Microwave Pro 2

Second Generation Microwave Frequency Analysis

Microwave Pro-2 uses the FCC’s ULS database to identify usable BAS and Part 101 (950 MHz, 2 GHz, 6 GHz, 7 GHz, 11 GHz, 13 GHz, 18 GHz and 23 GHz) microwave frequencies in the U.S.A. and to examine paths over terrain elevation plots while acknowledging interference to and from other microwave links.  The program now uses the exact methodology found in the terrain based, industry standard, NSMA (National Spectrum Management Association) OH Loss model. This standard propagation model is used across the nation by microwave coordinators for path loss predictions. Microwave Pro-2 performs the complete coordination as outlined in the TIA-EIA Telecommunications System BulletinTSB10-F. When supplied with the parameters for a proposed path, Microwave Pro-2 can quickly load all stations that have a potential interference relationship and calculate Carrier to Interference (C/I) ratios.  In addition to using data from the FCC’s ULS database, Microwave-Pro-2 also includes data from the  CARS (Cable television Relay Service) data and from the FCC’s COALS (Cable Operations and Licensing System) system database.  All databases are updated via our Microwave Pro-2 technical support service.

Produces PCN Notifications and Mailing Lists

A mergeable list of addresses and contact information within the “keyhole” radius of the proposed path can be generated to be used for the PCN or “Prior Coordination Notification” process.”

New Expanded Path Tables

The screen below shows the study of a single link on 945.5 MHz.  The C/I In and C/I out columns show the carrier to interference ratio in dB for “Outgoing” and “Incoming” signal relationships, while the “Margin” columns show the difference between the desired C/I ratio and the available C/I ratio.

Bi-Directional Systems Calculation

One of the most important new features of version 2.0 is the ability to define a microwave path as a bi-directional system (in previous versions of the program the forward and return path for such a system had to be considered independently). When a bi-directional path is loaded from the U.L.S. database, Microwave Pro-2 will automatically load the return path as well.

Dynamic C/I Objective Calculation

Now, C/I ratios based on frequency separation and bandwidth can be calculated and applied. The program includes an advanced algorithm that will determine an adjusted C/I objective for non-standard situations. This is useful in situations when two path frequencies are not exactly the same and not exactly a full channel apart.

Another highly important feature is the program’s ability to modify critical propagation model parameters and to consider separate short term and long term fading scenarios.

Path Geometry Calculations

The paths below show the spatial relationships between the new path, D to E, and the existing path from A to B (Both shown in green). Possible interfering paths are shown in red between A to E and D to B. The arrows indicate the transmission directions.

Calculations and Graphing of Terrain Path Profiles

The Microwave Pro- 2, A to E, path, shown above, can be graphed over terrain.  The terrain elevation is plotted in red, while the path is plotted in green and the Fresnel zone in orange. The  user may select the profile of either the proposed path or the interfering paths simply by clicking one of the buttons on the Microwave Path Information screen.

Large Library of Antenna Patterns

A microwave antenna pattern can be selected from the many included patterns available to the user:

In the screen below you can see that we selected the Scala PR-950 for the transmit antenna of our reference transmitter.

Reference receive patterns can be selected in the same manner.

The receive and transmit patterns of microwave transmission systems in the ULS database are automatically applied according to the registration in the FCC’s ULS database. If the user clicks the “Contact Info” tab, the contact information is displayed as is shown below: :

Point Studies Using V-Soft’s Classic Mapping

Now, Microwave Pro, version 2, contains our classic integrated polygon mapping package applying the same mapping database and techniques that are used by Probe and FMCommander. Coordination studies can be mapped showing some, or all, of the paths considered in the study. The map study below shows the ‘new point’ study capability. Choice of this study allows the user to identify the impact of wind farms and other structures on microwave paths.

Link Budget Calculations

Microwave Pro-2 also has a built in link budget system analysis tool that can be used to generate complete link budget reports.  The ‘wizard’ based interface allows the user to enter path information, transmitter power, antenna gains, and other system gains and losses.  The program will calculate the EIRP, path loss, fade margin, and provide a minimum recommended fade margin. A sample link budget report may be downloaded here (PDF format).

Key Features of Microwave Pro 2 include:

• Uses the NSMA OH Loss Model or Longley/Rice for path loss calculations.
• Studies now include outward and return paths and coordination analysis in a single study.
• Integrates V-Soft classic polygon mapping.
• Uses Dynamic Objective Calculations for non-standard situations.
• Plots terrain profiles of all protected and interfering paths.
• Includes a large pattern library for specifying many common antenna patterns.
• Gives a graphical representation of both protected and interfering path geometry.
• Can search both license and application microwave databases.
• Performs frequency searches for the radio, TV BAS and Part 101 bands to determine available frequencies.
• Generates mergeable address information needed for PCN coordination letters.

Upgrades for existing users of  Microwave Pro-1 are available.