ENCLOSURES FEATURE
Developing a rugged enclosure for PIM testing in complex
multi-band 4G and 5G networks Needing a case for a single board device for Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing in
complex multi-band 4G and 5G networks, AceAxis approached Foremost Electronics for the solution. Alan Vincent, sales director, Foremost Electronics, comments
F
oremost Electronics, the engineering-led Essex based importer and specialist
distributor of electromechanical components, works closely with its global suppliers to provide bespoke solutions for its customers where standard products do not meet the needs of the end product. Foremost’s customer, AceAxis, creates IPR
and technology to build, test and analyse the telecoms networks of the future and is a pioneer in the development of remote radio head (RRH) and embedded test and measurement technology for the telecoms market. The company is changing the way cell-site radio equipment is designed and tested with ground- breaking technology, new products, partnerships and solutions with a focus on innovation, value, time to market and quality.
MEETING SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AceAxis approached Foremost Electronics when it required a case for a single board device for Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing in complex multi band 4G and 5G networks. The test system analyses the digital bitstream
(I/Q data) on the fibre interface between the base band unit (BBU) and remote radio head (RRH) to measure the effects of PIM. The enclosure had a number of very specific
requirements: it had to be a compact customer specific form factor with a maintenance-free conduction cooling concept for a high thermal performance without the use of fans; and it required comprehensive EMC shielding and the integration of custom-developed rubber frames to protect the surface of the case – eliminating the use of conventional rubber feet while ensuring a firm grip even when the enclosures are stacked or placed on a workbench or table. As an added value channel partner for nVent
SCHROFF, Foremost has access to a very wide range of standard, customisable and complete custom enclosure solutions and accessories. In order to shorten the development time for a non-standard case, Foremost decided to use products from the nVent Interscale case range for the AceAxis design. The Interscale enclosure range is a platform concept that provides a choice of enclosures with heights of 1, 2 or 3U and with various widths and depths. It includes
a wide palette of matched accessories such as mounting plates for PCBs or fan kits if required. The Interscale components selected provided
simple customisation, and excellent EMC protection is guaranteed because of a special locking mechanism on the side panels. As fan cooling was not permitted a heat sink with a thermal pad to the processor was used to increase the cooling performance. The custom rubber frame assembly is screwless and easy to remove, and the cases have been painted to meet AceAxis’ requirements. Alan Vincent, sales director of Foremost
Electronics, commented: “We specialise in the supply of non-standard and customised products from a range of global manufacturers. The nVent Interscale is a very flexible electrical enclosure solution that can speed up integration times without incurring expensive tooling or NRE costs. The Interscale platform offered all the components we required to meet the complex specification we received from AceAxis in a timely and cost-effective way.”
Foremost Electronics
www.4most.co.uk DESIGN SOLUTIONS | APRIL 2020 29
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