Alcatel Lucent DFP-CM-14B/2T Filter for DCMA Base Stations

The Alcatel Lucent DFP‑CM‑14B/2T is a high‑performance RF filter specifically designed for DCMA (Digital Cellular Multiple Access) base station systems. This filter is a critical component in the transmit and receive paths, ensuring that signals are cleanly separated and that out‑of‑band interference is effectively suppressed. Its robust construction and precision tuning make it ideal for outdoor cellular infrastructure, providing reliable operation in diverse climate conditions.

Overview

The DFP‑CM‑14B/2T is a cavity‑type band‑pass filter that operates in the cellular frequency bands. It is typically used in conjunction with duplexers and combiners to manage multiple carriers within a single base station. The filter’s design features low insertion loss to maximize receiver sensitivity and transmitter efficiency, while its steep skirt selectivity minimizes adjacent channel interference. This ensures that the base station can maintain high signal quality and capacity even in dense urban deployments.

Key Features

• Narrow‑band filtering for precise frequency selection

• Low insertion loss: < 1.2 dB in passband

• High rejection: > 60 dB at offset frequencies

• Temperature‑stable cavity design with Invar rods

• Compact and ruggedized enclosure for outdoor use

• Connector type: 7/16 DIN or N‑type (field configurable)

• Fully passive, requiring no external power

Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 869‑894 MHz (Rx) / 824‑849 MHz (Tx) for cellular; other band options available

• Bandwidth: 25 MHz (nominal)

• Insertion Loss: ≤ 1.2 dB

• Return Loss: > 18 dB (VSWR < 1.3:1)

• Rejection: > 60 dB @ f0 ± 5 MHz

• Power Handling: 200 W average (500 W peak)

• Impedance: 50 Ω

• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +75°C

• Ingress Protection: IP67

Applications

This filter is used in cellular base stations for GSM, CDMA, and LTE networks, especially in DCMA‑based systems where multiple operators share the same site. It is also applicable in distributed antenna systems (DAS) and public safety communications. Its high power handling makes it suitable for macro‑cell deployments with high transmit power levels.

Integration and Maintenance

The DFP‑CM‑14B/2T is integrated into the base station’s RF chain between the transceiver and the antenna. It is typically mounted on the tower or in the equipment shelter using standard brackets. No active management is required, but periodic inspection of connectors and weather sealing is recommended to prevent performance degradation due to corrosion or moisture ingress.

Conclusion

The Alcatel Lucent DFP‑CM‑14B/2T filter delivers reliable RF filtering essential for clean and interference‑free cellular operation. Its precision manufacturing, low loss, and environmental resilience make it a trusted component for wireless infrastructure engineers worldwide.