Patent ID: 6011979
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method for selecting a tower-top low-noise amplifier (LNA) having a given level of performance which matches the level of performance needed for a personnel communication system (PCS) base station, the method comprising:providing a PCS base station having an antenna, a cable, and a cell, wherein the antenna, the cable, and the cell have an associated loss and noise figure, wherein the noise figure of the antenna is estimated using internal and external antenna noise temperatures, wherein the external antenna noise temperature accounts for contributions due to lightning noises, atmospheric emission noises, celestial noises, ground noises, and man-made noises including microwave oven noises;estimating the noise figure of the PCS base station based on the noise figures of the antenna, the cable, and the cell; andselecting for the PCS base station an LNA having a gain and a noise figure which cause the estimated noise figure of the PCS base station to fall within an acceptable range.