24 -34

Composite fade margin – total effect of all fade margins

Basic Components in a microwave link

Signal Interface/ Processing module

- Also known as the Baseband-IF section

- The input-output port of the microwave link
- Accepts the channel inputs to be sent to the other site and contains the output port sent from
the other terminal

Radio Frequency Transmitter- Receiver Module

- Is the actual microwave frequency portion of the link

- Will up convert the signal to be sent and down converts the receive signal and converts it to a
lower frequency

Waveguide-Antenna assembly

- Passive part of a microwave link

- From the transmitter, this will propagate the RF signal down a waveguide into an antenna and
focuses it into a beam which is then caught by the other antenna and focused back into a
waveguide down the receiver

SIGNAL INTERFACE AND PROCESSING

MULDEM – Multiplexer- Demultiplexer

- For the input stage, it combines all digital signals into a complete data stream
- For the output stage, it separates the data stream sent by the other and send them to their
respective destination

FEC – Forward Error Correction

- For the input stage, adds error correction information to the overhead of the data stream
- For the output stage, determines if any errors have occurred and automatically correct them

Modulator/Demodulator

- For the input stage, the modulator converts the digital bit stream into analog signal
 - For the output stage, the demodulator reconverts the IF back into the composite data stream

Diplexer- acts as a filter to prevent the Tx IF from being sent to the local receiver

Signal Interfacing Module – usually not dependent on the carrier frequency

- has 2 main parameters : the amount of traffic which it carries and the type of modulation for the
IF

Classification of the indicator lights according to function:

Signal Monitoring – LEDs which indicate the presence and quality of the traffic carrier

System Monitoring – LEDs which indicates if any component within a system should fail or operate
outside expected range

Internal Testing – LEDs and Switches which initiate and terminate a self-test on components in the link

System Configuration – LEDS and Switches which set the link configuration and individuality

Connectors found in a microwave link:

Traffic/Tributary – input and output of the traffic into the link

RF Module – connection between the signal processor and the RF module

SCADA channel – optional connection to relays on the other terminal which can be controlled from the
local terminal

NMS Channel – Network Monitoring Channel, used to allow a single computer to monitor several links in
a network

Configuration Connection – used when a computer is needed to set the link configuration or parameters

EOW Channel – Engineering Order Wire – a selective dialing voice network within terminals in single or
multiple links

Standard Practices in Equipment Mounting:

1.) The highest level of the rack is a fuse panel which protects all DC supply wirings within the rack.
2.) Grounding point (bus bar) on the top and bottom of the cabinet
 3.) Spacing between equipment should be at least 1 rack unit (about 2 inches) which will allow air
to flow and prevent the equipment from overheating each other
4.) Cables neatly braided or tie

Signal Conversion

Transmit – The digital baseband signal is first modulated into IF signal based on a modulation scheme.
This IF signal is then up converted into the carrier frequency before being fed to the waveguide
assembly

Receive – The received signal from the other end is down converted into a specific receive IF. Then the IF
is demodulated in order to extract the baseband signal

CABLE CONNECTIONS
RF Processing

The RF Processor Block contains all the components in a microwave link. Most RF processor block is
enclosed in a weather resistant enclosure while some are directly mounted on the feed of the antenna.
Most common problem for the RF processor block is water ingress which happens when rain water
seeps into the RF processor and short out the circuits.

Each element inside the block represents a specific circuit board which can be replaced if faulty. Cable
connections in the block can be classified according to the frequency they carry. Test points within the
block allows receive signal strength, as well as receive, transmit and local oscillator frequencies to be
measured.

To ensure that a link does not fail, protection methods can be employed to guarantee link integrity.
MHSB (Monitored Hot Stand-By or 1+1) is usually used and has a duplicate system which operates
alongside a primary link.

Other protection configurations are available under conditions when the path is unstable which are
called Diversity. It is usuall employed when probability of fading is high.

ANTENNA ARCHITECTURE

Waveguide feed – connects the antenna to the waveguide

Horn feed – directs the electromagnetic wave into the focus of the parabolic reflector

Parabolic reflector – send any incident wave into parallel waves forward of the antenna

Radome- front covering of the antenna which protects the inside surface of a parabolic dish
Shroud – side covering of the antenna which allows antenna with long horn feed to be protected and
reduces interference to and from other antennas mounted close by

Mounting assembly – clamps the antenna to the tower which allows the antenna to be swung from left
to right

Vertical tilt screw – allows the antenna to be pointed upward or downward depending on the
orientation