Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Dual Polarization
In a traditional dual-polarized radio-to-antenna microwave solution, remotely located radios- are connected to the
antenna via two runs of waveguideone per polarization. The polarizations merge into the same transmission path
using a device known as an Ortho-Mode Transformer (OMT). Also referred to as a polarizer the OMT forms part
of the antenna feed system and is either positioned adjacent to the focal point of a reflector antenna as part of the
feed horn, or at the antennas radio interface.
In transmit mode, the OMT combines the polarizations from the two dedicated rectangular waveguides into a
single transmission path, usually carried by a circular waveguide connected to the radiating aperture of the feed
system. In receive mode the process is reversed with the OMT responsible for accepting the combined signal from
the circular waveguide, separating it into its component polarized signals and conducting them onto their respective
rectangular waveguides.
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 1 of 7
White Paper
(Continued)
For mobile backhaul applications, the most common radio-to-antenna configuration is the split-mount radio, which
separates the microwave circuitry from the baseband processing circuitry. The microwave components are housed
within an outdoor unit (ODU) integrated with, or mounted adjacent to, the antenna. The baseband processing components are housed in an indoor unit (IDU), often mounted in a standard rack unit at the base of the antenna tower
installation. A coaxial cable provides IF, communication and power connection between the two units.
Today, the majority of split-mount radios are configured for single polarization operation. A single go/return radio
channel pair provides full duplex operation. However, the rapid growth of data services is pressuring operators to
increase mobile backhaul capacity to cope with the increased demand.
One solution is to re-use the single polarized radio channel enabling it to, simultaneously send and receive the
orthogonal polarization. Enhancements such as the development of XPICs, allow for simultaneous transmission of
the vertical and horizontal polarizations on the same channel, while minimizing cross talk. As a result, operators can
double the channels data handling capacity with only negligible impact on spectrum leasing costs.
While this configuration is functionally viable, it is economically imprudent. Until recently, the majority of dual polarized systems for backhaul required two remote radios mounted adjacent to the antenna and two runs of flexible
waveguide to connect each radio to the ports on the OMT. The effect is a significant contribution to CAPEX cost.
In order to reduce CAPEX, system providers have recently begun mounting the ODUs of the two single polarized
radios directly onto the OMT which in turn is mounted directly onto the antenna. The solution creates a split mount
dual polarized configuration that eliminates the need for the two antenna mounts and the two runs of flexible waveguide.
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 2 of 7
White Paper
(Continued)
To accurately test for RF leakage, engineers first mount and align the antenna in isolation onto an azimuth rotator;
the antenna is illuminated by an in-band RF signal transmitted from a remote location. The received signal level is
then recorded as a function of azimuth angle. Typically, and per ETSI, measurements are recorded at the bottom,
mid, and top frequencies across the operating band. Measurements are also taken at the co-polar and cross-polar
incident polarizations. On completion, the OMT device is assembled onto the antenna now commonly referred to
as the assembly under test (AUT), and the measurement program repeated. Any differences in the recorded radiation
patterns between the antenna when measured in isolation and the AUT can then be directly attributed to RF leakage
arising from integration.
RF leakage from the AUT can significantly impact the antennas radiation pattern performance. Figure 3a
compares the co-polar radiation patterns of an integrated system using a ValuLine 18 GHz microwave antenna
with a well-designed OMT as compared to the same antenna paired with a poorly-designed third-party OMT. The
pattern degradation behind the antenna, caused by RF leakage, is severe enough to prevent compliance to the
mandatory ETSI regulation Class 3 pattern envelope specification. Figure 3b illustrates the corresponding cross-polar
radiation patterns, where the specification is even more stringent. Again the effect of RF leakage from the poorly
designed OMT package is apparent.
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 3 of 7
White Paper
(Continued)
Figure 3a: Co-polarized Radiation Pattern Coverage of correctly designed integrated OMT assembly compared with poorly
designed components against mandatory FCC and ETSI regulatory specifications
Figure 3b: Cross-polarized Radiation Pattern Coverage of correctly designed integrated OMT assembly compared with poorly
designed components against mandatory FCC and ETSI regulatory specifications.
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 4 of 7
White Paper
(Continued)
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 5 of 7
White Paper
(Continued)
Mechanical Integrity
The presence of two ODUs can constitute a significant load on the antenna and/or antenna mount system. The
effect of the increased load must be determined during assembly and should take into account all integrated hardware including the OEM radios. Recommended procedures for determining load impact include analytical work,
such as Finite Element Analysis (see Figure 4), supported by practical 3-axis vibration testing, shock analysis to ETSI
EN 300 019, and load testing. Integrated assemblies subjected to these test have been shown to meet or exceed
mechanical integrity requirements, longevity, and the strict beam-pointing accuracy specifications of high frequency,
high gain antennas (Figure 5).
A second mechanical consideration involves structural logistics. The two ODUs mounted adjacent to the back
of the antenna must not impede or interfere with the mounting of the assembly onto the required pole. At the same
time, the mounting must also allow for the full range of azimuth and elevation adjustment, typically +/15 degrees
along both axis.
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 6 of 7
White Paper
(Continued)
As with sophisticated range testing used to measure RF leakage, the advanced analysis needed to
verify mechanical integrity of the integrated assembly
is typically not within the scope of the third party
waveguide component supplier. It is, however, very
much within the ability of the reputable antenna manufacturer. In house resources and expertise - not to
mention the proprietary information needed - enable
the established manufacturer to perform the necessary design, analysis, and product verification.
This takes on added importance considering each
OEMs has their own unique approach to designing
their units. Different sizes, volumes and weights of
specific units require individual and unique integration designs. The mechanical verification phase becomes a critical aspect of the design process.
Conclusion
Todays mobile network is quickly evolving into a high-capacity, data-driven environment. This evolution is leading to more dual-polarized radio systems being used in the backhaul theatre. The most common deployment of the
dual-polarized radio is the split-mount design that features a dual-polarized radio, antenna, and various waveguide
components such OMTs. As these integrated packages become more commonplace, the use of third-party waveguide components becomes more frequent.
However, the use of third-party waveguide components poses a severe risk to overall system performance and longevity. Without the resources to design and test their waveguide components within the context of the entire system,
third suppliers can introduce a variety of problems into the integrated system. These include unacceptable levels of
RF leakage, moisture ingress, mechanical instability and imprecise polarization adjustment issues.
Considerable expertise and resources are required, not only for the design of the individual components, but in the
design and performance verification of the entire Integration Package as a whole. Reputable antenna manufacturers
have this expertise, together with the requisite infrastructure necessary to demonstrate integrated product integrity.
www.commscope.com/andrew
Visit our Web site or contact your local CommScope representative for more information.
2011 Commscope, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks identified by or are registered trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc.
This document is for planning purposes only and is not intended to modify or supplement any specifications or warranties relating to CommScope products or services.
WP-104316.1--EN (4/11)
www.commscope.com/andrew
Page 7 of 7