Radio Frequency Systems Awarded Patent Covering Automation and Simplification of Base Station Antenna Downtilting Process.

Business Editors

MERIDEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 2001

Covers implementation of remote tilt antenna system

for improved wireless system optimization 

Wireless communications leader Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) announced today that it has been awarded patent 6,239,744 from the United States Patent Office covering the company's Remote Tilt(TM) Antenna System for wireless base station antennas.

The patent covers numerous aspects of the remote tilt antenna system implementation process.

Currently, optimizing wireless network coverage is very challenging due to a large number of parameters that can affect it. Downtilting is an important procedure often utilized by network designers to help optimize performance. The intellectual property in the RFS patent covers methods that automate and simplify the process of downtilting antennas. RFS is using these concepts to further develop their Remote Tilt Antenna System.

[pilcrow (paragraph sign)] There are many factors that could require an operator to change the tilt of an antenna system, including seasonal variations in weather and foliage, area vehicular traffic patterns and new building construction. According to Andy Singer, Director of Marketing for Radio Frequency Systems in the Americas, the Remote Tilt Antenna System would allow a technician or engineer to adjust electrically the tilt of any antenna sector by entering the required tilt parameters into a laptop computer or other user interface device. "Ultimately an operator could even run a program that automatically adjusts the tilts at predetermined times and dates or a system that dynamically adjusts the tilt based on changing conditions," Singer continued.

The RFS patent also covers a sensor that provides feedback to the operator, insuring accuracy on the degree of tilt provided by each antenna. Singer went on to say that "the Remote Tilt Antenna System patent is another example of how RFS is constantly working to develop industry leading technologies that allow wireless systems operators to work more efficiently."

Patrick C. Nobileau, VP Base Station Antenna Systems for Radio Frequency Systems commented that the Remote Tilt Antenna System will allow operators to optimize their networks and to maximize revenue opportunities for both 2.5G and 3G. "Radio Frequency Systems introduced prototypes on major trade shows and is currently working with Operators and OEMs to develop products based on the Remote Tilt patent," Nobileau said.

Company Background

Radio Frequency Systems is a global designer and manufacturer of antenna and cable systems and RF subassemblies, providing total-package solutions for wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves operators, OEMs, distributors and system integrators in the broadcast, cellular, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support, and innovative product design. RFS is a leader in wireless communications.