Interface specifications for protection and grounding in wireless base stations

In recent years, the deployment of distributed communication systems, particularly wireless base stations, has increased. These systems are typically installed in self-contained metallic enclosures in a great variety of different setups, configurations and sizes, wherever real estate can be found or installation is permitted. Base transceiver stations (BTSs), as they are often called, are equipped with antennae that maybe installed on towers or high-rises. A BTS must also communicate with its controller, typically located in a centralized location through copper communication links and is powered by commercial AC power from the local power grid. These facts make a BTS highly exposed to lightning surges and AC power surges and requires the BTS design to implement a protection scheme that provides sufficient protection within the limited space of the BTS enclosure. Such a protection scheme typically relies on physical layout of the enclosure, cable routing and bonding and also on surge protection devices selected individually for each type of link. Most of the surge energy is dissipated into the local grounding/earthing system which thus becomes a crucial part of the BTS protection scheme.