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LNAFU LNATMA
Net UL Gain
By Jim Bryant
Bryant Solutions, Inc.
+1.925.968.9265
jim@bryantsolutions.com
www.bryantsolutions.com
INTRODUCTION
This case study examines the uplink (UL) path between the Receive Total Wideband Power (RTWP)
and Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) reference points for an Ericsson UMTS 1900 system with
a tower mounted amplifier (TMA). Existing system UL parameters are used to determine if the actual
RTWP (RTWPACT) is equal to the system calculated RTWP (RTWPCALC) using the measured RSSI.
Uplink parameters will be changed (as necessary) to ensure the calculated RTWP value is accurate.
Impact on mobiles, system performance and site statistics will be considered.
Net UL Gain
For the SUT, ULGain represents the gain for the low noise amplifier (LNA) in the TMA, and
ULAttenuation should represent the defined system loss and additional external system gains between
the RTWP reference point and the input to the UMTS system. Based on the ULGain and ULAttenuation
settings, the UMTS system will automatically attempt to set the gain of the LNA in the filter unit (FU) to
achieve a pre-defined net UL gain between the RTWP and RSSI reference points.
The first step is to verify the parameter ULAttenuation accurately reflects the actual system loss. A
system loss of 6.7 dB was calculated for the SUT using the following:
• Connections: 7 * 0.07 dB ≈ 0.50 dB
• Feeder: 1.13 dB/100’ *330’ = 3.7 dB (Based on an antenna height of 300’)
• Jumpers: 3.25 dB/100’ * 30’ ≈ 1 dB (Based on 10’ jumpers)
• Filters: ~1.5 dB
The system can now be analyzed. To do this, an arbitrary value of -104 dBm will be selected for
RTWPACT. Based on RTWPACT, RSSI can be calculated using the actual system losses and gains. The
system then uses the measured RSSI value to calculate RTWPCALC. The actual and calculated RTWP
should be equal.
L_PCPICH
MOBILE BASE STATION
RSCP RTWP
P_PRACH CPICH
constantValueCprach
If RTWP = -104 dBm then P_PRACH = -104 dBm - 22 dB + 33 dBm - (-90 dBm) = -3 dBm
If RTWP = -107 dBm then P_PRACH = -107 dBm - 22 dB + 33 dBm - (-90 dBm) = -6 dBm
RTWPACT = RTWPCALC
The goal is to achieve a net uplink gain where RTWPACT is equal to RTWPCALC. This can be obtained by
changing the parameter ULAttenuation to reflect the actual system loss of 6.7 dB as shown below.
CONCLUSION
The uplink path between the RTWP and RSSI reference points for an Ericsson UMTS 1900 system
was analyzed. The goal was to verify whether the actual RTWP (RTWPACT) was equaled to the RTWP
calculated by the system (RTWPCALC). For the system analyzed in this case study, RTWPACT was
greater than RTWPCALC, which could cause a mobile’s initial power level (P_PRACH) to be too low;
however, in this case, there will more than likely be no measureable impact to network performance
given only one or two power steps are required for the site to hear the mobile; however, this would also
depend on the setting for the parameter constanValueCprach. This scenario will cause RTWP to be
inaccurately reported by 3 dB, which could mask interference issues.
• RTWPACT = RTWPCALC:
o Best scenario.
o Minimum number of preambles given constantValueCprach set properly.
• RTWPACT > RTWPCALC:
o P_PRACH may be too low.
o May require too many preamble steps.
o Reported RTWP inaccurate.
• RTWPACT < RTWPCALC:
o P_PRACH will be high.
o Mobiles may need to ratchet down power.
o Could cause runaway situation during a special event.
o Reported RTWP inaccurate.
A Receive Antenna Interface Tray (RXAIT) or Remote Radio Unit (RRU) can be compensated for in the
ULAttenuation parameter, which is why it is sometimes a negative number. In addition, the RTWP
reference point will change when a system does not have a TMA.
Overall, it is important to ensure the calculated and actual RTWP values are equal.
Since 2002, Bryant Solutions has focused on developing training courses for wireless carriers, tower
contractors, local government agencies and the military. For more information visit
www.bryantsolutions.com.