Multiband Passive Intermodulation Testing with Fixturing
Brochures
Multiband Passive Intermodulation Testing
Keysight Technologies, Power Technology
Solutions and Custom Systems Integration
Accurate and rapid PIM characterization of communications components
Passive intermodulation (PIM) is a critical issue that can limit the quality of service and capacity of current and next generation mobile communication systems such as cellular, PCS/DCS, UMTS and 4G/LTE. Passive intermodulation arises at high power levels due to the signal degradation effects of passive elements such as antennas, cables and filters within the transmission system. PIM cannot be removed by filtering alone. The reduction and containment of passive intermodulation requires good design and manufacturing techniques and the ability to achieve accurate and repeatable measurement of PIM effects.
A new PIM test solution from Power Technology Systems (PTS) and Keysight addresses the need of component suppliers, integrators and service providers to measure passive intermodulation effects. The solution uses the Keysight E5072A ENA series network analyzer and the N5171B EXG signal generator to provide multiband PIM testing capabilities. The system integrates intermodulation distortion measurements with S-parameter characterization to fully qualify mobile communications components and sub-systems.
Passive intermodulation testing uses two independent high power (20 W typical) signals in the cellular transmit band of interest. These create intermodulation distortion products in the receive band, which can be measured to characterize the amount of PIM present. The signals to be measured are small and require a noise floor in the test instrument of 10 dB better than the device-under-test. This will typically require sensitivity of better than -173 dBc, which is achieved by using the advanced measurement capabilities of the Keysight ENA.
- Multiband passive intermodulation testing
- Test antennas, cables, connectors, filters, and other components
- Uses Keysight ENA network analyzer and EXG signal generator
- Accuracy better than -173 dBc
- Rapid measurements using built-in frequency offset functions
- Flexible configuration for design, production, QA
- Achieve accurate and rapid PIM characterization
Multiband Passive Intermodulation Testing
PIM testing guidelines are defined in the IEC-62037 standard on RF connector and cables intermodulation level measurements. This includes guidelines for both fixed and swept frequency measurements. The new system is compatible with these guidelines and provides both high measurement accuracy and rapid test speed.
Higher test speeds are achieved through the built-in frequency offset functions in the Keysight network analyzer and signal generator. The frequency offset functions are set by internal firmware eliminating the need for additional external instruments. This reduces significantly the time required to reconfigure the test system for different frequency bands and allows easy configuration of the system to implement the IEC62037 tests.
The system can be configured for use in design, production or quality assurance. For a completely integrated solution the PIM tester can incorporate custom test fixtures from CSI. The CSI fixturing coupled with PTS test sets and Keysight instrumentation provide the fastest PIM measurement system with unprecedented repeatability and accuracy in the industry