Fiplex FLEX Bi-Directional Amplifier Systems
Is your building prepared to protect the people who protect you during an emergency event? Fiplex’s Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) and Fiber DAS emergency communication system is designed to enhance in-building radio frequency (RF) signal coverage for public safety use.

Today’s Codes like the IBC 2021 Section 916, NFPA 1 2021 Section 11.10, IFC 2021 Section 510, 2019 NFPA 1221 Section 9.6 or 2022 NFPA 1225 Chapter 18 require all buildings to have an approved level of emergency communication coverage for emergency responders within the building based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at the exterior of the building. This can be achieved by enhancing the in-building radio frequency signal coverage with an ERCES which comprises of a BDA / Signal Booster and Distributed Antenna System (DAS).

MAKING BUILDINGS SAFER
One of the biggest challenges in the world of communications is to keep mission-critical first responders connected, at all times and in all places. In an emergency situation, whether an underground parking lot, in a room built of solid and concrete material, in the darkness of a stairwell or inside an elevator, it is of vital importance to ensure clear and continuous reception and transmission of RF signals to first responders who risk their lives to save others.

More and more jurisdictions and local authorities are demanding to certify that radio calls from an external base station or portable radio are clearly received inside a building before providing owners and managers with a certificate of occupancy. Fiplex Communications is committed to the manufacturing of a complete range of bi-directional amplifiers and DAS systems to solve any coverage problem within buildings including 800 MHz, 700 MHz, FirstNet Ready, UHF, and VHF bands.

Specifically designed to meet NFPA and IBC/IFC code compliance with UL2524 2nd Edition listing, Fiplex’s BDA and Fiber DAS solution enhances two-way radio signal strength inside buildings, tunnels and other structures. Fiplex FLEX Series BDA and Fiber DAS Solutions offer Digital Class A/B, low to high power (0.5W to 5W) radio signal booster system that can be designed and customized to meet all public safety frequency band ranges -VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, 800 MHz and FirstNet Band 14 support with Single/Dual Band. Fiplex’s state of the art BDA and Fiber DAS System is developed to provide best amplification and coverage performance, but at the same time support reliability of the radio network with no noise.

• Single portfolio, offering all components required, to meet any single or multi-building application supporting all public safety frequency bands• IFC, IBC and NFPA compliant, FCC certified

• UL2524 2nd Edition listing for In-building 2-Way Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems

• Channel Selective, software programmable or adjustable bandwidths. Platform wide Downlink Automatic Gain Control (AGC) per channel and time slot

• Alarm relay outputs for fire alarm panel connection for monitoring BDA and Fiber DAS Master / Remote. Dedicated annunciator options with built-in annunciator in BBU (Battery Backup Unit) and remote annunciator

• No noise, oscillation prevention and monitoring with programmable performance mitigation actions and automatic uplink power amplifier auto off support for safe operation and non-interference with public safety radio system

• Address any application, any jurisdiction with lower total cost of ownership

What are NFPA’s requirements for annunciator at FACP or is FACP monitoring adequate?
A dedicated annunciator panel must be located in the fire command center or other location designated by the AHJ. The BDA and Fiber DAS Master/Remote status must also be monitored by the building’s fire alarm system.

Does the Building Code require BDAs for Police and Fire Departments?
The code requires coverage for Emergency Responders. The AHJ will determine which Emergency Responder agencies need to be included in the system. Generally, it includes Fire, Fire Mutual Aid, Police and EMS.

Who determines what public safety agencies are to be supported under the provisions for “Emergency Responder Radio Coverage”?
The AHJ will determine which agencies will need coverage.

How does a system designer or system engineer determine what frequencies are to be supported?
The AHJ is required to maintain a document of technical information specific to these requirements.

Where multiple agencies are required to be supported, is each agency responsible for accepting or approving their respective system, or is that the sole responsibility of the Fire Official?
It is usually the fire marshal (AHJ) who provides the technical specifications and information on permitting and testing procedures and requirements for the jurisdiction. FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219 requires express consent of the licensee(s) i,e. FCC License Holder, of the frequencies for which the device or system is intended to amplify,

What skills, education, or experience must a technician have to install, commission, and service a BDA system?
This depends on the jurisdiction, but typically FCC GROL or approved equivalent and manufacturer certification.

How does one determine whether existing radio coverage is adequate, or justify whether an Enhancement System is warranted?
A RF Survey must be performed. Typically performed by specialized FCC GROL certified technician and some fire department radio personnel, a RF Survey is accomplished by measuring the Downlink/Uplink signal strengths in decibels-milliwatts (dBm) using special measuring devices. The survey can be determined before the building construction starts with a signal survey on the building site followed by software-simulated radio propagation modeling. This results in heat maps that show predicted signal coverage levels. Results are submitted to AHJ to determine if a BDA / Fiber DAS is required or if a waiver is appropriate.

What is the difference between the two BDAs: Class A Channelized vs. Class B Band Selective?
Each BDA / Fiber DAS amplifies a specific frequency range or bandwidth.
Class A Classification
• Bandwidth less than 75 KHz categorizes the BDA by the FCC as Class A.
• BDAs that can amplify multiple <75 KHz channels are called Channelized Signal Boosters. Class A can mitigate the near-far communications effects.
Class B Classification
• Bandwidth higher than 75 KHz categorizes the BDA by the FCCas Class B. Class B Signal Boosters must be registered directly with the FCC before being used.• Class B amplifiers are more common and can cover all channels within 800 and 700MHz public safety bands at the same time.

For more information visit Honeywell’s website:
https://www.fiplex.com/solutions/in-building-solutions/