J.T.O.

(Phase I) : Fundamentals of Transmission

SECTION – D

MICROWAVE

SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

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6 GHz DIGITAL MICROWAVE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1.0 Specifications
The specifications of radio system are given below :

1. System Parameter
(1) Frequency range 6430 to 7110 MHz (6 GHz band)
(2) Modulation 16 QAM
(3) Repeating Regenerative repeating
139.264 Mbit/s (equivalent to 1920
(4) Transmission data rate
telephone channels).
(5) Environmental conditions Temperature, Relative humidity.
a. Performance guaranteed o o
0 to +50 C, up to 95% at 35 C
b. Operation without damage o o
–10 to +55 C, up to 95% at 45 C
c. Transportation and storage o o
–40 to +65 C, up to 95% at 45 C
(6) Altitude of installation Up to 4500 m
2. Transmitter–Receiver
+30 dBm typical at the TX unit
(1) Transmitter output power
output (+27 dBm to +32 dBm)
3.5 dB typical, 4 dB guaranteed,
(2) Receiver noise figure
measured at RX unit input.
–5
(3) Frequency stability + 2 x 10
–74 dBm to –17 dBm for BER of 1 x
(4) Receiver threshold level –3
10 measured at RX unit input
3. Modulator–Demodulator
(1) Modulation 16 QAM
(2) Demodulation Coherent/Instantaneous decision
(3) Spectrum shaping 35% roll–off at baseband
(4) IF frequency 70 MHz
4. Base band switching
One protection channel for
maximum seven main channels. At
(1) Switching capacity
the initial stage of this system,
number of main channels is three.
Hitless switching without frame loss
(2) Switching method
on fades or maintenance actions.
(3) Switching threshold
a. Switching initiation BER –4 –9 –4
1 x 10 to 1 x 10 (1 x 10 ,
adjustable on site).
b. Restoration BER –4 –9 –6
1 x 10 to 1 x 10 (1 x 10 ,
adjustable on site).
c. Switching time

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Less than 15 ms excluding

propagation time.
5. Baseband signal interface to/from MUX
(1) Bit rate 139.264 Mbit/s + 15 ppm
(2) Code format CMI
(3) Level in accordance with CCITT G.703
(4) Impedance 75  unbalanced
6. Digital service channel
Maximum number of 64 kbit/s
(1) 24
channel
64 kbit/s, co–directional in
(2) Digital interface
accordance with CCITT G.703.
(3) Analog interface
a. Input/Output level –16 dBm/+7 dBm
b. Connection method 4–wire
c. Impedance 600 ohms, balanced
d. Signalling E&M
7. Auxiliary signal (option)
(1) Wayside signal 2,048 Mb/s
(2) Analog service channel 1 voice channel (Omnibus OW)
Protection and No.1 working
(3) Transmission line
channel
8. Interface connector
PDR–70 at antenna side JIS BRJ–7
(1) RF (at antenna port)
at radio equipment side.
(2) IF and baseband SP3CJ coaxial, 75 
(3) Alarm and auxiliary signals Multipin jack
(4) DC power supply and ground Crimp terminal
9. Power supply
–48V nominal, positive ground
(1) Input voltage
(–40 to –60 V)
(2) Power consumption (typical)

a. Terminal (3+1) with SD 1,074 W

including SC WS and MSTR
SV
b. Repeater (3+1) with SD 1,358 W
including SC–WS and sub SV
10. Physical dimensions
Rack, excluding RF branching 2500 mm high, 120 mm wide,
(1)
network 225 mm deep.

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2.0 System Description

2.1 Signal flow

The system operates in upper 6 GHz bandwidth 16 QAM 140 Mb/s bearer
and employs baseband regenerative repeating on N+1 protection channel switching
configuration (N=3 in our case).

A typical digital microwave relay system consists of both end terminals and
some repeaters. For the signal flow description, one terminal station and one
repeater station are shown in Fig.1 as an example.

(1) Transmit side at terminal station

At left side of the terminal station in Fig.1, the fourth order hierarchy 139.264
Mb/s CMI coded data stream from MUX is input to TSW–1 (Transmit switch) of
MAIN–1 (or MAIN–2 to N) system. The TSW–1 branches the data stream into PROT
(Protection) system, and bridges MAIN–1 to PROT when MAIN–1 system fails. When
the MAIN–1 system has restored, TSW disconnects the PROT system from the
MAIN–1 system.

In C–U (CMI to Unipolar converter), the 139.264 Mb/s CMI coded data stream
from TSW–1 is amplified and wave–shaped by equalizer circuit. The CMI coded data
stream is code–converted and serial–to–parallel converted into four unipolar data
streams. These four data streams are delivered to the TCC (Transmit Code
Converter).

The TCC speed converts the parallel input data streams in order to stuff and
insert the housekeeping bits (over head bits) such as frame alignment bits, stuff
indication bits, route identification bits and parity bits. Besides, the DSC (digital
service channel) bits, and WS (wayside) signal bits are inserted. The parallel data
streams are scrambled except the frame alignment bits and sent to the MOD
(Modulator).

The MOD converts the four unipolar data streams into a 16 QAM IF (70 MHz)
signal. The ASC (analog service channel) is added to the MOD also. The 16 QAM IF
signal is delivered to the TX (Transmitter).
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Fig. 1
Block Diagram of Typical Terminal Configuration

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The TX translates the IF signal coming from the MOD to RF signal and
amplifies it to required level.

The BR NTWK (RF branching network) multiplexes the transmitting RF

signals and demultiplexes the receiving RF signals using waveguide filters and
waveguide circulators.

The antenna system consists of Main and Space Diversity (SD) antennas.

The transmitting RF signals from each transmitter are collectively transmitted

by a Main antenna.

(2) Receive side at terminal station

At the receive side of terminal station in Fig.1, the RF signals are sent to the
RX–1 (Receiver) or RX–2 (Receiver with space diversity antenna combiner) from the
main and space diversity antenna through the BR NTWK.

The RX–1 translates the received RF signal to IF signal and send it to the IF
equalizer. The RX–2 carries out the same operation as that of the RX–1, and
furthermore performs the space diversity combination of main signal and SD signal in
IF band.

The IF EQL reduces the distortion on the IF spectrum due to intersymbol

interference (ISI) caused by multipath fading.

The DEM (Demodulator) converts the 16 QAM IF signal into the four unipolar
data streams and delivers to the RCC (Receive Code Converter). The ASC signal is
extracted from the DEM.

The RCC speed – converts the parallel input data streams in order to destuff
and extract the houekeeping bits inserted at the TCC in the opposite end terminal
station. The RCC supervises the parity bits and, if necessary, issues alarm for
switching operation. Besides, the DSC (digital service channel) bits, and WS
(wayside) signal bits are extracted.

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The U–C (Unipolar to CMI converter), the four unipolar data streams from the
RCC are parallel–to–serial converted and code–converted into the 139.264 Mb/s CMI
coded data stream. The 139.264 Mb/s CMI coded data stream is delivered to the
RSW (Receive Switch).

The RSW switchovers the MAIN system to the PROT system if the MAIN
system fails.

(3) Repeater station

The repeater station is shown in Fig.2.

In the repeater station, the signal flow of "RF to IF" or "IF to RF" is same as
that in terminal station. At the IF stage, SCU connects receive side to transmit side,
and extracts or inserts DSC, WS and OW signals excluding Analog OW signal.

2.2 Counter measures against fading

To provide powerful counter measures against fading, an advance space
diversity combiner, a unique IF equalizer, and hitless switch with automatic DADE
(differential absolute delay equalizer) facilities are incorporated.

(1) Space diversity

Space diversity counteracts the effects of fading by combining signals from
Main and SD antenna.

(2) IF equalizer
The radio system employs two types of IF equalizer, the slope equalizer and
the resonant equalizer; both are designed to ensure quick equalization against high–
speed selective fading.

(3) Transversal equalizer

As a countermeasure against multipath fading, a time domain equalizer,
called a transversal equalizer, is used at the DEM in the baseband.

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Fig. 2
Repeater Station

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(4) DADE
Other counter measures include frequency diversity reception through use of
hitless switch employing an automatic DADE facility. Highly precise hitless switching
is realized by compensating for the differential delay caused by fluctuation between
the working and the protection channels.

2.3 Auxiliary Facilities

(1) Service channel system

The service channel system has two kinds of service channels : the digital
service channel and analog service channel. The digital service channel carries 64
kbit/s x 24 channels maximum for the remote supervision, control and express
orderwire signals, and the analog service channel carries one voice channel for the
omnibus orderwire signal.

(2) Wayside traffic

Each RF channel in this radio system is a (able) to have an additional
capacity of carrying one 20 Mbit/s pulse stream equivalent to 30 telephone
messages, what is called WAYSIDE TRAFFIC. The wayside traffic is provided
between back–to–back terminal stations.

(3) Supervisory (SV) and Remote Control (RC) System

Any status information on each station can be sent to the master station
through the SV (supervisory) system, and the master station can control his own
slave stations through the RC (remote control) system.

The centralized SV system is provided for each link of Bombay–Madras and

Dhulia–Calcutta. The centralized SV master stations are at Bombay for Bombay–
Madras link and at Calcutta for Dhulia–Calcutta link. The centralized SV master
station can carry out the supervisory and control for all the stations over the radio
link.

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3.0 Protection Switching System

The unique feature of this system is the use of Hitless Switching. The system
provides protection channel for 3 (max 5) main channels. The protection switching is
carried out at base band stage. Hitless switching is available for fading conditions
and manual switching for maintenance purposes. When the main channel equipment
fails the protection switching is carried out in non–hitless or with short time
interruption.

The protection switching is initiated at the receive side. At the sending side,
single stage of switching (TSW1) is provided to make the main channel CMI signal in
parallel connection with main and protection channels. At the receiving end, two
stages of switch are provided. The first stage is unipolar switch for hitless switching
and second stage is bipolar switching for ordinary switching. The unipolar switching
consists of IC gates in LSI circuit which are mounted in RCC and the bipolar
switching consists of coaxial relay which is mounted in the RSW.

3.1 Hitless Switching

A differential absolute delay time between the protection channel and the
main channel causes loss of bits or hits when the protection channel switching is
carried out.

The differential absolute delay can be divided into a fixed component and a
variable component. The fixed component is caused by feeder, RF branching
network, radio equipment, etc. The variable component is mainly caused by fading.
To cancel them, two types of DADE circuits are provided in MD–SW 140/16
equipment, manual DADE circuit for the fixed component, and automatic DADE
circuit for variable component. Adjustment range is 16 bits (0 to 15 bit) or fixed
components, and + 3 bit for variable components.

The manual DADE circuit is used for cancelling the fixed delay components to
perform hitless switch, and the manual DADE setting should be made at the
installation stage of the radio link.

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The automatic DADE circuit is used for cancelling the variable components,
and adjust delay time of the data stream by comparing the bits of the main channel
with those of the protection channel. After the comparison of corresponding data on
bit–by–bit basis, automatic switching is executed, if required, by using the unipolar
switch.

3.2 Switching for Equipment Failure

When equipment failure occurs on any one of main channels, the automatic
DADE circuit does not compare the failure of corresponding data because data
interruption has occurred due to equipment failure. The unipolar switch circuit,
therefore, automatically switches to the protection channel without corresponding
data after data comparison of one milli–second. This is non–hitless switching
operation.

If the unipolar switch fails the switching, the bipolar switch RSW is driven to
switch 0.5 seconds later. In this case, though highly reliable coaxial relay is used as
the bipolar switch, short time interruption due to switch transfer may occur on the
data stream.

3.3 Switching Criteria and Switching Priority

The switching is initiated by the detection of transmission quality degradation
or manual control.

The automatic switching criteria are as follows :

(1) Bit error rate degradation

–4 –4 –9
Initiation : BER = 1 x 10 (1 x 10 to 1 x 10 )

–6 –4 –9
Restoration : BER = 1 x 10 (1 x 10 to 1 x 10 )

Threshold setting can be made on site.

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(2) Loss of frame alignment

(3) Mismatch of route identification

(4) Loss of data stream

Switching priority can be set as either Case A or Case B shown below by
setting the switch in the SW LGC on site.

Case A
1. Forced switching
2. Automatic switching
3. Manual switching
4. Occasional switching

Case B
1. Forced switching
2. Automatic switching
3. Manual switching
4. Occasional switching

Note : Forced switching means switchover by the switches on the U–C CONV or
RSW unit.

One of the main channel bearers can also be assigned the priority at site.
When setting is not made, or among the main channels except the main channel
assigned the priority. "First–come, first served" basis switching is executed.

Unlike Analogue microwave system, there is no graded priority for RF

channels for protection switching in this system, i.e., only one main channel can be
assigned priority, on site.

3.4 The equipment layout is shown in Fig.3 for (1+1) configuration.

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Fig. 3
Equipment Layout

4.0 Centralised Supervisory Equipment (CSE)

4.1 The centralized SV master station can carry out the supervision and control
for all stations over the radio link.

4.2 The centralized supervisory equipment consists of the followings :

1. Main frame.
2. Colour CRT
3. Key Board
4. Floppy disc driver (5–inch)
5. Printer
Centralized Supervisory System Configuration is shown in Fig.4.

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Fig. 4
Hardware of Centralized Supervisory Equipment (CSE)

4.3 Main function

Main function of CSE is as follows :

1. Status indication using CRT MAXIMUM 256–item per remote

station
2. Status change reporting On CRT and buzzer.
3. Remote control Maximum 256–item per remote
station.
4. Logging facility (storing of On floppy disc and printer
information).

4.4 Display on CRT

Displays of CRT are as follows :

1. Supervision–1 Display of station name and present

status.
2. Supervision–2 Display of all supervisory items and
present status.
3. Remote control item Display of remote control item and
control
4. Event recording Display of past data from floppy
disc.

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5.0 Maintenance Portable Terminal (MPT)

5.1 The various parameters of radio system can be measured by connecting MPT
to the supervisory interface (SV INTF). The printer can be connected to the
MPT and hard copy of vaules of various parameters can be taken. MPT
receives power from the SV interface.

The MPT can display analog data, such as transmitting output power or DC
voltage and error performance such as BER or number of errors of the traffic
in the specified period by key board operation.

Error performance on hop basis or route basis can be displayed on the MPT
connected to the radio equipment or the modem–switch equipment.

5.2 Analog Monitoring (AM)

Following two display modes are provided for analog monitoring.

1. Automatic display mode (AUTO)

In this mode, display is sequentially made according to the measuring item
number.

2. Manual display mode (MANUAL)

In this mode, manual key operation designates the measuring item to be
displayed. The designation is made by input of the measuring item number.
Measuring item next to the displayed item can be displayed by scroll key or shift plus
scroll key operation.

5.3 Total Monitoring (TM)

Total monitor mode provides the same measuring items as analog monitor
except the full name screen of the measuring items.

Displayed value shows stored data in the SV INTF unit when the TM mode is
selected. Item selection can be made by using scroll key operation or shift key plus
scroll key operation.

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5.4 Error Monitoring (EM)

Two error performance monitoring modes are provided.

1. Bit error monitoring (BER)

BER on hop/route basis can be displayed by key board operation.

2. Number of errors (ER COUNT)

The MPT can display the number of errors generated in the specified period
on hop/route basis. The period can be controlled by the selection of internal interval
setting or external control. The external control is performed by the START and
STOP key board operation.

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