Andrew Wireless Innovations Group TFAM1719 Optical wireless distribution system User Manual Manual

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User Manual

MN024-08

PLU S

MN024-08

This publication is issued to provide outline information and is not aimed

to be part of any offer and contract.

The Company has a policy of continuous product development and

improvement and we therefore reserve the right to vary information

quoted without prior notice.

System and Customer care is available world-wide through our network of

Experts.

The company is certified ISO 9001 and ISO14000.

Andrew Wireless Systems Srl

Via Pier De Crescenzi 40

48018 Faenza, Italy

Tel: +39 0546 697111

Fax: +39 0546 682768

www.andrew.com

INDEX

0. Index 2

1. Introducing Britecell Plus 4

1.1 The Features 5

1.2 Brief Description of Britecell Plus 5

1.3 Britecell Plus features 6

1.4 Britecell Plus typical applications 7

2. Equipment Overview 9

2.1 The Britecell Plus Remote Unit and its relevant accessories 10

2.2 the Britecell Plus Master Unit 12

2.2.1 The Fast Master Unit 12

2.2.2 The Rack-based Master Unit 12

2.3 Block diagrams 16

3. TFAx Remote Unit 22

3.1 Introduction 23

3.2 Case A remote unit 25

3.3 Case B remote unit 45

3.4 Case L remote unit 63

3.5 Case F remote unit 79

3.6 Wi-Fi Booster TFBW 90

4. Fast Master Unit 100

5. Rack based master unit 113

5.1 19” Subrack TPRNx4 114

5.2 Master Optical TRX, TFLN 126

5.3 Two-way splitter/combiner TLCN2 138

5.4 Four-way splitter/combiner TLCN4 142

5.5 RF dual band coupler TLDN 146

5.6 RF tri-band coupler TLTN 150

5.7 RF Duplexer TDPX 154

5.8 Base Station Interface TBSI 158

5.9 Power Limiter TMPx-10 162

5.10 Wi-Fi Local Interface 168

5.11 The interconnect link (i-link) 172

5.11.1 Introduction 173

5.11.2 TILx-HL Interconnect link 177

5.11.3 TILx-HLW Interconnect link 195

5.12 Remote Supply Unit TRS/TRSN 216

6. Warning and Safety Requirements 222

6.1 Environmental conditions 223

6.2 Installation site Features 223

6.3 Safety and Precautions during Installation or maintenance 224

6.4 Power Supply Connection 225

2 User Manual

6.5 Safety and Precautions for Lasers 226

6.6 Health and Safety Warnings 226

6.7 Electromagnetic Fields and RF Power 227

6.7 Warning Labels 230

7. Technical support 231

7.1 Returning Equipment 231

Appendix A: System Commissioning 233

Appendix B: EU Guidelines for WEEE disposal 237

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4 User Manual

1. Introducing Britecell Plus

MN024-08

1.1 The Features

Britecell Plus is an innovative platform designed in order to provide an

effective and flexible coverage to a large variety of indoor scenarios.

Thanks to its high modularity, its low power consumption, and its full-

transparency to protocols and modulation formats, Britecell Plus is the perfect

plug&play solution to distribute any wireless standard (including GSM, GPRS,

EDGE, CDMA, WCDMA, and WLAN IEEE 802.11b) to the in-building

environments requiring reliable and interference-free communications, as well

as high traffic capacity and maximum flexibility about future expansions.

These unique features make the Britecell Plus platform suitable also for

applications to critical areas experiencing difficulties in establishing and

keeping phone calls, while its compact design always guarantees a minimum

aesthetic impact.

1.2 Brief Description of Britecell Plus

Britecell Plus is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) based on the Radio-over-

Fibre (RoF) technology, and capable of carrying wireless mobile signals

through the 800MHz - 2500MHz frequency range regardless of their protocol

and their modulation format.

The system has two basic components, a Master Unit and a Remote Unit. The

Master Unit is made of one or more subracks typically connected to the BTS

(Base Tranceiver Station) through either a repeater (RF interface) or a coaxial

cable.

Each Remote Unit is connected with a dedicated pair of single-mode optical

fibres (one for UL and one for DL) to the Master Unit. These optical fibres work

on 1310 nm wavelenght and provide low losses and almost unlimited

bandwidth, available for future system developments.

Britecell Plus is a modular system whose basic components are:

• one Master Unit made of one or more subracks, each providing 12

module slots. Each slot can host either an active or a RF passive device

(chosen among the wide range of Britecell Plus options), in order to

meet the planned design requirements;

• a variable number of Remote Units (TFAx), whose function is feeding

the antenna passive network;

• a proper number of indoor antennas, suitable to provide radio coverage

to the area. Britecell Plus is fully compatible with any type of indoor

antennas;

• the optical cables required to connect the 19” subracks to the TFAx.

6 User Manual

Fig. 1.1: Britecell Plus system block diagram.

1.3 Britecell Plus Features

The following lines report a brief summary of Britecell Plus main features:

• multiband 2G, 2.5G and 3G – 802.11b WLAN compatible: Britecell

Plus is completely transparent to any transmission protocol and

modulation format, and it can distribute any 2G, 2.5G, 3G wireless

standard. In addition, it allows to carry also the WLAN (802.11b/g)

service over the same infrastructure;

• modular configuration for flexible design: by properly setting some

parameters like the amount of RUs and the antenna locations, the

Britecell Plus architecture can follow the environment specific features in

order to obtain the most effective radio-coverage of the indoor area.

The modularity of the system allows easy modifications for future

growth and increasing traffic;

• easy to install: the intelligent plug & play Britecell Plus system

includes an Automatic Gain Control (AGC), that eliminates system gain

variations regardless of optical loss. This avoids the need for field

adjustments, thus reducing design, installation and optimization time.

• low-power consumption: establishing a “quasi line-of-sight

propagation” towards all mobile phones inside the area, Britecell Plus

works with low power levels. Low power levels have two great

advantages: 1) allow mobile phones to work at lower power levels, thus

limiting the radiated emissions and increasing their battery life; 2) allow

a better control of interference effects between adiacent cells.

• central supervision functions: all individual alarms of Britecell Plus

system are stored in an internal flash memory, and available to both

local and remote connections. Detailed alarm information is provided by

special software (i.e. by Supervision or Maintenance software tools)

running on a locally connected host, as well as any information about

alarm status and alarm history is available to remote connections via

TCP/IP protocols, SNMP agent, or HTTP servers. This alarm information

is visible also by means of LEDs present on the front panels of both the

MU and the RUs;

• multiple-carriers system: there are no restrictions on the number of

carriers that the Britecell Plus can convey. Obviously, the more carriers

per service, the less power per carrier;

BTS

TFLN

REMOTE

UNIT

RF interface

Two F.O. per RU

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• remote power supply: in case mains cannot be used for the Remote

Units, Britecell Plus offers a centralised power supply option, which

distributes both a DC low-voltage (-48V) power and the optical signals

through a composite fibre optic/copper cable;

• wide variety of RF passive devices: the connections between the

DAS and the local BTSs can be arranged so as to get the best fit for

customers needs. Britecell Plus equipment provides RF

splitters/combiners, cross band couplers, attenuators, duplexers for

UL/DL paths, thus allowing the maximum design flexibility;

• high reliability: high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure).

1.4 Britecell Plus typical Applications

Thanks to its unique features Britecell Plus is the ideal solution to set up radio

coverage in may situations:

• Multi operator shared infrastructure: each mobile operator has its

own carriers, which must be transported without affecting the others.

Britecell Plus is capable of transmitting multiple carriers simultaneously,

while providing an independent level adjustment for each of them,

ensuring maximum performance and reducing infrastructure costs

• High rise buildings: RF signals from surrounding macrocells or

external BTSs are usually quite strong inside high rise buildings, and

cause so much interference that indoor mobile communications often

become impossible. By strategically placing antennas along the exterior

walls of the building, the signal to noise ratio can be optimised. This

interference control solves many problems, such as the “ping pong”

effect that sometimes is experienced when a mobile frequently changes

from an indoor to an outdoor coverage.

• Exhibition, conventions, and shopping centres: the critical point of

these environments is due to the high traffic loads, which are

furthermore highly variable. Thus, the main goal to achieve is setting up

a radio coverage which could effectively manage these variable traffic

loads, with neither undervalued nor overvalued infrastructure expenses.

A unique feature of Britecell Plus is that RF frequencies can be allocated

quickly when and where they are needed, thus reducing the

implementation cost. This makes Britecell Plus the proper solution also

for temporary or last minute requests (such as conferences).

• Airports: they require modular and flexible radio coverage, in order to

meet present needs while foreseeing future expansions. Britecell Plus

can manage high traffic loads providing high quality with minimum

environmental impact, while its modularity allows future extensibility.

• Corporate Building: inside a corporate building, difficult mobile

communications may limit business transactions. These environments

are often complex and densely populated with specific requirements to

be fulfilled: high traffic capacity, maximum expectations on Quality of

service, full compatibility with wireless standards and future

expandability. Britecell Plus guarantees high quality radio coverage

8 User Manual

under all conditions, while maintaining maximum flexibility in managing

any traffic condition.

• Subways and Highly Dense Metropolitan Areas: These areas are

distinguished by large distances, and may require that RUs are placed

far away from the BTSs. Britecell Plus guarantees the signal integrity at

distances up to 3 km, and through the wideband interconnect link

option distances of 20 km can be reached. Moreover, these

environments need gradual investments, because initially operators

provide radio coverage only in the busiest areas, and then extend it in

order to reach complete coverage. The modularity of Britecell Plus helps

operators to gradually expand the system. Some large cities often need

to set up seamless and reliable radio systems for emergency services.

The required RF infrastructure needs to be unobstrusive and

environmental friendly; this can be achieved using a Britecell Plus DAS.

When redundancy is required, two interleaved Britecell Plus systems can

be used, management and supervision for these systems can be

remotely established by means of an external modem and an open

protocol such as SNMP.

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2. Equipment Overview

10 User Manual

2.1. Introduction

Basically, a Britecell system is composed of:

• a Master Unit, able to bring mobile radio signals from the BTS to different

remote units and vice-versa, so as to remotise the distribution and collection

of any mobile and wireless signal;

• a variable number of Remote Units, conveying and receiving mobile signals

by low-power antennas.

We hereby will provide a brief introduction to the main components of the

Master and Remote Units which make up the Britecell system, while further

details about each component will be given in the next sections of the present

manual.

2.2. The Britecell Plus Remote Unit

and its relevant accessories

The Remote Unit (TFAx) is a device providing optical-to-electrical downlink

conversion and electrical-to-optical uplink conversion, thus allowing a

bidirectional transmission of signals between the Master Unit and the remote

antennas. It is available in 3 different power configurations

(Low/Medium/High), housed by 4 different architectures (Case A, Case B, Case

F and Case L), so as to fulfil different coverage and band requirements.

In downlink, each TFAx receives an optical signal from the Master Unit,

performs an optical-to-RF conversion, and transmits the resulting signal to the

2 antenna ports.

In uplink, it receives a RF signal from remote antennas, provides a RF-to-

optical conversion, and conveys the converted signal to the Master Unit

through optical fibres.

Case-A

Case-B

Case-L

Case-F

Fig.2.1: Different Remote Unit cases

Power supply (available either in 90÷264 Vac or in -72÷-36 Vdc version) is

internal in Case L, in Case F and in most Case A remote units: vice-versa, all

Case B and some Case A remote units are provided with an external power

supply (TPSN), whose dimensions are shown in table 2.1(a).

The TFBW unit is a booster which can be cascaded with a TFAx in order to

distribute Wi-Fi signals (802.11b and g) through dedicated Wi-Fi antennas

(see scheme 2.2b).

Fig. 2.2 (a) TFBW booster ; (b) block

diagram of a Britecell Plus system with Wi-Fi

Interface

(a)

Remote

Unit Wi-Fi

booster

BTS Master Unit

with

Wi-Fi interface

Access

Point

(b)

The case-A and Case-B Remote Units and the TFBW boosters can be provided

with the TKA installation kit (optional), which contains a fiber optics splice

holder and a compact case, in order to allow an easy installation on walls or

poles. TKA compact cases allow different IP protection levels, depending on

the specific environmental requirements.

Fig. 2.3: TKA mounting kit for Case A and Case B remote units

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12 User Manual

2.3. The Britecell Plus Master Unit

The Britecell Plus Master Unit is a widely-flexible system. It is available both as

a stand-alone version (the Fast Master Unit) and as a rack-based version. In

the followings we will give a brief overview of the components of these units.

The Master Fast (TFLF): designed into a

stand-alone mechanical case, it includes all

required ancillary and support functions. It is available

in various frequency ranges, from 800MHz up to 2200MHz

and allows feeding up to 4 Remote Units.

Module dimensions: 240 x 200 x 38mm

The Sub-rack (TPRN) is a 19” subrack hosting the Britecell Plus modules; it

accommodates 12 slots, whose sizes are 7TE x 4HE. As each Britecell Plus

module takes up one or two slots, each Master Unit can sustain up to 12

modules, depending on design configuration and requirements.

The Master Optical TRX (TFLN): in downlink it provides

an RF-to-optical conversion of the signal coming from the

BTS, and transmits it to 4 optical outputs, so as to feed 4

TFAx. In uplink it provides optical-to-RF conversion for 4

optical signals coming from RUs, and it combines them into a

single RF output, while providing automatic gain control in

order to balance the fibre losses. Module dimensions:

Width = 7TE, Height = 4HE (one slot in the master unit sub-

rack).

2.3.1 The Fast Master Unit

2.3.2 The rack-based Master Unit

Fig. 2.4: The Fast Master Unit

Fig. 2.5: The TPRN Subrack

Fig. 2.6:

The TFLN Master Optical TRX

MN024-08

The duplexer (TDPX): it combines the downlink (DL) and uplink

(UL) paths into a single one, while maintaining the required

isolation. The module dimensions are: Width = 7TE, Height = 4HE.

The variable RF attenuators (TBSI): it provide independent

attenuations (adjustable from 0 to 30dB, with 1dB steps) on

uplink and downlink RF paths, and allow the designer to optimize

the signal level close to the BTSs. TBSI is an override attenuator,

its dimensions are: Width = 7TE, Height = 4HE.

The dual band coupler (TLDN): in downlink it combines a low

band RF signal (800 to 1000 MHz) and a high band RF signal (1700

to 2500 MHz) into a common RF port; in uplink it splits a composite

signal between a low band RF port and a high band RF port. Module

dimensions are: Width = 7 TE, Height = 4 HE.

The tri band coupler (TLTN): in downlink it combines the low

band signals (800 or 900MHz), the 1800MHz band signal and

2000MHz signal into a common one; in uplink it splits the triple

band signal between three different RF single band paths. Module

dimensions are: Width = 7 TE, Height = 4 HE.

Fig. 2.7:

The TDPX duplexer

Fig. 2.8:

The TBSI variable attenuator

Fig. 2.9:

The TLDN tri- band coupler

Fig. 2.10:

The TLTN tri-band coupler

14 User Manual

The RF splitters/combiners (TLCN2 and TLCN4): TLCN2 is a 2-way

splitter/combiner. TLCN4 is a 4-way splitter/combiner. They can be used in a

variety of different situations, such as:

• To connect a BTS with several master optical TRXs.

In uplink the TLCN2 (or TLCN4) combines 2 (4) RF

signals coming from different master optical TRXs

onto a common RF signal, entering the BTS. In

downlink the TLCN2 (or TLCN4) splits the downlink

composite RF signal coming from the BTS onto 2 (4)

RF ports, entering different master optical TRXs;

• To connect several BTSs to a master optical TRX. In

downlink the TLCN2 (TLCN4) combines the RF signals

coming from different BTSs onto a common RF

signal, entering the master optical TRX. In uplink

TLCN2 (TLCN4) splits the composite RF signal coming

from a master optical TRX into 2 (4) RF signals

entering different BTSs.

The WLAN interface board (TWLI):.it connects 3 WLAN

Access Points to each TFLN, and it is necessary when

802.11b/g WLAN distribution through the DAS is required.

Dimensions: Width = 14 TE, Height = 4HE (2 slots in the

master unit sub-rack).

The power limiter (TMPx-10): it monitors the DL power coming

from the BTS, and attenuates it by 10 dB in case of overcoming of

a programmable threshold level.

TMP2-10 Power Limiter is for 2G and 2.5G signals, working at 900

MHz and 1800 MHz.

TMP3-10 Power Limiter is for 3G signals.

Both modules are 7TE wide and 4HE high.

Fig. 2.11: The TLCN2 and

TLCN4 splitters/combiners

Fig. 2.12:

The TWLI Wi-Fi interface board

Fig. 2.13:

The TMPx-10 power limiter

MN024-08

The interconnect-link (TILx)

is a multi-module kit which

allows to expand our system

by connecting an additional

Britecell Plus subrack station to

the main one, at a distance of

up to 20 km. In details:

• The TDTX and TMRX cards

make up the “master side” of

the i-link; thus, they have to

be housed inside the main

Britecell Plus subrack, and

take 1 slot each;

• The TDTX and TSRX cards

make up the “slave side” of

the i-link; thus, they have to be housed inside the remotised Britecell Plus

subrack, and take 1 slot and 3 slots respectively.

The TILx kit is available either in simple (TILx-HL) or in WDM (TILx-HLW)

version.

The remote supervision unit (TSUN): it is able to control

up to 14 master units fully populated. It is available both as a

plug-in module (Width = 14 TE, Height = 4HE, 2 slots in the

master unit sub-rack) and as stand alone device (Width= 19”,

Height=1HE). It consists in a CPU, a flash memory and an

Interface Board

The Remote Power Unit

(TRS/TRSN): it is a sub-rack unit

(whose sizes are 7TE x 4HE)

providing remote power supply to

up to 24 remote units through

standard AWG14/16 copper lines.

It is available in 2 versions:

• The TRSN version is able to

supply 1 A per port and it can

feed all remote units.

• The TRS version is able to

Fig. 2.14: The TILx interconnect link (i-link)

Fig. 2.15: The TSUN remote supervision unit

Fig. 2.16: The TRSN subrack

16 User Manual

supply 0.5A per port: it can feed only single and dual band TFAN remote

units, as well as the TFAM20 one.

2.4. Block diagrams

In order to better understand the functionalities of the different units and

modules, some block diagrams of the Britecell Plus system are reported

hereafter.

Systems based on Fast Master Unit must be directly connected to the BTS

station. The scheme of a typical Fast Britecell system is reported here in fig.

2.17.

Fig. 2.17: Block diagram for a Fast system

A more complex distribution system requires a rack-based Master Unit. It

allows the employment of a splitting/combining section (built by some passive

modules TLTN, TLDN, TLCN, and TBSI described above) in order to interface

one or more BTSs with several TFLN optical TRXs and with an higher number

of TFAx remote units.

Firstly, let’s assume that our BTSs are not duplexed. In this case, no TDPX

module (see fig. 2.7) is required. Moreover, let’s assume that the Master Unit

is made up of one or more subracks located in a single site, so that we do not

need an interconnect link in order to remotise a second subrack.

The scheme of this network configuration is reported hereafter in figure 2.18.

S TFLF

Mixed fibre-copper cable

Fixed

Attenuator

TFAx

MN024-08

Fig. 2.18: Block diagram for a triple-band system with not-duplexed base stations.

This scheme involves a rack-based Master Unit, with 8-TFLN optical TRXs and 32 TFAx

remote units.

Now let’s consider the same network configuration, but with duplexed BTSs. In

this case, some TDPX modules (see fig. 2.7) are required in order to combine

UL and DL ports on single RF channels. .

Level

adjustment

Services

combining /

splitting

Signal splitting /

combining

Electrical / optical

conversion

Optical / electrical

conversion

Triple

band system

–

not duplexed BTSs

–

8 TFLN local units

TLCN2

TLTN

TBSI

GSM

900

BTS

GSM

1800

BTS

UMTS

BTS

Fixed

Atten.

Fixed

Atten.

Fixed

Atten.

TLCN4

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TLCN4

Britecell Plus MASTER UNIT Britecell Plus

REMOTE UNITS

18 User Manual

The scheme of this network configuration is reported hereafter in figure 2.19.

Fig. 2.19: Block diagram for a triple-band system with duplexed base stations. This

scheme involves a rack-based Master Unit, with 8-TFLN optical TRXs and 32 TFAx

remote units.

Let’s assume we need to expand our network in a wider area, by using a

second subrack station at a distance of up to 20 km from the site where the

main subrack station is located.

This new network configuration requires to use an interconnect link, whose

master side will be at the main subrack station, and whose slave side will be at

the new remotised station.

The scheme of this new network topology is shown hereafter, in figure2.20.

TLCN2

TLTN

TBSI

TDPX

GSM

900

BTS

GSM

1800

BTS

UMTS

BTS

DL - UL

splitting /

combining

Level

adjustment

Services

combining /

splitting

Signal splitting /

combining Electrical / optical

conversion Optical/electrical

conversion

3 km max

optical link

Triple-band system – duplexed BTSs – 8 TFLN

Fixed

Atten.

Fixed

Atten.

Fixed

Atten.

TLCN4

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TLCN4

TFAx

Britecell Plus MASTER UNIT Britecell Plus

REMOTE UNITS

MN024-08

DL - UL

splitting /

combining

Level

adjustment

Services

combining /

splitting

Signal splitting /

combining Electrical / optical

conversion Optical/electrical

conversion

3 km max

optical link

Britecell Plus MASTER UNIT Britecell Plus

REMOTE UNITS

TLCN2

TLTN

TBSI

TDPX

GSM

900

BTS

GSM

1800

BTS

UMTS

BTS

Triple-band system – duplexed BTSs – i-link

TLCN4

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TLCN4

TFAx

TMRX

TFAx

TFLN

TFAx

TFLN

TSRX

Fig. 2.20: Block diagram for a

Britecell system with

remotised station connected

through i-link. This scheme

refers to a triple-band system

with duplexed base stations.

It involves 7 TFLN optical

TRXs and 28 TFAx remote

units on the master side, 2

TFLN optical TRXs and 8 TFAx

on the slave side .

Lastly, the next tables show a brief overview of the available Britecell

equipment:

REMOTE UNITS and accessories

Unit name/

Module name

Description Dimensions (L x W x H)

TFAx case A

TFAx case B

TFAx case L

TFAx case F

TFBWx

TKA01

TKA04

TPSN 1-40

TPSN 3-30

Remote unit

WLAN booster

Remote Unit installation kit

External power supply

240 x 200 x 38 (mm)

240 x 240 x 38 (mm)

455 x 255 x 167 (mm)

546 x 253 x 207 (mm)

240 x 200 x 38 (mm)

280 x 240 x 55 (mm)

340 x 240 x 55 (mm)

175 x 80 x 54 (mm)

175 x 80 x 51 (mm)

Table 2.1(a): Overview of the Britecell Plus remote units and accessories

FAST MASTER UNIT

Unit name/

Module name Description Dimensions (L x W x H)

TFAF

Fast Master Unit

240 x 200 x 38 (cm)

Table 2.1(b): Britecell Plus fast master unit

20 User Manual

MN024-08

Table 2.1(c): Overview of the Britecell Plus components and accessories

for the rack-based master unit

RACK-BASED MASTER UNIT

Unit name/

Module name Description Dimensions (L x W x H)

TPRN04

TPRNx4

TFLNx

TLCN 2

TLCN 4

TBSI 2-30

TDPXx

TLDNx

TLTNx

TMPx-10

TWLI

TILx-HL

TILx-HLW

TSUN6

TSUN1 or TSUN3

TRS/TRSN

Passive subrack

Active subrack

Master Optical TRX

2-way splitter

4-way splitter

Adjustable attenuator

UL/DL duplexer

Dual band coupler

Tri band coupler

10 dB power limiter

WLAN interface

i-link kit

WDM i-link kit

Remote supervision unit standalone

Remote supervision unit plug in

Remote supply unit

19” x 4HE

7TE x 4HE

14TE x 4HE

14TE x 4HE (master side) +

28TE x 4HE (slave side)

14TE x 4HE (master side) +

28TE x 4HE (slave side)

19” x 4HE

14TE x 4HE

19” x 1HE

22 User Manual

3. TFAx Remote Unit

TFAx

(intro)

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3.1. Introduction

Main tasks of the TFAx unit:

Downlink (DL):

¾ Optical-to-RF conversion of the input optical

signal

¾ Automatic Gain Control (AGC) of each converted signal, in order to

compensate optical losses;

¾ RF amplification: the converted RF signal is boosted in order to maintain a

good signal-to-noise ratio

¾ RF filtering: a proper filter rejects the spurious emissions

¾ RF duplexing and splitting: the boosted RF signal is conveyed to 2 antenna

ports

Uplink (UL):

¾ RF amplification: a low noise amplifier boosts the signal received from

antennas so as to maintain a good signal-to-noise ratio

¾ RF filtering: the boosted signal is cleaned from the spurious emissions

¾ Automatic Level Control (ALC): the RF signal level is adjusted according to

blocking requirements

¾ RF-to-optical conversion of the signal, which is finally conveyed to the

output optical port

Different types of Case-A remote units

In order to allow radio coverages with different power and band requirements,

Britecell architecture provides a wide variety of remote units. This allows the

customer to choose the solution which best fits its coverage and

environmental demands.

TFAx

(intro)

Figure 3.1: The

four different

case of the

Britecell Plus

remote unit

Module name:

Remote Unit

TFAx

(TFAN,TFAM,TFAH)

Case B remote unit

Case A remote unit

Case L remote unit Case F remote unit

24 User Manual

Depending on the bands where the radio coverage has to be provided and on

the required signal power to cover the environment, your remote unit can

have one of the topologies shown in figure 3.1.

The following 4 sections of the manual refers to these 4 different topologies of

remote units. Please follow the instructions described in the section which

exactly corresponds to the case (A,B,L,F) of your remote unit.

The output powers and coverage bands of each remote unit are uniquely

associated to model codes which you can easily read on both on the remote

unit and on its package box (see picture 3.2 below).

The case of your remote unit can be easily identified from the pictures 3.1: as

an alternative, you can refer to the Britecell Plus Bulletin PA-100595EN or to

the dedicated Bulletin of your remote unit. For example, let’s refer to the

Model Number “TFAM20” we read on our remote unit’s label, like in the

Ficture 3.2. On the Britecell Plus bulletin PA-100595EN, we read:

This line states that the remote unit whose model is TFAM20 has a case A

architecture (see picture 3.1), manages UMTS (2100 MHz) signals, and works

with Medium output powers. Once we identified the case of our remote unit

(case A, in this example), let’s refer to this manual’s section which exactly

corresponds to our remote unit case, so as to perform proper installation and

maintenance procedures.

Each Britecell Plus remote unit belongs to one of the following 3 power

classes: Low, Medium and High Power. Once we know the Power Class of our

remote unit (Medium, in our example), and its working bands (e.g. 2100 MHz

UMTS), we can look through the remote unit dedicated bulletin (described

under the column “Details in bulletin”: PA-100592EN, in our example) in

order to get all the technical specifications concerning the remote unit itself.

TFAx

(Intro)

Figure 3.2

Figure 3.3

Band Configurations Power Class Case Model Code

UMTS2100 Medium A TFAM20 PA-100592EN

Details in Bulletin

MN024-08

3.2. Case A remote unit

Dimensions and Weight:

Dimensions: 38 x 240 x 200 mm

(1.5 x 9.4 x 7.9 inches)

Weight : please refer to the Britecell Plus bulletin PA-100595EN or to the

remote unit dedicated bulletin in order to know the updated data

about the weight of your case A remote unit

An external power supply is provided only for Case A remote unit TFAM20.

TFAx

CaseA

RF ports:

• 2 RF antenna ports, transmitting/receiving signals to/from

distributed antennas. RF antenna ports are duplexed N-female

connectors. These RF ports can be connected to the antennas

either directly (ie. through RF jumper cables) or through

splitters, thus allowing more antennas to be fed. Unused RF

ports have to be terminated with a 50 Ω load.

• 1 RF auxiliary input and 1 auxiliary output (designed to

receive and transmit additional signals). Auxiliary input and

output ports are SMA-female connectors.

Power

Supply

connector

DL optical

port

(SC-APC)

External

alarm

connectors

Warm side

antenna

port (N-f)

Green LED = power on

Red LED = major alarm

RF auxiliary

channel output

(

SMA-f

)

UL optical

port

(SC-APC)

antenna

port (N-f)

RF auxiliary

channel input

(

SMA-f

)

Module name:

Remote Unit

TFAx

Case A

Fig. 3.4: 3D-drawing of

a Case A remote unit

26 User Manual

Optical ports:

Visual alarms:

Two control LEDs are provided on the TFAx front side (see fog. 3.19). The

green LED describes the power supply status, while the red LED describes the

major Remote Unit failures (please refer to the table 3.1).

External alarms:

TFAx is provided with two dry contacts inputs, which

can be connected (through .062” MOLEX plugs) to any

external device. In such a way, the alarm information

about this external device can be signalled through the

red LED of TFAx LED panel and displayed into the

supervision system.

Power supply

Case A remote units can be powered by universal mains (90 to 264 Vac) or

by negative supply (-72 to -36 Vdc). Power supply is internal for all Case A

remote units, except for TFAM20 which has an external adapter.

Fig. 3.9a,b shows the different power supply connectors which are provided

on 90/264 Vac and on -72/-36 Vdc versions (except TFAM20).

TFAM20 remote unit is provided with the TPSN external power supply (fig. 3.8

a,b), available either for universal mains (90 to 264) or for negative supply.

(-72 to -36 Vdc). They both provide the remote units with a +5Vdc power, by

means of a 3-pole connector (fig. 3.10c).

Led colour Meaning

Red

Low optical power at DL

input and/or RF

amplifier failure

Green Power supply OK

TFAx

CaseA

contacts

• 1 optical output port, transmitting UL signals to

TFLN master optical TRX

• 1 optical input port, receiving DL signals from TFLN

master optical TRX

Table 3.1: summary of TFAx LEDs meaning

Fig. 3.5 : LED panel on

the Case-A warm side

Fig. 3.6 : Dry-contacts

on Case A back side

MN024-08

Warnings (to be read before the remote units are

installed)

Dealing with optical output ports

The TFAx remote unit contains semiconductor lasers. Invisible laser beams

may be emitted from the optical output ports. Do not look towards the optical

ports while equipment is switched on.

Choosing a proper installation site for the remote units

• TFAx remote units have to be installed as close as possible to the radiating

antennas, in order to minimize coaxial cable length, thus reducing downlink

power loss and uplink noise figure.

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.7 : (a) IEC connector on the rear side of a 220Vac-powered case A remote unit. (b)

4-pole connector on the rear side of a -48 Vdc -powered case A remote unit. These

connectors are not available on TFAM20, which is provided with an external adapter

(see below).

(b)

(a)

Ground

Positive +5 Vdc

(a)

Fig. 3.8 : TPSN external adapters for 220

Vac (a) and -48 Vdc (b) TFAM20

versions. Power supply connector on the

rear side of TFAM20 remote unit (c).

(c)

(b)

28 User Manual

• When positioning the TFAx remote unit, pay

attention that the placing of related antennas

should be decided in order to minimize the

Minimum Coupling Loss (MLC), so as to avoid

blocking.

• The TFAx remote unit is intended to be fixed on

walls, false ceilings or other flat vertical surfaces

(TKA installation kits are available, in order to

provide a protective cover for TFAx remote unit,

while making the TFAx installation easier and

faster).

Handling optical connections

• When inserting an optical connector, take care to

handle it so smoothly that the optical fibre is not

damaged. Optical fibres are to be single-mode

(SM) 9.5/125µm.

• Typically, Britecell Plus equipment is provided with

SC-APC optical connectors (other connectors may

be provided on request). Inserting any other

connectors will result in severe damages.

• Do not force or stretch the fibre pigtail with radius

of curvature less than 5cm. See rightward figure

for optimal fibre cabling.

• Remove the adapter caps only just before making connections. Do not

leave any SC-APC adapter open, as they attract dirt. Unused optical

connectors must always be covered with their caps.

• Do not touch the connector tip. Clean it with a proper tissue before

inserting each connector into the sleeve. In case connector tips need to be

cleaned, use pure ethyl alcohol.

TFAx Case A installation

Versions with internal power supply

(all Case A remote units, except TFAM20)

Case A remote units can be fixed on walls, false ceilings or other flat vertical

surfaces, either directly or through a TKA01 installation kit (optional).

Installing a Case A remote unit (except TFAM20) WITHOUT the TKA

kit

The TFAx kit includes:

TFAx

CaseA

A. 1 remote unit TFAx

B. a 50 Ω load

C. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug (according to

the chosen model)

Fig. 3.9: Improper (a)

and optimal (b) radius

bending for a fiber optics

cable.

OPTIMAL

(

)

WRONG

(

)

MN024-08

Remote units are provided with cooling fins which allow to optimize heat

dissipation. In order to let them work, the environment where the remote unit

is mounted should allow the necessary air changeover. Do not place any

remote unit face downwards on a horizontal surface, because this would

prevent heat dissipation.

Once you have chosen the position of the remote unit, please follow these

steps in order to carry out the installation:

1. Drill into the wall so as to install the M4 screw anchors (not included)

according to the case A or case B layouts indicated by the installation

drawings in fig.3.15 (a)

2. Fix the TFAx remote unit to the wall by firmly screwing the anchors.

3. Take the splice – tray (not included). Fix the splice holder inside the splice

tray. (see fig. 3.10a,b)

4. Splice the optical fibres and close the splice tray. While handling the fibers,

take care of the fiber bending.

5. Fix the splice tray beside the remote unit

6. If the remote unit is -48 Vdc powered, use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the unit to the -48 Vdc mains. If the remote unit is

85/264 Vac-powered, fix the 85/264 Vac plug (included) on to a power cord

(not included), and use this cable in order to connect the unit to the mains.

7. Connect the antenna RF cables to the RF antenna ports. Connect the UL and

DL optical connectors (please refer to fig. 3.4). Apply a 50-Ohm load to the

RF which are no connected to any antenna cable.

8. Once the installation is finished, please follow the section “Start-up for case

A and case B remote units”, in order to carry out a proper system start up.

Installing the Case A remote unit (except TFAM20) WITH the TKA01

installation kit

The TFAx kit includes:

The TKA01 kit includes:

(please refer to fig.

3.11)

TFAx

CaseA

(a)

(b)

Fig. 3.10. (a) Splice tray. (b) Inside of the splice tray,

with the splice holder properly positioned.

1. a remote unit TFAx

2. a 50 Ω load

3. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug (according to

the chosen model)

A. 4 screw anchors (fixing the wall bearing to the

wall)

B. 5 screw anchors (fixing the TFAx case A to the

wall mounting box “C”)

C. A wall mounting boc

D. a splice holder

30 User Manual

Once you have chosen the position of the remote unit mounting case, please

follow these instructions:

1. Unscrew the 4 screws which lock the lower cover of the TKA01 wall bearing

(see fig. 3.12a)

2. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (included) which shall hold up the

TKA01 wall bearing, drill into the wall according to the TKA layout shown in

fig. 3.15c.

3. Fix the TKA01 wall bearing by firmly screwing the anchors.

4. Carefully open the splice tray by using a screwdriver as in fig. 3.12b. Fix

the splice holder inside the splice tray. (see fig. 3.12c). Splice the optical

fibres and close the splice tray. While handling the fibers, take care of the

fiber bending. Close the splice tray.

5. Fix the remote unit to the wall bearing by using the included screws 3.12d.

6. If the remote unit is -48 Vdc powered, use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the unit to the -48 Vdc mains. If the remote unit is

85/264 Vac-powered, fix the 85/264 Vac plug (included) on to a power

cord (not included), and use this cable in order to connect the unit to the

mains.

7. Connect the antenna RF cables to the RF antenna ports. Connect the UL

and DL optical connectors (fig.3.12e). If the power cable has properly been

connected to the main, both the green and the red LEDs should turn on.

The green LED will remain on to indicate that the unit is powered on, while

the red LED will turn off as soon as the local unit will be switched on (for

further details about the start up of the system, please refer to the section

“TFAx Start-up”)

8. Fix the lower cover by fastening the 4 screws (fig.3.12f).

TFAM20 installation

TFAM20 remote unit can be fixed on walls, false ceilings or other flat vertical

surfaces, either directly or through a TKA01 installation kit (optional).

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.11: The TKA01 installation kit

MN024-08

Installing a TFAM20 remote unit WITHOUT the TKA kit

The TFAM20 kit includes:

Please consider carefully these guidelines in order to choose a proper

positioning of the remote unit and of its power supply:

o Each piece of equipment should not be affected by the heating of any other

piece. The remote unit and its external power supply should be mounted so

as to avoid reciprocal heating. Side-by-side configuration is suggested (fig.

3.13 a,b)

o Remote units are provided with cooling fins which allow to optimize heat

dissipation. In order to let them work, the environment where the TFAM20

is mounted should allow the necessary air changeover.

o It is strongly recommended not to mount the external power supply on a

horizontal surface, because this position does not allow heat dissipation.

External power supplies must be mounted on vertical surfaces.

o In order to assure a proper heat dissipation, the external power supplies

must be mounted in vertical position with the power socket downwards (see

fig. 3.13a,b).

Once you have chosen the position of the remote unit, please follow these

instructions:

1. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (not included) which shall hold up

the TFAM20 remote unit, drill into the wall according to the case A layout

shown in fig. 3.15a.

2. Fix the TFAM20 to the wall by firmly screwing the anchors.

3. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (not included) which shall hold up

the power supply external adapter, drill into the wall according to the

power supply layout shown in fig.3.15b.

4. Fix the external power supply adapter to the wall by firmly screwing the

anchors.

5. Take the splice – tray (not included). Fix the splice holder inside the splice

tray. (see fig. 3.10a,b)

6. Splice the optical fibres and close the splice tray. While handling the fibers,

take care of the fiber bending.

7. Fix the splice tray beside the remote unit

8. Connect the external adapter to the TFAM20 remote unit through the

9. proper cable.

10. If the remote unit is -48 Vdc powered, use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the external adapter to the -48 Vdc mains (fig. 3.12b).

If the remote unit is 90/264 Vac-powered, fix the 90/264 Vac plug

TFAx

CaseA

1. a remote unit TFAM20

2. a 50 Ω load

3. a TPSN external power supply adapter (90 to

264 Vac or -72 to -36 Vdc, according to the

chosen model)

4. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug (according to

the chosen model)

32 User Manual

(included) on to a power cord (not included), and use this cable in order

to the external adapter to the mains (fig. 3.12a).

11. Connect the antenna RF cables to the RF antenna ports. Connect the UL

and DL optical connectors.

12. Once the installation is finished, please follow the section “TFAx case A

remote unit”, in order to carry out a proper system start up.

Installation of the TFAM20 remote unit WITH the TKA01 installation

kit

The TFAM20 kit includes:

The TKA01 kit includes:

(please refer to fig.

3.11)

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.12. Example of proper mounting configuration, which assures heat dissipation. Note that the

remote unit and its power supply adapter are mounted side-by-side, and the power supply adapter

has the socket downwards. The pictures refer to a 90/264 Vac – powered TFAM20 (a) and to a –

72/-36 Vdc –powered TFAM20 (b).

1. a remote unit TFAx

2. a 50 Ω load

3. an external power supply adapter (86 to 264 Vac

or -72 to -36 Vdc, according to the chosen

model)

4. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug (according to

the chosen model)

A. 4 screw anchors (fixing the wall bearing to the

wall)

B. 5 screw anchors (fixing the TFAx case A to the

wall mounting box “C”)

C. A wall mounting boc

D. a splice holder

(a)

universal mains

(90 to 264Vac)

(b)

neg. supply

(

72 to

36Vdc

)

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseA

(a)

(e) (f)

Fig. 3.13: Mounting the TFAx Case A with a TKA01

installation kit

(b)

34 User Manual

Please consider carefully these guidelines in order to choose a proper

positioning of the remote unit and of its power supply:

o Each piece of equipment should not be affected by the heating of any other

piece. The remote unit and its external power supply should be mounted so

as to avoid reciprocal heating. Side-by-side configuration is suggested (fig.

3.14 a,b)

o It is strongly recommended not to mount the external power supply on a

horizontal surface, because this position does not allow heat dissipation.

External power supplies must be mounted on vertical surfaces.

o In order to assure a proper heat dissipation, the external power supplies

must be mounted in vertical position with the power socket downwards

(see fig. 3.14a,b).

Once you have chosen the position of the remote unit mounting case, please

follow these instructions:

1. Unscrew the 4 screws which lock the lower cover of the TKA01 wall

bearing (see fig. 3.13a)

2. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (included) which shall hold up

the TKA01 wall bearing, drill into the wall according to the TKA layout

shown in fig. 3.15c.

3. Fix the TKA01 wall bearing by firmly screwing the anchors.

4. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (not included) which shall hold up

the power supply external adapter, drill into the wall according to the

power supply layout shown in fig.3.15b

5. Fix the external power supply adapter to the wall by firmly screwing the

anchors.

6. Carefully open the splice tray by using a screwdriver as in fig. 3.13b. Fix

the splice holder inside the splice tray. (see fig. 3.13c). Splice the optical

fibres and close the splice tray. While handling the fibers, take care of the

fiber bending. Close the splice tray.

7. Fix the remote unit to the wall bearing by using the included screws

3.13d.

8. If the remote unit is -48 Vdc powered, use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the external adapter to the -48 Vdc mains (fig. 3.14a).

If the remote unit is 90/264 Vac-powered, fix the 90/264 Vac plug

(included) on to a power cord (not included), and use this cable in order

to connect the external adapter to the mains (fig. 3.14b).

9. Connect the antenna RF cables to the RF antenna ports. Connect the UL

and DL optical connectors (fig.3.13e). If the power cable has properly

been connected to the main, both the green and the red LEDs should turn

on. The green LED will remain on to indicate that the unit is powered on,

while the red LED will turn off as soon as the local unit will be switched on

(for further details about the start up of the system, please refer to the

section “TFAx Case A Start-up”)

10. Fix the lower cover by fastening the 4 screws (fig.3.13f).

TFAx

CaseA

MN024-08

TFAx Case A start-up

Before the TFAx remote unit is switched on, make sure that:

• the modules hosted in the master unit have been connected each other

with RF jumpers, according to the system design

• every TFLN master optical TRX has been connected to its remote units

• each remote unit has been connected to its coverage antennas

For a correct system start-up, all the remote units have to be switched

on before the master unit.

Once the TFAx has been switched on, its behaviour can be summarized as per

the following steps:

1. when the remote unit is turned on, both the LEDs upon the warm side

turn on for a couple of seconds

2. After that, the unit green LED remains on (thus indicating proper

power supply), while the red LED switches off as soon as the master

unit is turned on (meaning that DL optical power is OK and no alarms

are present).

3. Once the master unit has been switched on, the status of both LEDs

have to be the one reported in table 3.1. In case the red LED remains

on, please refer to the troubleshooting section.

4. After being switched on the remote unit starts working correctly.

Anyway, in order to be recognized by the supervision management

system, it is necessary for the corresponding TFLN master optical TRX

to carry out the discovery phase (please refer to Supervision System

Manual for more details). During this phase which can last at max.

4min, depending on the system complexity, the TFLN LED ┌┘ blinks.

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.14. Example of proper mounting configuration, which assures proper heat dissipation.

Note that the remote unit and its power supply adapter are mounted side-by-side, and the

power supply adapter has the socket downwards. The pictures refer to a 90/264 Vac –

powered TFAM20 (a) and to a -72/-36 Vdc –powered TFAM20 (b).

(a) (b)

Universal mains

(90 to 264 Vac)

Neg. supply

(-72 to -36Vdc)

36 User Manual

Do not connect/disconnect any cable or any piece of

equipment during the discovery phase! This may result in failing

the identification of the remote unit.

Note: in case discovery doesn’t start automatically, check through the LMT or

the remote supervision whether it has been disabled (refer to LMT or remote

supervision system manuals for further information).

Case A TFAx troubleshooting

Faults can be revealed by LEDs on the TFAx front panel as well as by LMT or

supervision system (running on the remote supervision unit)

Both LMT and supervision system provide full information about the device

causing the alarm. As a consequence, troubleshooting procedure can be very

immediate when failure detection is directly carried out through LMT or

supervision system.

Britecell Plus modules are designed in order to exchange information, so that

each remote unit can receive failure notifications from its external equipment

through dry-contact connections. Moreover, the TFAx constantly monitors the

optical signal received from its TFLN unit to control optical losses.

Tables 3.2 and 3.3 show a brief description of the alarms related to a Case A

remote unit, with a reference to the corresponding alerted LEDs and to the

actions to be carried out in the case of a fault.

TFAN

ALARM

CODE

(TSUN

description)

ALARM

DESCRIPTION ACTIVE LED

SUPERVISION

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDED

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

Antenna DC

loop alarm ALWAYS OK

DL optical

power fail

The optical power

received on the DL is

too low and can’t no

more be

compensated

RED MAJOR

Check the DL fibre

and the TFLN laser

status MAJOR

AGC out of

range

The optical power

received is under the

allowed 3dB optical

loss but it can be

compensated

NONE WARNING

Clean optical

connectors MINOR

DL RF low

band alarm HW failure on the DL

low band RF section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

DL RF high

band alarm HW failure on the DL

high band RF section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

External 1

alarm

Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 1 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

External 2

alarm

Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 2 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

TFAx

CaseA

Table 3.2. Description of the alarms of the TFAN Case A Remote Unit, as they are

presented on LMT or Supervision Interface

MN024-08

As the tables show, minor alarms (low priority alarms) are revealed only by

LMT or supervision system, but not by LEDs. Minor alarms detect critical

situations which should be checked and tested in order to avoid future possible

system faults.

Each remote unit is provided with an AGC system which comes in after the

optical-to-RF conversion. This AGC can correctly compensate optical losses

when these are estimated to be <3 dB. In case optical losses are in the 3dB-

4dB range, the whole system still works, but AGC is near to its borderline

levels. The red LED switches on when the estimated optical losses are >4dB,

the AGC not being able to compensate these losses any more.

As shown in the previous table, the same red LED switches on to reveal any

major failure. Following the troubleshooting procedure reported hereinafter it

is possible to better understand what problem occurred.

1Note:

Each remote unit is provided with an AGC system which comes in after the optical-to-RF

conversion. This AGC can correctly compensate optical losses when these are estimated to be

<3 dB. In case optical losses are in the 3dB- 4dB range, the AGC is said to be “out of range”:

the whole system still work, but AGC is near to its borderline levels. The DL power LED switches

on when the estimated optical losses are >4dB, the AGC not being able to compensate these

losses any more.

As shown in the previous table, the same red LED switches on to reveal any major failure.

Following the troubleshooting procedure reported hereinafter it is possible to better understand

what problem occurred.

TFAx

CaseA

TFAM20

ALARM

CODE

(TSUN

descriptio

ALARM

DESCRIPTION

ACTIVE

LED

SUPERVISION

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDED

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

Antenna DC

loop alarm ALWAYS OK

Power

Supply alarm

UPS HW failure or

malfunction.

RF is turned OFF RED MAJOR

Check the external

PSU. If it works

properly, return the

unit

MAJOR

Internal Bus

alarm ALWAYS OK

DL optical

power fail

The optical power

received on the DL is

too low and can’t no

more be

compensated

RED MAJOR

Check the DL fibre

and the TFLN laser

status MAJOR

AGC out of

range

The optical power

received is under the

allowed 3dB optical

loss but it can be

compensated

NONE WARNING

Clean optical

connectors MINOR

DL UMTS

band alarm HW failure on the DL

UMTS section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

Temperature

alarm Over-temperature

alarm

RED

if temperature

>85°C MINOR Check ventilation

and environment MINOR

Table 3.3. Description of the alarms of the TFAM20 Remote Unit, as they are

presented on LMT or Supervision Interface

38 User Manual

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.15(a): CASE A layout with wall anchor quotes

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.15(b): External Power Supply layout with wall anchor quotes. It is highly recommended

to mount it on a vertical surface in vertical position with the socket downwards.

40 User Manual

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.15(c): TKA layout with wall anchor quotes

MN024-08

Quick troubleshooting procedure

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.16a)

In case the red LED is ON, please follow these steps:

1. First of all, refer to dry-contact troubleshooting in order to understand

whether the alarm can depend on any external equipment failure or not.

2. In case dry-contact troubleshooting has not revealed any failure, clean the

optical adapters

3. If the problem still persists, refer to the fibre optic DL troubleshooting to

check if optical cables or optical connections have any problem on DL path.

4. If previous actions didn’t make the LED switch off replace the unit with a

new one or contact for assistance.

Dry contact troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.16b)

This procedure needs to be considered if at least one TFAx dry-contact is

connected to some external equipment. If not, return to main troubleshooting

procedure.

These steps aim to detect any failure inside the external equipment or inside

the dry-contact port. If dry-contacts don’t reveal equipment malfunction or a

port failure, return to the main troubleshooting procedure.

For any dry-contact connected to some external equipment, follow these

steps:

1. Disconnect it, and check the TFAx LED status after the disconnection.

2. If the red LED has switched off, external equipment connected to the dry

contact port should be faulty. Please test it.

3. If the TFAx red LED still remains on after the disconnection, measure

voltage between the terminals of the dry contact port.

a. If the terminals are electrically closed, the dry-contact port is faulty.

Contact the manufacturer for assistance.

b. If the terminals are open, this means neither the analysis of the

present dry contact nor the one of its external equipment has

revealed failures. Re-connect the present dry contact port to its

external equipment. In case the TFAx has another unchecked dry-

contact connected to some external equipment, apply the whole

procedure (i.e. the steps 1-3) to this new port

Fibre optic DL troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.16c)

1. Check if there is any point where fibre experiences a short radius of

curvature. In this case, rearrange the optical path in order to avoid sharp

bends (if necessary, replace the optical cable with a longer one). If TFLN

red LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successfully carried out.

Otherwise, follow next steps.

2. Check if SC-APC connectors are properly installed at both fibre ends. In

case they are not, fix better SC-SPC connectors to adapters. If TFLN red

LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successful. Otherwise, follow

next steps.

3. Disconnect the optical fibre and clean it better at both ends then clean

the SC-APC ports on both the TFLN and the remote unit. Re-connect the

fibre to relevant ports after cleaning. If it doesn’t made TFLN red LED

switch off, follow next steps.

TFAx

CaseA

42 User Manual

4. Disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from remote unit DL port, and

measure the output power POUT(DL) at the corresponding fibre end.

Then, go to the TFLN side, disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from

TFLN DL port and measure the input power PIN(DL) coming out of the

TFLN DL port. Calculate the DL fibre attenuation ADL as ADL [dB] =

PIN(DL) – POUT(DL)

a. If ADL > 4dB, then the fibre optic cable has some problems. Replace it

with a new one.

b. If ADL < 4dB troubleshooting procedure has not identified the problem.

Refer to supervision system or contact assistance.

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.16( a): Flow-chart describing the quick troubleshooting procedure on Case A TFAx

star

Is the red LED

ON upon the

TFAx?

Yes

Verify if any external

equipment or any dry contact

port have some problems.

Refer to dry-contact

troubleshooting (fig. 3.16b)

Clean the SC-APC

optical adapters and

connectors

Yes

end

Is red LED upon

TFAx still ON?

Is red LED upon

TFAx still ON?

Optical cable or optical connections

are supposed to have problems on

DL path. Refer to fibre optic DL

troubleshooting (fig. 3.16c)

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.16(b): Flow-chart describing the external alarm troubleshooting on Case A TFAx.

start

Is any dry contact

connected to some

external equipment?

Yes

Disconnect the

dry contact port

Is red LED

upon TFAx

still ON?

External equipment

connected to this dry

contact port should be

faulty. Test it.

Yes

Measure voltage between

the terminals of this dry

contact port

Is this dry contact

electrically closed?

The dry contact port

is faulty. Contact

the manufacturer

for assistance.

Yes

Analysis about this dry

contact and its external

equipment has not revealed

any failures.

Connect the dry contact to its

external equipment again.

Is the other dry

contact connected

to external

equipment?

Yes

end

44 User Manual

TFAx

CaseA

Fig. 3.16 (c): Flow-chart describing the fibre optic DL troubleshooting

start

Is there any

point where the

fibre experiences

a small radius of

curvature?

Rearrange the optical path to avoid

sharp bends. If necessary replace the

optical cable with a longer one.

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Are SC-APC

connectors properly

installed at both fibre

ends?

Fix better SC-APC

connectors

Yes

Disconnect the optical

SC-APC connector from

remote unit DL port

Clean optical SC-APC

ports on both TFL

and remote uni

Disconnect fibre optic

and clean it at both ends.

Reconnect the fibre

to relevant ports

Measure the output power

at corresponding fibre end.

Measure the input power

coming out of the TFLN

DL port.

Disconnect optical SC-APC

connector from TFLN DL

port.

Calculate DL fibre attenuation

ADL[dB]=input power - output power

Is ADL > 4dB? Fibre optic cable has some

problems. Replace it.

Troubleshooting procedure has

not identified the problem. Refer

to supervision system or contact

assistance

end

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Go to TFLN

side.

MN024-08

3.3. Case B remote unit

Dimensions and Weight:

Dimensions: 38 x 240 x 240 mm

(1.5 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches)

Weight : please refer to the Bulletin

PA-100595EN or to the remote unit dedicated bulletin in order to

know the updated data about

the weight of your case L remote unit

TFAx

CaseB

Module name:

Remote Unit

TFAx

Case B

Power

Supply

connector

DL optical

port

(SC-APC)

External

alarm

connectors

Warm side

antenna

port (N-f)

Green LED = power on

Red LED = major alarm

RF auxiliary

channel output

(

SMA-f

)

UL optical

port

(SC-APC)

antenna

port (N-f)

RF auxiliary

channel input

(

SMA-f

)

RF ports:

• 2 RF antenna ports, transmitting/receiving signals to/from

distributed antennas. RF antenna ports are duplexed N-female

connectors. These RF ports can be connected to the antennas

either directly (ie. through RF jumper cables) or through

splitters, thus allowing more antennas to be fed. Unused RF

ports have to be terminated with a 50 Ω load.

• 1 RF auxiliary input and 1 auxiliary output (designed to

receive and transmit additional signals). Auxiliary input and

output ports are SMA-female connectors.

Optical ports: • 1 optical output port, transmitting UL signals to TFLN

master optical TRX

• 1 optical input port, receiving DL signals from TFLN

master optical TRX

Fig. 3.17: 3D-drawing of

a Case B remote unit

46 User Manual

Visual alarms:

Two control LEDs are provided on the TFAx front side (fig.3.18). The green

LED describes the power supply status, while the red LED describes the major

Remote Unit failures (please refer to the table 3.4).

Dry contact alarms:

TFAx is provided with two dry contacts inputs, which can

be connected (through .062” MOLEX plugs) to any external

device. In such a way, the alarm information about this

external device can be signalled through the red LED of

TFAx LED panel and displayed into the supervision system.

Power supply

The Case B remote unit is provided with an external power supply TPSN (fig.

3.20 a,b), available either for universal mains (90 to 264) or for negative

supply. (-72 to -36 Vdc). Each TPSN external power supply provides the

remote units with a +5Vdc power, by means of a 3-pole connector (fig.

3.20c).

Warnings (to be read before remote units are

installed)

Dealing with optical output ports

The TFAx remote unit contains semiconductor lasers. Invisible laser beams

may be emitted from the optical output ports. Do not look towards the optical

ports while equipment is switched on.

TFAx

CaseB

Led colour Meaning

Red Low optical power at DL input

and/or RF amplifier failure

Green Power supply OK

Fig. 3.18 : LED panel on

the Case-B warm side

Table 3.4: summary of TFAx LEDs meaning

contacts

Fig. 3.19 : Dry-contacts

on Case B back side

MN024-08

Choosing a proper installation site for the remote units

• TFAx remote units have to be installed as close as possible to the radiating

antennas, in order to minimize coaxial cable length, thus reducing downlink

power loss and uplink noise figure.

• When positioning the TFAx remote unit, pay attention that the placing of

related antennas should be decided in order to minimize the Minimum

Coupling Loss (MLC), so as to avoid blocking.

• The TFAx remote unit is intended to be fixed on walls, false ceilings or

other flat vertical surfaces (TKA installation kits are available, in order to

provide a protective cover for TFAx remote unit, while making the TFAx

installation easier and faster).

Handling optical connections

• When inserting an optical connector, take care to handle it so smoothly

that the optical fibre is not damaged. Optical fibres are to be single-mode

(SM) 9.5/125µm.

• Typically, Britecell Plus equipment is provided with SC-APC optical

connectors (other connectors may be provided on request). Inserting any

other connectors will result in severe damages.

• Do not force or stretch the fibre pigtail with radius of curvature less than

5cm. See rightward figure for optimal fibre cabling.

• Remove the adapter caps only just before making connections. Do not

leave any SC-APC adapter open, as they attract dirt. Unused optical

connectors must always be covered with their caps.

• Do not touch the connector tip. Clean it with a proper tissue before

inserting each connector into the sleeve. In case connector tips need to be

cleaned, use pure ethyl alcohol.

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.20: TPSN external adapters for 220

Vac (a) and -48 Vdc (b) Case B remote

units. Power supply connector on the rear

side of Case-B remote unit (c).

Ground

Positive +5 Vdc

(a)

(c)

(b)

48 User Manual

TFAx Case B installation

CaseB remote unit can be fixed on walls, false ceilings or other flat vertical

surfaces, either directly or through a TKA04 installation kit (optional).

Installing a Case B remote unit WITHOUT the TKA kit

The TFAx kit includes:

Please consider carefully these guidelines in order to choose a proper

positioning of the remote unit and of its power supply:

o Each piece of equipment should not be affected by the heating of any other

piece. The remote unit and its external power supply should be mounted so

as to avoid reciprocal heating. Side-by-side configuration is suggested (fig.

3.22 a,b)

o Remote units are provided with cooling fins which allow to optimize heat

dissipation. In order to let them work, the environment where the TFAx is

mounted should allow the necessary air changeover

o It is strongly recommended not to mount the external power supply on a

horizontal surface, because this position does not allow heat dissipation.

External power supplies must be mounted on vertical surfaces.

o In order to assure a proper heat dissipation, the external power supplies

must be mounted in vertical position with the power socket downwards

(see fig. 13.22a,b).

Once you have chosen the position of the remote unit, please follow these

instructions:

1. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (not included) which shall hold up

the TFAx remote unit, drill into the wall according to the case B layout

shown in fig. 3.24a.

2. Fix the TFAx to the wall by firmly screwing the anchors.

3. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (not included) which shall hold up

the power supply external adapter, drill into the wall according to the

power supply layout shown in fig.3.24b

4. Fix the external power supply adapter to the wall by firmly screwing the

anchors.

5. Take the splice – tray (not included). Fix the splice holder inside the splice

tray. (see fig. 3.21a,b)

TFAx

CaseB

a. a remote unit TFAx

b. a 50 Ω load

c. a TPSN external power supply adapter (86 to 264

Vac or -72 to -36 Vdc, according to the chosen

model)

d. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug (according to

the chosen model)

MN024-08

6. Splice the optical fibres and close the splice tray. While handling the fibers,

take care of the fiber bending.

7. Fix the splice tray beside the remote unit

8. Connect the external adapter to the TFAx remote unit through the proper

cable.

9. If the remote unit is -48 Vdc powered, use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the external adapter to the -48 Vdc supply (fig. 3.22b).

If the remote unit is 90/264 Vac-powered, fix the 90/264 Vac plug

(included) on to a power cord (not included), and use this cable in order to

connect the external adapter to the mains (fig. 3.22a).

10. Connect the antenna RF cables to the RF antenna ports. Connect the UL

and DL optical connectors.

11. Once the installation is finished, please follow the section “TFAx Case B

Start-up” in order to carry out a proper system start up.

TFAx

CaseB

(a)

(b)

Fig. 3.21. (a) Splice tray. (b) Inside of the splice tray,

with the splice holder properly positioned.

Fig. 3.22. Example of proper mounting configuration, which assures heat dissipation. Note that

the remote unit and its power supply adapter are mounted side-by-side, and the power supply

adapter has the socket downwards. The pictures refer to a 90/264 Vac – powered TFAx Case B

(a) and to a -36/-72 Vdc –powered TFAx Case B (b).

(a) (b)

Universal mains

(90 to 264 Vac) Neg. supply

(-72 to -36 Vdc )

50 User Manual

Installation of the Case B remote unit WITH the TKA04 installation kit

The TFAx Case B kit includes:

The TKA04 kit includes:

Please consider carefully these guidelines in order to choose a proper

positioning of the remote unit and of its power supply:

o Each piece of equipment should not be affected by the heating of any other

piece. The remote unit and its external power supply should be mounted so

as to avoid reciprocal heating. Side-by-side configuration is suggested (fig.

3.24 a,b)

o It is strongly recommended not to mount the external power supply on a

horizontal surface, because this position does not allow heat dissipation.

External power supplies must be mounted on vertical surfaces.

o In order to assure a proper heat dissipation, the external power supplies

must be mounted in vertical position with the power socket downwards

(see fig. 3.24a,b).

Once you have chosen the position of the remote unit mounting case, please

follow these instructions:

1. Unscrew the 4 screws which lock the lower cover of the TKA04 wall bearing

(see fig. 3.26a)

2. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (included) which shall hold up the

TKA04 wall bearing, drill into the wall according to the TKA layout shown in

fig. 3.25c.

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.23: The TKA installation kit

2. a remote unit TFAx

3. a 50 Ω load

4. a TPSN external power supply adapter (86

to 264 Vac or -72 to -36 Vdc, according to

the chosen model)

5. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug

(

accordin

to the chosen model

)

A. 4 screw anchors (fixing the wall bearing to the

wall)

B. 5 screw anchors (fixing the TFAx Case B to the

wall bearing)

C. a wall mounting box (wall bearing + cover)

D. a splice holder

MN024-08

3. Fix the TKA04 wall bearing by firmly screwing the anchors.

4. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (not included) which shall hold up

the power supply external adapter, drill into the wall according to the power

supply layout shown in fig.3.25b.

5. Fix the external power supply adapter to the wall by firmly screwing the

anchors.

6. Carefully open the splice tray by using a screwdriver as in fig. 3.26b. Fix the

splice holder inside the splice tray (fig. 3.26c). Splice the optical fibres and

close the splice tray. While handling the fibers, take care of the fiber

bending. Close the splice tray.

Fig. 3.24. Example of proper mounting configuration, which assures proper heat dissipation. Note

that the remote unit and its power supply adapter are mounted side-by-side, and the power supply

adapter has the socket downwards. The pictures refer to a 220 Vac – powered TFAx Case B (a)

and to a -48 Vdc –powered TFAx Case B (b).

7. Fix the remote unit to the wall-bearing by using the included screws (fig.

3.26d).

8. If the remote unit is -48 Vdc powered, use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the external adapter to the -48 Vdc mains (fig. 3.24b).

If the remote unit is 90/264 Vac-powered, fix the 90/264 Vac plug

(included) on to a power cord (not included), and use this cable in order to

connect the external adapter to the mains (fig. 3.24a).

9. Connect the antenna RF cables to the RF antenna ports. Connect the UL

and DL optical connectors (fig. 3.26e). If the power cable has properly

been connected to the main, both the green and the red LEDs should turn

on. The green LED will remain on to indicate that the unit is powered on,

while the red LED will turn off as soon as the local unit will be switched on

(for further details about the start up of the system, please refer to the

section “TFAx Case B Start-up”)

10. Fix the lower cover by fastening the 4 screws (fig. 3.26f)

TFAx

CaseB

(a) (b)

Universal mains

(90 to 264 Vac) Neg. supply

(-72 to -36 Vdc

52 User Manual

TFAx Case B start-up

Before the TFAx remote unit is switched on, make sure that:

• the modules hosted in the master unit have been connected each other

with RF jumpers, according to the system design

• every TFLN master optical TRX has been connected to its remote units

• each remote unit has been connected to its coverage antennas

For a correct system start-up, all the remote units have to be

switched on before the master unit.

Once the TFAx has been switched on, its behaviour can be summarized as per

the following steps:

1. When the remote unit is turned on, both the LEDs upon the warm side turn

on for a couple of seconds

2. After that, the unit green LED remains on (thus indicating proper power

supply), while the red LED switches off as soon as the master unit is turned

on (meaning that DL optical power is OK and no alarms are present).

3. Once the master unit has been switched on, the status of both LEDs have

to be the one reported in table 3.4. In case the red LED remains on, please

refer to the troubleshooting section.

4. After being switched on the remote unit starts working correctly. Anyway,

in order to be recognized by the supervision management system, it is

necessary for the corresponding TFLN master optical TRX to carry out the

discovery phase (please refer to Supervision System Manual for more

details). During this phase which can last at max. 4min, depending on the

system complexity, the TFLN LED ┌┘ blinks. Do not connect/disconnect

any cable or any piece of equipment during the discovery phase!

This may result in failing the identification of the remote unit.

Note: in case discovery doesn’t start automatically, check through the LMT or

the remote supervision whether it has been disabled (refer to LMT or remote

supervision system manuals for further information).

TFAx Case B troubleshooting

Faults can be revealed by LEDs on the TFAx front panel as well as by LMT or

supervision system (running on the remote supervision unit)

Both LMT and supervision system provide full information about the device

causing the alarm. As a consequence, troubleshooting procedure can be very

immediate when failure detection is directly carried out through LMT or

supervision system.

Britecell Plus modules are designed in order to exchange information, so that

each remote unit can receive failure notifications from its external equipment

through dry-contact connections. Moreover, the TFAx constantly monitors the

optical signal received from its TFLN unit to control optical losses.

TFAx

CaseB

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.25 (a): CASE B layout with wall anchor quotes

54 User Manual

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.25 (b): External Power Supply layout with wall anchor quotes. It is highly recommended

to mount it on a vertical surface in vertical position with the socket downwards.

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.25 (c): TKA layout with wall anchor quotes

240

100

242

150

56 User Manual

TFAx

CaseB

(a)

(e) (f)

Fig. 3.26: Mounting the TFAx with a TKA installation kit. Please note that these

itctures refers to the mounting of a Case A TFAx with a TKa01 kit. However, the

installation procedure is identical for mounting a TFAx case B with a TKA04 kit.

(b)

MN024-08

Tables 3.5 and 3.6 show a brief description of the alarms related to a Case B

remote unit, with a reference to the corresponding alerted LEDs and to the

actions to be carried out in the case of a fault.

TFAN (tri band)

ALARM

CODE

(TSUN

description)

ALARM

DESCRIPTION ACTIVE LED

SUPERVISION

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDED

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

Antenna DC

loop alarm ALWAYS OK

DL optical power

fail1

The optical power

received on the DL is

too low and can’t no

more be

compensated

RED MAJOR

Check the DL fibre

and the TFLN laser

status MAJOR

AGC out of

range1

The optical power

received is under the

allowed 3dB optical

loss but it can be

compensated

NONE WARNING

Clean optical

connectors MINOR

DL RF low band

alarm HW failure on the DL

low band RF section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

DL RF high

band alarm HW failure on the DL

high band RF section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

External 1 alarm Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 1 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

External 2 alarm Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 2 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

Power supply

alarm

UPS HW failure or

malfunction.

RF is turned OFF RED MAJOR

Check the external

PSU. If it works

properly, return the

unit

MAJOR

Internal BUS

alarm

A malfunctioning on

the digital part

involves a fault in

monitoring

functionalities

RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

Temperature

alarm Over-temperature

alarm NONE MINOR

Check ventilation

and environment MINOR

DL UMTS band

alarm

HW failure on the DL

UMTS band RF

section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

TFAx

CaseB

Table 3.5. Description of the alarms of the TFAN Case-B Remote Unit,

as they are presented on LMT or Supervision Interface

58 User Manual

TFAM

ALARM

CODE

(TSUN

description)

ALARM

DESCRIPTION

ACTIVE

LED

SUPERVISION

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDED

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

Antenna DC

loop alarm ALWAYS OK

DL optical

power fail1

The optical power

received on the DL is

too low and can’t no

more be

compensated

RED MAJOR

Check the DL fibre

and the TFLN laser

status MAJOR

AGC out of

range1

The optical power

received is under the

allowed 3dB optical

loss but it can be

compensated

NONE WARNING

Clean optical

connectors MINOR

DL UMTS

band alarm HW failure on the DL

UMTS section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

External

1alarm

Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 1 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

External 2

alarm

Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 2 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

Power Supply

alarm

UPS HW failure or

malfunction.

RF is turned OFF RED MAJOR

Check the external

PSU. If it works

properly, return the

unit

MAJOR

Internal Bus

alarm ALWAYS OK

As the tables show minor alarms (low priority alarms) are revealed only by

LMT or supervision system, but not by LEDs. Minor alarms detect critical

situations which should be checked and tested in order to avoid future

possible system faults.

Each remote unit is provided with an AGC system which comes in after the

optical-to-RF conversion. This AGC can correctly compensate optical losses

when these are estimated to be <3 dB. In case optical losses are in the 3dB-

4dB range, the whole system still works, but AGC is near to its borderline

levels. The red LED switches on when the estimated optical losses are >4dB,

the AGC not being able to compensate these losses any more.

As shown in the previous table, the same red LED switches on to reveal any

major failure. Following the troubleshooting procedure reported hereinafter it

is possible to better understand what problem occurred.

1Note:

Each remote unit is provided with an AGC system which comes in after the optical-to-RF

conversion. This AGC can correctly compensate optical losses when these are estimated to be

<3 dB. In case optical losses are in the 3dB- 4dB range, the AGC is said to be “out of range”:

the whole system still work, but AGC is near to its borderline levels. The DL power LED

switches on when the estimated optical losses are >4dB, the AGC not being able to

compensate these losses any more.

TFAx

CaseB

Table 3.6. Description of the alarms of the TFAM Case-B Remote Unit,

as they are presented on LMT or Supervision Interface

MN024-08

As shown in the previous table, the same red LED switches on to reveal any major failure.

Following the troubleshooting procedure reported hereinafter it is possible to better understand

what problem occurred.

Quick troubleshooting procedure

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.27a)

In case the red LED is ON, please follow these steps:

1. First of all, refer to dry-contact troubleshooting in order to understand

whether the alarm can depend on any external equipment failure or not.

2. In case dry-contact troubleshooting has not revealed any failure, clean the

optical adapters

3. If the problem still persists, refer to the fibre optic DL troubleshooting to

check if optical cables or optical connections have any problem on DL path.

4. If previous actions didn’t make the LED switch off replace the unit with a

new one or contact for assistance.

Dry-contact troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.27b)

This procedure needs to be considered if at least one TFAx dry-contact is

connected to some external equipment. If not, return to main troubleshooting

procedure.

These steps aim to detect any failure inside the external equipment or inside

the dry-contact port. If dry-contacts don’t reveal equipment malfunction or a

port failure, return to the main troubleshooting procedure.

For any dry-contact connected to some external equipment, follow these

steps:

1. Disconnect it, and check the TFAx LED status after the disconnection.

2. If the red LED has switched off, external equipment connected to the dry

contact port should be faulty. Please test it.

3. If the TFAx red LED still remains on after the disconnection, measure

voltage between the terminals of the dry contact port.

a. If the terminals are electrically closed, the dry-contact port is

faulty. Contact the manufacturer for assistance.

b. If the terminals are open, this means neither the analysis of the

present dry contact nor the one of its external equipment has

revealed failures. Re-connect the present dry contact port to its

external equipment. In case the TFAx has another unchecked dry-

contact connected to some external equipment, apply the whole

procedure (ie steps 1-3) to this new port

Fibre optic DL troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.27c)

1. Check if there is any point where fibre experiences a short radius of

curvature. In this case, rearrange the optical path in order to avoid sharp

bends (if necessary, replace the optical cable with a longer one). If TFLN red

LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successfully carried out.

Otherwise, follow next steps.

2. Check if SC-APC connectors are properly installed at both fibre ends. In

case they are not, fix better SC-SPC connectors to adapters. If TFLN red

LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successful. Otherwise, follow

next steps.

TFAx

CaseB

60 User Manual

3. Disconnect the optical fibre and clean it better at both ends then clean the

SC-APC ports on both the TFLN and the remote unit. Re-connect the fibre

to relevant ports after cleaning. If it doesn’t made TFLN red LED switch off,

follow next steps.

4. Disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from remote unit DL port, and

measure the output power POUT(DL) at the corresponding fibre end. Then,

go to the TFLN side, disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from TFLN DL

port and measure the input power PIN(DL) coming out of the TFLN DL port.

Calculate the DL fibre attenuation ADL as ADL [dB] = PIN(DL) – POUT(DL)

a. If ADL > 4dB, then the fibre optic cable has some problems.

Replace it with a new one.

b. If ADL < 4dB troubleshooting procedure has not identified the

problem. Refer to supervision system or contact assistance.

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.27 (a): Flow-chart describing the quick troubleshooting procedure on TFAx Case B

start Is the red LED

ON upon the

TFAx?

Yes

Verify if any external

equipment or any dry contact

port have some problems.

Refer to dry-contact

troubleshooting (fig. 3.27b)

Clean the SC-APC

optical adapters and

connectors

Yes

end

Is red LED

upon TFAx still

ON?

Is red LED

upon TFAx still

ON?

Optical cable or optical connections

are supposed to have problems on

DL path. Refer to fibre optic DL

troubleshooting (fig. 3.27c)

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.27 (b): Flow-chart describing the external alarm troubleshooting on Case B TFAx.

start

Is any dry contact

connected to some

external equipment?

Yes

Disconnect the

dry contact port

Is red LED

upon TFAx

still ON?

External equipment

connected to this dry

contact port should be

faulty. Test it.

Yes

Measure voltage between

the terminals of this dry

contact port

Is this dry contact

electrically closed?

The dry contact port

is faulty. Contact

the manufacturer

for assistance.

Yes

Analysis a

out this dry

contact and its external

equipment has not revealed

any failures.

Connect the dry contact to its

external equipment again.

Is the other dry

contact connected

to external

equipment?

Yes

end

62 User Manual

TFAx

CaseB

Fig. 3.27 (c): Flow-chart describing the fibre optic DL troubleshooting

start

Is there any

point where the

fibre experiences

a small radius of

curvature?

Rearrange the optical path to avoid

sharp bends. If necessary replace the

optical cable with a longer one.

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Are SC-APC

connectors properly

installed at both fibre

ends?

Fix better SC-APC

connectors

Yes

Disconnect the optical

SC-APC connector from

remote unit DL port

Clean optical SC-APC

ports on both TFL

and remote uni

Disconnect fibre optic

and clean it at both ends.

Reconnect the fibre

to relevant ports

Measure the output power

at corresponding fibre end.

Measure the input power

coming out of the TFLN

DL port.

Disconnect optical SC-APC

connector from TFLN DL

port.

Calculate DL fibre attenuation

ADL[dB]=input power - output power

Is ADL > 4dB? Fibre optic cable has some

problems. Replace it.

Troubleshooting procedure has

not identified the problem. Refer

to supervision system or contact

assistance

end

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Go to TFLN

side.

MN024-08

3.4. Case F remote unit

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: 546 x 253 x 207 mm

(inches 21.5 x 10 x 8.1)

Weight: please refer to the Britecell Plus bulletin PA-100595EN or to

the remote unit dedicated bulletin in order to know the

updated data about the weight of your case-L remote unit.

TFAx

CaseL

Figure 3.28 : (a) Case-L remote

unit; (b) connection panel of the

Case-L remote unit

Module name:

Remote Unit

TFAH

Case L

(a)

(b)

External alarms port

Green LED = power ON

UL AUX

DL AUX

Red LED = ma

or alarm

Power supply

connector

RF ANTENNA PORT

DL optical

cable UL optical

cable

64 User Manual

RF ports:

• 1 RF antenna port, transmitting/receiving signals to/from distributed

antennas. This RF antenna port is a duplexed N-female connectors. The

port can be connected to the antenna either directly (ie. through RF jumper

cables) or through splitters, thus allowing more antennas to be fed.

• 1 RF auxiliary input and 1 RF auxiliary output (designed to receive and

transmit additional signals). Auxiliary input and output ports are SMA-

female connectors.

Optical ports:

• 1 optical output port, transmitting UL signals to TFLN master optical TRX;

• 1 optical input port, receiving DL signals from TFLN master optical TRX.

Visual alarms:

Two control LEDs are provided on the Case-L upper side (see fig. 3.29).

The green LED describes the power supply status, while the red LED describes

the major Remote Unit failures (please rfer to the table 3.7).

External alarms

The Case-L remote unit can collect the alarm information of any external

device, so that the two LEDs of the visual panel will take account both of the

alarms of the remote unit itself and of the external devices which have been

properly connected. The alarms signals coming from external devices can be

carried through proper cables (provided with 0.62” molex plugs), which have

to pass through the external alarms port (see picture 3.28) and have to be

connected to the proper pins on the motherboard.

Please refer to fig. 3.30 in order to connect the external alarms cables to the

proper pins.

TFAx

CaseL

Led colour Meaning

Red

Low optical power at DL

input and/or RF amplifier

failure

Green Power supply OK

Table 3.7: summary of

Case-L LEDs meaning

Fig. 3.29 : LED panel on the Case-B warm side

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseL

Pin 1: EXTERNAL 1

Pin 2: GROUND 1

Pin 3: EXTERNAL 2

Pin 4: GROUND 2

Fig. 3.30 : External alarm

contacts on Case F board

66 User Manual

Power supply:

The Case-L remote Unit is available in two versions: one feeded by universal

mains (85 to 265 Vac), the other by negative power supply (-72 to -36 Vdc):

in figure 3.31, the 85/220 Vac connector and the -72/-36 Vdc connector are

described. Power feeder is always internal. The power cable is always

included in the Case-L remote unit kit

Warnings (to be read before remote units are

installed)

Dealing with optical output ports

The Case-L remote unit contains semiconductor lasers. Invisible laser beams

may be emitted from the optical output ports. Do not look towards the optical

ports while equipment is switched on.

Choosing a proper installation site for the remote units

• Case-L remote units have to be installed as close as possible to the

radiating antennas, in order to minimize coaxial cable length, thus

reducing downlink power loss and uplink noise figure.

• When positioning the Case-L remote unit, pay attention that the placing of

related antennas should be decided in order to minimize the Minimum

Coupling Loss (MLC), so as to avoid blocking.

• The Case-L remote unit is intended to be fixed on walls or other flat

vertical surfaces.

Handling optical connections

• When inserting an optical connector, take care to handle it so smoothly

that the optical fibre is not damaged. Optical fibres are to be single-mode

(SM) 9.5/125µm.

TFAx

CaseL

(a)

85/264Vac Connector

PE: ground

1: N

2: L

1 2

(b)

-36/-72Vdc Connector

4: 0V

6: -48V

Figure 3.31 : (a) 85/264 Vac and (b) -36/-72 Vdc connectors on a Case-L Remote Unit

MN024-08

• Typically, Britecell Plus equipment is provided with SC-APC optical

connectors (other connectors may be provided on request). Inserting any

other connectors will result in severe damages.

• Do not force or stretch the fibre pigtail with radius of curvature less than

5cm. See rightward figure for optimal fibre cabling.

• Remove the adapter caps only just before making connections. Do not

leave any SC-APC adapter open, as they attract dirt. Unused optical

connectors must always be covered with their caps.

• Do not touch the connector tip. Clean it with a proper tissue before

inserting each connector into the sleeve. In case connector tips need to be

cleaned, use pure ethyl alcohol.

TFAx Case-L installation

Each case-L Remote Unit kit includes:

• 1 Case-L Remote Unit;

• 1 key, required to open the Case-L connector cover

• 1 power supply cable (85 to 264 Vac or -48Vdc, depending on the power

supply which has been chosen);

• 1 pair of mounting plates;

• 1 screw kit, including four hexagonal-head screws and a torque key.

The operations which need to be carried out in order to perform a proper

installation of the Case-L Remote Unit are hereby described:

1- Take down the 2 mounting plates which are fixed to the case L (fig. 3.33a).

Fix the two mounting plates to the wall by firmly screwing the anchors.

2. Drill the wall to install four M8 screw anchors (not included) as indicated by

the installation drawing shown in fig. 3.33b.

3 –Take two of the hexagonal-head screws

included in the kit, and fasten them at the

top of the case-L unit (fig. 3.33c, step “1”)

by using the torque key: while fastening

the screws, take care to leave the space

required to hang the L-case to the plates.

Fasten the screws further only after

hanging the L-case. Then take the other

two hexagonal screws (included) and use

them to fasten the bottom sides of the

unit to the bottom side of the plates (see

fig. 3.33c, step “2”).

4 – Fix a splice holder (not included)

inside the proper splice tray (not included;

fig. 3.32). Makes the splices between the

fiberoptics patchcords coming from the

TFAx

CaseL

Fig. 3.32: (a) Splice tray. (b) Inside of the

splice tray, with the splice holder properly

positioned.

68 User Manual

Case-L remote unit and the fiberoptics cables which go to the local units.

House the optical splices inside the splice holder. Close the splice tray. During

these operations, please take care not to bend the fibres too much. Mount

the splice tray beside the remote unit.

5 -Turn the key which is provided in order to open the connector cover, and

remove the connector cover as in fig. 3.33e. If you need to use the Remote

Unit to control alarms on external devices, please refer to fig. 3.30 and to the

section “external alarms” in order to perform a proper cabling of the external

alarms connections.

6 - Loosen the four screws fixing the cover (fig. 3.33f), and take the cover

off. Unscrew the three screws indicated in fig. 3.33g, and open the unit

(3.33h).

7 - Connect the antenna RF cable to the RF antenna port (refer to fig. 3.33i).

In order to meet the IP65 compliance, please follow this procedure to carry

out the optical UL / DL connections. During these operations, take care not to

bend the fibers too much.

• Take off the PG13,5 Nut, the split-seal, the PG 13,5, and the pipe

connection.

• Make the optical patchcord pass through the PG 13,5 nut, the PG 13,5 and

the pipe connection. Connect the UL and DL optical connectors to the

corresponding UL and DL adapters the unit.

• Screw the pipe connection to the unit. Fasten the PG 13,5 to the pipe

connection.

• House the fiber optic cables (Ul and DL) on one half of the split-seal.

• Close the two halves of the split-seal, while paying attention not to stretch

the fibers.

• Insert the split-seal inside the PG13,5. Screw the PG 13,5 nut onto the PG

13,5.

8 - Connect the Power cable to the power connector. In case the power cable

has been connected to the mains, both the green and the red LEDs should

turn on. The green LED will remain on to indicate that the unit is powered on,

while the RED led will turn off as soon as the local unit will be switched on

(for further details about the start-up of the whole system, please refer to the

section ”TFAx Case L start-up”).

9 - Close the cover, and fasten the 3 screws indicated in fig. 3.33g. Fasten

the 4 screws indicated in fig. 3.33f. Mount both the external cover and the

connector cover. Turn the key to close the connector cover.

TFAx Case-L start-up

Before the Case-L remote unit is switched on, make sure that:

• the modules hosted in the master unit have been connected each other

with RF jumpers, according to the system design

• every TFLN master optical TRX has been connected to its remote units

• each remote unit has been connected to its coverage antennas

TFAx

CaseL

MN024-08

For a correct system start-up, all the remote units have to be switched

on before the master unit.

Once the Case-L Remote Unit has been switched on, its behaviour could be

checked by turning the key, removing the connector cover, and looking at the

control LEDs. When the system starts-up, their status can be summarised as

per the following steps.

1. When the remote unit is turned on, both the LEDs turn on for a

couple of seconds.

2. After that, the unit green LED remains on (thus indicating proper

power supply), while the red LED switches off as soon as the TFLN

master unit is turned on (meaning that DL optical power is OK and

no alarms are present).

3. Once the TFLN master unit has been switched on, the status of both

LEDs have to be the one reported in table 3.7 In case the red LED

remains on, please refer to the troubleshooting section.

4. Once it has been switched on, the remote unit starts working

correctly. Anyway, in order to be recognized by the supervision

management system, it is necessary for the corresponding TFLN

master optical TRX to carry out the discovery phase (please refer to

Supervision System Manual for more details). During this phase,

(whose duration depends on the system complexity, and which can

last at max. 4min) the TFLN LED ┌┘ blinks. Do not

connect/disconnect any cable or any piece of equipment

during the discovery phase! This may result in no identification

of the remote unit.

Note: if then discovery doesn’t start automatically, check through the LMT

or the remote supervision whether it has been disabled (refer to LMT or

remote supervision system manuals for further information).

TFAx Case-L troubleshooting

Faults can be revealed by LEDs on the Case L front panel as well as by the

LMT software or the TSUN supervision system.

Both the LMT software and the TSUN supervision interface provide full

information about the device causing the alarm. As a consequence,

troubleshooting procedure can be very immediate when the failure detection is

directly carried out through the LMT software or the supervision system.

Britecell Plus modules are designed in order to exchange information each

other: each remote unit can receive failure notifications from their external

equipment through dry-contact connections. Moreover, each TFAx constantly

monitors the optical signal received from its TFLN unit, so as to control optical

losses.

Table 3.8 shows a brief description of the alarms related to a Case L remote

unit, with a reference to the corresponding alerted LEDs and to the actions to

be carried out in the case of a fault.

TFAx

CaseL

70 User Manual

TFAx

CaseL

Fig. 3.33 (a): Side plates to

be taken down from the

case L remote unit

150

356,50

Fig. 3.33 (b):

Layout for the

installation of the

case L remote unit

plates

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseL

Fig. 3.33 (c): When fastening the upper screws

(1), leave the space required in order to hang the

case (2) to the plates which have just been fixed

to the wall

Fig. 3.33 (d): After hanging the case to the

lates fixed to the walls, fasten the lower

screws.

Fig. 3.33 (e): Open the

connector cover

72 User Manual

TFAx

CaseL

Fig. 3.33 (f): loosen

the four screws and

remove the external

cover

Fig. 3.33 (g): after

removing the external

cover, loosen the

three screws

Fig. 3.33 (h): open

the cover of TFAx

Case

Split-seal

PG13,5-Nut

PG13,5

pipe connection

Optical DL

Optical UL

Fig. 3.33 (i): Detail of theUL / DL optical

connections meeting IP65 requirements.

MN024-08

ALARM

CODE

(TSUN

description)

ALARM

DESCRIPTION

ACTIVE

LED

SUPERVISION

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDED

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

DL optical power

The DL received

optical power is too

low and can no more

be compensated by

AGC 1

RED MAJOR

Check the DL fibre

and the TFLN laser

status MAJOR

AGC out of

range

The DL received

optical power

experiences a loss >

3dB, which

nevertheless can still

be compensated 1

NONE WARNING

Clean optical

connectors MINOR

External 1 alarm Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 1 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

External 2 alarm Alarm on the device

connected on dry-

contact 2 RED MAJOR

Check the external

device or alarm

connection MAJOR

Power supply

alarm

UPS HW failure or

malfunction.

RF is turned OFF RED MAJOR

Check the external

PSU. If it works

properly, return the

unit

MAJOR

Internal BUS

alarm

A malfunctioning on

the digital part involves

a fault in monitoring

functionalities

RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

Temperature

alarm Over-temperature

alarm NONE MINOR

Check ventilation

and environment MINOR

DL UMTS band

alarm

HW failure on the DL

UMTS band RF

section RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

As table shows, not all the alarms are revealed by the LEDs placed on the

remote unit control panel: in fact, LEDs reveal only major alarms (i.e., the

high priority ones), whereas the minor alarms (i.e., the low priority ones) are

revealed only by the LMT software or through the TSUN supervision system.

The minor alarms usually detect critical situations which should be checked so

as to avoid future possible system faults.

1Note:

Each remote unit is provided with an AGC system which comes in after the optical-to-RF

conversion. This AGC can correctly compensate optical losses when these are estimated to be

<3 dB. In case optical losses are in the 3dB- 4dB range, the AGC is said to be “out of range”:

the whole system still work, but AGC is near to its borderline levels. The DL power LED switches

on when the estimated optical losses are >4dB, the AGC not being able to compensate these

losses any more.

As shown in the previous table, the same red LED switches on to reveal any major failure.

Following the troubleshooting procedure reported hereinafter it is possible to better understand

what problem occurred.

Quick troubleshooting procedure

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.34a)

In case the red LED is ON, please follow these steps:

TFAx

CaseL

Table 3.8: Description of the alarms of the TFAN Case-B Remote

Unit, as they are presented on LMT or Supervision Interface

74 User Manual

5. First of all, refer to external alarm troubleshooting in order to understand

whether the alarm can depend on any external equipment failure or not.

6. In case external alarm troubleshooting has not revealed any failure, clean

the optical adapters

7. If the problem still persists, refer to the fibre optic DL troubleshooting to

check if optical cables or optical connections have any problem on DL path.

8. If previous actions didn’t make the LED switch off replace the unit with a

new one or contact for assistance.

External-alarm troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.34b)

This procedure needs to be considered if at least one external alarm terminal

is connected to some external equipment (see section “external alarms”). If

not, return to main troubleshooting procedure.

These steps aim to detect any failure inside the external equipment or inside

the external alarm terminal. If the external alarm terminals don’t reveal any

equipment malfunction or any terminal failure, return to the main

troubleshooting procedure.

For any external alarm terminal connected to some external equipment,

follow these steps:

4. Disconnect it, and check the TFAx LED status after the disconnection.

5. If the red LED has switched off, external equipment connected to the

alarm terminal should be faulty. Please test it.

6. If the TFAx red LED still remains on after the disconnection, measure the

voltage between the poles of the alarm terminal.

c. If the poles of the alarm terminal are electrically closed, the circuit

board should have any problem. Contact the manufacturer for

assistance.

d. If the poles of the alarm terminal are open, this means neither the

analysis of this alarm terminal nor the one of its external

equipment has revealed any failure. Re-connect this alarm terminal

to its external equipment. In case the TFAx has another alarm

terminal connected to some external equipment and still to be

checked, apply the whole procedure (i.e,, the steps 1-3) to this still

unchecked terminal.

Fibre optic DL troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.34c)

1. Check if there is any point where fibre experiences a short radius of

curvature. In this case, rearrange the optical path in order to avoid

sharp bends (if necessary, replace the optical cable with a longer one). If

TFLN red LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successfully carried

out. Otherwise, follow next steps.

2. Check if SC-APC connectors are properly installed at both fibre ends. In

case they are not, fix better SC-SPC connectors to adapters. If TFLN red

LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successful. Otherwise, follow

next steps.

3. Disconnect the optical fibre and clean it better at both ends then clean

the SC-APC ports on both the TFLN and the remote unit. Re-connect the

TFAx

CaseL

MN024-08

fibre to relevant ports after cleaning. If it doesn’t made TFLN red LED

switch off, follow next steps.

4. Disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from remote unit DL port, and

measure the output power POUT(DL) at the corresponding fibre end. Then,

go to the TFLN side, disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from TFLN

DL port and measure the input power PIN(DL) coming out of the TFLN DL

port. Calculate the DL fibre attenuation ADL as ADL [dB] = PIN(DL) –

POUT(DL)

c. If ADL > 4dB, then the fibre optic cable has some problems. Replace it

with a new one.

d. If ADL < 4dB troubleshooting procedure has not identified the problem.

Refer to supervision system or contact assistance.

TFAx

CaseL

Fig. 3.34a: Flow-chart describing the quick troubleshooting procedure on Case LTFAx

star

Is the red LED

ON upon the

TFAx?

Yes

Verify if any external equipment

or any external alarm terminal

has some problems. Refer to

external alarm troubleshooting

(fig.3.34b)

Clean the SC-APC

optical adapters and

connectors

Yes

end

Is red LED upon

TFAx still ON?

Is red LED upon

TFAx still ON?

Optical cable or optical connections

are supposed to have problems on

DL path. Refer to fibre optic DL

troubleshooting (fig. 3.34c)

76 User Manual

TFAx

CaseL

Picture. 3.34b: Flow-chart describing the external alarm troubleshooting on Case L TFAx

start

Is any

external alarm

terminal connected to

some equipment?

Yes

Disconnect the

external alarm

terminal

Is red LED

upon TFAx

still ON?

External equipment

connected to this

external alarm terminal

should be faulty. Test it.

Yes

Measure voltage between

the two poles of this

external alarm terminal

Is terminal

electrically closed?

The circuit board

should have some

problems. Contact

the manufacturer

for assistance.

Yes

The analisys on this alarm

terminal and its external

equipment has not revealed

any failure.

Re-connect this alarm terminal

to its external equipment.

Is the

other external alarm

terminal connected to

some equipment?

Yes

end

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseL

Fig. 3.34c: Flow-chart describing the fibre optic DL troubleshooting

start

Is there any

point where the

fibre experiences

a small radius of

curvature?

Rearrange the optical path to avoid

sharp bends. If necessary replace the

optical cable with a longer one.

Is the red LED

upon the TFAx

still ON?

Are SC-APC

connectors properly

installed at both fibre

ends?

Fix better SC-APC

connectors

Yes

Disconnect the optical

SC-APC connector from

remote unit DL port

Clean optical SC-APC

ports on both TFL

and remote uni

Disconnect fibre optic

and clean it at both ends.

Reconnect the fibre

to relevant ports

Measure the output power

at corresponding fibre end.

Measure the input power

coming out of the TFLN

DL port.

Disconnect optical SC-APC

connector from TFLN DL

port.

Calculate DL fibre attenuation

ADL[dB]=input power - output power

Is ADL > 4dB? Fibre optic cable has some

problems. Replace it.

Troubleshooting procedure has

not identified the problem. Refer

to supervision system or contact

assistance

end

is the red LED

upon TFAx

still ON?

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

Go to TFLN

side.

78 User Manual

TFAx

CaseL

MN024-08

3.5. Case F remote unit

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: mm. 564 x 255 x 167

(inches 21.5 x 10 x 8.1)

Weight: please refer to the Britecell

Plus bulletin PA-100595EN or to the remote unit dedicated

bulletin in order to know the updated data about the weight

of your case-F remote unit.

TFAx

CaseF

Fig. 3.35: (a) Case F

remote unit ;

(b) connection panel of

the Case F remote unit

Module name:

Remote Unit

TFAH

Case F

(b)

GREEN LED = power on

RED LED = major alarm

DL aux RF

ort

UL aux RF

ort

RF antenna port

DL optical port UL optical port Power supply

(a)

80 User Manual

RF ports:

Optical ports:

Visual alarms:

Two control LEDs are provided on the Case-F upper side (fig. 3.36).

The green LED describes the power supply status, while the red LED describes

the major Remote Unit failures (fig. 3.9).

External alarms

Case F architecture does not provide any external alarms control.

Power supply:

Case-F remote Unit is available in two versions: one feeded by universal

mains (85 to 265 Vac), the other by negative power supply (-72 to -36 Vdc):

in figure 3.37, the 85/220 Vac connector and the -72/-36 Vdc connector are

described. Power feeder is always internal. The power cable is always

included in the Case-F remote unit kit.

TFAx

CaseF

Led colour Meaning

Red Low optical power at DL input

and/or RF amplifier failure

Green Power supply OK

Table 3.9: summary of Case F

LEDs meaning

• 1 RF antenna port, transmitting/receiving signals to/from

distributed antennas. This RF antenna port is a duplexed

N-female connectors. The port can be connected to the

antenna either directly (ie. through RF jumper cables) or

through splitters, thus allowing more antennas to be fed.

• 1 RF auxiliary input and 1 RF auxiliary output (designed to

receive and transmit additional signals). Auxiliary input

and output ports are SMA-female connectors.

• 1 optical output port, transmitting UL signals to TFLN

master optical TRX;

• 1 optical input port, receiving DL signals from TFLN

master optical TRX.

Fig. 3.36 : LED panel on

the Case

warm side

MN024-08

Warnings (to be read before remote units are installed)

Dealing with optical output ports

The Case-F remote unit contains semiconductor lasers. Invisible laser beams

may be emitted from the optical output ports. Do not look towards the optical

ports while equipment is switched on.

Choosing a proper installation site for the remote units

• Case-F remote units have to be installed as close as possible to the

radiating antennas, in order to minimize coaxial cable length, thus reducing

downlink power loss and uplink noise figure.

• When positioning the Case-F remote unit, pay attention that the placing of

related antennas should be decided in order to minimize the Minimum

Coupling Loss (MLC), so as to avoid blocking.

• The Case-F remote unit is intended to be fixed on walls or other flat vertical

surfaces.

Handling optical connections

• When inserting an optical connector, take care to handle it so smoothly

that the optical fibre is not damaged. Optical fibres are to be single-mode

(SM) 9.5/125µm.

• Typically, Britecell Plus equipment is provided with SC-APC optical

connectors (other connectors may be provided on request). Inserting any

other connectors will result in severe damages.

• Do not force or stretch the fibre pigtail with radius of curvature less than

5cm. See rightward figure for optimal fibre cabling.

• Remove the adapter caps only just before making connections. Do not

leave any SC-APC adapter open, as they attract dirt. Unused optical

connectors must always be covered with their caps.

• Do not touch the connector tip. Clean it with a proper tissue before

inserting each connector into the sleeve. In case connector tips need to be

cleaned, use pure ethyl alcohol.

TFAx

CaseF

Figure 3.37 : (a) 85/264 Vac and (b) -36/-72 Vdc connectors on a Case-F Remote Unit

(a)

85/264Vac Connector

PE: ground

1: N

2: L

1 2

(b)

-36/-72Vdc Connector

4: 0V

6: -48V

82 User Manual

TFAx Case-F installation

Each case-F Remote Unit kit includes:

• 1 Case-F Remote Unit;

• 1 power supply cable (85 to 264 Vac or -48Vdc, depending on the power

supply which has been chosen);

• 1 pair of mounting plates;

• 1 screw kit, including four hexagonal-head screws and a torque key.

The operations which need to be carried out in order to perform a proper

installation of the Case-F Remote Unit are hereby described:

1- Drill the wall to install four M8 screws anchors (not included) as indicated

by the installation drawing shown in fig. 3.39a. Fix the two mounting plates to

the wall by firmly screwing the anchors.

2 –Take two of the hexagonal-head screws included in the kit, and fasten

them at the top of the case-F unit (fig. 3.39b, step “1”) by using the torque

key: while fastening the screws, take care to leave the space required to

hang the case-F to the plates (fig. 3.39b, step “2”).. Fasten the screws

further only after hanging the case-F. Then take the other two hexagonal

screws (included) and use them to fasten the bottom sides of the unit to the

bottom side of the plates (fig. 3.39b, step “3”).

3 – Fix a splice holder (not included) inside the proper splice tray (not

included, fig. 3.38). Makes the splices between the fiberoptics patchcords

coming from the Case-F remote unit and the fiberoptics cables which go to

the local units. House the optical splices inside the splice holder. Close the

splice tray. During these operations, please take care not to bend the fibres

too much. Fix the splice tray inside a splice box (not included), and mount

the splice box beside the remote unit.

4 - Use the torque key in order to loose

the four screws fixing the cover (fig.

3.39c), and open the unit.

Connect the antenna RF cable to the RF

antenna port. Connect the UL and DL

optical connectors to the corresponding

UL and DL adapters on the unit.

Connect the Power cable to the power

connector. In case the power cable has

been connected to the mains, both the

green and the red LEDs should turn on.

The green LED will remain on to indicate

that the unit is powered on, while the

RED led will turn off as soon as the local

unit will be switched on (for further

details about the start-up of the whole

system, please refer to the section ”TFAx

TFAx

CaseF

Fig. 3.38: (a) Splice tray. (b) Inside of the

splice tray, with the splice holder properly

positioned.

(

)

(

)

MN024-08

Case F start-up”).

5 - Close the unit, and fasten the 4 screws indicated in fig. 3.39c by using the

torque key.

TFAx Case F start-up

Before the Case-F remote unit is switched on, make sure that:

• the modules hosted in the master unit have been connected each other

with RF jumpers, according to the system design

• every TFLN master optical TRX has been connected to its remote units

• each remote unit has been connected to its coverage antennas

For a correct system start-up, all the remote units have to be switched

on before the master unit.

Once the Case-F Remote Unit has been switched on, its behaviour could be

checked by unscrewing the four hexagonal screws (see fig on the sides of the

case-F), removing the cover, and looking at the control LEDs. When the

system starts-up, their status can be summarised as per the following steps.

1. When the remote unit is turned on, both the LEDs turn on for a couple

of seconds.

2. After that, the unit green LED remains on (thus indicating proper power

supply), while the red LED switches off as soon as the TFLN master unit

is turned on (meaning that DL optical power is OK and no alarms are

present).

3. Once the TFLN master unit has been switched on, the status of both

LEDs have to be the one reported in table 3.9. If the red LED remains

on, please refer to the troubleshooting section.

4. Once it has been switched on, the remote unit starts working correctly.

Anyway, in order to be recognized by the supervision management

system, it is necessary for the corresponding TFLN master optical TRX

to carry out the discovery phase (please refer to Supervision System

Manual for more details). During this phase, (whose duration depends

on the system complexity, and which can last at max. 4min) the TFLN

LED ┌┘ blinks. Do not connect/disconnect any cable or any piece

of equipment during the discovery phase! This may result in no

identification of the remote unit.

Note: if then discovery doesn’t start automatically, check through the LMT or

the remote supervision whether it has been disabled (refer to LMT or remote

supervision system manuals for further information).

TFAx

CaseF

84 User Manual

TFAx

CaseF

Fig. 3.39 (a) : layout for

the installation of the

Case F plates

Fig. 3.39 (b) : while fastening

the two hexagonal screws to

the top of the case (step “2”),

take care to leave the space

required to hang the case to

the plates (step “2”) Then

fasten the other two

hexagonal screws to the

bottom of the case

(

ste

“3”

)

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseF

RF antenna port

DL optical port UL optical port

Power supply

Fig. 3.39 (c) : loose the

four screws fixing the

cover and open the unit

Fig. 3.39 (d) :

ower

supply, optical and RF

connections on the

TFAx Case F

86 User Manual

TFAx Case F troubleshooting

Faults can be revealed by LEDs on the Remote Unit (RU) front panel as well

as by LMT or supervision system (running on the remote supervision unit)

Both LMT and supervision system provide full information about the device

causing the alarm. As a consequence, troubleshooting procedure can be very

immediate when the failure detection is directly carried out through LMT or

supervision system.

Britecell Plus modules are designed in order to exchange information each

other: each RU constantly monitors the optical signal received from its TFLN

unit, so as to control optical losses.

Table 3.8 shows a brief description of the alarms related to a Case L remote

unit, with a reference to the corresponding alerted LEDs and to the actions to

be carried out in the case of a fault.

As table shows, not all the alarms are revealed by the LEDs placed on the

remote unit control panel: in fact, LEDs reveal only major alarms (i.e., the

high priority ones), whereas the minor alarms (i.e., the low priority ones) are

revealed only by the LMT software or through the TSUN supervision system.

The minor alarms usually detect critical situations which should be checked so

as to avoid future possible system faults.

1Note:

TFAx

CaseF

ALARM CODE

(TSUN

description)

ALARM

DESCRIPTION

ACTIVE

LED

SUPERVISION

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDE

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

DL optical power

The DL received

optical power is too

low and can no more

be compensated by

AGC 1

RED MAJOR

Check the DL fibre

and the TFLN laser

status MAJOR

AGC out of range

The DL received

optical power

experiences a loss >

3dB, which

nevertheless can still

be compensated 1

NONE WARNING

Clean optical

connectors MINOR

DL low band alarm

(not implemented

on TFAH 19)

HW failure on the DL

RF low band RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

DL high band alarm

(not implemented

on TFAH 80 and

TFAH 85)

HW failure on the UL

RF low band RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

Power supply alarm UPS HW failure or

malfunction.

RF is turned OFF RED MAJOR Return the unit MAJOR

Internal BUS alarm

A malfunctioning on

the digital part involves

a fault in monitoring

functionalities

RED CRITICAL Return the unit MAJOR

Temperature alarm Over-temperature

alarm NONE MINOR

Check ventilation

and environment MINOR

Table 3.10. Description of the alarmi of the TFAx Case F Remote Unit, as they are

presented on LMT or Supervision Interface

MN024-08

Each remote unit is provided with an AGC system which comes in after the optical-to-RF

conversion. This AGC can correctly compensate optical losses when these are estimated to be

<3 dB. In case optical losses are in the 3dB- 4dB range, the AGC is said to be “out of range”:

the whole system still work, but AGC is near to its borderline levels. The DL power LED switches

on when the estimated optical losses are >4dB, the AGC not being able to compensate these

losses any more.

As shown in the previous table, the same red LED switches on to reveal any major failure.

Following the troubleshooting procedure reported hereinafter it is possible to better understand

what problem occurred.

Quick troubleshooting procedure

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.40a)

In case the red LED is ON, please follow these steps:

1. First of all, clean the optical adapters

2. If the problem still persists, refer to the fibre optic DL troubleshooting to

check if optical cables or optical connections have any problem on DL path.

3. If previous actions didn’t make the LED switch off replace the unit with a

new one or contact for assistance.

Fibre optic DL troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 3.40b)

1. Check if there is any point where fibre experiences a short radius of

curvature. In this case, rearrange the optical path in order to avoid sharp

bends (if necessary, replace the optical cable with a longer one). If TFLN red

LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successfully carried out.

Otherwise, follow next steps.

2. Check if SC-APC connectors are properly installed at both fibre ends. In

case they are not, fix better SC-SPC connectors to adapters. If TFLN red

LED switches off, troubleshooting has been successful. Otherwise, follow

next steps.

3. Disconnect the optical fibre and clean it better at both ends then clean the

SC-APC ports on both the TFLN and the remote unit. Re-connect the fibre to

relevant ports after cleaning. If it doesn’t made TFLN red LED switch off,

follow next steps.

4. Disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from remote unit DL port, and

measure the output power POUT(DL) at the corresponding fibre end. Then,

go to the TFLN side, disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from TFLN DL

port and measure the input power PIN(DL) coming out of the TFLN DL port.

Calculate the DL fibre attenuation ADL as ADL [dB] = PIN(DL) – POUT(DL)

a. If ADL > 4dB, then the fibre optic cable has some problems. Replace it

with a new one.

b. If ADL < 4dB troubleshooting procedure has not identified the problem.

Refer to supervision system or contact assistance.

TFAx

CaseF

88 User Manual

TFAx

CaseF

Picture. 3.40(a): Flow-chart describing the quick troubleshooting procedure on Case F TFAx

start

Is the

red LED ON

upon the TFAx?

Yes

Clean the SC-APC

optical adapters and

connectors

Yes

end

Is the red LED

upon the TFAx

still ON?

Optical cable or optical connections

are supposed to have problems on

DL path. Refer to fibre optic DL

troubleshooting (fig. 3.40b)

MN024-08

TFAx

CaseF

Fig. 3.40(b): Flow-chart describing the fibre optic DL troubleshooting

start

Is there any

point where the

fibre experiences

a small radius of

curvature?

Rearrange the optical path to avoid

sharp bends. If necessary replace the

optical cable with a longer one.

Is the red LED

upon the TFAx

still ON?

Are SC-APC

connectors properly

installed at both fibre

ends?

Fix better SC-APC

connectors

Yes

Disconnect the optical

SC-APC connector from

remote unit DL port

Clean optical SC-APC

ports on both TFL

and remote uni

Disconnect fibre optic

and clean it at both ends.

Reconnect the fibre

to relevant ports

Measure the output power

at corresponding fibre end.

Measure the input power

coming out of the TFLN

DL port.

Disconnect optical SC-APC

connector from TFLN DL

port.

Calculate DL fibre attenuation

ADL[dB]=input power - output power

Is ADL > 4dB? Fibre optic cable has some

problems. Replace it.

Troubleshooting procedure has

not identified the problem. Refer

to supervision system or contact

assistance

end

Is the red LED

upon the TFAx

still ON?

Is the red LED

upon the TFAx

still ON?

Go to TFLN

side.

90 User Manual

3.6. Wi-Fi Booster TFBWx

TFBW

MN024-08

Description

Britecell Plus system allows to distribute

the WLAN services (802.11b and g)

through the auxiliary channels of the

remote units, while concentrating all the

Access Points together with the Master Unit.

The TFBW booster has to be connected to the remote unit auxiliary ports and

to a pair of WLAN dedicated antennas (one transmitting and the other one

receiving).

Moreover, an additional Wi-Fi booster (slave TFBW) can be cascaded to the

first one (master TFBW) so as to obtain a larger WLAN coverage.

RF ports

• 1 DL RF auxiliary input port for the signal from TFLN

• 1 DL RF auxiliary output port for the signal to a TFBW slave

• 1 TX antenna port

• 1 UL RF auxiliary input port for the signal from a TFBW slave

• 1 UL RF auxiliary output port for the signal to TFLN

• 1 RX antenna port

boosters.

TFBW

Module name:

Wi-Fi booster

TFBWx

MASTER/SLAVE

dip-switch

Power

supply

DL RF port (N-f),

connected to a TFAx

or to the master TFBW

UL RF port (N-f),

connected to a TFAx

or to the master TFBW

UX UL AUX alarm output

port

RX antenna (N-f) RX antenna (N-f) TX antenna (N-f)

Fig. 3. 41 (a). TFBW booster: Front view

Fig. 3. 41 (b). TFBW booster: back view

92 User Manual

Dimensions and weights

Dimensions: mm 38 x 240 x 200

(inches 1.5 x 9.4 x 7.9)

Weight: please refer to Bulletin PA-100596EN in order to know

the updated data about the TFBW weight.

Visual alarms:

Two control LEDs are provided on the TFBW front side (fig.3.42).

The green LED describes the power supply status, while the red LED describes

the major booster failures.

Dry contact alarms:

TFBW is provided with an alarm output port (fig. 3.41), which can be

connected to one of the dry-contacts ports available on TFAx remote units.

When a TFBW booster is been connected to the relevant TFAx remote unit

through dry-contact ports, any major alarm affecting the TFBW booster will

be conveyed to the remote unit itself, and signalled by the red LED both on

the TFBW warm side (fig. 3.42), and on the TFAx remote unit.

Moreover, the LMT software and the TSUN supervision interface (please refer

to TFBW troubleshhoting) will consider any TFBW major alarm as an external

alarm of the TFAx remote unit the TFBW booster is connected to.

Power supply:

TFBW WLAN booster is available both in a universal mains version (85 to 265

Vac powered: fig. 3.43a) and in a negative supply version (-72 to -36 Vdc

powered: fig. 3.43b). The power consumption of each TFWB module is 16W

max.

TFBW

GREEN LED: power on

RED LED: major alarm

Fig. 3.42: LED alarms on the TFBW warm side

MN024-08

Warnings (to be read before the TFBW booster is

installed)

Choosing a proper installation site for the WLAN booster

• WLAN boosters are to be installed as close as possible to the radiating

antennas, in order to minimize coaxial cable length.

• When positioning the TFBW booster, consider that the position of the

related antennas should guarantee at least a 50dB isolation between the

antennas and the booster itself

• The TFBW booster is intended to be fixed on walls, false ceilings or other

flat vertical surfaces

TFBW installation and start-up

The TFBW booster can be fixed on walls, false ceilings or other flat vertical

surfaces, either directly or through a TKA01 installation kit (optional).

Installing a TFBW booster WITHOUT the TKA01 kit

The TFBW kit includes:

• 1 TFBW booster

• 2 50Ω SMA loads

• 2 RF jumpers (SMA-m; N-m), 1m-long

• 1 alarm cable, 1m-long

• mains plug or -48 Vdc plug (according to the chosen model).

To install the TFBW booster, please follow the next steps:

1. drill into the wall so as to install four M4 screw anchors (not included)

according to the dimensions indicated by the installation drawing in fig.

3.45a.

2. fix the TFBW booster to the wall by firmly screwing the anchors.

3. connect the RF cables according to what planned by the designer. Use a

specific torque wrench to fix each cable to the relevant ports.

TFBW

Fig. 3.43 : (a) IEC

connector on the rear

side of a 220Vac-

owered TFBW booster.

(b) 4-pole connector on

the rear side of a -48 Vdc

owered TFBW

(a) (b)

94 User Manual

4. connect the TFBW to the power supply. If the TFBW booster works

properly, both the green and the red LEDs should turn on for a while and

then switch off. If the LED red does not switches off, please contact the

manufacturer.

After installing the booster, please refer to the section TFBW booster start-up

in order to start-up the system properly.

Installing a TFBW booster WITH the TKA01 kit

The TFBW kit includes:

The TKA01 kit includes:

(please refer to fig. 3.44)

Once you have chosen the position where the TKA01 mounting case is going

to be mounted, please follow these instructions:

1. Unscrew the 4 screws which lock the lower cover of the TKA01 wall

bearing (see fig. 3.46a)

2. In order to install the M4 screw anchors (included) which shall hold up the

TKA01 wall bearing, drill into the wall according to the TKA layout shown

in fig. 3.45b.

3. Fix the TKA01 wall bearing by firmly screwing the anchors.

4. Fix the TFBW booster to the wall bearing by using the included screws

(fig. 3.46b).

5. Connect the RF cables coming from the transmitting and the receiving

antennas to the proper RF antenna ports (fig. 3.41b). Connect the UL and

DL RF ports (fig.3.41a, 3.46c). If the TFBW booster works as a master

unit and supports a slave one, connect also the DL and UL AUX ports.

6. Connect the alarm output port (fig. 3.41a) if you want the major alarms

on the TFBW booster could be checked through the relevant remote unit

TFBW

Fig. 3.44: The TKA01 installation kit

1. a TFBW booster

2. a 50 Ω load

3. a VDE connector or a -48 Vdc plug (according

to the chosen model)

A. 4 screw anchors (fixing the wall

bearing to the wall)

B. 5 screw anchors (fixing the TFAx

case A to the wall mounting box “C”)

C. A wall mounting boc

D. a splice holder (pleased note that

this standard TKA01 accessory is not

used for mounting the TFBW

booster, since it has no optical

MN024-08

and controlled through the LMT software or through the TSUN supervision

interface.

7. If the booster -48 Vdc powered (fig., use the -48 Vdc plug (included) in

order to connect the unit to the -48 Vdc mains. If the booster is 85/264

Vac-powered, fix the 85/264 Vac plug (included) on to a power cord (not

included), and use this cable in order to connect the unit to the mains. If

the TFBW booster works properly, both the green and the red LEDs should

turn on for a while and then switch off. If the LED red does not switches

off, please contact the manufacturer.

Fix the lower cover by fastening the 4 screws (fig.3.12f).

TFBW booster troubleshooting

The red LED on the TFBW warm side (fig. 3.45) reveals a power amplifier bias

fault. If such a fault occurs, the alert notification is signalled also by the

switching on of the red LED on the relevant TFAx remote unit, provided that

the TFBW alarm output port has been properly connected to the TFAx external

alarm connector (fig. 3.46).

If controlled through the LMT software or through the TSUN supervision

interface, the TFBW power amplifier fault appears as an external alarm of the

TFAx remote unit to which its alarm output port is connected. Please refer to

the LMT or to the TSUN supervision manual for further details.

When the TFBW power amplifier fault is signalled by the red LED on the TFBW

booster and on its relevant remote unit, or by the LMT software or the TSUN

interface, please contact the manufacturer.

TFBW

96 User Manual

TFBW

Fig. 3.45 (a): Layout of the TFBW booster, with wall anchor quotes

MN024-08

TFBW

Fig. 3.45 (b): Layout of the TKA01 wall bearing, with wall anchor quotes

98 User Manual

TFBW

(a) (b)

Fig. 3.46: Mounting the TFBW booster with a TKA01 installation kit.

(d)

(c)

MN024-08

100 User Manual

4. Fast Master Unit

TFLF

101

MN024-08

Main tasks carried out by

the TFLF module

Downlink (DL):

¾ Power level adjustment (ALC)

¾ RF-to-optical conversion of the input RF signal

¾ Optical splitting: input RF signal is split onto 4 optical outputs

Uplink (UL):

¾ Uplink Gain adjustment (0 to 20dB, 5dB step)

¾ Optical-to-RF conversion of the 4 input optical signals

¾ Automatic Gain Control (AGC) of each converted signal to compensate

optical losses

¾ RF combining of the 4 adjusted signals into a single RF path then they

are filtered and duplexed into the RF port.

RF ports:

¾ 1 Duplexed

DL/UL RF port

Note:

The maximum input

levels at RF ports is

+27dBm (please

refer to datasheet

for further

information), as

well as the UL path

may require a

power adjustment

to fill within the

BTS receiving range

(use the built-in

adjustable

attenuator).

Optical ports

¾ 4 DL optical

output ports

(SC/APC)

¾ 4 UL optical input

ports (SC/APC)

TFLF

Power Supply

Switch

Power Supply

Connector

(-48Vdc)

Alarm

Contacts

Optical UL and

DL Connectors

to Remote Units

DL/UL RF

Port to BTS

Remote Unit

Power Supply

Connectors

Master Unit

alarm and

status LEDs

UL Step

ttenuator

Store

Button

Remote Units

alarm and link

status LEDs

Fig. 4.1 Fast Remote Unit

Module name:

Fast remote unit

TFLF

102 User Manual

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: mm 240 x 200 x 36

(inches 9.5 x 7.9 x 1.4)

Weight: please refer to Britecell Plus Bulletin PA-100595EN in

order to know the updated data about the TFBW

weight

TFLF visual alarms

The TFLF is provided with 6 LEDs (see on the right) showing status and alarm

information.

LEDs meaning is reported on the rightward table.

Note: In case the four TFLF optical ports are not all connected to Remote Units, the

unused ports must be properly masked, through the STORE button, at commissioning

to avoid spurious alarms

TFLF

Label LED colour Meaning

PWR ON Green Power Supply status OK

LU Red

General TFLF failure, it can be:

- DL optical power fail

- UL or DL amplifier failure

- Temperature alarm

RU1 Red

From Remote Unit 1 it monitors:

- UL or DL AGC out of range (flashing)

- UL or DL optical power fail

- DL amplifier failure

- External alarm 1

- External alarm 2

RU2 Red

From Remote Unit 2 it monitors:

- UL or DL AGC out of range (flashing)

- UL or DL optical power fail

- DL amplifier failure

- External alarm 1

External alarm 2

RU3 Red

From Remote Unit 3 it monitors:

- UL or DL AGC out of range (flashing)

- UL or DL optical power fail

- DL amplifier failure

- External alarm 1

External alarm 2

RU4 Red

From Remote Unit 4 it monitors:

- UL or DL AGC out of range (flashing)

- UL or DL optical power fail

- DL amplifier failure

- External alarm 1

External alarm 2

Fig. 4.2 The 6 LEDs

on the warm side of

the Fast Remote Unit

Table 4.1:

Summary of TFLF

LED meaning

103

MN024-08

Dry contact alarms:

TFLF is also provided with dry contacts outputs (connectable through .062”

MOLEX plugs) to report alarm condition to third party equipment (i.e. BTS or

repeater).

The dry contact status is reported in the table rightwards.

Note: in case of power supply failure the system is not powered and the dry

contacts will be automatically driven to a “closed” condition.

UL Attenuation Adjustment:

The TFLF is designed to be compatible with most pico/micro BTSs. It is also

provided with an internal adjustable attenuator for the UL path allowing 20dB

attenuation range, 5dB step. Suggested settings are reported in the table 4.3.

To adjust the value a flat screwdriver can be used as per the

picture 4.2.

TFLF power supply

Each TFLF Fast Master Unit requires -48Vdc power supply.

Alarm Condition Contact Position

None Open

Minor Open

Major Closed

TFLF

Composite Input Power External Attenuator UL Adjustable Attenuator Setting

+37dBm 20dB (5W average) 0dB (Position nr. 0)

+33dBm 20dB (2W average) 0dB (Position nr. 0)

+24dBm 10dB 10dB (Position nr. 2)

+20dBm 5dB 15dB (Position nr. 3)

+14dBm 0dB 20dB (Position nr. 4)

+13dBm 0dB 20dB (Position nr. 4)

Tab. 4.2: TFLF dry-contact meaning

Fig. 4.3: Uplink Attenuator

Tab. 4.3: TFLF UL attenuation suggested values

104 User Manual

The power consumption of each TFLF is 10W.

An optional external adapter 220Vac to -48Vdc is available.

The TFLF also provide connections for the distribution of the -48Vdc to the

Remote Units by means of composite cable. Each supply port is protected

against overloads, short and surge with a self recovery fuse and surge

protection. The power switch will disconnect the remote unit power supply in

case of overcurrent.

The power consumption of each TFLF with 4 Remote Units is lower than 80W.

Warnings (to be read before the TFLF installation)

Dealing with optical output ports

• The TFLF Fast Master Unit contains semiconductor lasers. Invisible laser

beams may be emitted from the optical output ports. Do not look towards

the optical ports while equipment is switched on.

Handling optical connections

• When inserting an optical connector, take care to handle it so smoothly

that the optical fibre is not damaged. Optical fibres have to be single-mode

(SM) 9.5/125µm.

• Typically, Britecell Plus equipment is provided with SC-APC optical

connectors. Inserting any other connector will result in severe damages.

• Do not force or stretch the fibre pigtail with radius of curvature less than 5

cm.

• Remove adapter caps only just before making connections. Do not leave

SC-APC adapters open, as they attract dust. Unused SC-APC adapters

must always be covered with their caps.

• Do not touch the adapter tip. Clean it with a proper tissue before inserting

each connector into the sleeve. In case adapter tips need to be better

cleaned, use pure ethyl alcohol

TFLF cautions

• The TFLF modules must be handled with care in order to avoid damage to

electrostatic sensitive devices.

• Take care to meet expected requirements on RF ports. An external fixed

attenuator could be necessary when the power coming from the BTS

exceeds the required levels to avoid damages in circuitry or increase of

spurious emissions.

TFLF

105

MN024-08

TFLF installation

First of all fix the Fast Master Unit to

the wall by means of four screws (see

fig. 4.5 for wall anchor quotes).

Vertical position is suggested for ease

thermal dissipation.

Verify that the composite cable has been laid and already properly

connectorised. Two preconnectorised fibre optic cables and a power supply

cable with 4-pole connector should be ready for connection to each Remote

Unit and to each port of the TFLF.

Remove the caps from the optical connectors and connect the connectorised

fibre optic cables to the optical ports of the unit. Then connect the previously

connectorised copper cable to the proper power plug for each Remote Unit.

Verify the output power of the BTS or

repeater which is going to be connected

and check if external attenuation is

required then set the UL attenuation

through a flat screw driver (refer to the

table reported in the relevant section)

Apply the ferrite to the power supply

cable.

Connect the provided patchcord to the -

48Vdc power supply and insert the

connector into the TFLF power plug.

Then switch one the unit by means of

the ON/OFF power switch.

Note: if 220Vac power supply is

available on site, use the suitable

optional adapter.

As you switch on the system, carefully refer to the TFLF Start-Up section.

TFLF

Fig. 4.4

106 User Manual

TFLF start-up

Before the TFLF Master Unit is switched on, make sure that:

• every Remote Unit has been connected to relevant port of the Master Unit

• each remote unit has been connected to its coverage antennas

After that, remember that only when all the remote units are already on, the

Master Unit itself can be turned on.

Once the Master Unit has been switched on, the following steps have to be

followed:

1. Wait until the communication between TFLF and Remote Units is

established and alarms related to unused ports arise.

2. Verify that all used ports don’t have any active alarm. In case an

alarm is present follow the troubleshooting procedure.

3. Press the STORE button for at least 5sec. (all TFLF LEDs will flash for

3sec.) in order to mask unused ports.

Removing the TFLF

Switch off the Master Unit power supply and remove the power cable.

Remove the SC-APC optical connectors and insert the protection caps into

TFLF optical ports. Then:

• unscrew the 4 screws and remove the unit

• put the removed TFLF unit in its safety box

TFLF troubleshooting

In case a TFLF Fast Master Unit has any problem, this will be easily revealed

through LEDs which reveals not only failures of the TFLF itself but also

malfunctions located on related remote units.

ALARM

CODE

(TSUN

description)

ALARM

DESCRIPTION ACTIVE LED

SUPERVISI

PRIORITY

LEVEL

ACTION

RECOMMENDED

RELÉ

PRIORITY

LEVEL

(subrack)

DL optical

power fail

TFLF DL optical power

from the laser is too

low LU MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

DL RF alarm DL RF amplifier LU MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

UL RF alarm UL RF amplifier LU MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

Temperature

alarm Over-temperature

alarm LU (flashing) MINOR Check ventilation

and environment OPEN

Power supply

alarm Power supply fault LU

(PWR ON off) MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

UL1 optical

power fail TFLF UL1 optical

power is too low

RU1 MAJOR Check for fibre or

splice stresses and CLOSED

TFLF

MN024-08

UL2 optical

power fail UL2 optical power is

too low RU2 MAJOR CLOSED

UL3 optical

power fail UL3 optical power is

too low RU3 MAJOR CLOSED

UL4 optical

power fail UL4 optical power is

too low RU4 MAJOR

clean the optical

connectors. If the

alarm still persists it

reveals a laser fault

so return the unit CLOSED

DL1 optical

power fail DL1 optical power is

too low RU1 MAJOR CLOSED

DL2 optical

power fail DL2 optical power is

too low RU2 MAJOR CLOSED

DL3 optical

power fail DL3 optical power is

too low RU3 MAJOR CLOSED

DL4 optical

power fail DL4 optical power is

too low RU4 MAJOR

Check for fibre or

splice stresses and

clean the optical

connectors. If alarm

still persists it

reveals a laser fault

so return the unit CLOSED

UL1 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL1 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU1 MINOR

(flashing) OPEN

UL2 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL2 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU2 MINOR

(flashing) OPEN

UL3 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL3 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU3 MINOR

(flashing) OPEN

UL4 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL4 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU4 MINOR

(flashing)

Check for fibre or

splice stresses and

clean the optical

connectors. If alarm

still persists it

reveals a laser fault

so return the unit

OPEN

DL1 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL1 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU1 MINOR

(flashing) OPEN

DL2 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL2 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU2 MINOR

(flashing) OPEN

DL3 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL3 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU3 MINOR

(flashing) OPEN

DL4 AGC out

of range

The optical power

received on UL4 is too

low and can’t no more

be compensated

RU4 MINOR

(flashing)

Check for fibre or

splice stresses and

clean the optical

connectors. If alarm

still persists it

reveals a laser fault

so return the unit

OPEN

DL1 RF alarm DL1 RF amplifier RU1 MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

DL2 RF alarm DL2 RF amplifier RU2 MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

DL3 RF alarm DL3 RF amplifier RU3 MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

DL4 RF alarm DL4 RF amplifier RU4 MAJOR Return the unit CLOSED

RU1 External 1

alarm External 1 alarm from

RU1 RU1 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 1 and the

RU1 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

RU2 External 1

alarm External 1 alarm from

RU2 RU2 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 1 and the

RU2 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

RU3 External 1

alarm External 1 alarm from

RU3 RU3 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 1 and the

RU3 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

RU4 External 1

alarm External 1 alarm from

RU41 RU4 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 1 and the CLOSED

108 User Manual

RU4 dry-contact

functionality

RU1 External 2

alarm External 2 alarm from

RU1 RU1 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 2 and the

RU1 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

RU2 External 2

alarm External 21 alarm from

RU2 RU2 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 2 and the

RU2 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

RU3 External 2

alarm External 2 alarm from

RU3 RU3 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 2 and the

RU3 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

RU4 External 2

alarm External 2 alarm from

RU41 RU4 MAJOR

Check the external

device connected to

external 2 and the

RU4 dry-contact

functionality

CLOSED

The previous table reports a brief description of the TFLF alarms, together with a

reference to the corresponding alerted LEDs.

As the table shows, all major alarms are signalled also closing the dry contacts available

on the TFLF allowing sending this information to any external equipment (i.e. BTS or

repeater)

One of the LEDs RU1, 2, 3, 4 might turn on not only to indicate a high optical loss

detected by the TFLF, but also to reveal a remote unit failure. Understanding the reason

why one of this LEDs is on (a remote unit failure, an optical cable fault or an external

equipment malfunction) can be done following the troubleshooting procedure reported

hereinafter.

Quick troubleshooting procedure

(The following troubleshooting procedure is summarised by the flow-chart in

fig. 4.7a)

1. In case the TFLF general alarm (LED LU) is on replace the faulty TFLF

master unit with a new one and contact the manufacturer for assistance.

2. In case one of the LEDs RU1, 2, 3 or 4 is on, the corresponding TFLF

adapter might be dirty. Try cleaning it using pure ethyl alcohol. If the

LED is still on go to the corresponding remote unit side and check the

red LED upon the warm side:

a. If it is off, the optical cables or the optical connections are

supposed to have some problem on UL path. Refer to fibre optic

UL troubleshooting for more information (fig. 4.7b).

b. If it is on, refer to remote unit troubleshooting presented in the

previous remote unit section

Fiber optic UL troubleshooting

(The following procedure is summarized by the flow-chart in fig. 4.7b)

1. Check if there is any point where the fibre experiences a small radius of

curvature. In this case, rearrange the optical path in order to avoid

sharp bends (if necessary, replace the optical cable with a longer one). If

this makes the TFLF LED switch off, troubleshooting has been successful.

Otherwise, follow next steps.

TFLF

Tab. 4.4: TFLF alarm descri

tion

109

MN024-08

2. Check if the SC-APC connectors are properly installed at both fibre ends

(i.e. TFLF and TFAx ports). If not fix better SC-SPC connectors to relevant

adapters. If this makes the TFLF LED switch off, troubleshooting has been

successful. Otherwise, follow next steps.

3. Disconnect the optical fibre and clean it at both fibre ends (i.e. TFLF side

and TFAx side) then reconnect the fibre to relevant ports. In case this

makes the TFLF LED switch off, troubleshooting has been successful.

Otherwise, follow next steps.

4. Disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from TFLF UL port, and measure

the output power POUT(UL) at corresponding fibre end. Then, go to the

TFAx side, disconnect the optical SC-APC connector from TFAx UL port

and measure the input power PIN(UL) coming out of the TFAx UL port.

5. Calculate the UL fibre attenuation AUL as: AUL [dB] = PIN(UL) – POUT(UL)

a. If AUL > 4dB, the fibre optic cable has some problems or cable

path is too long. Replace it.

b. If AUL < 4dB, then TFAx remote unit should be faulty. Before

replacing it, contact for assistance

TFLF

110 User Manual

TFLF

Fig. 4.7 (a): Flow-chart describing the quick troubleshooting procedure

start

Which red

LED is ON?

RU1, 2, 3 or 4

Replace the faulty TFLF

Clean corresponding SC-APC

optical adapter and connector

Yes

Is any red LED

ON upon the

TFLF?

Go to corresponding

remote unit side

Verify if any external

equipment or dry contact

ort has some problems

Refer to the remote unit

dry-contact troubleshooting

Yes

UL optical cables or optical

connections are supposed to

have some problems. Refer to

fibre optic UL troubleshooting

(fig. 4.7b)

Refer to remote unit

troubleshooting

Yes

end

Is red LED

upon TFLF

still ON?

Is red LED

upon remote

unit ON?

Is red LED

upon remote

unit still ON?

111

MN024-08

TFLF

Fig. 4.7 (b): Flow-chart describing the fibre optic UL troubleshooting

start

Is there any small

radius of curvature

of the fibre?

Rearrange the optical path in order to

avoid sharp bends. If necessary

replace the optical cable with a

lon

er one.

Is the red LED

upon TFLF still

ON?

Are SC-APC

connectors properly

installed at both fibre

ends?

Fix SC-APC connectors

properly to adapters.

Yes

Disconnect the optical SC-APC

connector from TFLN UL port.

Clean the optical SC-APC

orts both on TFLN and

TFAx side.

Disconnect the optical fibre

and clean it at both ends.

Re-connect the

fibre to relevant

orts.

Measure the output power

at the corresponding fibre

end

Measure the input power entering

the fibre.

Go to the

TFAx

side

Disconnect the optical

SC-APC connector

from TFAx UL

ort.

Calculate the UL fibre attenuation:

AUL[dB]=input power - output power

Is AUL > 4dB? Fibre optic cable has some problems.

Replace it.

The TFAx remote unit should be faulty. Before

replacing it, contact for assistance. end

Is the red LED

upon TFLF still

ON?

Is the red LED

upon TFLF still

ON?

112 User Manual

Andrew Wireless Innovations Group TFAM1719 Optical wireless distribution system User Manual Manual

Andrew Wireless Innovations Group Optical wireless distribution system Manual

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