Course 255

Interference
Interference Identification
Identification
and
and Resolution
Resolution
Recognizing, Identifying, and
Resolving RF Interference
to CDMA Systems
Download this course: www.howcdmaworks.com/255.pdf
Other Useful Documents: www.howcdmaworks.com/interference.zip
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Contents
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
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Q
Q

Q
Q

Q
Q

Introduction: Interference to CDMA systems

I. Basic Skills: Working in dB
II. Basics of Noise and CDMA Capacity
III. A Quick Look at Receiver Characteristics
IV. Recognizing Interference When It Occurs
V. Using Spectrum Analyzers
VI. Finding the Interference Source
VII. Interference and Other Problems With System Elements
Tower-Mounted Amplifiers, Reradiators, In-Building Systems
Site Configuration Guidelines
VIII. Intermodulation
Analysis: Interference, Transmitter Noise, Receiver Desensitization,
Transmitter Spurious Output Interference Analysis
IX. External Interference Sources
Potential Harmonic Generators, Ultra-WideBand Communications
To/from GPS, WiFi, other LAN technologies, Cordless phones,
Bluetooth Technology, MMDS
X. Some Notable Interference Sources
XI. Real-world Exercises

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Interference to CDMA Systems

CDMA FORWARD LINK
Signal usually
well above noise

-113 dbm
Noise
Floor

CDMA REVERSE LINK

Signal barely
above noise
-113 dbm
Noise
Floor

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Q CDMA systems offer great capacity and data

capabilities, but performance depends on
clean RF channels
Q Successful reception requires positive signalto-noise ratio (Eb/No) after decoding
Q Forward link performance is robust
mobile position in the cell determines
received signal level above noise
usually good out to the cell edge
an interferer must be as strong as the
base station to do much harm
Q Reverse link performance is delicate
Capacity and coverage come by keeping
all mobiles near noise floor
any interferer is a serious problem if it
raises the noise floor at the base station
strains link budget of sites; distant
mobiles drop; all mobiles have FER

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Interference to CDMA Systems

CDMA FORWARD LINK
Signal usually
well above noise

-113 dbm
Noise
Floor

CDMA REVERSE LINK

Signal barely
above noise
-113 dbm
Noise
Floor

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Q Finding Forward Link Interferers

Since the forward link signal is
usually well above noise at the
mobile, any signal causing
interference to it is also likely to be
visible above the noise
Q Finding Reverse Link Interferers
Since the reverse link CDMA signal is
dynamically maintained at the noise
level of the base station receiver, it is
possible to have serious interference
from signals too weak to be seen on
a spectrum analyzer at the BTS
receiver input
Special techniques may be required
to identify problems of this type

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Section I

Working
Working in
in Decibels
Decibels

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Signal Power: Use Milliwatts, or dbm

Power
Watts, mw
100 w

Q Working with RF,

10 w
its common to run
1w
into very high and
100 mw
very low signal
10 mw
power levels
1.0 mw
Q We normally
0.1 mw
express signal
0.01 mw
levels in db above a
0.001 mw
milliwatt, or dbm
0.0001 mw
0.00001 mw
Q The chart at right
0.000001 mw
shows the whole
0.0000001 mw
range of signal
0.000000001 mw
levels normally
encountered, both 0.0000000001 mw
in milliwatts and in 0.00000000001 mw
0.000000000001 mw
dbm
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dbm
+50 dbm
+40 dbm

Typical ERP of base station

BTS maximum transmit power

+30 dbm
+20 dbm

Mobile maximum transmit power

+10 dbm
+0 dbm
-10 dbm
-20 dbm
-30 dbm
-40 dbm

Mobile receive power overload, IM

-50 dbm
-60 dbm
-70 dbm
-80 dbm
-90 dbm
-100 dbm
-110 dbm

0.0000000000001 mw

-120 dbm

0.00000000000001 mw

-130 dbm

Mobile receive power at cell edge

BTS receive noise floor

BTS receive power from single mobile

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Using Decibels
Q In manual calculation of RF power
levels, unwieldy large and small
numbers occur as a product of
painful multiplication and division.
Q It is popular and much easier to work
in Decibels (dB).
rather than multiply and divide
RF power ratios, in dB we can
just add & subtract
Ratio to Decibels

db = 10 * Log ( X )
Decibels to Ratio

X = 10 (db/10)
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Decibel Examples
Number N
1,000,000,000
100,000,000
10,000,000
1,000,000
100,000
10,000
1,000
100
10
4
2
1
0.5
0.25
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
0.00001
0.000001
0.0000001
0.00000001
0.000000001

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

dB
+90
+80
+70
+60
+50
+40
+30
+20
+10
+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
-90
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Decibels - Relative and Absolute

Q Decibels normally refer to power ratios -- in
other words, the numbers we represent in dB
usually are a ratio of two powers. Examples:
A certain amplifier amplifies its input by a
factor of 1,000. (Pout/Pin = 1,000). That
x 1000
amplifier has 30 dB gain.
.001 w
1 watt
A certain transmission line has an efficiency
0 dBm
30 dBm
of only 10 percent. (Pout/Pin = 0.1) The
+30 dB
transmission line has a loss of -10 dB.
Q Often decibels are used to express an absolute
x 0.10
number of watts, milliwatts, kilowatts, etc....
100 w
10 w
+40 dBm When used this way, we always append a letter
+50 dBm
-10 dB
(W, m, or K) after db to show the unit were
using. For example,
20 dBK = 50 dBW = 80 dBm = 100,000
watts
0 dBm = 1 milliwatt
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Link Budget Models

Q Link Budgets trace power
expenditures along path from
transmitter to receiver
identify maximum allowable path
loss
determine maximum feasible cell
radius
Q Two distinct cases: Uplink, Downlink
No advantage if link range in one
direction exceeds the other
adjust cell power to achieve
uplink/downlink balance
set power on both links as low as
feasible, to reduce interference
Q Link budget model can include
appropriate assumptions for
propagation, geography, other factors
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Transmitter

Trans.
Line
Antenna

Antenna
Trans.
Line

+43

dBm TX output

-3
= +40

dB line efficiency
dBm to antenna

+13
= +53

dB antenna gain
dBm ERP

-158
= -105

dB path attenuation
dBm dipole antenna

+13
= -92

dB antenna gain
dBm into line

-3
= -95

dB line efficiency
dBm to receiver

Receiver

Downlink

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Uplink

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Cellular Link Budget Model Example

Cell TX PO Watts
Cell TX PO dBM
Cell Combiner Loss dB
Cell Cable Loss db
Cell Antenna Gain dBd
ERP Watts
ERP dBm
Max. FWD Path Loss, dB
MS Antenna Gain dBd
MS RX Cable Loss
MS Diversity Gain
MS RX Sensitivity dBM
Worst-Case Link Budget

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Source: FWD Path REV Path

Spec:
45.00
3.00 MS TX PO Watts
Calc:
46.53
34.77 MS TX PO dBm
Input:
-3.00
0.00 MS Combiner Loss db
Input:
-3.00
-2.00 MS Cable Loss db
Input:
10.00
5.00 MS Antenna Gain dBd
Calc:
113.03
5.99 ERP Watts
Calc:
50.53
37.77 ERP dBm
Calc:
-169.53
-169.77 Max. REV Path Loss, dB
Calc:
5.00
10.00 Cell Antenna Gain dBd
Input:
-2.00
-3.00 Cell RX Cable Loss
Input:
0.00
4.00 Cell Diversity Gain
Spec.:
-116.00
-121.00 Cell RX Sensitivity dBM
Calc:

-169.77

0.24 Imbalance, dB

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PCS-1900 GSM Link Budget Model Example

TX

RX

Cell TX PO Watts
Cell TX PO dBM
Cell Combiner Loss dB
Cell Cable Loss db
Cell Antenna Gain dBd
ERP Watts
ERP dBm
Max. FWD Path Loss, dB
MS Antenna Gain dBd
MS RX Cable Loss
MS Diversity Gain
MS RX Sensitivity dBM
Worst-Case Link Budget

TX

TX

RX RX

Source: FWD Path REV Path

Spec:
16.00
1.00 MS TX PO Watts
Calc:
42.04
30.00 MS TX PO dBm
Input:
-2.00
0.00 MS Combiner Loss db
Input:
-3.00
0.00 MS Cable Loss db
Input:
16.00
0.00 MS Antenna Gain dBd
Calc:
201.43
1.00 ERP Watts
Calc:
53.04
30.00 ERP dBm
Calc:
-155.04
-154.00 Max. REV Path Loss, dB
Calc:
0.00
16.00 Cell Antenna Gain dBd
Input:
0.00
-3.00 Cell RX Cable Loss
Input:
0.00
4.00 Cell Diversity Gain
Spec.:
-102.00
-107.00 Cell RX Sensitivity dBM
Calc:

-155.04

-1.04 Imbalance, dB

TX

RX

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TX

TX

RX RX

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Section II

Basics
Basics of
of
Noise
Noise and
and CDMA
CDMA Capacity
Capacity

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The Noise Floor

Q Even when no interference, a received signal
must compete with the always-present noise
in the receiver itself
Q Ambient heat causes electrons everywhere
to move around, producing thermal noise in
every electronic circuit
Q The noise power is proportional to absolute
temperature and the receiving bandwidth;
see equation at right
Q What this means for a CDMA receiver:
There is an unavoidable noise of -113.1
dbm in the bandwidth of a CDMA signal,
1.2288 MHz.
Q See the spreadsheet Noise.xls below

THERMAL NOISE

Nt = kTB
where:
Nt = thermal noise power
K = Boltzmanns Constant
= 1.3806 x 10-23
T = Temperature (Kelvin)
= 290K room temperature
B = bandwidth
This noise is sometimes
called Johnson Noise,
White Noise, and
Background Noise

Thermal Noise Floor, Bandwidth, and Receiver Sensitivity

T, deg K
290
290
290

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BW, Hz Noise, dbm RX NF RX Sens.

Remarks
1
-174.0
0.0
-174.0 Theoretical Baseline
1,228,800
-113.1
5.0
-108.1 Typical CDMA Uplink at BTS receiver
1,228,800
-113.1
8.0
-105.1 Typical CDMA Downlink at Mobile Receiver

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Actual Receiver Sensitivity

Q The actual sensitivity of a CDMA
receiver depends on the thermal noise
floor and some additional factors
Q Receiver Noise Figure (NF)
In addition to the noise at the
receiver input, the gain of the
receivers amplifiers is also noisy
this has the effect of making the
noise at the input seem larger by
certain number of db
this amount is called the noise
figure of the receiver
Q For typical BTS receivers, the noise
figure is about 5 db
this makes the system noise floor
seem to be about -108 dbm
Q For typical mobiles, the noise figure is
about 8 db
this makes the mobile noise floor
seem to be about -105 dbm

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System Noise Floor

NS = Nt + NF
where:
Ns = system noise floor
Nt = thermal noise power
NF = receiver noise figure, db

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Reverse Link Noise Floor Rise Due To Traffic

Q The first user on a sector must satisfy:
Users signal + CDMA processing gain
must equal BTS thermal noise + BTS
noise figure + desired Eb/No
Q The second user on a sector must satisfy
all the above PLUS first users energy
and the first user must also slightly
increase to match, maintaining its quality
Q Each additional user faces more interfering
power from existing users, etc., etc.
Q For given starting conditions, there is a
number of users that drives the situation out
of control users must transmit more power
than a CDMA mobile can produce
This number of users is the Pole Point;
this is the Pole Capacity of the sector
V = Voice Activity Factor
W = Spreading Bandwidth
No= P.S.D. of Thermal Noise
Pt = Mobile Tx
R = Vocoder Rate
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Loading and the Noise Floor

Noise Floor Rise Due To Loading
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0
-20

BTS RX dB

Operating Limit: 50% Pole

100% Pole Point #Users
Processing Gain
#Sectors
Sectorization Gain
Voice Activity Factor
Adjacent Cell Interference
Target Eb/No, ratio
Radio Configuration
Vocoder
Chip Rate
Data Rate
Required Eb/No, db

3-Sector BTS 6-Sector BTS

Pole Capacity Pole Capacity
Per Sector
Per Sector
20.9
18.5
41.8
37.0
128.00
128.00
3
6
2.55
4.50
0.40
0.40
0.60
0.60
4.17
4.17
RC1
RC1
EVRC
EVRC
1,228,800
1,228,800
9,600
9,600
6.20
6.20

-40
-60
-80
-100
-120
Number of Users

Q For two standard cell configurations, the spreadsheet shows the

calculated pole point capacity and the intended operating limit at 50% of
pole capacity
Q The graph shows the calculated receive power at a BTS for zero to 42
users under typical conditions
notice a 10 db rise occurs with just 12 users
a 15 db rise occurs with just 15 users
this cells capacity needs optimization!
Q Explore the Noise Floor Rise spreadsheet to see the effects of target
Eb/No, BTS noise figure, and other parameters on the results
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45

Whats So Important About Noise Floor?

Q In theory, the capacity of a sector isnt affected by the noise floor
as long as theyre strong enough, the desired number of
mobiles can use the sector simultaneously
Q But the range of the sector is directly determined by the noise floor
when the noise floor is elevated by interference, the usable
range of the cell shrinks proportionally
users at the cell edge may be unable to access, unable to keep
a call from dropping, unable to achieve high data rates, unable
to keep acceptable FER
Q The noise floor at the BTS receiver is the point in the CDMA
system most vulnerable to external interference

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CDMA System Interference Management

Q In CDMA voice network systems (i.e., 2G), Radio Resource
Management is primarily a task of interference management.
Capacity is directly dependent on the interference caused by
one signal to another.
Maximizing system capacity requires minimizing interference
while maintaining required Frame Error Rate, probability of
blocking, and probability of a dropped call (i.e., the main QoS
metrics in 2G)
All signals have similar data rate, delay and FER requirements
Q Interference management is accomplished via
Power control
Base station assignment (Soft handoff)
Admission control
Load control
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CDMA System Interference Management

Q In CDMA Systems which support data services, Radio Resource
Management has the additional burden of managing data
connections (including packet access)
Q Data services have varying
Data rate requirements
FER requirements
Jitter requirements
Delay requirements
Q These additional requirements are accomplished via
burst allocation in mixed voice/data systems
packet scheduling in packet data systems
Q in addition to traditional interference management

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Section III

A
A Quick
Quick Look
Look At
At
Receiver
Receiver Characteristics
Characteristics

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Superheterodyne Process
TRANSMITTER
Signal Generation
& Modulation

RECEIVER
Frequency
Conversion

INTERMEDIATE
FREQUENCY
IF

Frequency
Conversion
RADIO
FREQUENCY
RF

Signal Detection,
Processing

INTERMEDIATE
FREQUENCY
IF

Q The complex waveforms of popular wireless technologies are

generated, detected, and filtered or processed most easily and
precisely at relatively low frequencies
Q Signals can be easily and arbitarily converted from low to high
frequencies & vice-versa
Q Most modern receivers and transmitters therefore perform
frequency conversion to allow processing at lower intermediate
frequencies
Q This architecture is called superheterodyne
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Superheterodyne Pitfall: Image Frequencies

A BAD DESIGN FOR A DOUBLE-CONVERSION SUPERHETERODYNE RECEIVER
25 MHz.
BPF

BPF
1935 (Desired)
1985 (Undesired)

LNA

1960
1st. LOCAL
OSCILLATOR

BPF
1st. IF
Amp.

Detector
& Signal
Processing

2nd. LOCAL
OSCILLATOR

2nd IF
Amp.

Example: Desired signal is 1935 MHz. 1st. LO is 1960 MHz. 1st. IF operates on
25 MHz. Undesired signal on 1985 MHz. also mixes with 1960 MHz. to produce
IF signal of 25 MHz., and becomes indistinguishable from desired signal.
Solution: Use a higher first IF frequency, and lower 1st. LO frequency.

Q Although superheterodyne receivers give superior signal

processing performance, they are vulnerable to image frequencies
frequencies of local oscillators and IF amplifiers must be
carefully chosen so that unintended image frequencies will be
excluded from processing
IF frequency and IF bandwidth must be chosen so that the
undesired image is highly attenuated
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Section III

Recognizing
Recognizing Interference
Interference
When
When ItIt Occurs
Occurs

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Recognizing Interference: Do I have it?!!

Q Clues that you might have an interference problem:
Bad Stats: increased blocking, TCCFs, access failures, drops
worse than expected even in heavy traffic areas
clusters of several sectors with over 10% blocking
customer complaints of severe impairments, usually localized
increased noise floor in BTS statistics both peak and average
depressed data throughput compared to healthy sectors
Q Field Observations
Visible non-CDMA signals on a spectrum analyzer
pockets in good-coverage areas where Ec/Io is poor due to
interference

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Specific Forward and Reverse Link Clues

Q Reverse Link
excessive receive power levels at the BTS, higher than normal
for the level of traffic being carried
collateral symptoms: high drops, access failures, and FER
higher-than-normal Closed Loop Power Control (TXGA)
Q Forward Link
if localized: mainly customer complaints; not obvious in system
stats
if widespread: high power per traffic channel; power blocking
with moderate to light number of users

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Reverse Link Interference

Feet
ERP to
from
Raise
PCS
Noise
Antenna Floor
100
-59.7
200
-53.7
300
-50.2
400
-47.7
500
-45.7
600
-44.2
700
-42.8
800
-41.7
900
-40.6
1,000
-39.7
1,500
-36.2
2,000
-33.7
2,500
-31.8
3,000
-30.2
4,000
-27.7
5,000
-25.7
2 miles -19.2
3 miles -15.7
4 miles -13.2

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Q It doesnt take much power to raise the noise

floor of a nearby CDMA sector
Q The table at left shows the actual radiated
interference power necessary to deliver -113
dbm into a base station receiver, from various
distances
assumes free space path loss and 10 dbd of
base station antenna gain
Q Notice within approximately 1000 feet from a
BTS, the vulnerable levels are very low
for example, even clock oscillators in
computing equipment or digital devices can
have incidental spurious radiation which
could affect a BTS
Q If the signal source is used intermittently, it can
be very troublesome to track down

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Detecting Reverse Link Interference

Q The best way to detect reverse link interference is by looking at
system-collected data on BTS receive power
Q Each manufacturer has their own proprietary measurements and
units, so youll need to use techniques to gather and analyze the
data which are appropriate for your system

Q Manufacturers originally used noise rise to trigger overload control and prevent
further loading of the sector
this is appropriate if the noise rise is due to regular traffic
but if the noise rise is from a rogue mobile or external interferer, throttling
is unnecessary and may actually prevent legitimate traffic
Q Lucents IROC (improved reverse overload control) avoids unneeded throttling
Q In 3G, the noise floor instantly determines whether data bursts will be
transmitted, and at what speed
interference very seriously limits data capacity

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Detecting Noise Rise in Lucent Systems

Q CDMA-PAF-CARR-74 -- Average RSSI Rise Above Noise Floor (in dB)

Q CDMA-PAF-CARR-75 -- Peak RSSI Rise Above Noise Floor (in dB)
Q Available in VoiceData SM daily Spreadsheet -- No Trending Report
available, Only a daily BBH Summary
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BBH Average RSSI vs Peak RSSI Rise

For Lucent Cell 66 Carrier 1 Sector 1

Cell 66_1_1
25.00

Noise Rise dB

20.00
15.00
Avrg
Peak

10.00
5.00
0.00
1

11

13

15

17

19

21

23

25

Q For effective interference troubleshooting SM peg counts must be

available on an hourly basis.
Intermittent interference may not occur at Sectors BBH!
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BBH Average RSSI vs Peak RSSI Rise

For Lucent Cell 66 Carrier 1 Sector 2

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Nortel BTS Receive Power Measurements

Q Nortel MO reports for every period include
maximum and average RX level for main
and diversity antennas on every carriersector, transmitter average and maximum
power, and percentage time in power
limiting

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Motorola Noise and Power Overload Alarms

Q At right is a list of RF
alarms for Motorola
networks
Q The Reverse Noise
Rise Very High alarm is
one of the most
important and useful in
interference detection
and severity
assessment

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Motorola High Reverse Noise Rise Alarms

System Action:
Q The BBX or MAWI will monitor and process the Reverse Channel
level. After processing the Reverse Channel level, the level will be
compared against a Reverse Channel threshold. Whenever a level
exceeds the threshold level, a Trouble Notification will be
generated by the BBX or MAWI. Upon receiving the notification,
the MM will generate an Alarm. The BBX or MAWI will also monitor
the processed Reverse Channel levels to determine if the Alarm
condition has been removed.
Operator Action:
Q If the system experiences a large number of alarms, the operator
should disable the feature and verify alarm thresholds.
Device List:
Q None
Related Events:
Q Reverse Noise Rise High Alarm: Sector 1
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Reverse Noise Rise Very High Alarm Description

Motorola Alarm: 1-9151 Reverse Noise Rise Very High Alarm: Sector 1
Description:
Q A Reverse Noise Rise Very High Alarm is generated whenever a
Reverse Noise Rise measurement (rolling average over a
configurable number of samples) exceeds a Reverse Noise Rise
Threshold.
Two alarm levels can be specified, a Very High (first level) and a
High (second level).
The order of alarming by increasing severity is normal condition,
then High (second level), followed by Very High (first level).
Q A Reverse Noise Rise Very High Alarm Clear is generated whenever
the Reverse Noise Rise measurement recedes below the Reverse
Noise Rise Threshold minus a delta.

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Reverse Noise Rise Very High Alarm Example

BBX-200-1 95-10-28 13:15:42 ARLINGTON CBSC-1 A000439.00000 127665

ALARM:1-9151 Reverse Noise Rise Very High Alarm: Sector 1
DEVICE_SUBUNIT=1
REASON=NONE
ADDITIONAL_DATA=03 01 1b 58 3c 00 00 01 1b 64
Severity Level: Major
Device Subunit: Sector Nmber
Reason:

None.

Additional Data:First byte = new value (1-Normal, 2-Low, 3-High)

Second byte = old value (1-Normal, 2-Low, 3-High)
3rd and 4th bytes = threshold in dbm
5th and 6th bytes = delta in dbm
7th and 8th bytes = number of samples used in detection
9th and 10th bytes = reading in dbm

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Recognizing Forward Link Interference

Q Everything so far in this section has focused on the Reverse Link
because the reverse link is more vulnerable and more difficult
to troubleshoot
Q Unlike Reverse Link Interference, which may poison an entire
sector, Forward Link Interference is usually more localized
symptom: interference in specific locations or a small area
often on one carrier only
often discovered through customer complaints rather than
system statistics since only a small part of a sectors traffic may
be affected by the interference
Q Forward link interference sources are usually stronger than in
reverse link case, and easier to find

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Section V

Using
Using Spectrum
Spectrum Analyzers
Analyzers

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Introduction to Spectrum Analyzers

Q There are two main test tools that allow us to see radio signals
Oscilloscopes display a living graph of signal strength (vertical)
vs time (horizontal) our window into the world of signals in
the time domain
Spectrum Analyzers display a living graph signal strength
(vertical) vs frequency (horizontal) our window into the world
of signals in the frequency domain
Q Spectrum analyzers are especially valuable for measuring many
key characteristics of radio signals
Frequency
Power
Occupied bandwidth
Noise, harmonics, intermodulation products, spurious signals
Frequency response of filters and networks
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The Display of a Spectrum Analyzer

Q The job of a spectrum analyzer
is to show a plot of signal
amplitude against frequency
The vertical scale usually
has ten major divisions
(amplitude), with adjustable
db per division
The horizontal scale usually
has ten major divisions
(frequency), low frequency
on the left and high on the
right, with adjustable center
frequency and MHz. per
division

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Setting the Frequency of a Spectrum Analyzer

Center
Span

Q To set the frequency of a spectrum analyzer, two independent selections

must be made.
Center Frequency normally the frequency of the signal
Frequency Span the width of frequencies to be monitored
Q Normally the span should be set wide enough to see all the sidebands of
the signal you are watching
In interference cases, you may want to watch a wider range
Q Many spectrum analyzers also allow an alternative way to set the
frequencies just set the two edge frequencies between which you want
to monitor the start and stop frequencies.
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Adjusting the Gain of a Spectrum Analyzer

Choose Ref. Level and db per division so both
high signal peaks and the noise floor are on-scale

Q The gain setting of a spectrum analyzer must be appropriate for the

strength of the signal you are trying to see
For strong signals, lower gain is needed, and it may be necessary to
switch in attenuation to prevent overloading of the spectrum analyzer
and possible internal intermodulation
For weak signals, higher gain is needed so that the desired signal will
be visible on the scale
To see a weak signal in the presence of very strong signals, an
external bandpass filter may be needed ahead of the spectrum
analyzer to keep the strong signals from overloading the analyzer
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Setting the Scan Rate of a Spectrum Analyzer

Q A spectrum analyzer is really a narrow-band radio receiver whose
frequency rapidly scans through the selected span of frequencies
while the received power displays on the vertical axis.
Q The speed of scanning is very important
The faster the scan, the faster the measurement can be made
Q However the feasible rate of the scan is limited by two other
factors inside the spectrum analyzer
the IF bandwidth of the analyzers internal swept receiver
Sometimes called IF bandwidth
the bandwidth of the baseband filter used to drive the display
Sometimes called video bandwidth
Q Many analyzers automatically select scan rate and the two
bandwidths for the user, taking into account the width of the
frequency span being displayed
For most measurements, these default values are fine

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Setting Filter Bandwidths of a Spectrum Analyzer

Q The IF filter governs the frequency resolution of the spectrum
analyzer
a narrow bandwidth will allow resolving close-together signals
However narrow filters dont respond to signals as quickly as
wide ones, making it necessary to scan slower
Q The video filter provides some averaging of the signal, helping to
reduce the effects of noise and let weaker signals be noticed.
However, video filtering also limits the speed at which the
spectrum analyzer can scan.
Q When using narrow bandwidths the scan rates can be
objectionably slow.
In this case, reconsider how wide a span really needs to be
scanned. If you can reduce the span width, the time per scan
speeds up accordingly.

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Advanced Features: Markers and Counters

Q Some spectrum analyzers allow setting up markers
A marker is a visible line or label to mark a certain frequency and the
power level on it
The marker can be manually adjusted to get a very precise
reading of frequency and strength of a signal being watched
Some analyzers also provide automatic marker to peak settings,
to reveal power and frequency of a signal quickly without the user
having to manually tune the marker
Many spectrum analyzers also provide marker to center
features which automatically change the center frequency of the
analyzer to the current position of the marker
Many analyzers have multiple-marker capability
Many analyzers also allow marker settings to be stored for future
use
Q Some analyzers also provide accurate frequency-counter measurements
for the marker positions

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Advanced Analyzer Features: Storage

Q Display Storage
Most modern analyzers allow digital storage of complete
displays including signal, markers, and labels for all settings
This is very helpful in documenting what has been seen, and
for before-and-after evaluation
The displays can be downloaded to PC and saved as relatively
small files for archiving purposes
Q Settings Storage
Most modern analyzers also allow digital storage of complete
measurement setups including center frequency, frequency
span, amplitude settings, scan rate, IF and video bandwidths,
marker settings, and any other advanced features
This is very convenient for repetitive measurements under the
same conditions: no tedious settings, just recall setup #3 and
youre ready to measure.
9-2007

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Some
Some Specific
Specific Interference
Interference
Measurement
Measurement Tools
Tools
and
and their
their Operation
Operation

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255 - 46

The Agilent E7474 Scanning Receiver

Q Sometimes an instrument with limited sensitivity or other
weaknesses can be adapted to do the work of more expensive
units
Q One such unit is the Agilent E7474 Scanning Receiver
It has great functionality and basic spectrum analyzer
capabilities, but the front end of the receiver isnt as sensitive
as sometimes needed to track down CDMA reverse link
interference
Q In the following pages are details of using a preamplifier and filter
to improve its sensitivity and noise figure, and some examples of
successfully using the unit in battle with interference

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Agilent Receiver Configuration

for Spectrum Analyzer Mode
1

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255 - 48

Interference on F1

Interferer

Uplink interference centered on 1850 MHz. from a Naval vessel off the coast

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Origination Attempt With Interference

CH 25

Interferer

The interferer is a few miles away off the coast while a mobile in the test
vehicle attempts a call. The interferer several miles distant is only about
15 db weaker than the mobile a few feet away!
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Interferer

CH 75

Silent Reorigination on F2

The interferer is a few miles away off the coast while a mobile in the test
vehicle attempts a call on F2, channel 75. The interferer several miles
distant is actually 6 db stronger than the mobile a few feet away!
9-2007

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Improving The Noise Floor of An Agilent Scanner

Q The noise figure of an Agilent PN scanner receiver is
about 8 db
how can we improve its performance to be able to
read interference near the noise floor of a BTS?
Q Recall the system noise floor formula:

Ns = kTB + 10 Log ( Bw) + N .F .

Q By adding a low noise LNA or preamp to the front end
of the scanner we can effectively reduce the noise floor
of the scanner to that of the BTS or even lower than the
BTS

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Effective Noise Floor Reduction

of Agilent Receiver
Before
Before

N s = 105 . 04 dBm
LNA

B.P. Filter

Agilent Scanner

N s = 108 .04 dBm

N.F. = 1.7 dB

N.F. = 8 dB

After
After

Ns

111 . 34 dBm

Q Note: An Attenuator may also be required between the LNA and input to
the receiver to prevent receiver overload due to the high gain of the LNA
1

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Effective Noise Floor Reduction

of a Spectrum Analyzer using an LNA.

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LNA Gain On Input Of A Spectrum Analyzer

9-2007

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Parts List
Q MiniCircuits

LNA ZX60-3011 12 vdc 128 ma

Q Trilithic Coaxial Bandpass Filter

$139.95

Tel: 1-800-344-2412

Trilithic, Inc.
9710 Park Davis Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46235 USA
Available Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
9-2007

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Section VI

Finding
Finding the
the Interference
Interference Source
Source

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Interference? Track It Down!

Q OK, so youve got some solid evidence that interference is going
on. How can you identify the source of the interference, and do
something about it?
Q For Reverse Link Interference:
Q Identify the affected sectors to recognize affected area
Q Field Investigation Normally Will Be Required
look into BTS multicoupler outputs to identify interferer
spectrum analyzer and yagi antenna
direction toward interferer from surrounding high sites
remember to use BP filter if needed to suppress strong
fundamental so you can see true interference only
triangulate to locate interferer
locate the source

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Identifying and Handling Interference Sources

Q Source will usually be a communications-related or power-related
device; at building entry, ask if anyone is doing communications
activities in that building
Q Use company procedures for dealing with the interferer owner to
obtain short-term resolution
Q Long-term resolution
is signal unauthorized or unintended?
repair equipment if defective
does suppression meet required specs? add filter if needed

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Major Sources of Interference

Q Reverse Link
INTERNAL: maximum traffic loading is maximum acceptable
interference, just from friendly fire
Rogue Mobiles a mobile needing handoff into the victim site but
unable to get it and transmitting high levels as it approaches
In-channel Narrowband Interferers
military, land mobile, law enforcement, industrial
In-channel Unstable, parasitic, transmitters
In-band strong mobile signals of other operators on adjacent blocks
Broadband: welding shops, arcing signs and bulbs, utility transformers
and power lines with arcing insulators, dirty LANs
Oscillating or noisy in-building amplifiers, repeaters, and television
master antenna systems with booster amplifiers
sources can be very small, but near the BTS
Q Forward Link
symptom: localized interference, usually on one carrier (not all)
sources usually stronger than in reverse link case, easier to find
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Triangulation
Q Triangulation is the process of
locating a transmitting source by
measuring radial distance or
direction of the received signal
from several different points
Q Triangulation can be used to
pinpoint the geographic position
of a user or interferer
Q The drawing shows the basic
principle of triangulation.
The emitters location is
found by measuring the
relative direction of the
signal from three different
locations.
The area where the radials
overlap becomes search area
for the emitters exact
location.
1

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Triangulation Rounds Two and Up

Q The first round of
triangulation will identify the
vicinity of the emitter.
However, the search area
may still be impractically
large.
Q Another round of
triangulation from closer
points surrounding the
search area may be required.
Q When completed you should
have 3 new intersecting lines
which reveal the approximate
location of the interferer
within a triangle of
uncertainty.
Q This method can also be
used to find interferers inside
a large building.
1

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Directional Antenna for Triangulation:

HyperGain HG1910Y Yagi

9-2007

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Section VII

Interference
Interference and
and Other
Other Problems
Problems
Involving
Involving CDMA
CDMA System
System Elements
Elements

9-2007

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TMA Tower-Mounted Amplifiers

Q Also known as LNAs, TMAs, RFFEs, mast-mounted

amplifiers, other terms
substantially improves reverse link performance
Q make sure RX bandpass filters are specific for your
frequency block
if its wideband (entire PCS band, all blocks) then you
are vulnerable to fundamental overload by near
mobiles, even of other operators
remember PCS antennas are broadband too!
Q observe dynamic range and intermod considerations
if duplexed, watch suppression levels and corrosion
Q configuration principles: set the gain so as not to
overdrive the bts due to too-high gain, or
lose the noise figure improvement by too-low gain
Q Meaningful antenna sweeps require special attention
Q There is an excellent Anritsu application note #1141000274 thoroughly describing most aspects of testing TMA
installations

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Common TMA Configurations

Acknowledgment and
thanks to Anritsu
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Internal Components and

Frequency Response of TMAs

Acknowledgment and thanks to Anritsu

9-2007

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255 - 67

Repeaters
Repeaters

AKA
AKARe-Radiators,
Re-Radiators,Cell
CellEnhancers,
Enhancers,Boosters
Boosters

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Wireless Reradiators
Q Reradiators (also called boosters,
repeaters, cell enhancers) are amplifying
devices intended to add coverage to a cell site
Q Reradiators are transparent to the host
Wireless system
A reradiator amplifies RF signals in both
directions, uplink and downlink
The system does not control reradiators and
has no knowledge of anything they do to the
signals they amplify, on either uplink or
downlink
Q Careful attention is required when using
reradiators to solve coverage problems
to achieve the desired coverage
improvement
to avoid creating interference
to ensure the active search window is large
enough to accommodate both donor signal
and reradiator signal as seen by mobiles
9-2007

Cell

RR

Reradiators are a
crutch with
definite application
restrictions. Many
operators prefer not
to use re-radiators at
all. However,
reradiators are a
cost-effective
solution for some
problems.

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

255 - 69

Consideration Checklist for Reradiators

Q Must not overdrive Repeater to output levels above max
Forward link case
Reverse link case
Q Repeater gain must not exceed antenna isolation plus safety cushion
Forward link case
Reverse link case
Q Repeater output noise floor must not raise BTS noise floor more than 1 db
Q Repeater Donor must be dominant, so no other defacto donors appear
Q Windows of mobile and BTS must span both the BTS-mobile direct signal
and BTS-RR-mobile signal (see separate page and diagrams)
Q Donor must have sufficient capacity to handle intercepted traffic
Q Power budgets and levels must take into account maximum carriers
maximum loading situation
Q General: Dont allow foldback coverage from RR in direction of donor
BTS unless absolutely required by unavoidable situation
Life is so much better downrange relatively narrow windows are
adequate
Wide windows are needed if you get between donor and RR
9-2007

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Wireless Reradiators
Propagation Path Loss Considerations
Q To solve a coverage problem using a reradiator, path loss and link
budget must be considered
how much reradiator gain is required?
how much reradiator output power is required?
what type of antennas would be best?
how much antenna isolation is needed?
how big will the reradiator footprint be?
how far can the reradiator be from the cell?
will the reradiator interfere with the cell in other areas?
What is the propagation delay through the reradiator, in chips?
Will search windows need to be adjusted for compensation?
Path Loss
Cell

Gain

RR
Gain

(free space
ERP usually applies) Line Loss

Path Loss (free space??)

RR
Gain

9-2007

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

Signal Level
in target area
255 - 71

Design Limitations of Wireless Reradiators

Q Input and output are on
same frequency!
usable gain: must be
less than isolation
between antennas, or
oscillation occurs
this gain restriction
seriously limits
available coverage
Typically achievable
isolations: 80-100 dB
Q Some reradiators use
advanced internal DSP
signal cancellation
techniques to achieve an
extra 20-30 db of
equivalent isolation
9-2007

Broadband
Reradiator
Cell
Unavoidable
Coupling
C
o
m
b
i
n
e
r

BPF:
Uplink

C
o
m
b
i
n
e
r

BPF:
Downlink

Wireless Spectrum

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

Frequency

255 - 72

Reradiator Issues
Q Amplification of Undesired Signals
The reradiator is a broadband device capable of amplifying
other signals near the intended CDMA carrier, both on uplink
and downlink. Will these signals capture unwanted traffic,
cause unwanted interference, or overdrive CDMA handsets or
the base station?
Q Linearity
CDMA reradiators must be carefully adjusted to ensure they
are not overdriven. Overdriving would produce clipping or
other nonlinearities, resulting in code interference
Q Traffic Capacity
Noise floor of reradiators output may raise noise floor at donor
BTS receiver, reducing inherent capacity and coverage of the
donor BTS!! Careful adjustment is necessary
Q Alarms
Normal BTS faults are automatically reported through the
system; reradiator faults must be monitored some other way
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Search
Search Window
Window Considerations
Considerations
When
When Using
Using Repeaters
Repeaters

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Dealing With Reradiator Srch/Acq Window

Issues
Q General Principle for Forward Link Survival:
All copies of the forward link signal MUST be inside the mobiles active
search window
Calculate the propagation delay of the direct BTS>Mobile signal in chips
Calculate the propagation delay of the BTS>Rerad>Mobile signal in chips
(dont forget delay inside Rerad, ~12 ch)
Make sure that the active search window is twice the difference between
these two signals arrival delay
(if 72 chips apart, make window 2 x 72 chips wide plus an allowance for
scattering as observed from drive tests)
Q General Principle for Reverse Link Survival:
All copies of the reverse link signal MUST arrive inside the channel
elements search windows
Hearing the ACH Preamble: On access channel: ACCacqSrchW must be wide
enough to hear the most-delayed signal
Hearing the rest of the Access Probe: On access channel: ACCdemodSrchW
must be wide enough to continue hearing ALL signal components double the
difference in their arrival times
Hearing the TCH Preamble: Traffic channel TCHacqSrchW must be wide
enough to hear the most-delayed signal
Hearing the rest of the Call on Traffic channel: TCHdemodSrchW must be wide
enough to continue hearing ALL signal components double the difference in
their arrival times
Max ACQ or DEMOD SW, both ACC and TCH:
4096 eighthchips for orig; with XCEM effective width is X C Rings x 4096,
9-2007

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255 - 75

Mobile Rx (Fwd Link) Situation

Donor
PN244

Repeater Delay
12 chips

24 km = 4 x 24 = 96 chips

RR

RR
24-8 km
16 km
64 chips

8 km
32 chips
Driving away from Donor

Srch_Win_A
40 chips Mobile

76 chips diff.

Rake
Fingers

The mobile Active search window is internally

administered, constantly recentered on the earliest
observed multipath component in the window
noticed during each scan by the pilot searcher

Bad!!

24-8 km
16 km
= 64 chips

The
BTS>RR>Mobile
signal isnt even
noticed by the
mobile since it
falls outside the
mobiles active
search window!!

PN244+
96+12+32
= 140 chips

Reference PN
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Mobile Rx (Fwd Link) Situation

Donor
PN244

Repeater Delay
12 chips

24 km = 4 x 24 = 96 chips

RR

RR
24-8 km
16 km
64 chips

8 km
32 chips
Driving away from Donor

Srch_Win_A
160 chips

Mobile
Rake
Fingers

76 chips diff.
Mobile
Rake
Fingers

Good!!

24-8 km
16 km
= 64 chips

The
BTS>RR>Mobile
signal is safely
used by the
mobile since it
falls already inside
the mobiles active
search window!!

PN244+
96+12+32
= 140 chips

Reference PN
9-2007

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Mobile Rx (Fwd Link) Situation

Donor
PN244

Repeater Delay
12 chips

24 km = 4 x 24 = 96 chips

RR

RR
24-8 km
16 km
64 chips

8 km
32 chips
Driving toward Donor

76 chips diff.
The BTS>Mobile
direct signal isnt
even noticed by
the mobile since it
falls outside the
mobiles active
search window!!

Srch_Win_A
40 chips

Bad!!

24-8 km
16 km
= 64 chips

PN244+
96+12+32
= 140 chips

Reference PN
9-2007

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Mobile Rx (Fwd Link) Situation

Donor
PN244

Repeater Delay
12 chips

24 km = 4 x 24 = 96 chips

RR

RR
24-8 km
16 km
64 chips

8 km
32 chips
Driving toward Donor

76 chips diff.
The BTS>Mobile
direct signal is
safely used by the
mobile since it
falls already inside
the mobiles active
search window!!

Srch_Win_A
160 chips

Good!!

24-8 km
16 km
= 64 chips

PN244+
96+12+32
= 140 chips

Reference PN
9-2007

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BTS Rx (Rev Link) Situation

Repeater Delay
12 chips

Donor
24 km = 4 x 24 = 96 chips

RR

RR
24-8 km
16 km
64 chips

8 km
32 chips
Driving either Direction

Maximum RTD delay, chips = 2 x 140 = 280 chips

AchAcqSW
and
TCHacqSW

True LC PN Offset
Intended for
Mobile to TX
9-2007

24-8 km
16 km
= 64 chips late

280 chips
= 2240 eighthchips

PN244+
96+12+32
= 140 chips late

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

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BTS Rx (Rev Link) Situation

Repeater Delay
12 chips

Donor
24 km = 4 x 24 = 96 chips

RR

RR
24-8 km
16 km
64 chips

8 km
32 chips
Driving either Direction

Offset RTD delay, chips = 2 x 76 = 152 chips

AchDemodSW
And
TCHDemodSW

76 chips diff. one side

24-8 km
True LC PN Offset
Intended for Mobile to TX 16 km

152 chips
= 856 eighthchips

PN244+
96+12+32
= 140 chips late

= 64 chips late
9-2007

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In-Building
In-Building Systems
Systems

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In-Building Systems
EMS

9-2007

Q Types of In-Building Solutions:

Q Neutral-Host systems: carrying
multiple wireless operators with
potential drawbacks:
multi-band, etc
configuration, possible
oscillation, gain tilt favors
one operator or another and
drives system non-linear
mobiles on least-favored
system may overload system
ensure output and input
levels of all operators are
comparable on both
forward and reverse links
system may use very broad
filters and be vulnerable to
overdriving from UHF-TV, etc

LGC

CSI
CSI

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More Types of In-Building Solutions

Q Actual base stations in buildings with distributed antenna systems
normal considerations of macrocells apply
Q Conventional repeaters feeding building populations
isolation for in-building applications may vary greatly
depending on user movement and physical changes in vicinity
dynamic conditions especially important if mobiles are in
handoff between repeater and other normal sectors -- link
setup and F/R gain balance of repeater may become very
important

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Site
Site Configuration
Configuration Guidelines
Guidelines

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Site Configuration Principles

A widely-accepted general principle is to do whatever is required to
achieve 40 db or better isolation between all antennas.
Q Antenna Isolation
Vertical separation highly effective
vs other operators but not desirable
among our own antennas due to F/R
imbalance
Horizontal Isolation
Q Estimating Isolation
assume free space loss and
published antenna patterns for
worst-case maximum coupling
scenario
Between dipoles, 18 db loss for one
wavelength spacing
Q Each operator should set minimum
separation guidelines for general
construction, based on intermod
considerations of their own and their
neighbors frequency bands and signal
characteristics
9-2007

Isolation

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Observed Isolations between PCS Antennas

Q Typical observed isolations between commonly-used PCS antennas at

various horizontal and vertical separations
thanks to Don Button and EMS Wireless
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Chapter VIII

Intermodulation
Intermodulation

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Modulation and Mixing vs. Intermodulation

Q When two signals are intentionally combined in a nonlinear device we call the effect modulation
Amplitude modulator, or quad phase modulator
Mixer, down or up converter in superheterodyne
Q When two (or more) signals are unintentionally combined
in a non-linear device, we call the effect intermodulation (a
pejorative term)
An analogy: Botanists use soil to grow plants. But on your living
room carpet, soil is just dirt.

Q IM signals increase system noise, or cause distinctive

recognizable interference signals

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Intermod Basics
Q Definition: Intermodulation (IM) is
Non-linear device
Input
Output
the unintended mixing of legitimate
RF signals, producing undesired
signals (intermodulation products) on
f
f
unrelated frequencies possibly
f1 f2
3f1-2f2 f1 f2 3f2-2f1
already being used for other services
2f2-f1
2f1-f2
IM can devastate reception on
certain frequencies at base
stations and other communication
facilities
Power transfer characteristics
Q Intermodulation occurs because
of typical amplifier or other device
signals are passing through a
nonlinear device, allowing each signal
Predicted
Third order
to alter the waveshape of the others
power
intercept
the frequencies of the intermod
point
products are sums and
differences of multiples of the
Output
original signal frequencies, and
power
Third order
can be calculated exactly
(dBm)
intermodulation
the strength of the intermod
products
products depends on the degree
Noise floor
of nonlinearity of the circuits
involved, and can be predicted
with good accuracy using
Input power (dBm)
measured intercept levels
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Intermodulation Interference Analysis

There are three basic categories of
Intermodulation (IM) interference:
Q Transmitter produced IM is the result of
one or more transmitters impressing a signal
in the non-linear final output stage circuitry of
another transmitter, usually via antenna
coupling. The IM product frequency is then
re-radiated from the transmitter's antenna.
Q Receiver produced IM is the result of two or
more transmitter signals mixing in a receiver
RF amplifier or mixer stage when operating
in a non-linear range.
Q Other" radiated IM is the result of
transmitter signals mixing in other non-linear
junctions. These junctions are usually
metallic, such as rusty bolts on a tower,
dissimilar metallic junctions, or other nonlinear metallic junctions in the area. IM
products can also be caused by non-linearity
in the transmission system such as antenna,
transmission line, or connectors.

9-2007

Duplexer

Duplexer

Comb

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

Comb

Circ

BPF

Circ

TX

TX

Preamp

Splitter

RX

255 - 91

Intermodulation Interference Analysis

Q Communication sites with co-located transmitters, usually have RF
coupling between each transmitter and antenna system.
This results in the signals of each transmitter entering the
nonlinear final output (PA) circuitry of the other transmitters.
Q When intermodulation (IM) products are created in the output
circuitry and they fall within the passband of the final amplifier, the IM
products are re-radiated and may interfere with receivers at the
same site or at other nearby sites.
Q Additionally, these strong transmitter signals may directly enter a
receiver and drive the RF amplifier into a nonlinear operation, or
if not filtered effectively by the receiver input circuitry, these
signals could mix in the nonlinear circuitry of the receiver frontend or mixer, creating IM products directly in the receiver.

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Transmitter Noise Analysis

Q Transmitter noise interference occurs because a transmitter
radiates energy on its operating frequency as well as frequencies
above and below the assigned frequency.
Q The energy that is radiated above and below the assigned
frequency is known as sideband noise energy and extends for
several megahertz on either side of the operating frequency.
Q This undesired noise energy can fall within the passband of a
nearby receiver even if the receiver's operating frequency is
several megahertz away.
Q The transmitter noise appears as "on-channel" noise interference
and cannot be filtered out at the receiver.
It is on the receiver's operating frequency and competes with
the desired signal, which in effect, degrades the operational
performance.

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Transmitter Noise Analysis

Q The analysis predicts each transmitters noise signal level present
at the input of each receiver.
It takes into account the transmitters noise characteristics,
frequency separation, power output, transmission line losses,
filters, duplexers, combiners, isolators, multi-couplers and
other RF devices that are present in both systems.
Additionally, the analysis considers the antenna separation
space loss, horizontal and vertical gain components of the
antennas as well as how they are mounted on the structure.
The gain components are derived from antenna pattern data
published by each manufacturer.

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Transmitter Noise Analysis

Q The analysis determines how much isolation is required, if any, to
prevent receiver performance degradation caused by transmitter
noise interference.
Q The Table below depicts the results of this analysis. For each
receiver, the transmitter that has the worst-case impact is
displayed.
Q The Signal Margin represents the margin in dB, before the
receivers performance is degraded.
Q A negative number indicates that the performance is degraded and
the value indicates how much additional isolation is required to
prevent receiver performance degradation

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Receiver Desensitization Analysis

Q Receiver desensitization interference occurs when an
undesired signal from a nearby "off-frequency" transmitter is
sufficiently close to a receiver's operating frequency.
Q The signal may get through the RF selectivity of the receiver.
Q If this undesired signal is of sufficient amplitude, the
receiver's critical voltage and current levels are altered and
the performance of the receiver is degraded at its operating
frequency.
Q The gain of the receiver is reduced, thereby reducing the
performance of the receiver.

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Receiver Desensitization Analysis

Q A transmitter can be operating several megahertz away from the
receiver frequency and/or its antenna can be located several
thousand feet from the receiver's antenna and still cause
interference.
Q The analysis predicts each transmitters signal level present at the
input of each receiver. It takes into account the transmitters
power output, frequency separation, transmission line losses,
filters, duplexers, combiners, isolators, multi-couplers and other
RF devices that are present in both systems. Additionally, the
analysis considers the antenna separation space loss, horizontal
and vertical gain components of the antennas as well as how they
are mounted on the structure. The gain components are derived
from antenna pattern data published by each manufacturer.

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Receiver Desensitization Analysis

Q The analysis determines how much isolation is required, if any, to
prevent receiver performance degradation caused by receiver
desensitization interference.
Q The Table provided separately depicts the results of this analysis.
For each receiver, the transmitter that has the worst-case
impact is displayed.
The Signal Margin represents the margin in dB, before the
receivers performance is degraded.
A negative number indicates that the performance is degraded
and the value indicates how much additional isolation is
required to prevent receiver performance degradation.

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Intermodulation Interference Analysis

Q The frequencies of IM products are derived from mathematical
formulae. IM products are classified by their "order" (2nd, 3rd, 4th,
...Nth). Some of the more common forms of mixing are illustrated
in the following examples. Note that The "A", "B", and "C"
designations are the mixing frequencies. The numerical number
assigned to the letter designation indicates the harmonic
relationship of the frequency. Thus, 2A means the 2nd harmonic
of frequency A.
Order
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth

9-2007

Mixing Formulae
A=B, A=C, etc.
A B, A C, etc.
A + B - C, A 2B, 2A B, etc.
A 3B, 2A 2B, 3A B, etc.
A 4B, 2A 3B, 3A 2B, 4A B, etc.
A 3B 2C, 2A 2B 2C, 3A 2B C, etc.
A 6B, 2A 5B, 3A 4B, 4A 3B, 5A 2B, etc.
A 7B, 2A 6B, 3A 5B, 4A 4B, 5A 3B, 6A 2B,
A 8B, 2A 7B, 3A 6B, 4A 5B, 5A 4B, 6A 3B, c.

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Intermodulation Interference Analysis

Q The IM product formulae are just a few of the many possible
combinations. When there are four frequencies involved at one
time, the mixing possibilities increase tremendously. Not all of the
mixing possibilities are significant in creating interference signals.
Some fall out-of-band of the receiver and the higher order IM
products are usually weaker in signal strength.

9-2007

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Transmitter Spurious Output Interference

Analysis
Q Transmitter spurious output interference can be attributed to many
different factors in a transmitter. The generation of spurious
frequencies could be due to non-linear characteristics in a
transmitter or possibly the physical placement of components and
unwanted coupling. If a spurious signal falls within the passband of
a nearby receiver and the signal level is of sufficient amplitude, it
can degrade the performance of the receiver.

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Transmitter Spurious Output Interference

Analysis
Q The analysis takes into account a transmitters spurious output
specification, output levels, transmission line losses, filters,
duplexers, combiners, isolators, multi-couplers and other RF
devices that are present in each system. Additionally, the analysis
considers the antenna separation space loss, horizontal and
vertical gain components of the antennas as well as how they are
mounted on the structure. The gain components are derived from
antenna pattern data published by each manufacturer.
Q The analysis determines how much isolation is required to prevent
receiver performance degradation for any transmitter spurious
signals that fall within a receivers passband.

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Non-linear Effects and Intermodulation

Q Almost everything is slightly (or extremely) non-linear. Only free

space is theoretically a true linear medium. Particularly non-linear are:
all active semiconductor devices
corroded electrical connections, etc.
Q When high RF current levels are present in non-linear devices,
waveform distortion occurs
A distorted (clipped, peaked, etc.) non-sinusoidal waveform is
equivalent to a sum of sine waves of several different frequencies
(Fourier series)
Product waveforms can also occur when two frequencies are
mixed due to the non-linearity
if the nonlinear device characteristics are accurately known
(intercept point, etc.), IM amplitudes can be accurately computed.
If nonlinear device characteristics are unknown, the worst-case
intermod mechanism will have a conversion loss of at least 6 dB.
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What to do about IM
Q Try to prevent or reduce the amplitude of strong RF signals
reaching receivers in wireless systems
Reduce or eliminate at the source, if feasible (spurious
emissions from electric lamps, signs, elevator motors, etc.)
Shielding, enclosure, modification of antenna directionality to
reduce the penetration of electromagnetic waves
Identify and eliminate secondary non-linear radiators: parallel
metal joints with conductive connections, ground all parts of
metal fences, rain gutters, etc. (also improves lightning
protection)
Conducted RF from wires, etc. entering receiver can be
reduced via low pass or band pass filters, ferrite beads, etc.
Notch filters to remove source RF, or specific harmonics or
products

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Intermod
Intermod Forensics
Forensics

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Intermod Forensics and Detective Work

Q Detective Work to identify
the likely creation paths for an observed intermod problem
methods of reducing the intermod production or delivery to
non-problematic levels
Q Identify source and victim destination
analyze each conceivable path
gains, isolations, line losses, conversion losses, bandpass
filters in the path
compute the likely intermod amplitude at the victim due to
that path
the path with the largest calculated amplitude at the victim
is the most suspect and should be investigated or mitigated
first

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255 - 106

Truth Serum for a Witchhunt:

a lowly attenuator
Q Often the source of intermod is unclear it could be anywhere:
In the affected victim receiver
In a transmitter of one of the source signals
In some other nonlinear device nearby
Q A simple attenuator (usually 3, 6 or 10 db pad) can be used to help
isolate where the intermod is occuring
Place pad in front of the victim receiver
If the intermod decreases the same amount as the pad
attenuation, it is coming in from outside, beyond the pad
Keep looking elsewhere
If the intermod decreases by a multiple of the pad attenuation, it
is being generated in the receiver
Consider additional filtering for the receiver
Place high power pad in front of the transmitters, one by one
When the intermod is reduced by the maximum amount, the pad
is on the transmitter producing most of the intermod

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255 - 107

Using an Attenuator for Intermodulation

Location

IM
-90 dbm

TX1

RX

Troublesome intermod
is received on a
product frequency of
TX1 and TX2. Where
is the source?

IM
-102 dbm
RX

TX2

IM
-96 dbm

TX1

6 db
RX
TX2

9-2007

A 6 db pad on the
receiver merely
reduces all signals
including the intermod
by 6 db. The intermod
is originating outside
this receiver.

IM
-114 dbm
RX

6 db With a 6 db pad on
TX1, the intermod
TX1 goes down 12 db. The
intermod is reduced,
but this does not prove
where the IM is
generated.
TX2

With a 6 db pad on TX2,

the intermod goes down
TX1
lower than anywhere
else. TX2 is an intermod
6 db generator.Now consider
additional flitering for
TX2 TX2 to suppress the IM.

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Intermodulation Source Tracking Worksheet

9-2007

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Section IX

Common
Common External
External Interferers
Interferers
and
and their
their Characteristics
Characteristics

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Frequencies of US Wireless Systems

A
1850

1865 1870

E F

1885 1890 1895

Unlic.
Data

1910

Unlic.
Voice

1920

1930

IDEN
1455

1475

1485

1495

C
1990

1505

1515

1525

1535

IDEN

905

925

935

Cell A Cell B
825

835

845 849

945

955

IDEN
855

965

IDEN

815

915

IDEN

IDEN

9-2007

E F
1965 1970 1975

INTERNATIONAL GSM

IDEN

805

IDEN
1465

INTERNATIONAL GSM
895

D
1945 1950

975

Cell A Cell B

865

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

875

885

895

255 - 111

Harmonic Chart:
Potential Interferers to PCS Systems
1x 1850

1865 1870

2x 925

935

1885 1890 1895

940

945

625

Weather Satellite
V
Land Mobile
465
470

TV14

1930

1945 1950

E F

1990 1x

1965 1970 1975

955

960

965

970

975

980

985

995 2x

990

635

640

V TV15

645

650

V TV16

480

655

V TV17

485

380

385

498 4x

V
TV18

490

495

398 5x
390

Mobile, Fixed, Mobile Satellite

310

315

7x 264

395
Aeronautical
Navigation
330

Mobile, Fixed
320

325

270

275

Mobile, Fixed
232.5

9x 206

TV12
TV8 A
186

237.5
A
210

240

242.5

TV13

249 8x

188

189

245

247.5

190

191

A
192

220

TV10

V
193

221 9x

Mobile, Fixed, Ham

215

TV9

V
187

280

Mobile, Fixed, Mobile Satellite

235

331 6x
284 7x

Mobile, Fixed, Mobile Satellite

265

663 3x

660

Mobile, Fixed, Mobile Satellite

6x 308

9-2007

1920

Aeronautical Radionavigation

475

375

10x 185

950

630

5x 370

8x 231

1910

Unlic.
Voice

TV39
TV38 RadioAstronomy
V TV40 A V TV41 A V TV42 A VTV43 A VTV44 A VTV45 A 46
620

4x 462

Unlic.
Data

Fixed, Mobile, Land Mobile

Ham
930

3x 617

E F

194

195

196

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197

A TV10
198

199 10x

255 - 112

Harmonic Chart:
Potential Interferers to 800 MHz. Systems

1x 824 825 A
2x 412
3x 275

Nav

B
835

845 849

Aeronautical NAV/Maritime Mobile

8x 103
9x

92

10x

82

9-2007

875

885

894 1x

Aero NAV/Mar. Mobile

447 2x

Maritime & Aeronautical NAV Beacons

298 3x

435

Aero/Maritime NAV / Aero Mobile

285

TV12

TV13

210

Mobile/RadioLoc/Ham

216

Ham/
Rloc.

222

Land Mobile / Fixed

5x 165

7x 118

865

415

4x 206

6x 137

855

TV7

179 5x

174
Space

Land Mobile / Fixed

138

Mobile,
Satellite

Ham
144

148

Aeronautical Mobile (the main civilian aviation frequencies)

FM Broadcast

TV6

Aeronautical Radionavigation Aids

108

149 6x
128 7x

FM Broadcast
V

224 4x

FM Broadcast
88

Course 255 - Solving Interference Problems v3.0

112 8x
99

9x

89

10x
255 - 113

UWB Ultra WideBand Communications

Excerpt from Part 15 of FCC Rules:

(d) The radiated emissions at or below
960 MHz from a device operating under
the provisions of this section shall not
exceed the emission levels in Section
15.209. The radiated emissions above
960 MHz from a device
operating under the provisions of this
section shall not exceed the following
average limits when measured using a
resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz:

Frequency in MHz

EIRP in dBm

960-1610

-53.3

1610-1990

-51.3

1990-10600

-41.3

Above 10600

-51.3

9-2007

Q The FCC has recently moved to allow the

use of very narrow pulse-width, widebandwidth radio devices
Q Special applications include
ground-penetrating and buildingpenetrating radar for construction and
rescue applications
low-power communications links with
high resistance to fading, jamming,
and interference
Q Because of the broadband nature of these
transmissions overlapping PCS
frequencies, there is the potential for
interference
the table at left shows the emission
limits for one type of UWB device
This level of radiation could still raise
the CDMA BTS uplink noise floor if
used within 200-300 feet from a BTS

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Interference
to GPS

MILITARY
USERS ONLY

CIVILIAN USERS
MILITARY
USERS ONLY

Q GPS is very important to CDMA BTS operation

it provides the master clock for PN and other timing reference
Q Symptoms of Interference to GPS
one or multiple sites with GPS lock problems
Q Identification, Detection
any terrestrial interference in the GPS band: 1545~ MHz.
GPS receiver front ends with broad filters may suffer
fundamental overload/interference over wide frequency range
look for interference with spectrum analyzer
GPS antennas have active amplifiers, look after amplifier
Q Possible Interference Sources
dirty WiFi, Bluetooth, cordless phones, other devices
misconfigured GPS-assisted surveying equipment
oscillating GPS receiving antenna/amplifier device
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Wi-Fi Emission Masks, Modulation, and Power

Q The emission masks for 802.11a and 802.11b are below
Maximum power is limited to +30 dbm
ultimate suppression at mask-edge is -50 dbc
permissible radiation could be as strong as -20 dbm!
Q Although the noise from properly-operating equipment does not approach
this level on PCS frequencies, a defective 802.11 access point or device
could raise a BTS noise floor from farther than 2 miles in free space

9-2007

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Bluetooth Emission Mask, Modulation, Power

Q Type 3 Bluetooth devices can operate at 100 mw. output
required out-of-band suppression is -50 dbc
this is -30 dbm, capable of raising the noise floor of a BTS up to 3000 ft.
distant in free space
normal phase noise is much lower but ciruit defects could produce
stronger interference and still be compliant with the mask

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Interactions between Wireless Sites

and other Communication Systems
Q Antenna Interactions
blocking or shadowing by closely-spaced antennas
pattern distortion of AM broadcast stations due to induced
currents & re-radiation in the wireless antenna supporting
structure
Q RF Exposure Biological Hazards at sites colocated with
broadcasters and other high power operators
observe FCC OET requirements and company policy including
all signs at antenna sites

9-2007

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255 - 118

Key Parameters of
Communication Systems
System

Frequencies

Wavelength

TX Power

ERP

AMPs Cellular Sites

T 869-896 MHz
R 824-841 MHz

13-14 in
33-36 cm

1-60 watts
per carrier

1-300 watts
per carrier

PCS Sites

T 1930-1990 MHz
R 1850-1910 MHz

5.9-6.4 in
15-16 cm

1-45 watts
per carrier

1-1000 watts
per carrier

AM Broadcast

540-1600 kHz

615-1822 ft
187-556 m

250 watts
to 50 kW.

250 watts
to 500 kW.

FM Broadcast

88 - 108 MHz

9.1-11.2 ft.
2.8-3.4 m.

10 watts
to 40 kW

10 watts
to 100 kW

VHF TV Broadcast

54 - 88 MHz

11.1-18 ft
3.4 - 5.6 m

10 watts
to 50 kW

10 watts
to 100 kW.

174 - 216 MHz

4.6-5.6 ft
1.4-1.7 m

10 watts
to 100 kW.

10 watts
to 316 kW.

490 - 800 MHz

1.2-2.1 ft
37-64 cm

100 watts
to 220 kW.

10 watts
to 5 MW

30 - 50 MHz
152-174 MHz
450-470 MHz
800-900 MHz

1.2-2.1 ft
37-64 cm

1 watt
to 1 kW.

10 watts
to 10 kW.

Channels 2-6

VHF TV Broadcast
Channels 7-13

UHFTV Broadcast
Channels 14-69

Land Mobile,
SMR, ESMR &
Paging
9-2007

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255 - 119

MMDS
Q The MMDS
suppression
required at the
edge of its
mask is -60
dbc

9-2007

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Section X

Some
Some Notable
Notable
Interference
Interference Sources
Sources

9-2007

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255 - 121

Unusual Recent Cases

Q A hand-held bar-code scanner prototype was being tested in a grocery
store less than mile from a PCS BTS
its fourth harmonic fell on an uplink CDMA carrier
intermittent access failures and FER bursts were noticed
the source was tracked down by direction-finding
Q Law enforcement was running a wireless video surveillance
the signal was illegally within the PCS block and partially overlapped
an uplink CDMA carrier
the existence and purpose of the surveillance was never
acknowledged but the interference stopped
Q paging transmitter parasitics
an 800 MHz. operator received intermittent severe interference from
unstable, frequency-meandering spurious sidebands of a paging
transmitter
Q FM broadcast harmonics
an 800 MHz. operator had one sectors reverse link performance
seriously limited by the 9th harmonic of a co-located FM station
the radiation was coming from unshielded wiring coming from the
transmitter cabinet and not by radiation through the FM antenna

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External Interference from Other Sources

Q Engineers in San Diego report their main problems have been:
US Navy
US Marine Corps
operation of high-power UWB communications links
outside their authorized frequency band
OEM Handset Developers and Infrastructure Manufacturers
operating prototype equipment outside the authorized
frequency band
this has been mainly GSM equipment under development

9-2007

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255 - 123

A Tesla Coil
Q A Tesla Coil is a highvoltage generator used
mainly for demonstration
or materials-testing
Q During operation, it can
produce broadband
noise over the entire
radio spectrum
Q Typical users would
include museums, high
school and university
physics labs, and even
home experimenters
Q Even a small Tesla Coil
or other arc generator
can raise noise levels at
a nearby BTS

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Arc Welding: Intermittent Source

Q An Effective Spark Gap Emitter
Q Characterized by noise over a large
frequency spectrum
welding rods or wire are typically the
right length to be a good antenna
Q Where: Auto Body Repair Shops, Metal
Fabricator Shops

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Electric Utility Substations

Q Substations
with highervoltage feeds
and large
amounts of
equipment can
be major noise
emitters
Q sniffing with a
spectrum
analyzer and
yagi are the
best
interference
identification
method
Q In all power-system radiation, the interference is usually very broadband
if the origin seems blurred at the PCS frequency, try looking at lower
frequencies. The interference will be stronger there its origin may be
more readily identifiable
Q Most utility companies are quite cooperative in resolving interference since
it can interfere with their own telemetry
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Electric Power Systems:

Unintentional Spark Radiators

Q Residential and industrial distribution systems can produce noise

Q Dirty insulators, tree branches contacting wires, and oily HV and LV
terminals on transformers can cause low-level arcing and interference
Q Sniffing with a directional antenna is the most effective location method
but radiation along lengthy sections of line may blur the actual source
of the interference, making identification harder
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Section XI

Some
Some Real-World
Real-World Exercises
Exercises

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Optional Classroom Exercise

Q Intermod Calculation:
Symptoms: interference on our UL RX freq
Given: list of co-located TX freqs
Obtain from inspection: sketch of antenna locations on colocated site
Obtain from inspection: basic block diagram (amplifiers, BPF,
antennas)
Determine:
what is the source of the intermodulation interference?
what path(s) exist to create and transport the IM?
what path is the most likely or worst-case IM offender?
how can the IM be mitigated or eliminated?

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Field Exercises
Q Divide the class into teams for a transmitter hunt
A team to set up a hidden test transmitter and monitor it
Multiple teams with spectrum analyzers and directional
antennas to triangulate and find the hidden transmitter
If no test transmitter is available, track a permanent fixed signal
source in the band or near it
Q Local interference case investigation
If local personnel are aware of an ongoing interference
problem, let the class visit the site to investigate using the
techniques discussed earlier in class
Examine system stats
Examine spectrum at site
Perform physical inspection of site equipment and
surroundings
9-2007

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