Framework Agreement for the Provision of Spectrum Equipment, Ancillaries and Associated Services

Description

Ofcom is seeking to appoint suppliers to a framework agreement for the provision of spectrum equipment, ancillaries and associated services. Lot 1: Portable Network Analysers These can be battery operated and easily carried whilst in use. These devices are a vital part of the lab equipment, their primary function is to measure characteristics of antennas, RF components and cables. A network analyser creates a signal and characterises the devices that receive it, such as S-parameters, reflection coefficient, insertion, and return losses. These devices can either be a standalone Network Analyser or a spectrum analyser, that has a hardware addition that provide functionality as a Network Analyser (conforming to the requirements). Lot 2: Handheld Spectrum Analysers Handheld Spectrum Analysers are used to analyse the frequency spectrum within a specific frequency range. Used primarily in the field for in the detection and characterisation of known signals. Secondary use is identification and characterisation of spurious or unexpected signals. Handheld devices are nominally in the range 3 kg to 5 Kg . Operating in a temperature -10 to +55°C (14 to 131°F). Lot 3: General Purpose Spectrum Analysers These Spectrum Analysers are constrained in their top frequencies, analysis bandwidths and noise floor, relative to the most capable Analysers. Although limited in functionality compared to the high specification analysers, they are light weight, and have smaller form factor, convenient for mobile labs and basic lab work. Our work with spectrum analysers falls very roughly into two categories. We have the mainly lab-based work which involves in-depth analysis and recording of many different types of signals, to establish good measurement techniques and results. The second is mainly mobile based, this involves drive testing, antenna characterisation in an open area test site, and monitoring of our own transmissions on and off site, whether that be simple CW or wider band 5G for example. Lot 4: High Specification Spectrum Analysers including RF-IQ Recording These Spectrum Analysers are top specification devices designed for the most demanding measurements. They are similar to the Benchtop analysers but will have: a wider frequency range 2Hz to >60GHz, lower phase noise, better sensitivity, faster scan rates and a wider internal analysis bandwidth up to >2GHz that allows for characterisation of the most complex radio systems. They are larger and heavier, designed to focus on top performance with high end processing power and associated cooling. They are less portable, and will use a lot of power during intensive measurements making them less suitable for field measurements. These spectrum analysers must also have the ability to stream IQ data >1GHz to an associated, compatible recording device. IQ Recording and playback systems allow the recording of raw IQ data streams at very high bandwidths, this enables the recording of complex signals, and the ability to playback in the lab. The playback maintains out of band emissions of the original signal and can be played back at any frequency. Some record and playback systems are dependent on additional hardware .i.e high specification spectrum analysers and vector signal generators. Lot 5: Broadcast Analysers and Receivers A. Mobile FM Radio Analyser B. Mobile TV Analyser C. Wideband Monitoring Receivers D. Compact Monitoring Receivers Lot 6: Small Form Factor Vector Signal Generators A Vector Signal Generator has the ability to be programmed to produce signals to a particular standard (i.e. 3GPP Release 15). Although limited in functionality they are a light weight (devices are nominally in the 5 kg to 15 Kg range), and have small form factor, practical for mobile labs, drone payload and basic lab work. Lot 7: Vector/Signal Generators These are high performance signal vector generators, our test requirements are having to develop with or in advance of emerging technologies, requiring; wider bandwidths, higher frequencies and increased system complexity. Capable of high frequency and bandwidth specifications, and capable of producing highly complex waveforms, being able to generate complex wideband signals needed for multi carrier and carrier aggregation applications. They have a large form factor and are suitable only to be deployed in a lab environment. Capable of producing simulated waveforms enabling our devices or systems to be tested using realistic signals with the highest signal integrity. Lot 8: RF Measurements Ancillaries RF Measurements Ancillaries covers a wide variety of small items required to interconnect and set up test and measurement systems, across a wide range of frequencies, building electronic/RF interface/power supply boxes and general laboratory tools and consumables. Lot 9: Repair and calibration services Ofcom engineers work on a varied range of projects that require critical and accurate measurements. The equipment we use covers a wide range of frequencies and technologies. We use this high-tech equipment in many varied environments from sensitive, noise minimised screened rooms to mountain peaks during inclement weather conditions. Ofcom works across the whole of the UK including Northern Ireland. To maintain the level of accuracy in our work, we make sure that our equipment is up-to-date with their calibration and repair. However, since we have a wide range of equipment, our frequency of calibration is not the same for all. Whilst many are calibrated regularly, we also have assets that are only calibrated on demand by projects.