Atec RTF User Manual
RANGE TO FAULT (RTF)
PIM & Return Loss Measurement
Range To Fault (RTF) is an exciting new technology from Kaelus that enables
operators to accurately measure the location of PIM and Return Loss faults in their RF
infrastructure. Reection data together with PIM data provides an unmatched level
of clarity for identifying the location of faults in the RF path.
The RTF system consists of an RTF Module, interconnecting cables and a “RTF Enabled”
iQA series PIM test instrument. Customers can purchase a new “RTF Enabled” PIM
test analyzer from Kaelus or upgrade their existing A or B-series iQA test equipment
to support RTF measurements. Please contact your local Kaelus representative for
additional information.
Range to Fault (RTF) Module
PRODUCT FEATURES
― Accurately identify the location of PIM
and Return Loss faults in the RF path
― Overlay PIM and Return Loss vs. distance data
for enhanced troubleshooting capability
― Compatible with any “RTF Enabled” iQA
series PIM test instrument from Kaelus
― Factory upgrades available for existing
A and B-series iQA test instruments
RETURN LOSS |
ADVANTAGE
― Simple to operate, highly intuitive
touch screen user interface
― Quickly switch between different test modes
without disconnecting the line under test
― Speeds site repairs by guiding operators
to the location of PIM faults
― Before PIM testing, the RTF Module performs a Return
Loss safety check to warn the operator before
transmitting high RF power into a poor match
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PEAK RETURN LOSS
When the RTF module is attached a low power Return Loss vs. distance
measurement will be made prior to activating the high power PIM
test tones. If the peak calculated Return Loss is greater than a user
specied value a warning will be presented to the operator along with
the distance to the failing location. The operator has the option at this
point to either abort the test or continue with the PIM measurement.
This safety feature has been added to help prevent accidental high
power RF transmissions while the feed system is open for repairs.
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RTF ANALYSIS |
DISTANCE TO LARGEST PIM SOURCE
With an RTF Module attached the iQA user software provides four
different views the operator can use to analyze PIM faults at the cell
site. The “Basic” view clearly identies the distance and magnitude
of the largest static PIM fault on the line. For fastest results, Kaelus
recommends methodically eliminating the largest PIM fault and
repeating until all static PIM sources have been removed. Once the
static PIM sources are removed, the operator can proceed to dynamic
PIM testing to certify that the PIM performance is stable and robust.
PIM VS. DISTANCE
With a single button push, the operator can switch to “PIM” view to see
the relative magnitude of all PIM sources on the line. A marker function
is provided allowing the user to jump from peak to peak displaying the
magnitude and distance to each PIM fault. Kaelus’ RTF solution utilizes
proprietary enhanced resolution algorithms that enable the user to
resolve closely spaced PIM faults that a standard FFT analysis can not
see.
RETURN LOSS VS. DISTANCE
With a second button push, the operator can switch to “RL” view to
see Return Loss vs. distance. As with the PIM view, a marker function
is provided to display the magnitude and distance of each Return Loss
peak.
PIM & RETURN LOSS OVERLAY
“OVL” view overlays Return Loss vs. distance and PIM vs. distance
on a single screen. The user can independently set markers for both
PIM peaks and Return Loss peaks and measure the relative distance
between faults. Electrically long devices such as lters or TMAs, and
changes in velocity factor caused by jumper cables vs. feeders can
reduce the absolute accuracy of individual distance calculations. Since
these errors impact both the PIM and Return Loss calculations equally,
the relative distance between faults is typically more accurate than the
individual distance calculations. Using the relative distance of a PIM
problem to a known Return Loss peak allows users to locate faults on
the line with more precision than with PIM vs. distance alone.
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