9XTend™
OEM
RF
Module
–
Product
Manual
v1.2.4
©
2005
MaxStream,
Inc.
Confidential
&
Proprietary
51
4.4.3.
Antennas
[Refer to
Appendix A
for a list of FCC-Approved Antennas]
Factors that determine wireless link range:
•
Ambient RF noise (interference)
•
Line-of-sight obstructions
•
Transmit power
•
Receive sensitivity
•
Antenna configuration
XTend Antenna Connector Options
To comply with the FCC rules and obtain a “modular” certification, it is required that XTend
Modules utilize a “non standard” connector. This is to ensure the modules are used only with
approved antennas. The XTend Modules have two connector options:
•
RPSMA
•
MMCX
Alternatively, the XTend Module can be order with an attached wire antenna.
RPSMA
The Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) connector uses the same body as a
regular SMA connector. In order to be a “non standard” connector, the
gender of the center conductor is changed. The female RPSMA actually
has a male center conductor.
MMCX
The Micro-Miniature Connector (MMCX) is a good solution for
high volume, price-sensitive applications. The small size and
snap on connection make it suitable for attaching an external
mounted antenna to a module inside an enclosure.
Antenna Cables
RF cables are typically used to connect a radio installed in a cabinet to an antenna mounted
externally. As a general rule, it is best to keep the RF cable as short as possible. All cables
promote signal loss which is usually measured in dB loss per 100 ft. MaxStream provides LMR-
195 rated cables. Common cables and dB losses are included in this table:
Table
B.4.
Potential
Signal
Strength
Loss
due
to
Antenna
Cable
Length
Cable
Type
Loss at 900 MHz per 100’
(loss per 100m)
Loss at 2.4 GHz per 100’
(loss per 100m)
Diameter
RG-58
14.5 dB (47.4 dB)
25.3 dB (83.2 dB)
0.20” (4.95 mm)
RG-174
25.9 dB (85.0 dB)
44.4 dB (145.8 dB)
0.10” (2.54 mm)
RG-316
24.7 dB (81.0 dB)
42.4 dB (139.0 dB)
0.10” (2.59 mm)
LMR-195
11.1 dB (36.5 dB)
19.0 dB (62.4 dB)
0.20” (4.95 mm)
LMR-240
7.6 dB (24.8 dB)
12.9 dB (42.4 dB)
0.24“ (6.10 mm)
LMR-600
2.5 dB (8.2 dB)
4.4 dB (14.5 dB)
0.59” (15.0 mm)
