Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev.

AWS
LIBERTY PROJECT

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
FOR
ANTENNA SYSTEM SWEEP TESTING

BY
BECHTEL CORPORATION

3
2
1

7-8-02
5-30-02
5-24-02

Revised as Noted
Revised as Noted
Revised as Noted

0
No.

3-4-02
DATE

Issued for Use

REVISIONS

PSN
PSN
PSN

MJS
LJB
LJB

MJS
MJS
MJS

PSN
BY

LJB
CHK.

MJS
APPR.

Job No.:

Technical Specification for

Antenna System Sweep Testing

24445

Document No.
24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001

AT&T WIRELESS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS). This document was created by Bechtel
Corporation under an agreement with AWS. No part of this document may be reproduced or
used in any form except with the written permission of AWS or Bechtel Corporation.

Rev.
3

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

Technical Specification for

Antenna System Sweep Testing

Table of Contents
Section
Title
Page
1.0
General ................................................................................................1
2.0
Equipment Requirements ....................................................................1
3.0
Test Procedures...................................................................................2
4.0
Reporting .............................................................................................7
Attachment:
Antenna Feedline System Site Submission Form

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page i of i

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

1.0
1.1

2.0

General
Antenna sweeps are an important tool, which can be used to identify cable,
connector, TVSS and antenna problems or degradation of the antenna
feedline system. An antenna feedline system includes the components that
lie between the base station equipment and the antenna. When performed
on newly installed sites, antenna sweeps can be used to measure the quality
of the installation and identify or resolve any issues before a site is allowed to
carry public traffic.
Equipment Requirements
There are several manufacturers of network analyzers. Bechtel will not disqualify
any manufacturer nor sweep testing results that are completed using equipment
other than what is referenced in this specification. However, acceptance and
approval to utilize alternative equipment must be obtained from Bechtel prior to
performing sweep tests.

2.1
2.1.1

The following equipment is necessary to complete antenna sweep testing.

Wiltron SiteMaster model S330A/S331A or Anritsu SiteMaster model
S331/332 A/B/C, S235/251 A/B/C, S400A or Hewlett Packard model
9714C, 8714B or approved equivalent.
Note: SiteMaster network analyzers are no longer manufactured by Wiltron.
Due to accuracy problems, the Wiltron SiteMaster shall not be used for
coaxial cable runs longer than 200 feet. Newer models of the SiteMaster are
manufactured by Anritsu Company and are preferred for coaxial cable lengths
up to and exceeding 200 feet.

2.1.2

Precision N type or 7-16 DIN 50-ohm load (male or female connectors, as

required)

2.1.3

Precision N type or 7-16 DIN Short (male or female connectors, as

required)

2.1.4

Two-way radio for communication between the testing technicians located

at the top of the antenna support structure and at the testing point.

2.2

Equipment Calibration
Sweep test equipment shall be calibrated annually, at a minimum, in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions. A copy of the calibration
records must be kept with the test equipment and provided to Bechtel for
review upon request. The test equipment serial and model number and date
of the last calibration shall be noted on the site submission form.

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 1 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

Note: Every effort should be used to limit the use of adaptors, however, if it is
unavoidable, adaptors should be high quality and included in the equipment
calibration. If an adapter is required for equipment calibration, THE ADAPTER
SHALL NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE EQUIPMENT UNLESS A NEW
CALIBRATION IS PERFORMED.

3.0
3.1

Test Procedures
Three different sweep tests (short, load, and antenna system) shall be
performed for each antenna feedline. Each sweep test will be plotted and
labeled to identify the antenna and coaxial cable. Distance to Fault (DTF)
measurements shall also be taken to record the length of the main coaxial
cable and to identify the locations of faults, as required. All tests are to be
performed through surge arrestors when used as part of the feedline system
(market specific) and BTS jumpers when installed by the Subcontractor. The
Subcontractor is not required to sweep through BTS jumpers if they are to be
installed by the BTS vendor at a later date.
Note: Network analyzer use and operation is beyond the scope of this document.
The test personnel are advised to refer to the network analyzer Users Guide for
complete instructions on use and operability.

3.2

Cellular and PCS Uplink and Downlink Frequency Ranges

The bandwidth of all sweep testing for Cellular service shall cover, at a
minimum, the uplink and downlink frequencies used in the local market plus
5MHz beyond these ranges. For example, Cellular Frequency Block A shall
be swept from a frequency of 819MHz to 897MHz. For PCS sites, the
bandwidth for sweep testing shall be 1840MHz to 1990MHz, regardless of
the frequency block. The uplink and downlink frequency ranges for Cellular
and PCS services are shown in Tables 3.1 and 3.2, respectively.
Table 3.1 Cellular Uplink and Downlink Frequency Ranges
Cellular Frequency Block

Uplink Frequency
Range (MHz)

Downlink Frequency
Range (MHz)

A
B

824-847
835-850

868-892
880-895

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 2 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

Table 3.2 PCS Uplink and Downlink Frequency Ranges

3.3

PCS Frequency Block

Uplink Frequency
Range (MHz)

Downlink Frequency
Range (MHz)

A
B
C
D
E
F

1850-1865
1870-1885
1895-1910
1865-1870
1885-1890
1890-1895

1930-1945
1950-1965
1975-1990
1945-1950
1965-1970
1970-1975

Short Sweep Test (Antenna Feedline System Insertion Loss)

The short sweep test will measure the insertion loss of the antenna feedline
system. Antenna feedline system insertion loss is measured with the
antenna end of the coaxial cable and antenna jumper connected to a
precision short [if a Mast Head Amplifier/Mast Amplifier Unit (MHA/MAU) is
installed, by-pass the MHA/MAU with a 7-16 DIN female-to-female adapter].

3.3.1

Perform the sweep over a bandwidth as specified in Section 3.2.

3.3.2

The vertical scale should be 1 dB.

3.3.3

Place markers at best and worst-case return loss readings.

3.3.4

Insertion Loss = (Best Case + Worst Case) / 4 when measured in

the return loss mode using the SiteMaster
Note: Calculation of insertion loss will vary depending on the make and model
of network analyzer used to perform short sweep tests. The test personnel are
advised to refer to the manufacturers Users Guide for instructions in computing
insertion loss.

3.3.5

Typical insertion loss values are shown in Tables 3.3(a) through 3.3(d).
The measured loss of the antenna feedline system should be within 10
percent of these values. If the values are not obtained, troubleshoot to
isolate any faults. Repair the faults and repeat the test. Record the
average insertion loss on the site submission form.
Table 3.3 (a) Typical Insertion Loss Values, ANDREW Coaxial Cable
Cable Size
Superflex
Heliax
7/8 Heliax
1-1/4 Heliax
1-5/8 Heliax
2-1/4 Heliax

Type

Loss @ 894 MHz

[dB/100 ft]

Loss @ 1990 MHz

[dB/100 ft]

FSJ4-50B
LDF4-50A
LDF5-50A
LDF6-50
LDF7-50A
LDF12-50

3.38
2.09
1.18
0.841
0.694
0.601

5.35
3.24
1.86
1.35
1.13
0.991

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 3 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

Table 3.3 (b) Typical Insertion Loss Values, COMMSCOPE Coaxial

Cable
Cable Size

Type

Loss @ 894 MHz

[dB/100 ft]

Loss @ 1990 MHz

[dB/100 ft]

Superflexible
Cell Reach
7/8 Cell Reach
1-5/8 Cell Reach

SFX 500
CR50-540
CR50-1070
CR50-1873

3.04
1.99
1.04
0.632

4.68
3.12
1.68
1.05

Table 3.3 (c) Typical Insertion Loss Values, RFS Coaxial Cable
Cable Size
Superflexible
CellFlex
7/8 CellFlex
1-1/4 CellFlex
1-5/8 CellFlex
2-1/4 CellFlex

Type

Loss @ 894 MHz

[dB/100 ft]

Loss @ 1990 MHz

[dB/100 ft]

SCF12-50
LCF12-50
LCF78-50
LCF114-50
LCF158-50
LCF214-50

3.21
2.07
1.17
0.928
0.708
0.638

5.00
3.19
1.86
1.50
1.16
1.05

Table 3.3 (d) Typical Insertion Loss Values, RF Components

Component

Loss @ 894 MHz

[dB]

Loss @ 1990 MHz

[dB]

0.10

0.14

0.18

0.27

0.23

0.33

0.27

0.40

0.35

0.55

< 0.10

< 0.10

Main Coaxial Cable Connector,

two
4-ft Standard Antenna Jumper
and two Connectors
6-ft Standard BTS Jumper and
two Connectors
8-ft Standard BTS Jumper and
two Connectors
8-ft Superflexible BTS Jumper
and two Connectors
Surge Arrestor, wideband

3.3.6

Perform a DTF measurement

The DTF measurement will display the length of the main coaxial cable.
Record the coaxial cable type and length on the site submission form.

3.4
3.4.1

Load Sweep Test (Antenna Feedline System Return Loss)

The load sweep test will measure the return loss of the antenna feedline
system with a calibrated 50-ohm load connected to the antenna jumper [if
a MHA/MAU is installed, by-pass the MHA/MAU with a 7-16 DIN femaleto-female adapter]. The objective of this test is to check the coaxial cable
integrity and to ensure the coaxial cable and connectors have been
properly installed.
2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)
Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 4 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

3.4.2

Perform the sweep over a bandwidth as specified in Section 3.2.

3.4.3

The vertical scale should be 5 dB.

3.4.4

Place a marker at the worst-case return loss reading.

3.4.5

Record the minimum return loss for the antenna feedline system on the
site submission form. The return loss of the coaxial cable should fall
between 20-30 dB across the frequency band. Any shorts, opens, or
kinks in the coaxial cable will appear as low return loss (0-20dB). Verify
that the return loss of the coaxial cable is between 20-30 dB.

3.4.6

Perform a DTF measurement for error checking

The DTF measurement is helpful in identifying the locations of faults
within the feedline system. Abnormalities such as loose connectors or
dents in the coaxial cable can be identified by spikes, which are not
typical of the rest of the DTF readings. Repair any faults identified in the
feedline system and repeat the load sweep test. Generally, DTF
measurement at a connector location should return a 31 dB (1.06
VSWR) or better. The coaxial cable (not including surge arrestor and
connector) should return 40 dB or better local return loss value.

3.5

Antenna System Sweep Test (MHA/MAU By-Passed)

3.5.1

The antenna system sweep test will perform a return loss measurement
on the antenna system (antenna connected to antenna feedline). If a
MHA/MAU is installed, by-pass the MHA/MAU with a 7-16 DIN female-tofemale adapter. The objective of this test is to verify that the antenna
system components have been properly installed.

3.5.2

Perform the sweep over a bandwidth as specified in Section 3.2.

3.5.3

The vertical scale should be 5 dB.

3.5.4

Place the marker at the worst-case return loss reading.

3.5.5

Record the minimum return loss for the antenna system on the site
submission form. The return loss of antenna systems utilizing omni
antennas shall be -16.5 dB (1.36 VSWR) or better (greater negative
number). The return loss of antenna systems utilizing panel and all other
types of antennas shall be 18.0 dB (1.29 VSWR) or better.

3.5.6

Deleted

3.5.7

This section of the specification shall apply for short coaxial cable runs,
where antenna system return loss values fall below the criteria
established in Section 3.5.5. Short coaxial cable runs shall be considered
to exist where the lengths of the main coaxial cables fall below the
lengths shown in Table 3.5 for antenna systems utilizing omni antennas
2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)
Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 5 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

and Table 3.6 for all other antenna systems. For short coaxial cable runs,
minimum acceptable antenna system return losses shall be specified by
the responsible RF engineer on a case-by-case basis.
Table 3.5 (a) Short Coaxial Cable Runs, Antenna VSWR = 1.5 (Sweep
Test Performed Through BTS Jumper)
Main Coaxial
Cable Size
7/8
1-1/4
1-5/8

Length of Main Coaxial Cable [FT]

w/ Surge Arrestor
w/out Surge Arrestor
894MHz
1990MHz
894MHz
1990MHz
255
142
142
81
357
209
213
120
433
250
259
143

Table 3.5 (b) Short Coaxial Cable Runs, Antenna VSWR = 1.5 (No BTS
Jumper)
Main Coaxial
Cable/Type
7/8
1-1/4
1-5/8

Length of Main Coaxial Cable [FT]

w/ Surge Arrestor
w/out Surge Arrestor
894MHz
1990MHz
894MHz
1990MHz
236
138
132
79
331
204
192
117
401
243
241
139

Table 3.6 (a) Short Coaxial Cable Runs, Antenna VSWR = 1.33 (Sweep
Test Preformed Through BTS Jumper)
Main Coaxial
Cable/Type
7/8
1-1/4
1-5/8

Length of Main Coaxial Cable [FT]

w/ Surge Arrestor
w/out Surge Arrestor
894MHz
1990MHz
894MHz
1990MHz
370
185
104
59
519
296
166
88
629
354
215
98

Table 3.6 (b) Short Coaxial Cable Runs, Antenna VSWR = 1.33 (No
BTS Jumper)
Main Coaxial
Cable/Type
7/8
1-1/4
1-5/8

Length of Main Coaxial Cable [FT]

w/ Surge Arrestor
w/out Surge Arrestor
894MHz
1990MHz
894MHz
1990MHz
293
160
83
51
410
254
135
75
497
303
163
83

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 6 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

3.6

Antenna System Sweep Test (MHA/MAU In-line)

3.6.1

This section of the specification shall apply where a MHA/MAU is installed

as part of the antenna system. If the antenna system does not include a
MHA/MAU, then go to Section 3.7 Distance-to-Fault of Antenna System.

3.6.2

Perform the sweep over a bandwidth as specified in Section 3.2.

3.6.3

The vertical scale should be 5 dB.

3.6.4

Place the marker at the worst-case return loss reading.

3.6.5

Record the minimum return loss value observed within the DOWNLINK
frequency range for the antenna system on the site submission form. The
return loss of antenna systems shall be -15.5 dB (1.40 VSWR) or better
(greater negative number) within the PCS or Cellular DOWNLINK
frequency range observed. For example, the frequency range to be
observed for PCS Frequency Block A shall be 1930Mhz to 1945MHz.

3.7
3.7.1

Distance-to-Fault of Antenna System

Perform a DTF measurement for error checking. If a MHA/MAU is
installed, DTF measurements shall be made with the MHA/MAU
connected to the antenna feedline system.
The DTF sweep will be used in the future as a baseline to track any
changes in the cable system and to increase the ability to identify
potential problems.

4.0

Reporting

4.1

Three (3) hard copies of all sweep graphs and site submission form shall be
required. Some network analyzers have the capability of creating a
database file (soft copy) for all sweeps. One soft copy of the sweep test
results shall also be provided. Refer to the manufacturers instructions for the
procedures on database file creation. The file shall be named using the
following format and be contained on a 3 floppy disk:

4.2

XXXXX.XXX where XXXXX is the Site Number of the site tested and .XXX is
the extension of the electronic file. For example, site 1708A would have the
filename 1708A.dbf using the Wiltron SiteMaster.

4.3

The completed site submission form shall be faxed to Bechtel within 24 hours
of the test. The complete sweep package shall be ready within 7 days of the
tests.

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 7 of 8

Document 24445-801-3PS-EFY0-00001, Rev. 3

4.4

Each antenna shall have 7 graphs:

4.4.1

Antenna Feedline System Insertion Loss

4.4.2

Antenna Feedline System 50-ohm Load Return Loss

4.4.3

Antenna System Return Loss (MHA/MAU by-passed, if applicable)

4.4.4

Antenna System Return Loss (MHA/MAU included, if applicable)

4.4.5

Distance to Fault of Precision Short (Main Coaxial Cable Length)

4.4.6

Distance to Fault of 50-ohm load

4.4.7

Distance to Fault of Antenna System (MHA/MAU included, if applicable)

4.5

Manufacturers certified antenna sweep test results

2002 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. (AWS)

Use pursuant to Company instructions
Page 8 of 8

Page ___ of ___

Antenna Feedline System Site Submission Form

Identification Information
Market/City

Site ID

Tested by

Phone

Site Name

Site phone

Signature

Date

Site Type
(circle one)

Antenna
ID

850 / 1900 / Dual / Comb.

Tx/Rx

Antenna
Model and
Serial
Number

Equipment Used
(Model)

Antenna
Frequency
Range

Antenna
Gain
(dBd)

Antenna Height
(AGL) (Feet)

Antenna
Azimuth /
Down-Tilt
(DEG)

Feedline
System
Cable
Type(s)

Notes

Pre-Sweep
Antenna
System
Return Loss
Section 8

Feedline System
Return Loss w/
50
Load
Section 5.2

(Peak dB)

(Peak dB)

Feedline
System Cable
Length (DTF)
Section 5.4

Feedline
System
Insertion Loss
(Short Sweep)
Section 5.3

(Feet)

Antenna
System Return
Loss MHA/MAU
By-pass
Section 5.8
(Peak dB)

(dB)

N/A

A1

Tx/Rx

A2

Tx/Rx

N/A

A3

Tx/Rx

N/A

A4

Tx/Rx

N/A

B1

Tx/Rx

N/A

B2

Tx/Rx

N/A

B3

Tx/Rx

N/A

B4

Tx/Rx

N/A

C1

Tx/Rx

N/A

C2

Tx/Rx

N/A

C3

Tx/Rx

N/A

C4

Tx/Rx

N/A

WNS-00284 Rev. 2.2 (02-04-02)