Three simple antenna tests

Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and its related value, return loss, are both good indicators of an antenna's health and its associated cabling. As the match of a system improves, return loss increases and VSWR decrease. The loss caused by cables associated with the antenna system can have a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wireless Review 2000-03, Vol.17 (5), p.20
Main Authors: Gallo, Jason W, Moore, Doug
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Antennas
Cables
Equipment testing
Sensors
Test methods
Wireless carriers
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and its related value, return loss, are both good indicators of an antenna's health and its associated cabling. As the match of a system improves, return loss increases and VSWR decrease. The loss caused by cables associated with the antenna system can have a significant effect on a cell site's performance. If the VSWR test fails, this test can be used to locate the fault. Test method one makes a simple measurement of the power of the reflected signal. A directional coupler or bridge is used to separate the returned signal from the source. The 2nd test method, the insertion-loss-measurement method, consists of transmitting a signal of known power down the cable and measuring it at the far end. The cable-fault-location measurement, test method 3, uses the phase change of a signal with length to determine fault location.
ISSN:1099-9248
2162-0288