M900/M1800 Base Station Controller

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Base
Chapter 2 Hardware Description
Station
Controller
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2.1 Overall Architecture of BSC
2.1.1 Overview of BSC Architecture
The hardware system of the M900/M1800 base station controller adopts a modular
structure, and can be divided into four modular levels, as shown in Figure 1.1.
The lowest level is composed of various circuit boards. Various circuit boards are
combined together to form frame units. Each frame unit accomplishes the
specific functions.
Frame units with various functions are combined together to form a module, and
respective modules can implement specific functions independently.
Different modules are combined together to form the base station controller.
BSC
BSC
Modules
Functional Frames
Circuit Boards
Figure 1.1 900/M1800 BSC modular architecture
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The modular design makes the installation and expansion of BSC convenient and
flexible
i.e.,
new functions
and
technologies
can
be
introduced
by
just
addition/removal of functional frames.

Application of very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) in circuit designing gives a
compact and highly reliable system with low power consumption.
Hardware design is simplified due to the application of microprocessors and
programmable logic chips. To enhance functions, it is only required to add
corresponding hardware and software.
I. Types of BSC
BSC can be divided into multi-module BSC and single-module BSC. The functional
composition and the modular composition of the BSC are shown respectively in
Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 BSC types
BSC types
Multi-module BSC
Functional description
When BSC has more than 128TRXs, it is called multimodule BSC, and AM/CM is required. The quantity of
BMs depends on a specific capacity. 8 BMs can be
configured at the most.
Modules
AM/CM
BM
BAM
TCSM
CDB
Single-
Without
When BSC has only 128TRXs or less, only one BM
module
SMUX
needs to be configured. The AM/CM is not required.
BSC
Only one basic cabinet and a extension cabinet are

required for BSC without SMUX.
BM
BAM
TCSM
CDB
With
When BSC has only 128TRXs or less, only one BM
SMUX
needs to be configured. The AM/CM is not required.

Only one basic cabinet is required for BSC with SMUX.
BM
BAM
TCSM
CDB
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II. Modules
The module functions and cabinet composition are shown in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 BSC modules
Modules
AM/CM
Function description
Functional frames
Designed only for multi-module BSC, the AM/CM,
Communication control frame
a center for BSC speech channel switching and

information exchange, accomplishes inter-
BM
Transmission interface frame
modular communication between BMs.
Clock frame
BM performs mainly such functions as call
Main control frame
handling, signaling processing, radio resources

management, radio link management and circuit
maintenance.
BIE frame
Clock frame (when there is no
AM/CM in BSC)
TCSM
TCSM implements the transcoding / rate
TCSM frame
adaptation and sub-multiplexing functions.

Cell
Linked with the short message center, the CDB
Broadcast
module is a traffic processing center, supporting
Database
the broadcast short message service.
CDB frame
(CDB)
Back
BAM is a bridge between BSC and OMC. The
Administratio
latter conducts the operation & maintenance of
n Module
BSC via BAM.
BAM frame
(BAM)
III. Functional Frames

The functional frames, their functions and circuit boards are listed in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 BSC functional frames
Functional
Circuit boards
frames
Clock Frame
The clock frame phase-locks upperlevel MSC or BITS clock reference
Clock Board (GCKS)
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Functional
Circuit boards
frames
resources and provides the AM/CM
Power Control Board (PWC)
and BM with stable clock sources.

Main Control
The main control frame carries out
Frame
management and control of the BM,

communication between AM/CM and
signaling processing.
Main Processing Unit (GMPU)

GMPU Switchover Board (GEMA)
Master Node Board (GNOD)
Memory Board (GMEM)
Module Communication 2 Link
(GMC2)
Optic Fiber Interface Board (GOPT)
Alarm Board (GALM)
SS7 Signaling Processing Board
(LPN7)
Link Access Protocol Processing
Board (GLAP)
Switching Network Board (GNET)
Communication
The communication control frame is
Inter-module Communication Board
Control Frame
the control center of AM/CM. The
(GMCCS)
communication control unit mainly

manages and controls the system.
Signaling T-network Board (GSNT)

Central T-network Board (GCTN)
Alarm Board (GALM)
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Functional
Circuit boards
frames
Transmission
The transmission interface frame
Interface Frame
implements
multiplexing/demultiplexing of intermodular speech channels and
Fiber Communication Board (GFBI)

Enhanced E3 Sub-multiplexer (E3M)
signaling links, optic-electric

conversion and E1 interface driving
so that the inter-modular
communication messages can be
transmitted on the optical fiber.
TCSM Frame
The TCSM frame fulfills the functions

of transcoding / rate adaptation and
sub-multiplexing.
Transcoding Board (FTC)

Sub-Multiplexer (MSM)
Power Control Board (PWS)
BIE Frame
Designed for the BM, the BIE frame

presents an Abis interface in
between BSC and BTS.
BS Interface Board (BIE)

Sub-Multiplexer Interface Board (SMI)
CDB Frame
The CDB frame, a traffic processing
The CDB is physically a Windows NT
center, supports the broadcast short
computer, occupying half of the frame.
message service.
Back
The BAM frame is a bridge between
The BAM is placed in the BAM frame
Administrative
BSC and OMC. The latter performs
as standalone equipment.
Module Frame
the operation & maintenance of the
(BAM Frame )
BSC via OMC.
IV. Circuit Boards

The circuit boards used in the BSC are shown in Table 1.1. Logic board is created by
loading some software on the physical board, so varying logic boards may share the
same physical boards.
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Table 1.1 BSC circuit boards
Logic board
Physical board
BIE
BIE
A transmission interface board between BSC and BTS,
Provides E1 interface and multiplexing/demultiplexing
functions.
E3M
E3M
Integrating sub-multiplexer functions, the E3M offers

externally 4 E1 interfaces to connect the PCU and TCSM
frames. It carries out receiving, sending, switching, HDLC
link control and multiplexing/demultiplexing of 5-E1 signals.
GFBI
FBI
GFBI provides optical paths for inter-modular

communications in collaboration with GOPT in the BM.
GALM
GALM
GALM provides a hardware interface for room environment

alarms, collecting temperatures, humidity and fire alarms,
etc.
GCTN
CTN
The GCTN is a speech channel switching center of

AM/CM. In the multi-module BSC, GCTN is mainly
designed for network switching and equipment control.
GCKS
GCKS
The GCKS board, a high-level reference clock source

generation board, is designed mainly to provide the
equipment with a superb clock source.
GSNT
SNT
The GSNT switches the inter-modular signals and the

internal messages of AM/CM, and delivers loading paths
for modules.
GMCCS
GMCC
GMCCS provides a signaling communication link between

BM and AM/CM, transfers control messages from BM to
BM, from BM to GMCCM and from BM to GCTN, and
presents a serial port for maintenance.
GMCCM
GMCC
GMCCM controls the entire AM/CM and provides an

interface with BAM.
GMEM
GMEM
Located in the main control unit of the BM, the GMEM is a

data storage board, which serves mainly for network
communications.
GNET
GNET
The GNET implements the function of intra-module speech
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Logic board
Physical board
channel switching.
GMPU
GMPU
GMPU, a central processing unit in the module, conducts

active/standby switchover via GEMA and operates in hot
backup mode.
GNOD
GNOD
The GNOD is responsible for the communication of GMPU

with other frames.
GEMA
GEMA
The GEMA is an Emergency Message Automatic

Transmission System. It communicates with two GMPUs
and controls their switchover.
LPN7
LAP
LPN7 handles SS7 signaling on the A-interface.
GLAP
GLAP
The GLAP is a LAPD protocol processing board. The LAPD

signaling at the Abis interface and Pb interface is
processed by the GLAP.
GMC2
GMC2
The GMC2 is an inter-module communication processing

board of BM.
GOPT
GOPT
GOPT is the physical bearer for the communication

between BM and AM/CM.
DRC
DRC
The DRC presents E1 interfaces in collaboration with E3M,

and coupling and over-voltage protection modules, etc. The
DRC is plugged on the backplane.
FBC
FBC
FBC collaborates with GFBI to accomplish electric-optic

conversion and optic-electric conversion of 40.96Mbit/s
signals.
FTC
FTC
The FTC is mainly designed for coding/decoding of speech

signals, data format conversion and rate adaptation as well
as transparent transmission of SS7 signaling.
MSM (TCSM
MSM
frame)
SMI (BIE
frame)
The MSM performs the multiplexing/demultiplexing function

in multi-module BSC.
SMI
The SMI performs the multiplexing/demultiplexing function

in single-module BSCs.
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Logic board
Physical board
PWC
PWC
A power board, whose power is 100W, supplies power to
each board in the frame.
PWS
PWS
A power board, whose power is 300W, supplies power to

each board in the TCSM frame and bears an emergency
serial port.
2.1.2 Functional Blocks of BSC

According to the functions, the BSC can be divided into control system, switching
network, TCSM unit, Base Station Interface Equipment (BIE), clock synchronization
system, alarm system, Back Administration Module (BAM) and Cell Broadcast
Database (CDB).
A functional structure of the BSC system is shown in Figure 1.1.
BTS
BIE
E1 interface
TCSM
MSC
Switching
network
Clock
synchronization
system
CDB
Control system
Alarm
system
BAM
OMC
Figure 1.1 Functional structure of BSC system
I. Control System
The M900/M1800 BSC works on distributed processing and centralized control
principles.
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A single-module BSC has only one BM and no AM/CM, GOPT or inter-module
communications function. In terms of structure and control system, the single-module
BSC is a subset of a multi-module BSC so we will focus on the multi-module BSC,
which is illustrated in Figure 1.1.
AM/CM
GMCCM
GMCCM
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
16 digit parallel bus
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
SNT
GSNT
GSNT
GFBI
GFBI
GFBI
GFBI
Optical fiber
BM1
LAP/
LPN7/
LAPD
GLAP
BM8
GOPT
GOPT
GNET
GNET
GOPT
GOPT
LAP/
LPN7/
LAPD
GLAP
GMC2
GMC2
GMPU
GMPU
GNET
GNET
GMC2
GMC2
GMPU
GMPU
GNOD
GNOD
GNOD
GNOD
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of control system

1)
System structure
The control system is mainly composed of processor circuit, inter-module

communication circuit, intra-module communication circuit, signaling switching circuit
and signaling processing circuit, etc.
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Main processing boards refer to the GMCCM of AM/CM and GMPU of BM.
Inter-module communication circuit includes the GMCCS in AM/CM and the GMC2 in
BM.
Intra-module communication circuit: The communication within the AM/CM module is
accomplished by GMCCS, and GNOD mainly accomplishes the communication within
BM module.
Signaling switching circuit is mainly responsible for signaling switching control, here
signaling refers to various control and state information. In the AM/CM module, GSNT
accomplishes the signaling switching function, and in the BM module, GNET
accomplishes that function.
Signaling processing circuit mainly refers to LPN7 (LAP) and GLAP.
2)
Communication routes
The data channels for the communication between modules of the multi-module BSC
are composed of the GMCCM and GMCCS in the AM/CM, and GMPU & GMC2 in the
BM, as shown in Figure 2.1.
The communication messages among modules mainly include management data, call
handling messages, maintenance & testing messages, loaded programs & data,
traffic statistics, etc.
AM/CM
GMCCM
Data Bus
GMCC S
GMC2
GMC2
GMPU
BM1 Module
GMCC S
GMCC S
GMC2
GMC2
GMCC S
GMC2
GMC2
GMPU
GMPU
BM2 Module
BM8 Module
Figure 2.1 Communication between modules
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As illustrated in Figure 2.1, the GMC2 of a BM is responsible for the two-channel
HDLC inter-module communication, and the GMCCS of AM/CM is responsible for
multi-channel HDLC inter-module communication.
All possible inter-module communication routes are shown in Figure 2.2.
AM/CM
AM/CM
GMCCM
GMCCM
Data bus
Data bus
GMCCS
GMCCS
HDLC
HDLC
BMa
HDLC
HDLC
BMa
BMb
GMC2
Dual port
Dual port
GMPU
GMPU
BMc
GMC2
GMC2
GMC2
Dual port
GMCCS
GMPU
(a) Communication between two BMs that have

direct links with the same GMCCS
Dual port
GMPU
(b) Communication between two BMs that do not have

direct links with the same GMCCS
BMa
AM/CM
optical fiber
GMPU
GMC2
GOPT
GFBI
GMCCS
GMCCM
(c) Communication between BM and AM/CM
Figure 2.2 Inter-module communication routes

Communication between GMPU and GMC2 in the BM and that between GMCCM and
GMCCS in the AM/CM module are conducted through dual-port buffer (mail box),
while the communication between GMC2 and GMCCS is through the HDLC link.
GMC2 and GMCCS communicate through optical fiber. GOPT and GFBI are their
respective optical fiber interfaces.
Each BM houses two GMC2 boards which communicate with two GMCCS boards
respectively, thus improving reliability. The two GMCCS boards communicate with
corresponding GMC2 boards of BM in load sharing mode. On the failure of one link,
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the second link will take over the full load automatically, which ensures the system
reliability.
The physical layer of inter-module communication is achieved by optical fibers and
HSCX (High level Serial Communication Controller with extended feature and
functionality). The data link layer is fully compliant with X.25 LAPD protocol.
The transfer layer is realized by GMCCS, and the transmission layer and application
layer are accomplished by GMCCM and GMPU software.
II. Switching Network

The GCTN of AM/CM and the GNET of BM provide a large-capacity T-T-T switching
network, and jointly accomplish the switching of speech information, as shown in
Figure 1.1.
A GCTN provides 16k16k T switching network and a GNET of BM is a single 4k4k T
switching network.
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TCSM
PCU
E1
AM/CM
E1
BSC
E3M
GCTN
GFBI
GFBI
Optical fiber
BM8
BM1
GOPT
GOPT
NET
NET
GNET
GNET
BIE
BTS
BIE
BIE
BTS
BTS
BIE
BTS
Figure 1.1 Switching network structure of multi-module BSC

The switching network of the single-module BSC is much simpler, as shown in Figure
1.2 (including TCSM). It only has 4k4k T switching network boards (GNET) in BM,
which independently implements the switching of speech information, etc.
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PCU
TCSM
SMI
BSC
GNET
BIE
BTS
BIE
BM
BTS
Figure 1.2 Switching network structure of the single-module BSC
III. TCSM Unit

Generally, TRAU and SMUX are integrated in one unit called TCSM, its position is
shown in Figure 1.1. For single-module BSC where sub-multiplexing is not needed,
TCSM is often used although it has no SMUX.
The TCSM unit accomplishes the function of transcoding/rate adaptation and submultiplexing.
In PSTN, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) is used for normal speech, with a rate of
64kbit/s. In GSM system, RPE-LTP or CELP coding with much lower rate (16kbit/s) is
used due to the limitation of radio resources. If a subscriber of fixed network wants to
access a GSM subscriber, then there is a need of code conversion and this
conversion is done by TRAU.
Since the rate of each channel in existing terrestrial lines is 64kbit/s, it is a waste if
one channel is used to carry one 16kbit/s GSM channel. To save terrestrial line
resources, sub-multiplexer (SMUX) is used between MSC and BSC to multiplex
416kbit/s channels to transmit four speech channels through one terrestrial line
channel.
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BSC
E3M
E1
TCSM
E1 X 4
GDTM
MSC
Figure 1.1 Position of TCSM in the system

When the multiplexing mode is adopted between BSC and MSC, the TCSM unit is put
on the MSC side physically to save the transmission lines between BSC and MSC by
multiplexing the lines between E3M (or SMI) and TCSM.
When the multiplexing mode is not introduced between BSC and MSC (in the case of
single-module BSC), the TCSM unit is put on the BSC side.
BSC delivers a standard A-interface to MSC via the TCSM unit. The A-interface, a
standard E1 interface physically, can interconnect with MSCs of other manufacturers.
IV. Base Station Interface Equipment (BIE)

The interface between BTS and BSC is called BIE. It provides a standard E1
interface, and mainly accomplishes functions like BTS access, channel multiplexing
on Abis interface, etc. Each E1 interface can supports up to 15 TRXs (15:1).
The position of the base station interface equipment in system is shown in Figure 1.1.
BTS
BIE/TMU
E1
BIE
E1
PCU
BSC
L2PU
L2PU: Layer2 Processing Unit
Figure 1.1 Position of BIE in system
V. Back Administration Module (BAM)

BAM serves as a communication bridge between BSC and OMC. Via BAM, OMC can
perform operation and maintenance over BSC.
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BAM communicates with the control system through HDLC link, and forms Local Area
Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) together with the OMC system. When
BSC and OMC are in the same premises, BAM and OMC can be connected through
LAN, and in case of long distance, these can be connected through WAN with the
help of network adapter, router and transmission equipment.
The position of BAM in the system is shown in Figure 1.1.
Operation & Maintenance Interface
BSC
Telnet Terminal
Backbone
Network
BAM
Router
Router
Router
BSS
OMC
Figure 1.1 Position of the BAM in the system (WAN configuration)
VI. Clock Synchronization System

The BSC clock synchronization system phase-locks the upper-level MSC or BITS
clock as reference source, and provides a stable clock source for the AM/CM and BM.
1)
System features
The BSC clock synchronization system has the following features:
The clock can be synchronized by Phase-lock Loop (PLL) and by software, so

that the clock of the system can follow the MSC or BITS clock reliably.
BSC clock uses international stratum 3 clock which provides a reliable clock
source for the system.
Clock system is equipped with perfect display, alarm, maintenance and operation
system, and internal parameters of the clock can be set through OMC directly.
2)
System structure
Both small and multi-module BSCs extract, "purify", and synthesize the clock
synchronization signals from the MSC/BITS reference sources. But they have quite
different clock synchronization system structures, as shown in Figure 2.1 and Figure
2.2.
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MSC reference source
BITS reference source
Clock frame
GSNT
GMCC
GALM
GCTN
GFBI
AM/CM
GOPT
GMPU
GMPU
GNET
GMC2
BIE
BIE
BM
Figure 2.1 Clock synchronization system structure of the multi-module BSC

In a multi-module BSC, the synthesized clock synchronization signals are sent to
GCTN and GSNT, and then to other units/parts of the AM/CM. The BM's GOPT
extracts clock signals
from
optical
signals and
generates required
clock
synchronization signals. These signals are sent to GNET, which will forward the
signals to other parts of the BM.
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MSC Reference Source
Clock
Frame
BITS Reference Source
GNET
GMPU
BIE
BIE
Figure 2.2 Clock synchronization system structure of single-module BSC

In a single-module BSC, the synthesized clock synchronization signals are directly
sent to GNET, which then sends these signals to other parts of the BM.
3)
System control
The clock synchronization system is configured in the clock frame that contains two
GCKS boards in hot backup mode.
In multi-module BSC, the OMC communicates with GMCC through BAM, and the
GMCCM implements the maintenance and operation over 2 GCKS boards via two
serial ports. In this way, the OMC can operate and maintain the clock synchronization
system.
In single-module BSC, the OMC communicates with GMPU through BAM, the GMPU
communicates with GALM through HDLC link, and GALM communicates with GCKS
through serial port. In this way, the OMC can implement the operation and
maintenance of the clock synchronization system.
The clock control methods for the clock synchronization systems in multi-module and
single-module BSCs are shown in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2 respectively.
GMCCM
GMCCM
Serial port
GCKS
OMC
BAM
Serial port
GCKS
Figure 3.1 Clock synchronization control of multi-module BSC
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GMPU
BAM
GMPU
OMC
HDLC
GALM
Serial port
Serial port
GCKS
GCKS
Figure 3.2 Clock synchronization control of single-module BSC
VII. Alarm System

The M900/M1800 BSC alarm system collects various alarm messages and forwards
them to the GMPU for classification and processing, then these alarms are sent to the
alarm box and OMC alarm console respectively.
The whole alarm system is composed of the alarm box, OMC alarm console, alarm
communication board, etc.
There are two alarm boxes connected to the BSC, one is for the BSC and the other is
centralized alarm box for the BTS, responsible for the centralized audible and visible
alarms of all BTSs managed by that BSC.
The structures of the multi-module and single-module BSC alarm systems are shown
in Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2 respectively.
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BSC Alarm Box
GALM
Secondary Power Alarm
Collection of Secondary Power Alarms
BAM
AM/CM
GMCCM
GMCCS
OMC Alarm Console
BTS Centralized Alarm Box
GMC2
BM
GMPU
GALM
Collection of Equipment Room Environment

Alarm Switching Values
Equipment Room Environment Alarm

Secondary Power Alarm
Collection of Secondary Power Alarms
Figure 1.1 Alarm system structure of multi-module BSC
BAM
OMC alarm console

BSC alarm box
BTS central alarm box
GMPU
GALM
Environment alarm switch value collection

Secondary power alarm collection
Row/column alarm indicator
Figure 1.2 Alarm system structure of single-module BSC
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In a multi-module BSC, the BM's GMPU and AM/CM's GMCCM collect alarm
information of the system software/hardware, which is sent to the OMC alarm console
and alarm box.
In a single-module BSC, the BM's GMPU collects alarm information of the system
software/hardware, which is sent to the OMC alarm console and alarm box.
GALM provides the hardware interfaces for equipment room environmental alarms. It
collects alarms including temperature, humidity, fire, and secondary power supply
alarms. These alarm messages are also sent to the OMC alarm console and alarm
box.
VIII. CDB
Cell Broadcast Database (CDB) is a traffic processing center, responsible for
providing the interface between the Short Message Center (SMC) and BSC, and
supporting short message broadcast service. Its server communicates with the
GMEM boards of the modules through the Ethernet interface.
In M900/M1800 BSC, CDB is a centralized database. Each BM communicates with
CDB via Ethernet interface provided by a GMEM board, as shown in Figure 1.1.
AM/CM
BM1
BM2
GMPU
GMPU
BMn
GMPU
..
GMEM
GMEM
1 n 8
GMEM
Ethernet
CDB
Server
Figure 1.1 CDB networking structure
2.2 Types of BSC

As BSC is the central part of BSS, it acts as a concentrator for the links between the
Abis- and A- interfaces.
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2.2.1 Single-module BSC
One of the most powerful features of M900/M1800 BSC is its modular approach. If
only 128 TRXs or 64 BTSs are required, then there is no need to install Administration
Module / Communication Module (AM/CM) along with related equipment. Single
Basic Module (BM) is enough, as illustrated in Figure 1.1.
PCU
MSC
BSC
TCSM
E1
OMC
BAM
HDLC
E1
HDLC
BSC alarm box
BM
HDLC
BM
LAN
CDB
E1
BTS1
E1
BTS2
SMC
E1
1 y64
BTSy
Figure 1.1 Hardware structure of single-module BSC

A single-module BSC has only one BM and no AM/CM, GOPT or inter-module
communications function. In terms of structure and control system, the single-module
BSC is a subset of a multi-module BSC, which is our next topic for discussion.
A standard 2100800550 mm cabinet can hold six frames and is used to install BM
and other related equipment. A BM cabinet has six frames, numbered 0-5 from
bottom to top, including main control frame (frames 1 & 2), clock frame (frame 3) and
BIE. BAM is installed in the frame 0 of the main BM cabinet.
If there is no SMUX configured in the single-module BSC then two cabinets, basic
and extension cabinets are needed. And if it contains SMUX, only one basic cabinet
is required. If CDB is configured, it can be put in the extension cabinet.
I. Single-module BSC without SMUX

When there is no multiplexing equipment between MSC and BSC, the basic cabinet
holds one clock frame, one TCSM frame and one BIE frame in addition to the main
control frame. If one TCSM frame is insufficient, it is necessary to install an extension
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cabinet where the additional TCSM frame is placed. If BSC is to implement the cell
broadcast function, a CDB frame shall also be added to the extension cabinet. For the
configuration, refer to Figure 1.1.
Only FTC board but not MSM board is plugged in the TCSM frame.
UPS
FAN
UPS
FAN
TCSM Frame
Empty Frame
BIE Frame
Empty Frame
Clock Frame
Empty Frame
Frame 5
Frame4
Frame3
Empty Frame
Frame2
Main Control Frame

Active CDB Standby CDB
BAM Frame
Basic Cabinet
TCSM Frame
Frame1
Frame0
Extension Cabinet
Figure 1.1 Configuration of single-module BSC cabinet (without SMUX)
II. Single-module BSC with SMUX

When there is multiplexing equipment between MSC and BSC, the basic cabinet
takes one clock frame and two BIE frames in addition to the main control frame. If
BSC is to implement the cell broadcast function, it is necessary to add an extension
cabinet where the CDB server is placed, as shown in Figure 1.1.
The SMI is plugged in the BIE frame, connecting to the MSM in the TCSM frame. The
two BIE frames serve to accommodate respectively the BS interface equipment and
SMUX. The TCSM unit is configured on the MSC side, occupying a whole cabinet.
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UPS
UPS
FAN
FAN
Frame 5
BIE Frame
(SMI)
Empty Frame
BIE Frame
(BIE)
Empty Frame
Frame4
Clock Frame
Empty Frame
Frame3
Empty Frame
Frame2
Main Control Frame

Empty Frame
BAM Frame
Basic Cabinet
Active
CDB
Frame1
Standby
CDB
Frame0
Extension Cabinet
Figure 1.1 Configuration of single-module BSC cabinet (with SMUX)
2.2.2 Multi-module BSC

For multi-module BSC which supports more than 128 TRXs, AM/CM module is
required. The hardware structure of multi-module BSC is shown in Figure 1.1.
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PCU
BSC
E1
MSC
OMC
TCSM
BAM
E1
HDLC
HDLC
AM/CM
BSC alarm box

Opt. fiber
BM1
HDLC
BMx
LAN
CDB
E1
BTS1
E1
BTSy
SMC
E1
BTS1
E1
BTSy
1x 8
1y 64
Figure 1.1 Hardware structure of multi-module BSC

In multi-module BSC, 8 BMs can be configured at the most. Each BM can support 64
BTSs or 128 TRXs, i.e. M900/M1800 multi-module BSC can support up to 512 BTSs
or 1024 TRXs at the most, which is the ultimate solution for large cellular networks.
A multi-module BSC has multiple BMs and one AM/CM. Eight BMs can be installed in
four BM cabinets, and AM/CM is configured in AM/CM cabinet. Each cabinet has six
frames, numbered 0-5 from bottom to top. AM/CM cabinet contains clock frame
(frame 5), communication control frame (frame 4), transmission interface frame
(frames 3&2), CDB (frame 1) and BAM in frame 0. Since clock frame, BAM and CDB
are installed in AM/CM cabinet, the only equipment to be installed in BM cabinet is
main control frame and BIE.
For alarm prompts, external alarm boxes, including BSC alarm box and BTS
centralized alarm box, shall be installed.
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UPS
FAN
UPS
FAN
UPS
FAN
UPS
FAN
BIE Frame
BIE Frame
FAN
TCSM Frame
Frame4
Communication
Control Frame
TCSM Frame
Main Control Frame
Main Control Frame

Transmission Interface
Frame
BIE Frame
BIE Frame
Standby
CDB
Active
CDB
UPS
Frame 5
Clock Frame
TCSM Frame
Frame3
TCSM Frame
Frame2
TCSM Frame
Main Control Frame
Main Control Frame
BAM
AM/CM Cabinet
Frame1
TCSM Frame
BM Cabinet
BM Cabinet
Frame0
TCSM Cabinet
Figure 1.2 Configuration of multi-module BSC cabinet
2.3 Modules of BSC

2.3.1 AM/CM
AM/CM module is the center of speech channel switching and message switching of
multi-module BSC.
AM/CM module is mainly composed of communication control unit, central switching
network, transmission interface unit, clock synchronization system and alarm system.
The structural diagram is shown in Figure 1.1.
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16- bit Parallel Bus
G
M
C
C
0
32M
GCKS
8K
G
M
C
C
G
M
C
C
2
G
M
C
C
G
M
C
C
10
G
M
C
C
11
32M
4M
FS
HDLC
16 K 16 K
G
C
T
N
0
G
C
T
N
1
2kx2k
HDLC
G
S
N
T
0
HDLC
G
S
N
T
1
BAM
RS422 Serial Port
HDLC
GALM
To BMn
BSC
Alarm
Box
Thick line: Speech channel HW, 32.768M

Thin line: signaling HW, 2.048M
GFBI0
GFBI 1
GFBI
BM#1
k-1
GFBI
GFBI
n-1
GFBI
BM#N
BM#K
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of AM/CM system
I. System composition
AM/CM module is mainly composed of communication control unit, central switching
network, transmission interface unit, clock synchronization system, alarm system and
back administration module.
The communication control unit manages and controls the whole system. It is mainly
composed of GMCCM (GMCC0-1), GMCCS (GMCC2-11) and GSNT.
The central switching network mainly handles speech channel switching between
BMs. The function of central switching network is accomplished by GCTN board.
Transmission interface unit mainly responsible for multiplexing/demultiplexing of intermodule speech channels and signaling links, optic-electric conversion and E1
interface driving, so that inter-module communication messages can be transmitted
over optical fibers. Transmission interface unit is mainly composed of GFBI and E3M.
GFBI provides the optical interface from AM to BM module, E3M provides E1
interface from BSC to TCSM unit.
Clock synchronization system provides standard stratum 3 clock for the whole BSC
system. Functions of clock synchronization system are mainly accomplished by the
GCKS in clock frame.
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Alarm system collects alarms and drives the alarm box. The alarm system of AM/CM
is mainly composed of the GALM and the alarm box.
II. Communication modes

Three kinds of communication modes are used in AM/CM: mailbox, serial port, and
HDLC.
Mailbox mode is employed for the communication among GMCC boards via the data
bus.
Each GMCC (including GMCCM and GMCCS) can provide 2 serial ports. GMCCM
communicates with GCKS, and GMCCS communicates with GFBI through these 2
serial ports. GALM communicates with BSC alarm box through RS422 serial port.
GMCCM communicates with GCTN, GSNT, GALM boards and BAM through HDLC
link.
GMCCS communicates with E3M, GCTN boards and GMC2 (BM) through HDLC link.
GMCCS communicates with GMC2 in the BM through HDLC link.
2.3.2 BM
BM is the basic unit of M900/M1800 BSC. It handles most of the functions of call
handling, signaling processing, radio resources management, radio link management
and circuit maintenance.
I. System structure
BM is mainly composed of main control unit, switching network, base station interface
equipment and alarm system, as shown in Figure 1.1. When BSC does not have
AM/CM, the clock synchronization unit is also installed in the BM.
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Module T switching
network
BM
Interface
equipment
Module
main control
unit
To Central T NET of
AM/CM
Network Control
& Clock
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of BM system (Multi-module BSC)

The main control unit mainly accomplishes the management and control over BM
module, communication with AM/CM module and signaling processing. It is mainly
composed of GMPU, GNOD, GMEM, GMC2, GOPT, GALM, LPN7 and GLAP.
The switching network accomplishes the switching of timeslots in the module, which
is mainly handled by GNET board.
Base station interface equipment (BIE) can multiplex/de-multiplex the transmitted
signals.
The alarm system is designed to collect alarms and drive the alarm box. The
collected alarm messages can either be reported to OMC or sent directly to the
external alarm box (used in single-module BSC). The BM alarm system consists
mainly of the GALM boards.
II. Communication modes

There are three major communication modes within the BM, which are mailbox, serial
ports and HDLC.
The GMPU communicates with other boards in the main control frame through the
bus in mailbox mode.
The GMPU communicates with GNOD through mailbox, while each GNOD provides 4
serial ports for the communication with non-main control frame devices such as BIE
board.
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GMC2 communicates with GMCCS in AM/CM module via HDLC link.
Note: This mode applies to the multi-module BSC only, a single-module BSC has no
AM/CM.
2.3.3 TCSM Unit

TRAU and SMUX are usually integrated in one unit called TCSM, i.e. TCSM handles
both rate adaptation and multiplexing.
In multi-module BSC, functions of TRAU are accomplished by FTC boards, functions
of SMUX are accomplished by MSM and E3M together. The frame to insert FTC
board and MSM is called TCSM frame. Four MSM boards and sixteen FTC boards
can be inserted in 1 TCSM frame. In real application, the configuration of TRAU is
necessary while SMUX is optional.
I. TRAU
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) is used for normal speech in PSTN, at a rate of
64kbit/s whereas in GSM, RPE-LTP or CELP coding with much lower rate (16kbit/s) is
used due to the limitation of radio channel resources. If a subscriber of PSTN network
wants to access a GSM subscriber, then there is a need of code conversion. This
conversion is completed by Transcoder & Rate Adapter Unit (TRAU).
The main functions of TRAU are, to perform coding/decoding on speech signal and
rate adaptation to realize the communication between GSM subscribers and PSTN
subscribers. In addition, TRAU can also accomplish the rate adaptation of digital
signals and transparent transmission of SS7 signaling on A-interface.
The position of the TRAU in the GSM system is shown in Figure 1.1.
BSC
TRAU
A interface
MSC
Figure 1.1 TRAU in the GSM system

In M900/M1800 BSC, the functions of TRAU are accomplished by FTC board.
1)
Speech service
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The most fundamental function of TRAU is to encode and decode voice. Regular
Pulse Excitation Long Term Prediction (RPE-LTP) algorithm is used. TRAU frames
the speech signals received from MSC in one frame per 20 ms. One frame of speech
data includes 160 PCM sampling points, 1280 bits in total, the encoded output
parameters are 260 bits altogether (EFR service adopts CELP algorithm, the encoded
parameters are 244 bits altogether). After the addition of synchronization bits and
command words, TRAU frame has 320 bits. The reverse process of coding is called
decoding. After receiving TRAU frame from BSC, TRAU will restore it to speech data
by decoding algorithm and send to the MSC.
TRAU adopts discontinuous transmission (DTX) technology to minimize the power
consumption of BTS and MS, and to reduce the co-channel interference of radio
interface.
Voice activity detection (VAD) is used together with SID (Silence Descriptor)
technique in the discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode of GSM.
If TRAU detected that there is no speech information in the data received from MSC
through VAD functional module, it will clear voice flag in the encoded TRAU frame.
After BTS identifies this flag bit, downlink transmission will be disconnected till the flag
resets.
In the same way, TRAU will also identify SID flag at the reception of uplink frame.
When SID flag is reset, it indicates that MS is in the interval of emission.
To make the subscribers feel that GSM network is still in service, TRAU adopts the
substitution technology to insert comfortable noise in uplink to avoid the impression of
interrupted communication.
In MS-MS conversation, the encoding/decoding function of TRAU may be omitted, as
it causes the degrading of voice quality.
By canceling the encoding\decoding function (i.e. Tandem Free Operation, TFO), the
voice quality can be improved.
The TFO function is implemented by FTC board through inner signaling
communication
to
reduce
the
times
of
encoding\decoding
during
MS-MS
conversation.
2)
Data service
GSM system provides various services for subscribers, which are defined and
classified into telephony and data services. For telephony services, the transferred
information is speech signals within audio range, for data services, signals other than
voice are transferred, e.g. text, image, fax, various messages, computer files, etc.
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TRAU determines current service operation type by detecting the TRAU frame format
command word sent from base station.
During data service communication, TRAU accomplishes the format converting of
data frame and rate adaptation without transcoding transferred data.
3)
Signaling timeslot
In TRAU, each FTC board is responsible for one PCM stream (32 timeslots in each
PCM stream), where timeslot 0 is for transferring frame synchronization signals.
Signaling timeslot may be assigned through OMC randomly.
FTC board forwards the content of signaling timeslot transparently so that signaling
information will not be affected.
II. SMUX
To save terrestrial line resources, Sub-multiplexer (SMUX) is used between MSC and
BSC to multiplex 416kbit/s channels to carry four speech channels through one
terrestrial line channel. No matter speech signals or data, they are transferred with a
rate of 16kbit/s between the BSC and TRAU.
The position of SMUX in the system is illustrated in Figure 1.1, where TCSM consists
of MSM and FTC boards.
In multi-module BSC, the functions of SMUX are accomplished by MSM and E3M
board. While in a single-module BSC, this function is implemented in the MSM
plugged in the TCSM frame and the SMI plugged in the BIE slot.
TCSM
SMI/E3M
E1
E1
MSC
MSM
SMUX
HW
BSC
FTC FTC FTC FTC
Figure 1.1 Position of SMUX in the system

SMUX has the following functions.
Multiplexing/demultiplexing speech channels: SMUX can multiplex 4 channels
into 1 standard E1 link and demultiplex 4 channels from 1 standard E1 link.
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Transparent transmission of signaling: SMUX can transparently transfer signaling.
Operation and maintenance link: MSM and E3M boards can communicate with
each other through HDLC link, which occupies the last two bits of 31st timeslot on E1
link. BSC can operate and maintain the remote TCSM units through this HDLC link.
2.3.4 BAM
I. Functions
Back Administration Module (BAM) helps customers to maintain and operate BSC
through OMC. It forwards the maintenance and operation commands from OMC to
BSC system and sends back the system response to the corresponding OMC
terminal. It also stores and forwards alarm messages, traffic statistics data, etc.
BAM keeps normal communication with GMPU during operation. In case of any
abnormality in BAM software, it can restart within preset time.
BAM communicates with control system through HDLC link, and communicates with
OMC directly or indirectly via network adapter. When BSC and OMC are in the same
premises, then BSC can communicate with OMC directly through network adapter.
When BSC and OMC are not in the same premises, they communicate through
network adapter, router and transmission equipment.
II. System structure

BAM is connected with the BSC through 2Mbit/s HDLC link and with the O&M
terminal via the LAN or WAN. A structural diagram is shown in Figure 1.1.
Peripheral
BAM
PI
Terminal Network System
TNI
BSC
MCP
HDLC
Figure 1.1 BAM structure

The BAM is composed of three major parts, which are: Peripheral Interface (PI),
Terminal Network Interface (TNI) and MCP.
Through Peripheral Interface (PI), various devices can be handled such as dual CDROMs, hard disk array, printer and tape drive used to dump or hard copy of data.
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With TNI, terminal systems (maintenance, test, traffic statistics and data setting
systems) can form a LAN attached with network servers to provide 10Mbit/s to
100Mbit/s transmission links, and to extend the network through devices such as
network bridge/router, achieving data sharing in a larger scope. In M900/M1800 BSC,
this interface is directly or indirectly connected to OMC.
MCP is the PC card for the communication between BAM and BSC. Each card
provides two 2Mbit/s HDLC links to connect with BSC, serving as the message paths
between BSC and BAM.
III. Structure features

When BAM software is abnormal, BAM will reset and restart automatically, thanks to
BAM self-restoring capability.
All components have passed the electromagnetism compatibility test.
-48V standard industrial power supply is used, in consideration that BAM is installed
on the cabinet in actual application. -48V power supply is highly reliable, stable and
safe. The power supply has passed the electromagnetic compatibility test.
BAM can be installed inside the cabinet. The outer surface of the cabinet is painted,
while the inner surface is not, so as to make sure good grounding effect. There are
ventilation openings at the front of the cabinet, together with various indicators,
buttons, keyboard and monitor ports.
2.3.5 CDB
Cell Broadcast Database (CDB) is a traffic processing center, responsible for
providing the interface between the Short Message Center (SMC) and BSC, and
supports short message broadcast service. Its server communicates with the GMEM
boards of the modules through Ethernet. CDB can communicate with CBC through
either TCP/IP or X.25 interface. To support X.25 interface, a X.25 card should be
added to CDB for communication with CBC.
I. Cell broadcast system

Short Message Service Cell Broadcast (SMSCB) allows short message to be
broadcast to all mobile stations in certain areas. These areas may be one or several
cells, even the entire PLMN area. Short message from cell broadcast center (CBC) is
sent to the CDB of BSC which manages the message. BSC then sends the received
message to BTS. BTS can make load control.
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The functions of cell broadcast system is briefly described as follows:
Able to explain and response to the message primitives from CBC.
Able to report to CBC about CBCH channel state and the conditions of message
sending.
Reporting error information to CBC when received message primitives can not
be understood or executed.
Able to report cell fault to CBC.
BSC sends overload indication of related cell to CBC when the frequency of CBC
message is beyond the load of BSC.
Storage and management of cell broadcast short message.
Supporting DRX mode.
Arrangement of cell broadcast short messages in CBCH channel and sending

them to BTS.
II. Database structure

CDB contains three parts, which are message library, cell data table and general
control table.
Message library mainly stores the cell broadcast short message sent from CBC and
currently being broadcast in BSC, including message flag, message serial number,
message coding method, transmitting frequency, message sending request, message
contents etc.
Cell data table mainly stores broadcast channel configuration message and message
related to broadcast short message for each cell of current BSC, including cell state,
state and configuration of CBCH channel, storage arrays of broadcast short message,
sending queue of broadcast short message etc.
General control table mainly stores, controls and records related information about
cell broadcast of current BSC, including connection information with BM module,
connection information with CBC, parameters of BSC cell broadcast, etc.
III. CDB features and performance

CDB supports the storage and management of 300 broadcast short messages.
Each cell can hold 60 broadcast short messages.
CDB supports the flow control of broadcast short message between CBC and itself.
CDB supports message flow control between BTS and itself.
CDB supports DRX mode.
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CDB supports the forwarding of broadcast short messages among several modules. If
there is some error in GMEM of a BM, CDB can send the message to another BM
through another working GMEM.
For more information about CDB, please refer to M900/M1800 Cell Broadcast
System User Manual.
2.4 Functional Frames of BSC

2.4.1 Clock Frame
The clock synchronization system of BSC operates in the clock frame.
The clock frame phase-locks the upper-level MSC or BITS clock reference sources
and provides the AM/CM and BM with stable clock sources. The clock stratum of the
clock frame can set flexibly to Stratum 2 clock or Stratum 3 clock through data
configuration. M900/M1800 BSC uses Stratum 3 clock system.
Clock frame configuration is shown in Figure 1.1.
Configured with active/standby GCKS boards in hot backup (two boards), one clock
frame outputs active/standby clocks (two clocks) and sends them to GCTN and
GSNT.
In a single-module BSC, the GCKS communicates with the GMPU via the GALM
board. In multi-module BSC, GCKS communicates with the GMCCM directly.
P BG G
W I C C
C EK K
S S
P
W
C
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Figure 1.1 Clock frame in full configuration

The clock reference source is input via the backplane interface of the clock frame to
the GCKS board. GCKS locks and pulls-in the reference source by software phase-
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locking and generates clock signals identical in frequency and phase with the
reference source.
In a multi-module BSC, the synthesized clock synchronization signals are sent to
GCTN and GSNT, and then to other units/parts of the AM/CM. The BM's GOPT
extracts clock signals
from
optical
signals and
generates required
clock
synchronization signals. These signals are sent to GNET, and then forwarded to other
parts of the BM.
In a single-module BSC, the synthesized clock synchronization signals are directly
sent to GNET, which then sends these signals to other parts of the BM.
Both PWC and GCKS operate in 1+1 redundant mode to ensure the reliable
operation of the clock frame.
2.4.2 Main Control Frame

I. Functional Blocks
The main control frame is designed to implement management and control of the BM,
communications with AM/CM, signaling processing, etc.
The main control unit is mainly composed of the processor circuits, signaling
processing circuits, inter-module communication circuits and database interface
circuits.
Three-level distributed control is adopted in the BM, with GMPU, GNOD and slave
nodes (CPUs) from top down, as illustrated in Figure 1.1.
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Main control unit
GNOD
GMPU (A)
GNOD
GMPU (B)
GEMA
G
O
P
T
G
M
C
2
L
P
N
7
G
G M
L
E
A M
P
G
A
L
M
Inter-module
communication
CPU
CPU
Figure 1.1 Hierarchical structure of the main control unit

For internal communication, mailbox mode is employed between the first and the
second level CPUs, while the master node/slave node high-speed serial
communication mode of point-to-point or point-to-multipoint is employed between the
second and third level CPUs.
GMPU is the central processor in the main control unit of the BM. To improve the
system reliability, two GMPU are used in hot backup mode.
The GEMA is used to help GMPU data backup and to control the GMPU switchover.
Active/standby GMPUs are determined by GEMA, forming the first level control
system.
GMPU directly controls GNET via the bus, and exchanges messages with GNOD,
LPN7, GMEM and GLAP via mailbox communication mode. These boards in the main
control unit constitute the second level control system.
GMPU sets up the connection with respective functional slave nodes via GNOD.
Here, slave node refers to the microprocessor on functional circuit board (such as BIE
board). GNOD communicates with CPUs on related circuit boards via serial ports and
controls respective CPUs in master/slave node communication mode.
The CPUs accommodated in respective control interface ports in the BM cooperate
with each other, forming a functional multi-processor control system. The inter-
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processor communication is conducted through the mailbox by using memory
mapping technology, which greatly reduces the overhead for internal communication.
The processor circuit mainly consists of GMPU, GEMA and GNOD. Among them,
GMPUs are the central processing units in the module, whose active/standby state is
controlled by the GEMA. Both GMPUs work in redundant mode and communicate
with slave nodes via GNOD.
The processing of SS7 signaling on A-interface is implemented by LPN7. GLAP is
responsible for signaling on Abis interface and Pb interface.
Inter-module communication circuit mainly consists of GMC2 and GOPT. (Note: There
is no inter-module communications circuit in the single-module BSC.)
The BSC is connected with CDB through GMEM.
II. Frame Configuration

The main control frame in full configuration is shown in Figure 1.1. The boards that
can be installed in it are as follows:
GMPU
GNOD
GMEM
GMC2
GOPT
GALM
LPN7
GLAP
PWC
GEMA
GNET
CKV
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1
P GGGGGG
W NNNNNN
C OOOOOO
DDDDDD
G
E
M
A
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
P GGGGG
W NNNNN
C OOOOO
DDDDD
G
M
P
U
G
M
E
M
LLG
PPL
NNA
77P
GGGG P
L MMA W
ACCL C
P22M
C GC G
K NK N
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
V EV E
G T T GGGGGG P
M
LLL LOO W
P
AAAAPP C
U
PPPPTT
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Figure 1.1 Main control frame in full configuration

In multi-module BSC, two GOPTs and two GMC2s should be configured in the main
control frame.
The GOPT connects with the AM/CM via optical fiber.
The GMEM works only when the cell broadcast service is in operation.
2.4.3 Communication Control Frame

The communication control frame is the control center of the AM/CM. The
communication control unit manages and controls the overall system.
The functional blocks of the communication control frame are shown in Figure 1.1.
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GCTN
HDLC
HDLC
HDLC
GALM
BAM
GSNT
Communication
Control Frame
HDLC
GMCCM
GMCCS
GMCCS
GMCCS
Bus
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of communication control frame

The GMCCM communicates with GCTN, GALM and BAM through GSNT. It provides
signaling communication links for the BM and AM/CM, and transfers control
messages from BM to BM, from BM to GMCCM, from BM to GCTN and from BM to
TCSM unit. The GMCCM also processes the maintenance messages of all the
boards in the AM/CM and clock frame. It also controls the GSNT in its provision of
loading paths for the BM and AM/CM, but it is not responsible for the switching control
of the overall system.
The GMCCS communicates with GCTN and BM via the HDLC link. The GMCCS
provides signaling communication links for the BM and AM/CM and transfers control
messages from BM to BM, from BM to GMCCM, from BM to GCTN and from BM to
TCSM unit.
The GSNT, a signaling switching center of AM/CM, performs switching of signaling
messages between boards in the AM/CM, and provides loading paths to the modules.

The communication control frame in full configuration is shown in Figure 1.1. The
boards that can be installed in it are as follows:
GMCC
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GALM
PWC
2
P
W
C
G
A
L
M
G G GG G G G G G G
M M MM M M M M M M
C C CC C C C C C C
C C CC C C C C C C
9 8 76 5 4 3 2 1 0
GG
SS
NN
TT
P
W
C
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Figure 1.1 Communication control frame in full configuration

The communication control frame occupies one frame space and accommodates 10
GMCC boards in full configuration. The GMCC boards are numbered from right to left.
GMCC0 can only be plugged in Slot 16 and GMCC1 only in Slot 15. The right-most
two GMCC slots hold GMCCM boards. The other GMCC slots hold GMCCS boards
(at most 8 GMCCS boards can be configured).
2.4.4 Transmission Interface Frame

Transmission interface frame mainly accomplishes the functions of multiplexing/
demultiplexing of inter-module speech channels and signaling links, optic-electric
conversion and E1 interface driving, so that inter-module communication messages
can be transmitted over optical fibers.
Transmission interface unit is mainly composed of GFBI/FBC, GCTN, E3M and DRC.
The functional blocks of the transmission interface frame are shown in Figure 1.1.
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Signal HW
E3M
E1
MSM
TCSM
:
Signal HW
E1
E3M
MSM
TCSM
GCTN
Transmission
Interface Frame
Signal HW
GFBI
:
Signal HW
GFBI
Optic
Fiber
GOPT
Optic
Fiber
BM
GOPT
BM
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of transmission interface frame

The transmission interface frame uses GCTN as the center for speech channel
switching.
Each BM connects with the GFBI via two pairs of optical fibers. The GFBI extracts
and separates 32Mbit/s speech channel signals from the optical path signals and
sends them to the GCTN, and then separates 2.048Mbit/s signals and sends them to
the GSNT of the communication control frame for processing. In addition, it combines
the speech channel signals from the GCTN and the link signals from the GSNT into
40.96Mbit/s stream and sends them to the FBC.
The E3M connects with GCTN via 32Mbit/s HW. It fulfils the switching from super HW
(512 timeslots) to 16 E1s, compresses these 16 E1s into 4 E1s by 4:1, thus greatly
reduces transmission lines. It provides 4 Pb ports to the PCU. The speech channel
signals are sent to the MSC after switching by GCTN and E3M.
The DRC board, in collaboration with the E3M, provides the external E1 interface
coupling and over-voltage protection modules. The DRC is installed on the
backplane.

The boards that can be installed in the transmission interface frame are as follows:
GFBI
E3M
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PWC
GCTN
The transmission interface frame in full configuration is shown in Figure 1.1.
P
W
C
P
W
C
G
Q
S
I
E E E E E E E E
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
M M M M M M M M
G
F
B
I
G
F
B
I
G
F
B
I
10
E E E E E E E E
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
M M M M M M M M
G
C
T
11 12
N
G
C
T
13 14
N
15
17
G
F
B
I
G
F
B
I
16
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
G
F
B
I
17
18
20
21
G
F
B
I
19
20
22
23
22
24
25
P
W
C
G
F
B
I
21
P
W
C
23
24
25
Figure 1.1 Transmission interface frame in full configuration

The transmission interface frame occupies two frame spaces.
GCTN, a central speech channel switching system of AM/CM, occupies two slots. The
two GCTNs work in active/standby mode and implement 16k16k speech channel
switching.
The FBC and GFBI are used in pairs. The FBC is plugged in the socket on the
backplane of the AM/CM interface frame, in one-to-one correspondence with the
GFBI board.
Featuring optical interface and conversion functions, the GFBI splits the optical fiber
signals between BM and AM/CM into 32Mbit/s super HW signaling and 2Mbit/s HW
signaling. The GFBI collaborates with the GOPT in the BM to provide paths for intermodular communications.
The E3M performs the timeslot switching of 2k network and E1 multiplexing function.
Four PWCs are configured, fixed in positions.
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2.4.5 BIE Frame
Located in the BM cabinet, the BIE frame provides Abis interface between BSC and
BTS. The BIE of BSC includes the BS interface device BIE and the transparent
transmission BIE (responsible for transmitting SS7 signaling transparently to E3M).
The two boards are identical in hardware and compatible in slot, with the only
difference of DIP switch settings.
The BIE boards installed in the BIE frame work in active/standby group. There is no
association between different working groups.
The functional blocks of the BIE frame are shown in Figure 1.1.
E1
HW
BTS0
B I E(Active)
B I E(Standby)
Working Unit 0
:
GNET
BIE Frame
:
HW
E1
B I E(Active)
BTS7
B I E(Standby)
Working Unit 7
HW
Transparent
Transmission
BIE
E1
E3M
Power Supply
in the Frame
W
C
BIE Frame
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of BIE frame

BIE performs transcoding, re-timing, control, hot backup and signal multiplexing. The
BIE is a transmission interface device between BSC and BTS. Operating in
active/standby (1+1) mode, the BIE provides the largest convergence ratio (15:1) of
the Abis interface and supports star, chain, tree and hybrid topologies for BTS
networking. It connects BTS to BSC in a flexible way to minimize the E1 links
between BSC and BTS.
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The boards in the BIE frame are:
BIE
PWC
The BIE frame in full configuration is shown in Figure 1.1.
P
W
C
B B
I I
E E
B B B B
I I I I
E E E E
B B B B
I I I I
E E E E
10
11
12
13
B B B B
I I I I
E E E E
14
15
16
17
18
B B
I I
E E
19
20
21
B
I
E
22
23
P
W
C
24
25
Figure 1.1 BIE frame in full configuration

There are two kinds of BIE boards in the BIE frame: one is the BIE that transmits
transparently SS7 signaling and the other is the general BIE that establishes
connection between BSC and BTS. The only difference of these boards is their DIP
switch settings.
The BIE boards are numbered from left to right starting from 0. The two adjacent BIE
boards operate in active/standby state. The number of active/standby groups
depends on the number of configured boards. There are a variety of BIE
active/standby combinations in 1+1 redundancy mode:
Slot 2 and Slot 3 (group 0)
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Slot 23 stands alone with no active/standby relationship, but its active/standby group
number is still defined as 8.
When the quantity worked out by BIE is N, the total number of slots required is 2N-1.
2.4.6 TCSM Frame

The FTC and MSM can be plugged in the TCSM frame. The Transcoder & Rate
Adapter Unit (TRAU) and Sub-Multiplexer (SMUX) are jointly called TCSM unit. Every
4 FTC boards and 1 MSM make up a TCSM unit. A TCSM frame can hold 4 TCSM
units. Each unit works independently without any correlation. One TCSM frame can
hold 4 MSM boards and 16 FTC boards. Configuration of TRAU is compulsory while
SMUX is optional.
In multi-module BSC, the functions of TRAU are implemented by the FTC and
multiplexing is accomplished by MSM and E3M in the transmission interface frame.
The functional blocks of the TCSM frame are shown in Figure 1.1.
TCSM Unit 0
To BSC Side
E1
E1
To MSC Side
MSM
HW
FTC
FTC
FTC
FTC
TCSM Frame
To BSC
E1
TCSM Unit 3
E1
MSM
HW
FTC
FTC
FTC
FTC
Figure 1.1 Functional blocks of TCSM frame
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On the backplane of the TCSM frame there are TCB boards. The boards that can be
installed in the frame are as follows:
FTC
MSM
PWS
The frame in full configuration is shown in Figure 1.1.
P F BF M F F F F M F F F F M F F F F M F F P
W T IT S T T T T S T T T T S T T T T S T T W
S C EC M C C C C M C C C C M C C C C M C C S
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Figure 1.1 TCSM frame in full configuration

The TCSM frame can be placed on the MSC side (with multiplexing) or on the BSC
side (without multiplexing).
2.4.7 CDB Frame

The Cell Broadcast Database (CDB), a traffic processing center, supports cell
broadcast short message service.
The CDB connects with the Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) via LAN or WAN for
command interactivity and response transceiving. In addition, the CDB connects to
the GMEM corresponding to the BSC and implements such procedures of BTS as
CBCH channel query, CBS message transmission and flow control via the BSC.
The CDB network interface is shown in Figure 1.1.
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LAN/WAN
LAN
CDB
CBC
GMEM
BM
BSC
Figure 1.1 CDB network interface

The major software functional modules of the CDB are comprised of CBC command
interface module, GMEM interface module, CBS message storage module, CBS
message scheduling module, CBS message transmission module, flow control
module, network interface module, and protocol conversion module. When TCP/IP is
adopted for the communication between CDB and CBC, the protocol conversion
module is not needed, as shown in Figure 1.2. When X.25 protocol is adopted for the
communication between CDB and CBC, the protocol conversion module is used to
convert different protocols, as shown in Figure 1.3.
Ethernet
CBC Command
Interface
CBS Message Storage
CBC
CBS Message
Scheduling
Network Interface
CBS Message
Transmission
GMEM
BM
Flow Control
GMEM Interface
CDB
Figure 1.2 CDB functional blocks (using TC/IP)
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WAN
X.25
Protocol Conversion
CBC Command
Interface
CBS Message Storage
CBS Message
Scheduling
CBC
Network Interface
CBS Message
Transmission
GMEM
BM
GMEM Interface
Ethernet
Flow Control
CDB
Figure 1.3 CDB functional blocks (using X.25 protocol)

The CBC command interface module handles command interactivity between CDB
and CBC.
The CBS message storage module is designed to store the CBS messages to be
sent or not sent completely.
The CBS message scheduling module is designed to process the majority of
operation requests of CBC, schedule CBS messages and generate schedule
messages under the discontinuous reception (DRX) mode.
The CBS message transmission mode serves to send the CBS messages to BTS.
The GMEM interface handles command interactivity between CDB and BSC,
forwards the internal operation commands of the CDB to BSC, which in turn transmits
transparently these messages to the BTS.
The flow control module exercises flow control over the CBCH.
The network interface module, which establishes connections directly with external
network, is responsible for receiving and transmitting messages.
The protocol conversion module converts the TCP/IP data packets sent from CDB to
CBC into X.25 data packets, and converts the packets received by X.25 card into
TCP/IP data packets and sends them to CDB.
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There is no backplane in the CDB frame. The CDB, a sub-module of BSC, is
physically a computer running on Windows NT, occupying a half frame. Installed
generally in the lower part of the AM/CM cabinet of BSC, it fulfills mainly the cell
broadcast functions supported by BSC.
The position of CDB in the AM/CM cabinet is shown in Figure 1.1.
Clock Frame
Communication Control Frame
Transmission Interface Frame
Transmission Interface Frame
CDB
BAM Frame
Figure 1.1 Position of CDB in AM/CM cabinet
2.4.8 BAM Frame

Refer to the description of BAM.
2.5 Circuit Boards of BSC

In this section we will briefly discuss the circuit boards of M900/M1800 BSC to have
an overall understanding. For details, refer to M900/M1800 BSC Hardware
Description Manual.
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Chapter 2 Hardware Description

Figure 1.1 900/M1800 BSC modular architecture

Chapter 2 Hardware Description

addition/removal of functional frames.

When BSC has only 128TRXs or less, only one BM

needs to be configured. The AM/CM is not required.

Only one basic cabinet and a extension cabinet are

When BSC has only 128TRXs or less, only one BM

needs to be configured. The AM/CM is not required.

Chapter 2 Hardware Description

Designed only for multi-module BSC, the AM/CM,

Communication control frame

a center for BSC speech channel switching and

Transmission interface frame

modular communication between BMs.

BM performs mainly such functions as call

Main control frame

handling, signaling processing, radio resources

TCSM implements the transcoding / rate

adaptation and sub-multiplexing functions.

Linked with the short message center, the CDB

module is a traffic processing center, supporting

the broadcast short message service.

BAM is a bridge between BSC and OMC. The

latter conducts the operation & maintenance of

BSC via BAM.

III. Functional Frames

The clock frame phase-locks upperlevel MSC or BITS clock reference

Clock Board (GCKS)

Chapter 2 Hardware Description

Power Control Board (PWC)

and BM with stable clock sources.

The main control frame carries out

management and control of the BM,

Main Processing Unit (GMPU)

The communication control frame is

Inter-module Communication Board

the control center of AM/CM. The

communication control unit mainly

Signaling T-network Board (GSNT)

Chapter 2 Hardware Description

The transmission interface frame

Fiber Communication Board (GFBI)

signaling links, optic-electric

The TCSM frame fulfills the functions

Transcoding Board (FTC)

Designed for the BM, the BIE frame

BS Interface Board (BIE)

The CDB frame, a traffic processing

The CDB is physically a Windows NT

center, supports the broadcast short

computer, occupying half of the frame.

The BAM frame is a bridge between

The BAM is placed in the BAM frame

BSC and OMC. The latter performs

the operation & maintenance of the

BSC via OMC.

IV. Circuit Boards

Chapter 2 Hardware Description

Integrating sub-multiplexer functions, the E3M offers

GFBI provides optical paths for inter-modular

GALM provides a hardware interface for room environment

The GCTN is a speech channel switching center of