What are AISG Interconnects?
What are AISG Interconnects?
Meet the Connector: AISG Interconnects
AISG interconnects are circular connectors and cables used in telecommunications to connect antennas, amplifiers, and sensors to controllers, usually base stations, such as in 5G networks and various cell tower equipment. AISG interconnects are named for the Europe-based Antenna Interface Standard Group, which develops the standards that define the physical and electrical characteristics of the AISG connector for RS-485 (AISG C485) (based on IEC 60130-9). The standards also define the communication protocol for the exchange of data between devices.
AISG interconnects are generally used in outdoor applications, thus requiring them to be waterproof (IP67 or better) and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The control infrastructure of subunits of antennas and antenna line devices (ALDs), such as RET units (remote electrical tilt), TMAs (tower mounted amplifiers), and various monitoring devices and sensors generally require a different connector layout/cable assembly. Products built using interconnects certified or compliant to the AISG standards ensure the interoperability of equipment from different manufacturers.
Power
The 8-pin connector AISG v2.0 has dedicated DC power pins for +12V, 10–30V, and −48V DC. Typically, the 10–30V DC pin is used to power the secondary devices. AISG v3.0, also 8-pins, has only one pin dedicated for DC power, the 10–30V pin.
Ping
Ping is an optional feature that enables the automatic discovery of RF cable connections between ALDs and base station radios. It also enables the operators to identify RF cables that are missing or incorrectly connected.
Design Notes
Standardization
The AISG v3 standard was released in 2018 to address advances in base stations and antenna lines that have occurred since the AISG v2 standard was released in 2006. According to AISG, new versions of the Base, ADB (Antenna DataBase), RET, and TMA standards were released in January 2022. The first version of ALS (antenna location and orientation sensor) is also in development as part of AISG v3.0.
The innovative design of Lumberg’s circular connector series 033200 for the AISG market saves on assembly costs with an innovative design.
Physical properties
Connectors may be fixed (rigid frames for extra stability in at least one direction) or free. They may be rewireable or non-rewireable.
Contacts
Number of contacts varies from 2 to 8, with 4 or five pins.
Binder‘s AISG-compliant M16 connectors support all wireless networks, including 5G.
Termination types
Crimp or solder
AISG C485 specifies 4 or 5 contacts with maximum crimp termination for wire gauge 0.75 mm (AWG18) and maximum solder termination 0.5 mm2 (AWG 20).
Locking mechanism
M16 x 0.75 screw-locking
Environmental properties
AISG interconnects are designed for harsh environments.
IP rating: IP67 or better
EMI protected
Protective caps are used for fixed and free, female and male connectors.
Cable properties
ASIG cable assemblies can be made of PUR (polyurethane), PE (polyethylene), or PVC (poly vinyl chloride) cable and can be overmolded if required.
Free connectors: 6.5 – 8 mm diameter
Molex AISG cables and connectors are built to withstand harsh environments and can remain in use for many years. IP68 rated with IEC 60529 standards and patent-pending weatherproof boots protect the connection in harsh weather, making them deal for outdoor cellular sites.
Electrical properties
Rated Voltage: 32V (depends on the application or specified safety requirement)
Rated impulse withstand voltage: 0.8kV
Insertion Force
Total insertion force max. 60N
Total withdrawal force max. 60N
Material specifications
Contact surfaces of male and female pins: gold or silver plating
Housing surface: nickel (preferred), other metal with galvanic contact potential with no more than 0.25V difference from nickel, non-metallic coatings if they do not influence the shielding characteristics.
Markets and Applications
Telecom, wireless communications, 5G networks, base stations, tower mounted antennas
Suppliers
binder, Lumberg, Molex, Rosenberger, Amphenol Sine (DigiKey), L-com (RS), and others.
Related Products
- Circular connectors
- RF connectors
- Coax connectors
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