VSWR Calculation

Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

Torsten Wulff

Kathrein-Werke KG
Rosenheim PO Box 10 04 44 Phone:+ 49 (0)8031 184 - 0 Fax: +49 (0)8031 184 991
antennas.mobilcom@kathrein.de www.kathrein.de

Kathrein-Werke KG Rosenheim Germany www.kathrein.de Phone: +049 8031 184 - 0

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

How to add different VSWRs

Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

VSWR, Antenna 1.5

VSWR, Feeder Cable / Jumper Cable 1.1

Total VSWR ???

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
How to add VSWR values

Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

Re-calculate the reflection coefficient out of a given VSWR value

VSWR n - 1 rn= 1 + VSWR n

Add two reflection coefficients to recover a new reflection coefficient

r total = r1 + r2
Re-calculate VSWR value out of the new reflection coefficient

VSWR total

1 + r total = 1 - r total
Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
Which values are required to calculate the overall VSWR of a site installation?
Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

VSWR, Antenna VSWR, Feeder Cable Insertion loss, Feeder Cable

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
Example of an improper calculation

Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

VSWR, Antenna (1.5)

VSWR, Feeder Cable (1.1)

VSWR 1.1 + VSWR 1.5 = VSWR 1,66 (worst case) This equals a return loss of 12.2 dB

This calculation considers a lossless cable and is incorrect for a site measurement!

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
Rule of thumb calculation
VSWR, Antenna (1.5) Cable attenuation 3 dB (one way)

Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

VSWR 1.5 = 14 dB return loss Total cable attenuation: 2 x 3 dB insertion loss plus 14 dB = 20 dB 20 dB return loss equals a VSWR of 1.22

This calculation considers a lossy cable with a perfect impedance match!

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
Example of an advanced site calculation
VSWR, Antenna (1.5) VSWR, Cable Connector (1.1) Jumper cable attenuation of 0.5 dB (one way) Cable attenuation 2.5 dB (one way), return loss considered of being better than VSWR 1.05

VSWR, Cable Connector (1.1)

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
Example of an advanced site calculation
VSWR, Antenna (1.5) + VSWR, Cable Connector (1.1) Calculate the total VSWR at the end of the cable to the antenna: VSWR 1.5 + VSWR 1.1 = VSWR total 1,65 VSWR 1.65 = 12.2 dB return loss Jumper Cable Add the cable attenuation twice, since the signal has to pass the cable up to the antenna and down to the connector. Add this attenuation to the upper return loss: 12.2 dB + 1 dB = 13.2 dB Feeder Cable Add the cable attenuation twice 13.2 dB + 5 dB = 18.2 dB Re-calculate the new VSWR value out of the new return loss: 18.2 dB = VSWR 1.28 VSWR measurement at the input connector - WORST CASE CALCULATION ! Add connector VSWR to VSWR of antenna-cable-assembly: VSWR site = VSWR 1.28 + VSWR 1.1 = 1.45 = 14.8 dB return loss
Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
Conclusion
A rule of thumb site calculation is being considered as an appropriated step to get an idea about the expected VSWR performance! Run this calculation prior to a site measurement.

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Calculation
VSWR 1.5 versus VSWR 1.3
Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

VSWR 1.5 Missmatch loss (dB) 0.18

1.4 0.13

1.3 0.08

A difference of only 0.1 dB results comparing a VSWR of 1.5 versus a VSWR of 1.3 - 0.1 dB equals a increased loss of 2%

This value is insignificant small and marginal!

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002

VSWR Statement
Conclusion

Adding different VSWR values VSWR Calculation Site Calculations Improper Calculation Rule of Thumb Calculation Advanced Calculation Conclusion

VSWR of better 1.5 is required for - broadband antennas - antennas with adjustable electrical down tilt All major antenna suppliers are focused on broadband IMT 2000/UMTS antennas VSWR of 1.5 is the world wide standard

Kathrein T. Wulff 08/2002