Microwave

 
 

Timeline challenges
The timelines on the project are aggressive, but according to McChesney, “RFS clearly provides us with a competitive advantage in this area.” A global RFS effort ensured the timeline was successfully met.
“We pulled off some miracle turn-arounds for the delivery of the first 100 antennas,” said RFS Area Product Manager, Asad Zoberi. “This was achieved with great team effort between RFS engineering, manufacturing and product management, both here in the US and in Europe.”
For the 2003 deployment program, RFS provided around 300 antennas, comprising a mix of CompactLine (SB-series) and Ultra High Performance SlimLine (SU-series) antennas. These were in two- and four-foot diameters, in single- and dual-polarized configurations, for operating frequencies of 15 and 18 GHz. Working closely with Alcatel Canada, the antennas were provided in both integrated formats (direct connection with Alcatel radios) with accompanying CELLFLEX feeder cable, and non-integrated formats with accompanying FLEXWELL elliptical waveguide radio links.
In 2004, the TELUS Mobility/Alcatel Canada team plan to continue the program, focusing on the more populous provinces of Ontario and Quebec. To meet Industry Canada requirements to use spectrum in the less-populated higher frequency bands for shorter hops, the team will introduce 23- and 38-GHz antennas and radios during this phase. “We’re looking forward to the 2004 program,” said Zoberi. “It’s a great project and we’re proud to play such a significant role.”

The RFS SlimLine and CompactLine series
RFS SlimLine and CompactLine solid microwave antenna series represent the most comprehensive line of high-quality microwave antennas in the industry. Both provide cost-effective solutions for microwave point-to-point links in cellular and private user networks.

RFS SlimLine antennas are designed for microwave systems in all common frequency ranges from 6 GHz to 40 GHz. Utilizing a conventional feed system, the antennas are available in Standard, High and Ultra High Performance radiation characteristic. Antennas are available in single-polarized (SP, SD and SU types) as well as in dual-polarized versions (SPX, SDX and SUX types). RFS SlimLine antennas are available in 1-ft (0.3-m) to 6-ft (1.8-m) diameters. All High and Ultra High Performance SlimLine antennas include a radome, which is specially shaped (1 and 2 ft) or flexible (4 and 6 ft) to minimize its impact on the antenna’s electrical characteristics. RFS SlimLine antennas are easy to install, with side strut support only required for the 6-ft diameter models.

RFS CompactLine antennas are designed for short-haul microwave systems in all common frequency ranges from 7 GHz to 60 GHz. Providing Ultra High Performance radiation characteristics, RFS CompactLine antennas are available in 0.7-ft (0.25-m) up to 4-ft (1.2-m) diameters. The modified cassegrain feed system results in a short shroud with reduced environmental impact, weight and tower load. The antennas are available in single-polarized (SB) as well as in dual-polarized versions (SBX). All antennas include a solid radome that is specially shaped to minimize its impact on the antenna’s electrical characteristics.