Basic Knowledge of Antenna and Antenna Selection

Internal Use Only
Basic Knowledge of Antenna

and Antenna Selection

Edition: V1.0
Released by:
GSM Network Planning & Optii!ation "ept.
Engineering Ser#i$e "i#ision
%&E 'orporation
This document contains proprietary information of ZTE Corporation and is not to
be disclosed or used except in accordance with applicable agreements.
Training Materials
for GSM Network Planning & Optimization
Version Introduction
Version Date Writer Assessor Amendment records
V.! "!!#$!#$! Wang %in&u Chen 'i 'one
V. "!!($!"$) &ei Ai*ing Chen 'i Document standardi+ation

Internal Use Only
Key words
antenna basicsbeam widthgaintilt anglecircumstancesselection of antenna types
A!stract
,n this guideboo-. theories of antennaantenna parameters and related concepts and
definitions are mainly described. /esides. selection of antenna types under different
circumstances and antenna installation specifications are also introduced.
A!!re"iation
'one
#eference
0Antenna 1udiments2 ,nternet
0 3election &low of 435 Antenna Types 2 4uideboo- for 435 'etwor- *lanning 6
7ptimi+ation Dept.. Engineering 3er8ice Di8ision. ZTE Corporation

Internal Use Only
Contents
Picture 1-1 Diagram of Relation between Doublet Angle and Radiation Power of
Electromagnetic a!e "#################################################################################################################################V
Picture 1-$ %alf-wa!e Di&ole '###################################################################################################################V
Picture 1-" %alf-wa!e (olded Di&ole '####################################################################################################V
Picture 1-' Diagram of Directional Plate-s)a&ed Antenna A&&earing *################################################V
Picture 1-+ Vertically-set ,ine Array (ormed by -e!eral %alf-wa!e Di&ole *######################################V
Picture 1-* A&&ly )ori.ontally oriented t)eory by adding baffle-board to one side t)e line array
/ta0e t)e line array of double )alf-wa!e di&ole wit) baffle-board as an e1am&le 2 3############################V
Picture 1-3 Directional &late-s)a&ed antenna formed wit) se!eral )alf-wa!e di&ole 4########################V
Picture 1-4 Directional &late-s)a&ed antenna consisting of se!eral microstri& di&ole 5#######################V
Picture 1-5 -tructure of &late-s)a&ed directional antenna array 5#########################################V
Picture 1-16 -tructure of Isotro&ic Di&ole Antenna wit) -eries (eed 16###############################################V
Picture $-11 Diagram of antenna gain in d7i and d7d 11#######################################################################V
Picture $-1$ (ield strengt) diagram of isotro&ic antenna and directional antenna 1$########################V
Picture $-1" Diagram of )ori.ontal beam widt) /"d72 of 78- antenna 1"###########################################V
Picture $-1' Diagram of 78- antenna co!erage 1'#################################################################################V
Picture $-1+ Diagram of 78- antenna !ertical wit) "d7 beam widt) 1'##############################################V
Picture $-1* Common &olari.ation mode of 78- antenna 1*#################################################################V
Picture $-13 Diagram of dual-&olari.ation 78- antenna 1*###################################################################V
Picture $-14 Diagram of 78- antenna down-tilt 13#################################################################################V
Picture $-15 Com&arison on 78- antenna down-tilt modes 13#############################################################V
Picture $-$6 Diagram of com&arison between 78- antenna wit) or wit)out null fill effect $6##########V
I
Picture "-$1 7loc0 diagram of measurement of antenna gain)alf-&ower beam widt)front-to-bac0
ratiocross &olari.ation discrimination $$##############################################################################################VI
Picture "-$$ 7loc0 diagram of V-R measurement $"#########################################################################VI
Picture "-$" 7loc0 diagram of antenna isolation $'################################################################################VI
Picture "-$' 7loc0 diagram of antenna intermodulation measurement $+#########################################VI
Picture *-$+ Dense urban "*######################################################################################################################VI
Picture *-$* Urban /towns2 "3###################################################################################################################VI
Picture *-$3 -uburb "3###############################################################################################################################VI
Picture *-$4 Railways 9 )ig)ways "4#######################################################################################################VI
Picture *-$5 -cenery areas "4###############################################################################################################VI
Picture 4-"6 -olid diagram and !ertical !iew of antenna '+##################################################################VI
8able 4-1 %ori.ontal di!ersity distance of antenna ''#########################################################################VII
1 O!er!iew of Antenna###################################################################################################################################1
. 4eneral De8elopment of /T3 Antenna Technology............................................................................
." Theories of Antenna 1adiation..............................................................................................................9
.". Electromagnetic Wa8e 1adiation of Electric Dipole..................................................................9
."." :alf$wa8e Dipole........................................................................................................................9
.9 ,nternal 3tructure 6 Types of 5obile Communication /T3 Antenna.................................................;
.9. *late$shaped Directional Antenna...............................................................................................;
.9." ,sotropic Dipole Antenna with 3eries &eed................................................................................(
$ Conce&ts 9 :eanings of Antenna Parameters#######################################################################################11
". Antenna 4ain.......................................................................................................................................
"." Directional Diagram of 1adiation......................................................................................................."
".9 /eam Width........................................................................................................................................."
".9. :ori+ontal /eam Width............................................................................................................."
".9." Vertical /eam Width.................................................................................................................;
".; &re<uency /and...................................................................................................................................=
II
".= *olari+ation 5ode...............................................................................................................................=
".) Down$tilt 5ode...................................................................................................................................)
".# Antenna &ront$to$bac- 1atio...............................................................................................................>
".> Antenna ,nput ,mpedance? Zin@..........................................................................................................>
".( Antenna V3W1...................................................................................................................................(
".! 3ide Aobe 3uppression 6 'ull &ill...................................................................................................(
". Third$order ,ntermodulation.............................................................................................................."!
"." ,solation between *orts....................................................................................................................."!
".9 Case..................................................................................................................................................."
" :easurement of ;ey Antenna Indicators ;nowledge &oint#############################################################$$
9. 5easurement of Antenna 4ain ...........................................................................................................""
9." 5easurement of 9d/ /eam Width 6 &ront$to$bac- 1atio ................................................................""
9.9 5easurement of Antenna V3W1 ......................................................................................................."9
9.; ,solation 5easurement of Dual$*olari+ed Antenna............................................................................";
9.= 5easurement of ,ntermodulation........................................................................................................";
' Antenna Parameters##################################################################################################################################$*
;. Antenna Directional Angle..................................................................................................................")
;." Antenna :eight...................................................................................................................................."#
;.9 Antenna Down$tilt..............................................................................................................................."(
+ Antenna 8y&es############################################################################################################################################"1
=. Antenna Types.....................................................................................................................................9
* Circumstances of Antenna A&&lication###################################################################################################"+
). Dense Brban........................................................................................................................................9)
)." Brban ?Towns@.....................................................................................................................................9)
).9 3uburb ?Counties@ 6 Villages.............................................................................................................9#
).; 1ailwaysC :ighways ?1oads@..............................................................................................................9#
).= 3cenery Areas......................................................................................................................................9>
3 -election of Antenna 8y&e#########################################################################################################################"5
#. /T3 antenna selection for urban.........................................................................................................9(
III
#." /T3 antenna selection for suburb.......................................................................................................9(
#.9 /T3 antenna selection for highway co8erage.....................................................................................;!
#.; /T3 antenna selection for mountain area...........................................................................................;
4 Installation 9 :odulation of Antenna####################################################################################################'"
>. Antenna installation on *ole................................................................................................................;9
>.. ,nstallation pole must be straight..............................................................................................;9
>.." Aightening protection................................................................................................................;9
>..9 Di8ersity reception....................................................................................................................;;
>..; Antenna isolation.......................................................................................................................;=
>." Antenna ,nstallation on ,ron Tower ....................................................................................................;=
>.9 3ummary.............................................................................................................................................;)
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Diagram Contents
Picture 1-1 Diagram of Relation between Doublet Angle and Radiation Power of Electromagnetic
a!e "
Picture 1-$ %alf-wa!e Di&ole #########################################################################################################################'
Picture 1-" %alf-wa!e (olded Di&ole ##########################################################################################################'
Picture 1-' Diagram of Directional Plate-s)a&ed Antenna A&&earing######################################################*
Picture 1-+ Vertically-set ,ine Array (ormed by -e!eral %alf-wa!e Di&ole############################################*
Picture 1-* A&&ly )ori.ontally oriented t)eory by adding baffle-board to one side t)e line array
/ta0e t)e line array of double )alf-wa!e di&ole wit) baffle-board as an e1am&le 2 ################################3
Picture 1-3 Directional &late-s)a&ed antenna formed wit) se!eral )alf-wa!e di&ole##############################4
Picture 1-4 Directional &late-s)a&ed antenna consisting of se!eral microstri& di&ole############################5
Picture 1-5 -tructure of &late-s)a&ed directional antenna array###############################################5
Picture 1-16 -tructure of Isotro&ic Di&ole Antenna wit) -eries (eed#####################################################16
Picture $-11 Diagram of antenna gain in d7i and d7d #############################################################################11
Picture $-1$ (ield strengt) diagram of isotro&ic antenna and directional antenna##############################1$
Picture $-1" Diagram of )ori.ontal beam widt) /"d72 of 78- antenna#################################################1"
Picture $-1' Diagram of 78- antenna co!erage#######################################################################################1'
Picture $-1+ Diagram of 78- antenna !ertical wit) "d7 beam widt)####################################################1'
Picture $-1* Common &olari.ation mode of 78- antenna#######################################################################1*
Picture $-13 Diagram of dual-&olari.ation 78- antenna#########################################################################1*
Picture $-14 Diagram of 78- antenna down-tilt #######################################################################################13
Picture $-15 Com&arison on 78- antenna down-tilt modes ###################################################################13
Picture $-$6 Diagram of com&arison between 78- antenna wit) or wit)out null fill effect################$6
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Picture "-$1 7loc0 diagram of measurement of antenna gain)alf-&ower beam widt)front-to-bac0
ratiocross &olari.ation discrimination ####################################################################################################$$
Picture "-$$ 7loc0 diagram of V-R measurement#################################################################################$"
Picture "-$" 7loc0 diagram of antenna isolation#######################################################################################$'
Picture "-$' 7loc0 diagram of antenna intermodulation measurement#################################################$+
Picture *-$+ Dense urban##############################################################################################################################"*
Picture *-$* Urban /towns2###########################################################################################################################"3
Picture *-$3 -uburb#######################################################################################################################################"3
Picture *-$4 Railways 9 )ig)ways###############################################################################################################"4
Picture *-$5 -cenery areas#######################################################################################################################"4
Picture 4-"6 -olid diagram and !ertical !iew of antenna##########################################################################'+
VI

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8able Contents
8able 4-1 %ori.ontal di!ersity distance of antenna ##################################################################################''
VII

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$ O"er"iew of Antenna
Dnowledge *oint
,n this chapter. the radiation theory of /T3 antenna and its structure types are
described. ,n addition. antenna technology and its de8elopment trend are introduced.
$%$ General &e"elopment of BTS Antenna Tec'nology
,n the cellular mobile communication system. antenna is the transducer between the
signals of communication e<uipment circuit and air radiated electromagnetic wa8eE in
other words. antennas con8ert electromagnetic wa8es into electrical currents and 8ice
8ersa. ,t is the connector in wireless air communication.
Cellular communication system re<uires reliable communications between /T3 and
53. it has specific re<uirements on antenna system. The radio signal power sent out
from the transmitter will be deli8ered to antenna through antenna feed ?cable@. then it
will be sent out in the form of electromagnetic wa8e. When the electromagnetic wa8e
arri8es at the recei8ing site. it is recei8ed by the antenna at the site ?Fust a fraction of
the power is recei8ed@. then it is deli8ered to the radio recei8er through antenna feed. ,t
is ob8ious that antenna plays a 8ery important role in sending and recei8ing
electromagnetic wa8e. Telecommunication wonGt be possible without antennaGs
participation. Telecommunication performance is largely affected by antenna
gain antenna co8erage direction beam width usable dri8ing power antenna
configuration and its polari+ation mode. etc..
8ec)nology 9 mar0et status of C)inese antenna su&&liers
As shown in some related materials. in the fields of high$tech commercial /T3
antenna smart antenna and /luetooth antenna. which are used in mobile
communicationsspread spectrum communications and microwa8e communications.
Chinese antenna suppliers only ta-e "!H mar-et share of the wholeE and compared
with the famous foreign suppliers. their production scale and strength are far left
behind. 4enerally spea-ing. Chinese antenna suppliers feature in large amount small
scale and wea- strength. According to incomplete statistical sur8ey. until the first half
year of "!!" there were more than !! manufacturers pro8iding communication
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antennas. and most of them were mediumCsmall$si+ed. ,n terms of annual production
and sales 8olume. only a few of them ha8e reached abo8e 9! millions ?15/@ with
more than "!! employees. which included IiJan :aitian Antenna Technologies Co..
Atd.. 57/, Antenna Technologies ?3:E'Z:E'@ co.. Atd.. Denbotong
Communication Atd.. 4uangdong 3henglu Telecommunication Tech Co..Atd.. and
Tongyu Communication E<uipment Co.. Atd.. etc..
Ad!antages of foreign antenna manufacturers
5ost of foreign antenna manufacturers possess solid financial strength high brand
fame and abundant talents and technologies. 3e8eral among them ha8e a history of
o8er half a century. and world famous brands. with which their annual sales 8olumes
exceed B3D " billionsE while the annual sales 8olume of the largest Chinese domestic
antenna manufacturer is Fust o8er 15/ !! millions. which is Fust a small fraction of
that of the foreign giants. WhatGs more. after China entered WT7. famous foreign
antenna manufacturers. leading Allen Telecom ,nc.. Andrew company and Datherine
company. ha8e started to in8est in building factories in China. which has made a great
impact on ChinaGs national antenna manufacturers.
De!elo&ment trend of antenna industry
,n >(#. 5arconi created antenna and for the first time reali+ed radio communication.
The history of antenna is Fust about a century. but because of its important application
in military. it has been highly 8alued and emphasi+ed. Due to the de8elopment in the
past half century. the hardware technology of antenna is now relati8ely mature. 'ow
antenna design is de8eloping towards wide bandmulti$function and high density of
integration. Various -inds of antenna technologies li-e dual$polari+ation adFustable
electrical down$tilt and multi$fre<uency band multiplexing are gradually being
launched into commercial operationE great ad8ances ha8e been made in smart antenna
technology too.
After twenty years de8elopment. the technology gap between homemade antennas and
the famous foreign brands is being narrowedE some s-ills used in homemade antennas
are e8en e<ually matched with the ad8anced foreign s-ills. ,n China. the brand fame
and credit worthiness ha8e been increased gradually. While the gaps in capital and
talents are still wide. :omemade antennas feature in moderate prices. good ser8ices.
and fulfilling the needs of communication construction.
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$%( T'eories of Antenna #adiation
Antennas must be able to efficiently con8ert the circuit signals in the /T3 e<uipment to
electromagnetic wa8es in the free airspace and 8ice 8ersa. The efficiency and ability of
antenna electromagnetic radiation is a 8ery professional microwa8e technology. :ere
introduced are some radiation theories of antenna element. which are most fre<uently
used currently.
$%(%$ )lectromagnetic *a"e #adiation of )lectric &ipole
The conductor whose length is much shorter than the wa8elength is referred to electric
doublet. When there is alternating current running in the wire. electromagnetic wa8e
radiation may happen. the power of which is affected by the length and shape of the
wire. As shown in *icture $K if two wires are too close to each other. electromagnetic
wa8e will be limited inbetween them. and its power is 8ery wea-E if the two wires are
stretched to a certain angle. the Electromagnetic field will spread in the space around.
and the radiation power will increase.
We must note that when the wire length? A@ is far shorter than the wa8e length ?L@. the
radiation power is 8ery wea-E when wire length is increased to more or less the wa8e
length. the alternating current in the wire will strengthen accordingly. thus the radiation
will be more powerful.

*icture $ Diagram of Relation between Doublet Angle and Radiation Power of
Electromagnetic Wa8e
$%(%( +alf,wa"e &ipole
:alf$wa8e dipole is the most widely used type of antenna so far. A single half$wa8e
doublet can function independently or be used as paraboloid antenna feedE se8eral half$
wa8e doublets can be adopted to form an antenna array.
Dipole with two arms of the same length is called balanced dipole. When the length of
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each arm is C; wa8e length. and full length of two arms is C" wa8e length. the dipole
is referred to half$wa8e doublet. 3ee picture $".

*icture $" Half-wave Dipole
There is another -ind of half$wa8e dipole. which can be obtained by forming a full$
wa8e doublet into a slender rectangular with the two ends of the doublet o8erlapped.
The slender rectangular is called folded dipole. the length of which is also C" wa8e
length. so it is also referred as half$wa8e folded dipole.
*icture $9 Half-wave olded Dipole
$%- .nternal Str/ct/re & Types of Mo!ile 0omm/nication BTS
Antenna
$%-%$ Plate,s'aped &irectional Antenna
Directional plate$shaped antenna is the most widely used /T3 antenna and is of great
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importance. This -ind of antenna features in high gain good sector directional
patternsmall bac- beamreliable sealability. con8enient control o8er depression angle
of 8ertical patternand long performance life.
3ee *icture $; for antenna appearing.
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*icture $; Diagram of Dire#tional Plate-$%aped Antenna Appearing
$%-%$%$ 1ormation of +ig' Gain
*icture $= Verti#all&-$et 'ine Arra& ormed b& (everal Half-wave Dipole
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*icture $) Appl& %ori*ontall& oriented t%eor& b& adding baffle-board to one $ide
t%e line arra& +ta,e t%e line arra& of double %alf-wave dipole wit% baffle-board
a$ an e-ample .
Currently. almost all antenna manufacturers adopt plate$shaped dipole array structure
in designing /T3 directional antennas. Two types of dipole are adopted.
$%-%$%( Balanced &ipole
,t is standard half$wa8e balanced dipole ?add one additional dipole to lower the
dipoleGs ground clearance. and reduce the thic-ness of antenna@.
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*icture $# Dire#tional plate-$%aped antenna formed wit% $everal %alf-wave dipole
$%-%$%- Microstrip &ipole
,t is a 8ariant of half$wa8e dipole. ,t uses transmission line of C; wa8e length to form
radiation.
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*icture $> Dire#tional plate-$%aped antenna #on$i$ting of $everal mi#ro$trip dipole
$%-%$%2 &ipole Array Str/ct/re of BTS Antenna
*icture $( (tru#ture of plate$shaped directional antenna array
$%-%( .sotropic &ipole Antenna wit' Series 1eed
,sotropic antenna adopts se8eral half$wa8e dipoles with series feed to create and
increase radiation gain.
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*icture $! (tru#ture of ,sotropic Dipole Antenna with 3eries &eed
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( 'on$epts & Meanings o( )ntenna
Paraeters
Dnowledge point
This chapter mainly introduces the concepts of /T3 antenna technology parameters
and their significant application in networ- planning.
(%$ Antenna Gain
4ain as a parameter measures the directionality of a gi8en antenna. The gain of an
antenna is a passi8e phenomenon $ power is not added by the antenna. but simply
redistributed to pro8ide more radiated power in a certain direction than would be
transmitted by an isotropic antenna. ,f an antenna has a greater than one gain in some
directions. it must ha8e a less than one gain in other directions since energy is
conser8ed by the antenna. 3ometimes. the half$wa8e dipole is ta-en as a reference
instead of the isotropic radiator. The gain is then gi8en in d/d ?decibels o8er dipole@.
Antenna gain is usually expressed in d/d or d/i. d/i represents a reference 8alue? of
the antenna field strength in the direction with highest radiation power@ relati8e to
isotropic radiator ?see *icture " $@E antenna gain of half$wa8e dipole is expressed in
d/d. There is a fixed difference between the two ?see *icture " $@. that is !d/d
e<uals to ".=d/i.
*icture "$ Diagram of antenna gain in d3i and d3d
Currently. antennas with gains ranging from !d/i to "!d/i are used in both domestic
and foreign /T3s. 4ain of antenna used for indoor micro cellular co8erage usually
ranges from ! to > d/iE that of antenna on outdoor /T3 is from (d/i ?isotropic
456789:;<6>? 9@AB C:;DEFGHI 11

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antenna gain@ to >d/i ?directional antenna gain@.
Antennas with around "!d/i gain and relati8ely narrow beam width are usually used in
the co8erage on the 8ast but less populated highways.
(%( &irectional &iagram of #adiation
Directional diagram of /T3 antenna radiation falls into two typesK isotropic radiation
diagram and directional radiation diagram. As shown in *icture "$". the two on the left
of the diagram are the hori+ontal sectional drawing and solid radiation drawing of
isotropic antennaE on the right are the hori+ontal sectional drawing and solid radiation
drawing of directional antenna. The radiation strength of isotropic antenna in all
directions of the same hori+ontal plane is theoretically the same. ,t applies to isotropic
cells. The red part in *icture "$" is the metal baffle$board in the radome of directional
antenna. which enables the antenna to radiate into different directions on the hori+ontal
plane. ,t applies to co8er fan$shaped cells.
*icture "$" ield $trengt% diagram of i$otropi# antenna and dire#tional antenna
(%- Beam *idt'
(%-%$ +orizontal Beam *idt'
The hori+ontal beam width of isotropic antenna is 9)! ?see the right one in *icture "$
9@. while the common hori+ontal beam width ?9d/@ of directional antenna includesK
"!9!)=(!!="!>! ?see the left one in *icture "$9@.
456789:;<6>? 9@AB C:;DEFGHI 12

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*icture "$9 Diagram of hori+ontal beam width ?9d/@ of /T3 antenna
The gain of antenna with "!or 9! hori+ontal beam width is higher. which is usually
used in co8ering strip areas and highwaysE antenna with )= beam width is used in the
co8erage for the typical three$sector sites in dense urban areaE antenna with (! beam
width is used in the co8erage of the three$sector of typical site in suburb areaE antenna
with != beam width is used in the co8erage of the three$sector of typical site in the
8ast and less populated area. 3ee *icture " $;.
Antenna with "!>!beam width is used to co8er the special$shaped sectors with
extremely wide angles.
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*icture "$; Diagram of 3J( antenna #overage
(%-%( 3ertical Beam *idt'
*icture "$= Diagram of 3J( antenna verti#al wit% 9d/ beam widt%
The 9d/ 8ertical beam width is closely related to the antenna gain and the 9d/
hori+ontal beam width. The 9d/ 8ertical beam width is about !. 4enerally. in the
antenna with same gain and same antenna designing s-ills. the wider the hori+ontal
beam width is. the narrower the 8ertical beam width will be.
The narrower 9d/ 8ertical beam width will create larger shade area. as shown in
*icture " $=. 7f the two sets of antennas with the same height and without down$tilt.
the shadow area created by the wider 8ertical beam width is 7IGG ?red area@. which is
smaller than that created by the narrower 8ertical beam width 7I ?blue area@.
When selecting antenna types. with the same antenna gain. weGd better select those
with wider 9d/ 8ertical beam width. so as to ensure the co8erage of the ser8ing area
and reduce shadow area.
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(%2 1re4/ency Band
&or different /T3s. the fre<uency band of antenna selected should include those
re<uired.
&or 435(!! system. double$fre<uency antennas for >(!$()!5:+>#!$()!5:+>!#$
()! 5:+ and >(!$>>! 5:+ are all applicable.
&or CD5A>!! systemDuse >";K>()5:Z antenna.
&or CD5A(!! system. use >=!K((!5:Z antenna.
,n order to reduce the out$of$band interference signal. band width of the selected
antenna may Fust satisfy the fre<uency bandGs re<uirement.
(%5 Polarization Mode
/T3 antenna usually adopts linear polari+ation mode. as shown in *icture " $). Bni$
polari+ation antenna often adopts 8ertical linear polari+ationE dual$polari+ed antenna
often adopts ;=bilinear polari+ation. As one dual$polari+ation antenna is made up of
two orthogonal antennas in one radome ?*icture " $#@. the adoption of dual$
polari+ation antenna can help reduce number of antennas. simplify installation
procedures. reduce cost and occupied space.
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*icture "$) Lommon polari*ation mode of 3J( antenna
*icture "$# Diagram of dual-polari*ation 3J( antenna
(%6 &own,tilt Mode
,n order to expand the co8erage on areas nearby the /T3. and reduce shadow area and
interference to the adFacent /T3s. antenna shall not be installed too high. and in the
mean time down$tilt mode shall be adopted. As shown in *icture " $>. the shadow
areas created by the lower antenna ?yellow@ and the down$tilt antenna ?green@ are 7IGG
and 7IG. which are both smaller than that created by the high antenna ?blue@ without
down$tilt 7I.
1)

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*icture "$> Diagram of 3J( antenna down-tilt
There are se8eral modes of antenna down$tiltK mechanical down$tilt. settled electrical
down$tilt. adFustable electrical down$tilt. remote$adFustable electrical down$tilt. As for
mechanical. it is Fust set slant during installationE it is often used in antenna with down$
tilt angle within !. When the down$tilt is further expanded. the right ahead of the
co8erage will appear sun-en. and the two edges appear s<uashed. the directional
diagram becomes deformed. and in the mean time interference to the adFacent /T3s
becomes stronger. as shown in *icture " $(. Another defect of mechanical down$tilt is
that the bac- lobe of antenna will upwarp. which can result in interference to the
adFacent sectors and call drop to 53 on upper layer of adFacent cells.
*icture "$( Lompari$on on 3J( antenna down-tilt mode$
The angle of electrical down$tilt antenna is relati8ely wide ?can be wider than !@E the
directional diagram is not apparently out of shapeE the bac- lobe declines in the mean
timeE there is no interference to 53 on adFacent high buildings.
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(%7 Antenna 1ront,to,!ack #atio
The indicator of antenna front$to$bac- ratio is related to the electric dimension of
antenna baffle$board. Aarger electric dimension can pro8ide better front$to$bac- ratio
index. &or example. the hori+ontal dimension of antenna with hori+ontal 9d/ beam
width and )=angle is larger than that of antenna with hori+ontal 9d/ beam width and
(! angle. thus the former one excels the later one. The front$to$bac- ratio of outdoor
/T3 antenna should be larger than "=d/. 3ince micro cellular antenna is relati8ely
smaller in dimension. its front$to$bac- ratio index should be smaller than "=d/.
(%8 Antenna .np/t .mpedance9 :in;
Definition< antenna input impedance is the ratio of input$end signal 8oltage to the
signal current. ,t consists of resisti8e component ?1in@ and reacti8e component ?Iin@.
ZinM 1in N F Iin. The existence of Iin will reduce the signal power that antenna
extracts from the feed. so we shall ma-e IinM! as possible. that is we shall ma-e
antenna input impedance a pure resistance. As a matter of fact. e8en if it is a well$
designed and well$modulated antenna. its input impedance still consists of Iin of small
8alue.
,nput impedance is related to the structuredimension and operating wa8elength of the
antenna. :alf$wa8e dipole is the most important basic antenna. its input impedance is
Zin M #9.MN;".= ?O@. When its wa8elength is shortened by PQRSTU. the Iin
in it can be eliminated. and the antenna input impedance can be pure resistanceE its
input impedance now is Zin M #9.?O@. ?characteristic impedance #9.O@. *recisely
spea-ing. antenna input impedance of pure resistance is only considered in terms of dot
fre<uency.
The input impedance of half$wa8e folded dipole is four times that of half$wa8e dipole.
that is Zin M ">! ?O@ ?characteristic impedance 9!!O@.
:owe8er. within the re<uired operating fre<uency range. through modulation of
antenna impedance. we can ma-e the imaginary part of the input impedance 8ery small
and real part 8ery close to =!O. thus the antenna input impedance can be Zin M 1in M
=!O. which is a must for good impedance match between antenna and the feed.
10

Internal Use Only
(%< Antenna 3S*#
Antenna V3W1 is the indicator for matching degree between antenna feed and /T3.
Definition of V3W1K
! .
min
max
=
U
U
VSWR
Bmaxthe anti$node 8oltage on feeder
Bminthe wa8e node 8oltage on feeder
/ecause the input wa8e can not be absorbed completely when itGs deli8ered to the input
end / of antenna. and reflection wa8e occurs and o8erlays. V3W1 will form. The
larger V3W1 is. the larger the reflection will be. and the worse the matching will be.
What bad effects can be resulted from bad V3W1P What is the acceptable V3W1P An
appropriate V3W1 shall be the balance between the <uantity of energy lost and the
generating cost.
?@ V3W1V. it means that some of the power input into the antenna is reflected.
and the radiation power is reducedW
?"@ The feed loss is increased. Aoss rate of #C>Xcable is ;d/C!!m. which is the result
based on the condition of V3W1M ?perfectly$matched@E energy loss is increased
due to the reflection of power. thus the input power from feed to antenna is
reduced.
(%$=Side >o!e S/ppression & N/ll 1ill
As antennas are usually installed on high places of metal towers or buildings. side
lobes on 8ertical plane ?especially the first side lobe@ shall be suppressed as much as
possible. so as to reduce energy loss. ,n the mean time. the compensation to the
downward side lobe null on 8ertical plane shall be strengthened to ma-e the null depth
of the sector pattern shallow. so as to impro8e the co8erage of adFacent area of /T3
and reduce shadow area and blind spots. *icture " $"! shows the contrast between
/T3 antenna with null fill and that without null fill. the hori+ontal ordinate showing the
distance to the /T3. the 8ertical ordinate showing the ground signal strength.
11

Internal Use Only
*icture "$"! Diagram of comparison between /T3 antenna with or without null fill effect
'ull fill M ?8ertical first lower null fill 8alueC radiation direction maximum@H
M "!log ?8ertical first lower null fill 8alueC radiation direction maximum@d/
3trictly spea-ing. antennas without features of side lobe suppression and null fill shall
not be used. so as to ensure good co8erage o8er the ser8ing area.
(%$$ T'ird,order .ntermod/lation
The third$order intermodulation indicator of most foreign antennas can reach
$=!d/CQ";9d/m. while that of the common antennas is Fust $9!d/CQ" ;9d/m .
The difference is related to the design of antenna and the selection of connector.
/ecause the strength of recei8ed signal is much wea-er than that of transmission signal
at /T3. once the intermodulation product of transmission signal of multi$carrier falls
into the recei8ing fre<uency band. the /T3 will not be able to function normally.
(%$(.solation !etween Ports
When multiport antenna is used. the isolation between ports shall be more than 9!d/.
22

Internal Use Only
&or example. isolation between the two different polari+ed ports of dual$polari+ation
antenna. isolation between the two ports with different fre<uency bands of outdoor
double$fre<uency antenna. isolation among the four ports of double$fre<uency and
dual$polari+ation antenna. all should be more than 9!d/.
(%$-0ase
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- Meas/rement of Key Antenna .ndicators
Knowledge point
This chapter mainly introduces the measurement method. measurement theory and
measurement en8ironment of -ey indicators of /T3 antenna.
-%$ Meas/rement of Antenna Gain
?@ Choose standard plain antenna measurement field. ,ndstall antenna and connect
instruments and meters according to *icture 9 $"E
*icture 9$" 3lo#, diagram of mea$urement of antenna gain%alf-power beam
widt%front-to-ba#, ratio#ro$$ polari*ation di$#rimination
?"@ Direct datum gain antenna to the direction of central lobe of the source antenna.
then ta-e down the recei8ing le8el of datum gain antenna *?d/m@E
?9@ Direct the measured antenna to the direction of central lobe of the source antenna.
ta-e down the recei8ing le8el of datum gain antenna *"?d/m@E
?;@ Calculate and get the gain of the measured antennaK 4MPgain of datum antenna
4!TN?*"K*@E
?=@ ,n order to show the gain feature of antenna in the gi8en fre<uency band. at least
measure three fre<uency points in high CmediumClow fre<uency band.
-%( Meas/rement of -dB Beam *idt' & 1ront,to,!ack #atio
?@ Choose standard plain antenna measurement field. ,nstall antenna and connect
456789:;<6>? 9@AB C:;DEFGHI 22

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instruments and meters according to *icture 9 $"E
?"@ Direct the measured antenna to the direction of central lobe of the source antenna.
then start the rotating floor to ma-e the measured antenna rotate hori+ontally. and ta-e
down the recei8ing le8el of the measured antenna according to the function of angles of
rotation. then from the function cur8e get the half$wa8e beam width and front$to$bac-
ratio of the measured antennaE
?9@ Deep the measured antenna aflat with its top pointing at the direction of central
lobe of source antenna. then start the rotating floor to ma-e the measured antenna
rotate hori+ontally. and ta-e down the recei8ing le8el of the measured antenna
according to the function of angles of rotation. then get the 8ertical half$wa8e beam
width of the measured antenna from the function cur8eE
?;@ ,n order to show the gain feature of antenna in the gi8en fre<uency band. at least
measure three fre<uency points in high CmediumClow fre<uency band.
-%- Meas/rement of Antenna 3S*#
?@ Choose standard plain antenna measurement field or chamber without echo to
install antenna according to *icture 9 $""E
*icture 9$"" 3lo#, diagram of V(YR mea$urement
?"@ At the calibration port. fine$tune the meters and instruments with a short circuit
de8ice or a open circuit instead of the measured antennaE
?9@ Connect the calibration port with the measured antenna. read the V3W1 of the
measured antenna.
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CA
-%2 .solation Meas/rement of &/al,Polarized Antenna
install antenna according to *icture 9 $"9E
*icture 9$"9 3lo#, diagram of antenna i$olation
?"@ 3hort$circuit the two feeds to the measured dual$polari+ed antenna. reset the
meters to !d/E
?9@ Connect the meter feeds with the measured antenna. read the worst isolation of the
measured dual$polari+ed antenna.
-%5 Meas/rement of .ntermod/lation
install antenna according to *icture 9 $";E
2!

CA
*icture 9$"; 3lo#, diagram of antenna intermodulation mea$urement
?"@ ,n the operating fre<uency band. choose two appropriate fre<uencies fh and f"h .
ma-e the intermodulation product f9M"f"$f ?or f9M"f$f"@. which is also re<uired to
be within the operating fre<uency bandE
?9@ & and f" input "!W indi8idual tone power to the antenna simultaneouslyE
?;@ With f9 recei8er. read the le8el of three$order intermodulation product.
2"

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2 Antenna Parameters
Dnowledge point
This chapter mainly introduces the engineering parameters of antenna in networ-
planning and their influences on co8erage. and how to impro8e networ- performance
with changes in engineering parameters.
2%$ Antenna &irectional Angle
The electromagnetic field of antenna radiation distributes in compliance with the
angular coordinates in a fixed distance. the graph of which is called directional diagram
?directional pattern@. The diagram expressed with field strength is called field strength
pattern. The diagram expressed with power density is called power pattern. The
diagram expressed with phase is called phase pattern.
Antenna directional diagram is a solid figure in space. but it is usually expressed with
the pattern formed with two orthogonal principal planes. which is called plane pattern ?
or 8ertical pattern or hori+ontal pattern@. As for hori+ontal pattern. it is classified into
isotropic antenna pattern and directional antenna pattern. Directional antenna pattern
consists of many shapes. such as heart$shaped and >$shaped. etc..
Antenna has directional property due to oscillator array and changes in oscillator feed
phase. which is theoretically similar to optical interference effect. Therefore. energy in
some directions is increased. while in other directions is reduced. that is how antenna
lobes ?beams@ and null come into being. The lobe with strongest energy is called
principal lobeE the upperClower lobe with second strongest engergy is called first side
lobeE ma-e analogy li-e this. As for directional antenna. it has bac- lobe except for
those lobes abo8e.
AdFustment of antenna directional angles is of great importance to the performance of
mobile communication networ-. 7n one hand. precise directional angles can ensure the
real /T3 co8erage meeting our expectations and thus ensure the operation <uality of
the whole networ-E on the other hand. adFustment of directional angles according to
call traffic 8olume and actual networ- conditions can further optimi+e the existing
networ-s.
/ased on ideal cellular communication model. directional /T3 is usually di8ided into
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three cells in the current 435 system ?mainly with E1,C337' e<uipment@K
Cell AK a+imuth angle !R. antenna pointing to due northE
Cell /K a+imuth angle "!R. antenna pointing to southeastE
Cell CK a+imuth angle ";!. antenna pointing to southwest.
,n 435 networ- construction and planning. we install and adFust antenna a+imuth
angle strictly according to the rules abo8e. which is one of the installation
specifications. De8iation in the setting of a+imuth angle can result in unreasonable
discrepancy between the real co8erage and the designed co8erage and some
unexpected co$channel or adFacent channel interference.
,n the real 435 networ-. specific landforms li-e high buildings mountains and water
face. etc. can cause signal refraction and reflection. which can result in big discrepancy
between the real co8erage and the ideal model. thus some areas enFoy stronger signals.
while some suffer from wea-er ones. ,n this case. we shall appropriately adFust the
antenna a+imuth angle according to the real networ- situation. so as to ensure the
signal strength in the wea- areas and achie8e the goal of networ- optimi+ation.
/esides. the discrepancy in real population density of different areas can cause call
traffic unbalance in cells under the antennasG co8erage. Again we can adFust the
antenna a+imuth angle to ma-e traffic balanced. Certainly. we usually donGt
recommend adFustment in antenna a+imuth angle. because interference in system may
be resulted to some degree. While in some special circumstances. li-e some emergent
meetings or large$scale public acti8ities. the traffic concentrates in come cells. we can
ma-e adFustment in antenna a+imuth angle for the occasion. in order to balance the
traffic and optimi+e the networ-. WhatGs more. as for the signal blind +one or wea-
+one in suburb. we can also achie8e networ- optimi+ation through adFustment in
antenna a+imuth angleE but remember to test the signal in around area with field
strength test 8ehicles. so as to ensure the networ- operation <uality.
2%( Antenna +eig't
The signal power recei8ed at the recei8er is related to many factors. which can be
concluded into two typesK
*arameters at the transmitting terminal and the recei8ing terminalE
2/

CA
,nterference from landforms and ground obFects.
*arameters at transmitting and recei8ing terminals includeK transmitting powerantenna
gain feed loss antenna height operating fre<uency. and the distance between
transmitting terminal and recei8ing terminal. ,nterference from landforms and ground
obFects is caused by landform fluctuations and ground obFectsG screening of signals. All
transmission models are related to the height of antennas. therefore antenna height has
great influence on path loss.
The co8erage distance between transmitting terminal and recei8ing terminal can
approximately be expressed with the following formulaK
( ) ( )
;
"
S T D

L G G h h
P
P
t r t r
r
t
r
P
recei8ing power
t
P
transmitting power
r
h
height of recei8ing antenna
t
h
height of transmitting antenna
r
G
gain of recei8ing antenna
t
G
gain of transmitting antenna
L
path$loss impro8ement factor
When parameters at transmitter and recei8er are fixed. the co8erage distance is in direct
proportion to the height and gain of antenna.
Due to fewer base stations at the beginning period of 435 networ- construction. /T3
antennas were usually installed relati8ely higher. As mobile communication has
de8eloped swiftly in recent years. number of /T3 has increased dramaticallyE there is a
site e8ery =!!m in urban areas. ,n this case. we must reduce the /T3 original co8erage
and lower antenna height. or networ- <uality will be se8erely influenced. 5ain related
influences fall into three aspects as shown bellowK
?@ Bnbalanced traffic. 78er high antenna will result in o8er large /T3 co8erage and
too much traffic in one /T3. While the traffic in adFacent /T3 is less due to its small
20

CA
co8erage and being co8ered by the /T3 with too large co8erage. thus it can not
function well and unbalanced traffic will be caused.
?"@ ,nterference within system. 78er high antenna can cause cross$/T3 interference
?mainly including co$channel interference and adFacent channel interference@ call
drop cross tal- and too much stray noise. thus the <uality of the whole radio
communication networ- will decrease.
?9@ ,sland effect. ,t is about /T3 co8erage problem. When the /T3 is co8ering special
landforms li-e 8ast water face or mountainous areas. though the original co8erage
distance remains the same. an Uexcla8e areaV will appear in the far distance. because of
the reflection from water face or mountainsE while the adFacent /T3s ha8ing hando8er
relation with the /T3 can not be co8ered due to obstruction of the landforms.
Therefore. hando8er relation between the Uexcla8e areaV and the adFacent /T3s does
not exist. and the Uexcla8e areaV becomes an island. When a 53 uses the signal in the
Uexcla8e areaV. it can easily suffer from call drop due to lac- of hando8er relation.
2%- Antenna &own,tilt
5a-e the principal lobe of antenna lean in a certain angle through antenna down$tilt. to
reduce the power le8el to the adFacent /T3. which is to reduce interference.
As a matter of fact. the 8alue of antenna down$tilt is directly related to the parameters
of antenna height co8erage semi$diameter 8ertical beam and electrical down$tilt.
When the co8erage semi$diameter is fixed. the higher the antenna is. the larger down$
tilt is neededE if the antenna height is fixed. the smaller the co8erage semi$diameter is.
the larger the down$tilt should be.
,n urban area where the scattering of /T3s is dense. itGs <uite easy that interference
between /T3s occur. ,n order to ma-e most of the energy be radiated within the
co8erage and reduce interference from adFacent cells. when setting the initial down$tilt.
we should ma-e the half$power points on the principal lobe aim at the co8erage rim.
The calculation formula is as followsK
WM arctg?":CA@XP>!CYTNPZC"T[\e
,n areas li-e suburb8illageshighways and sea face. in order to get co8erage as far as
possible. we can narrow the down$tilt. and ma-e the maximum gain point aim at the
21

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co8erage rim. The formula of down$tilt is shown bellowK
WM arctg?:CA@ XP>!CYTNPZC"T[\e
,n the abo8e formulas.
W is the initial mechanical tilt of the antenna. expressed in degreeE
: represents the effecti8e height of the /T3. which is the difference between the fixed
location of antenna and the a8erage height of the area co8ered. expressed in meterE
A represents the distance from the /T3 antenna to the sectorGs rim needed to be
co8ered. expressed in meterE
Z represents 8ertical beam width of the antenna. expressed in degreeE
\e represents down$tilt of the antenna. expressed in degree.
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5 Antenna Types
Dnowledge point
,n this chapter. weGll get to -now the classification methods of antenna. the basic
classification of /T3 antennaE and through examples of typical antennas. get to -now
the 8alue range of antenna and the exterior appearance of different types of antennas.
5%$ Antenna Types
There are 8arious -inds of antennas. so as to meet re<uirements of different
fre<uenciesdifferent applicationsdifferent situations. &or so many -inds of antennas.
there are a 8ariety of classification methodsK
Classification by use: communication antenna. TV antenna. radar antenna. etc.E
Classification by operation frequency band: short wa8e antenna. ultra$short wa8e
antenna. microwa8e antenna. etc. E
Classification by appearance: line$shaped antenna. plane$shaped antenna. etc. E
Classification by directivity: isotropic antenna. directional antenna. etc..
3ince there is no big difference in operating fre<uencyantenna gain and front$to$bac-
ratio of different antennas used in mobile communication systems. weGll analy+e and
compare them in terms of down$tiltGs influence on antenna pattern and radio networ-.
Isotro&ic antenna
,sotropic antenna radiates in all directions ?9)!R@ of the hori+ontal pattern. which
means it radiates without particular directi8ity. As for the beam with fixed width on
8ertical pattern. normally the smaller the beam width is. the higher the antenna gain
will be. This -ind of antenna is often used in /T3 at suburb with large$cell model.
since it features in larger co8erage.
Directional antenna
Directional antenna radiates within some certain angle. which means it radiates with
particular directi8ity. As for the beam with fixed width on 8ertical pattern. normally the
smaller the beam width is. the higher the antenna gain will be. This -ind of antenna is
often used in /T3 at urban area with small$cell model. since it features in smaller
co8erage. denser subscriber intensity and higher fre<uency utility ratio.
456789:;<6>? 9@AB C:;DEFGHI 31

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We set up different types of /T3s according to re<uirements of networ- constructionE
and different types of /T3s use different types of antennas according to their needs.
The basis for using different antennas is the technical parameters mentioned abo8e.
,sotropic /T3 adopts isotropic antenna with same antenna gain in all hori+ontal
directionsE and directional /T3 adopts directional antenna with changing antenna gain
in a particular hori+ontal direction. Bsually antenna with hori+ontal beam width /M)=R
is used in urban areaE and antenna with hori+ontal beam width /M)=R(!R or "!R is
often used in suburb ?based on the /T3 type and the local landforms@E while in
8illages. the application of isotropic antenna with large co8erage is the most economic.
:ec)anically-ad=ustable antenna
The so called mechanically$adFustable antenna is a -ind of antenna whose down$tilt can
be adFusted mechanically.
After mechanically$adFustable antenna is 8ertically installed. position of the brac-et at
the bac- of it can be adFusted. if there is need in networ- optimi+ation. During the
adFustment of brac-et. there is ob8ious change in the co8erage distance of the principal
lobe. but the amplitudes of 8ertical component and hori+ontal component remain the
same. thus the antenna pattern is easy to be out of shape. *ractice has pro8ed that the
best down$tilt range is RK=R. When the down$tilt changes from =R to !R. the antenna
pattern deforms a little bit. When it changes from !R to =R. the antenna pattern
deforms to a larger extent. When it is larger than =R. there is big change on the
antenna pattern. which changes from a pear$shaped one to a spindle$shaped oneE now
the co8erage distance of principal lobe is ob8iously shortened. but not all parts of the
antenna pattern are within the /T3 sector. which means that signal from this /T3 can
be recei8ed in the adFacent /T3 sector. thus serious interference in the system will be
caused.
/esides. if itGs needed to adFust the down$tilt of this -ind of antenna in the daily
maintenance. the whole system shall be shut down. We can not -eep monitoring
networ- indicators while adFusting the down$tilt. ,t is 8ery troublesome to adFust the
down$tilt. because it needs maintenance staff to climb to where the antenna is located.
The down$tilt angle is a theoretical 8alue obtained from the calculation of computer
analog analysis software. which is a little de8iated from the actual best down$tilt. The
stepping degree for adFusting down$tilt is R. and the third$order intermodulation
indicator is $"!d/c.
Electrical antenna
456789:;<6>? 9@AB C:;DEFGHI 32

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The so called electrical antenna is a -ind of antenna. which features in electrical down$
tilt.
The theory of electrical down$tilt is to change the amplitudes of 8ertical component
and hori+ontal component and the field strength of compound component. so as to
ma-e 8ertical pattern of the antenna decline. /ecause the antenna field strength
increases and decreases at the same time in different directions. the antenna pattern
wonGt change too much after down$tilt adFustment. the co8erage distance of principal
lobe will be reduced. and in the mean time the antenna pattern will reduce its co8erage
o8er the ser8ing sector without producing any interference. *ractice has pro8ed that
when the down$tilt of electrical antenna changes from R to =R. the antenna pattern is
roughly the same as that of mechanically$adFustable antenna. When the down$tilt
changes from =R to !R. the antenna pattern is impro8ed a little compared with that of
mechanically$adFustable antenna. When down$tilt changes within !R and =R. the
antenna pattern changes greatly. When the down$tilt is larger than =R. the antenna
pattern is ob8iously different from that of mechanically$adFustable antenna. its shape
isnGt changed much. but the co8erage distance of principal lobe is ob8iously reduced.
and the whole antenna pattern is within the /T3 sectorE we can increase down$tilt to
reduce the sector co8erage without any interference. This is the expected ideal antenna
pattern. ,tGs pro8ed that adoption of electrical antenna can reduce call loss and
interference.
WhatGs more. electrical antenna allows down$tilt adFustment without shutting down the
system. which -eeps the monitoring on adFustment effects. The stepping precision is
relati8ely higher ?!.R@. thus we can ma-e fine adFustment on the networ-. The third$
order intermodulation indicator for electrical antenna is $=!d/cE there is a difference
of 9!d/c compared with that of mechanically$adFustable antenna. This is in fa8or of
eliminating adFacent$channel interference and stray interference.
Dual-&olari.ed antenna
Dual$polari+ed antenna uses new technology. ,t combines two sets of antennas with
mutually orthogonal polari+ation directions ?N;=R and $;=R@ and wor-s in the duplex
model of transmitting and recei8ing signals in the mean time. Therefore. its outstanding
ad8antage is that it sa8es antennas for directional /T3. 'ormally the directional /T3
?three$sector@ of 435 digital mobile communication networ- needs to use ( antennasE
each of its sectors uses 9 ?for space di8ersity. one for transmitting. two for recei8ing
33

CA
signals@. ,f dual$polari+ed antenna is adopted. each sector needs only one antenna. ,n
the mean time. the orthogonality of ];=R polari+ation can ensure that the isolation
between the two sets of antennas ?N;=R and $;=R@ meets the re<uirement from
intermodulation P^ 9!d/ T. therefore the space inter8al between dual$polari+ed
antenna is Fust "!$9!cm. /esides. dual$polari+ed antenna also possesses ad8antages
li-e reducing call loss and interference and impro8ing the whole networ- <uality.
which are the same as those of electrical antenna. WhatGs more. there is no specific
re<uirement for installing dual$polari+ed antenna and no need to ac<uire land for
building antenna tower. WhatGs needed is Fust a metal pole with "!cm diameter. and
then fix the antenna on the pole in the corresponding co8erage direction. ,n this way.
basic construction cost is sa8ed. and layout of /T3 is more reasonable. and itGs much
easier to selection /T3 location.
As for the selection of antenna type. we should select the antenna which meets the
needs of the local mobile networ- according to specific situations li-e networ-
co8erage. call traffic 8olume. interference and networ- ser8ice <uality.
$$$ in dense /T3 area with high traffic 8olume. use dual$polari+ed antenna and
electrical antennaE
$$$ in suburb area with fewer /T3 and low traffic. where larger co8erage is re<uired.
use the traditional mechanically$adFustable antenna.
Currently in area with dense traffic. the networ- call loss is high and interference is
big. 7ne important reason is that the down$tilt of mechanically$adFustable antenna is
too large. which causes serious deformation of antenna pattern. ,n order to sol8e the
off$capacity problem we must shorten the distance between /T3s and enlarge down$
tilt. While if mechanically$adFustable antenna is used. antenna pattern starts to deform
when the down$tilt is larger than =RE when itGs larger than !R. antenna pattern will be
seriously out of shape. Therefore. the problems can not be sol8ed by using
mechanically$adFustable antenna. ,t is recommended to use electrical antenna or dual$
polari+ed antenna instead of mechanically$adFustable antenna in dense traffic area. The
replaced mechanically$adFustable antennas can be used in areas with less traffic. li-e
8illages and suburb.
3!

CA
6 0irc/mstances of Antenna Application
Dnowledge point
,n this chapter. se8eral real scene pictures are shown to illustrate antenna co8erage
area classification and related radio en8ironment.
3"

CA
6%$ &ense ?r!an
*icture )$"= Den$e urban
6%( ?r!an 9Towns;
3)

CA
*icture )$") Brban ?towns@
6%- S/!/r! 90o/nties; & 3illages
*icture )$"# 3uburb
6%2 #ailways@ +ig'ways 9#oads;
3/

CA

*icture )$"> 1ailways 6 highways
6%5 Scenery Areas

*icture )$"( 3cenery areas
30

CA
7 Selection of Antenna Type
Dnowledge point
Combining with the real scene pictures. this chapter introduces classification of
co8erage area and the selection of corresponding antenna.
7%$ BTS antenna selection for /r!an
Application en8ironment featureK ,n urban area /T3s are densely distributed. The
co8erage of a single /T3 shall be small in order to a8oid o8ershooting and reduce
inter$/T3 interference. And in the mean time increase fre<uency multiplexing
*rinciples for antenna selectionK
?@ 3election of polari+ation modelK because itGs difficult to obtain /T3 location in
urban area and there is space limit for antenna installation. it is recommended to use
dual$polari+ed antennaE
?"@ 3election of antenna patternK impro8ing fre<uency multiplexing shall be mainly
considered in urban area. so directional antenna is the best optionE
?9@ 3election of half$power beam widthK in order to better control the cell co8erage
and suppress interference. half$power beam width shall be within )!_)=RE
?;@ 3election of antenna gainK since large co8erage is not needed in urban area. it is
recommended to use antenna with medium gain ?=$>d/i@. The microcells used for
filling blind +ones can use antennas with lower gainE
?=@ 3election of down$tiltK in urban area. antenna tilt needs to be adFusted fre<uently.
and some antenna tilts are re<uired to be set larger. 3ince mechanically$adFustable
antenna is good for controlling interference. it is suggested that antenna with preset
down$tilt be adopted. Therefore. antenna with fixed electrical down$tilt is
recommendedE or electrical antenna when related conditions are satisfied.
7%( BTS antenna selection for s/!/r!
Application en8ironment featureK in suburb or 8illages. /T3s are sparsely distributed
and call traffic 8olume is small. thus large co8erage is re<uested. There is only one
/T3 in some places and large co8erage is of great importance. ,n this case. we need to
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ta-e into consideration around areas of the /T3 which need to be co8ered. when we
ma-e antenna selection.
?@ 3election of antenna patternK if the /T3 is re<uired to co8er the around area
without particular directi8ity. and call traffic is scattered. it is suggested that isotropic
antenna be used. We should note that co8erage of isotropic antenna is not as far as that
of directional antenna due to its smaller antenna gainE and pay attention to the tower
bodyGs influence on co8erageE and the antenna shall be -ept 8ertical to ground. ,f
farther co8erage distance is re<uired by customers. then directional antenna shall be
adoptedE normally. hori+ontal half$power directional antennas with beam width of (! R.
!= R. "! R are recommendedE
?"@ 3election of antenna gainK based on co8erage re<uirement. it is recommended to
adopt directional antenna with higher gain P)$>d/i T or isotropic antenna with
gain of (Kd/i in suburb area or 8illagesE
?9@ 3election of down$tiltK adFustment on antenna down$tilt is seldom needed in
suburb area. and re<uirement on adFustment range is not high. it is suggested that
mechanically$adFustable antenna be usedE meanwhile. if antenna height is abo8e =!
meters and there is re<uest for co8erage of proximal area. we can use antenna with
null$fill antenna to a8oid blind +one under the tower.
7%- BTS antenna selection for 'ig'way co"erage
Application en8ironment featureK on highways. call traffic 8olume is low and
subscribers mo8e fast. so co8erage is the -ey issue. Bsually. the antenna needs to
pro8ide +onary co8erage. so directional antenna is recommended to be used. ,sotropic
antenna can be adopted where the highway passes through towns or scenery areas. Vast
co8erage is also re<uested. so we need to select antenna type based on /T3 location and
/T3 type. Conditions of highways can be <uite different. There are plain and straight
ones. li-e express highway. railway. national highway and pro8incial highway. etc.. ,t is
recommended to set up /T3s at the side of highway and adopt 3CC or 3C /T3 type.
and e<uip the /T3s with directional antennas of high gain to meet co8erage
re<uirement. There are also winding highways. li-e roads in mountainous areas and
small towns. ,n these circumstances. we should set up /T3s at high places so as to
co8er the 8illages around.
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When selecting antenna at the initial planning stage. we should try to select antenna
with high gain and 8ast co8erage.
?@ 3election of antenna patternK for /T3s to co8er areas along railways and
highways. we can adopt directional antenna with narrow beam width and high antenna
gain. /esides. we can flexibly choose antenna type according to factors li-e landforms
and turnings on railways and highwaysE
?"@ 3election of antenna gainK we can choose directional antenna with #d/i K""d/i
gainE as for isotropic antenna. d/iE
?9@ 3election of down$tiltK usually there is no need to set down$tilt for co8erage of
highways. so it is recommended to use mechanically$adFustable antenna which is less
expensi8e. ,f antenna height is abo8e =! meters and there is re<uest for co8erage of
proximal area. we can use antenna with null fill P2=HT to a8oid blind +one under
the tower.
?;@ 3election of front$to$bac- ratioK since most subscribers within antenna co8erage
on highway mo8e fast. the front$to$bac- ratio shall not be too large. so as to ensure
smooth hando8ers.
7%2 BTS antenna selection for mo/ntain area
Application en8ironment featureK in remote hills or mountainous area. the attenuation of
radio wa8e is relati8ely large due to obstruction of mountains. and co8erage in these
areas is a difficult issue. 'ormally we use large co8erage. because Fust a small number
of subscribers scatter within the large co8erage semi$diameter and call traffic 8olume is
low. /T3s should be set up at the appropriate locations on top of mountains. hill$side. or
mountain foot. We need to select /T3 location. /T3 type and antenna type based on
different subscriber dispersion and landforms. :ere listed are the common situations of
/T3 constructionK /T3 construction in mountainous basin. /T3 construction on high
mountains. /T3 construction on hillside. /T3 construction in common mountainous
area. etc..
?@ 3election of antenna patternK ma-e selection based on /T3 location. /T3 type and
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re<uest for co8erage of around areaE both directional antenna and isotropic antenna are
optional. As for /T3s on mountains. if the area to be co8ered is relati8ely low. we
should choose antenna pattern with larger 8ertical half$power angle to meet the
co8erage needs in hori+ontal directionE
?"@ 3election of antenna gainK use antennas with medium gain according to co8erage
distance re<uiredE isotropic antenna P($d/iT. directional antenna P=$>d/iTE
?9@ 3election of down$tiltK when we set up /T3 on mountains and mountain foot area
needs to be co8ered. choose antenna with null fill or preset down$tilt. Amplitude of the
preset down$tilt is decided based on the relati8e height between the /T3 and the area to
be co8ered. The larger the relati8e height is. the bigger the antenna preset down$tilt
should be.
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8 *nstallation & Mod+lation o( )ntenna
Dnowledge point
This chapter mainly introduces the methods and essentials for installation and
adFustment of /T3 antenna.
8%$ Antenna installation on Pole
8%$%$ .nstallation pole m/st !e straig't
Croo-ed pole or mishandled installation may cause the installation pole to incline.
which can affect accuracy of down$tilt and the recei8ing effect of isotropic antenna.
Therefore. we must first ma-e sure installation pole is straightE a plumb bob can be
sued to chec- the straightness. so that we can ensure the isotropic antenna is 8ertical to
the ground after installation. Directional antennaGs down$tilt must be measured with tilt
meter. Ta-e into consideration the inclination and cur8e of the pole when set
mechanical down$tilt.
During networ- planning and optimi+ation. whether the installation pole is straight can
greatly influence the networ- performance. :owe8er. we often neglect to chec- the
straightness of the pole.
8%$%( >ig'tening protection
Aightening protection must be properly handled during antenna installation. in order to
a8oid lightening disturbance to /T3. and especially to antenna system on high
mountains. so as to ensure the safety of /T3 structures. wor-ing staff. and e<uipment
inside /T3 and its normal operation.
A complete lightening protection de8ice must includeK
. lightening arresterK for controlling lightening stri-e point and pre8ent dangers to
e<uipmentE
". good grounding structure and earth resistanceE
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9. well$designed down leadE
;. good e<uipotential bonding to a8oid high 8oltage counterpunchE
=. ability to a8oid high 8oltage surge caused by lightening.
1adio antenna should be installed within angle of protection of lightening rod ?;=R@.
Aightening rod and down lead should be connected by welding. 5aterial of down lead
should be gal8ani+ed flat steel ?;!mmX;mm@. The distance between the Foint of down
lead to ground net and the Foint of ground lead to ground net shall be no less than !m.
8%$%- &i"ersity reception
,n mobile communication. multipath transmission can cause signal fast fading. and
amplitude of le8el fading can reach 9!d/. which means "! times in a minute. Antenna
di8ersity reception s-ill can greatly reduce attenuation of recei8ing signal and impro8e
lin- <uality. The principle for fixing antenna spacing inter8al is to ensure that different
antenna branches irrele8ant to each other. Bse the cross correlation coefficient of
branch signals to measure signalGs independence. Correlation coefficient of recei8ing
signal shall be smaller than !.#.
Di!ersity distance of uni-&olari.ed antenna
The hori+ontal space di8ersity distance for uni$polari+ed antenna is "!
. 8ertical
space di8ersity distance is about =
. When /T3 antenna spacing inter8al is fixed.

increase in antenna height can help reduce the relati8ity between antennasGs recei8ing
signal. 4ain of hori+ontal space di8ersity is about 9R=d/. and gain of 8ertical space
di8ersity is about "R;d/. *erformance of hori+ontal space di8ersity is better than that
of 8ertical space di8ersity.
,n actual proFect implementation. the hori+ontal di8ersity distance between two uni$
polari+ed antennas of the same sector shall be at least !
.
Table >$ Hori*ontal diver$it& di$tan#e of antenna
7perating
fre<uency
:ori+ontal space di8ersity
distance
Vertical space di8ersity
distance
5in. 1ecommended 5in. 1ecommended
;=!5 ).#m 9m !m
>!!5 9.)m #m =.;m
.(4 .)m 9.m ".;m
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"4 .=m 9m ".9m
8%$%2 Antenna isolation
Antenna isolation in the same system means the isolation distance between antennas of
different sectors of the same system shall be larger than !.)m. ,n actual proFect
implementation. install antenna pole arms on the main pole brac-et. The antenna is
installed on the installation pole. 3ee *icture > $9!.
*icture >$9! (olid diagram and verti#al view of antenna
8%( Antenna .nstallation on .ron Tower
,n actual proFect implementation. install antenna on the pole arms. which are at least
m away from the mail pole brac-et. Vertical distance between antennas on different
installation poles is longer than m.
4enerally. when installing antenna on metal towers. we shall bear in mind the
following issuesK
?@ ,nstallation of directional antenna on tower sideK in order to reduce tower
antennaGs influence on antenna pattern. we should -now that when the distance
between antenna center and the tower isLC; or 9LC;. the antenna can get maximum
directi8ityE
?"@ ,nstallation of isotropic antenna on tower sideK in order to reduce tower antennaGs
influence on antenna pattern. tower antenna can not be re8erberator of the antenna.
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Therefore. antenna shall be installed on edges or corners. and the distance between
antenna and all parts of the tower shall be longer than L.
?9@ 5ulti$antennas sharing towerK try as much as possible to reduce coupling effect
and cross influence between antennas of multi$bands during transmitting and recei8ing
signals. Try to increase isolation between different antennasE the best way is to increase
distance between them. When multi$antennas share a tower. 8ertical installation shall
be adopted.
8%- S/mmary
The distance from antenna to tower platformK 5E
3pacing inter8al between di8ersity reception antennas of the same cellK 295.
:ori+ontal spacing inter8al between isotropic antennasK 2;5D
:ori+ontal pacing inter8al between directional antennasZ2".=5D
Vertical spacing inter8al between antennas on different platformsK 25.
Transmitting and recei8ing antennas shall not be installed upside down unless there is
specific direction.
Antenna shall be within the range of lightening protection.
Antenna bearingK for directional antenna. the first sector to direction of north by east
)!R. the second sector to direction of due south. the third sector to north by west )!R.
Antenna down$tiltK ma-e sure that the actual down$tilt meets the re<uirement of 3E
planningE error difference shall be less than "R.
Antenna perpendicularityK ma-e sure itGs no bigger than "R. except for /T3 with
antenna down$tilt.
!)

Basic Knowledge of Antenna and Antenna Selection

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Basic Knowledge of Antenna

. When /T3 antenna spacing inter8al is fixed.

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