Microlab, an RF manufacturer that offers a wide selection of passive RF and microwave components for distributed antenna systems (DAS), in-building wireless solutions industry, radio base-station market and medical equipment sector, is offering SMART passive solutions. The solutions include SMART gateway and SMART coupler that are designed to monitor and report the health status of Distributed Antenna System (DAS) infrastructure to the emergency units. The DAS infrastructure includes components such as antennas, coaxial cables, and other passive elements, which are continuously monitored, thereby ensuring reliability and public safety.
SMART Gateway
The Microlab SMART (System Monitor, Alarm, Report Technology) Gateway combines public safety radio traffic between 130 and 960 MHz with patented hybrid, passive/active distributed antenna system (DAS) network monitoring and diagnostics.
The SMART Gateway uses an embedded Internet of Things (IoT) engine to continuously monitor the riser and coverage coaxial cabling and antennas of in-building, emergency responder radio communications systems (ERRCS) or public safety DAS.
The SMART Gateway is a critical component within the Microlab SMART Passives System, an innovative solution that, in conjunction with a network of Microlab SMART Couplers, monitors ERRCS in real time.
Microlab is offering two rack-mounted SMART gateway units where one is AC powered (SCG100-AC) while the other one is DC powered (SCG100-DC). Both have a power rating of 5 W and are available in N-type (female) connectorized configuration.
SMART Coupler
The SMART Coupler combines a specially developed broadband, 130 – 960 MHz, passive coupler with active, diagnostic technology for system monitoring with failure detection and malfunction location capabilities.
The SMART (System Monitor Alarm Report Technology) Passives system is made up of a SMART Gateway at the head-end and SMART Couplers deployed in the DAS. Each coupler reports the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) at each port based on a calibrated CW tone generated by the gateway. By storing and comparing the VSWR at each port over time the SMART system can report failures such as an open or short circuit. The gateway then communicates the alarm via e-mail, SMS, or SNMP and pinpoints the location where the failure occurred.
The real-time monitoring capabilities that the SMART Passives system provides will ensure that Public Safety DAS system integrators, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and building owners can depend on the operation of their critical communication systems.
The company is offering four SMART couplers with IP67 rating. They have coupling values of 6 dB, 10 dB, 15 dB, and 20 dB. These couplers are available in N-type (female) connector configurations.
Key Features of SMART Gateway and SMART Coupler
- Monitors DAS infrastructure health; including antennas, coaxial cables, and other passive components
- Designed for public safety VHF, UHF, TETRA, 700, 800, 900 MHz bands
- FirstNet Band 14 Ready
- Diagnostics, power, and communications provided over RF coaxial cable by the SMART Gateway
- Alarms communicated via e-mail, SMS, and SNMP
- SMART Gateway dashboard web server compatible with all modern browsers
Click here to learn more about Microlab's SMART gateways and SMART couplers.
