MLT PICO ICS

Control Software User Guide

Ver.1.6

Copyright2015 MoreLink Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. 1

 Change History
Version Date Note
V1.0 2013/11/25 1. New Issue
V1.1 2013/02/12 1. Modified based on Customer Tool v011
V1.2 2014/10/02 1. Modified based on Customer Tool v022
V1.3 2014/12/30 1. Modified based on Customer Tool v026
V1.4 2015/02/25 1. Modified based on Customer Tool v030
V1.5 2015/04/14 1. Modified to include different PICO ICS
Repeater Models
V1.6 2015/04/17 1. Modified to support TD-LTE

Copyright2015 MoreLink Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. 2

 Table of Content

Change History ................................................................................................................................................... 2

Table of Content ................................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Abbreviation................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Resource Requirement............................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Hardware Requirement.................................................................................................................. 5
2.2. Software Requirement ................................................................................................................... 5
3. Function Description .................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1. Com Port Setting ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.2. Module Info.................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3. Module Downlink/Uplink Setting .................................................................................................. 7
3.3.1 Operational Parameters ............................................................................................................ 7
3.4. DL/UL Power Status ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.1 Operational Parameters ............................................................................................................ 8
3.5. ISO/Echo Power ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.5.1 Operational Parameters ............................................................................................................ 9
3.6. ICS/Antenna Gain/Temperature Setting ........................................................................................ 9
3.6.1 Operational Parameters .......................................................................................................... 10
3.7. Operation Status .......................................................................................................................... 10
3.7.1 Operational Parameters .......................................................................................................... 11
3.8. DL/UL Shutdown Thd Setting ....................................................................................................... 11
3.8.1 Operational Parameters .......................................................................................................... 11
4. TDD Specific ............................................................................................................................................. 13
5. Operation Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 17
5.1. Further Information ..................................................................................................................... 18
6. Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Copyright2015 MoreLink Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. 3

1. Overview
This documentation is to describe the Control Software of PICO ICS repeaters, which are produced by
MoreLink Technology Corporation. The content includes function descriptions and operational parameters
thereof, operation procedure, and troubleshooting.
Since the hardware and software of the repeater device will continue to upgrade, the specifications,
parameters, dimensions and others described in this documentation are subject to change without notice.
Applicable repeater models include but are not limited to
CI088513
DI098513/DI188513
GI098513
LISI077013/LISI098513/LISI188518/LISI218518/LISI268518
TLISI198518/TLISI248518/TLISI268518
WBI218518

1.1. Abbreviation
AGC Auto Gain Control
BW Bandwidth
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
DCS Digital Communication System
DL Downlink, a.k.a. Forward Link
GSM Global System for Mobile communication
ICS Interference Cancellation System
LTE Long Term Evolution
MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output
RSSI Received Signal Strength Index
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio
UL Uplink, a.k.a. Reverse Link
WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

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2. Resource Requirement

2.1. Hardware Requirement

Facility Type
PC or NB x86 PC
USB http://www.pjrc.com/store/cable_usb_mini_b.html
Cable USB Cable with 5-Pin Mini-B Plug

2.2. Software Requirement

Software Version
Windows XP and above

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3. Function Description
PICO ICS Control Software consists of the following major parts: COM Port Setting, Module Info,
Module Downlink/Uplink Setting, DL/UL Power Status, ISO/Echo Power, ICS/Antenna Gain/Temperature
Setting, Operation Status, and DL/UL Shutdown Thd Setting.

The Graphic User Interface (GUI) is shown as follows.

About 5 seconds after is clicked, PICO ICS repeater will perform soft reset that MCU and
transceiver AD80305 will be rebooted.

3.1. Com Port Setting

COM Port: select port number for the communication with PICO ICS repeater.
Open COM: click to enable the communication with PICO ICS repeater via the selected COM
Port.
Close COM: click to disable the communication with PICO ICS repeater.
Message Bar: show response when a command is sent from Control Software. If the response status is

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 success, the background color is green. Otherwise, it is red.
Note: COM Port setting is 19200, 8, N, 1.

3.2. Module Info

Customer Code: internal coding in MoreLink for different customers.

Production SN: series number of this PICO ICS repeater.
SW Version: software version that is running on this PICO ICS repeater.
Procedure
Click to show the above information.

3.3. Module Downlink/Uplink Setting

Procedure
Click to set associated operational parameter value to PICO ICS repeater.
Click to read back the set values of the operational parameters.

3.3.1 Operational Parameters

Depending on different repeater model, PICO ICS repeater can support single or dual SBs (Sub-blocks).
The associated operational parameters are described as follows. For a LTE PICO ICS repeater, an SB is
corresponding to one LTE channel. For a GSM/DCS/CDMA/WCDMA PICO ICS repeater, an SB is
corresponding to one ore multiple GSM/DCS/CDMA/WCDMA channels.

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 Freq.: center frequency of SB in unit of MHz.
BW(MHz): bandwidth of SB in unit of MHz. For PICO ICS repeaters, it can be programmed to
5/10/15/20MHz.
On/Off: set ON to turn on the SB transmission; set OFF to turn off the SB transmission.
Gain(dB): maximum gain of SB in unit of dB. Typically, the default value is 70dB with settable range
from 40dB to 85dB.
OP (dBm): maximum output power of SB in unit of dBm. Typically, the default value is +13dBm for a
single-SB PICO ICS repeater and +10dBm for a dual-SB PICO ICS repeater.
Note:
1. Maximum output power of an SB of whole LTE PICO ICS repeater = Set maximum output power of
the SB (OP) + Antenna Gain, where the built-in Antenna Gain is typically 0dBi and 5dBi for the PICO
ICS repeater operating lower than 1.7GHz and higher than 1.7GHz, respectively.
2. When Freq. of a DL SB is set, Freq. of the corresponding UL SB will be automatically set by Control
Software. Moreover, the transmission of both DL SB and UL SB will be set ON automatically. User
can further set the Gains and OPs of the DL SB and UL SB.

3.4. DL/UL Power Status

Procedure
Click to show the current monitored values of operational parameters.

3.4.1 Operational Parameters

DL/UL Rx: received power of SB in unit of dBm.
DL/UL Tx: output power of SB in unit of dBm. Here, output power value includes the Antenna Gain set
in Antenna Gain Setting.
Note:

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 1. When the transmission of an SB is shutdown, the output power value will show -130(dBm, after
subtracted by the set Antenna Gain).

3.5. ISO/Echo Power

Procedure
Click to show the current monitored values of operational parameters.

3.5.1 Operational Parameters

DL/UL Iso: RF isolation of an SB in unit of dB, which is measured from output SMA port to input SMA
port. That is, DL Iso denotes the RF isolation from MS port to BS port, while UL Iso denotes
the RF isolation from BS port to MS port.
DL/UL Echo: echo interference power of an SB in unit of dBm, which is measured at input SMA port.
That is, DL Echo denotes the echo interference power measured at BS port, while UL Echo
denotes the echo interference power measured at MS port.
Note:
1. When an SB is shutdown, associated Iso and Echo will show -999(dB) and -999(dBm), respectively.
2. When ICS is OFF, all Iso and Echo will show -999(dB) and -999(dBm), respectively.

3.6. ICS/Antenna Gain/Temperature Setting

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 Procedure
Click to set associated operational parameter value to PICO ICS repeater.

3.6.1 Operational Parameters

ICS Setting: ICS ON/OFF control
Procedure
Select ON or OFF and then click to turn ON or turn OFF ICS function.
Temperature Setting: Temperature alarm threshold setting
Procedure
Fill in the values of Over-Temp Thd and Under-Temp Thd and then click to set the Over
Temperature Threshold and Under Temperature Threshold, respectively.
Antenna Gain Setting: Donor and Service Antenna Gains setting
Procedure
Fill in the value and then click to set associated Antenna Gain to PICO ICS repeater.
Click to read back the current Antenna Gain settings.
Note:
1. Current ICS ON/OFF setting and current module temperature (Current Temp) can be obtained by
clicking of Module Downlink/Uplink Setting.
2. The temperature is shown in unit of Celsius.
3. The typical built-in Donor Antenna gain and Service Antenna gain are both 0dBi when the
operating frequency is lower than 1.7GHz, while are 5dBi when the operating frequency is higher
than 1.7GHz.

3.7. Operation Status

Procedure
Click to show the current operation status.

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3.7.1 Operational Parameters
AGC Alarm: shown with red if any DL SB is under AGC Out-of-Range. Otherwise, shown with green.
ISO Alarm: shown with red if the isolation of any SB is not enough to operate with minimum gain.
Otherwise, shown with green.
DL Shutdown: shown with red when all DL SBs are shutdown. Otherwise, shown with green.
UL Sleep: shown with red when all UL SBs are mute. Otherwise, shown with green.
Temp. Alarm: shown with red when Current Temp is higher than Over-Temp Thd or lower than
Under-Temp Thd. Otherwise, shown with green.
Hardware Status: shown with red when there is any hardware error detected. Otherwise, shown with
green.

3.8. DL/UL Shutdown Thd Setting

Procedure
Click to set associated shutdown thresholds to PICO ICS repeater.
Click to read back the set thresholds of all SBs.

3.8.1 Operational Parameters

The operational parameters of each SB are described as follows.

Over-Pwr: over power shutdown threshold in unit of dBm.

Under-Pwr: under power shutdown threshold in unit of dBm.
Note:
1. When the received power of an SB is equal to or higher than the associated (Over-Pwr+3dB), the
transmission of the SB is shut down due to Overpower. The SB resumes the transmission if and
only if when the received power of the SB is equal to or lower than the associated Over-Pwr.

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 2. When the received power of an SB is equal to or lower than the associated Under-Pwr, the
transmission of the SB is shut down due to Underpower. The SB resumes the transmission if and
only if the received power is equal to or higher than the associated (Under-Pwr+3dB).
3. Over-Pwr is -10(dBm, after subtracted by the set Antenna Gain) by default. User can set any
preferred value, which SHALL be not higher than -10(dBm, after subtracted the set Antenna Gain).
4. Under-Pwr is -90(dBm, after subtracted by the set Antenna Gain) by default. User can set any
preferred value, which SHALL be not lower than -110(dBm, after subtracted by the set Antenna
Gain).
5. When ICS is ON, the shutdown threshold is for received source power, excluding echo interference
power.

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4. TDD Specific
This Chapter is only applicable to TD-LTE PICO ICS repeaters. For TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater, PICO ICS
Control Software has an additional page SDM as shown in the following figure, which stands for
Synchronization Detection Module and is used for setting associated DL synchronization parameters.

As shown in the figure below, SDM page consists of RF SW, TDD Config, and RF SW Timing Tune.

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4.1. RF SW

Procedure
Click to set selected RF switch option to PICO ICS repeater.

4.1.1 Operational Parameters

RF SW: DL/UL switching control in TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater. The options are described as follows.
TDD: auto switching control by synchronization algorithm of TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater.
DL Fixed: RF SW is always fixed in DL direction. That is, TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater always receives
signal from BS (Donor) port and transmits to MS (Service) port.
UL Fixed: RF SW is always fixed in UL direction. That is, TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater always receives
signal from MS (Service) port and transmits to BS (Donor) port.

4.2. TDD Config

Procedure
Click to set associated parameter values to TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater.
Click to read back the set parameter values.

4.2.1 Operational Parameters

TDD Config: TD-LTE frame structure settings in TD-LTE PICO ICS repeaters. The TD-LTE frame structure
is called frame structure type 2 in 3GPP Technical Specification. There are two parameters to

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 define the frame structure as follows.
UL DL Config. (0~6): UL and DL configurations of a TD-LTE frame are defined in Table 4.2-2 in TS 36.211
as follows, where U denotes UL, D DL, and S special subframe.

Special Sub-frame Config. (0~9): special subframe configurations of a TD-LTE frame are defined in
Table 4.2-1 in TS 36.211 as follows.

Note:
1. UL DL Config. (0~6) and Special Sub-frame Config. (0~9) are only valid when RF SW is set to TDD.
2. User SHALL be able to set the correct UL DL Config. (0~6) and Special Sub-frame Config. (0~9) to
make TD-LTE ICS repeater work.
3. Typically, UL DL Config. (0~6) is set to 2 (D:U=3:1) in order to coexist with TD-SCDMA.
4. Typically, Special Sub-frame Config. (0~9) is set to either 5 (3:9:2), 6 (9:3:2), or 9(6:6:2).

4.3. RF SW Timing Tune

Procedure

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 Click to set associated parameter values to TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater.
Click to read back the set parameter values.

4.3.1 Operational Parameters

RF SW Timing Tune: to fine tune the timing of RF switch to get the better performance of TD-LTE ICS
repeater in the field. The right hand diagram illustrate the switch timing relativity and Time Offsets
thereof, where
Original In-sync SW is the original switch timing detected by the synchronization algorithm of
TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater.
DL Rx SW is the fine timing adjustment in BS (Donor) port.
DL Tx SW is the fine timing adjustment in MS (Service) port.
Procedure
Click to read back the current timing tune settings. Then, fill in the values and click
associated to enable associated settings.
Click again to read back for making sure the completeness of the settings.
Sync Status: to indicate the synchronization status of TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater.
Procedure
Click to read back the current synchronization status. In-Sync indicates that the
TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater has been synchronizing with a TD-LTE eNB, while Out-of-Sync
that the TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater has not been synchronized with any TD-LTE eNB yet.
Debug: Only used by MLT FAE to query and fine tune the internal registers of TD-LTE PICO ICS repeater
for the purpose of remote troubleshooting. General users SHALL not set any value by themselves.
Procedure
Follow MLT FAE instruction to fill in the value and then click to set the internal register.
Follow MLT FAE instruction to fill in the value and then click to read back the current
internal register setting.
Note:
1. The resolution of Time Offset is 1s.
2. Time Offsets have been optimized for most cases. So, it is not recommended that general users do
any value change regarding Time Offsets. In case that Time Offsets have to be modified, please do
follow FAEs instructions.

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5. Operation Procedure
Step 1: connect PICO ICS repeater to PC or NB via USB cable.
Step 2: plug in the adaptor to the PICO ICS repeater. Note that the DC output of adaptor SHALL be within
9~12 Volt.
Step 3: wait for the PICO ICS repeater to be powered on (roughly 15 sec after).
Step 4: launch Control Software, select COM Port number, click as follows. If the COM Port cannot
be opened successfully, please check bullet 2 in 5. Troubleshooting for further resolution.

Step 5: Click of Module Info to get the other operational parameters of the repeater. Then, click
associated to read back the current settings, as shown in the following figure.

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Step 6: check the operational parameters of SBs. If any change is needed, fill in the new value in the
corresponding column or select the option from the pull-down list. Then, click accordingly.

5.1. Further Information

1. Before using Control Software, please install the USB driver on PC or NB first.
2. If USB cable is correctly connected, Control Software will automatically detect the available Com Ports
when it is launched. Typically, it is the last one in the COM Port list.
3. If it shows fail after clicking any or button, please re-do again.
4. It is recommended that PICO ICS repeater SHOULD be installed in the location, where DL signal is
relatively stable (received power variation is less than 6dB), to maximize the utilization efficiency of the
PICO ICS repeater. Please refer to the bullet 3 in 5. Troubleshooting to learn how to make use of PICO
ICS repeater to measure the DL signal strength in the field.

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6. Troubleshooting
1. Why RSSI read from the handset is not obviously improved after PICO ICS repeater is installed?
Please make sure (a) the PICO ICS repeater has been normally operating that PWR LED SHALL light up
all the time; (b) the PICO ICS repeater has been correctly installed that the plane with LED lights SHALL
be toward handset(s); (c) at least one RSSI LED SHALL light up. If no, please adjust the lateral angle of
the repeater, make a translational move, or even change a new location to install; (d) the PICO ICS
repeater does not show AGC and ISO alarms that AGC LED and ISO LED SHALL go out all the time. If
there is any alarm happening, please refer to bullet 6 for resolution; (e) when external antennas are
used, the antennas SHALL be well connected to the PICO ICS repeater. Moreover, the cables are not
broken and the RF connectors are locked tightly.

Further resolutions are recommended by using Control Software as follows. (f) DL frequencies have
been correctly set and set ON; (g) ICS has been successfully set ON; (h) at least one Output Power
LED SHALL light up. If no, please verify the SB gains have been correctly set (70dB is recommended for
using built-in antennas and not more than 85dB is recommended for using external antennas); (i) it
does not show temperature alarm and hardware error that Temp Alarm and Hardware Status SHALL be
shown with green. If there is any alarm happening, please refer to bullets 9 and 10 for resolution.

2. Why Com Port always cannot be opened successfully?

Please make sure (a) USB driver has been successfully installed in PC or NB; (b) selected Com Port is
correct and has not been used by other software; (c) close the Control Software, re-plug the USB cable
to PC or NB, and then re-launch the Control Software.

3. Why the operational parameters of SBs always cannot be set successfully?

Please make sure (a) Set button has been clicked when associated parameter values are changed.
Moreover, Control Software has responded successfully (with green background color of Message Bar in
COM Port Setting); (b) the total maximum output power of the set SB has not been more than the rated
maximum value (typical value is +13dBm); (c) the maximum gain of the new set SB has been within
40~85dB.

4. Why Over-Pwr and Under-Pwr always cannot be set successfully?

Please make sure (a) Set button has been clicked when associated thresholds are changed. Moreover,
Control Software has responded successfully; (b) Over-Pwr threshold SHALL be not more than -30(dBm)
and Under-Pwr threshold SHALL be not less than -110(dBm).

5. How to measure DL signal strength in the field through PICO ICS repeater?

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 Set SB transmission to OFF after DL Frequencies of SBs have been correctly set. Then, by clicking
Query button of DL/UL Power Status, the measured RSSI of DL signals will be shown in DL Rx.
Note that, at this moment, it SHALL show -130 (dBm, after subtracted by the set Antenna Gain) in DL Tx
to indicate the transmission to be OFF.

6. How to do when AGC Alarm or ISO Alarm is issued?

Please try to (a) reduce the maximum gains of SBs; (b) clear the obstacles, especially the metal ones, in
the area, where is at least at a distance of 1m from the installation location; (c) adjust the lateral angle
of the repeater, make a translational move, or even change a new location to install; (d) use external
antennas to increase RF isolation.

7. How to do when PICO ICS repeater is always under DL Shutdown?

Please make sure (a) DL frequencies have been correctly set and set ON; (b) RSS of DL signal on
installation location is higher than the set Under-Pwr threshold for DL; (c) adjust the lateral angle of the
repeater, make a translational move, or even change a new location to install; (d) use external Donor
antenna.

8. How to do when PICO ICS repeater is always under UL Sleep?

Please make sure (a) UL frequencies have been correctly set and set ON; (b) RSS of UL LTE signal on
installation location is higher than the set Under-Pwr threshold for UL; (c) adjust the lateral angle of the
repeater, make a translational move, or even change a new location to install; (d) use external Service
antenna.
Note that the UL frequency is automatically set when the DL frequency of an SB is successfully set.

9. How to do when the repeater is under Temp. Alarm?

Please make sure (a) there is no heating unit around the PICO ICS repeater; (b) turn off the PICO ICS
repeater for at least 3 minutes and then turn on.

10. How to do when PICO ICS repeater is under Hardware Status error?
Please make sure (a) original adaptor has been working normally; (b) turn off and then turn on the PICO
ICS repeater.

11. For LTE PICO ICS repeater, how to do when the DL RSSI is increased but data rate is decreased after LTE
PICO ICS repeater is installed?
In this case, LTE MIMO is highly possible to be enabled in the field before the repeater installed. Please
try to (a) reduce DL gain of LTE PICO ICS repeater such that DL output power is decreased (It is
recommended that without any mobile data transmission enabled, DL output power is lower than the
set maximum output power by about 6~10dB); (b) turn off DL transmission of LTE PICO ICS repeater,
while turn on its UL transmission. Please note that UL gain may need further adjustment to optimize

Copyright2015 MoreLink Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. 20

 both DL and UL data rate; (c) use external antenna, select an appropriate installation location, and
increase UL gain (maximum 85dB) to just cover the indoor area, where DL LTE signal is relatively weak;
(d) install another LTE PICO ICS repeater with external MIMO antennas for Donor and/or Service. If
built-in Service Antennas are used, it is recommended that the spacing between the two LTE ICS
repeaters is at least 1.5m and DL output power difference is not more than 3dB.

If any issue you encountered is not mentioned above, or it is still not resolved after following the above
suggested steps, please contact our customer service window.

Copyright2015 MoreLink Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. 21