TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide-20050628-B-1.1

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TTA Operating Principles and Problem

Handling Guide
Prepared by
Chen Xinting
Date
2004-7-13
Reviewed by
Chen Yuan, Fan Kai
Date
2005-6-28
Reviewed by
Date
Approved by
Date
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

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Revision record
Date
Revision
Description
Author
2004-07-13
Initial draft, Chinese version
Chen Xinting
2005-6-28
Reviewing English version
Fan Kai
version
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TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 TTA Operating Principles and Types ........................................................................ 5
1.1 Basic Concepts of TTA......................................................................................................... 5
1.1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 5
1.1.2 Operating Principles of TTA ....................................................................................... 5
1.1.3 Types of TTA.............................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Settings of Switches of CDU Rear Panels Related to TTA ................................................ 11
1.2.1 Setting of Switch of KMW CDU Rear Panel............................................................. 11
1.2.2 Setting of Switch of COM DEV CDU Rear Panel..................................................... 12
1.2.3 Setting of SPL Switch............................................................................................... 14
1.3 Precautions for TTA Data Configuration ............................................................................ 15
1.3.1 TTA Configured ........................................................................................................ 15
1.3.2 TTA Not Configured ................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 2 TTA Alarm Handling................................................................................................ 16

2.1 Testing Active Part of the TTA ........................................................................................... 17
2.2 Testing Passive Part of the TTA......................................................................................... 17
Chapter 3 VSWR Test ............................................................................................................. 18

3.1 Definition of VSWR and Its Algorithm Method ................................................................... 18
3.2 VSWR Problems................................................................................................................. 20
3.3 VSWR Test When TTA Not in Operation ........................................................................... 20
3.4 VSWR Test When TTA in Operation.................................................................................. 21
Chapter 4 TTA Current Test .................................................................................................... 24

Chapter 5 Cases...................................................................................................................... 25
5.1 All Level 2 Interference Band on Traffic Management Console due to CDU Attenuation
Factor Unconfigured ................................................................................................................. 25
5.2 MS Call Failure due to Incorrect Configuration of Power Attenuation Factor in BSC Data
Configuration............................................................................................................................. 26
5.3 One Way Audio After TTA Removed due to Failure to Modify With TTA to Without TTA in
Antenna and Feeder Configuration Table ................................................................................ 28
5.4 Tributary TTA Alarm due to Lightning Arrester of the Relocated BTS Not Supporting Feed29
5.5 All Idle Channels at Level 2 Interference Band due to Incorrect Setting of CDU Power
Attenuation Factor..................................................................................................................... 32
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Key words: TTA, CDU, SPL, TTA alarm

Abstract: This document introduces the operating principles of the TTA and methods to
handle frequently-occurring problems. It also provides some cases for reference.
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms:

CDU
Combiner Distribution Unit
SPL
SPL board
TTA
Tower top amplifier
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Chapter 1 TTA Operating Principles and Types

1.1
Basic Concepts of TTA
1.1.1 Overview
The tower top amplifier (TTA) is installed close to the antenna and consists of duplexer,
low noise amplifier, and feeder.
The duplexer filters the signals received from the antenna to remove external
interference. Then the low noise amplifier amplifies the weak signals received and
sends them to the indoor equipment through low-loss cable.
The tower top low noise amplifier lowers thermal noise greatly without affecting the
carrier-to-interference ratio. This helps improve the transmission quality of uplink
signals.
Because the amplifier is installed on tower top, the signals it amplifies do not get lost
by passing through feeder. In addition, the TTA noise figure (NF) is low with enough
gain. This helps enhance the input level of the signals received by the BTS, reduce the
impact of NF, and improve the quality of signal demodulation.
1.1.2 Operating Principles of TTA

How to improve the receiving sensitivity of the BTS system is a hard task. The reason
lies in the thermal noises caused by the electronic thermal motion of the active parts of
the BTS receiving system and RF conductors, such as feeder and jumper in the
receiving loop, received branch unit and high-frequency amplifier inside the BTS.
These thermal noises lower the signal noise ratio (S/N) of the system, which lowers
the receiving sensitivity of the BTS and the conversation quality.
NF measures the capability of RF parts to process small signals. It is usually defined
as shown in the following figure:
SiNi
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NF can also be expressed in the following formula:

NF = (Si/Ni)/ (So/No)
In which,
Si: power of input signals
Ni: power of input noises
So: power of output signals
No: power of output noise
For a multi-level amplification system, its NF is:
NF = F1 + (F2-1)/G1 + (F3-1)/G1*G2 + (1-1)
In which,
F1, F2, and F3: NFs of level 1, 2, and 3
Gn: gain of every level (including loss of every level)
Fn: NF of every level
For passive parts, the NF equals loss and the gain is the reciprocal of the loss.
It can be inferred from formula (1-1) that if G1, G2, Gn is large enough, the noise of the
multi-level amplification system depends on F1, NF of level 1.
When formula (1-1) is used, all parameters adopt linear values. Then the linear value
of F is converted into log value.
To summarize the rules of impact of TTA upon the system, two examples are given as
follows:
[Example 1]
Suppose:
F1 = 2.5 dB (1.7783) (NF of the TTA)
F2 = 4.5 dB (2.8184) (NF of the BTS)
G = 12 dB (15.849) (gain of the TTA)
Loss of the feeder and other passive parts: 3 dB (2)
G0 = -3 dB (1/2)
FN of the feeder and other passive parts: F0 = 1/G0
In case of TTA uninstalled, FN of the BTS receiving system with antenna output port
as reference point is:
F = F0 + (F2 - 1)/G0 = 10 Log [2 + (2.8184 - 1)/0.5] = 7.5 dB
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In case of TTA installed, FN of the BTS receiving system with antenna output port as
reference point is:
F = F1 + (F0 1)/G + (F2-1)/ (G*G0) = 10 Log [1.7783 + (2 -1)/15.849 + (2.8184-1)/
(15.849*0.5)] = 3.2dB
Therefore, when a TTA is installed, NF is lowered by 4.3 (7.5-3.2) dB. Namely, uplink
gain is lowered by 4.3 dB.
[Example 1]
Suppose:
F1 = 2.2 dB (1.6596) (NF of the TTA)
F2 = 2.3 dB (1.6982) (NF of the BTS)
G = 12 dB (15.849) (gain of the TTA)
Loss of the feeder and other passive parts: 3 dB (2)
G0 = -3 dB (1/2)
FN of the feeder and other passive parts: F0 = 1/G0
In case of TTA uninstalled, FN of the BTS receiving system with antenna output port
as reference point is:
F = F0 + (F2 - 1)/G0 = 10 Log [2 + (1.6982 - 1)/0.5] = 5.3 dB
In case of TTA installed, FN of the BTS receiving system with antenna output port as
reference point is:
F = F1 + (F0 - 1)/G + (F2 - 1)/ (G*G0) = 10 Log [1.6596 + (2 - 1)/15.849 + (1.6982 - 1)/
(15.849*0.5)] = 2.6 dB
Therefore, when a TTA is installed, NF is lowered by 2.7 (5.3 2.6) dB. Namely, uplink
gain is lowered by 2.7 dB.
From the two examples above, we can see:
z The TTA lowers the NF of the BTS receiving system, to improve the receiving
sensitivity of the BTS system.
z The TTA improves the receiving sensitivity of uplink signals.
z The TTA gain lowers FN.
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z The longer the feeder, the greater the feeder loss. After the TTA is installed, the
more NF of the BTS receiving system is lowered, the more uplink gain is improved.
z When the NF of the TTA is very small, the NF of the BTS receiving system is
lowered greatly after the TTA is installed. If the NF of the TTA is too large, the NF of
the BTS receiving system may deteriorate after the TTA is installed.
z After the receiving sensitivity of the BTS is improved by the TTS, the BTS becomes
more sensitive to external interference.
1.1.3 Types of TTA

TTAs can be grouped into:
z
Triplex TTAs
Duplex TTAs
Simplex TTAs
1. Triplex TTAs
Triplex TTAs are often used in CDU solution, where a sector uses a dual polarization
antenna. Thus, the numbers of antennas, feeders, and jumpers decrease.
Figure 1-1 shows a triplex TTA.
Figure 1-1 Triplex TTA
In Figure 1-1, three filters ensure the separation between the receiving and
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transmitting bands. When the amplifier is faulty, the bypass switch is automatically
connected to ensure the continuity of transmission loop (about -2 dB receiving gain
and about 0.6 dB transmitting insertion loss). The offset interface is used to separate
RF from DC and provides DC voltage for the amplifier.
Technical specifications (1800 M)
Receive path:
Receiving frequency range
1710 MHz 1755 MHz
NF
2.5 dB (max)
Gain
12 0.5 dB
Gain fluctuation
0.5 dB
Insertion loss in case of bypass
2.0 dB (max)
Output 1 dB compression point
12 dBm (min)
Maximum output power (continuous)
0 dBm
Attenuation
90 dB (min) (@ Tx Band)
90 dB (@GSM-band)
Transmit path:
Transmitting frequency range
1805 MHz 1850 MHz
Insertion loss
0.5 dB (max)
Insertion loss fluctuation
0.1 dB
Maximum power capacity (continuous)
200 W
Attenuation
40 dB (min) (@Rx Band)

80 dB (@GSM-band)
Other requirements:
Return loss (all port)
18 dB (min)
Connector
7/16 DIN-Female
Operating temperature
-40 + 60
Humidity
0 -100%
Protection requirement
IP65
DC power supply (@150mA nominal)

Installation
+12 V DC
Pole, 30mm 100 mm (OD)
Figure 1-2 shows the appearance of triplex TTA.
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Figure 1-2 Appearance of triplex TTA
2. Duplex TTAs
Duplex TTAs are used in the solution where one antenna is shared by transmit and
main.
Figure 1-3 shows a duplex TTA.
Figure 1-3 Duplex TTA
3. Simplex TTAs
Simplex TTAs are used in the solution where a sector uses three antennas (one for
transmit and two for receive). The two receiving antennas use simplex TTAs. The
simplex TTA is applicable to BTS20 combiner-divider cabinets.
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Figure 1-4 shows a simplex TTA.
Figure 1-4 Simplex TTA
1.2
Settings of Switches of CDU Rear Panels Related to TTA
1.2.1 Setting of Switch of KMW CDU Rear Panel

Figure 1-5 shows the TTA option switch on the rear panel of the KMW CDU.
Figure 1-5 TTA option switch of (KMW)CDU rear panel

(state of the switch when TTA is not configured)
When the base station system is not configured with TTA, TTAM and TTAD must be
set to OFF.
When the base station system is configured with TTA,
z The TTA power switches of the CDU are set to ON.
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z The TTA current option switches of the CDU are set to a level, which depends
upon the range of nominal working current configured for the TTA.
Note:
The TTA power switches and TTA current options switches of the CDU have main and
diverse receive paths. The states of the two paths must be checked respectively.
When one path, such as diverse receive path, is not used, consider it as a case when
the TTA is not configured, namely, TTAM and TTAD are set to OFF.
Table 1-1 and Table 1-2 list the alarm conditions for KMW CDU main and diverse
receive TTA current.
Table 1-1 Alarm conditions for KMW CDU main receive TTA current
Position
Rated
of
current
the
Undercurrent alarm
Minimum
option
Nominal
Maximum
Over current alarm

Minimum
value
Nominal
Maximum
value
switch
1
100 mA
45
50
55
160
165
170
107 mA
45
50
55
155
170
185
205 mA
135
150
165
245
260
275
Table 1-2 Alarm conditions for KMW CDU diversity receive TTA current
Position
Rated
of
current
the
Undercurrent alarm
Minimum
option
Nominal
Maximum
Over current alarm

Minimum
value
Nominal
Maximum
value
switch
1
65 mA
107 mA
45
50
55
155
170
185
205 mA
135
150
165
245
260
275
1.2.2 Setting of Switch of COM DEV CDU Rear Panel
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Figure 1-6 TTA option switch of (COM DEV)CDU rear panel

(State of the switch when TTA is not configured)
When the base station system is not configured with TTA, TTAM and TTAD must be
set to level 0 (OFF).
When the base station system is configured with TTA, set the TTA current option
switches of the CDU to a level, which depends upon the range of nominal working
current configured for the TTA.
Note:
The TTA power switches and TTA current options switches of the CDU have main and
diverse receive paths. The states of the two paths must be checked respectively.
When one path, such as diverse receive path, is not used, consider it as a case when
the TTA is not configured, namely, TTAM and TTAD are set to level 0 (OFF).
Table 1-3 lists the alarm conditions for COM DEV CDU main/diverse receive TTA
current.
Table 1-3 Alarm conditions for COM DEV CDU main/diverse receive TTA current
Position
Rated
of
current
the
Undercurrent alarm
Minimum
option
Nominal
Maximum
Over current alarm

Minimum
value
Nominal
Maximum
value
switch
0
OFF
100mA
45
50
55
160
165
170
107mA
45
50
55
155
170
185
205mA
135
150
165
245
260
275
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1.2.3 Setting of SPL Switch

SPLITTER (SPL) is only used for BTS21. The SPL provides TTA power supply
function. When currents of TTA or SPL exceed normal level, SPL reports TTA or SPL
alarm signals.
The SPL power indicator is the indicator for TTA power supply instead of that for SPL
working power. When the indicator is off, it is possible that the feeder connected with
the TTA is short-circuited or the SPL is faulty.
The SPL DIP switch has four positions. Positions 1, 2, and 3 correspond to 1 dB, 2 dB,
and 4 dB attenuation. Namely, when position 1 of the DIP switch is dialed to OFF, the
SPL attenuation is 1 dB. When position 2 is dialed to OFF, the SPL attenuation is 2 dB.
When position 3 is dialed to OFF, the SPL attenuation is 4 dB. When positions 1, 2,
and 3 are all dialed to OFF, the SPL attenuation is 7 dB. Position 4 is straight through
position and is usually dialed to ON. When a single SPL is used, positions 1, 2, 3, and
4 are all dialed to ON. When SPLs are cascaded, positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the DIP
switch of the first SPL are all dialed to ON. The attenuation of the second cascaded
SPL should be 7 dB. Namely, positions 1, 2, 3 are dialed to OFF and position 4 dialed
to ON.
Table 1-4 lists the control attenuation of SPL DIP switch S1.
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Table 1-4 Control attenuation of SPL DIP switch S1
1.3
S1.1
S1.2
S1.3
S1.4
Attenuation (dB)
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
ON
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
ON
ON
ON
ON
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
Precautions for TTA Data Configuration
1.3.1 TTA Configured

When the BTS is configured with TTA, during BSC data configuration, configure the
following based on the actual situation in the Antenna and Feeder Configuration
table:
z CDU
z SPL
z Combiner
z TTA
z Power attenuation factor
The BTS adjusts CDU gain based on parameters With TTA? and Power attenuation
factor.
Suppose TTA gain is G dB,
z The CDU power attenuation factor should be set to G 4 dB.
z The CDU power attenuation factor should be set to 0 when TTA is not configured.
z The uplink gain should be set to 255 dB.
If TTA gain is 12 dB, the CDU power attenuation factor should be set to 8 dB.
1.3.2 TTA Not Configured

When the BTS is not configured with TTA, during BSC data configuration, configure
the following based on the actual situation in the Antenna and Feeder Configuration
table:
z CDU
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z SPL
z Combiner
z TTA
The parameter Power attenuation factor is set to 0.
The receive power attenuation factor of the CDU is set to 0 dB by default.
Chapter 2 TTA Alarm Handling

When the antenna and feeder system is improperly connected, or water permeates in
the TTA, a TTA alarm occurs.
TTA alarms may be caused by:
z Erroneous alarm of TTA
z CDU fault or erroneous alarm
z Fault with lightning arrester and feeder
z Improper connection of the antenna and feeder system
z TTA fault or water-permeated
Troubleshooting procedures:
1) Power on and reset the CDU. Observe whether the alarm disappears to judge
whether it is erroneous alarm.
2) Check whether the connectors of the receive tributaries get loose. If yes, fasten
them.
3) Use a multimeter to measure whether CDU output is normal. If not, check whether
the TTA and its connector are water-permeated or replace the TTA.
4) Measure the TTA current after uninstalling the connector between the jumper and
the TTA. If the current exceeds the normal range, a TTA alarm is reported. Otherwise,
the TTA alarm is caused by the lightning arrester or feeder.
5) Use a multimeter to measure the current from the jumper on cabinet top to the
lightning arrester. If no exception happens, it means that TTA alarm is caused by
feeder fault.
6) Measure the main feeder. If any exception happens, check the connector between
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the outdoor main feeder and the jumper.

Note:
The normal working current of self-made TTA is 45 mA 90 mA and that of imported
TTA is 50 mA 170 mA.
2.1
Testing Active Part of the TTA

The SPL conducts a real time test of the working current of the TTA. When it exceeds
the normal working range, the SPL generates a TTA alarm signal, which indicates that
the active circuit of the TTA is faulty.
The normal working current of self-made TTA is 45 mA 90 mA and that of imported
TTA is 50 mA 170 mA.
The power supply of the TTA is from the feeder at the input interface of the SPL. The
feeder is powered on as long as the power supply of the SPL is ON.
When testing the active part of the TTA, you should choose the equipment room as the
testing site. If 12 V DC regulated power supply is available, you can also choose other
places for the test.
Test procedures:
1) Remove the jumper on cabinet top.
2) Connect the receive interface of the TTA with a jumper to make the ground of the
TTA be connected with that of the BTS (the ground of the jumper connector getting
touch with that of the socket on cabinet top).
3) Connect a DC ammeter between the core wire of the socket on cabinet top and the
core wire of the jumper of the TTA. Then test the current.
4) Judge whether the active part of the TTA is in good condition based on the
recorded current value.
If 12 V DC regulated power supply is used, connect the positive electrode to the core
wire of the jumper of the TTA to test the current.
2.2
Testing Passive Part of the TTA

To test the passive part of the TTA, you do not need to power on the TTA.
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The standing wave of a simplex TTA at the receiving band should be less than 2.
The standing wave of a duplex TTA at the transmitting band should be less than 1.8
and that at the receiving band less than 2.
When testing the passive part of the TTA, you should choose either the equipment
room or other places as the testing site.
Test procedures:
1) Connect the 50 ohm matching load to the antenna port.
2) Connect the receive interface of the TTA with a jumper and test the standing wave
at the receiving band with SITMARST.
3) Connect the transmitting interface of the TTA with a jumper and test the standing
wave at the transmitting band with SITMARST. This step is not required in case of
simplex TTAs.
4) Judge whether the passive part of the TTA is in good condition based on the
recorded value of the standing wave.
Chapter 3 VSWR Test

3.1
Definition of VSWR and Its Algorithm Method
1. Definition of VSWR
Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) reflects the impedance matching between the
near end and remote end. The greater the VSWR is, the worse the impedance
matching is. The worse the impedance matching is, the smaller the energy that the
remote end obtains from the near end is. The direct impact is that:
z The remote end cannot obtain all the energy from the near end. The gain on the
transmission line is smaller than the idealized value. The line loss is greater than
expected.
z Some signals are reflected. They shake on the transmission line and superimpose
with the subsequent signals transmitted, which damages the quality of signals.
2. Algorithm Method for VSWR
Figure 3-1 shows the VSWR relations.

Pin
Pre
z0
z1
Figure 3-1 VSWR relations
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In Figure 3-1, Pre stands for reflected power, Pin for incident power, Z1 for load
impedance, and Z0 for input impedance.
3. Reflection Factor
Formula for the reflection factor (indicating the reflection factor of the voltage):
= (Z1 Z0)/ (Z1 + Z0)

4. VSWR
VSWR = (1 + ||)/ (1 ||)

5. Return Loss
RTL = 20Lg|| = 20Lg ((VSWR - 1)/ (VSWR + 1))

6. Significance of VSWR Test
Testing the VSWR of the antenna and feeder system level by level can help judge
whether open circuit, short circuit, or bad contact occurs to the signal path. Improving
system impedance matching based on the test result can enhance the quality of
signals and coverage.
7. Impact of Feeder and Amplifier upon VSWR Test
When a tester is used for VSWR test, it is VSWR of the tested point connected to the
instrument output port that is displayed on the tester. The impedance matching of the
middle and other ports of the tested system cannot be accurately reflected.
Example 1:
A 100-meter-long 7/8" feeder is tested. Its loss at 900 MHz is 4 dB and that at 1800
MHz is 6 dB. When open connection occurs to the other end of the tested cable, the
return loss at 900 MHz should be -8 dB and that at 1800 MHz -12 dB. The return
losses are 2.33 and 1.67 respectively when converted into VSWR.
Example 2:
Suppose the other end of the 100-meter-long cable is connected with an antenna
whose characteristic impedance is 50 ohm and the return loss of the antenna is 10
dB. The return loss at 900 MHz should be 18 dB ((-10) + 2*(- 4)) and that at 1800
MHz 22 dB.
Through this method, you can infer the impedance matching at the other end of the
cable.
Example 3:
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If there is an amplifier and isolator on the transmission line, the signal gain from the
input to the output differs greatly from that from the output to the input. Methods in
Examples 1 and 2 cannot be used. You have to measure them respectively.
3.2
VSWR Problems
VSWR problems may be caused by:
z Bad contact
Connectors of the antenna, feeder, TTA, or lightning arrester are not:
Properly prepared (such as dry joint)
Reliably connected (such as loose, distortion, and sliding filament)
Applied with good waterproof measurement (such as accumulated water and
stain)
z Devices
The CDU, EDU, TTA, or SPL is damaged or generates erroneous alarm.
3.3
VSWR Test When TTA Not in Operation

To conduct VSWR test when the TTA is not in operation, you need to prepare the
following:
z
Antenna analyzer S331A
Cables (RF coaxial cables)
Open-circuit/short-circuit
Figure 3-2 shows the connections between the tested devices when the TTA is not in
operation.
Figure 3-2 Connections between the tested devices when the TTA is not in operation
Test procedures:
1) Prepare test tools and accessories.
2) Use the open-circuit/short-circuit to correct the VSWR of S331A.
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3) Cut off power to the TTA of the CDU or the EDU.

4) Connect the bypass jumper of the TTA to the signal path.
Conduct the test as shown in . If only the antenna is tested, omit
the part not required.
Note:
In case of conducting VSWR test when the TTA is not in operation; remember to
connect the bypass jumper of the TTA to the signal path.
3.4
VSWR Test When TTA in Operation

To conduct VSWR test when the TTA is in operation, you need to prepare the
following:
z
Antenna analyzer S331A
Cables (RF coaxial cables)
Open-circuit/short-circuit
Block module
From , it can be seen that to ensure the normal operation of the

TTA, the CDU and the lightning arrester cannot be disconnected. The 12 V DC power
supply should be prevented from being cascaded with S331A.
Two test methods are available:
Test method 1: use block module
Test procedures:
1)
Prepare test tools and accessories.
2)
Power off the CDU/SPL.
3)
Connect the antenna properly. Note that the input and output directions of N
female connectors shown in must be correctly connected.

Otherwise, the antenna analyzer is burned.
4)
Re-check and power on the CDU/SPL.
5)
Set the test menu of the antenna analyzer.
Test method 2: test the transmitting path and receiving path separately
Figure 3-3 shows the connections between the tested devices when the TTA is in
operation
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Figure 3-3 Connections between the tested devices when the TTA is in operation
Test procedures:
1)
Prepare test tools and accessories.
2)
Use the open-circuit/short-circuit to correct the VSWR of S331A.
3)
Test the VSWR of the antenna and feeder on the transmitting path.
The filter in the duplexer is not directional, except the isolator at the output end. The
return loss of the duplexer is generally over 18 dB. The VSWR of the transmitting
path can be measured at TX-DUP. For the duplexer, the insertion loss is about 1.5 dB.
The return loss minus 3 dB is the VSWR at the transmitting band of the output end of
the CDU.
4) Test the VSWR of the antenna and feeder on the main receive path (not
suggested).
(1) Power off the CDU.
(2) Remove the CDU panel.
(3) Disconnect the duplexer from the feeding device of the TTA.
(4) Lead out the antenna and feeder of the receive path with proper connector and
cable.
(5) Power on the CDU and TTA and test the VSWR.
This method is also applicable to testing the VSWR of the antenna and feeder on the
transmitting path
5) Test the VSWR of the antenna and feeder on the diverse receive path (not
suggested).
(1) Power off the CDU.
(2) Remove the CDU panel.
(3) Disconnect the filter from the feeding device of the TTA.
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(4) Lead out the antenna and feeder of the receive path with proper connector and
cable.
(5) Power on the CDU and TTA and test the VSWR.
Precautions:
Put the removed CDU panel in a safe and clean place to avoid getting lost.
Remember to check whether DC power supply is available at the port of the access
instrument.
Because the TTA is directional, the VSWR between the TTA and antenna is hard to
estimate.
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Chapter 4 TTA Current Test

If TTA current is not tested before installation, you can perform the test after BTS
power-on. Here, TTA current test is conducted based on the situation that TTA is not
removed.
Test procedures:
1) Remove the jumper on cabinet top.
2) Connect a DC ammeter between the core wire of the socket on cabinet top and the
core wire of the jumper. Then test the current.
3) Judge whether the active part of the TTA is in good condition based on the
recorded current value.
For CDU-type BTS, the two switches on the CDU rear panel should be set correctly.
The power switch is ON (no current output if the switch is OFF). Different current levels
are selected for TTA current option switch based on the types of TTA. When TTA
current exceeds the specified range, a current alarm is generated.
Before test, ensure that the equipment works normally. Connect a multimeter in the
path to be tested. You can also connect a multiple with the cabinet top or between the
tower top feeder and TTA to test TTA current according to different requirements.
When connecting a multimeter for on-site test, power off the cabinet and then power
on.
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Chapter 5 Cases
5.1
All Level 2 Interference Band on Traffic Management
Console due to CDU Attenuation Factor Unconfigured

[Fault Description]
Description: It was viewed on the traffic management console that for some cells, their
interference bands were of level 2 day and night and there was no interference band of
level 1.
[Alarm Information]
None
[Fault Analysis]
Interference bands viewed on the traffic management console are measured based on
uplink. Generally, according to the settings of data management console, interference
band level 1 corresponds to 105 dBm 98 dBm interference signal, level 2 98
dBm 92 dBm, level 3 92 dBm 87 dBm, level 4 87 dBm 85 dBm,
and level 5 greater than 85 dBm. Normally, interference band level should be as low
as possible.
For the fault described above, reasons may be that:
z There is uplink interference for the BTS.
z One part of the BTS is faulty, such as the TRX or CDU.
z Traffic measurement is inaccurate due to some reason.
z Data configurations of these cells are unreasonable.
z A repeater or TTA is added in the cell. They are not operated as required. For
example, inconsistent data, low quality, or nonstandard installation.
[Troubleshooting]
(1) It was found out after careful check of the traffic management console that the
interference bands of these cells were of level 2 day and night and there was no
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interference band of level 1. This case is abnormal. If there is interference,

interference at night should be less than that during the day. In addition, there must be
interference band of level 1 except that there is a fixed external interference or one
board of the BTS is faulty.
(2) Such fault happened to 15 cells, which were in suburbs and a bit far from each
other. If there is an external interference, there should be more than one interference
source, which is, however, impossible for suburbs.
(3) The maintenance engineer of the customer said that a set of TTAs were installed
recently. Their power supply was not from BTA CDU but from themselves. Therefore,
there was no corresponding data configured on the data configuration console.
(4) Generally, the TTA gain is 12 dB 14 dB. TTAs compensate feeder loss by about
4 dB. Therefore, it was doubted that the fault was caused by no attenuation factor
added in data configuration.
(5) On the data management console, set cell configuration in Antenna and Feeder
Configuration table to With TTA and CDU attenuation factor to 8 (there was no TTA
configured originally). The fault was cleared.
[Suggestions and Summary]
Currently, some customers purchase and install TTAs to enhance BTS coverage
capability without configuring data, which tends to cause problems. Huawei engineers
should guide the customers to operate according to the specifications.
5.2
MS Call Failure due to Incorrect Configuration of Power
Attenuation Factor in BSC Data Configuration

[Fault Description]
A Huawei BTS312 failed to access a call when the signal leve was less than 85
dBm.
[Alarm Information]
None
[Fault Analysis]
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The MS voice access path is:

MSRadio
link
(including
antenna
and
feeder
system)BTSE1
BTS_DDFTrunk
transmissionBSC_DDFE132BIEHWNETOPTOptical
fiberFBICTNE3ME1 or transmission equipmentMSMFTCMSC
Resons for the fault described above may be that:
z An individual MS may cannot make a call when the signal level is less than -85
dBm.
z Multipath effect causes some signals to land outside the delay window, which
results in false intra-frequency interference and normal conversation impossible.
z The reduced performance of the TRX of the BTS causes reduced uplink receiving
sensitivity. As a result, a call cannot be accessed when the signal level is less than
85 dBm.
z A TTA is not used for 80 W large-power BTS, which causes unbalance between
uplink and downlink signals.
z Bit error occurs to the transmission equipment, which results in reduced access
performance.
z The hardware equipment of the BSC and the MSC is faulty, which results in
decreased service performance.
z Unreasonable data of network planning or external interference of the network
causes great interference.
z Error of hardware data configuration causes decrease in service performance.
[Troubleshooting]
(1) On-site information collection found out that multiple MSs cannot make calls when
the signal level was less than -85 dBm. Therefore, it was not a problem of an individual
MS.
(2) Test multiple BTSs and find out such problem was available for every BTS.
Therefore, it was not a problem of an individual BTS or multipath effect. In addition,
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this problem occurred to both 40 W and 80 W BTSs. Therefore, using PBU instead of
TTA was not the reason for the fault.
(3) It was found that through drive test that the frequency plan was reasonable.
Interference was small after analysis of interference band on the traffic management
console. Therefore, interference and multipath effect did not cause the fault.
(4) Trace transmission error and fine no error.
(5) Check all boards of the BSC and no faulty board was found.
(6) Register unlink and downlink balance performance measurement and trace. It was
found out that problematic BTS was at level 11, which meant that grave unlink and
downlink unbalance existed. When one cell of the BTS used a TTA and the other two
cells did not use TTAs, the cell installed with TTA had good uplink and downlink
balance performance. The cells not installed with TTAs were at level 11.
(7) Check the Antenna and Feeder Configuration table and find that power attenuation
factor was set to 10 no matter whether a TTA was installed. Modify the value of power
attenuation factor of the BTS not installed with a TTA to 0 and then conduct a test. A
MS could make a call when the downlink signal level was 100 dBm. Modify all
settings of power attenuation factor and conduct a test. The fault was cleared.
When a TTA is not installed, values of power attenuation factor are set to 0. When a
TTA is installed, if the TTA gain is dB, the value of power attenuation factor is G 4.
5.3
One Way Audio After TTA Removed due to Failure to Modify
With TTA to Without TTA in Antenna and Feeder Configuration

Table
[Fault Description]
A dialing test was conducted after the experiment of large power reconstruction of
three cells of BTSA (S111), modification of data configuration, replacement of EDU
with CDU, and removal of two tributary TTAs. The MS of the called party rang. One
way audio occurred when the call was connected.
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[Alarm Information]
Alarm of TRX9 one way audio.
[Fault Analysis]
In case of S111 configuration, after modified data reset, there should be no description
of the TRX in data configuration information as that in case of large power
reconstruction. Check the data and find no error. All TRX9s were modified to TRX8. It
must have been that TRX9 was not changed to TRX8 in some tables during data
setting, which resulted in host and BAM data inconsistency.
[Troubleshooting]
(1) Check the data and find that there was no description of TRX9 in data
configuration of the BTS. Reset all related tables and apply fourth level reset to the
BTS. One way audio remained. Continue checking the data.
(2) The last two items in the Antenna and Feeder Configuration table are
With/without TTA and Power attenuation factor. With TTA and Power attenuation
factor is 12 4 = 8 are specified in case of large power configuration to suppress
uplink out-band noise. In case of PBU and EDU removed, Without TTA and Power
attenuation factor = 0 should be specified. During data check, it was found that
Without TTA and Power attenuation factor = 0 were specified. This was the source
of the fault. Such data configuration would amplify useful uplink signals and out-band
noises by 8 dB, which caused decline in signal noise ratio and one way audio as a
result.
(3) The fault was cleared after data modification and BTS fourth level reset.
Pay close attention to the descriptions in the Antenna and Feeder Configuration table.
5.4
Tributary TTA Alarm due to Lightning Arrester of the
Relocated BTS Not Supporting Feed

[Fault Description]
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A relocated BTS312 (S111, V06) was made by N. The old antennas and feeders were
used by the relocated BTS. The equipment operated normally after the BTS started to
work. The configuration of the third cell was modified to large power configuration (1
PBU + 1 EDU + 2 TTAs) to increase its coverage. After such configuration, an alarm of
EDU tributary TTA was generated and alarms occurred to two tributaries of the EDU.
[Alarm Information]
Alarm of EDU tributary TTA
Alarms occurred to two tributaries of the EDU.
[Fault Analysis]
An alarm of EDU tributary TTA was generated when the feeding current of the EDU
tributary exceeded the normal value. The possible reasons were that:
z The corresponding tributary TTA was damaged.
z The part between the EDU tributary to TTA was not properly connected. Or some
parts (including the jumper, feeder, lighting arrester) were damaged.
z The EDU alarm detection circuit was faulty.
During the large power reconstruction, one PBU, one EDU, and two TTAs were added.
Because it was of small possibility that two TTS were faulty simultaneously, the
possible reason that the TTA was damaged was cleared. Conduct an on-site antenna
and feeder standing wave test. The VSWR was less than 1.3. The possible reason of
damaged parts or improper connection was cleared. Such alarm also occurred when
an EDU that worked normally on other BTSs was used for this BTS. The EDU worked
normally on Huawei newly-built large power BTSs. The possible that the EDU was
faulty was cleared.
After comparison of this relocated BTS with other large power BTSs, there were no
differences between the jumpers and feeders. The antenna used by the relocated BTS
was accepted by Huawei. Only the lightning arrester was made by N. Special attention
was then paid to the lightning arrester.
The CS72640 lightning arrester made by N was of 1/4 wavelength short-circuited
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T-type. For 890 MHz 960 MHz current, its inner conductor was connected and so
was the external conductor. For low frequency and DC, its inner and external
conductors were connected at the lightning arrester. It meant that it was not feed-type
lighting arrester, which caused TTA over current alarm.
For Huawei, lightning arrester is of feed-type lighting arrester by default. It works
normally with TTA. The TTA alarm disappeared after the lightning arrester was
uninstalled.
[Troubleshooting]
(1) Only jumpers were added during the installation of TTAs. Check that the jumpers
were properly prepared, the connection between the jumpers to the TTA and to the
feeder were properly connected, and that VSWR was normal.
(2) Replace the EDU with an EDU working normally. Apply the original EDU to other
BTSs and it worked normally. Therefore, the fault was not caused by the EDU.
(3) It was less likely that VSWR alarms occurred to both TTAs and both TTAs were
damaged. Apply other TTAs to the relocated BTS. The fault also occurred. Therefore,
the fault was not caused by TTAs.
(4) After comparison of this relocated BTS with other large power BTSs, there were
no differences between the jumpers and feeders. The antenna used by the relocated
BTS was accepted by Huawei. Only the lightning arrester was made by N. Uninstall
the lightning arrester. Alarms of EDU tributary TTAs disappeared.
(5) Replace the lightning arrester with Huawei lighting arrester. No EDU tributary
alarm occurred. Therefore, it was confirmed that the alarm of EDU tributary TTA was
generated because the CS72640 lightning arrester made by N did not support TTA.
Note the compatibility between the additional TTA and PBU with the original
equipment.
Note the differences between the site under discussion and other normal sites when
problems occurred.
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5.5
Internal
All Idle Channels at Level 2 Interference Band due to
Incorrect Setting of CDU Power Attenuation Factor

[Fault Description]
It was found after system loading that the idle channels of all cells are at level 2
interference band. This system was 1800 network. Frequency sweep found no signals
at this frequency band.
[Fault Analysis]
Interference comes from internal and external reasons. It is of little possibility that
external reason works when the whole system is interfered. Even if there is
interference source, interference in different cells should vary. Similarly, it is of little
possibility that BTS performance fault works when interference band of the whole
system is abnormal. Therefore, the interference must come from antenna. Only
Antenna and Feeder Configuration table is related to the data of antenna.
In the Antenna and Feeder Configuration table, Power attenuation factor of CDU
uplinks was set to all 0. Power attenuation factor functions to attenuate TTA gain
properly when TTA is installed. Otherwise, too high gain will heighten extra low noise,
which causes rise of system interference band.
[Troubleshooting]
For BTS using CDU, adjust CDU gain based on the two parameters With/without
TTA and Power attenuation factor. In the CDU, gain is fixed to 10.
Set uplink based on the actual situation of TTA:
z Power attenuation factor: 8 in case of With TTA (indicating CDU attenuation 8 dB,
supposing feeder loss 4 dB)
z Power attenuation factor: 0 in case of Without TTA
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Engineers of Huawei, cooperation

partners, and local staff

Wireless Technical Support

TTA Operating Principles and Problem

Chen Yuan, Fan Kai

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Initial draft, Chinese version

Reviewing English version

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Chapter 2 TTA Alarm Handling................................................................................................ 16

Chapter 3 VSWR Test ............................................................................................................. 18

Chapter 4 TTA Current Test .................................................................................................... 24

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Key words: TTA, CDU, SPL, TTA alarm

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms:

Combiner Distribution Unit

Tower top amplifier

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Chapter 1 TTA Operating Principles and Types

Basic Concepts of TTA

1.1.2 Operating Principles of TTA

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

NF can also be expressed in the following formula:

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

1.1.3 Types of TTA

Figure 1-1 Triplex TTA

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

1710 MHz 1755 MHz

Insertion loss in case of bypass

Output 1 dB compression point

Maximum output power (continuous)

1805 MHz 1850 MHz

Insertion loss fluctuation

Maximum power capacity (continuous)

40 dB (min) (@Rx Band)

DC power supply (@150mA nominal)

Figure 1-2 shows the appearance of triplex TTA.

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Figure 1-2 Appearance of triplex TTA

Figure 1-3 Duplex TTA

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Figure 1-4 shows a simplex TTA.

Figure 1-4 Simplex TTA

Settings of Switches of CDU Rear Panels Related to TTA

1.2.1 Setting of Switch of KMW CDU Rear Panel

Figure 1-5 TTA option switch of (KMW)CDU rear panel

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Over current alarm

Over current alarm

1.2.2 Setting of Switch of COM DEV CDU Rear Panel

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Figure 1-6 TTA option switch of (COM DEV)CDU rear panel

Over current alarm

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

1.2.3 Setting of SPL Switch

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Table 1-4 Control attenuation of SPL DIP switch S1

Precautions for TTA Data Configuration

1.3.1 TTA Configured

1.3.2 TTA Not Configured

TTA Operating Principles and Problem Handling Guide

Chapter 2 TTA Alarm Handling