What is the purpose of PIM testing a batch of RF equipment?

Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing is intended to measure the linearity of a system. This is done by injecting two test signals into the device under test while measuring the magnitude of intermodulation products generated by the device. If the magnitude of the intermodulation product is low, the system is linear.

What is PIM test device?

An on-site PIM test is a comprehensive measure of linearity and construction quality. PIM shows up as a set of unwanted signals created by the mixing of two or more strong RF signals in a nonlinear device, such as a loose or corroded connector, or nearby rust.

What does PIM stand for in RF?

Passive Intermodulation
Low PIM is the buzzword of the week in wireless infrastructure as the industry decides on the new “standard” RF connector. PIM stands for Passive Intermodulation (which is similar but not the same as IMD – that is for active components) and is measured in dB’s.

What is PIM Master?

PIM Master™ B-series is a 40 Watt, battery-operated PIM analyzer featuring Site Master™ line sweep capability.

What conditions must exist to produce PIM?

Q: What conditions are necessary to cause PIM? A: Typically, two relatively strong RF signals relatively close in frequency are required to trigger PIM effects. The outputs from two or more high-power (20 W or so) transmitters are enough to create the PIM effects.

What does PIM mean in electronics?

Q: What is passive intermodulation (PIM)? A: PIM is the generation of interfering signals caused by nonlinearities in the mechanical components of a wireless system. Two signals mix together (amplitude modulation) to produce sum and difference signals and products within the same band, causing interference.

What is PIM and sweep testing?

Line sweeping measures the signal losses and reflections of the transmission system. PIM testing is a measure of construction quality and poor quality will result in self-interference. PIM testing performance measurements are not relevant unless accompanied by comprehensive line sweep tests.

How can PIM be minimized or eliminated?

The good news is that there are ways to minimize the impact of PIM in DAS. The obvious ones are to 1) avoid frequency combinations that place low order IM product(s) in Rx band(s); 2) reduce site Tx power, or 3) improve the linearity of the system.