WO2016036951A1

WO2016036951A1 - Azimuth and elevation angle pole mounting system for wireless communications base sites

Info

Publication number: WO2016036951A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/048344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ray K. Butler; Farid Firouzbakht; Charles J. Buondelmonte; Eddie Ray BRADLEY; Michael F. BONCZYK; John W. OREM; Calvin J. DICKERSON
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2014-09-04
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2016-03-10

Abstract

A standard antenna interface includes an antenna mount for the wireless communications antenna and at least one radio head mount. The radio head mount includes at least one linear guided support structure. The remote radio head(s) include a low friction car configured to engage the linear guided support structure of the standard interface and an RF connector configured to engage an RF interconnection module of the antenna. The linear guide articulates left or right to allow remote radio heads and other equipment to be installed from the side and to enable mounting from the most convenient location. In an alternative embodiment, formed beams are welded to a central support pipe and equipment carriage slideably engage and secure to sides of the beams on bearing surfaces. This facilitates ease of installation of tower mounted equipment on the sides of the beams while ensuring proper alignment of blind mate connectors.

Description

AZIMUTH AND ELEVATION ANGLE POLE MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS

COMMUNICATIONS BASE SITES

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of and claims priority to U.S.

Application Serial No. 14/137,059, filed December 20, 2013. This application also claims priority to the following U.S. Provisional Applications (to which U.S. Application Serial No. 14/137,059 claims priority), pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/907,259, filed 21 November 2013; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

61/863,739, filed 08 August 2013; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/045,776, filed 4 September 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/096,089, filed 23 December 2014. The disclosures of these applications also are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present inventions relate generally to wireless communications. In particular, they relate to improvements in wireless base station antenna and radio deployments.

[0003] A traditional installation of a wireless radio network system mounted at the top of the tower consists of a remote radio head (RRH) and a separate antenna. These components are mounted in separate locations and are cabled together using jumper cables to pass the radio frequency (RP) signal between them. Such an installation decreases the performance of the radio network, creates complex and time consuming installations, and introduces opportunities for installation errors.

[0004] Current installations require multiple jumper cables and multiple mounting kits/hardware. This involves more installation time (approximately 12-15 hours per site).

Jumper cables present RP losses and Passive Intermodulation products (PIM) performance issues. These issues degrade network performance, and add significant cost to the network operator to overcome. Jumper cables also require more weatherproofing, and additional capital expense and operating expense.

[0005] Since there is no common structure or installation method to mount the RRH and the antenna, it is up to the installation team to define the mounting method. This can result in installation errors, missing hardware, wrong cable lengths, and inadequate mounting hardware.

[0006] Once the antenna and RRH are mounted at the tower top, it is strictly up to the installer to cable and connect the components together correctly. The installer will need a schematic or wiring diagram to understand how such connections should be made. This introduces the possibility of installing cables at the wrong locations, improperly assembling connectors to the jumper cables, or not engaging them correctly.

[0007] Attempts to solve the limitations of the current system, typically involves integrating the radio modules of the RRH with the antenna into a single enclosure (Integrated or Active Antenna). Integrated antennas do not provide flexibility for the network operator to select different RRHs or Antennas from different suppliers. The radio network operator is limited to the supplier of the active or integrated antenna and the performance and price of that system. The Integrated antenna approach also restricts the ability of the operator to leverage supplier diversity for the antenna products, or for the RRH units. It also limits the availability of new beamwidth antennas, as well as multi-beam antennas. The operator is further challenged to stock spares of expensive combined units.

[0008] Antennas are passive components and have an inherently lower failure rate than do Remote Radio Heads. Typical antenna return rates are less than 0.1% annually, while RRH return rates range from 3% to 5% typically. Thus, integrating an antenna and RRH in a single unit on the tower would require antennas to be replaced at the same rate as RRH's, increasing operating expenses.

[0009] Additionally, current installations are not visibly appealing due to non-standard mounting configurations and the use of multiple jumper cables. Such installations do not have the appearance of a well thought out solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A mount assembly according to one aspect of the invention includes a bracket assembly attachable to a tower-mounted equipment and at least one jumper cable having at least one ohmic connector for connecting to the tower-mounted equipment and at least one capacitive connector. The bracket assembly may be adjustable to accommodate tower mounted equipment of various sizes.

[0011] In another aspect, a standard antenna interface assembly includes a support pipe with a mounting channel mounted on the pipe so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Elongated linear guide supports are fixed to the mounting channel extending away from the pipe and configured to receive tower mountable equipment. The antenna interface may include a tilt bracket attached to at least one linear guide support and the tower mountable equipment may have a low friction car configured to engage the elongated linear guide supports.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the standard antenna interface assembly may comprise a plurality of formed beams fixed to a support pipe and having bearing surfaces extending from the beams providing predetermined locations to secure equipment carriages which are slideably engaged with the formed beams and bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces may include threaded spindle fasteners and the formed beams may include mounting locations for an antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is a side view of another aspect according to the first example of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 is an end view of a remote radio head adapted for use in the first example of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 is a side view of a remote radio head adapted for use in the first example of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a remote radio head connector adapted for use in the first example of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an antenna connector adapted for use in the first example of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 7a and 7b are perspective views illustrating certain details of connectors which may be used in connection with the first example of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a diplexer connector adapted for use in the first example of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 9a and 9b are perspective views of a standard antenna interface according to a second example of the present invention.

[0022] Figures 10a and 10b are side views of the standard antenna interface of the second example.

[0023] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a third example of the present invention. [0024] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a standard antenna interface according to the third example of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the third example of the present invention with additional components.

[0026] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the third example of the present invention with additional components.

[0027] Figures 15a- 15c illustrate a combination of features from the second and third examples of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 16a- 16b illustrate an antenna adapted for use in another example of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 17a- 17c illustrate a remote radio head adapted for use in another example of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 18 is an exploded view of the RRH Connector illustrated in Figure 5.

[0031] Figure 19 is an exploded view of the RF Connector shown in Figure 6.

[0032] Figures 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a float gasket installed in an opening of a portion of a panel.

[0033] Figure 21 is a cross section of an embodiment of a float gasket.

[0034] Figures 22a-22b illustrate an embodiment of an adjustable mount assembly that is rear mounted to a remote radio head.

[0035] Figure 23a-23b illustrate an embodiment of an adjustable mount assembly that is side mounted to a remote radio head.

[0036] Figure 24 illustrates a remote radio head mounted over a platform installed on a tower. [0037] Figure 25 illustrates a rotating mount assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 26 is a top view illustration of the rotating mount assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 27 is a perspective view of portions of the rotating mount assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 28 illustrates a connector block according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 29 illustrated a jumper assembly including connector blocks according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 30 illustrates an embodiment of a side mount assembly according to the invention.

[0043] Figures 31a and 31b illustrate various views of an example of the side mount assembly illustrated in Figure 30.

[0044] Figure 32 is a side view of an example of the side mount assembly of Figure 30 with additional components.

[0045] Figures 33a and 33b illustrate details of an example embodiment of the beams of the embodiment of Figure 30.

[0046] Figure 34 illustrates an example embodiment of a beam of the side mount assembly of Figure 30 including grooved spindles according to one aspect of the invention.

[0047] Figure 35 illustrates an example of the equipment carriage 722 of Figure 32.

[0048] Figure 36 illustrates an embodiment of the side mount assembly including a tilt bracket. [0049] Figures 37a and 37c illustrates several views of the side mount assembly of Figure 30 including equipment carriage 722.

[0050] Figure 38 illustrates an example of the side mount assembly including mounting of multiple equipment carriages.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0053] Many different embodiments are disclosed herein, in connection with the description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and sub combinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0054] A Standard Antenna Interface is described herein to overcome the limitations of a traditional RRH and antenna tower top installation. This invention creates a standard antenna interface that provides a reduced installation time, prevents the installer from directly

touching/interfacing with the RF electrical path, creates a PIM free interface, allows the network operator the flexibility to select any brand of antenna or RRH to install and provides improved manufacturability. This solution further enables the stocking of separate antennas and RRH's, thus reducing the cost of inventory. In addition, the higher failure rate RRH's can be replaced independently of the more reliable passive antennas.

[0055] The Standard Antenna Interface comprises of a standard interface structure, including antenna mounting brackets and RRH mounting structure, and a RF interconnection module. The standard interface structure acts as the mounting medium for both the antenna and the RRH. Both the antenna and RRH are mounted to their respective universal mounting structure. One mounting structure will receive the antenna and, optionally, all necessary interconnects, where the other bracket or mounting structure will receive the RRH and, optionally necessary interconnects. In embodiments where the Standard Interface Structure does not include RF interconnects, such RF interconnects are made directly between the antenna and the RRH. Each entity will mount directly to the standard interface structure and can be removed independently from each other. Preferably, the Standard Antenna Interface allows antennas and radios from different manufacturers to be coupled together in the field without adding jumper cables and/or ohmic connections. [0056] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a first example of a Standard Antenna Interface 10 is disclosed. In this example, an Upper Tower Mount 12, and Middle Tower Mount 14 and a Lower Tower Mount 16 are mounted on a Mounting Pole 18. The Upper Tower Mount 12, and Middle Tower Mount 14 and a Lower Tower Mount 16 are configured to mechanically interface with a plurality of Remote Radio Heads 20 and an Antenna 22. In one embodiment, the Upper Tower Mount 12, and Middle Tower Mount 14 and a Lower Tower Mount 16 are configured to mechanically interface with a Diplexer 24 placed between a Remote Radio Head 20 and the Antenna 22.

[0057] The example illustrated in Figures land 2 allows for the installation of up to four Remote Radio Heads 20. In an alternative example (not illustrated), when one or two Remote Radio Heads 20 are desired, the Middle Tower Mount 14 may be omitted.

[0058] The Upper Tower Mount 12 and the Lower Tower Mount 16 each include a Linear Guided Support 26. In the illustrated example, the Linear Guided Supports 26 comprise tracks that are configured to receive a roller trolley. However, alternative track and low friction car slide structures are within the scope of this invention and may be substituted. In this example, the Upper Tower Mount 12 includes an Antenna Mount 28. An additional Antenna Mount 29 is included on the Mounting Pole 18. The Antenna 22 includes Brackets 30, which include slots to engage Antenna Mount 28 and Antenna Mount 29. Middle Tower Mount 14 includes two Linear Guided Supports 26. The Linear Guided Supports 26 are on the opposite side of the Mounting Pole 18 from the Antenna 22 and extend away from the Antenna 22, as shown. [0059] Alternatively, the Lower Tower Mount 16 may be structurally the same as Upper Tower Mount 12, but is inverted when mounted. The Upper Tower Mount 12 and the Lower Tower Mount 16 each include an Antenna Mount 28 in this example.

[0060] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the Remote Radio Head 20 includes an Upper Low Friction Car 32 and a Lower Low Friction Car 34. The Upper Low Friction Car 32 and a Lower Low Friction Car 34 each engage a respective Linear Guided Support 26. For example, when a Remote Radio Head 20 is installed in a lower location on the Standard Interface, the Upper Low Friction Car 32 engages a Linear Guided Support 26 of the Middle Tower Mount 14 and the Lower Low Friction Car 34 engages the Linear Guided Support 26 of the Lower Tower Mount 16. In the illustrated example, the Upper Low Friction Car 32 and the Lower Low Friction Car 34 each comprise a wheeled trolley. However, alternative low friction non-wheeled cars are also contemplated and may be substituted for the wheeled trolleys.

[0061] Each Remote Radio Head 20 includes a RRH Connector 40. The Antenna 22 includes a plurality of integrated RF Interconnection Modules 44 designed to engage a respective mating RRH Connector 40. Alternatively, the RF Interconnection Module 44 may be located on the Standard Antenna Interface 10, and the Antenna 20 may be provided with a connector.

[0062] Once the Upper Low Friction Car 32 and the Lower Low Friction Car 34 are engaged in their respective Linear Guided Supports 26, the Remote Radio Head 20 may then slide into engagement with Antenna 22. Specifically, the RRH connector 40 is mated with its respective RF Interconnection Module 44. The Remote Radio Head 20 may mate directly with the antenna, or optionally, a Diplexer 24 may be included between two Remote Radio Heads 20 and the Antenna 22. The Remote Radio Head 20 may be locked into place with Lock 35. [0063] When a Diplexer 24 is used, the Diplexer 24 will include two sets of RF Interconnection Modules 44 facing the Remote Radio Heads 20. The Diplexer 24 also includes one RRH Connector 40 facing the Antenna 22. The Antenna 22 may be configured to have a single RF Interconnection Module 44 facing the Diplexer 24. The Diplexer 24 includes a pair of Upper Low Friction Cars 32 and a pair of Lower Low Friction Cars 34. In addition to Remote Radio Head 20 and Diplexer 24, additional types of tower-mountable equipment, such as filters, may be accommodated by the Standard Antenna Interface 10.

[0064] An assembly may comprise as few as one antenna and one Remote Radio Head 20. However, as illustrated in the figures, each Linear Guided Support 26 in the illustrated examples may include two channels to accept two Remote Radio Heads 20, and there may be more than one pair of Linear Guided Supports 26 for each Antenna 22. In the illustrated examples, there may be four Remote Radio Heads 20 coupled to the Antenna 22.

[0065] The example of Figures 1-4 enable straight-in, linear engagement of the RF connectors. This allows for an improved design of blind-matable, capacitively coupled RF connectors to be employed. An example of such a long-engagement is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

[0066] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, RF Interconnection Module 44 and RRH Connector 40 may comprise a blind mate connector of coaxial construction. In one example, the RF Interconnection Module 44 may include a central conductor extension having a generally Cylindrical Post 60 and an Outer Conductor Extension 62. The Cylindrical Post 60 may be covered by a dielectric layer, such as one formed of a polymeric shrink sleeve. The RRH Connector 40 may include a Central Conductor Extension 64 that is adapted to receive the Cylindrical Post 60 of the RF Interconnection Module 44, and an Outer Conductor Extension 66 configured to fit within the Outer Conductor Extension 62. A dielectric layer overlies the Outer Conductor Extension 66. The dielectric layers prevent an ohmic connection between the conductor extensions and ensure that the coupling is capacitive, reducing the possibility of Passive Intermodulation (PIM).

[0067] The RF Interconnection Module 44 may include a float plate to improve alignment of capacitive, blind mate connectors. Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, portions of an Interconnection Module 44 including a Float Plate 70 are illustrated. The float plate 70 may receive blind mated coaxial connectors within each opening; four such interconnections, designated at 72 are illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b. The float plate 70 is typically mounted to a rigid structure, such as a back of an antenna, that includes openings that align with the openings in the float plate 70. The openings in the rigid structure are sufficiently large that they do not interfere with flexure of the fingers 76 normal to the main body panel 78. Exemplary environments in which float plates may be employed with blind-matable connectors are discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0065415 to Van Swearingen et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0068] As can be understood with reference to Figures 7a and 7b, as a connector 80 is inserted into the float plate 70, the fingers 76 can flex to help to compensate for any

misalignment of the connector 80 relative to its mating connector 82. Such misalignment is not uncommon due to minor tolerance differences in the sizes of the connectors 80, 82 and their components.

[0069] While a rolling, straight-in engagement is advantageous, another example employs a pivoting, axially guided engagement. Referring to Figures 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b, the Standard Antenna Interface 110 mounts away from the pole or the wall and houses the Antenna 122 and Remote Radio Head 120 on one side of the pole. In this example, the Standard Antenna Interface 110 is constructed out of formed sheet metal. However, the Standard Antenna Interface 110 may also be constructed out of metal rectangular tubing. As in the example above, an RF Interconnection Module 144 is integrated into Antenna 122 (Fig. 10b).

[0070] Referring to Figures 10a and 10b, a Remote Radio Head 120 may be connected to the Standard Antenna Interface 110. The Remote Radio Head 120 includes a hooked Mounting Bracket 127 and a slotted Mounting Bracket 128 (Figs. 10a and 10b). The Standard Antenna Interface 110 includes Pins 129 (Figs. 9a and 9b), which comprise axially guided support structure. The hooked Mounting Bracket 127 and a slotted Mounting Bracket 128 engage the Pins 129 of the Standard Antenna Interface, and allow the Remote Radio Head 120 to rotate into engagement (Figs. 10a and 10b). In another example, The Standard Antenna Interface 110 may be configured receive two or more Remote Radio Heads 120. The Antenna 122 also has a hooked Mountmg Bracket and a slotted Mounting Bracket 128 that engages Pins 129 and allows Antenna 122 to be rotated into engagement in a similar manner.

[0071] The Remote Radio Head 120 may be installed and/or removed from the Standard Antenna Interface 110 without moving the Antenna 122 (10a). Similarly, the Antenna 122 may be installed and/or removed from the Standard Antenna Interface 110 without moving the Remote Radio Head 120 (10b). In another example, the hooked Mounting Bracket 127 and the slotted Mounting Bracket 128 may be replaced with a single piece mounting bracket. The linear guided support structure and the axially guided support structure may also be used in

combination. For example, an antenna may be mounted using the axially guided support structure, such as Pins 129 and corresponding Hooked Mounting Bracket 127, and tower mountable equipment may be installed using Linearly Guided Supports 26 and Low Friction Cars 32, 34.

[0072] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a perspective view of an additional example is illustrated. In this example, the Standard Antenna Interface 210 accommodates an Antenna 222 and up to four RRH Remote Radio Heads 220. In this example, the Standard Antenna Interface 210 is mounted to a pole 218. The Standard Antenna Interface 210 includes Cross Members 212, 214, and 216, and a Vertical Member 217.

[0073] Referring to Figure 12, the Standard Antenna Interface 210 includes Mounting Points 228 for the Antenna 222 and RF Interconnection Modules 244. Referring to Figure 13, an Antenna 222 mounted to the Standard Antenna Interface 210. Mounting Brackets 229 for receiving Remote Radio Heads 220 are also installed on the Standard Antenna Interface 210 in an upper position. Float Plates 270 may be included on the Mounting Brackets 229.

Additionally, an optional Diplexer 224 is mounted on the Standard Antenna Interface 210.

Figure 14 continues the example of Figure 13, with the inclusion of Mounting Brackets 229 being installed on the Diplexer 224. The Remote Radio Heads 220 may be mounted on the Diplexer 224 in the same way that they would be mounted directly to the Standard Antenna Interface 210. The Mounting Brackets 229 include an RF Interconnection Module 244, which interfaces with an Antenna Connector and connectors on the Remote Radio Head (not illustrated).

[0074] The installation of the Diplexer 224 on the lower mounting brackets is just one example; a Diplexer 224 may be included on the upper mounting brackets, the lower mounting brackets, both mounting brackets, or omitted altogether. This flexibility in optionally including a diplexer is an advantage of this example. [0075] The RF Interconnection Module 244 comprises a blind mate RF connector system that provides 7/16 DIN type RF performance in a blind mate approach for fast and robust component interfacing. The RF Interconnection Module 244 may include capacitively coupled interfaces and/or connectors such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13/672,965, 13/673,084 and 13/673,373, which were filed on November 9, 2012, and the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

[0076] Referring to Figures 15a, 15b, and 15c, an example of a Standard Antenna Interface 310 is shown including an RF Interconnection Module 344 is illustrated. RRH

Connector 340 of Remote Radio Head 320 engages one side of an RF Interconnection Module 344, and Antenna Connector 320 of Antenna 322 engages the other side of the RF

Interconnection Module 344.

[0077] Referring to Figures 16a- 16b and 17a- 17c, examples of an Antenna 422 and a Remote Radio Head 420 including RF Interconnection Module 444 and RRH Connector 440 are illustrated. Figure 16b illustrates RF jumper cables 452 connected from a bottom of an Antenna 422 to an RF interconnector module 444. Similarly, Figure 17c illustrates RF jumper cables 454 connected from an RRH 420 to a RRH Connector 440. Jumper cables 452 and 454 may include metal-to-metal ohmic connectors on the one hand for attachment to the RRH 420 or antenna 422 and capacitive connectors on the other hand for attachment to the RRH Connector 440 or RF Interconnection Module 444. In these examples, installation of the RF

Interconnection Module 444 and RRH Connector 440 occurs prior to traveling to the deployment site so that the harness and all jumper cabling 452 and 454 (in Figures 16b and 17c) can be tested for RF path integrity and concealed behind a covers 450 and 456 (in Figures 16b, 17b and 17c). Such concealment prevents an installer from touching or otherwise interfacing with this RF path and may provide an aesthetically pleasing look.

[0078] Figure 18 is an exploded view of the RRH Connector 40 as illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 19 is an exploded view of the RF Connector 44 as shown in Figure 6. The RRH

Connector 40 comprises a connector housing 90, capacitive connectors 64, a float plate 70 (see Figures 7a and 7b), and a float assembly comprising float shells 84 and 88 and a float gasket 86. The float gasket 86 may be an elastomeric material. Float shell 84 may include a first flange 85a and a second flange 85b (also shown in Figure 19) adapted to engage float shell 88. Similarly, float shell 88 may include a first flange 89a and a second flange 89b (also shown in Figure 18) adapted to engage float shell 84. When assembled, flanges 85a, 85b, 89a, and 89b operate to secure float gasket 86 in a space between the float shells 84 and 88 that is dimensioned to be about the thickness of the float gasket 86. The float plate 70 allows the capacitive connectors 64 to move with respect to the connector housing 90, such as by the flexure of fingers 76 as described above with respect to Figures 7a and 7b. The float gasket 86 allows the connector housing 90 to move with respect to a surface on which the RF connector 40 is mounted, as described below with respect to Figures 20, 21, 22a, 22b. 23a and 23b.

[0079] Similarly, the RF Connector 44 comprises a connector housing 94, capacitive connectors 62, a float plate 70 (see Figures 7a and 7b), and a float assembly comprising float shells 84 and 88 and a float gasket 86. Again, the float plate 70 allows the capacitive connectors 62 to move with respect to the connector housing 94, and the float gasket 86 allows the connector housing 90 to move with respect to a surface on which the RF connector 44 is mounted. The connector housings 90 and 94 may include corresponding bevels 92 and 96 to facilitate alignment of the housings 90 and 94 and their associated capacitive connectors 64 and 62.

[0080] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, one embodiment of a float gasket 86 is illustrated in more detail. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a float gasket 86 installed in an opening of a portion of a panel. The float gasket 86 includes a first flange portion 81a and a second flange portion 81b (see Figure 19) separated by a middle portion 83. Figure 21 is a cross section of the float gasket 86 to illustrate a first flange 81a and ribs 87. First and second flanges 81a and 81b are dimensioned to be larger than an opening in which the float gasket 86 is to be installed. The middle portion 83 includes a plurality of outer ribs 87. The ribs 87 extend outwardly from the middle portion 83 and are dimensioned to engage an inner periphery of the hole in which the float gasket 86 is mounted. The float gasket 86 and/or ribs 87 may be compressed slightly, which allows the connector shell to "float" within the opening on the surface to which the RRH connector 40 or RF connector 44 is mounted. In practice, a float gasket 86 is installed in an opening, float shells 84 and 88 are installed around the float gasket 86, a float plate 70 and capacitive connectors 64 or 62 are installed, and finally the connector housing 90 or 94 is installed.

[0081] Figures 22a, 22b, 23a and 23b illustrate an embodiment of an adjustable mount assembly 500 that may be side mounted or rear mounted to a RRH 20. In Figures 22a and 22b, the mount assembly 500 is rear mounted to a RRH 20. The mount assembly 500 includes a first bracket 502 and a second bracket 504. The first bracket 502 includes a first set of adjustable slots 512a, 512b, 512c and 512d. The first set of slots 512a, 512b, 512c and 512d may be dimensioned to receive hardware (such as screws) for securing the mount assembly 500 to the RRH 20 and also serve to fix the relative positions of brackets 502 and 504. By loosening and/or tightening the hardware, the relative positions of the brackets 502 and 504 may be adjusted to accommodate RRHs 20 of various size. Bracket 504 includes an opening 541 for receiving an RRH connector 40, such as the RRH connector shown in Figure 18. The RRH connector 40 may be cabled to the RRH 20 by jumper cables 544. Jumper cables 554 may include metal-to-metal ohmic connectors on the one hand for attachment to the RRH 20 and capacitive connectors on the other hand for attachment to the RRH Connector 40. Bracket 504 also may include an Upper Low Friction Car 32 and/or a Lower Low Friction Car 34 that operate as described above with respect to Figures 3 and 4.

[0082] Figures 23a and 23b show the mount assembly 500 side mounted to a RRH 20. As illustrated, the first bracket 502 includes a second set of adjustable slots 514a, 514b and 514c for receiving mount posts 515a, 515b and 515c. Mount posts 515a, 515b and 515c may be, for example, threaded posts that can be used with appropriate hardware to secure the relative positions of brackets 502 and 504. Even if the assembly 500 is rear mounted to a RRH 20, mount posts 515a, 515b and 515c may help to align brackets 502 and 504 during assembly. Brackets 502 and 504 may also include a set of mounting points, such as apertures 516a, 516b and 516c for receiving hardware for side mounting the assembly 500 to the RRH 20. While Figures 22a, 22b, 23a and 23b illustrate an embodiment of an adjustable mount assembly 500 that may be side mounted or rear mounted to a RRH 20, mount assembly 500 may be modified to provide only side mounting, only rear mounting, or other functionality contemplated herein.

[0083] In practice, brackets 502 and 504, jumper cables 554, and RRH Connector 40 (including, for example, float gasket 86, float shells 84 and 88, float plate 70, capacitive connectors 66, and/or connector housing 90) may be assembled/mounted to an RRH 20 and/or fully tested offsite, such as an in a factory setting. This enables all ohmic connections (metal-to- metal) to be done in a controlled environment such as a the factory and performance tested before shipping a completed assembly to the field. In the field, the only RF connections that need to be made are the capacitive, which are more reliable and less likely to induce PIM.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to remote radio heads and antennas.

Universal mounting brackets may also be used to mount additional items of tower-mountable equipment.

[0085] In another example, the standard interface structure mounts directly to the pole and allows the RRH and the antenna to straddle the pole. The standard interface structure includes an RP interconnection module, which is moved off to the side so it avoids the pole when the RRH and antenna are engaged. The RRH and Antenna mount directly to the standard interface structure, and each may be removed independently.

[0086] In another example, instead of mounting to a pole, the Standard Antenna Interface may replace a pole in a tower installation. In this example, the structure may comprise rectangular tubing or round tubing with an extended pipe tubing at both ends. The RF interconnect mates inside the center structure and is concealed within the structure when the antenna and RRH are installed.

[0087] In another example, additional functionality is added to the standard antenna interface by way of RP filtering and/or amplification. Additional modules, such as a tower mount amplifiers (TMA) or RF filters, may be added within the standard interface structure. These modules will contain an RP interconnection module on one or both sides, enabling it to directly connect to the antenna or RRH. The modules may be removable separate entities, or permanently embedded into the standard interface enclosure. [0088] Referring to Figure 24, the standard interface 10 may be mounted on a platform 802 on a tower 800. The standard interface 10 is oriented such that the linear guide supports 26 extend inward toward the platform and the antenna 22 faces outward. This enables a technician to install an RRH 20, Diplexer 24 or other item of equipment from the platform side of the rails, thereby improving worker safety.

[0089] One aspect of the standard interface is to provide for improved access for mounting equipment. For example, while it is advantageous for the linear guided supports 26 typically face inward, and access to the linear guided support 26 may be obstructed by a center column of the tower 800 itself. In the embodiment of Figure 25, the standard interface has many features of the earlier embodiments, and further comprises a rotating mount assembly including a support pipe 610, a mounting channel 620, and a tilt bracket 630.

[0090] The linear guided supports 26 are fixed to the mounting channel 620. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting channel 620 has a squared-off U-shaped in cross section. This is shown, for example, in Figure 26 which shows a top down view of one embodiment. The mounting channel 620 is attached to a mounting pipe 610. The entire assembly of the linear guided supports 26 and the mounting channel 620 may be rotated about the support pipe 610, such as by twisting the assembly to the left or right about an axis defined by the longitudinal axis defined by the mounting pipe 610. This allows the linear guided support 26 to be rotated away from a tower or other obstruction to improve access. In one embodiment, the linear guided supports 26 and the mounting channel 620 may be rotated 90° to the left or the right. Other degrees and directions of rotation may also be used. Alternatively, U-bolts may be used to connect linear guided supports 26 to a mounting pole and the supports may be rotated separately or in subsets. [0091] The tilt bracket 630 and related components are further illustrated in Figure 27. The tilt bracket is mounted via one or more adjustable brackets 634 and slotted brackets 632 to at least one linear guided support 26. As shown in the illustrated example, two center linear guided supports 26 may be used. Mechanical downtilt of the antenna may be adjusted by adjusting the placement of the tilt bracket 630 with respect to the mounting channel 620. For example, by adjusting the tilt bracket 630 to minimize the distance from the support channel 620, mechanical downtilt is minimized. Conversely, downtilt can be increased by increasing separation between the tilt bracket 630 and the mounting channel 620. The tilt bracket 630 may be connected to a handrail 640 of the tower by U-bolts 636 or any other suitable means. The handrail 640 may provide a surface for an installer to grasp to rotate the linear guided supports 26 and mounting channel 620 about the support pipe 610.

[0092] In practice, the rotating mount assembly allows more flexibility for an installer to install an RRH 20 while standing on platform at the tower, such as the platform illustrated in Figure 24. As shown, the horizontal space between the antenna and the tower is limited. Using the rotating mount assembly, an installer may rotate the linear guided supports 26 and the mounting channel 620 from a "home" location to a location that alleviates spacing issues caused by the tower. An RRH 20 or other tower mountable equipment may be inserted into the linear guide rails 26, either partially or fully, and the assembly may be rotated back to the "home" position. Once in the home position, the equipment may be rolled further into the linear guide rails, if necessary, and mated to the antenna 22. Optionally, latching mechanisms (not shown) or the like may be incorporated into the rotating mounting assembly to define the "home" position and/or secure or unsecure the mounting channel 620 and linear guide supports 26 in the "home" position. Other features and modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. [0093] In some embodiments including a rotating mount assembly, a rigid RF connector 644 and/or rigid RRH Connector may be used. An exemplary rigid RF connector 644 is illustrated in Figure 28. A rigid RF connector 644 and/or RRH Connector may include similar electrical and mechanical features to those embodiments described above, but may be used, for example, without an adapter bracket and the corresponding float gasket 86 and/or float plate 70. In embodiments using a rigid RF connector 644 and/or rigid RRH Connector, elongated jumper cable 654 (shown in Figure 29) may be used to facilitate installation of the antenna 22 and/or RRH 20 at the tower.

[0094] An alternative Antenna Interface is illustrated in Figure 30 and Figures 3 la- 3 lb. The Side Mount Antenna Interface 700 illustrated includes a central structural tubing member (e.g. pipe) 702 and a plurality of formed beams 704, 706 that are welded to the pipe 702. The beams 704, 706 provide mounting locations in predetermined locations to which universal equipment carriages are guided and secured on bearing surfaces extending from the beams. Various bearing surfaces may be used, such as smooth shafts pressed into or otherwise attached to the beams, threaded rods with brass sleeves, and/or threaded rods with grooves. Threaded spindle fasteners 710 with captive nuts 712 are illustrated in the figures. The beams 704, 706 also provide mounting locations for an antenna. Combining mounting locations for tower- mounted equipment and an antenna on the same beam helps ensure proper alignment of blind mate connectors on the tower mounted equipment to the antenna. In the illustrated example, two sets of beams 704,706 are provided. Each set of beams provide two equipment mounting locations 730, 732, one on each side of the set of beams 704, 706.

[0095] All components are simple profiles which can be globally sourced, but whose unique features when combined together form a robust and precise guide structure allowing a base station antenna and multiple diplexer and remote radio head equipment to be rapidly and reliably interconnected thru blind mate junctions.

[0096] Referring to Figure 32, a side view of the Standard Interface 700 is illustrated with additional components. A tilt bracket 718 is located between the two sets of beams. A Remote Radio head 720 is mounted on an equipment carriage 722, and the equipment carriage 722 has been placed on grooved spindles 710 set through the beams. In the illustrated position, the equipment carriage 722 has not been moved all of the way into the installed position. The equipment carriage 722 would have to be moved toward the pipe to fully install the remote radio head 720.

[0097] Referring to Figures 33a and 33b, additional details of the beams are illustrated. Figure 33a illustrates a uniform beam, and Figure 33b illustrates a tapered beam 704. The beam profiles are designed to withstand high dynamic loads and to support wide variety of

commercially available telecommunication equipment. The beam profiles also provides high degree of access to seam weld to the pipe for optimal strength.

[0098] The profile may be laser cut, stamped, or created by a progressive die from cold rolled steel. Such manufacturing techniques enable very tight mechanical tolerances for superior positioning and alignment between features. For example, the beam profiles include apertures 732 for threaded spindles for mounting equipment carriages on one side of the pipe and apertures 734 for antenna brackets on the other side of the pipe. Since the beams provided the mounting locations for both the antenna and sliding equipment carriages, a high degree of alignment may be maintained to assure optimal alignment between blind-mate interconnects of mating equipment. [0099] The beam 704, 706 profiles also use straight edges and cutouts to enable a self- fixturing interference fit to central structural tubing (pipe) 702. This controlled fit interference assures proper angular and linear alignment of beams on pipe 702 prior to the welding process.

[00100] The beam 704, 706 profile also employs a simple bend profile. There are only two 90° bends. No compound curves are required. This improves manufacturability.

[00101] Commercial grade steel raw materials are preferred to allow easy global sourcing. A preferred material is cold rolled steel, although any other suitable material may be used. For example, if system weight is a concern, aluminum may be substituted for the cold rolled steel.

[00102] Referring to Figure 34, a grooved threaded spindle 740 according to one aspect of the invention is illustrated. The grooved threaded spindle 740 may comprise a section of tnreaded rod with grooves machined into the threaded rod where the equipment carriages 722 are to slide. Alternatively, brass sleeves may be located where the equipment carriages 722 are to slide. The grooved sections and/or sleeves of threaded spindles 740 align tangent to external vertical surfaces of beams 704, 706. The grooved sections function as restraining guide pathways for mating equipment carriages.

[00103] The grooved spindle 740 may be installed by passing the spindle through one aperture 732 of the beam, installing locking nuts 742, and passing the threaded spindle through the other side of the beam, and then tightening the locking nuts 742 against the inner surfaces of the beam. Flanged restraining nuts 742 may then be installed on either end of the spindle 740. Once flanged restraining nuts 744 are installed, the outer-most threads of threaded spindled 740 may be "mushroomed over" to ensure restraining nuts 744 are captive and unable to be removed from threaded spindle. [00104] If a non-threaded, smooth rod or shaft is used in place of a threaded rod, the rod may be welded in place and/or press-fit into place employing an interference fit.

[00105] An equipment carriage 722 is further illustrated in Figure 35. The equipment carriage 722 includes guide slots 760 for engaging the grooved spindles. The guide slots 760 are enlarged at one end to allow the flanged restraining nuts 742 to pass through. Guide slot profile governs blind-mate engagement, providing positive safety stops at each end of the engagement travel. The length of the guide slot 760 is of a predetermined length to ensure complete engagement of a blind mate connector, without damaging the blind mate connector. The equipment carriage 722 further includes a slot for a blind mate connector.

[00106] The equipment carriage 722 is also preferably laser cut from metal stock, such as aluminum, to maintain very tight mechanical tolerances for superior positioning and alignment between features, specifically between slot that retains the blind-mate connectors and the guide slots that control the alignment and travel of the equipment carriage.

[00107] The equipment carriage 722 may also include integrated handle features to reduce extra parts and assembly labor. The equipment carriage may also include stiffening and relief features to control rigidity and strength as required per engagement and dynamic loading requirements. Clearance slots in the equipment carriage only allow installation in a single position, thereby eliminating incorrect installations that could damage connector housings.

[00108] Equipment carriages 722 install from lateral sides of pipe/beam weldment thereby requiring a minimized lateral installation clearance (height of exposed spindle/captive- nut). The presence of the captive nuts 744 and the thread height of the spindles 740 retain the equipment carriages once seated, thereby preventing safety hazards such as inadvertent disengagement from the structure. Once the equipment carriage 722 is installed on the grooved spindles 740 and the equipment carriage 722 is moved all the way toward the pipe 702, the flanged restraining nuts 744 may be tightened. When installed and secured, the equipment carriages 722 increase rigidity and strength of pipe/beam weldment by forming a structural web between separated beams 704, 706. This significantly increases the dynamic loading capability of the structure.

[00109] Referring to Figure 36 and Figures 37a-37c, a tilt/pan mechanism (tilt bracket) 718 is installed on two adjacent beam sections 706. Inclusion of the tilt/pan mechanism 718 locally increases vertical and lateral strength of the pipe/beam weldment. A Tilt/Pan mechanism may be positioned onto pipe/beam weldment and permanently secured in place using all-thread rod and captive restraining nuts on internal channel of the beams 706 and at external ends 752 of the all-thread rod. Installation of Tilt/Pan mechanism 718 increases rigidity and strength of pipe/beam weldment.

[00110] The tilt bracket 718 may include adjustment slots 754 to move the tilt bracket 718 relative to the beams 706. Mechanical downtilt of the antenna may be adjusted by adjusting the placement of the tilt bracket with respect to the pipe. For example, by adjusting the tilt bracket 718 to minimize the distance from the pipe 702, mechanical downtilt is minimized. Conversely, downtilt can be increased by increasing separation between the tilt bracket 718 and the pipe 702. The tilt bracket 718 may be connected to a handrail of the tower by, for example, U-bolts, or any other suitable means.

[00111] Referring to Figure 38, a side mount assembly 700 is shown with side mounting of the equipment carriages 722. At the top, two equipment carriages 722 are shown being mounted one on each side of the beams 704, 706 and the third equipment carriage 722 is shown being mounted below on a second set of beams 704, 706. [00112] Referring to Figure 24, the standard interface 700 may be mounted on a platform 802 on a tower 800. The standard interface 700 is preferably oriented such that the beams 704, 706 extend inward toward the platform as in the case of the standard interface 10, and the antenna 22 faces outward. This enables a technician to install an RRH, Diplexer or other item of equipment from the platform side of the rails 804, thereby improving worker safety.

[00113] One aspect of the standard interface 700 is to provide for improved access for mounting equipment. For example, while it is advantageous for the beams typically face inward, access to the ends of the beams may be obstructed by a center column of the tower itself. The Side Mount Antenna Interface 700 solves this problem by allowing the equipment carriages 722 to be installed from the side of the beams instead of the ends and then slid forward into engagement with an antenna.

[00114] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense and it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

[00115] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A standard antenna interface for a wireless communications system comprising:

a support tubing member;

a mounting channel rotatably mounted on the support tubing member, the channel rotatable about an axis defined by a longitudinal axis of the support tubing member; elongated linear guide supports fixed to the mounting channel and extending away from the support tubing member and configured to receive tower mountable equipment; and an antenna mount for a wireless communications antenna fixed to the mounting channel for mounting a wireless communications antenna.

2. The interface of claim 1 wherein the support tubing member is a pipe.

3. The interface of claim 2 wherein the mounting channel has a squared-off U-shaped cross- section.

4. The interface of claim 1 wherein the mounting channel allows rotation of 90° in either direction.

5. The interface of claim 1 further comprising a tilt bracket mounted to at least one of the elongated linear guide supports to permit downtilting of the antenna.

6. The interface of claim 1 the tower mountable equipment comprises at least one remote radio head mount, each radio head mount having a low friction car configured to engage the elongated linear guide support, wherein the remote radio head mount slides into engagement with the antenna and locks into place.

7. The interface of claim 5 further comprising a handrail connected to the tilt bracket to facilitate rotation of the mounting channel.

8. The interface of claim 1 wherein antenna includes an integrated RF interconnection module and the tower mountable equipment further comprises an RF connector for engaging the RF interconnection module.

9. The interface of claim 4 wherein the tilt bracket is mounted via at least one adjustable slotted bracket to at least one elongated linear guide support to permit adjustment of distance between the tilt bracket and the mounting channel.

10. A standard antenna interface for a wireless communication antenna system comprising: a support tubing member;

a plurality of formed beams, for mounting tower mountable equipment, fixed to the support tubing member and having bearing surfaces extending from the beams providing predetermined locations to secure equipment carriages slideably engaged with the formed beams and bearing surfaces.

11. The interface of claim 10 wherein the bearing surfaces comprise threaded spindle

fasteners with captive nuts.

12. The interface of claim 10 wherein the support tubing member is a pipe and the formed beams are welded to the pipes.

13. The interface of claim 10 wherein the formed beams also include mounting locations for an antenna.

14. The interface of claim 10 further comprising a tilt bracket attached to at least two of the formed beams to permit down tilting of an antenna.

15. The interface of claim 12 wherein the plurality of formed beams include at least one beam with a uniform beam profile and one beam with a tapered beam profile and each has a U-shaped cross-section including apertures for spindles for mounting equipment carriages and apertures for mounting an antenna bracket.

16. The interface of claim 15 wherein the spindles are grooved tlireaded spindles wherein grooves are provided for the equipment carriages to provide restraining guide pathways for mating the equipment carriages.

17. The interface of claim 16 wherein the grooves align tangent to external vertical surfaces of the beams and extend through the apertures for the spindles on one side of the pipe and wherein the apertures for mounting the antenna are located on an opposite side of the pipe.

18. The interface of claim 17 wherein the equipment carriage is a universal carriage having elongated guide slots for engaging the ground spindles on a side of the beam thereby facilitating sliding alignment with blind-mate engagement of tower mountable equipment attached to the carriage.