STAY CONNECTEDThe Radio Frequency Systems Bulletin

3rd QUARTER 2008

The C lear Cho i ce ®

CELLFLEX Lite across the globe

The world of WiMAXClearFill ‘online’ in Channel Tunnel Link

Wireless Vietnam on the move RFS builds up for broadcast

ClearFill goes ‘online’ in Channel Tunnel linkClearFill Line has been deployed at the UK end of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, forming a key element of the wireless communications system for the high-speed rail upgrade.

IMPR

INT

Radio Frequency SystemsWorldWideWeb: http://www.rfsworld.com

Publisher/Editor Asia-Pacific: Peter WaltersExecutive Editor/Editor EMAI: Regine SulingEditor Americas North: Paula Mennone-Preisner Editor Americas South: Pilar Lopes Managing Editor: Ben LazzaroProduction Editor: Christian MichatschArt Director: Sabine Gregor, Heidi Jünemann

Authors: Allan Alderson, Paul Fry, Dr. Ellen Gregory, Ben Lazzaro, Patrick Wong

Photos: RFS archives, Getty Images, Peter Humfryes (Pete’s Pix), Tony Koopmans, Shelton Muller, Hans-Peter Quade, Regine Suling, Thales, Erik Wille, Rick Yang, inform archives

Cover art: Sabine Gregor

Print: Print Design, Minden

Layout and Graphics: inform Advertising, Hannover

Editorial Services: Relate Technical Communications, Melbourne

Trademarks: CELLFLEX®, ClearFill®, BDA®, FLEXWELL®, MicroTennaTM, OMNI FITTM, Optimizer®, Radio Frequency Systems®, RAPID FITTM, RFS®, RFS CompactLine®, SlimLine®, RGFLEX®, HELIFLEX®, RADIAFLEX® and The Clear Choice® are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

7

3 Editorial Exit AMPS; enter all-IP

4 What’s New Introducing the Optimizer CELlite BSA

RFS unveils suite of ferrite devices

‘One-size-fits-all’ ultra-light broadband WiMAX filter

ClearFill Line expands for mobile TV indoors

New five-sided panel array for unsurpassed HRP

7 Wireless INdoor Solutions ClearFill goes ‘online’ in Channel Tunnel link

8 Cover Story CELLFLEX Lite across the globe

10 Regional Focus Wireless Vietnam on the move

12 Wireless Infrastructure Solutions

The world of WiMAX

14 Broadcast Built for broadcast

16 RF Technology 101 Radiating cable revealed

18 In Touch RFS exhibits a ‘rich mix’ at CommunicAsia

2008

ClearFill Line WINS at Beijing Olympics

MyRFS means online business

DSO comes to Neunkirchen

Take the ClearFill Space1 VirtualTour

2 C O N T E N T S10

Wireless Vietnam on the movePropelled by an influx of foreign investment, and strong economic and geographic drivers for wireless adoption, Vietnam’s wireless communi-cations sector is growing at a phenomenal rate—growth supported by RFS’s suite of tailored RF solutions.

CELLFLEX Lite across the globeThe world’s first corrugated aluminum trans-mission line, CELLFLEX Lite, is proving valuable all over the world. Its premium performance, coupled with lightweight construction, makes CELLFLEX Lite a preferred transmission solution for fast-track network roll-out.

8

Built for broadcastBrand-new purpose-built broadcast equipment facilities in Australia and the UK have cemented RFS as a leader in the global broadcast sector. The new facilities provide industry with premium access to RFS’s extensive portfolio of broadcast solutions.

14

The world of WiMAXWiMAX promises much to a wide range of mainstream and niche wireless sector players. It also presents some significant challenges from an RF and network planning perspective.

12

A significant milestone in the history of mobile

telephony was reached in February this year, and

for many, it passed unnoticed. The once-massive

U.S. Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)

networks were finally given the green light to

close down by the U.S. spectrum regulator, the

Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The

ruling behind this—the so-called ‘analog sunset’

rule—was actually put into place by the FCC back

in September 2002, giving the industry and market

some five years to prepare.

The closure of the last of the U.S. AMPS networks

represents the end of an era in mobile telephony.

Established in 1983, the AMPS networks are almost

a quarter of century old. Today, AMPS, along with

other analog mobile systems such as Nordic Mobile

Telephone (NMT) and Total Access Communication System

(TACS), is almost extinct. Of the approximately three

billion mobile subscribers in the world today, less

than one percent currently uses an analog network.

Like all transitions, this one is not without contro-

versy. A few million subscribers remain on the

U.S. AMPS network, which support services such

as cell phone voice calls, wireless home-security

and fire-alarm system backup links, and—most

notably—a number of in-vehicle communica-

tions systems. The last provides motorists with

wireless support services such as vehicle security

alarm monitoring, accident assistance, and

power-door unlocking. A comparatively simple

and inexpensive analog-to-digital upgrade is

already available to smooth the transition for

in-vehicle communications.

The upside of the shutdown is, of course,

the so-called ‘digital dividend’ that the AMPS

network retirements will bring—the reduced

network opex, plus the freeing up of significant

amounts of Cellular-band (800MHz) spectrum.

This, in turn, opens opportunities to provide

new wireless services.

During its 24-year history, the AMPS service

exhibited many quirks and subscriber challenges.

Notable among these were its susceptibility to

static and noise, and the 1990s problem of

subscriber ‘cloning’. A wireless equivalent of

today’s ‘Internet identity theft’, AMPS cloning Stéphane Klajzyngier

being just a fraction of those founded on

conventional circuit-switched core networks.

Perhaps more important, is the object-centric

nature of an all-IP world. In effect, everything

may be connected with everything—onboard

IP portals embedded in devices ranging from

refrigerators to automobiles, will underscore a

new age of functionality and connectivity. Just

imagine the earlier example of the problematic

AMPS in-vehicle communications systems,

projected into an all-IP future.

A clear example of the power of all-IP is what

we are already seeing happen in the television

broadcast realm. Here, once sacred domains

—such as sports broadcasting—are being eroded

away by new players, armed only with a broadband

connection to the home and a commitment to

‘end-to-end’ IP-connectivity. This powerful pipe to

the subscriber is moving the battle lines, and the

wireless sector is well-placed to succeed.

All-IP wireless connectivity represents new

opportunities and business models, as well as new

challenges, many of these in the RF domain. As

with the 1990s/2000s wireless digital revolution,

these RF challenges are largely unpredictable,

and will unfold over the course of trials and

deployment. And just as was the case over the last

decade of wireless digitalization, RFS is committed

to providing leading-edge, end-to-end RF

infrastructure solutions in an all-IP world.

On the eve of this imminent IP revolution, it is

worth contrasting the functionality, form-factor

and power of the AMPS ‘brick’ mobile phone

of just 15 years ago, with the latest-generation,

application-centric handsets of today. Projecting

such touch-screen based handsets across a

similar 15-year transition fires the imagination.

RFS will be there, every step of the way, to

support these exciting revolutions.

was where illegal network interceptors tapped

into an AMPS call, determined the electronic

identity of the subscriber, then replicated it

on another handset. Much time and effort

was spent in developing technical solutions to

overcome this now almost-forgotten weakness

in the analog platform.

All this aside, it is important to note that, prior

to the early-nineties arrival of second-generation

wireless platforms, AMPS was the most widely

deployed mobile phone standard in the world.

In many respects AMPS, together with global

systems for mobile communications (GSM),

provided the foundation of today’s mobile

telephone world. We are witnessing the

retirement of a cornerstone of contemporary

wireless communications.

The shutdown of the U.S. AMPS network is, in

many ways, a finale in a wave of digitalization that

we have seen over the past decade, right across

the wireless world. Here I am not simply talking

about the digitalization of cell-based mobile

communications. We are witnessing precisely

the same digital revolution in all other wireless

communications sectors: in the digital switchover

of free-to-air television networks; in emergency

services with service groups moving to digital

platforms such as terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)

and Project 25 (P25); and in railway communica-

tions as the industry moves to digital platforms

such as GSM-railway communication (GSM-R).

The next wireless revolution will be a move

to end-to-end IP connectivity in the wireless

domain—‘all-IP’ is clearly the shape of things to

come. While requiring significant infrastructure

investment, the attraction of an all-IP network

is two-fold: reduced costs and enhanced

connectivity. From the wireless carrier’s

perspective, there are great opex benefits to be

had, with the operating cost of an all-IP network

3 Stéphane Klajzyngier Radio Frequency Systems President

Exit AMPS; enter all-IP

E D I T O R I A L

4 W H A T ’ S N E W

providing users with an extremely stable and

lightweight antenna solution.

The new Optimizer CELlite antenna series

supports all services between 806MHz and

960MHz, and exhibits the superior performance

of the RFS Optimizer antenna family—including

upper side lobe suppression typically better

than 18dB across the entire frequency range,

high gain, and impressive front-to-back ratio

(typically around 28dB).

According to Rick Yang, RFS Area Product

Manager Wireless Infrastructure Solutions, the

latest addition to RFS’s world-renowned Optimizer

antenna suite features a robust microstripline

power feed system constructed from monolithic

aluminum, in place of the traditional cabled

feed system. “This, coupled with the antenna’s

one-piece panel construction and reduced

number of weld joints delivers advanced

passive intermodulation (PIM) performance,”

Introducing the Optimizer CELlite BSA

Assisting fast-track wireless network

deployments across the globe, Radio Frequency

Systems has launched the new high-performance

Optimizer CELlite base station antenna (BSA)

series. The slimline dual-polarized Optimizer

CELlite antenna series complements RFS’s

popular vertically-polarized CELlite variant,

tradition of excellence,

and complements the

broader RFS suite of

wireless infrastructure

solutions.”

Engineered for performanceAccording to Heisler,

the primary purpose

of a ferrite isolator

is to compensate for

mismatch between RF

system components,

which can otherwise lead to power being

reflected back into sensitive electrical

equipment, such as power amplifiers and base

stations. “Ferrite devices are highly critical

system components that are introduced

to deflect reflected power,” he said. “This

both improves the efficiency of the system

and prevents the electrical equipment from

over-heating.”

RFS Ferrocom Engineering Manager, Tam

Nguyen, emphasized that the RFS Ferrocom

devices are ideal for applications where low

RFS unveils suite of ferrite devices Radio Frequency Systems has unveiled an

exciting new suite of ferrite isolators and

circulators. Specially engineered to enhance

stability, performance and reliability of RF

systems, over 2000 different RFS Ferrocom

ferrite devices are available for easy

integration into a wide range of commercial

mobile and public safety base stations, plus RF

and microwave systems. The devices exhibit

premium electrical performance and are

market-leaders in terms of overall quality and

reliability, as demonstrated by the long and

successful heritage of the Ferrocom brand.

“Ferrocom has an unequalled reputation

for producing premium-quality ferrite

products, which RFS has long utilised in our

sophisticated filtering and combining

solutions,” said Larry Heisler, RFS Director

of Marketing and Product Management.

“The RFS Ferrocom brand will continue that

he said. “Optimized PIM performance plays a

significant role in maximizing call quality and

avoiding dropped calls—crucial in high-capacity

networks.”

The new Optimizer CELlite antenna series also

provides network operators with new levels of

deployment and operational flexibility. “The

new Optimizer CELlite BSA has been designed

to accommodate the rapid roll-out of wireless

networks in densely populated regions,” said

Yang. “Its lightweight construction makes it

quick and easy to install, while its advanced RF

performance makes it ideal for providing coverage

in high-capacity wireless networks.”

The first release of RFS’s new Optimizer

CELlite antenna series comprises three

variants—the 6.5-foot 0-degree fixed-tilt

(APX86-906515S-CT0), the 8.5-foot 0-degree

fixed-tilt (APX86-906516S-CT0), and the 8.5-foot

six-degree fixed-tilt (APX86-906516S-CT6).

5

Introducing the Optimizer CELlite BSA

An entirely new family of ultra-lightweight RF

filters designed for Worldwide interoperability

for microwave access (WiMAX) applications

has been unveiled by Radio Frequency

Systems. Founded on the company’s patented

polymer-based air-cavity filter technology, the

filter family boasts a body-weight of just 300g

(10 ounces)—less than 50 percent of that of

competing WiMAX filter solutions.

The family comprises four separate filters with

passbands designed to support the 2.2, 2.3, 2.5

and 3.5GHz WiMAX sub-bands—the widest

range of sub-bands currently allocated for WiMAX

applications across the Americas, Europe, and the

Asia-Pacific region. Specifically designed for time-

division domain (TDD) WiMAX applications, all

member of the RFS WiMAX broadband filter family

exhibit common package dimensions, regardless

of the filter’s passband frequency. This streamlines

end-user logistics and simplifies filter mounting.

“The common demand from OEMs in the

WiMAX domain is for a broadband filter that

can be built into active WiMAX equipment,

such as Micro BTS or remote radio head,”

said RFS Area Product Manager Erik Wille.

“To simplify OEM logistics and equipment

development, there is a very real need for a filter

family that fits into the exact same package

dimensions, regardless of its WiMAX band.

This is precisely what RFS has achieved with

this unique new range of WiMAX broadband

filters—‘a one-size-fits-all’ ultra-lightweight

WiMAX broadband filter family.”

RFS’s unique polymer filter technology provides

a filter with a body weight of less than half

that of equivalent legacy aluminum filters, yet

retains optimal filter performance. Mechanical

stability and high-precision mechanical

tolerances are ensured by incorporating glass

fiber and mineral filler reinforcement in the

polymer material. Optimum thermal expansion

properties are achieved via a unique blend of

polymer materials.

Founded on high-Q cavities and engineered

to provide premium RF performance, the new

WiMAX filters boast low insertion loss (typically

0.3dB in-band at room temperature) and

excellent power-handling capabilities.

Each member of the WiMAX filter family provides

two filters within its silver-plated combline-

construction filter body. The two-channel

filters feature multiple resonators—two x six

resonators within the 2.2GHz and 2.3GHz

variants; and two x eight resonators in the

2.5GHz and 3.5GHz models—with all resonators

located in exactly the same position for easy

interchangeability. All this is offered in a

compact slim-line (40mm/1.5-inch-thick

package of less than 0.7 liters/40 cubic

inches.

‘One-size-fits-all’ ultra-light broadband WiMAX filter

insertion loss, high linearity and ability to

withstand high-power are critical. “These are

the most important performance characteristics

of ferrite devices,” he said. “RFS Ferrocom

devices exhibit extremely low insertion loss

in the range 0.1 to 0.5 dB, depending on

provide out-of-band frequency rejection). RFS

Ferrocom devices can also be custom-designed

to suit precise specifications—including

unique electrical requirements or enhanced

performance specifications—for a wide range

of applications.

“Every RFS Ferrocom device is a precision-

engineered component,” said Nguyen. “We

use the highest-quality materials, and adhere

to rigorous manufacturing methods—such

as temperature cycling to stabilize materials,

plus mechanical pressurization to ensure

device stability for a long lifecycle. In addition,

we design to high margins on performance

specifications, and every unit is factory-tested.

We take quality and reliability extremely

seriously.”

W H A T ’ S N E W

frequency and model. They will also handle

up to 250W forward power, and up to four

times as much peak power. In addition, the

devices exhibit excellent intermodulation and

linearity performance—among the best in the

industry.”

Easily integratedComprising over 2000 different existing

designs and supporting frequencies from

80MHz to 40GHz, the RFS Ferrocom

suite encompasses three main types of

ferrite device: ‘drop in’ devices, offering

cost-effective and space-efficient solutions;

coaxial devices, ideal for low-frequency

applications; and waveguide devices, most

used for high-frequency applications (typically

26 to 40GHz), or those requiring extremely

low insertion loss. All devices support easy

integration into RF systems.

In addition, RFS Ferrocom manufactures

integrated modules incorporating ferrite

devices, such as the ‘isoadapter’ (for bridging

coaxial and waveguide applications), the

‘isodetector’ (featuring detector circuitry),

or the ‘isofilter’ (incorporating filters to

broadband operation down to lower UHF

frequencies (380 to 860MHz) completes the

transition of ClearFill Line into the broadest

ultra-broadband solution on the market.

According to Peter Raabe, RFS Director Global

Product Management and Support for WINS,

“closing the UHF gap” represents the final

evolution stage for the passive distributed

antenna systems (DAS) at the heart of

ClearFill Line. “RFS now offers the broadest

ultra-broadband passive DAS on the market,” he

said. “ClearFill Line delivers premium coverage

solutions for all emerging and existing wireless

applications—from digital video broadcast

to handhelds (DVB-H) in UHF frequencies to

worldwide interoperability for microwave

access (WiMAX).”

The expanded ClearFill Line suite includes

a new ultra-broadband omni indoor

antenna (model I-ATO1-380/6000) which

has an operating range of 380MHz to 6GHz.

Extremely lightweight at just 400g (0.9lb), the

ultra-broadband omni’s power rating of 50W

makes it ideal for multi-service operation in an

indoor environment.

New models of directional couplers and power

dividers, supporting frequencies between 380

and 2700MHz, have also been added. These

new elements all exhibit excellent passive

intermodulation (PIM) performance and a high

power rating to support multiple services.

• Hybrid coupler (3dB)—achieving high

isolation between two combined signals

• Directional couplers (6, 10 and 15dB)

—achieving constant coupling ratio across

the entire frequency range

• Power dividers (2-, 3- and 4-way)

—exhibiting low insertion loss for optimum

performance

These new elements complement the balance of

the ClearFill Line ultra-broadband solution-set,

which includes: ultra-broadband power dividers

(350MHz to 6GHz), RADIAFLEX radiating cable

and CELLFLEX transmission line.

In support of emerging mobile TV services—for

which quality in-building and in-tunnel coverage

will be essential—Radio Frequency Systems has

expanded its ClearFill Line solution-set of passive

Wireless INdoor Solutions (WINS).

ClearFill Line consists of purely

passive RF distribution systems

founded on RFS’s well-known

broadband transmission

line and radiating cable

solutions. The intro-

duction of new

components

optimized

for

6

ClearFill Line expands for mobile TV indoors

W H A T ’ S N E W

New five-sided panel array for unsurpassed HRPLeveraging its experience and expertise in

broadcast panel design, Radio Frequency

Systems has introduced a new five-sided

horizontally polarized panel antenna. The new

five-sided PHP 5S panel array delivers advanced

levels of horizontal radiation pattern (HRP)

performance. Engineered for digital television

(DTV) applications, the new PHP 5S panel

antenna supports multiple channel operation

over the entire UHF band (470-860 MHz), and

directly addresses the growing global demand

for fully broadband high-performance antenna

systems.

According to RFS European Sales Director for

Broadcast and Defense Systems, Dave Thickett,

the new PHP 5S antenna delivers unsurpassed

omni-directional HRP performance across the

entire UHF band. “The new five-sided panel

incorporates RFS’s advanced dipole design and

a new ‘winged’ back screen,” he said. “Not

only does the new antenna design deliver more

uniform coverage, it also allows improved HRP

modeling and prediction, and hence coverage

area. This is particularly advantageous for

data-intensive DTV broadcasts.”

The new five-sided PHP 5S panel antenna

features high power-handling capability (up to

5000 watts for the dual-input version), enabling

it to support a large number of services in a

multi-channel system. According to Thickett,

it does so with a return loss better than 26dB

across the full band.

Constructed from aluminum and fiberglass, the

new PHP 5S panel is lightweight and easy to

install. It is designed to be incorporated into

RFS’s five-sided column to provide optimum

climbing space inside the antenna, providing

easy and safe access for antenna installation and

maintenance,” said Thickett. “All this, combined

with its superior HRP performance, makes RFS’s

new PHP 5S panel antenna an ideal choice for

DTV broadcasters the world over.”

passive RF distribution systems

founded on RFS’s well-known

broadband transmission

line and radiating cable

solutions. The intro-

duction of new

components

optimized

for

6 W H A T ’ S N E W

In support of mobile TV in the lower UHF band, the

ClearFill Line suite includes a lightweight ultra-broad-

band omni indoor antenna (380MHz to 6GHz).

Tailored for tunnelThe new link includes three tunnels with a

combined length of 21km (12.9 miles). The RFS

RADIAFLEX radiating cable was installed in close

proximity to the tunnels’ high-voltage catenary

cables. To prevent power surges in the commu-

nications cables, RFS’s ‘DC blocks’—which

protect both the inner and outer conductors

—were installed every 500 metres (1640 feet).

According to RFS Regional Sales Manager, Ian

Finch, logistics played a key role in the project.

“For a project of this nature, it was important

to supply the cable drums progressively, rather

than all at once,” he says. “The sophisticated

manufacturing and logistics systems at RFS

enabled delivery in 3km (1.9 miles) batches.”

An important system requirement was to

concurrently support all four tunnel commu-

nications systems. At the heart of the system

is the 900MHz Global System for Mobile

Communications-Railway (GSM-R). Emergency

services use a separate terrestrial trunked

radio (TETRA) system operating at 380MHz,

with the London Fire Brigade operating an

additional 462MHz system. Communications

to the locomotive is presently via cab-secure

radio (CSR) operating at 448MHz.

According to Moxsom, the GSM-R system will

ultimately replace the CSR and also the trackside

signalling. All signal and control information will

be transmitted directly to the locomotive, and

the familiar sight of railway signals alongside the

track will be a thing of the past.

Reliability and redundancyIn such systems, a fail-safe mechanism

stops the train if the GSM-R commu-

nications are lost for more than three

seconds. For built-in system redundancy,

every component of the CTRL Section 2

communications system has been dupli-

cated. The RFS RADIAFLEX cable was the

only exception, as in single-cable format it

exceeded the ‘mean-time-between-failure’

(MTBF) reliability specifications.

This was achieved, not only because of the

quality of the cable, but also by careful system

design: the dual-redundant communications

signals are fed simultaneously into the cable,

from opposite ends of the tunnel. In the event

of accidental cable damage, communications

can continue on both sides of the break.

The emerging use of GSM-R for train control

in CTRL Section 2 and other links opens the

way for harmonized commu-

nications systems throughout

the entire pan-European rail

network. GSM-R is also gaining

acceptance elsewhere, with plans

for its implementation in India,

China, the USA and Australia.

This standard—coupled with

premium infrastructure such as

the ClearFill solution set—stands ready for

a key role in enabling trains to move freely

across national borders and continents

around the world.

7W I R E L E S S I N D O O R S O L U T I O N S

ClearFill Line, part of Radio Frequency Systems’

innovative suite of end-to-end Wireless INdoor

Solutions (WINS), has been successfully installed

in the stage two development of the UK end of

the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL Section 2).

RFS RADIAFLEX radiating cables, CELLFLEX

coaxial feeder cables and accessories form a

key component of the wireless communications

system for the high-speed rail upgrade.

The new link runs between the centre of

London and Southfleet Junction, approximately

40km (25 miles) to the south-east. Courtesy of

the upgrade, trains can now travel at 230km/h

(143mph) from Folkstone, on England’s coast,

right through to London’s St Pancras station.

The entire journey from Paris to London now

takes only two hours and 15 minutes.

The RFS ClearFill Line solution was selected

by infrastructure specialist Thales UK, the

company with responsibility for the entire

communications system of CTRL Section 2.

Senior Principal Design Engineer with Thales

UK, Kevin Moxsom, says that the low longitu-

dinal and coupling losses of RFS’s RADIAFLEX

radiating cable—an important element of the

ClearFill suite—was a key consideration.

“The proven performance of RFS was equally

important. They were responsive and completed

every thing as required,” he says. “We were also

impressed that the heavy-duty radiating cable

clamp from RFS had been manufactured and tested

to withstand the forces generated by a train passing

in the tunnel at 250km/h (155mph). This was a clear

advantage for the high-speed rail link.”

The new link includes three tunnels with a combined length

of 21km (12.9 miles), and features RFS RADIAFLEX radiating

cables, CELLFLEX coaxial feeder cables and accessories.

RFS used a heavy-duty radiating cable clamp, manu-

factured and tested to withstand the forces generated

by a train passing in the tunnel at 250km/h (155mph).

Courtesy of the new Channel Tunnel rail link upgrade, trains

can now travel at 230km/h (143mph) from England’s coast

right through to London.

ClearFill goes ‘online’ in Channel Tunnel linkClearFill Line has been deployed at the UK end of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, forming a key element of the wireless communications system for the high-speed rail upgrade.

The world’s first corrugated aluminum transmission line, CELLFLEX Lite, is proving valuable all over the world. Its premium performance, coupled with lightweight construction, make CELLFLEX Lite a preferred transmission solution for fast-track network roll-out.

CELLFLEX Lite across the globe

cations specialist TES Limited. At each site, the

CELLFLEX Lite cable was hauled up the building’s

riser—up to 10 floors—to link the building’s radio

equipment with antennas located in the basement

and on the rooftop. The antennas are used to

distribute the radio signals within each building.

According to TES Limited Projects Manager,

Andrew Jones, the light weight of CELLFLEX Lite

was of paramount importance. “Conventional

copper cables require several people to haul them

through the riser, but the 7/8-inch CELLFLEX Lite

cable was easily managed by just two people.

This made the installation process easier, quicker

and less costly,” he said.

As an early adopter of the lightweight cable

technology, Jones was well aware of the weight

advantages of the aluminum-based cable. “We

also needed to be 100 percent confident in

the electrical performance of the new cable,”

he said. “With RFS, this is never an issue. We

always know that the published specifications

from RFS can be relied upon—it is one of their

great strengths,” he said.

Vendor service, cost-effectiveness and delivery

performance were all critical to the success of

the project and to TES Limited. “The level of

service from RFS was noticeably different. The

CELLFLEX Lite cable was delivered to all sites on

time and pre-cut to the correct length. The RFS

OMNI FIT connector was new to TES Limited, so

RFS provided training for the installation teams.

RFS showed great flexibility in meeting all of our

needs, including the removal of cable drums and

left over material,” said Jones.

The smooth installation of the CELLFLEX Lite

feeder cable enabled rapid introduction of the

trunked radio services, which carry voice, text

and data traffic over three UHF channels. The

three channels—two audio and one control—

operate between 450 and 470MHz. Each

building is linked via an internet protocol (IP)

network, allowing vital security information to

be shared within and across the sites.

For a project of such fundamental importance,

TES Limited required a top-performing supplier

and leading-edge technology. “The light weight

and electrical performance of RFS’s CELLFLEX

Lite were ideal for this project,” said Jones.

“These attributes, coupled with outstanding

flexibility and support from RFS, ensured a

straightforward roll-out. The service from RFS

was in a class of its own.”

CELLFLEX Lite is the world’s first corrugated

aluminum transmission line. A foam-dielectric

corrugated coaxial cable with an aluminum outer

conductor and a copper inner, it is available in

both 7/8- and 1-5/8-inch sizes.

Offering an alternative price point and

performance combination for establishing the

base station-to-antenna RF link, CELLFLEX Lite

represents an important development in trans-

mission line technology. Its robust construction

and advanced electrical performance herald

CELLFLEX Lite as the next generation in RF

transmission development. With the 7/8- and

1-5/8-inch variants weighing only 330g/m

(3.5oz/ft), and 950g/m (10.2oz/ft) respec-

tively, CELLFLEX Lite is one of the lightest RF

transmission cable on the market today.

Complementing RFS’s CELLFELX

transmission line family is the OMNI

FIT connector series. Offered in

7/8-inch and 1-5/8-inch diameter

size, OMNI FIT is a unique

connector technology which is

electrically compatible with

the entire RFS CELLFLEX

transmission line series

—both aluminum and

copper variants.

CELLFLEX Lite

has proven its value in

a critical wireless communi-

cations project in London’s financial

district. The deployment of CELLFLEX Lite

in the UK banking project confirms its place

as the clear choice for applications where

light weight, electrical performance and cost-

effectiveness are key criteria.

The cable forms a key component of a 13-site

trunked radio network, installed by communi-

CELLFLEX Lite

has proven its value in

a critical wireless communi-

cations project in London’s financial

district. The deployment of CELLFLEX Lite

in the UK banking project confirms its place

as the clear choice for applications where

8UK banks on CELLFLEX Lite approvals

Complementing RFS’s CELLFELX

transmission line family is the OMNI

FIT connector series. Offered in

7/8-inch and 1-5/8-inch diameter

size, OMNI FIT is a unique

connector technology which is

electrically compatible with

the entire RFS CELLFLEX

transmission line series

—both aluminum and

copper variants.

is proving valuable all over the world. Its premium performance, coupled with lightweight construction, make CELLFLEX Lite a preferred transmission

CELLFLEX Lite across the globe CELLFLEX Lite across the globe

“The OMNI FIT connector series is electrically

compatible with both copper and aluminum

transmission line, and its robust construction

ensures the integrity of the transmission line/

connector contact point,” said Paganini. “When

paired with the lightweight CELLFLEX Lite

transmission line, the OMNI FIT connector

fast-tracks installation, and assists network

providers in the cost-efficient rapid roll-out of

wireless network infrastructure.”

Paganini said the network expansion by Núcleo

is widely regarded as a significant milestone.

“Núcleo’s use of CELLFLEX Lite is just the

beginning,” he said. “CELLFLEX Lite is rapidly

emerging as the transmission line

of choice for new projects.”

network operation, CELLFLEX Lite passed with

flying colors, displaying first-class attenuation,

return-loss and intermodulation performance.

According to RFS Sales Director, Ricardo Paganini,

Núcleo’s approval of CELLFLEX Lite is testament

to the cable’s reliability and performance.

“CELLFLEX Lite complied with Núcleo’s stringent

electrical performance criteria,” he said. “In fact,

the electrical performance of CELLFLEX Lite is

comparable to most copper transmission cables

offered on the market.”

Once approved, RFS was faced with the challenge

of meeting Núcleo’s tight delivery timeline of four

weeks. “We had the CELLFLEX Lite and accessories

ready in less than three weeks,” said Paganini.

“Our manufacturing facility in Brazil was able to

have the cable manufactured in

record time.”

RFS’s ability to provide Núcleo

with the complete trans-

mission line solution

was a significant

factor in RFS

winning this

important

contract.

CELLFLEX Lite has been selected for a strategic

mobile network deployment in Paraguay. RFS’s

aluminum transmission line will provide the critical

base station-to-antenna link in the global system

for mobile communications (GSM) network

expansion and third-generation (3G) deployment

of one of Paraguay’s leading wireless operator,

Núcleo. With network deployment in the region

moving forward at a rapid rate, reliable and easy-

to-deploy RF technologies—such as CELLFLEX

Lite—present the ideal solution.

When Núcleo embarked on the fast-track design

and deployment of its GSM network expansion

and 3G network deployment, the company

issued a request for cost-effective RF solutions

that did not compromise network performance

—CELLFLEX Lite was the obvious choice. In fact,

Radio Frequency Systems supplied Núcleo with a

complete ‘Lite’ transmission line solution—cable,

jumpers and connectors. RFS’s supply scope

included 80 kilometers (50 miles) of CELLFLEX

Lite, as well as associated jumper cables and RFS’s

OMNI FIT connectors.

Before making its selection, Núcleo stipulated that

the CELLFLEX Lite fulfill its rigorous acceptance

test. Subjected to the rigors of everyday wireless

9C O V E R S T O R Y

Many parts of Asia are currently

experiencing extreme growth. Asia’s

industries are flourishing and its urban

centers are expanding at a relentless

rate, attracting increasing levels of local

and international investment. Nowhere

is this more evident than the local

communications arena, which

is seeing the rapid roll-out

of communications infra-

structure—much of it wireless.

As a result, local carriers

and network providers

are seeking cost-effective

high-performance RF

solutions to help fast-track

the deployment of reliable

wireless networks.

From a transmission line perspective, the northern

Asia-Pacific region is one of the most competitive

in the world. The region is home to numerous

transmission line manufacturers, which has

Asia’s biggest wireless system houses and

carriers,” said Zhu. “Initially, it was a challenge

to demonstrate to our customers’ engineers,

that our aluminum transmission line meets,

or even surpasses, their electrical performance

criteria. With CELLFLEX Lite this has been

straighforward—its electrical performance

is superior to some competing copper

transmission cables. CELLFLEX Lite also retains

the superior mechanical properties of RFS’s

renowned copper CELLFLEX cable series. ”

With the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, fast

approaching, local carriers are under pressure to

quickly equip new indoor and outdoor facilities

and infrastructure with wireless connectivity.

“CELLFLEX Lite offers a lightweight solution

to assist this rapid roll-out of wireless network

infrastructure,” Zhu explained. “CELLFLEX Lite

goes some way to streamlining this deployment

process. It is the lightest RF transmission cable

on the market today, making it incredibly easy

to transport, handle and install.”

CELLFLEX Lite: Proven in Paraguay

Asia sees the ‘Lite’

created a situation where supply greatly

outweighs demand. This, coupled with the

rising global copper price, has dictated that

RF solution providers develop innovative cost-

effective RF solutions. Here, RFS leads the way

with the development of CELLFLEX Lite.

According to RFS Area Product Manager, Zhu

Du-qing, CELLFLEX Lite offers an alternative

price-point and performance combination for

establishing the base station to antenna RF link. “It

is this combination of technical performance and

cost-effectiveness that is making CELLFLEX

Lite so attractive to network operators in the

region,” he said. “Now, more than ever, local

carriers are looking for alternative ways of

delivering quality mobile services and coverage

to both urban and rural users.”

Since its introduction to the global market in

2006, CELLFLEX Lite has been deployed across

many indoor and outdoor wireless networks

in Asia. “RFS has supplied several thousand

of kilometers of CELLFLEX Lite to some of

and international investment. Nowhere

Fuelled by a unique demographic, geographic

and economic mix, Vietnam’s wireless communi-

cations sector is experiencing explosive growth.

Similar to nearby nations, India and China,

Vietnam’s fixed telephone line penetration is

low. Less than five percent of the population has

access to fixed-line services. With a staggering

65 percent of the population under the age of

30, it’s not surprising that Vietnam has already

experienced a mobile boom. This ‘young’

country is growing up with a wireless commu-

nications culture right from the start.

Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade

Organization (WTO) in January 2007 has

catalyzed this growth, with joint-venture

foreign investment pouring into the country.

The resultant ‘opening-up’ of the Vietnam’s

wireless sector has had a profound effect on

competitiveness in the marketplace, and accel-

erated the improvement of wireless services

across the country.

Symbolic of the wireless industry’s rise, Vietnam’s

first communications satellite, Vinasat 1, was

sent into orbit in April 2008, extending the reach

of wireless services to the remotest areas of the

country. The launch was timely, coinciding with

efforts by government and major operators to

rapidly drive wireless coverage throughout the

vastly populated regional areas of the country.

Vietnam’s ‘rural majority’ demographic is

powering the deployment of wireless infra-

structure, which is notoriously faster to roll-out

than fixed-line services. Wireless technologies,

such as WiMAX [Worldwide Interoperability for

Microwave Access], offer the Vietnamese a new

broadband coverage option, and the option to

forego, or ‘leap-frog’, the rollout of fixed-line

infrastructure.

“It’s important to appreciate that there is only

a small proportion of the total Vietnamese

population living in the cities,” said Fred Rees,

Vice President, Sales and Marketing for RFS Asia

Pacific. “With the majority of people living in

rural areas, it is mobile phone take-up that is

driving growth. It’s a huge market that is moving

ahead quickly.”

Vietnam’s telecom chargeVietnam’s wireless landscape is comprised

of several significant second-generation (2G)

Global System for Mobile Communications

(GSM) providers, and Code Division Multiple

Access (CDMA) networks. Until recently,

Vietnam’s GSM services were dominated by

two operators run by the Vietnam Post and

Telecommunications Group (VNPT): Vinaphone,

and Mobifone. However, in the past few years,

expansive infrastructure development programs,

undertaken by the Ministry of Defense-run

Viettel, has seen the company emerge as leader

with respect to base station numbers.

Recent price drops by Vietnam’s GSM operators

have generated the fiercest competition yet.

Amid this activity, a new operator, GTel, has

been granted a GSM license, and will begin

wireless rollouts later this year. A joint venture

between the government and Russian giant

VimpelCom, GTel exemplifies the influx of

foreign capital into the sector.

The CDMA market in Vietnam consists of more

focused networks and infrastructure invest-

ments. With one CDMA operator—Hanoi

Telecom—in the process of switching over to

GSM, there will be more breathing room for

other CDMA carriers, like EVN Telecom. The

potential for delivering wireless broadband

internet services is important to CDMA in

Vietnam, with the remaining carriers expected

to launch wireless internet services in 2008.

Vietnam’s surging wireless network infra-

structure growth has seen network operators

faced with an increasing range of operational and

deployment challenges. Issues of interference,

siting, and infrastructure sharing are demanding

greater attention, with operators searching-out

sophisticated RF solutions. Here, RFS is playing

a leading role. RFS’s expertise in RF filtering and

broadband antenna technology has seen the

company’s reputation as technology supplier

and solutions provider escalate, as operator and

network density grow. This, coupled with RFS’s

global experience in providing fully engineered

tailored RF solutions, is making the company the

first choice many of Vietnam’s wireless commu-

nications providers.

License to growWhile billions continue to be poured into the

rollout of 2G networks, 2008/2009 will see

significant steps towards establishing 3G

services in Vietnam. The government intends to

award four 3G licenses in 2008, with applica-

Propelled by an influx of foreign investment, and strong economic and geographic drivers for wireless adoption, Vietnam’s wireless communications sector is growing at a phenomenal rate—growth supported by RFS’s suite of tailored RF solutions.

Wireless Vietnam on the move

10

has had ongoing involvement with broadcast

projects in Vietnam, building a reputation as a

broadcast expert within the region,” said Rees.

“We were involved in the 2007 upgrade of the

VTV 2 and 3 services and continue to play a role

in this project.”

The first tender for digital TV rollout

has also been given the go-ahead for

later in the

year. “There’s

an enormous

amount of work

to be done, with

a number of VTV

regions releasing

tenders and

expanding their

networks,” said

Rees. “It’s easy

to assume that

analog is dead, and everybody is going to

digital, however there is a huge amount of

analog network expansion going on in the

Vietnamese market. Yes, Vietnam is moving to

digital, but right now there is still a significant

amount of analog network expansion in the

broadcast sector.”

The wireless communications sector in Vietnam,

as with much of the country, is on the cusp of

significant change. “The whole landscape is

changing, in terms of who is coming into the

Vietnamese communications market,” said

Rees. “Until recently, the telecom industry was

a fairly closed environment, but that is no longer

the case. The immediately noticeable thing is

that it has become a much more competitive

environment.”

The move of 3G from the horizon to a

tangible reality is only months away. As full

foreign ownership opportunities move closer,

the country is seeing stunning fast-paced

expansion, as operators reach out to the

nation’s more remote wireless users. With a

new round of WiMAX trials underway, falling

handset prices, and sustained growth of

television and radio coverage throughout the

country, Vietnam’s wireless sector is on the

move. With the experience and commitment

to the support this growth, RFS solutions will

be moving with it.

11R E G I O N A L F O C U S

tions accepted from the

country’s existing stable of

licensed 2G operators. Given

that Mobifone, Vinaphone and

Viettel are widely expected to be

awarded licenses, there promises to

be an interesting contest for the fourth

license. The entrance of new player, GTel,

into the GSM market, is well timed for the new

operator to hit 3G running.

In developing its own 3G licensing model, the

Vietnamese government has drawn on the

experience of overseas 3G licensing processes,

releasing hundreds of license criteria to operators

in April, 2008. With applications submitted, and

successful applicants expected to be announced

later this year, the stage is set for the next act in

Vietnam’s wireless development.

While 3G will usher in a raft of new communica-

tions functionality and subscriber growth, this

will be initially limited to the small proportion

of the population in the urban centers. As a

result, demand for 3G functionality is in its

early stages. Nevertheless, Vietnam’s

huge demographic of a young,

mobile phone-loving population

will demand the latest services,

sooner rather than later.

Will WiMAX work?It is not surprising that WiMAX is

tipped to produce ‘big things’ in

Vietnam. The potential to provide

fixed wireless and internet services to the vast

rural population of Vietnam holds enormous

promise for the success of WiMAX. With

Vietnam’s enormous rural population, coupled

with the minimal fixed services to these areas, it

can be argued that Vietnam needs WiMAX.

“The lack of fixed infrastructure for Digital

Subscriber Line (DSL) means the ability to deliver

Internet to regional areas will be a huge driving

force for WiMAX,” said Rees. “Its success may

depend on who rolls it out. If it’s pushed by

the ‘big three’ it will almost certainly succeed.

Providing Internet services to the population is

a huge market.”

In 2006, a first round of WiMAX trials were

carried out by several service providers. Despite

good results, the expec-

tation that this would lead to

the selection of several operators

to offer fixed wireless services didn’t

eventuate. This was due, in-part, to the

relatively high-cost of WiMAX devices. Aided by

WTO obligations, and a leap in retail competi-

tiveness in the handset market in Vietnam, this

cost issue will be reduced. 2008 has already seen

a fresh round of mobile WiMAX trials commis-

sioned by the government, and the outlook

for WiMAX’s mobile incarnation in Vietnam

remains positive.

A fast-track futureAlong with the drive to deliver mobile services

throughout the country, Vietnam has also

continued to push the expansion of its national

UHF analog television services, Vietnam Television

(VTV), and the national FM radio network, the

Voice of Vietnam (VOV). RFS has been heavily

involved in supporting these upgrades. “RFS

Hanoi

Lao Cai

Haiphong

Hong Gai

Vinh

Hue

Da Nang

Quy Nhon

Nha Trang

Cam Ranh

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Long Xuyen

Can Tho

The ‘WIMAX mobile’ standard also supports

multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) antenna

signal processing. Such MIMO base station/

handset architectures will push spectral

efficiency, throughput and quality of service into

an entirely new performance domain.

WiMAX profiles support both frequency-division

duplex (FDD) and time-division duplex (TDD)

implementations, although it is believed that—in

a data-centric market—TDD will dominate. TDD

brings spectral convenience in that it is more

spectrally efficient for the ‘bursty’ asymmetric

nature of data services.

From a bandwidth and spectrum allocation

perspective, WiMAX is particularly flexible.

There is no uniform global license spectrum

for WiMAX; it is broadly defined across an

expanse of spectrum that spans 2 to 6GHz

and 10 to 66GHz, although the WiMAX

forum has published three spectrum profiles

for 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5GHz. It also allows scalable

channel bandwidths, which can range in size

from 5 to 20MHz.

WiMAX’s distinctive throughput, physical

range, data-centric nature and flexibility carve

out exciting market prospects. It offers great

potential for greenfield operators in niche

markets; it presents great opportunity for

coverage in areas previously unserviced by

traditional broadband services; and it will offer

commercial enterprises new levels of broadband

access diversity. It is for these reasons that the

technology has attracted a broad range of

industry supporters, including large and small

OEMs, chip suppliers and service providers, plus

a clutch of global software players. The latter is

most telling in a wireless market that is quickly

moving from voice to data.

At end-2007, more than 350 WiMAX trials

and deployments were underway in over 65

countries around the world. Leading adopters

were USA, Spain, Brazil and Australia—all ‘big

geography’ countries with widely distributed

populations.

WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for

microwave access) is a strongly standards-based

broadband wireless technology that is predicted

to satisfy a wide range of wireless communica-

tions applications. Policed by the industry body,

the WiMAX Forum, the WiMAX standard is

offered in two variants: one for fixed/portable

applications (the IEEE 802.6d ‘fixed/portable

WiMAX’) and the other for mobile (the IEEE

802.16e ‘mobile WiMAX’).

Theoretically, the IEEE 802.16 can realize data

throughput rates as high as 72Mbps with cell

sizes as broad as 50km (30 miles). In practi-

cality, the standard has demonstrated data

throughputs of 40Mbps in the fixed/portable

variant, for cells ranging in size from three to

10km (2 to 6 miles), and 15Mbps in cells up to

3km (2 miles) in size with ‘mobile WiMAX’.

While such performance might imply that WiMAX

could go head-to-head with 3G cell-based

technologies such as universal mobile telecommu-

nications system (UMTS) and code division multiple

access (CDMA) 2000, market analysts suggest

that WiMAX will find its greatest application as a

‘cable- and digital subscriber line (DSL)-alternative’

for fixed/portable broadband data applications.

The strongest business case currently for WiMAX

will see it deployed in localized hot-spots where

market demand is greatest.

Advanced technologyPerhaps WiMAX’s most distinctive character-

istic is the modulation technique on which

it is founded: orthogonal frequency division

multiple access (OFDMA). OFDMA is the key

RF air interface defined for both 3GPP long-

term evolution (LTE) and ultra mobile

broadband (UMB) 4G technologies, and for

good reason. When compared with conven-

tional code- or time-division modulation

systems, OFDMA provides significant

improvements in spectral efficiency, non

line-of-sight (NLOS) performance, and data

throughput.

The flexibility challengeIronically, the inherent flexibility of the

WIMAX platform that is so attractive to

carriers and spectrum regulators, presents

serious challenges to technology developers.

The absence of a single dominant WiMAX

licensed spectrum and channel bandwidth

thwarts the economy-of-scale advantages

typically enjoyed by global technologies, and

slows development. This impacts on all fronts:

base station technologies, handsets and RF/

tower-top systems.

Further WiMAX challenges stem from its

elevated frequency allocations. These present

RF technology groups with link-budget

problems and reduced cell sizes, while base

station OEMs face significant challenges in

developing the higher powers required in the

power amplifiers (PAs), particularly at 3.5GHz

and above. Small cell sizes and low power

levels result in radiating-point intensive and

granular WiMAX networks.

Similarly, the complex spectrum allocations of

WiMAX, coupled with its predicted ‘hot-spot’

style deployments, will inevitably present

new and challenging co-location interference

scenarios. WiMAX filters will need to be

tailored to suit the unique frequencies, channel

bandwidths and co-location scenarios of each

region. The unpredictable and critical nature of

such co-location interference has focused the

attention of key RF technology players.

In this area, Radio Frequency Systems is

working with OEMs and carriers to develop

a range of WiMAX integrated base station

filters—classic cavity filters, ceramics and

hybrids—to meet these needs. Most partic-

ularly, RFS is exploring the development of

a generic narrow-band filter that would

be ‘site configurable’ to suit the wide

range of prospective requirements with

both the bandwidth and centre frequency

being adjustable—a generic WiMAX filter

to meet most needs. This will provide the

W I R E L E S S I N F R A S T R U C T U R E S O L U T I O N S

The world of WiMAX WiMAX promises much to a wide range of mainstream and niche wireless sector players. It also presents some significant challenges from an RF and network planning perspective.

12

(9.5 miles) to the non base-band RRH radio

components located at the base of the tower

or the tower-top.

The RRH approach makes great sense in the

WiMAX domain. The reduced line losses and

at-tower amplification support WiMAX’s

inherent PA power limitations, while the

‘hotel-and-fiber’ approach streamlines

network deployment, particularly given the

granular nature of WiMAX site mapping.

MIMO and the futureThe attraction of MIMO solutions in the

WiMAX domain are tempered somewhat by

its non-standard band and channel alloca-

tions. Currently, WiMAX MIMO antenna

solutions are tailored to suit—in essence, the

OEM’s MIMO signal processing design and the

MIMO antenna solution are ‘tuned’ together

as a matched pair. RFS is currently working to

obviate this problem, by developing a cross-

polarized ‘generic’ MIMO antenna solution—an

open-interface MIMO antenna solution that

will suit multiple OEMs and a wide range of

spectrum allocations. The ‘off-the-shelf’ nature

of this solution will provide enormous price-

point advantages, plus faster site deployment

cycle times.

The ultimate evolutionary goal for WiMAX is to

realize the International Telecommunications

Union’s 4G ‘Next Generation Mobile Network’

objectives—100Mbps mobile and 1Gbps

fixed/portable throughput. Here, much effort

is being focused on beam-forming, MIMO

and ‘smart antenna’ solutions, coupled with

advanced signal processing algorithms. This is

a clear indicator of the importance of the RF

interface in the WiMAX realm. Perhaps more

than any platform before it, RF technology will

play a pivotal role in the commercial success

and evolution of WiMAX.

Tower-mount amplifiers (TMAs) specifically

designed for TDD application will also be

required. Here, RFS has developed unique

WiMAX TDD TMAs that automatically switch

between transmit and receive bursts in precise

synchronization with the base station. WiMAX

duplexers, diplexers and triplexers will, no doubt,

be added to this mix.

The transmission line solution applied in

WiMAX’s link-budget-demanding spectrum

must be low-loss and broadband. While premium

attenuation coaxial transmission line solutions

address these needs, other solutions—such as

‘fiber-to-the-tower-top’ (remote radio head

(RRH)) technologies—are also being explored.

RRH architectures centrally house the base-band

radio equipment in so-called ‘hotels’, which

are connected via fiber links of up to 15km

dual benefits of reduced price-point (due to

economy-of-scale), plus a globally common

filter platform.

Tower-top diversityThe diverse range of prospective WiMAX carriers—

and their equally diverse business models—demands

a uniquely wide selection of tower-top solutions.

WiMAX carriers have already demonstrated a need

for conventional single-polarized sector antennas,

cross-polarized single-array sector antennas,

electrical-tilt antennas, beam-forming ‘adaptive

antenna systems’ with multiple arrays, and full

MIMO solutions. In addressing all these needs,

RFS has opted for wideband WiMAX antenna

solutions, which support the broadest range of

WiMAX bands and channels in a limited number

of models.

13W I R E L E S S I N F R A S T R U C T U R E S O L U T I O N S

In recent years, however, the successful

implementation of this strategy has applied

pressure to RFS’s broadcast group to expand its

operations—both at its Australian headquarters

and globally. In response, the initial step was to

re-develop and expand RFS’s broadcast design

and manufacturing headquarters.

Designing ’down under’According to RFS President Broadcasting,

Towers and Defense, Martyn Kemel, a central

aim during the design-phase of the Kilsyth

upgrade was to ensure optimized work flow at

all stages of production. Rather than arranging

the manufacturing activities around existing

infrastructure, the design team reconfigured

the entire site to suit the ideal flow of work in

a broadcast design and manufacturing facility.

Ease of communications across the site was

equally important. At the new Kilsyth facility,

design engineers are deliberately located close

to the manufacturing area, to foster constant

interaction and exchange of ideas.

“We sought input from the entire workforce

to optimize the design of the new facilities,”

says Kemel. “Through a system of project

consultations, everyone had a chance to

put their views forward and ensure that any

production requirements could be addressed.

This process led to the original plans being

changed and improved. From the streamlined

cleaning and painting areas, to the specially-

designed cranes, efficiency and safety have

been designed into every stage of the manufac-

turing process. The result is a purpose-built

environment, ideal for manufacturing our

entire range of broadcast solutions.”

New facilities on opposite sides of the globe

have confirmed Radio Frequency Systems’

status as a pace-setter in the broadcast

industry. A new purpose-built manufacturing

center at RFS’s broadcast headquarters in

Kilsyth, in Melbourne Australia, became fully

operational in January, 2008. Meanwhile, at

Haddenham, 125km (78 miles) from London

in the UK, RFS has constructed an antenna

assembly facility and test range, closely

modeled on the larger, 10,000 square meter

Kilsyth site.

These cutting-edge facilities have opened at

a time of growth and change in the global

broadcast industry, initiated by the rapid intro-

duction of digital services. Alternative delivery

models, convergence of technologies, and

the prospect of mobile TV are fueling further

advances. In this fast-moving environment, RFS

has undertaken innovative broadcast projects

across all parts of the globe—from Vietnam and

Indonesia to Brazil and the UK. Such an extensive

geographic reach reflects RFS’s determination

to provide customized broadcast engineering

solutions, backed by advanced technology and

premium support, regardless of location.

Kemel says that maintaining full production

during the construction phase was a critical

requirement. Building contractors were

aware that RFS’s manufacturing deadlines

took higher priority. “If an antenna had to

be tested, for example, construction in that

area would be halted until the testing was

completed,” he says. “This added to the

complexity of the project, but the reasons for

this approach were well-understood.”

The new Kilsyth facility incorporates a number

of innovative developments to minimize its

environmental footprint. Internal walls are

insulated to maintain ambient temperature

and reduce noise levels, and modern skylights

enhance natural light and reduce energy

usage. Processes that require water employ

recycling systems, and hot water is provided

by solar heating. Instead of being wasted, heat

from air compressors is diverted to the paint

drying area. Such innovations have earned the

new RFS Australia facility local awards for its

contribution to improved sustainability.

B R O A D C A S T

Built for broadcastBrand-new purpose-built broadcast equipment facilities in Australia and the UK have cemented RFS as a leader in the global broadcast sector. Fitted out with the latest in design, manufacturing and testing technology, the new facilities provide industry with premium access to RFS’s extensive portfolio of broadcast solutions.

14

The Kilsyth and Haddenham facilities are fitted out with the

latest in design, manufacturing and testing technology.

The design team reconfigured the entire Kilsyth site to

ensure optimized work flow at all stages of production.

Digital BritainIn Europe, RFS’s heavy involvement in the

digital switchover (DSO) program in the UK

inspired the decision to expand operations

in the region. A strong local presence would

simplify participation in a project requiring

the upgrade of some 1,150 sites across the

country. Existing RFS premises at Haddenham

afforded an ideal site for the establishment

of a broadcast antenna assembly facility and

test range.

The design principles of the Haddenham facility

were identical to those at Kilsyth. Attention to

safety, streamlined workflow and communica-

tions were paramount. Opened in April 2008,

the new assembly and test facility also serves

as RFS’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and India

(EMAI) distribution center for switch-frames,

combiners, and monitoring systems.

As well as upgrading its facilities at Haddenham,

RFS has strengthened its UK-based team of

broadcast specialists. In conjunction with the

RFS broadcast technical sales and support

center at nearby Warwick, this team is able

to provide unsurpassed support to clients,

not only in Europe, but also across the entire

EMAI region.

According to RFS UK Managing Director, Brian

Vines, the local RFS engineers worked closely

with broadcast experts from RFS Australia

throughout the upgrade process. “Following

a successful period of technology transfer,

we have now developed a strong engineering

team here in the UK, with detailed knowledge

of the entire broadcast RF chain—including

antennas, filters and combiners,” he says.

“Thanks to the expertise we have acquired,

the RFS UK team not only assembles and tests

antennas, but can also provide value-added

services such as on-site filter or combiner

re-tuning, a common requirement when

equipment is re-deployed or upgraded.”

Global linksThe Haddenham assembly and test range

facilities represent a significant step in the

development of the broadcast industry in

the UK. “Local assembly and

testing is reducing lead times,

and importantly, the strength-

ening of the engineering group

boosts support in Europe and the

wider region,” says Vines. “With

the opening of the Haddenham

facility, and completion in April of

RFS’s first UK-assembled 144-panel

antenna, RFS has embarked on a

new era in serving the region’s

broadcast industry.”

The close ties between the two

new broadcast facilities in the UK

and Australia have enabled RFS to

provide new levels of engineering

service and logistical support to

broadcasters in both hemispheres.

Whether taking delivery of a single

antenna array, or a fully-engineered

broadcast solution, broadcasters and

transmission service providers have

access to quicker turnaround times,

enhanced delivery profiles, and

optimized tracking and reporting

processes.

“RFS takes the approach of working closely

with broadcast network operators,” says

Kemel. “It is important to have resources

readily available. This proximity also

allows us to better understand the

requirements of local broadcasters. With

two state-of-the art broadcast facil-

ities providing complementary services

from opposite sides of the globe, this

latest expansion means access to RFS’s

extensive portfolio of broadcast solutions

is never far away.”

15Guests toured RFS’s new UK-based broadcast antenna

assembly facility and test range at the Haddenham site’s

official open day. B R O A D C A S T

various different aperture sizes and

dimensions are typically available.

• Coupling loss: This is a measure of the signal

loss between the cable and a test receiver at

a distance of 2m (6.5ft), and is influenced by

the transmission modes that are occurring.

Generally two different physical modes

carry the electromagnetic energy from the

radiating cable into the air: the coupling

mode and the radiating mode.

• Longitudinal loss: This is a measure of

signal loss along a cable. Lower coupling

loss usually results in higher longitudinal loss

and vice versa. Both values are frequency

dependent.

• System loss: This is the sum of longitudinal

loss and coupling loss. Usually system loss

increases down the length of the cable,

but it is possible to design a cable where

the coupling loss is decreased gradually

to improve system loss performance and

increase the service length.

Coupling loss measurementAs stated, coupling loss is derived from the ratio

(in dB) between the signal in the cable and the

signal received by a half-wavelength dipole

antenna. Coupling loss, as well as longitudinal

attenuation of radiating cables, is measured

by the free space method according to the

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

standard IEC 61 196-4, Coaxial Communication

Cables Part 4: Sectional Specification for

Radiating Cables.

in curved spaces where traditional antennas

(requiring line-of-sight for coverage) are inappro-

priate. They also work well in constructions with

a metal frame, or where the signal needs to be

limited to a small radius (a few meters). The

ability to tailor coverage also minimizes the risk

of co-channel interference in larger systems by

preventing overlap of coverage zones.

Since its inception in the 1970s, radiating

cable has evolved to accommodate broadband

communications that deliver advanced

functionality, high network capacity and

improved spectrum efficiency. Today’s

broadband radiating cable forms the

backbone of a vast variety of wireless indoor

communications systems; these include

commercial second and third-generation

networks, essential and emergency services

communications networks, wireless local area

networks (WLAN), worldwide interoperability for

microwave access (WiMAX), and mobile TV.

Technical parametersThe most important parameters to consider

when specifying radiating cable are:

• Frequency range: The operating

frequency that a cable is optimized

for is dependent on the design of the

apertures in the cable’s outer conductor.

For this reason, radiating cables with

Radiating cables, or ‘leaky feeders’, are one of

the cornerstones of Wireless INdoor Solutions

(WINS)–dedicated wireless infrastructure instal led

within a building, tunnel or complex, that provides

wireless coverage where signals from outdoor

base stations cannot penetrate. Essentially

designed to ‘leak’ RF signal along the full length

of the cable, radiating cable allows precise

‘contouring’ of RF coverage in areas with unique

and/or confined geometries.

In principle, radiating cable has identical

construction to foam-dielectric transmission

line, with an inner and outer conductor in

coaxial configuration, separated by a low-loss

foam-dielectric. However, the difference is in

the inclusion of thousands of apertures (or

slots) along the length of the outer conductor

(Figure 1). These correspond to thousands of RF

emission points, allowing the power output to be

rationalized along the cable length, despite a

single radio source.

In this way, distribution of the RF signal can

be tailored. Radiating cable is therefore ideal

Radiating cable revealed

Figure 1: RADIAFLEX cable construction Figure 2: Test document for coupling loss measurements according to IEC 61 196-4

16 R F T E C H N O L O G Y 1 0 1

17

Figure 3:The sum of longitudinal loss (al) and coupling loss (ac) defines the system loss. Figure 4: Example of a typical system loss measurement of an RFS Vario cable

This measurement of the radiated signal level

involves moving a half-wavelength dipole

antenna along the cable at a distance of 2m

(6.5ft). The sampled values of coupling loss vary

along the cable due to the superposition of signals

of varying phase. They also vary depending upon

the spatial orientation of the half-wavelength

dipole antenna (orthogonal, radial, or parallel).

According to IEC 61 196-4, coupling loss values

are either spatially averaged data, or given for a

specific antenna orientation.

Typically, two coupling loss values are

specified:

• 50 percent reception probability: where

50 percent of all measured samples are

better than the stated figure.

• 95 percent reception probability: where

95 percent of all measured samples are

better than the stated figure.

The 95 percent value, as well as the difference

between the two values, helps the system

designer in assessing and calculating the

availability of the link (Figure 2).

System loss in practical environmentsAs stated, system loss is the sum of longitudinal

loss (attenuation) and coupling loss. In practical

environments (such as tunnels, buildings

and underground garages), the influence of

conducting, reflecting or ‘lossy’ surfaces has to

be considered. This is done by employing the

following two measures:

• Usingstand-offclampsduringinstallationto

minimize the influence of lossy walls.

• Usinga10-15dBsafetymargintocoverthe

difference between the environment during

factory measurement (‘free space’), and in

the actual situation (such as buildings and

tunnels).

Normally, the coupling loss in tunnel installa-

tions differs from the free space loss, as more

multi-path effects occur. They depend on the

tunnel factors such as cross section and material.

Radio Frequency Systems has been collecting

data on the effects of various profiles, at various

frequencies for more than 40 years, and can

assist in quantifying these effects (Figure 3).

These studies have led to the development of

a radiating cable that exhibits graded coupling

loss. ‘Steps’ have been introduced into the

coupling loss profile by means of specially

designed aperture configurations. The result

is a radiating cable that features longitudinal

sections of decreasing coupling loss. The

purpose of this is to compensate for longitudinal

loss (attenuation) and yield an almost constant

system loss along the length of the cable

(Figure 4). This significantly increases the service

length of the cable, since normally system loss

increases with distance.

A particularly attractive feature of this principle is

the small dynamic range, which is only a fraction

that of ‘normal’ radiating cables. An important

system planning parameter, the dynamic range

is limited by the performance of the active

components. Since cable attenuation varies with

frequency, the compensation is only precise for

one given frequency range. However, the cable

performs adequately at other frequencies as

well, even when total compensation does not

take place.

Introducing RADIAFLEXRFS’s foam-dielectric coaxial radiating cable,

RADIAFLEX, is engineered to provide an

optimized combination of advanced electrical

and mechanical performance. It is comprised

of an inner and outer conductor in coaxial

configuration, separated by a low-loss foam

dielectric. The outer conductors are made of

either an overlapping copper foil (ALF, RLF,

RLK, RLV, RAY models) or of seam-welded and

corrugated copper (RCF, RSF models).

One of the major advantages of radiating cable

is its ability to transmit and distribute broadband

RF. RFS categorizes its RADIAFLEX family of

radiating cable into groups, according to common

applications for mobile telecommunication:

• ALF, RLF series for heavy duty wideband

applications

• RLK series for applications requiring low

coupling loss variations

• RLVseries(‘Vario’)forapplicationsrequiring

graded coupling loss and near-constant

system loss and low amplitude variation

• RAY series for high-frequency applications

requiring low coupling loss variations

• RCF series for heavy-duty applications

demanding small bending radii

• RSFseriesforinstallationsinvehiclesrequiring

sharp bending radii

The primary difference between these RADIAFLEX

cable series is associated with the configuration of

the outer conductor apertures, which determine

the interaction between the inner coaxial system

and the external environment. This influences

all the important electrical parameters, such as

frequency range, attenuation, coupling loss and

susceptibility to environmental conditions.

ClearFill Line WINS at Beijing Games

The TETRA system is designed to carry

emergency communications signals

throughout the entire Line 10 and Olympic

Branch Line subway network. As well as

operating within the twin tunnels and

station platform areas, the system extends

to the lines’ railway sidings, associated office

buildings, and importantly, the fast-moving

metro trains themselves.

Following a smooth installation program that

commenced in May 2007, the new Beijing

metro ClearFill Line system was commis-

sioned in early 2008. With passenger services

scheduled to commence in mid-2008, the

new subway is set to form a key part of the

Beijing Metro network.

Passengers traversing the Beijing Metro to

reach the Olympic Games’ venues in August

will be among the first to use the new Beijing

Line 10 and the connecting Olympic Branch

Line. Supporting the communications system

of the two lines is ClearFill Line—part of

Radio Frequency Systems’ Wireless INdoor

Solutions (WINS) family. It provides premium

wireless coverage in the Beijing Line 10 and

Olympic Branch Line tunnels via a passive

network of radiating cable and distributed

antennas.

RFS’s RADIAFLEX radiating cable, omnidi-

rectional and panel antennas, CELLFLEX

foam-dielectric cable, and accessories have

been deployed along 24.7km (15.4 miles) of

Line 10, and 4km (2.5 miles) of the Olympic

Branch Line. This ClearFill Line solution

supports the metro’s terrestrial trunked radio

(TETRA) services, which operate in the 806 to

821MHz and 851 to 866MHz bands.

At the CommunicAsia 2008 exhibition in June,

Radio Frequency Systems will showcase a variety

of innovative RF technologies—a suite of solutions

that is proving essential to Asia’s rapidly evolving

wireless communications landscape.

“Wireless network rollout is at an all-time high,

right across the Asian region,” said RFS Asia

Pacific South Marketing Director, Peter Walters.

“We’re witnessing a significant increase in

wireless coverage enhancement projects in

many of Asia’s urban centers. This, coupled

with region’s insatiable demand for leading-

edge broadband wireless data solutions—and

RFS exhibits a ‘rich mix’ at CommunicAsia 2008

WiMAX is a clear case-in-point—has created an

immediate need for a wide variety of uniquely

tailored RF solutions. Today, the RF infrastructure

demands of Asia’s wireless sector are as varied

as they are complex.”

Here, RFS leads the way, providing a rich mix

of RF solutions to fast-track network rollout,

achieve premium wireless coverage—indoor

and outdoor—as well as accommodating new

wireless technologies such as WiMAX.

A number of RFS’s RF solutions will be on show

at CommunicAsia 2008. To learn more of RFS’s

innovative RF solution set, visit RFS at:

CommunicAsia 2008

17 to 20 June 2008

Hall 5, stand 5H2-01

Singapore Expo,

1 Expo Drive, Singapore

True online business is one step closer with the

launch of ‘myRFS’ at Radio Frequency Systems’

web site, www.RFSWorld.com. The interactive

system allows RFS and its business partners

to exchange generic and customer-specific

documents—in both directions—with just a few

simple clicks.

Regarded as the next step in the evolution of

the RFS’s ‘extranet’, myRFS is available to all

participants in the ‘RFS World’—customers,

partners, vendors, system integrators and more.

Via a secure link, registered users of myRFS can

upload and/or access a wide variety of infor-

mation, from project specifications and design

documents, to quotation material and product

designs.

According to RFS Vice President Global

Marketing and Strategy, Eric Mariette, myRFS is

not only for office-based users, but can also be

used in the field. “For example, myRFS allows

system integrators to access essential software

online, instead of providing each of their team-

MyRFS means online business

18 I N T O U C H

I N T O U C H 19

DSO comes to Neunkirchen In support of Germany’s digital TV (DTV)

switch-over (DSO), Radio Frequency Systems

has designed, installed and commissioned

a broadband panel antenna system for the

German city of Neunkirchen. On-air now, the

RFS broadcast system is a key component of

a complete six-channel DTV solution provided

by leading German radio and television broad-

caster, Saarländischer Rundfunk (Saarland

Broadcasting). Located in the country’s south-

western state of Saarland, the terrestrial

broadcast system provides DTV coverage to

metropolitan Neunkirchen and beyond.

RFS leveraged its extensive global experience

in broadband DTV solutions, to provide a fully

engineered broadcast RF system, tailored to

the local broadcast environment and weather

conditions. The customized digital broadcast

solution was brought online in record time.

“Due to the extremely cold temperatures

in the Saarland region, the antenna array

support column had to be manufactured

from a carbon-steel alloy rated to -40 degrees

Celsius,” said Hans-Peter Quade, RFS Area

Product Manager for Broadcast and Defense

Systems. “RFS was able to accommodate this

special design requirement without impacting

the strict delivery schedule.”

According to Quade, the new digital video

broadcasting – terrestrial (DVB-T) system

employs a range of the latest RFS technologies.

“The Neunkirchen site features a ten-level,

four-sided RFS PVP vertically polarized panel

array and a switch-frame, while the RF link

between the transmitter and the antenna is

achieved using RFS HELIFLEX coaxial trans-

mission line,” he said.

The Neunkirchen Broadcasting DTV broadcast

system boasts a future-proofed design that is

adaptable to changing broadcast conditions.

“The Neunkirchen digital broadcast system

can accommodate up to six channels,” said

Quade. “The RFS PVP panel array can also

be used to broadcast DVB-H [Digital Video

Broadcasting - Handheld], providing unparal-

leled flexibility to both broadcasters and users.

Saarländischer Rundfunk’s new antenna system

is fully-equipped to provide mobile TV to the

residents of Saarland.”

Saarland Broadcasting’s new broadcast antenna array is

lifted into position at the Neunkirchen site.

MyRFS means online businessmembers with multiple CDs,” he said. “As well

as simplifying operations, this ensures that

correct and up-to-date software versions are

always on-hand. MyRFS exemplifies RFS’s quest

to uphold the highest level of customer service

and efficiency.”

The system has been trialed successfully over a

number of months, and is now fully operational.

“Whether familiar with the RFS extranet, or new

to online interaction with RFS, our customers,

suppliers and others are encouraged to ask their

RFS contacts for access to myRFS,” said RFS

Chief Information Officer and Vice President IT,

John Gu. “A wealth of information is available

to share from day one.”

Radio Frequency Systems has produced

a clear, concise and straightforward

introduction to its innovative

ClearFill Space1 Wireless

INdoor Solutions (WINS)

—the ‘ClearFill Space1

VirtualTour’ DVD.

Designed to provide

a quick and highly-

visual overview of

RFS’s innovative

WINS solution-set,

the DVD can be

obtained by following

the links at RFS’s web

site, www.RFSWorld.com.

The ClearFill Space1 VirtualTour

is the first in a series of DVDs that

present RFS’s comprehensive portfolio

Take the ClearFill Space1 VirtualTour

of RF solutions in an interactive format. The

DVD graphically depicts the challenge of

providing indoor wireless coverage.

Using real-life examples, it then

demonstrates how the

plug-and-play flexibility

RFS’s ClearFill Space1

—an innovative

hybrid passive/active

WINS solution—can

solve the issues. The

illustrative overview is

supported by product

data sheets that provide

in-depth technical detail

—all packaged on a single

DVD.

providing indoor wireless coverage.

Using real-life examples, it then

demonstrates how the

plug-and-play flexibility

RFS’s ClearFill Space1

WINS solution—can

solve the issues. The

illustrative overview is

supported by product

data sheets that provide

in-depth technical detail

is the first in a series of DVDs that

—all packaged on a single

a clear, concise and straightforward

introduction to its innovative

ClearFill Space1 Wireless

INdoor Solutions (WINS)

‘ClearFill Space1

obtained by following

the links at RFS’s web

site, www.RFSWorld.com.

The ClearFill Space1 VirtualTour

DVD graphically depicts the challenge of

introduction to its innovative

ClearFill Space1 Wireless

INdoor Solutions (WINS)

‘ClearFill Space1

obtained by following

the links at RFS’s web

site, www.RFSWorld.com.

The ClearFill Space1 VirtualTour

providing indoor wireless coverage.

Using real-life examples, it then

demonstrates how the

plug-and-play flexibility

RFS’s ClearFill Space1

data sheets that provide

in-depth technical detail

—all packaged on a single

DVD.

R A D I O F R E Q U E N C Y S Y S T E M S

T h e C l e a r C h o i c e ®

Please visit us at www.rfsworld.com