Chen Hu
2007-11-07
Revision History
Date 2007-11-11 V1.0 Version Description Draft completed. Chen Hu Author
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................6 1.1 Overview of XPIC ..................................................................................................................6 1.2 Key Technical Terms .............................................................................................................6 1.2.1 Co-Frequency Dual-Polarization (Cross Polarization) ................................................6 1.2.2 Dual-Polarized Antenna ..............................................................................................6 1.2.3 Port Isolation ...............................................................................................................7 1.2.4 Static Cross-Polarization Discrimination (XPD) ..........................................................7 1.2.5 Using Two Uni-Polarizd Antennas to Implement the Functions of a Dual-Polarized Antenna ................................................................................................................................7 Chapter 2 Implementation Principles of XPIC ................................................................................9 2.1 Problems During Cross-Polarization Applications .................................................................9 2.2 Implementation Principle of XPIC ..........................................................................................9 2.3 Improvement by XPIC ......................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 3 Deployment Guide of Equipment Configured with XPIC Feature ............................ 13 3.1 Antenna Installation ............................................................................................................ 13 3.2 Equipment Installation ........................................................................................................ 14 3.3 Antenna Adjustment ........................................................................................................... 14 3.4 Service Configuration ......................................................................................................... 15 3.5 Precautions for the Configuration ....................................................................................... 15 Chapter 4 Common XPIC Faults and Troubleshooting Methods .............................................. 16 4.1 General Description ............................................................................................................ 16 4.2 Handling the Fault That XPD Cannot Meet the Specification ............................................. 16 4.3 Handling the XPIC LOS Alarm............................................................................................ 18 4.4 Handling the Fault That Bit Errors on One Polarization or on the Two Polarizations ......... 18 4.5 Precautions for Maintenance When XPIC Is Used ............................................................. 19 Chapter 5 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 20
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List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Principle block diagram of XPIC ............................................................................ 10 Figure 2-2 Comparison between the effects before and after the XPIC function is used ....... 12
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polarization discrimination multipath fading dual-polarized antenna Abstract: The cross-polarization interference counteracted (XPIC) is used to effectively improve the transmission capacity and the utilization of the frequency spectrums. It is widely used in the trunk microwave. As the split-mount microwave develops and the frequency resources become insufficient in recent years, some microwave manufacturers start to apply the XPIC technology in the split-mount microwave. This document describes the XPIC in terms of the principles, applications, precautions to be taken during the installation, and common troubleshooting methods. Acronyms and abbreviations: XPIC: Cross-Polarization Interference Counteracted References: None.
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Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Overview of XPIC
In normal cases, the following two methods can be used to improve the utilization of the frequency spectrums:
Adopt a high modulation factor to improve the efficiency of the intermediate frequency (IF) modulation and to reduce the required radio frequency (RF) modulation bandwidth.
Adoption of a high modulation factor requires complex components and good transmission conditions. Thus, it is difficult to implement a high modulation factor. Currently, a highest modulation factor can reach 512QAM. The XPIC technology can be used in flexible ways, and the cost of the components required for implementing the XPIC is low. Therefore, the XPIC becomes the major method of improving the frequency spectrum utilization in a large-capacity transmission system.
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Only one RF interface exists at the rear end of a uni-polarized antenna, of which the polarization orientation can be adjusted. Two RF interfaces, however, exist at the rear end of a dual-polarized antenna. By default, the polarization orientation of the left interface is vertical, and the polarization orientation of the right interface is horizontal. In the case of the two RF interfaces, the polarization rotation is implemented inner the dual-polarized feeder. The two RF interfaces face the same direction, which facilitates the installation of feed lines.
1.2.5 Using Two Uni-Polarizd Antennas to Implement the Functions of a Dual-Polarized Antenna
In the theory, dual-polarized signals should be completely orthogonal, and have no component and interference. In this case, you can use two uni-polarized antennas to replace a dual-polarized antenna.
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In actual applications, however, two uni-polarized antennas cannot be used to replace a dual-polarized antenna. The causes are as follows:
Installation of two antennas leads to higher costs and heavier workload than installation of one antenna. The isolation of two uni-polarized antennas is weaker than the isolation of a dual-polarized antenna in terms of the electric performance, since the feeder of the dual-polarized antenna is decoupled.
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Impacts of fallouts such as rain, fog, and ice crystal Multipath propagation effects
In the case of pure air, the multipath fading is the main cause for the deterioration of the XPD. In most cases, the most severe deterioration of the XPD is associated with the multipath fading of the uni-polarized signal. Statistic results show that the XPD value changes slightly if the signal fading is less than 10 dB. When the signal fading is more than 10 dB, the XPD deteriorates violently as the strength of the signal is decreased and even the circuit may be interrupted. Therefore, if the cross polarization is not implemented based on the XPIC technology, the fading margin of the system is decreased and the system availability is reduced. To solve the problem that the system availability is reduced when the XPD deteriorates during the transmission, use a dual-polarized antenna and ensure that the equipment can implement the XPIC function. The XPIC function can be used to improve the resistance of the entire transmission system to the XPD deterioration.
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same size as the interference signal and a phase opposite to the interference signal to each other, depending on the receive level and a series of decision mechanisms. In this way, a pure signal with the local polarization is synthesized at the receiving end. The XPD of the entire transmission system changes all the time, and thus the XPIC must be adaptive. Figure 2-1 shows the implementation principles of XPIC.
Received signal Vertical MO MOD D L LO O
Cross-polarization inteference
DE DEC C
A/D
CONTRL LOGIC LOGIC
L LO O
A/D
Cross-polarization inteference
Canceling signal
DE DEC C
Figure 2-1 Principle block diagram of XPIC A/D: Analog/Digital Converter CRC: Carrier Recovery Circuit DEC: Decision Circuit LO: Local Oscillator MOD: Modulator TRANSV FILTER: Transversal Filter The signal flow of the vertically polarized signal and the processing methods are described as follows. The signal is radiated to the antenna, and then the antenna at the opposite station extracts the RF signal. During the transmission process, the horizontally polarized signal interferes with the vertically polarized signal that is then received on the vertical polarization at the opposite station.
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At this time, the receiver on the vertical polarization sends a signal sample with the same received power, phase, and size as the vertically polarized signal to the receiver on the horizontal polarization. It also receives the corresponding signal sample from the receiver on the horizontal polarization. The signal sample is sent to the logic control circuit after the analog/digital conversion. The logic control circuit compares the received digital signal with the output signal, and then outputs the reference information to the TRANSV FILTER (transversal filter). The transversal filter outputs a signal that has the same size as the interfering signal and has the phase opposite to the interfering signal, according to the reference information from the logic control circuit and the signal sample from the other polarization. The interference counteracting signal and the signal with the normal received signal level are overlaid in the decision circuit. Then a pure vertically polarized signal is output. Note: The implementation of XPIC varies depending on the manufacturer. This section provides only a typical example.
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50
128QAM C/N vs. XPD BER = 1 x 10-3 (in the case of flat fading)
- 3
30
20 0 10 20 XPD (dB) 30 40
Figure 2-2 Comparison between the effects before and after the XPIC function is used As shown in Figure 2-2, when the signal-to-noise ratio is 30 dB and the bit error rate is 10 , the equipment that is not configured with the XPIC function requires a 26 dB XPD of the system, while the equipment that is configured with the XPIC function requires only a 6 dB XPD of the system. That is, the XPD of the system is improved by 20 dB in the case of the equipment that is configured with the XPIC function.
3
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There is sufficient space for installing the two polarized antennas. There is space for using installation tools. Waterproof measures and grounding can be conducted normally.
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opposite station is slightly adjusted in the same way as at the local station until the minimum received signal level is obtained. Then, the polarization decoupling work is complete. To check whether the adjustment is correct, replace a polarization at the local station and at the opposite station, check the received signal level, and check the decoupling effects. Note that the feeder cannot be rotated to a larger angle, and can be adjusted only between 5 and +5. The received signal levels of the two polarizations may be different if the insertion losses of received and transmitted signals of the two feeders are different or if the impacts of the space on the two polarizations are different. In most cases, the difference is within 12 dB, which is normal and thus can be neglected.
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4.2 Handling the Fault That XPD Cannot Meet the Specification
The XPD value of the system can be affected by many factors, including the antenna static XPD, port discrimination, flatness of the antenna static XPD within the operating frequency band (consistency of the static XPD values within the entire operating range), and the consistency of the antennas. In addition, the weather and transmission terrain affect the XPD value of the system. This section describes the troubleshooting thoughts when the XPD value does not meet the specification on site. Check whether the antennas are properly assembled and mounted, whether the engineering is implemented in strict compliance with the engineering drawing, and whether an overall check is performed after the installation is complete. Make sure that each installation procedure is correct. As mentioned in the preceding chapters, the techniques required for mounting a dual-polarized antenna are complex than the techniques required for mounting a uni-polarized antenna. Make sure that each connector is firmly connected. If any component is not installed in compliance with the installation regulations, re-install the component to ensure the long-term running quality of the circuit. If the antennas are properly assembled and mounted, check whether the received signal level meets the design requirements. First, check whether the relevant settings are correct, and whether the parameters are set according to the design file (including whether the ATPC function is disabled). Then, check whether the antennas are properly aligned, and whether the received signal level is adjusted to the design value. The XPD of the system is associated with the received signal level. When the received signal level does not reach the
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design value, the XPD of the system is affected. When the received signal level decreases to a certain level, the XPD starts to violently deteriorate. Hence, you need to check whether the received signal level is adjusted to the design value. Check whether the polarization of the feeder is properly decoupled. When the received signal level is adjusted to the design value, the polarization decoupling adjustment needs to be performed for the feeder. During the engineering, the XPD of the system may be affected by the following factors:
Changes in the circuit route and the transmission terrain Adjustment of the angle of the antenna Adjustment of the position for installing the pole
After the antenna adjustment is complete, perform the polarization decoupling adjustment, which is equal to adjusting all the preceding factors to maximize the XPD under the current transmission conditions. Check whether the fault exists in the software or hardware of the equipment. During the standard commissioning, the adjustment of the received signal level and the polarization decoupling of the feeder should not involve the equipment. At the opposite station, the signal source (beacon) generates a single carrier. At the local station, a spectrum analyzer or another receiver meter is used to adjust the orientation of the antennas and to decouple the polarization of the feeder. Then, you can connect the equipment. In this way, the standard installation of the antennas is ensured. In actual engineering implementation, the adjustment effects are checked only according to the equipment instructions (for example, AGC voltage, and the received signal level value that is read on the NMS), since the technologies and costs required for the standard installation cannot be met. Thus, if the equipment instructions are incorrect or the hardware of the equipment is faulty, the judgment of the adjustment effects may be affected. If none of the faults described in steps 13 exists, replace the relevant components to troubleshoot the fault. Check whether the design is correct, and whether the antenna specifications meet the relevant requirements. If the design does not meet the requirements after all the preceding efforts are made, check whether the circuit design is correct. The transmission terrain may change, for example, the lake surface freezes or new high buildings exist on the circuit route. In this case, request the network planning personnel to reproduce and calculate the circuit design. If required, conduct onsite inspection along the transmission route to check whether any case that affects the system specifications occurs. The antenna specifications may not meet the requirements. Since large workload is required to troubleshoot this fault and this fault occurs in rare cases, check whether this fault occurs only after all the preceding faults do not exist. In addition, the latitude and longitude on the radome are related to the polarization decoupling.
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If required, you can adjust the latitude and longitude on the radome to be in the same direction as the polarization of the feeder. This can improve the XPD effects.
4.4 Handling the Fault That Bit Errors on One Polarization or on the Two Polarizations
Troubleshooting of bit errors, especially sporadic bit errors, in the microwave transmission system is complex. This section describes the simple methods of handling the bit errors that occur when XPIC is used. Check whether the test connection cable or baseband signal cable are properly connected, and whether virtual connection exists.
Check whether the XPD value meets the specifications, and whether any change occurs in the XPD value. If the XPD does not reach the design
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value, refer to " Handling the Fault That XPD Cannot Meet the Specification ", and troubleshoot the fault.
View the bit errors on the NMS. Compare the bit errors before the error correction with the bit errors after the error correction to check whether a large number of bit errors occur before the error correction. If yes, it indicates that the fault exists in the transmitter at the opposite station or in the space. If you can view the bit errors and the signal levels, especially the received signal level, on the NMS, you can determine whether the bit errors result from fading or other factors. If the bit errors last for a long time, check whether polarization interference exists, that is, whether the two polarizations interfere with each other. If the conditions permit, close a polarization, and then test bit errors. When deep fading occurs on one polarization, check whether the polarization selective fading is exit if the equipment hardware is not faulty. If deep fading occurs on the two polarizations at the same time, it indicates that flat fading may occur. In this case, request the network planning personnel to review the network design and re-plan the network. The fault may also occur due to external factors. The external factors may affect one polarization or both the polarizations. The troubleshooting methods are the same in the two cases. You can locate and then troubleshoot the fault as follows:
Close the polarizations at the opposite station, and then observe bit errors. Observe the results on the spectrum analyzer. Change the frequency and switch the Tx high/low station.
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Chapter 5 Conclusion
This document describes the XPIC in terms of principles, implementation modes, installation commissioning, and common troubleshooting methods. In addition to the performance of the equipment, the XPIC effects depend on whether the equipment is correctly installed and whether the circuit design is proper. If yes, critical faults do not occur when XPIC is used. This document is also intended to familiarize readers with the XPIC basics and to provide instructions to the engineering implementation and maintenance.
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