RFS Unveils Ultra-Broadband Addition to RF X-TREME Portfolio

Expanding its product offering, Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), a global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist has unveiled an ultra-broadband version of its popular RF X-TREME base station antenna platform. RFS’ RF X-TREME family of antennas provides high-performance triple-band capability in a compact dual-band package to support multiple bands with no compromises in electrical performance.

The new RF X-TREME UBB supports both low and high frequency bands, making it an ideal choice to simplify network planning for carriers with broad spectrum assets across multiple bands.

RFS’ ultra-broadband (UBB) technology delivers higher performance gain for better coverage, reduced interference, and excellent front-to-back ratio and performance stability across frequencies. By adding UBB capabilities to the proven RF X-TREME platform, it can now support bands in both low (698-960MHz) and high (1695-2690MHz) frequency ranges with a single antenna that accommodates the full spectrum of LTE and 4G applications – including LTE700, LTE800, LTE2.6 - now and into the future. RF X-TREME UBB dramatically reduces antenna replacement issues, eliminating the need for carriers to swap out antennas with new, larger ones in order to maintain high performance as they look to support additional bands.

RFS’ RF X-TREME antennas provide the capacity of three full band antennas by orienting them side by side to achieve high gain and optimal performance in a single package, allowing operators to support their customers’ increasing data demands. Using the entire antenna length for every band instead of the traditional method of stacking antennas on top of one another means operators can evolve from a dual-band antenna to a triple-band antenna of the same length and maintain similar gain levels.

RF X-TREME UBB has the same trusted RF and mechanical architecture as the original RF X-TREME antenna. It maintains RFS’s commitment to shift each dipole independently and includes an industry-leading vertical side lobe control for superior LTE network performance. Next-generation technology enhancements unique to the UBB version include:

•    A new phase shifter for a variable electrical tilt range up to 15° makes it an ideal selection for smaller cells in dense urban environments; •    Full aluminum construction for reduced weight and cost, and improved gain; •    A new high-band UBB dipole for lighter weight and stable pattern performance over the wide spectrum; •    Modular construction for industrial flexibility in manufacturing options and testing; •    Integrated AISG Bias-T and ACUs that eliminates the need for external cabling.

The RF X-TREME base station antenna’s design provides the highest gain and cross polar discrimination combined with the best vertical pattern control of any triple band antenna of its size in the industry. By providing full-band coverage on every port, RFS enables operators to now implement 4xRx and 4xMIMO on any of the higher frequency bands for excellent cell-edge performance with 30 percent fewer base stations.

The design features and capabilities in the multi-band RF X-TREME platform make it ideal for adding capacity and coverage to existing sites. It is also well-suited for new sites because it allows operators to support additional bands in the future without replacing the antenna.

“Operators need to be able to embrace evolving LTE and MIMO technologies without having to make costly and time-consuming replacements to equipment to avoid performance degradation as band requirements change to support new applications,” said Arnaud Baron, project line manager, base station antennas, RFS.

“Through our commitment to provide a complete multi-band suite of products, we simplify the network planning process for our customers and allow them to maintain the high performance their users demand without having to worry about switching to a larger antenna in order to support new applications and accommodate growing data demands in the future.”

Radio Frequency Systems is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems, as well as active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure. RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers.

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