a long way to ensuring that a large

concentrating on smaller viewer popula-

would reach to the far-off town of Kudus,

choice of ‘free-to-air’ channels is available

tions,

to the majority of Indonesians.

competitive

the

to

that are encountered in each area.” Of

experience and good track record with up

due

to

pricing

cost-effective

Indonesian

and

not

for

broadcasters

large

in the North-West, as well as service the

engineering resources of the national

housing estate lying very close to the

networks. RFS has been working directly

location of the transmitter. The solution

with

had to meet the conflicting demands of

the

do

systems

have

management

of

the

Bali

TV

indispensible

for

optimizing

17

groups are being formed,” he said. “These

Swiss tunnels ride with RADIAFLEX®

are establishing large combined digital systems and leasing out RF infrastructure to the various networks—as is the case at Sears Tower, Chicago and Mount Wilson,

Railway communications are soon to take

The first of two recipients of the new

Los

off in Switzerland’s tunnels with a major

confined coverage system in 2002 was the

resources, RFS offers complete design and

new confined coverage project for Swiss

‘Rothrist - Mattstetten’ tunnel between

manufacture of the most sophisticated

Rail. Commenced in the second half of

Zurich and Bern. According to Harald Zietz,

systems.”

2002, the ‘TFK 21’ project will eventually

RFS Regional Sales Manager, this is just the

In support of these market trends, RFS

bring modern wireless communications to

beginning.

many

will exhibit at NAB 2003 an example

both new and existing public railway

tunnels—it is like Swiss cheese. This is a

of a complete UHF broadcast system,

tunnels. Bern-based systems supplier, TSA-

major project for our confined coverage

incorporating a broadband panel antenna

Comlab, plans to conduct the installation

business over the next few years. So far,

array, adjacent channel combiner and

over the next five to six years, utilising up to

the customer is very satisfied with the

patch panel with digital display.

300 kilometres of radiating cable from

radiating cables. We’ll proceed step by

RFS will also exhibit its extensive range of

Radio Frequency Systems in the process.

step,” he said.

wideband RD slot cavity antennas, a family

“Switzerland

has

Angeles.

Drawing

upon

global

Despite its small land area, Switzerland has

that offers a solution for just about every

more than 700 railway tunnels. These vary

digital or analogue broadcasting scenario.

in length from one kilometre up to the

With power handling capabilities available

57-kilometre ‘St Gotthard’—the longest

up to 220 kW NTSC, the RD slot cavity antennas

operate

over

much

wider

frequency ranges than conventional slot

18

IN TOUCH

antennas—around 10 to 15 channels. The RD antenna is also available with a variety of pattern options and offers minimum

railway tunnel in the world. Up until recently, however, both commuter and rail network communications within these tunnels have been limited. Now, Swiss Rail has respond-

B ro a d b a n d at NAB 2003

wind loading. In the area of transmission lines, RFS will display its popular flexible air dielectric coaxial cable—the HELIFLEX range, available in sizes of 7/8 to 9 inch. Installed in

ed to requests from both mobile operators and the general public with plans to

At the NAB 2003 exhibition, to be held 7 to

continuous

provide coverage for global system for

10 April in Las Vegas USA, Radio Frequency

discontinuities,

mobile communications (GSM) 900 and

Systems will display its comprehensive

complete system performance, achieving

1800 services, as well as the European rail-

range of total broadcast system solutions.

consistently low return loss over the

way communications standard, GSM-R.

These

entire UHF bandwidth.

To ensure reliable performance with low

combined multi-channel systems, which

coupling loss for each tunnel, Comlab has

are becoming more prevalent in North

selected RFS RADIAFLEX RLKU 1-5/8 inch

American markets during the transition to

radiating

cable.

digital broadcasting.

coverage

for

The

cable

provides

solutions

for

According to RFS Area Product Manager,

will

Asad Zoberi, North American broadcasters

accommodation

are now appreciating the efficiency of

of TETRAPOL, one of the European public

multi-channel operations, where advanced

safety systems, and the universal mobile

combining technology permits multiple

telecommunication system (UMTS).

services to operate from a common

MHz

support

to the

2200 later

frequencies

tailored

from

380

all

include

MHz,

and

antenna. “A number of collaborative

lengths

that

HELIFLEX

minimize optimizes

Visit RFS at NAB 2003 7 to 10 April, 2003 Booth C3012, Main Hall Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, USA

India expo for RFS

communications industry exhibition and

manufactures all the components that

seminar in New Delhi.

make up the RF chain—from base station communications

to antenna, transmitter to tower, or radio

market is experiencing unrivalled levels of

unit to microwave dish. We are ideally

growth,” explained Country Manager RFS

positioned to serve every aspect of the

Radio Frequency Systems is attracting

India, Sukant Chakravarty. “To meet the

Indian wireless industry, both now and

attention

fast

in the future!”

on

the

sub-continent

“The

and

Indian

wireless

turn-around,

the

Indian

market

is set to be a major drawcard at

demands total ‘end-to-end’ solutions from

RFS’s advanced cellular antenna remote

Convergence India 2003—India’s annual

its RF technology suppliers. RFS designs and

electrical tilt (RET) control system—the Optimizer RT—will form the centrepiece of its Convergence India 2003 exhibit. This will be complemented by a display of

RFS world: T h e s e a rc h continues

In support of a growing global customer

RFS’s growing family of cellular base

base, www.rfsworld.com now has two

station antennas—a wide selection of

exciting new features. The product search

base station antennas ideally suited

engine capability has been expanded to

to meet current-day Indian needs. These

support a Boolean text search (and, or,

include fixed and variable electrical tilt

excluding) on full text phrases—including

antennas, dual and multi-band antennas

product descriptions, specifications, model

for CDMA 800, GSM 900, GSM 1800

numbers and names. This means products

and

can be found faster and more easily.

plus the company’s unique series of

emerging

UMTS

applications,

The www.rfsworld.com website is also scaling international heights with the introduction of new languages to many

IN TOUCH

sections of the site. Currently supported are English, German, Spanish, Chinese and Russian languages, with more to

‘camouflage’ cellular antenna solutions.

follow during 2003.

This year's Convergence India will see the unveiling of RFS India's innovative 'GSM Site Express Service' base station kits, a purpose-built kit designed to minimise

R F S P ro d u c t s 2003

GSM base station roll-out time. The kits contain all the RF technology required to realise effective GSM cellular operations. The kit’s contents include RFS's CELLFLEX

The latest edition of Radio Frequency

foam dielectric feeder cable—the world's

Systems’ comprehensive global product

leading low-loss foam dielectric coaxial

catalogue—RFS PRODUCTS 2003—is now

cable brand, available in sizes ranging from

available from all regional offices and

1/4 inch to 2 1/4 inch diameter.

distributors. Featuring a wide range of new releases, the 2003 catalogue is a one-stop shop for product overviews, technical data sheets, and general information on all

the largest antenna to the smallest

RFS product lines.

connector. The RFS PRODUCTS 2003

A new innovation for 2003 is the search-

catalogue is the ultimate complement

able CD, providing an intuitive means of

for

homing in on a specific product—from

website, www.rfsworld.com.

the

company’s

extensive

global

Visit RFS at Convergence India 2003 11 to 13 March, 2003 Stand No. 11, Hall 416 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India

19

RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS

The Clear Choice in Wireless™ Please visit us on the internet at http://www.rfsworld.com