Comba Telecom Announces CriticalPoint’s Next Generation BDA Platform for In-building Public Safety Communication Networks

February 8th, 2023

CriticalPoint NG BDAs offers increased performance and features to meet strict local public safety code requirements.

Today Alliance partner Comba announced their next generation 700/800MHz public safety bi-directional amplifiers (BDA) and battery backup Unit (BBU) platform, named CriticalPoint NG (NextGen).

The new CriticalPoint NG BDAs supports 700/800MHz public safety networks and will be available in either 0.5 Watt or 2 Watt models providing wireless coverage of up to 300,000 square feet.  Similar to their award-winning first generation CriticalPoint BDAs, the NG platform will also come in Class A or Class B and will be software configurable.

Will be shipping on or before February 28th, 2023.

For more information Contact Us.

The BBU will be offered in either a 30AH, 60AHor 100AH capacity

We are excited about the new NG platform because it is different from the previous generation in many ways:

  • Greatly improved noise factors.
  • Faster ALC (automatic level control) response time that supports P25 phase 2 per timeslot.
  • Up to 64 channels per band on single band models; up to 96 channels shared across bands on dual band models (maximum of 64 on individual band) (Class A).
  • Fully FCC compliant (<9dB Noise Figure) low gain mode.
  • A more powerful GUI and tools for commissioning, updating and maintaining the ERCES system.

Comba’s CriticalPoint NB BDA and Battery Backup Unit will be shipping on or before February 28th, 2023

The NG product family includes a new battery backup unit (BBU), sold separately.  The BBU will be offered in either a 30AH, 60AH or 100AH capacity to satisfy a wide range of requirements of local ordinances.

The new BBU is powered by the same Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) found in Comba’s current Version 2 BBU, however the chassis is 30% smaller and 20% lighter.  Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are extremely stable and have been a proven technology for decades.  They are lighter in weight, have 3 times the service life of lead acid batteries, and provide better performance than typical lead acid batteries, making installation easier and needing less maintenance trips between battery replacements. 

The NG BBUs accomplish the reduction in size, weight, and cost by containing only the batteries; the charger and supporting controller boards are located in the NG BDA.

For more information, contact us.