Overview of CriticalPoint™ BDAs
Comba Telecom’s CriticalPoint™ Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) are specifically engineered to address the unique communications challenges faced by first responders. Operating across the 700MHz and 800MHz frequency bands, these devices are crucial in ensuring that public safety officials have reliable radio communications during critical situations. RFE Communications offers these advanced BDAs in multiple power options — 0.5W, 2W, and 5W — catering to different building sizes and coverage requirements.
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Bi-Directional Amplifier Power Variants for Diverse Needs
- 5W BDA: Ideal for smaller facilities, the 0.5W BDA offers adequate power to boost signals without overwhelming the system. This model is perfect for enhancing in-building coverage in structures like small schools, libraries, or fire stations.
- 2W BDA: Stepping up the power, the 2W BDA is designed for medium-sized buildings such as hospitals and larger educational campuses, providing a stronger signal boost that penetrates more barriers and covers larger areas.
- 5W BDA: For the largest complexes, including sprawling government buildings or commercial spaces, the 5W BDA delivers maximum coverage. Its robust output ensures no corner remains unreachable, making it an essential tool for comprehensive communication across extensive environments.
Features and Functionality
All models of the CriticalPoint™ BDAs boast advanced features that set them apart in the market:
- Comprehensive Alarming Capabilities: Each unit comes equipped with extensive alarm functionalities that meet all National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Fire Code (IFC) requirements. These features include local alarms that can alert onsite personnel to system issues and SNMP-based remote monitoring for offsite management.
- Dual Band Configuration: With the capability to operate over dual bands, these BDAs ensure that communication is maintained across different frequencies, which is critical for interoperability between various first responder agencies.
- Signal Enhancement and Testing: Built-in signal generators and isolation testing functions greatly facilitate system installation and maintenance, ensuring that the BDAs are always operating at peak efficiency.
- Flexible Power Options: The availability of both AC and 48V DC power options adds an extra layer of versatility, allowing for seamless integration into existing building infrastructures.
Design and Efficiency of CriticalPoint Public Safety 700/800 MHz BDA Units
Leveraging Comba’s renowned high-efficiency amplifier design, these BDAs offer a compact, lightweight solution that does not sacrifice performance. This design not only minimizes the physical footprint of the units but also reduces the operational and backup power costs, which is crucial for maintaining a low total cost of ownership. Furthermore, Comba’s vertical integration in design and manufacturing ensures that these BDAs are not only cost-effective but also represent the pinnacle of current technology with reliable performance.
Why Choose RFE Communications?
RFE Communications is a trusted provider of public safety communications installation and first responder communications. Our team of qualified installers is expertly trained to deploy Comba Telecom’s CriticalPoint™ BDAs, ensuring that your communication systems are robust, compliant, and ready to perform when it matters most. We understand the critical nature of first responder communications and are committed to providing solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of these essential services.

0.5W / 2W BDA Features:
- Digital/programmable utilizing FPGA
- Supports public safety 700/800MHz in single-band or dual-band version
- Supports P25 P1/P2 digital and conventional analog communications simultaneously
- Supports FirstNetTM LTE band 14
- Single-band versions include a license to switch from original band to alternate band
- Single-band can be upgraded to dual-band via license key
- Each band supports up to 32 narrow band filters (Class A)
- Each band supports up to 3 wide band filters (Class B)
- Channelized Auto Level Control (ALC) / Channelized uplink squelch (Class A)
- NetProtect Uplink PA shutdown during no traffic periods to minimize noise being introduced to the network (Class A)
- Built-in mandatory isolation test to prevent BDA oscillation
- Auto shutdown with alarm upon oscillation detection
- Web-based GUI for intelligent configuration, SNMP supported
- NFPA-compliant dry contact alarms, UL50E Type 4 / NEMA 4 enclosure
- Complies with NFPA 1221 2016 / 2019 edition, IFC 2018 Section 510
- FCC: PX8RX-7W22-A (Class A), PX8RX-7W22-B (Class B)
- UL 2524 Standard Certified – SGS Certificate No.: SGSNA/19/GZ/00173

5W BDA Features:
- Digital/programmable utilizing FPGA
- Supports public safety 700/800MHz in single-band or dual-band version
- Supports P25 P1/P2 digital and conventional analog communications simultaneously
- Supports FirstNetTM LTE band 14
- Single-band versions include a license to switch from original band to alternate band
- Single-band can be upgraded to dual-band via license key
- Each band supports up to 32 narrow band filters (Class A)
- Each band supports up to 3 wide band filters (Class B)
- Channelized Auto Level Control (ALC) / Channelized uplink squelch (Class A)
- NetProtect Uplink PA shutdown during no traffic periods to minimize noise being introduced to the network (Class A)
- Built-in mandatory isolation test to prevent BDA oscillation
- Auto shutdown with alarm upon oscillation detection
- Web-based GUI for intelligent configuration, SNMP supported
- NFPA-compliant dry contact alarms, UL50E Type 4
- Complies with NFPA 1221 2016 / 2019 edition, IFC 2018 Section 510
- UL 2524 Standard Certified – SGS Certificate No.: (Pending)
Contact Us for Your Communication Needs
If your facility needs a dependable communication upgrade or if you are tasked with ensuring the safety of first responders through reliable communication infrastructure, contact RFE Communications. We are here to assist you in assessing your needs, choosing the appropriate BDA model, and implementing a solution that keeps everyone connected and protected. Reach out today to enhance your building’s safety and communication readiness.
