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IMPORTANT: Local control can be used only if the antennas are accessed by one SMD (radio). For
configurations using more than SMD, always use a uLINK module as the control box.
VERTICAL ARRAY ANTENNA
Is another sub-category of Antenna RF box. Type allows choosing from predefined templates for all
commercially available Vertical Array boxes.
Interconnections
This tab has the same meaning as for Single Antenna and is for information only.
Before going further, we need to define some new terms. While it may not be necessary for most configurations
because the built-in templates cover the commonly used RF boxes, these concepts will be important when
adding a custom RF Box to the system.
TERM INVECTOR
Is an unique request (max. 16 bit code) from SMD to RF box defining a particular state for all of the internal
control of the RF box to define the relationship between a particular R port and the A ports on the box. InVector
has the same number of bits as the box has A ports (A1 – An from left to right) plus the number of control
attributes. Zero InVector must always be defined (inVector with all A ports cleared) as the default, "no user"
state.
TERM ATTRIBUTES
The number of properties (states) of the RF box.
TERM OUTVECTOR (Outputs)
Describes outputs state for a particular InVector.
To make these terms more understandable, consider an example. In order to build an RF path from the radio
to an antenna, SMD must properly set each element of the configuration to complete the path. To do so, SMD
must set the control box connected to each RF Box (set the local outputs or uLINK Relay modules). Each time
an antenna path is changed, SMD sends request – an InVector - to all of the control boxes included in the
antenna path to apply the required state. Every control box confirms the request and ONLY when all of the
control boxes confirm the inVector is the path enabled.
Vertical Array is an example of an RF box controlled by inVectors. As far as SMD is concerned, the entire array
is one antenna – it has a single R port – no matter how many elements the array might contain. Because every
antenna RF box has zero A ports, it means that there are no A port bits included in the InVector. However, we
know that the "antenna" can be directional by inserting a phase shift among the array elements - these
"directions" become our Attributes. Since the RF Box (antenna) has no A ports but a number of directions
(Attributes), the InVector will be as long as the number of attributes. If antenna array has four (4) directions +
special Omni property (feature, direction), there will be five (5) InVectors to control it. The control signals applied
to the antenna (phasing unit) control port inputs for each direction (Attribute) - the OutVector – is defined on the
Switching tab.
Directions
Rotator
•
If antenna can rotate, the Rotator selection specifies to which rotator is antenna assigned. Box shows
only rotators defined at Rotators tab. For Vertical Arrays should be set to none.
Directionality
•
Specifies the directional pattern of the antenna which is used for drawing compass on SMD display.
Since Vertical Array is a directional antenna the recommended setting is Uni-directional. If some
position in the antenna properties has different pattern, it can be changed individually.
Fixed Azimuth
•
This field allows setting azimuth of the first InVector (default array position) referenced to North. It is the
absolute azimuth of the default direction.
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