Modular basestation field tool adds antenna test capability
8 May 2002
Test & Measurement
Tektronix, an innovator in test, measurement and monitoring solutions for mobile equipment manufacturers and network operators, has introduced antenna test capability to its proven field maintenance 'tool kit' for wireless communications networks.
To meet subscriber expectations for coverage and Quality of Service (QoS), wireless network operators are constantly striving to accelerate their basestation support activities, including installation, commission- ing, maintenance, and repair. All of these activities typically involve a series of base transceiver station (BTS) measurements. Tektronix' new YBA250 antenna and transmission line tester module for the NetTek field tool adds the capability to execute antenna and transmission line tests at the BTS, supplementing existing features including RF and modulation measurements for base stations.
The new module provides a solution for antenna performance tests such as return loss, cable loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). In addition, the distance-to-fault measurement enables quick detection and localisation of problems in a BTS antenna system and its cable feed, speeding repair work when antenna problems occur. The line tester's factory calibration is valid across the entire frequency and temperature range of the instrument. This saves on time and costs by achieving acceptable accuracy while reducing the need to perform frequent calibrations in the field.
The YBA250 module plugs into the rear-panel module bay of a Tektronix Y350C NetTek mainframe and joins other modules that may be installed, including the company's YBT250 BTS transmitter testing and interference analysis module. In contrast to dedicated antenna test equipment, modular architecture improves efficiency.
Since there is only one instrument and one user interface to master, field technicians do not need lengthy training to operate the NetTek or new antenna test module. After a brief familiarisation, users can rely on the tool's automated and menu-assisted test routines to provide quick accurate antenna measurement results. These results can be used to guide troubleshooting or may be delivered to the network's data management tools to track the basestation's health for preventative maintenance programs.
Channels Measurement Services
0800 11 7850
Further reading:
High-speed AWG generates up to 20 sine waves
Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
Spectrum Instrumentation has released a new firmware option for its range of versatile 16-bit Arbitrary Waveform Generators, with sampling rates up to 1,25 GS/s and bandwidths up to 400 MHz.
Read more...
Digitisers upgraded with pulse generator option
Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
Spectrum Instrumentation has added the Digital Pulse Generator option to its ultrafast digitisers (with up to 10 GS/s speed) and arbitrary waveform generators.
Read more...
Network Master Pro to provide support of OpenZR+
Tamashi Technology Investments
Test & Measurement
Anritsu Corporation has introduced the 400G (QSFP-DD) multi-rate module MU104014B that supports the new interface standard.
Read more...
Upgrade brings extra layer of detection to Fluke’s acoustic imagers
Comtest
Test & Measurement
The firmware 5.0 update helps to boost efficiency and allows maintenance technicians to scan large areas quickly, and visually pinpoint technical issues before they become critical.
Read more...
Companies collaborate on EnviroMeter
Avnet Silica
Test & Measurement
STMicroelectronics and Mobile Physics have joined forces to create EnviroMeter for accurate air-quality monitoring on smartphones. Time-of-flight optical sensing enables an accurate personal air quality monitor and smoke detector.
Read more...
PCB test points
Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
Maintaining these access points in the final production versions will prove invaluable during the life of the equipment for service, adjustment, and debug, or repair activities.
Read more...
RFID reader
Test & Measurement
The EXA81 from Brady turns any smartphone or tablet into a personal radar that can pick up radio signals from all RFID-labelled items.
Read more...
Proximity sensor with VCSEL
Avnet Abacus
Test & Measurement
Vishay’s newest small package proximity sensor, the VCNL36828P, combines low idle current with an I2C interface and smart dual slave addressing.
Read more...
CNH data output devices for AI applications
Altron Arrow
Test & Measurement
STMicroelectronics’ CH family of time-of-flight sensor devices feature compact and normalised histogram (CNH) data output for artificial intelligence applications requiring raw data from a high-performance multizone ToF sensor.
Read more...
Webinar: The key to smart occupancy
Test & Measurement
This one-hour session will allow the attendee to discover the company’s latest infrared sensor with high-sensitivity presence and motion detection capabilities.
Read more...
printer friendly version