The SPINNER Antenna Monitoring System (AMS) has evolved in recent years into a tool that goes beyond merely arc detection. A breakthrough was the addition of innovative VSWR monitoring, which is much more than a normal power reading at a directional coupler.
VSWR monitoring not only measures the current return loss of the system, but also compares it with a recorded measurement. This way, any event that causes deterioration, even as little as -45 dB, will be detected and preventive maintenance can be initiated.
The reference measurement is easily recorded with a single mouse click through our web interface. Different from other systems on the market, no complicated hardware calibration is needed. This makes it much easier for technicians to update the reference measurement when operating conditions vary, for example a significant change in climate conditions.
Thanks to the VSWR monitoring, the AMS can also locate a fault using a radar-like solution. In a radar, an active signal is sent out and its reflection is recorded to calculate the distance (TDR). However, an external signal is the last thing a broadcaster wants to inject into his line. It adds noise and can potentially interfere with other services, which can lead to problems with regulatory authorities.
Our team of engineers came up with the brilliant idea of using the broadcast signal itself instead of injecting a new one. That means that the solution is completely passive, and no new signal is injected into the antenna line.
This approach gives another advantage to the AMS. Some components, like splitters, are designed for a limited frequency range, within which the antenna system will operate. Signals outside this range will be highly attenuated. Since TDR systems use an out-of-band signal, their fault detection capabilities will be consequently restricted. In comparison, the AMS operates within the antenna system frequency range and does not have this problem. It is thus able to locate faults in the whole antenna system.
VSWR monitoring complements the other 3 detection methods present in the AMS: Arc Monitoring, Water Ingress Monitoring and Power Monitoring. All the information will be collected, cross referenced and displayed in our web interface in a user-friendly format. This gives a better analysis of the problem and, most importantly, grants you the very high reliability that is expected from a safety monitoring tool.
If you would like more information, please write to bc@spinner-group.com or call +49 89 12601-0 and we’ll be happy to help you.
