SPICE HARDWARE GUIDE a guide to installing and using SPICE hardware littlefeet™, inc.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Littlefeet is not responsible for errors contained in this document, nor for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this manual. Copyright © 2000, Littlefeet, Inc. All rights reserved. Littlefeet, SPICE, bSPICE, cSPICE, OMC-SPICE, SST are registered trademarks of Littlefeet, Inc. Adobe and Acrobat Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
ZERO contents ONE introduction about Littlefeet, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . about this documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TWO system overview concepts and terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . system components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ZERO contents SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 connect BTS to RF input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . waterproof connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . connect laptop to the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethernet connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ONE introduction about Littlefeet, Inc. Littlefeet Inc., based in San Diego, California, provides wireless telecommunications equipment for operators around the world. We are a dynamically growing company with regional offices in the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information, visit www.littlefeet-inc.com. about this documentation SPICE documentation includes the SPICE Hardware Guide, SPICE Software Guide, and the Cisco® Element Manager Framework (CEMF) User Guide.
ONE introduction 2 SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 Littlefeet, Inc.
TWO system overview Ideally, a base station would provide coverage that tapers off uniformly (A, Figure 1). Variations in propagation make the actual coverage irregular (B, Figure 1). This leads to dropped calls due to excessive interference and low signal strength. figure 1. ideal versus actual coverage Littlefeet provides a way for base stations to communicate with mobiles using low-power SPICE units. SPICE handle the coverage functions of a traditional base station.
TWO system overview SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 system components A sample cell area of Littlefeet's SPICE system is shown in Figure 2. Note that F1 and F2 represent a set of frequencies, and that the BTS should not be broadcasting to air for the sector. F2 F1 F2 F2 BTS (not broadcasting to air) F1 cSPICE cSPICE F1 bSPICE cSPICE Mobile Subscriber cSPICE Access to SPICE Support Tool (SST) Operation and Maintenance Center (OMC-SPICE) figure 2.
THREE installing SPICE This chapter describes how to install a SPICE unit at a predetermined location. You will need the configuration information from the Installation Form. Units to be installed must already have a data-enabled Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card inserted into the internal modem. See the Quick Start guide that accompanies new units for details. WARNING ! ! ! SPICE units must be properly connected to earth ground. See the Safety and Standards chapter (page 41) for other warnings.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 installation overview Radio planning and site selection are not addressed in this manual, nor are software operations (Figure 3). note This chapter assumes that the site for the unit has already been determined.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE installation equipment In order to install the SPICE unit, you will need the following equipment, which is provided by Littlefeet: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 installing bSPICE The bSPICE unit will usually be installed at the site of the existing BTS. To install the bSPICE unit, perform the following steps: step page install modem antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 install dessicant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE install modem antenna Install the modem antenna onto the unit (Figure 5, Figure 6). figure 5. modem antenna figure 6. modem antenna on bSPICE install dessicant Install dessicant packs as shown in Figure 7. If the packs are already installed, check that they are in the proper locations. figure 7. bSPICE dessicant locations install power supply Table 2 contains specifications for the power supply provided with the unit.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 table 2. Littlefeet power supply specifications (continued) Parameter Minimum Input to unit Current Maximum Comment 9 Amps for bSPICE 6 Amps for cSPICE Frequency of input to Power Supply WARNING ! ! ! 50 Hz 60 Hz Single-phase The enclosure will reach the operating temperature of the power supply, which may cause a burn. Handle the power supply and enclosure with caution once it is connected to power.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE Mount the power supply (Figure 9), making sure that the output of the power supply is oriented toward the unit. to unit from mains power figure 9. power supply installation - pole WARNING ! ! ! Dangerous voltages are present inside the power supply. Do not remove the cover of the power supply. mount the unit bSPICE mounting varies from site to site. If the site will use a bracket, first mount the bracket where the unit is to be located.
THREE installing SPICE WARNING ! ! ! WARNING ! ! ! SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 The green safety ground wire from the power supply cable MUST be connected to earth ground. An external disconnect device must be provided at time of installation. The disconnect device is not provided by Littlefeet. figure 10. bSPICE connections WARNING ! ! ! Dangerous voltages are present inside the power supply. Do not remove the power supply cover. Also note that the power supply enclosure may be extremely hot.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE notify OMC Call the OMC operator and ask the operator to dial into the unit. After a successful call, the bSPICE is on-line. If the OMC operator is not available, call the unit using a laptop computer equipped with a wireless modem as described in the SPICE Software Guide. Make sure that the installation form is completed. Littlefeet, Inc.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 installing cSPICE In order to align the cSPICE link antenna, the bSPICE (greenfield deployment) or BTS (existing network) must be radiating. In addition, the data-enabled SIM card must have been previously installed in the wireless modem, and the antennas must have been installed. To install the cSPICE unit, perform the following steps (Figure 12): step page install coverage antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 Install coverage antenna THREE installing SPICE Install power supply Determine mounting orientation Able to install with proper orientation? Use flex bracket for link antenna No Yes Install bracket Hang unit Check link antenna alignment Connect unit to power Yes OMC Operator available? No Verify ability to establish wireless connection to unit (SPICE Software Guide) Notify OMC operator that unit is online Check that installation form has been completed figure 1
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 clutter Both the link and coverage antennas of the cSPICE must be clear of obstructions. Additionally, reflective surfaces (buildings, hills, etc.) should not be located in the RF path between the link antenna and the bSPICE (Figure 13). bSPICE antenna figure 13. clutter in link path With some effort in installation and optimization, it is possible to bounce the link signal off surfaces such as buildings and hills.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE examples Some examples of sites are shown below. Figure 15 shows a good site. The site shown in Figure 16 is acceptable, but could be improved by moving the unit along the rooftop if the poles interfere with the link. A site that will work if no better sites are available in the desired area is shown in Figure 17.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 figure 16. pretty good site figure 17. iffy site 18 Littlefeet, Inc.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE figure 18. bad site Units should be mounted as high as possible on poles. Ideally, the coverage antennas should be above the pole, as shown in Figure 15. Figure 19 shows a site that could be improved by mounting the unit higher on the pole. Littlefeet, Inc.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 figure 19. unit that should be mounted higher safety SPICE sites must be located such that the units can be safely installed and maintained. A list of considerations can be found in the safety chapter (page 41). Other considerations include: • Year-round availability of access to the site. For example, if the site is covered with ice in the winter, it is not appropriate. • Access to earth ground.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE figure 20. coverage antenna installation install dessicant Install dessicant packs as shown in Figure 21. If the packs are already installed, check that they are in the proper locations. The dessicant will need to be replaced once a year in humid conditions, and once every two years in dry climates. Littlefeet, Inc.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 figure 21. cSPICE dessicant locations install power supply Install the power supply as described in the bSPICE installation. determine link antenna orientation The link antenna is found on the door of the cSPICE. Use a compass or other tool to determine the direction of the bSPICE from the cSPICE site. 22 Littlefeet, Inc.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE To bSPICE figure 22. cSPICE alignment If the bracket cannot be mounted so the unit is facing the bSPICE, remove the link antenna from the front of the unit and mount it on the link antenna bracket (Figure 23). figure 23. link antenna mounted on door with adjustable bracket This “flex bracket” will allow you to point the link antenna toward the bSPICE even if the unit cannot be installed facing the bSPICE (Figure 24). To bSPICE To bSPICE figure 24.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 mount the unit To mount the unit, first mount the bracket where the unit is to be located, using the orientation determined above. note Make sure to mount the bracket so that the unit is roughly facing the bSPICE as described above. Line-of-sight to the bSPICE is not required. The bracket can be mounted using a hose clamp (preferred) or banding tool if the unit is to be placed on a pole (Item 1) (Figure 25, Figure 27, Figure 26, Figure 28).
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE figure 26. utility pole installation figure 27. light pole mount Littlefeet, Inc.
THREE installing SPICE SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 figure 28. tripod installation figure 29. wall bracket and mount 26 Littlefeet, Inc.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 THREE installing SPICE check alignment Link antenna alignment adjustment will usually be needed to maximize the link signal strength from the bSPICE (greenfield deployment) or BTS (existing network), or to minimize an interfering signal. There are several ways to do this; which method you use will depend on the availability of equipment. spectrum analyzer Detach the link antenna connector from the bottom of the unit and connect it to a spectrum analyzer.
THREE installing SPICE note SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 The wire used to connect the ground lug to earth ground must be 16-gauge wire, at a minimum. figure 30. ground lug connect power Connect the unit to the power supply as described in the bSPICE installation. WARNING The power supply must be connected to the power source in accordance with local codes. ! ! ! Connect the power cord to the mains power and check that the fault LED illuminates (Figure 31). figure 31.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 note THREE installing SPICE If there is extra cabling between the cSPICE and the power supply, coil the extra wire near the power supply rather than near the cSPICE unit. notify OMC Call the OMC operator and ask the operator to dial into the unit. After a successful call, the cSPICE is on-line. If the OMC operator is not available, call the unit using a laptop computer equipped with a wireless modem as described in the SPICE Software Guide.
THREE installing SPICE 30 SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 Littlefeet, Inc.
FOUR commissioning and maintenance This chapter describes how to commission and maintain SPICE units. You will need to have a copy of the SPICE Software guide in order to perform many of the operations described in this chapter. operation page commission bSPICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . connect laptop to the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FOUR commissioning and maintenance SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 figure 33. cSPICE unit 32 Littlefeet, Inc.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FOUR commissioning and maintenance operation overview Table 3 gives a brief description of the steps needed to perform the operations detailed in this documentation. For additional information, see the reference listed in the Details column. table 3. operations Operation Steps Details commission bSPICE 1. connect antenna 2. connect to BTS 3. weatherproof connections page 34 connect laptop to the unit 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
FOUR commissioning and maintenance SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 commission bSPICE To commission the bSPICE once it is installed and online, connect the unit to the BTS and antenna. connect link antenna Mount the link antenna at the predetermined antenna site. If you are using an existing antenna (examples shown in Figure 34), ensure that the gain is 17.5 dB, that the input power is 25 dBm, and that the antenna is aligned correctly to serve the cSPICE units in the coverage area.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FOUR commissioning and maintenance figure 35. bSPICE connectors connect BTS to RF input The bSPICE unit connects directly to the RF output of the BTS. The unit accepts both duplexed and separate TX and RX connections. If the output is duplexed, use the Tx/Rx port (Figure 35). The RF input of the bSPICE can accept the maximum output power from the BTS, but we strongly recommend against this.
FOUR commissioning and maintenance SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 connect laptop to the unit The SST is software that is resident on SPICE units. Basically, when you call a SPICE unit, the SST is what answers. Laptops are usually used to access the SST. Ethernet connection To connect to the SST using the Ethernet connection, you have to have access to the inside of the unit. You will also need a “crossover” Ethernet cable (Figure 36), and an Ethernet card installed on your laptop.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FOUR commissioning and maintenance figure 38. bSPICE Ethernet port Once your laptop is connected to the unit, follow the instructions for using the SST in the SPICE Software guide. modem dial-in Accessing the SST using the wireless modem is described in the SPICE Software Guide. Littlefeet, Inc.
FOUR commissioning and maintenance SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 replace SIM card The wireless modem that is integrated into SPICE units requires a data-enabled SIM card, which is not provided by Littlefeet. If the SIM needs to be replaced, follow the steps below. 1. 2. 3. 4. Open the door of the unit. Remove the SIM in the modem (if any) (Figure 39, Figure 40). Replace the old SIM with a new data-enabled SIM. Close and secure the unit’s door. figure 39. bSPICE SIM card slot figure 40.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FOUR commissioning and maintenance replace batteries To replace the battery pack on a cSPICE unit, first disconnect the power to the unit. Remove the old batteries and install the new batteries. Reconnect the power to the unit. Access the SST using your laptop and check that the battery alarm is no longer present. If the alarm persists, replace the unit. WARNING ! ! ! Be sure to properly dispose of the old batteries. Follow the instructions on the battery for disposal.
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FIVE safety and standards This chapter details requirements for the safe installation and use of SPICE units. The safety of the unit, of the technicians working on the unit, and of the general public are addressed. Additionally, the safety standards to which SPICE units comply are listed. WARNING ! ! ! Make sure you read, understand, and observe the cautions and warnings described in this chapter as well as those found elsewhere in this documentation and on the unit itself.
FIVE safety and standards SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 RF exposure Many studies have been performed regarding exposure to RF energy. Although all studies to date have been inconclusive as to the effects of RF exposure and human health, there is still some public concern. Since SPICE units operate at low power, there is less exposure to radiation and thus less potential health risk.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FIVE safety and standards unit safety In order to properly maintain a SPICE unit, follow the guidelines described below. Any failure to do so may void any warranties. water Do not expose the interior of the unit to water. Make sure that the door is completely closed after installing or servicing the unit. If the unit is accidentally exposed to water, disconnect the unit from power immediately.
FIVE safety and standards SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 grounding Always make sure that the unit is properly grounded. Never plug the unit into a two-pronged (non-grounded) outlet or use a two-conductor extension cable. Failure to do so may result in a buildup of excess charge which may damage the unit or cause a potentially hazardous situation. The chassis of the unit must also be grounded.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FIVE safety and standards servicing the unit The only user-serviceable parts inside a SPICE unit are the wireless modem and the battery pack. WARNING ! ! ! Do not attempt to fix any unit components other than the modem (replacing the SIM) and battery pack (replacing the batteries). Refer to the installation documentation for details. Return the unit to Littlefeet for replacement if it is not functioning correctly.
FIVE safety and standards SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 installation safety notes The following safety concerns must be taken into account when installing SPICE units. WARNING ! ! ! SPICE units must be installed by carefully following the installation documentation and by noting the safety concerns described here. Failure to do so may result in harm to the unit, installer, or general public. Littlefeet is not responsible for any damages caused by improper installation.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FIVE safety and standards • In or near an area where the SPICE unit could cause interference with equipment sensitive to RF radiation, such as hospitals or other areas where people may have pacemakers. • At a location where lightning strikes are frequent. • At any location where the unit may be exposed to fire. • At a location where the public may have access to the unit within the minimum safe distance. • Anywhere you would not be permitted to use a cellular phone.
FIVE safety and standards SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 markings and standards compliance The following markings can be found on SPICE units and other products supplied by Littlefeet. * SPICE units meet the following international standards: • CE Meets LVDirective Meets EMC Directive Meets RTTE Directive • FCC Part 15 Part 24 • NRTL to UL 1950 The power supply used by SPICE units is • UL recognized • FCC Part 15 • CE Meets LVDirective Meets EMC Directive 48 Littlefeet, Inc.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 FIVE safety and standards general precautions WARNING ! ! ! Do not incinerate or crush units, as the batteries may explode and/or hazardous substances may be released. Contact Littlefeet for proper disposal instructions. Do not attempt to service the inside of the unit, other than replacing batteries or the SIM card of the modem. Do not operate the unit if the antenna has been damaged. Do not attempt to fix, touch, or replace the antenna; return the entire unit to Littlefeet.
FIVE safety and standards 50 SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 Littlefeet, Inc.
SIX glossary AC Alternating Current AGC Automatic Gain Control. This cSPICE-only feature adjusts the uplink gain to maintain the powerversus-time profile over the AGC range. AGC can be disabled with the SST or the OMC. The AGC overrides the ALC function. Alarm Notification that a fault has occurred. In order of severity, alarms can be Critical, Major, or Minor.
SIX glossary SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 DC Direct Current DFR Data Full Rate, also known as TCH/F9.6 (Traffic CHannel/Full 9.6 Kbs rate). DL Downlink; radio path from BTS to subscriber. ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute FTP File Transfer Protocol GPRS General Packet Radio Service GPS Global Positioning System GSM Global System for Mobile Communications HBTS Hub BTS; the BTS used as the RF input for a bSPICE.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 SIX glossary PLL Phase Lock Loop ppm Parts per Million PPP Point-to-Point Protocol RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator RF Radio Frequency RTFM Read The Fine Manual RX Receiver (radio) RxLev Received Signal Level RxQual Received Signal Quality SIM Subscriber Identity Module SMS Short Message Service SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol SPICE Small Profile Intelligent Coverage Element.
SIX glossary 54 SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 Littlefeet, Inc.
appendix A installation checklist This appendix summarizes the steps that must be taken in order to install a SPICE unit, from taking it out of the box to integrating it into the network. It is assumed that: Sites and settings (channel numbers, power levels) for units have already been chosen and entered in the Installation Form. The OMC is already set up (see the Quick Start Guide that accompanies the OMC).
appendix A installation checklist SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 programming unit After installing the unit, you will need to program it so that it knows which frequencies to use, etc. You can also commission the unit prior to installation. Follow the steps in the chapter on using the SST in the SPICE Software Guide.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 appendix A installation checklist cSPICE flowchart checklist Use this checklist to indicate that the cSPICE has been installed according to the instructions contained in this documentation. Check off the boxes in the flowchart as you complete the steps.
appendix A installation checklist SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 bSPICE flowchart checklist Use this checklist to indicate that the bSPICE has been installed according to the instructions contained in this documentation. Check off the boxes in the flowchart as you complete the steps.
appendix B unit specifications This appendix contains hardware specifications for bSPICE and cSPICE units. specification page bSPICE specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 cSPICE specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Littlefeet, Inc.
appendix B unit specifications SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 bSPICE specs This section details the physical specifications of bSPICE units. table 5.
SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 appendix B unit specifications cSPICE specs This section details the physical specifications of cSPICE units. table 6.
appendix B unit specifications 62 SPICE Hardware Guide 550001 Littlefeet, Inc.
