Anritsu 11410-00276 free download

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APPLICATION NOTE Insertion Loss Measurement Methods SITE MASTERTM Introduction Transmission feed line system performance plays an important Antenna role in wireless network coverage. Insertion loss measurement is one of the critical measurements used to analyze transmission Antenna Jumper Main Feeder Jumper feed line installation and performance quality. This application note explains how Site Master is used to measure cable insertion loss with different test methods and how to predict the maxi- Connectors mum allowable cable insertion loss through manual calculations. In wireless communication systems, the transmit and receive Figure 1. Typical transmission line system antennas are connected to the radio through coaxial cable and/or waveguide transmission lines (Figure 1). Insertion loss measures the energy absorbed by the transmission Measurement Methods line in the direction of the signal path in dB/meter or dB/feet. During network deployment, mainte- Transmission line losses are dependent on cable type, operating nance, and trouble shooting phases, frequency and the length of the cable run. Insertion loss of a insertion loss can be measured by dis- cable varies with frequency; the higher the frequency, the connecting the antenna and connecting greater the loss. an enclosed short at the end of the Insertion loss measurements help troubleshoot the network transmission line. If a Tower Mounted by verifying the cable installation and cable performance. Amplifier (TMA) is used in the transmis- High insertion loss in the feedline or jumpers can contribute sion feed line system, it is best to remove to poor system performance and loss of coverage. Measuring the TMA and antenna from the system insertion loss using Site Master assures accurate and repeatable configuration to perform an insertion measurements. loss measurement. It is best to always dis- connect the cable at the same location so the measured data can be compared to the historical data for accuracy and repeatability.