Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt

H3G CONFIDENTIAL
Hutchison 3G Engineering Documentation

Radio Design Group
Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt
Author:
Michael Roche (Nokia)
Owner: Jamal Khalab (H3G)
Confidenc H3G CONFIDENTIAL

e:
Date: 3.09.01
Status: Draft
Version: D1.0
Title: Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt.

Summary:
A study of the relative merits of using electrical downtilts over mechanical
downtilts in Radio Network Planning.
Document
no.
RD&T\UM&S\045
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var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_6/325361889.doc
Owner: PM RD&T
Status: Issue
Date : 25/06/01
H3G CONFIDENTIAL
Printed On: 31/07/16

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H3G CONFIDENTIAL
Comparison of Electrical and Mechanical Downtilt
Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group
1.1
1.1
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1.2 Document Version History

Version
Date
Author
Reason for Change
D1.0
30.08.0 M. J. Roche
1
First draft
1.3 Distribution List

Name
Organisation/Department
Jamal Khalab, Kassir Hussain, Mike Radio Design & Terminals

Shearme, Geoff Sole
1.4 Content Approval

Name
Organisation/Department
Kassir Hussain
Radio Design & Terminals
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1.5 Contents Page

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
Document Version History......................................................................................

Distribution List......................................................................................................
Content Approval....................................................................................................
Contents Page........................................................................................................
Table of Figures.......................................................................................................
Document Scope........................................................................
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Purpose...................................................................................................................
Intended Audience..................................................................................................
Synopsis.................................................................................................................
References..............................................................................................................
Introduction..............................................................................
Mechanical Downtilt..................................................................
Electrical Downtilt.....................................................................
Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt.....................
Uptilting..................................................................................
7.1 Contrasting the uptilt radiation pattern with downtilt..........................................
Cell Splitting...........................................................................
Environment Type....................................................................
10 Conclusion..............................................................................
11 Bibliography............................................................................
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1.6 Table of Figures

Figure 1 Horizontal Radiation Pattern Mechanical Downtilt
Figure 2 Areas of Interference Mechanical Downtilt
Figure 3 Electrical Downtilt
Figure 4 Vertical radiation pattern 0
Figure 6 Horizontal Radiation Pattern Electrical Downtilt
Figure 7 Areas of Interference Electrical Downtilt
Figure 8 Comparison of Electrical and Mechanical downtilt.
10
Figure 9 Downtilt effect on C/I
10
Figure 10 Co-channel interference
11
Figure 11 Control of cell boundary.
11
Figure 12 Best Server array, 6 Electrical tilt
12
Figure 13 C/I array, 6 Electrical tilt
12
Figure 14 Best Server array 6 Mechanical tilt
12
Figure 15 C/I array 6 Mechanical tilt
12
Figure 16 Vertical radiation pattern: mechanically uptilted antenna.
13
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Document Scope
2.1 Purpose
It is incumbent on radio planners to choose antennas based on sound planning principles.
If downtilting is necessary then there are certain advantages to be had by accommodating the tilt
requirement electrically, rather than achieving the downtilt by mainly mechanical means. It is the
objective of this document to outline the relative merits of using Electrical downtilts.
A decision needs to be taken on the strategy of antenna deployment this will be closely aligned to
the purchasing strategy. Economies of scale will be an issue, for example, three types of antenna
using different preset electrical downtilts will be much cheaper and easier to deploy in the network
than thirty different types of antenna. For future network expansion, cell splitting will be an issue;
so variable electrical downtilts would have certain advantages. It is not the purpose of this
document to define a strategy only to act as a point of reference to assist the decision process
and to aid RF planners when setting the physical parameters of antenna.
2.2 Intended Audience

Senior engineers from the Radio Design group will find this document useful when deciding on a
suitable strategy pertaining to antenna deployment.
RF planning engineers.
2.3 Synopsis
The document introduces the concept of controlling interference by using suitable antenna
downtilts, and relates this to Phase 1 of the optimisation process.
Mechanical downtilts were introduced showing the physical properties and polar radiation
patterns for various downtilt angles. The same analysis was presented for Electrically downtilted
antennas. A further section compared the two methods, describing how electrically downtilted
antennas are intrinsically better in terms of controlling the interference in a network. Results of
similar studies and H3G own internal simulations using the planning tool supported the
comparison.
Uptilting was discussed as a method of achieving the required tilt angle, both the physical
implications and the radiation effects were investigated.
The concluding section brings together the major findings of the study, and implies that
appropriate use of electrical downtilts are necessary in controlling interference and maximising
capacity in a 3G network.
2.4 References
[1] Instructions for interference analysis using Enterprise 3.4.12, RD&T\UM&S\014. J. Khalab &
D. Hemingway, 21st June 2001.
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Introduction
The Phase 1 Optimisation Process [1] showed how to investigate the anticipated intercell
interference that a planned 3G network would generate. This mutual interference termed i (Other
cell interference/own cell interference) can be modelled using the 2g planning tool, by generating
a GSM carrier layer; whereby all sectors of all sites use the same channel. The intercell
interference can then be viewed by generating a Total interference array showing a graduated
C/I plot.
The C/I is mapped to i by the equation: C/I (dB) = 10 Log 10 1/i
e.g. if i = 60% then the C/I = 10 Log
10
1/0.6 = 2.2dB.
The downlink load equation shows that the capacity in a network is largely influenced by i. For a
given load, if i can be reduced (C/I increased) then the offered capacity will increase. The main
scope of the Phase 1 optimisation process was to set the physical parameters of the network
based on maximising coverage, and minimising the intercell interference ratio (i); thereby
increasing capacity.
The physical parameters that can be changed during the optimisation process are site location
and antenna specific parameters such as height, azimuth, beamwidth and tilt. One of the most
influential and easily varied parameters is the antenna tilt. Downtilting the antenna controls the
extent of coverage, reduces interference and thereby increases capacity. Though reducing the
coverage area is desirable when wishing to reduce interference to neighbouring cells, coverage
holes are of course undesirable so a considered approach is required. Moreover the degree and
type of tilt has a major bearing on the transmit patterns of the antenna. By type of tilt we refer to
Electrical or Mechanical, which is the subject of this study.
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Mechanical Downtilt
The majority of antennas are of a predefined fixed electrical tilt type. For further adjustments of
tilt, mechanical tilting is required. Here the adjustment bracket fixed to the antenna is varied to
provide the appropriate tilt angle. The phase relationship of the propagating wave is unchanged,
only the physical angle of the antenna has changed. The result of this procedure is to tilt the main
propagating beam (boresight) downwards by the desired angle. Conversely, any significant back
lobe is uptilted by the same margin which will increase this unintended transmission path.
Mechanical downtilt reduces coverage at the boresight thereby reducing interference. However
mechanical downtilting distorts the 3dB beamwidth of the antenna by increasing it. This means
that there is a less of a reduction in coverage with increasing deviation from the boresight. At
angles perpendicular to the boresight there is no reduction in coverage; moreover the increased
3dB beamwidth means that the planned for isolation between sectors is lost. We can conclude
therefore that mechanical downtilting reduces interference from sites whose coverage overlap the
main beam, though increases interference between adjacent sectors. The first point increases
capacity, the second will decrease capacity
Figure 1 Horizontal Radiation Pattern
Mechanical Downtilt
Figure 2 Areas of Interference Mechanical

Downtilt
compare Fig 6
compare Fig 7
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Electrical Downtilt
Electrical downtilt is achieved by adjusting the phase relationship between the antenna elements
within the radome. These antennas are available with preset downtilt angles or with adjustable
tilts; this is usually achieved by use of an Allen key at the base of the Radome. A further
development which can provide significant benefits is a remotely variable electrically downtilted
antenna, this will be discussed briefly in a later chapter.
Figure 3 Electrical Downtilt
With electrical downtilt, the angle of tilt is constant over the entire azimuth range. The effective RF
3 dB beamwidth is therefore constant and independent of the electrical tilt angle. For antennas
interspaced at 120 degrees, 65 degree antennas are generally chosen since they provide
approximately 10 dB relative gain at the sector edges.
This relationship remains for all angles of electrical downtilt, thus providing a predictable amount
of overlap at the sector edges. Since electrical downtilting reduces the coverage distance for all
azimuth angles, then by allowing easier control of the RF coverage pattern the amount of
interference coming from both neighbouring sites and adjacent sectors can be controlled.
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Figure 6 Horizontal Radiation Pattern

Electrical Downtilt
Figure 7 Areas of Interference Electrical

Downtilt
compare Fig 1
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compare Fig 2
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Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt
A 3G system is interference limited, if the interference can be controlled then it is possible to

maximise capacity in the network. Clearly from the previous chapters there is a clear difference in
the two downtilt mechanisms.
Figure 8 Comparison of Electrical and Mechanical downtilt.
There is a case of diminishing returns, in terms of limiting interference using mechanical downtilts.
At an angle dependent on antenna height, the interference caused by the overlap of the main
lobe is more than offset by the increased interference coming from adjacent sectors. The figure
below shows the result of a study on the C/I effects.
Figure 9 Downtilt effect on C/I
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Figure 6.1 shows that the benefit in using electrical downtilt compared to mechanical tilt is not
confined to keeping the sector isolation ratio intact; because the reduction in interference in
mechanical tilt is only maximum at the boresight, using electrical tilt also reduces the interference
from neighbouring sites more effectively.
Figure 10 Co-channel interference
A further study has shown that using electrical tilt provides better control of the cell boundary than
reducing antenna height.
Figure 11 Control of cell boundary.
Modelling carried out using the RF planning tool shows quite clearly the difference between the
two techniques in terms of best server array and total interference array.
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Figure 12 Best Server array, 6 Electrical tilt
Figure 14 Best Server array 6 Mechanical tilt
Figure 13 C/I array, 6 Electrical tilt
Figure 15 C/I array 6 Mechanical tilt
Comparing plots for electrical and mechanical tilts of 6 degrees it is immediately apparent that the
3dB beamwidth has distorted with mechanical tilting resulting in a worsening C/I relationship
between the sectors.
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Uptilting
Uptilting can be achieved mechanically by altering a tilting bracket located at the base of the
antenna. Electrical uptilting is also possible by using a reversible electrical tilt antenna. Another
method is to use a preset electrical downtilt antenna and positioning it upside down. Here the
drainage hole would have to be sealed, and another hole drilled at the reverse end. However, this
would more than likely make any warranty invalid. Electrical uptilting has few benefits other than
having a constant 3dB beamwidth and is not considered further here.
Mechanically uptilting an antenna will mean the 3dB beamwidth will reduce proportionally, the
gain of the antenna on the boresight therefore will increase since this is a function of beamwidth.
The reverse of the downtilt case is apparent, there is more of coverage reduction off boresight
than on boresight. The ever-decreasing reduction in coverage perpendicular to the boresight
means that the sector isolation will increase. Conversely the backlobe will become downtilted by
the same amount as the main beam was uptilted.
Figure 16 Vertical radiation pattern: mechanically uptilted antenna.
The advantage to mechanically uptilting an antenna, is that the backlobe becomes suppressed
and is subject to a greater degree of attenuation. The disadvantage to mechanically uptilting is
the reduction in 3dB beamwidth of the antenna. For significant uptilt, the increased isolation
between sectors may have to be compensated for by increasing the softer handover margins.
7.1 Contrasting the uptilt radiation pattern with downtilt.

The following plots taken from the planning tool show the various methods of achieving a downtilt
angle of 6 degrees and its affect on the radiation pattern and inter-sector isolation. The
phenomena described above for uptilting is clearly shown( See Figures 21 and 22); notice the
reduction in the 3dB beamwidth and the increased isolation between sectors.
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Figure 17 Best server 6 Electrical tilt
Figure 19 Best server array. 2 El, 4 Mech
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Figure 18 C/I array 6 electrical tilt
Figure 20 C/I plot. 2 El, 4 Mech
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Figure 21 Best Server. 10 El, 4 Mech uptilt
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Figure 22 C/I plot. 10 El, 4 Mech uptilt
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Cell Splitting
Network expansion usually requires cell splitting in order to facilitate extra capacity. This generally
entails reducing the inter-site distance. The cell boundaries of the existing sites are reduced by
downtilting the existing antennas. It is advantageous to plan for such expansion in advance. If
further downtilting cannot be achieved, then swapping out existing antennas is required, this is
wasteful and a result of poor planning. Similarly if downtilting can only be achieved mechanically,
then this is also undesirable due to reasons outlined in the previous chapters. This is where
variable electrical downtilt antennas are a major advantage. New sites can be incorporated into
the network and the interference can be still controlled.
Remotely variable electrical downtilt antennas are now available, such a system would have a
portable hand held controller device that can be connected to an RS 232 connector located for
example at the base of the base station. Suitable software keeps a database of site
configurations, and allows accurate adjustments of tilt angles. These antenna types are of course
more expensive than preset or standard variable antennas but are the most versatile and futureproof.
Standard variable electrical downtilt antennas are a good compromise but an engineer still has to
climb the mast to make any adjustments. This depends to some extent on weather, regulations
and usually requires some site down-time to complete.
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Environment Type
It is logical to assume that when inter-site distances are small that the issue of antenna tilts is
more critical. This is because the coverage thresholds are set at higher levels due to higher
building penetration losses and higher clutter losses. Significant radiated power levels extend
beyond the intended site boundaries, and it is this that contributes to significant interference in
this environment and therefore needs to be minimised. Simulations have shown that the average
downtilt angle necessary is in the order of 8. The level of downtilt used in Suburban areas is
usually of the order of 4. Rural environments rarely require significant downtilt angles, since
coverage is the overriding issue, though tilting is still used to follow ground contours, 2 is a
commonly used angle appropriate for this environment.
A possible antenna strategy therefore would be to acquire antenna types based on preset tilt
angles for different environment types.
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10 Conclusion
The importance of controlling the interference in a 3G network cannot be overstated. One of the
primary methods of minimising unwanted interference is the appropriate use of downtilted
antennas.
Electrical downtilt has a major advantage over mechanical downtilt in that the 3dB beamwidth of
the antenna is constant for any angle of tilt; this enables more control of the RF radiation pattern
and consequently more efficient method of controlling the interference.
A suitable deployment method would be to use several antenna types of varying degrees of
preset electrical downtilt. Generally the more severe downtilt angles are used where inter site
distances are small (Urban environment for example). The antenna with the closest preset
downtilt angle is chosen, fine changes to the tilt angle can be accomplished mechanically, either
by uptilting or downtilting.
A more versatile solution would be to use variable downtilt antennas: here the full range of
downtilts can be accomplished electrically and is the recommended solution for network
expansion. Variable electrical downtilt can be accomplished remotely with some antennas and
this is advantageous when minimising downtime.
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11 Bibliography
www.deltec.telesystems.com
www.rfs.com
End of Document
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H3G CONFIDENTIAL

Hutchison 3G Engineering Documentation

Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt

Michael Roche (Nokia)

Owner: Jamal Khalab (H3G)

Confidenc H3G CONFIDENTIAL

Title: Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt.

Printed On: 31/07/16

Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

Printed On: 31/07/16

Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

1.2 Document Version History

Reason for Change

1.3 Distribution List

Jamal Khalab, Kassir Hussain, Mike Radio Design & Terminals

1.4 Content Approval

Radio Design & Terminals

Printed On: 31/07/16

Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

1.5 Contents Page

Document Version History......................................................................................

Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt.....................

7.1 Contrasting the uptilt radiation pattern with downtilt..........................................

Printed On: 31/07/16

Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

1.6 Table of Figures

Figure 2 Areas of Interference Mechanical Downtilt

Figure 3 Electrical Downtilt

Figure 4 Vertical radiation pattern 0

Figure 5 Vertical radiation pattern 10

Figure 6 Horizontal Radiation Pattern Electrical Downtilt

Figure 7 Areas of Interference Electrical Downtilt

Figure 8 Comparison of Electrical and Mechanical downtilt.

Figure 9 Downtilt effect on C/I

Figure 10 Co-channel interference

Figure 11 Control of cell boundary.

Figure 12 Best Server array, 6 Electrical tilt

Figure 13 C/I array, 6 Electrical tilt

Figure 14 Best Server array 6 Mechanical tilt

Figure 15 C/I array 6 Mechanical tilt

Figure 16 Vertical radiation pattern: mechanically uptilted antenna.

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2.2 Intended Audience

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Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

Figure 2 Areas of Interference Mechanical

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Figure 5 Vertical radiation pattern 10

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Figure 6 Horizontal Radiation Pattern

Figure 7 Areas of Interference Electrical

Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

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Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

Comparison of Mechanical and Electrical Downtilt

A 3G system is interference limited, if the interference can be controlled then it is possible to

Printed On: 31/07/16

Hutchison 3G Radio Design Group

Printed On: 31/07/16