In support of second-generation cellular in-building coverage, wireless technology group Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) has launched a range of medium- to low-power bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs). The new BDAs–comprising 800-MHz, 900-MHz, and dualband 900/1800-MHz models–are uniquely compact for their respective power ratings and offer flexible ‘plug and play’ installation options for extending the reach of RF distribution systems.
The single-band I-BDA800-1 (800 MHz) and I-BDA900-1 (900 MHz) BDAs feature a nominal gain of 40 dB and composite output powers of 13 dBm in the uplink and 23 dBm in the downlink. Incorporating an integrated internal ac power supply, they are optimized for single- and multi-carrier use in the code division multiple access (CDMA) 800 MHz and global system for mobile communications (GSM) 900 MHz frequency bands respectively.
“These medium-power BDAs are ideal for use in trunking applications, where they can be used to extend the RF coverage of an existing passive distribution network within mid-size buildings,” said Peter Raabe, Global Product Manager for Wireless Distributed Communications Systems at RFS. “This is a low-cost, easily implemented solution for overcoming obstacles such as concrete walls, or covering areas that fall outside the reach of the passive distribution system.”
The new dualband 900/1800 MHz BDAs are available in two power ratings: the medium-power I-BDA900/1800-1 and the low-power I-BDA900/1800-2 feature nominal gains of 30 dB and 20 dB respectively. With a composite output power of 23 dBm in the downlink, the medium-power I-BDA900/1800-1 is ideal for both trunking and coverage gap-filling applications where multiple carriers are using the network. The low-power I-BDA900/1800-2 BDA has a composite output power of 13 dBm in the downlink, making it ideal for gap-filling applications, particularly where single carriers are present. Both BDAs are optimized for single- and multi-carrier use in the GSM 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.
According to Raabe, each of these four new RFS BDA models may be cascaded in a wide range of combinations. “In the case of the lower power dualband BDAs, multiple devices can be powered by a single BDA connected to a dc power supply, with the dc power transmitted by the RF transmission line,” he said. “This provides ultimate installation flexibility, as it allows the BDAs to be installed close to the antenna, where electrical power supplies may not be locally available.”
Additional features of the new RFS BDA range include flexible gain handling (fixed with manual adjustment for standalone operation) and alarm/status indication for real-time monitoring. RFS’s comprehensive range of BDAs also includes medium- and low-power BDAs for third-generation cellular indoor coverage (I-BDA2100 series) and high-power BDAs for all major cellular bands.