--- title: Components of a BDA System description: Explore the essential components of a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) system, including donor antennas, coaxial cables, signal splitters, and more. image: https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/components%20of%20a%20typical%20BDA%20system-2.png --- - [SHOP OUR PARTS STORE](https://www.store.centuryfp.com/?utm_source=cfp_corp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=corp) - [EMERGENCY SERVICE: 866 530 3473](https://www.centuryfp.com/tel:8665303473) - [REQUEST SERVICE](https://info.centuryfp.com/request-for-service) - [EMPLOYEE LOGIN](https://www.centuryfp.com/employee-login/) - [CLIENT LOGIN](https://www.centuryfp.com/client-login/) - [PAY INVOICE](https://pay.supplierpayments.com/payment/e8f8cad4-4f64-448b-8fa1-73ad4b080e77) [![Century_Logo](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/logo.png?width=231&height=137&name=logo.png "Century_Logo")](https://www.centuryfp.com) - [ABOUT](https://www.centuryfp.com/about/) - [ABOUT](https://www.centuryfp.com/about/) - [LEADERSHIP](https://www.centuryfp.com/leadership/) - [SOCIAL PURPOSE](https://www.centuryfp.com/social-purpose/) - [PARTNERING & ACQUISITIONS](https://www.centuryfp.com/partner-with-us/) - [SYSTEMS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/) - [SYSTEMS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/) - [SPRINKLER](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#sprinklers) - [ALARM](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#alarm) - [SPECIAL HAZARDS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#hazards) - [EXTINGUISHERS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#extinguishers) - [SERVICES](https://www.centuryfp.com/services/) - [SERVICES](https://www.centuryfp.com/services/) - [NATIONAL ACCOUNTS](https://www.centuryfp.com/services/#national-accounts) - [VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.centuryfp.com/vertical-markets/) - [PARTS STORE](https://www.store.centuryfp.com/) - [PARTS STORE](https://www.store.centuryfp.com/) - [CAREERS](https://www.centuryfp.com/careers/) - [CAREERS](https://www.centuryfp.com/careers/) - [CULTURE](https://www.centuryfp.com/culture/) - [EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://www.centuryfp.com/education-training/) - [EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://www.centuryfp.com/education-training/) - [RESOURCE LIBRARY](https://info.centuryfp.com/resources) - [BLOG](https://blog.centuryfp.com) - [CONTACT](https://www.centuryfp.com/contact/) - [CONTACT](https://www.centuryfp.com/contact/) - [LOCATIONS](https://www.centuryfp.com/contact/#Locations) - [SUBMIT A REQUEST](https://info.centuryfp.com/request-for-service) ![Components of a BDA System](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/components%20of%20a%20typical%20BDA%20system-2.png) # Components of a BDA System - [Home](https://www.centuryfp.com/) - [Century Fire Protection Blog](https://blog.centuryfp.com) - Components of a BDA System Posted June 14, 2024 [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [0 Comments](https://blog.centuryfp.com/components-of-a-bda-system#postComment) 2 Minutes A BDA system or bi-directional amplifier system is also known as a signal amplifier. It amplifies the radio frequency simultaneously in two directions. The signal goes from an individual to the radio repeater system and also from the radio repeater system to the individual. Learn more about factors that can impact the signal strength of Bi-Directional Amplifiers [here](https://blog.centuryfp.com/understanding-factors-that-impact-the-signal-strength-of-bi-directional-amplifiers).  BDA systems are classified as life safety systems must be monitored by the building fire alarm system. As such, they are typically purchased with the fire alarm system and installed by a qualified contractor ## What Are a BDA System’s Components? The main components to a BDA system are as follows: - A **donor antenna** is installed on the roof of the building pointed toward the public safety radio repeater site. It does not need a line of sight and has high gain and high directivity. - **Coaxial cables** connect the donor antenna to the BDA and are usually a half-inch in diameter. Some jurisdictions have labeling requirements. - **Signal splitters and couplers** are used for signal distribution and come in different coupling values. - **RF connectors** are installed by a technician using a specialized tool and are designed to work at radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. - **DAS antennas **are distributed antennas. Fiberglass stick antennas tend to perform best. Other low-profile options are available. - A **battery backup **provides 24 hours of emergency power in case of failure. - A **dedicated monitoring panel/annunciator panel** is required and is independent of the fire alarm system. It is powered by the BDA power supply and battery backup. It can be installed on a two-gang electrical box. - A **fire alarm panel** **connection** is the way to connect the BDA to the fire alarm system to allow for monitoring. Signals may include donor antenna malfunction, BDA failure, low battery, loss of normal AC power, and failure of a battery charger. Each jurisdiction is different, and which frequencies and channels are required in your jurisdiction may vary. [**Click here to contact us for a consultation. **](https://info.centuryfp.com/bda-systems-contact-page) While many customers are looking to install a new BDA system for the first time, Century Fire Protection can also handle upgrade or replacement needs for BDA systems. Contact us [here](https://info.centuryfp.com/bda-systems-contact-page) to ensure your people and property are protected with the proper emergency response system. [![CTA Ultimate BDA Cheat Sheet Download](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTA%20Ultimate%20BDA%20Cheat%20Sheet%20Download.jpg?width=718&height=299&name=CTA%20Ultimate%20BDA%20Cheat%20Sheet%20Download.jpg)](https://info.centuryfp.com/ultimate-bda-systems-cheat-sheet)   The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Every fire protection system is unique, with specific inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements determined by system type, manufacturer specifications, building use, and local regulations. Consult a qualified fire protection professional or your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with applicable standards. Century Fire Protection assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content. --- #### Tag: [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) --- #### [The Impact of Fire Protection on High-Rise Maintenance Budgets Previous Post](https://blog.centuryfp.com/the-impact-of-fire-protection-on-high-rise-building-maintenance-budget) #### [BDA System Inspections & Maintenance Next Post](https://blog.centuryfp.com/bda-system-inspections-maintenance) --- ## Related Posts [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) 24 June, 2024 #### [Factors That Impact the Signal Strength of Bi-Directional Amplifiers](https://blog.centuryfp.com/understanding-factors-that-impact-the-signal-strength-of-bi-directional-amplifiers) In a world that increasingly relies on seamless communication, the importance of strong, reliable… [Read More](https://blog.centuryfp.com/understanding-factors-that-impact-the-signal-strength-of-bi-directional-amplifiers) [Fire Alarm](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/fire-alarm), [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) 21 June, 2024 #### [BDA System Inspections & Maintenance](https://blog.centuryfp.com/bda-system-inspections-maintenance) Maintaining Bi-Directional Antenna (BDA) systems, also commonly known as Emergency Responder… [Read More](https://blog.centuryfp.com/bda-system-inspections-maintenance) [Fire Sprinkler](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/fire-sprinkler), [Fire Alarm](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/fire-alarm), [Fire Protection](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/fire-protection), [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [Tiffany](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/tiffany) 06 June, 2024 #### [The Impact of Fire Protection on High-Rise Maintenance Budgets](https://blog.centuryfp.com/the-impact-of-fire-protection-on-high-rise-building-maintenance-budget) The contemporary landscape of high-rise building management has seen a dynamic shift towards… [Read More](https://blog.centuryfp.com/the-impact-of-fire-protection-on-high-rise-building-maintenance-budget) ### CONTACT 2450 Satellite Boulevard Duluth, GA 30096 p:[770 945 2330](tel:+17709452330) f:[770 945 2651](tel:+17709452651) - [US Privacy Policy](https://info.centuryfp.com/general_privacy_policy) - [California Privacy Policy](https://info.centuryfp.com/ca_privacy_policy) - [Terms of Use](https://info.centuryfp.com/terms_of_use) - Your Privacy Choices ![Great Place to Work GPTW Badge 25-26 Footer (1)](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/Great%20Place%20to%20Work%20GPTW%20Badge%2025-26%20Footer%20(1).png) - - - Copyright 2026 Century Fire Protection | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kati Bucciero", "url" : "https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-21T15:28:13.179Z", "datePublished" : "2024-06-14T18:11:30.000Z", "headline" : "Components of a BDA System", "image" : [ "https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/components%20of%20a%20typical%20BDA%20system-2.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.centuryfp.com/components-of-a-bda-system", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/logo.png" }, "name" : "Century Fire Protection, LLC" } } ```