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PE/COM/DD/9760 01.05/EN
GSM SOLUTIONS GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Nortel GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor
BASE TRANSCEIVER STATION
CUSTOMER PRODUCT OVERVIEW
2007 Nortel
Printed in France
NORTEL CONFIDENTIAL: The information contained in this document is the property of Nortel. Except as specifically authorized in writing by Nortel, the holder of this document shall keep the information contained herein confidential and shall protect same in whole or in part from disclosure and dissemination to third parties and use same for evaluation, operation and maintenance purposes only.
The content of this document is provided for information purposes only and is subject to modification. It does not constitute any representation or warranty from Nortel as to the content or accuracy of the information contained herein, including but not limited to the suitability and performances of the product or its intended application.
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NOTICE
This document presents the Nortel GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor Base Transceiver Station and describes the corresponding hardware modules and features.
For more details on BTS 18000 Outdoor solution, please contact your Nortel representative.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BTS Highlights ..............................................................................................................5 Physical Characteristics................................................................................................6 RADIO Features ...........................................................................................................6
Operation and Maintenance.....................................................................................7
Physical Layout.............................................................................................................8 Radio Configurations ..................................................................................................11 Connection to the Base Station Controller..................................................................12 Base Station Controller Dependency..........................................................................13 BTS site extension......................................................................................................14
Installation ...................................................................................................................15 Shipping and Installation.............................................................................................15 Floor Space ................................................................................................................15 Power Supply..............................................................................................................16 Environment................................................................................................................17 Protection....................................................................................................................17
Operation and Maintenance.......................................................................................18 Operation ....................................................................................................................18
Initialization ............................................................................................................18 Configuration..........................................................................................................18 Fault-monitoring/recovery ......................................................................................18
Maintenance ...............................................................................................................19
Component Description .............................................................................................20 BTS 18000 Architecture..............................................................................................20 Interface Control Module (ICM) ..................................................................................21
Functions................................................................................................................21 Architecture ............................................................................................................21
Interface Module (IFM) ...............................................................................................22 Functions................................................................................................................22 Architecture ............................................................................................................22
Spare Module (SPM) ..................................................................................................22 Function .................................................................................................................22 Architecture ............................................................................................................22
Alarms and Bridge Module (ABM) ..............................................................................22
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Bridge Functions ....................................................................................................22 Alarm collector functions ........................................................................................23 Architecture ............................................................................................................23
Interface Control and alarme Module (RICAM & ICAM) .............................................23 Functions................................................................................................................23 Architecture ............................................................................................................24
Radio Modules (RM)...................................................................................................25 Functions................................................................................................................25 Architecture ............................................................................................................26 Module Packaging..................................................................................................27 Radio performance.................................................................................................27
Duplexer and combiner modules ................................................................................28 Module Packaging..................................................................................................31
Software......................................................................................................................31
APPENDIX 1: APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS (Outdoor Products) ......................32
APPENDIX 2: ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE..................................................33
APPENDIX 3: ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................34
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BTS HIGHLIGHTS
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is a part of a new Nortel family of BTS that includes the Indoor and Outdoor versions of the high capacity BTS 18000. This new family of BTS is based on a new highly integrated radio module (RM) that provides the equivalent of three GSM/GPRS/EDGE transceiver channels including power amplifier function. This represents further integration of the successful single module DRX (Driver Receiver) approach for the receiver, transmitter, and frame processor, used in Nortel legacy S8000 and S12000 BTS.
The BTS 18000 represents unprecedented capacity and flexibility and complements the S8000 or S12000 BTS in our portfolio for greenfield site deployments as well as legacy BTS replacement or complement. The BTS 18000 provides continuity to our S8000 and S12000 BTS by its ability to be operated as a synchronized site extension to increase the capacity of existing S8000 or S12000 BTS sites.
The BTS 18000, which can contain 54 GSM carriers in three cabinets, is a high capacity, high density platform reducing the cost of ownership for GSM networks. The BTS 18000 is also able to address small configurations such as S111 or O3. In addition, two GSM frequency bands can be supported in the same cabinet.
The BTS 18000 is also a platform for future data application evolution of GSM networks which require GPRS and EDGE services.
The BTS 18000 uses the latest technology to provide operators with:
High capacity accommodating up to 18 GSM TRX per cabinet in an optimized and dense packaging.
High level of integration contributes to a significant reduction in required floor space, size and equipment operating costs. This concept is adapted to stringent environmental constraints and is leading to the best economic trade-off between initial and final capacity. In addition, the BTS 18000 supports asymmetrical radio configurations such as S963.
Compatibility with the S8000 and S12000 BTS, through existing site synchronization or through the possibility to reuse existing site equipment (such as an S8000/S12000 Outdoor plinth).
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The primary physical characteristics of the BTS 18000 Outdoor are optimized to meet the temperature and mechanical requirements of outdoor sites:
High density / low volume (18 TRX per cabinet and 79 liters (2.8 cu. ft.) per transceiver);
Full frontal accessibility for ease of maintenance; Limited floor space: 1.96 m2 / 21.1 sq. ft., including space required
for clearance, installation and maintenance. There is no clearance required at the back of the cabinet.
Fully equipped cabinet for fast transportation and installation; Easy handling; Ingress protection (IP55 compliance) and weatherproof casing; Power backup via internal battery or External Battery Cabinet; Extended temperature range (-40C to +50C)/(-40F to +122F).
RADIO FEATURES
The BTS 18000 offers a set of features enhancing the Quality of Service and the spectrum efficiency of the network such as:
Support for GSM frequency bands: - GSM 850, GSM 900 / E-GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900; - GSM 900/1800 and GSM 850/1900 Dual Band configurations
with single or dual BCCH, built in a single or in multiple BTS 18000 cabinets;
- EGSM/1800 and GSM 900/1900 Dual Band configurations with dual BCCH.
Best-in-class radio performance: - High output power with a range of Power Amplifiers going
from 30W up to 60W; - Guaranteed 110 dBm dynamic single-branch receive
sensitivity (GMSK modulation) at the BTS antenna connector without any tower-mounted Low Noise Amplifier;
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- Improved receiver diversity gain using a Nortel specific algorithm providing up to 5 dB gain;
Full support of GPRS data services (CS1 and CS2 coding schemes and hardware ready for CS3 and CS4);
Full support of EDGE 8PSK modulation; Spectrum efficiency optimization with the support of the undisputed
Nortel capacity features that provide high quality voice and data services to a dense subscriber population in a limited spectrum and at competitive cost.
Synthesized frequency hopping in all hybrid coupling types.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
High level of availability through optional duplication of switching, synchronization and control unit (working in active/stand-by mode) and optional N+1 redundancy for rectifiers.
Monitoring of internal and external alarms, through internal bus and alarm loops.
Remote configuration management from the OMC-R (site, sector, Abis, TRX).
Remote software background downloading.
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PHYSICAL LAYOUT
The BTS 18000 Outdoor Base Station can be housed in one or several cabinets depending on the required capacity:
Only one cabinet is required, namely the Base Cabinet, if the GSM capacity does not exceed 18 TRX.
Extension Cabinets can be added; each cabinet can support up to 18 TRX.
BTS 18000 outdoor cabinet overview (door closed)
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The dimensions of the BTS 18000 Outdoor base cabinet are:
Height 1500 mm (59.06 in)
Width 1350 mm (53.15 in)
Depth 735 mm (28.94 in) Its maximum weight is:
Fully equipped (with 6 RM) 505 kg (1,113 lbs)
Pre-cabled, non equipped cabinet
191 kg (421.37 lbs)
The following diagram shows the position of the modules in the fully populated cabinet.
BTS 18000 Outdoor equipped cabinet with door opened, front view
(here with the ICM, it can be further optimized with RICAM or ICAM)
The BTS 18000 outdoor cabinet consists of the following specific elements:
Outdoor enclosure including AC Distribution Unit (ADU); AC/DC power supply: Universal Compact Power System (UCPS);
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Environmental Control Unit (ECU); User Rack Space (4U x 19in) and its associated User ICO.
The cabinet of the BTS 18000 indoor and outdoor variants shares the following elements:
Back-planes and ICO: Compact Interface Back Plane (CIBP), Digital Back-plane (DBP), Radio ICO (RICO);
up to two Quad Interface Modules (IFM); One Interface Control Module (ICM) or two ICM (configuration with
redundancy);
Up to two spare modules (SPM); Up to two Alarm Bridge Modules (ABM); Up to six Radio Modules (RM or HPRM); Up to six Dual Duplexer Modules (DDM) with optional VSWR meter.
DDM are physically grouped into 2 combiner racks. The digital rack consists of the association of IFM, ICM, a second ICM (or the SPM, Spare Module filler), ABM and RM modules. There are two digital racks per cabinet. The association of one combiner rack and one digital rack will be further named shelf. The BTS 18000 contains two shelves.
The CIBP / IFM / 2xICM / ABM set is replaced by the RICAM by default, which is an optimized module physically grouping these functions into one single module. RICAM is internally redundant, while ICAM is a non redundant module which is equivalent to the CIBP / IFM / ICM / ABM set.
RICAM, ICAM, IFM, ICM and spare modules are not required in a BTS 18000 extension cabinet.
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CAPACITY AND CONFIGURATION
RADIO CONFIGURATIONS
The BTS 18000 is designed to enable:
Smooth and flexible capacity expansion from an omni directional BTS with 3 TRX in 1 cabinet (O3) up to a tri-sectorial BTS with 16 TRX per sector in three cabinets (S16-16-16). Higher capacity support via a future software release is planned;
Support of asymmetrical configurations, such as S963 for instance; Highest capacity in the industry with 6-TRX tri-sectorial configurations
in a single radio cabinet (S666);
S8000 or S12000 extension capability via synchronization with the BTS 18000;
Flexible coupling options: - Duplexers to get the highest RF output power that provide
maximum coverage;
- TX Filters to maintain the duplexer link budget but enabling capacity to grow beyond 1 TRX per sector by adding antennas;
- 2-way, 4-way and 3-way (future) hybrid combiner to grow capacity without adding antennas;
- Other options can be further studied with the operator;
Possibility to upgrade capacity with cabinet addition without any change on pre-existing site configuration;
Various dual-band configurations using all types of coupling system. The Nortel GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor can be housed in several cabinets. The number of Nortel GSM BTS 18000 cabinets depends on the required capacity.
Only one cabinet is required for configurations with a capacity up to 18 carriers, namely the Base Cabinet.
For higher capacity configurations one or two additional Extension Cabinets are required.
Capacity and configuration upgrades are particularly flexible and easy, allowing a maximum capacity of:
18 carriers per sector; 54 carriers per BTS in only three cabinets.
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BTS 18000 is introduced with:
a maximum configuration of S888 or O16 TRX capacity on BSC2G; a maximum configuration of S16 16 16 or O16 capacity on BSC 3000.
The following diagram gives examples of configurations, which can be implemented in one to three BTS 18000 radio cabinets:
BTS 18000 capacity and possible configurations
CONNECTION TO THE BASE STATION CONTROLLER
The BTS 18000 is connected to the Nortel BSC through PCM links using Nortel Abis interface.
Only two PCM timeslots over the Abis interface are required for each 8-radio timeslot TRX. Only one PCM timeslot is necessary for signaling for configurations up to S333, 3 for up to S999, 6 for up to S161616. The BTS
O12
S11
S66
S111
S444
S7S10S7
S12-12
S555
S888
S9-S9-9
S12-12-12
O3
O18
S33
S99
S111
S666
S12-12
S18-18
S777
S12-12-12
S13-13-13
S16-16-16
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18000 can support 8 E1/T1 PCM links with a granularity of 4 E1/T1 per IFM board.
The drop and insert capability is used to reduce the number of PCM links needed to connect the BTS to their Base Station Controller. This can be implemented through Chain connection or Loop connection, depending on the level of required reliability. The BTS 18000 supports the drop and insert function in exactly the same way as the BTS S8000 and S12000. Therefore, it is possible to have S8000, S12000 and BTS 18000 on the same chain or loop.
BASE STATION CONTROLLER DEPENDENCY
The BTS 18000 can be controlled from a BSC 2G or from a BSC 3000. However, BTS 18000 will offer its maximum configuration using the last generation of Nortel BSC (BSC 3000).
The following table gives the maximum TRX units and maximum configurations allowed on a BTS18000 using BSC 2G or BSC 3000:
BSC Type Max number of TRX per
cabinet
Max number of TRX per
cell
Max number of TRX per
site
Max omni / tri- sectorial
configurations
BSC 2G BSC 3000 BSC 3000*
18 18 18
16 16 18
24 48 54
1O16 / 2S888 1O16 / 3S16-16-16 1O18 / 3S18-18-18
* Future evolution
Compatibility with S8000
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BTS SITE EXTENSION
The BTS 18000 can extend existing BTS S8000 or BTS S12000 sites. The BTS 18000 then operates with the BTS S8000 and BTS S12000 (with CMCF phase 2 only) in synchronized mode. Therefore all spectrum optimization techniques are applicable.
The BTS 18000 is introduced at sector basis as a co-localized site, synchronized on CBCF of BTS S8000 or BTS S12000 existing site. Each of the BTS manages its own cells.
Typical synchronized sites are presented hereafter.
Extension of S8000S16 16 16
in 4 Cabinets
Extension of S8000S899 in
2 Cabinets
S8000 18000
18000
S8000 18000
18000 S8000 S8000
BTS 18000
BTS 18000
S8000
BTS 18000
E1/T1E1/T1
E1/T1 E1/T1Extension of S8000
S16 16 16in 4 Cabinets
Extension of S8000S899 in
2 Cabinets
S8000 18000
18000
S8000 18000
18000 S8000 S8000
BTS 18000
BTS 18000
S8000
BTS 18000
E1/T1E1/T1
E1/T1E1/T1 E1/T1E1/T1
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INSTALLATION
SHIPPING AND INSTALLATION
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is usually installed either at ground/street-level, on a rooftop or indoor. Connections are situated on the front of the cabinet, therefore it is not necessary to use a plinth. Nortel designed the GSM BTS 18000 so that it can be shipped and delivered fully equipped with all functional modules (except batteries) and pre-tested. For challenging installations, the operator can easily depopulate the GSM BTS 18000.
When depopulated, the operator may transport the GSM BTS 18000 to a rooftop by a crane, or by standard elevator.
FLOOR SPACE
Three typical GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor installation configurations are illustrated below:
Total Area: 2.09 m
Front access for maintenance
1.350S12000 Outdoor Baseor extension cabinet
1.070
Front access for maintenance
1.350BTS 18000 Outdoor Baseor extension cabinet
1.4501.210Total Area:
2.09 m
Front access for maintenance
1.350S12000 Outdoor Baseor extension cabinet
1.070
Front access for maintenance
1.350BTS 18000 Outdoor Baseor extension cabinet
1.4501.210
GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor Installation Configurations
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor requires a floor space limited to 1.96 m (21.1 sq. ft.) per cabinet, because installation and maintenance are performed from the front, with the cabinet doors in a 90 position.
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Moreover, as the air intake is placed on the front of the BTS, the operator is able to install the cabinets against a wall without the need for any clearance at the rear.
The maximum cable length between two cabinets is 10 meters (32.8 ft.).
POWER SUPPLY
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is supplied with standard single, split, or three-phase AC power supply (230 V 50/60 Hz).
The primary power supply system (UCPS) delivers -48V DC voltage from the AC input. It includes a rack with up to five 1400W rectifiers (4+1 for redundancy). Rectifiers' -48V outputs are tied together to the DC distribution unit (ADU). The entire system and the optional internal batteries are controlled by a power controller (CCU).
The rectifiers deliver 1400W at the 48 V DC output. 1400W rectifiers provide the capability to handle fast battery charging for the highest capacity configurations.
The rectifiers have a large input voltage range with integrated power factor correctors. The output floating voltage automatically adjusts to the level of a control signal that is proportional to the battery temperature. Each rectifier has its own AC, DC and over-heating alarm signals.
The BTS 18000 Outdoor can optionally be equipped with an internal battery for power backup. Another possibility is to use an additional ancillary battery cabinet to allow a more durable backup. Specific needs can be addressed by provision of additional backup capacity with customized solutions.
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ENVIRONMENT
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is designed to be started up when the inside equipment air temperature is above 5C / 41F. If the in-temperature is below 5C / 41F, the heaters are switched on so that the BTS can start up.
When switched on, the GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor operates in an external ambient air temperature range of -40C to +50C / -40F to +122F, with an absolute humidity level of 36 g/m3, and under a maximum solar radiation of 1120 W/m2. The specifications are listed in Appendix 1, and more detailed environmental performances are defined in Appendix 2.
PROTECTION
As an outdoor product, the GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is designed to resist ingress and attack. As such, it meets IP55 standards, as well as Bellcore standard TA-NWT-000487 (all other applicable specifications are summarized in Appendix 1).
The equipment is protected against lightning surge.
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OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor performs the operation functions under the control of the Base Station Controller (BSC), through the Abis interface. These functions are initialization, configuration and fault-management/recovery.
INITIALIZATION
A hardware reset or a re-initialization message from the BSC triggers the GSM BTS 18000 startup. Software downloading may be initiated for reinitializing the BTS or updating the software. All these operations can be handled remotely from the OMC-R.
It shall be noted that the BTS 18000 supports the BTS Software Background Downloading. This particular feature enables a software download without impact on the carried traffic. It is however necessary to restart the BTS once the new software load is downloaded.
CONFIGURATION
All parameters are programmed under the control of the BSC, including:
Abis interface (traffic and signaling channels); Radio characteristics (frequency, power, BCCH filling, etc.); TDMA frame; PCM interfaces (error rate, etc.); Connections established in the switch.
FAULT-MONITORING/RECOVERY
The BTS 18000 Outdoor provides a high degree of service availability using an efficient fault detection and correction process based on the following principles:
Active/stand-by redundancy for the RICAM or ICM (control, switch, clock, ICM boards) and optional N+1 redundancy for the rectifiers and the RM.
Permanent monitoring of all external physical alarms, reporting of internal faults to the Base Control Function and internal tests;
Immediate local corrective action for major failures, with isolation of the faulty element and reconfiguration (when duplicated);
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Soft blocking of the faulty module, whenever possible; Reporting of all events to the BSC, for observation and corrective
actions in the event of minor failure;
On-going update of standby modules to limit information loss in the event of a switchover.
MAINTENANCE
Front access to the installed electronic and environmental control equipment in the GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor cabinet facilitates maintenance.
An inventory capability is available with the Local Maintenance Terminal. It allows retrieving the following information: PEC code, modules designation and Serial Number. This inventory management information will be remotely available at the OMC-R (Operation and Maintenance Center) or through an external interface (future software feature, the hardware is ready).
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COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
BTS 18000 ARCHITECTURE
The BTS 18000 modularity was defined in order to reach the best compromise between the following constraints:
Flexible growth from S111 up to S16-16-16; High reliability and ease of maintenance (only front access to the BTS
18000 Outdoor cabinet is needed for capacity growth and maintenance);
Maximize the RF power output.
Base Cabinet (up to 6 RMs/18 TRXs) Extension Cabinet (up to 6 RMs/18 TRXs)
Combiner Rack
RM RM
RM RM RM
Extension Cabinet (up to 6 RMs/18 TRXs)Abis
RF link : TX and RX Main/Div
Abis link : up to 8E1/T1Traffic and O&M link
ICM
IFM
ICM
IFM
ABM
Digital Rack
Shel
f 1Sh
elf 2
Combiner Rack
Digital Rack
ABM
RM
Combiner Rack
RM RM
RM RM
ABM
Digital Rack
Shel
f 1Sh
elf 2
Combiner Rack
Digital Rack
ABM
RM
Combiner Rack
RM RM
RM RM
ABM
Digital RackShel
f 1Sh
elf 2
Combiner Rack
Digital Rack
ABM
RM
RM
Redundant
RM
Internal Bus
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
DDM
Architecture Diagram of the BTS 18000 Outdoor
(here with the ICM, it can be further optimized with RICAM or ICAM)
The architecture of the BTS 18000 Outdoor, as illustrated in the diagram above, is based on the following modules: the various types of Radio Modules, the DDM, the ICAM or the RICAM, the ICM, the IFM, the ABM, and the CIBP. One single set of spares can be provisioned with these particular modules for both BTS 18000 and BTS 6000.
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INTERFACE CONTROL MODULE (ICM)
FUNCTIONS
The ICM covers all the functions related to a complete site management:
Support of Drop and insert facilities for the PCM links with the BSC; Reference clock for the air interface, synchronized on the Abis PCM
interface, a synchronizing BTS or a GPS antenna;
GSM_TIME calculations with possible network synchronization; Switching of PCM slots; Conversion of electrical signals, from external to internal PCM data
formats;
Concentration of the data flow of the BTS; Configuration and supervision of all modules.
ARCHITECTURE
The ICM is used in the BTS 18000 main cabinet only: it is not present in the extension cabinets. It is designed to manage the whole BTS 18000 site.
The ICM module is composed of a single board with connections on the Compact Interface Back Panel (CIBP) and on the front panel.
A second ICM can optionally be provided within the main BTS cabinet for redundancy purposes. This redundancy is dynamic: the swap of ICM from passive to active is automatic in case of trouble on the former active one.
ICM0
IFMIFM0
ICM1
RM1
RM1
RM3
RM3
RM2
RM2
ABM
ABM
RM1
RM1
RM3
RM3
RM2
RM2
ABM
ABM
Abis
ICM0=master ICM
IFMIFM1
ICM0
IFMIFM0
ICM1
RM1
RM1
RM3
RM3
RM2
RM2
ABM
ABM
RM1
RM1
RM3
RM3
RM2
RM2
ABM
ABM
Abis
ICM0=master ICM
IFMIFM1
Redundant ICM configuration architecture
It shall be noted that the RICAM and ICAM feature in one single module the functions of the ICM together with an ABM, an IFM and a CIBP. ICAM and RICAM are described further in this document.
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INTERFACE MODULE (IFM)
FUNCTIONS
The Interface Module is used in the BTS 18000 main cabinet only: it is not present in the extension cabinets. Its main function is to provide secondary protection on the PCM links. It provides the following access for the ICM:
E1 (120 ohms) or T1 (100 ohms) connectivity on the ABIS link with secondary protection and filters (4 PCM per IFM);
Connectivity to an external synchronization source (synchronizing BTS or GPS antenna);
Connectivity for ABIS extension and redundant ICM options. Adaptation balluns can be provided for E1 75 ohms connectivity.
ARCHITECTURE
The IFM module is composed of a single board with connections on the Compact Interface Back Panel (CIBP) and on the front panel. The E1/T1 IFM is a passive board.
SPARE MODULE (SPM)
FUNCTION
The Spare Module (SPM) is reserved for future use in the BTS 18000 main cabinet only: it is not present in the extension cabinets. The SPM will be designed so as to add extra features to ICM without the need to replace ICM HW.
ARCHITECTURE
SPM is coupled to ICM, which means that it is designed to operate in simplex configuration; nevertheless a redundant ICM+SPM couple option can be provided in all cabinets variants.
The SPM module is composed of a single board with connections on the Compact Interface Back Panel (CIBP) and on the front panel.
ALARMS AND BRIDGE MODULE (ABM)
BRIDGE FUNCTIONS
The ABM provides bridge functions between several interfaces:
On one side, it manages interface with ICM;
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On the other side, it manages one internal link for ABM alarm function and 3 links to RM modules.
ALARM COLLECTOR FUNCTIONS
The ABM alarm collector function performs the following operations under the ICM control:
Detection of cabinet alarms; Presence detection of the digital rack, combiner rack and other cabinet
modules;
Inventory of the digital rack, combiner rack and other cabinet modules; Alarm polling of the radio coupling modules; Alarm polling of the cooling system modules (indoor SICS, outdoor
ECU);
Alarm polling and software management of the outdoor cabinet power system (outdoor UCPS);
Optional external alarm detection and remote control drive.
ARCHITECTURE
One ABM is used in each BTS 18000 digital rack: one or two ABM per main or extension cabinets depending on the requested configuration. There is a maximum of 3 RM per ABM.
The ABM module is composed of a single board with connections on the Digital Back Panel (DBP) and on the front panel.
There are up to 8 customer Alarms available per ABM.
INTERFACE CONTROL AND ALARME MODULE (RICAM & ICAM)
FUNCTIONS
RICAM stands for Redundant Interface Control and Alarm Module. ICAM stands for Interface Control and Alarm Module. They are optimized versions of the BTS 18000/BTS 6000 base common function modules.
The RICAM was designed according to the following assumptions:
It is functionally equivalent to 1 IFM/2 ICM/1 ABM/1 CIBP and associated cables. It is therefore internally redundant.
It supports up to two remote ABM enabling configurations up to 2S999/2S666_333 (BTS 18000) or 2S444/2S222_222 (BTS6000).
It supports up to 4 ABIS.
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It is available for E1 120 , E1 75 , T1 100 . It supports an external synchronization signal. It is placed in the ABM0 slot. DIP switch commissioning enables the differentiation between the BTS
18000 and the BTS 6000 operations.
The ICAM is the non redundant version of the RICAM, i.e. it is logically equivalent to the set 1 IFM / 1 ICM / 1 ABM / 1 CIBP.
RICAM and ICAM provide the operators with:
A simplified BTS logical module architecture; An increased hardware BTS reliability compared to ICM redundant
configurations;
Same software redundancy mechanisms compared to ICM redundant configurations (RICAM only);
Simplified trouble shooting activities; Less cables to manage.
ARCHITECTURE
The ICAM and RICAM are placed in the ABM slot. They feature PCM interface on the one side and interface to the RM on the other side. The ICM and IFM are equipped with fillers and may be reserved for future use.
Extension cabinets are equipped with ABM, as the ICAM or RICAM are used only in the main cabinets.
RICAM configuration architecture
The ICAM architecture is equivalent to that shown on this picture, the only difference being that the ICAM is not internally redundant.
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RADIO MODULES (RM)
FUNCTIONS
The RM module is a complete GSM/GPRS/EDGE transmitter/receiver. It is in charge of all processing related to the GSM TDMA. It is designed to support 3 TDMA (GSM or EDGE). It is logically equivalent to 3 TRX. The RM is able to operate on one sector basis (3 carriers per sector, O3 mode) as well as 3 sector basis (one carrier per sector, S111 mode).
Specific RM are associated to each of the four frequency bands (GSM 850, E-GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900), with various power needs.
TX Outputs(3)
RX Inputs Main(3)
RX Inputs Diversity(3)TX Outputs(3)
RX Inputs Main(3)
RX Inputs Diversity(3)
The BTS 18000 Radio Module
The RM consists of the following element:
PSU: a power supply unit delivering from the 48V main power supply the secondary supplies to the other blocks of the RM module;
RF RX board (RM RX): 3 dual narrowband receiver chains (main and diversity);
RF TX board (RM TX): 3 low level transmit drivers; RF PA board (RM PA): 3 Power amplifier line-ups; LRM: the digital control board.
Each radio module is interfaced with the ABM module via the digital back-plane.
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ARCHITECTURE
The Radio Module internal architecture is given in the block diagram below.
RM RX
RM TX RM PA (X3) TX out 1
TX out 2
TX out 3
RX Main 1
RX Div 1
RX Main 2
RX Div 2
RX Main 3
RX Div 3
+24V or -48Vmain power
supply
Radio module PSU
27 V5.7V_R3.3V_D
Alarms
LRMRM Logical Board
link toABM
link toother RM
RM debug
RM RX
RM TX RM PA (X3) TX out 1
TX out 2
TX out 3
RX Main 1
RX Div 1
RX Main 2
RX Div 2
RX Main 3
RX Div 3
+24V or -48Vmain power
supply
Radio module PSU
27 V5.7V_R3.3V_D
Alarms
LRMRM Logical Board
link toABM
link toother RM
RM debug
The BTS 18000 RM block diagram.
LRM RADIO MODULE LOGICAL BOARD
The LRM digital board is in charge of communication and control of the whole module. It is also in charge of all necessary base band processing for 3 complete GSM/GPRS/EDGE TDMA (downlink and uplink).
RM TRANSMIT BOARD
The RM TX board consists of three low power transmit RF chains. Each chain processes only one downlink TDMA. Each chain consists of:
IF quadrature modulator; IF gain and channel filtering; RF up conversion; RF signal conditioning and amplification: RF bandwidth filter, ALC
variable gain stage, amplifiers, static and dynamic attenuators.
The RM TX provides the RM PA board with 3 RF, low level, modulated (GMSK and 8 PSK), burst signals.
RM POWER AMPLIFIER BOARD
The RM PA board consists of 3 independent Power Amplifier lines up built on three independent boards. Each line up processes one transmit carrier. The RM PA boosts the level of the GMSK or 8PSK modulated RF pulse, generated by the transmit driver, up to the RF power level required before coupling/combining.
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RM RECEIVE BOARD
The RM receive board consists of 6 RF receive chains. Receive chains are grouped by 2 chains (Main and diversity).
In addition, a RX splitter function is integrated on the RM RX board. It is inserted between DDM and RM RX paths (Main and diversity). It allows splitting DDM RX outputs in order to reach maximum configurations (one input to three outputs split for main and diversity paths).
MODULE PACKAGING
The RM board is mounted in a closed metal housing, with a suitable heat sink. The RM dimensions are as follows:
Height 335 mm.
Width 125 mm.
Depth 410 mm.
Weight 19 kg.
Weight (future) 10 kg.
The same housing is used for all frequency ranges: GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800 and GSM1900.
RADIO PERFORMANCE
The output powers delivered by the GSM 850/900/1800/1900 RM depend upon the module versions. The various RM power options are given in the table hereafter (+/- 0.5 dB).
Frequency Carriers Output power (GMSK) Output power (8PSK)
GSM 850 3 60 W / 47.8 dBm 45 W / 46.6 dBm
GSM 900 (E+P) 3 40 W / 46 dBm 40 W / 46 dBm
GSM 900 (E+P) 2 60 W / 47.8 dBm 45 W / 46.6 dBm
GSM 900 (E+P) future 3 60 W / 47.8 dBm 45 W / 46.6 dBm
GSM 1800 3 30 W / 44.8 dBm 30 W / 44.8 dBm
GSM 1800 3 50 W / 46.9 dBm 30 W / 44.8 dBm
GSM 1900 3 30 W / 44.8 dBm 30 W / 44.8 dBm
GSM 1900 future 3 50 W / 46.9 dBm 30 W / 44.8 dBm
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The guaranteed sensitivity figures of the BTS 18000 RM are given in the table hereafter:
GSMK RX sensitivity -110 dBm
GSMK RX sensitivity with space diversity
-115 dBm
All these performances as well as the packing density are based on a set of highly integrated components specifically developed by Nortel.
DUPLEXER AND COMBINER MODULES
The operator can use different types of couplers to couple the Power Amplifiers to the antennas and to combine the Rx and Tx paths hybrid combiners, transmit filters or duplexers. These couplers can be found in the following BTS 18000 modules:
DDM with or without H2; TxF with or without H2; H4 and future H3.
Their main characteristics are summarized hereafter:
Dual Duplexer Module (DDM) The BTS 18000 uses DDM (Dual Duplexer Module), for TX and RX coupling/filtering purpose. The duplexer allows to share on a same antenna TX and RX signal. The aim of the DDM is to provide TX filtering (out of band spurious and noise suppression), RX filtering (out of band interferers and noise suppression), TX to RX isolation, as well as front end low noise amplification for the receive chain.
The figure below shows the block diagram of standard DDM:
PE/COM/DD/9760 27/07/2007 01.05/EN 29
LNALNA
4 RX outputs(to RX
splitter input)
TX input (from RMPA output)
TXRX TX RX
Antenna port Antenna port
4 RX outputs(to RX
splitter input)
TX input (from RMPA output)
LNALNA
4 RX outputs(to RX
splitter input)
TX input (from RMPA output)
TXRX TX RX
Antenna port Antenna port
4 RX outputs(to RX
splitter input)
TX input (from RMPA output)
DDM block diagram
The DDM provides two separate RX paths with 4 outputs per chain. It also provides two transmit inputs and two antenna ports (two transmit carriers capacity). The DDM is used in a sector basis with one duplexer for main receive path and the other one for diversity receive path.
Synthesized frequency hopping can be used with duplexers.
Particularly well adapted to small capacities (1 to 2 TRX per cell) the DDM limits the transmission losses to provide high coverage performance.
As an option, the DDM integrates a VSWR meter on both antenna accesses. This VSWR meter provides three levels of alarms. The corresponding thresholds of alarms are settable on site, through DDM front panel switches.
DDM with 2-way Hybrid Combiners (DDM H2) In order to increase the transmit capacity of the DDM, integrated 2 way hybrid combiners (H2 coupling) can be proposed as an option for DDM. These combiners can be bypassed. In addition, a front panel switch informs the system of the actual DDM H2 configurations (2 ways hybrid by-passed or not). The figure below shows the DDM H2 block diagram:
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LNALNA
4 RX outputs(to RX splitter
inputs)
TX inputs (from RMPA outputs)
TXRX TX RX
Antenna port Antenna port
4 RX outputs(to RX splitter
inputs)
TX inputs (from RMPA outputs)
LNALNA
4 RX outputs(to RX splitter
inputs)
TX inputs (from RMPA outputs)
TXRX TX RX
Antenna port Antenna port
4 RX outputs(to RX splitter
inputs)
TX inputs (from RMPA outputs)
DDM H2 block diagram
This device provides all the functionality of the duplexer described above and combines the signals from two power amplifiers through a two-channel hybrid combiner. It is therefore limiting antenna count for configurations with more than 2 TRX per sector.
Synthesized frequency hopping can be used with DDM H2.
Transmit Filter (TxF or TxF H2) The TX filter is used as complement of the DDM or of the DDM H2. It shall be used each time extra transmit capacity is needed without need of receive capacity. This device only filters the signal transmitted from the PA to the antenna and does not provide the reception path.
Synthesized frequency hopping can be used with transmit filters.
TXF filter accommodates an optional VSWR meter like the DDM and the DDM H2. It comes either with integrated H2 coupling, which can be by-passed, or without H2 coupling.
The TXF H2 provides the same insertion losses as the DDM H2. The TXF without H2 or with by-passed H2 provides the same insertion losses as the DDM without H2 or with by-passed H2.
H4 module The H4 module is 4-way hybrid coupler which combines up to four TX carriers from RM/HPRM outputs to DDM or TxF input. This module enables site capacity growth while limiting antenna count.
PE/COM/DD/9760 27/07/2007 01.05/EN 31
H4 module
MODULE PACKAGING
RF combiner deployment will vary according to the RF configurations and the TX coupling type. The choice of RF combiner type is mainly driven by the desired antenna output power and number of feeders and antennas per sector.
Room for combiners in the BTS 18000 indoor or outdoor cabinet is limited as follows:
Maximum combiner capacity: 18 x 50mm slots; One DDM requires 3 slots; One DDM H2 requires 3 slots; One TXF (with or without H2) requires one slot. One H4 module requires one slot. Therefore there is a maximum of 6 DDM or DDM H2 within one indoor or outdoor BTS 18000 cabinet.
SOFTWARE
The BTS 18000 is based on centralized software architecture. That means that the RICAM or ICAM or ICM module only support the external software interfaces. The RICAM or ICAM or ICM software manages the external interfaces and deals with the different BTS modules.
All the software can be downloaded from the Base Station Controller (under the control of the OMC-R), with a selective loading option (file by file). The BTS 18000 is remotely upgradeable.
The BTS software manages the different hardware memory modules. The BTS software is distributed among the RICAM, ICAM, ICM, ABM and RM.
As far as redundancy is concerned, an active/stand-by mode is used, with hot restart. The active processor sends status information to the stand-by processor. If a major failure occurs on the active side, the stand-by processor takes over the BTS control.
(H4) output(H4) module inventory (I2C)
PA input d
PA input c
PA input b
PA input a
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APPENDIX 1: APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS (OUTDOOR PRODUCTS)
Ref A1 IEC 721-3-4 (3) Classification of Groups of Environmental Parameters and their Severities Stationary Use at Non-Weather Protected Locations.
Classes 4K2/4Z5/4Z8/4B1/4C2/4S2/4M3. Optional Classes 4K4 or 4K4H.
Ref A2 IEC 60529 Degree of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP codes), Ed.2.1 (2001).
Ref A3 IEC 917 Module Order for Development of Mechanical Structures for Electronic Equipment Practices.
Ref A4 IEC 721-2-6 (2) Environmental Conditions Appearing in Nature-Earthquake Vibration and Shock.
Ref A5 EN 301 489-8 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matter (EM); Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 8: Specific Requirements for GSM Base Station V1.1.1 (2000). 3GPP TS 25.113: Technical specification group radio access networks; Base Station Electro Magnetic Compatibility Ed V3.5.0
Ref A6 FCC Part 15 Class B: Radio Frequency Devices.
Ref A7 ISO 1996/1 Acoustics - Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise Part 1 Basic Quantities and Procedures.
Ref A8 ISO 7779 Acoustics - Measurement of Airborne Noise Emitted by Computer and Business Equipment.
Ref A9 ISO 3270 Methods of Tests for Paints.
Ref A10 ISO 3461 Graphic Symbols.
Ref A11 ISO 3864 Safety Colors and Safety Signs.
Ref A12 ETS 300 019-1-1 Classification of Environmental Conditions Storage Class 1.2.
Ref A13 ETS 300 019-1-2 Classification of Environmental Conditions Transportation Class 2.2.
Ref A14 EN 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment, including Electrical Business Equipment (ed. 3, 2000).
Ref A15 UL 60950, CSA C22.2 N 60950-00, Safety of Information Technology Equipment, including Electrical Business Equipment (ed. 3;2000).
PE/COM/DD/9760 27/07/2007 01.05/EN 33
APPENDIX 2: ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
The references (Ref []) are connected with Appendix 1: Applicable Specifications.
Operational Temperature Range
The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is designed to operate when the external ambient temperature is in the range of -40C to +50C for full performance as per specifications. This operational temperature range is achieved within 4 hours of AC power connection to the Outdoor BTS.
Ingress Protection The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor meets the requirements of IP55 as defined by Ref [A2].
Wind Protection TheBTS 18000 Outdoor, once fully installed, can withstand a wind velocity of 50 m/s.
EMC/EMI The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor meets the requirements [A5] and [A6].
Product Safety For Europe the product is CE marked. It complies with [A14].
For America the product is UL and CSA compliant. It is approved by Underwriters Laboratories under [A15].
Acoustics Noise The maximum sound power level emitted by the GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is 64 dB(A) at BTS normal speed operation (58 dBA for configuration limited to S333) and 65 dB(A) at BTS maximum speed operation, when measured in accordance with Ref [A8].
Operational Vibration The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is designed to operate under the vibration limits defined by Ref [A1].
Humidity The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is designed to operate under the humidity levels defined by Ref [A1] Class 4K4H (36 g/m3 A/H).
Air Purity The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is designed to operate under the conditions of airborne mechanically chemically active substances, defined by Ref [A1] Class 4C2/4S2.
Solar Gain The standard mechanical design of the GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor offers protection against the heating effects of solar radiation on the BTS structure. The maximum solar radiated energy on the Outdoor BTS is taken as 1120 W/m2.
Seismic Shock The mechanical design of all BTS products takes into account the effects of seismic shock up to the level of seismic shock level 3, as defined by Ref [A4] 2.4.3.
RoHS The GSM BTS 18000 Outdoor is compliant to the Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment.
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APPENDIX 3: ABBREVIATIONS
Abis ETSI generic name for the BSC-BTS interface
AC Alternative current (power source)
ABM Alarm & Bridge Module
AMR Adaptive Multirate Coding
BCCH Broadcast Control Channel Common mobile logical channel used for broadcasting system
information on the radio interfaces.
BSC Base Station Controller
BSS Base Station Subsystem A BSS is made up of BSC, plus a number of BTS, some
transcoder units, and an OMC-R. A BSS is connected to an MSC, and therefore to the global
network through the A interface.
BTS Base Transceiver Station
CIBP Compact Interface Back Panel
dBm Decibel milliwatt. Logarithmic unit to express a power level, with reference to 1 mW.
DBP Digital Back Panel
DC Direct Current (power source)
DDM Dual Duplexer Module
Diversity The receiver includes both main and diversity channel down conversion and sampling in the same RX volume. The Frame Processing Unit (FPU) then processes both channels, using an equivalent Maximal Ratio Combining technique through a joint equalization of both receive signals.
Drop and insert A technique allowing several components to be daisy chained on a common physical bus with each component, and ensuring data integrity and positioning.
DRX Driver + Receiver + Frame Processor
DTX Discontinuous Transmission A technique allowing the suppression of transmission when
nothing is to be transmitted
Duplexer A frequency band selective circulator. Used, as any multiplexer, to minimize the number of physical transmission lines. For radio, transmission lines are antenna systems
E1 Standard European PCM (2.048 Mbit/s)
ECU Environmental Control Unit
PE/COM/DD/9760 27/07/2007 01.05/EN 35
EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
EGPRS EDGE on General Packet Radio Services
E-GSM Extended GSM
EIRP Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility
EMI Electromagnetic interference
ETSI European Telecommunication Standard Institute
FCC Federal Communications Commission FP Frame Processor
FRU Field Replaceable Unit
GMSK Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying Radio modulation used in GSM system
GPRS General Packet Radio Services
GSM Global System for Mobile communication
GSM 850 Radio cellular network standard operating at 850 MHz
GSM 900 Radio cellular network standard operating at 900 MHz
GSM 1800 Radio cellular network standard adapted for the 1800 MHz frequency band
GSM 1900 Radio cellular network standard adapted for the 1900 MHz frequency band
H2 Hybrid 2-way combiner
H3 Hybrid 3-way combiner
H4 Hybrid 4-way combiner
HDLC High-Level Data Link Control Protocol used on data links
HW HardWare ICM Interface Control Module ICO InterCOnnection module
IEC International Electrotechnical Committee
IFM InterFace Module
LNA Low Noise Amplifier An RF amplifier used to enlarge very small useful signals
received with minimum added noise.
MLT Microwave Link Terminal
MCPA Multi Carrier Power Amplifier
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MRC Maximum Ratio Combiner Name of the most efficient linear combining technique for
receive diversity.
MSC Mobile Services Switching center
O&M Operation and Maintenance
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
OMC Operation and Maintenance Center for the radio sub-system. OMC-R then stands for Operation and Maintenance Center - Radio
PA Power Amplifier
PCM Pulse Code Modulation By extension, name given to the E1 or T1 physical link.
PLL Phase Locked Loop
8-PSK 8-Phase Shift Keying Radio modulation used in EDGE
PSU Power Supply Unit
RF Radio Frequency
RFI Radio Frequency Interference
R-GSM Railway GSM
RM Radio Module
RoHS Restriction of Hazardous Substances
RX BTS receiver
SYNC Synchronization module
SW SoftWare
T1 Standard US PCM system (1.544 Mbit/s)
TS TimeSlot TDMA Time Division Multiple Access Multiple access technique based on timeslot structure.
TRX BTS Transmitter/Receiver
TX BTS transmitter
UCPS Universal Compact Power System
VAD Voice Activity Detection
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
