Pim X Tim by Anritsu

Understanding PIM and its effects
on network performance
Fundamentals of antenna and

cable analysis
Presented by Roberto Diana
Gennaio 2014
Understanding PIM
Agenda I
Fundamentals and root causes of Passive Intermodulation (PIM)
Intermodulation possibilities in real world scenarios
Active versus Passive Intermodulation
Non-Linear Diode effect at solid state materials
Non-Linear Diode effect at ferromagnetic materials
Intermodulation mathematics
PIM and its dependence on used modulation scheme
PIM calculator
Why is PIM nowadays a problem

What is the goal of PIM fixing
How is PIM measured
PIM impact on other wireless services
PIM root causes
Understanding PIM
Agenda II
How does PIM look like under real field conditions
Field Examples
Self made PIM sources
PIM indicators in cellular networks

PIM of connector assemblies
PIM Sources within RF interconnections
PIM in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
What is the correct frequency to test PIM?
PIM measurements
PIM versus time
Distance To PIM (DTP)
Swept PIM
Understanding PIM
Agenda III
Guidelines and recommendations
Line Sweep Test (RL, DTF) versus DTP
PIM Master product concept
General function principle of PIM measurements
General function principle of PIM Master MW82119A
Summary
PIM measurements in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
Practical demonstration of PIM measurements
Intermodulation Possibilities
Intermodulation
Root Causes for Intermodulation
Intermodulation
Active versus Passive Intermodulation
Intermodulation is caused when 2
or more RF carriers are mixed in
an active system and form
unwanted signals
When passive components
containing non-linear elements
those are the source of this
interference
we refer it in this case as
Passive InterModulation (PIM)
Intermodulation
Non-Linear Diode Effectat passive ferromagnetic metals
How does it work in
passive components ?
A low signal operating in a
linear region and a large signal
operating in the non-linear
region of a ferromagnetic metal
is creating additional spectral
components in the output
signal.
B [T]
H [Am1]
Intermodulation
Intermodulation mathematics
Order
Frequencies
Tone 1
Tone 2
Order
Frequencies
Tone 1
Tone 2
1st Order
f1
f2
100 MHz
101 MHz
1st Order
f1
f2
100 MHz
101 MHz
2nd Order
f1+f2
f2+f1
201 MHz
1 MHz
2nd Order
f1+f2
f2+f1
201 MHz
1 MHz
3rd Order
2f1-f2
2f2-f1
99 MHz
102 MHz
3rd Order
2f1-f2
2f2-f1
99 MHz
102 MHz
2f1+f2
2f2+f1
301 MHz
302 MHz
2f1+f2
2f2+f1
301 MHz
302 MHz
4th Order
2f2+2f1
2f2-2f1
402 MHz
2 MHz
4th Order
2f2+2f1
2f2-2f1
402 MHz
2 MHz
5th Order
3f1-2f2
3f2-2f1
98 MHZ
103 MHz
5th Order
3f1-2f2
3f2-2f1
98 MHZ
103 MHz
3f1+2f2
3f2+2f1
502 MHz
503 MHz
3f1+2f2
3f2+2f1
502 MHz
503 MHz
4f1-3f2
4f2-3f1
97 MHz
104 MHz
4f1-3f2
4f2-3f1
97 MHz
104 MHz
4f1+3f2
4f2+3f1
4f1+3f2
4f2+3f1
5f1-4f2
5f2-4f1
96 MHz
105 MHz
5f1-4f2
5f2-4f1
96 MHz
105 MHz
5f1+4f2
4f2+3f1
5f1+4f2
4f2+3f1
7th Order
9th Order
e.t.c.
This is why PIM IMD is so

critical!
7th Order
9th Order
e.t.c.
Intermodulation
PIM is a result of signal mixing at nonlinearities
In theory IM3 PIM non-linearity increases at a ratio of 3:1 (PIM to
signal)
1 dB increase in carrier power correlates to a theoretical
increase of 3 dB in PIM signal power.
In practice, the actual effect is closer to 2,3-2,5 dB as the thermal noise
constant -174 dBm/ Hz becomes an error contributor.
22.5
MHz
7th Order
846.5
MHz
(PIM)
824
MHz
(PIM)
801.5
MHz
(PIM)
22.5
MHz
5th Order
869
MHz
(Main)
f2f1
22.5
MHz
22.5
MHz
3rd Order
891.5
MHz
(Main)
914
MHz
(PIM)
22.5
MHz
936.5
MHz
(PIM)
22.5
MHz
959
MHz
(PIM)
22.5
MHz
f1
f2
3rd Order
5th Order
f1:
f2:
IM-Order:
4
7
3
5
2
3
1
1
0
1
1
3
2
5
7th Order
Intermodulation
PIM are clogging up complete RF bands
PIM multiplies bandwidth
If bandwidth of f1 and f2 is 1 MHz then
BWIM3 = 3 MHz
f1
BWIM5 = 5 MHz
BWIM7 = 7 MHz
fIM3
f IM7
fIM5
f2
Intermodulation
PIM are clogging up complete RF bands
200 kHz
f1
200 kHz
f2
600 kHz
600 kHz
1 MHz
1 MHz
1.4 MHz
1.4 MHz
1.8 MHz
1.8 MHz
IM 9
IM 7
IM 5
IM 3
IM 3
IM 5
PIM bandwidth increases as carrier bandwidth increases

PIM bandwidth increase with PIM order
IM3 bandwidth = 3 200 kHz = 600 kHz
IM5 bandwidth = 5 200 kHz = 1000 kHz = 1 MHz
IM3 bandwidth = 7 200 kHz = 1400 kHz = 1.4 MHz
IM3 bandwidth = 9 200 kHz = 1800 kHz = 1.8 MHz
IM 7
IM 9
PIM Root Causes
PIM root causes

What is a non-linear junction?
Current increases linearly with

applied voltage
High pressure, metal-to-metal
contacts
Welded or soldered
connections
Current
Linear junctions
Voltage
Current does not increase

linearly with voltage.
Low pressure, metal-to-metal
contacts
Oxide layers on metal surfaces
Arcing across small air gaps or
cracks
Current
Non-Linear junctions
Voltage
PIM root causes

PIM Causes - Contect Non-Linearities
Contact Non-Linearities caused by
The contact surface between two conductors are on a micro
scale level concave-convex, for instance only some small
bulges connect to each other. This causes non-uniform surface
currents whereby the contact resistance changes
The conductor surface covers a thin oxidized layer which
causes the diode effect. When surface voltage reaches a
certain level, the tunnel effect is activated
The non-uniformity rust distribution on surfaces is causing a
non-uniform surface current density
Soldering contamination and oxide on connection surface etc.
PIM root causes

What is a non-linear at cell sites?
Loose metal-to-metal contacts
Poorly terminated RF connectors
Metal flakes inside connectors
Loose RF connectors
Metal flashing on rooftops
Loose rivets, screws, etc.
Rusty / corroded surfaces

Non-linear materials
Nickel / Steel
Ferrite
PIM root causes

Root Causes of PIM in a real RF environment
Loose and / or inconsistent
metal to metal contacts
Not enough contact pressure.
Cracked solder joints
Cold solder joints
Scratches or dents at
mating interfaces
Burrs
Metal flakes, chips, dust
Improperly formed or sized
parts
Misaligned parts
Rough mating surfaces (saw
cut)
Loose metal to metal contacts
Loose or rusty bolts
Ferromagnetic materials
(steel, nickel, etc.)
Contamination
Trapped between mating
surfaces
Trapped between plating
layers
Solder splatters
Dirt or debris
Surface Oxides
Insufficient thickness of plated
metal causing RF heating
Too much or too little torque at
connections
Why is PIM nowadays a problem?
Why is PIM now a problem?

In the good old days
-60 dB
-60 dB
Simple antennas
Single Polarization
Single Band
Fixed Electrical Tilt
Single bands per feeder

Tx and Rx on separate feeders
Tx/Rx isolation >50-60 dB!
PIM
RX 2
RX 1
TX
Why is PIM a problem today?

Today
More complex antennas
Dual Polarization
Dual Band
Remote Electrical Tilt (RET)
More RF connections
Multiple bands per feeder
Tx and Rx combined on each feeder
PIM 60 dB ( 1 million times) worse!
PIM is not related to Return Loss,
VSWR or insertion loss!!!
It cannot be detected by Line Sweeps
PIM
Tx/Rx
900/1800
Tx/Rx
900/1800
What is the goal of PIM problem fixing
Why do we measure IM3?
f1
f2
Decrease IM3
IM 3
IM 3
IM 11
IM 9
IM 7
IM 5
BTS Uplink (Rx)
IM 5
BTS Downlink (Tx)
IM3 is the highest magnitude / most accurate to measure

IM3 characterizes the linearity of the system
Reducing IM3 reduces all PIM products
IM 7
How is PIM measured
How is PIM measured?

Standard and norms
PIM is measured
acc. to IEC 62037-1 Ed. 1 25.05.2012
Passive RF and microwave devices,
intermodulation level measurement Part 1: General requirements and
measuring methods
acc. to IEC 62037-2 Ed. 1 07.11.2012
Passive RF and microwave devices,
intermodulation level measurement Part 2: Measurement of passive
intermodulation in coaxial cable
assemblies
Standard specifies the use of two 20
watt carriers ( 2 x +43 dBm)
Typ. min. antenna IM3 PIM Spec. < -150
dBc = < -107 dBm

How is PIM expressed in measurement results
PIM level is often expressed in dBc, therefore carrier power c must be
provided
dBc
dBm
f1
0 dBc
f2
Carrier Power
f1
f2
+43 dBm
0 dBm
-143 dBc
IM 3
IM 3
-100 dBm

PIM level relative to measurement power (heuristic approach)
IEC 62037 defines PIM measurement for passive components
(outdoor use)
In-Building components are often not specified for such high power
levels.
They may be damaged when measured with >20 W.
Each dB reduction in carrier power reduces PIM measurement
results approximately by 2.5 dB.
Example:
A spec of -140 dBc measured with 2 x 43 dBm
is equivalent
to -107.5 dBc at 2 x 30 dBm measurements.

PIM level relative to measurement power (heuristic approach)
PIM impact on other services
PIM impacts several services

PIM order versus RF band
Potential high risk to interfere with other
services
PIM impacts UL-bands of other services

A real example GSM 900 and DCS 1800 networks
By changing TX frequencies you can avoid interference on used RX
channels
Hard to get realized in densely congested spectrum
Example
f1 = 930 MHz, 200 kHz GSM TX
f2 = 958 MHz, 200 kHz GSM TX
fIM3 = 902 MHz (within RX-band)

Why is PIM crucial for GSM service
GSM system is a noise limited system
which link budget is based on Eb/N0 in RX
Eb = Bit Energy, it represents the amount
of energy per bit.
N0 = Noise Spectral Density, unit is
Watts/Hz (or mWatts/Hz)
Eb/N0 = Bit Energy on the Spectral Noise
Density, unit dB
Assuming RX Noise Figure = 5 dB,

RX Sensitivity = -112 dBm in order to
achieve an Eb/N0 = 6-8 dB
(full rate speech coder)
Any PIM Noise generated has to be
significantly lower than -110 dBm in
order not to degrade receiver sensitivity
Required PIM Noise << -110 dBm

Eb/E0 dependency on process gain
After despreading, the baseband (own) signal needs to be typically a
few dB above the interference and noise power.
This required signal power density above the noise power density
after
despreading is designated as Eb/No.
This quantity is of capital importance because the quality targets are
always expressed as a function of Eb/No as can be seen in the
analysis presented in
where the Bit Error Rate probability is derived
in terms of this figure.

The principle of process gain
As a rule of thumb you can count of the following figures:
BER of 10-3
Mobile: -117 dBm
For example Ericsson receiver sensitivities:

NodeB
PS-64
PS-128
PS-384
CS 12,2 -124 dBm

-119 dBm
-115 dBm
-115 dBm
UE
PS-64
PS-128
PS-384
HSPDA
CS 12,2 -119 dBm

-112 dBm
-110 dBm
-105 dBm
-95 dBm
http://de.slideshare.net/syedusama7/umts-interview-qa
Node B: -121 dBm

Why is PIM crucial for LTE service
LTE system link budget is based on Resource Block (RB)
One RB = 180 kHz
(12 Sub Carriers x 15 kHz each)
Thermal Noise of one RB = -121 dBm

Assuming eNode B receiver Noise Figure = 2 dB,
RX Sensitivity = -119 dBm
Any PIM Noise generated has to be significantly lower than -119
dBm in
order not to degrade receiver sensitivity
How does PIM look like under real field

conditions
What does PIM look like to the operator?

What does PIM look like at the site?
Broadband interference
Narrow band spikes

PIM service is a good way of churn management
PIM Repair
QUIET
BUSY
QUIET
BUSY
High average
noise level
Lower average
noise level
Number of lost or dropped calls or enhanced data speed is

converted immediately to money
A good way of churn management

Typical cell- and service layout in Stuttgart area
GSM 900
GSM 1800
UMTS 2100
10564
10588
10612
LTE 800
LTE 2600

A real example PIM within GSM 900 band
Trouble-free MSn
PIM
After switching on the

TRX, you can see an
increased noise increase
Bad real world field examples
PIM Field Examples

Field Examples
Poor cable
preparation
Dirt /
trash
PIM Field Examples

Field Examples
PIM Field Examples

Plenum cable is hollow. Metal particles can fall inside and create PIM.
Hack saws and files MUST NOT be used! PVC pipe cutter provides a
clean cut.
Clean cable ends during with isopropyl alcohol during cable prep
Cover unterminated cable ends with plastic caps or electrical tape
Bad flares, ragged cuts, plating damage can result in poor PIM
iBwaves in-building talks webinar series 07-2013
Field Examples
PIM Field Examples

Field Examples - Defect Connector
Defect main feeder connector
Poor connecter preparation found as PIM
source
After connector replacement

Before connector
replacement
PIM Field Examples

Field Example - Defect Connector and its immediate influence
after repair
Self made PIM sources
Self-made PIM sources

If you need a PIM source, then
Nut, Bolt & Washer:
On string in front of antenna
Moving in the wind
> 60 dB variation
Steel wool:
Resting on box in front
of antenna
Rocking slightly in the wind
> 9 dB variation
PIM indicators in cellular networks
PIM in a Cellular Network

Indicators
Intermodulation products generated by
TX signals can interfere in the RX band.
The common result is that these IMs
can over-power receive channels.
Calls are dropped or
Channels are believed to be occupied
and being used by the BTS
Loss of Air Time and thus ARPU
Cell Coverage shrinks
Reduced battery life time
Data Transmission rate drops
RX control loop shows no problem
Antenna sweep detects no issue
RX Noise Level is high
PIM Summary
Summary of the phenomenon
Macro BTS PIM is of particular concern when
PIM products fall in the RX band
Two or more transmitter channels
share a common antenna
TX signal levels are high
RX sensitivity is high
TX and RX are diplexed

PIM performance of DIN 7/16 connectors
The PIM level of a connector depends on
material, power and torque
DIN 7/16 coax cable connectors
typically PIM values of -140 to -168 dBc
recommended torque (IEC) 35 Nm, in practice often 25 -30 Nm
Example: PIM difference between hand-tightend and torque specified

900 MHz band signals with 25 MHz tone separation and each 10 W
carrier power
hand-tightened connector IM3 = -115,3 dB
25 Nm torque-tightened connector IM3 = -173.1 dB

PIM of a connector cable assembly
Loose connector
Fastened connector
PIM Sources within RF interconnections
PIM sources within the RF interconnection

Co-Siting GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / UMTS
Copyright@Kathrein Corporation

Co-Siting 3 Op GSM 900 / GSM 1800 and 4 Op UMTS
Copyright@Kathrein Corporation

Remote Radio Heads (RRH)
nowadays common in use
easy and flexible deployable
requirments for T&M equipment
light weight
handy
wide range of test tone power
battery driven
long operating time
PIM sources within

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
PIM sources within the DAS RF

interconnection
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) easy on the first glance

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) not easy on the first glance
PIM sources within the DAS RF

interconnection
Distributed Antenna Systems in reality sometimes a real challenge
PIM in DAS
Indoor Antenna Radiation Pattern
Typical indoor antennas are electrically
small:
700 MHz: = 16 , Antenna < wavelength
1900 MHz: = 6, Antenna > 1 wavelength
Higher side & back radiation at lower

frequency
Sharper radiation pattern at high frequency
Will PIM accepted antenna produce PIM
in indoor environments?
How to reduce back radiation?
Will there be an improvement on installed
PIM?
700 MHz
1900 MHz
PIM in DAS
There is another problem that has not been seen in the past
Indoor environments present a PIM
challenge.
PIM producing metal objects abound!
Light fixtures
Ductwork
Ceiling tile frames
Structural steel members
Rebar (in concrete)
PIM survey test to evaluate antenna location

Use antenna that will be installed
Use portable, low PIM mount
Move antenna to find optimum spot
Ongoing PIM survey investigations:

Optimum test power to use?
Which frequency bands to use?
PIM in DAS
PIM created by elevated ceilings
Amazingly high magnitude PIM sources can be found indoors
-80 dBm with 1 W test tones (2 x 30 dBm)
Equivalent to -41 dBm (-84 dBc) with 20 W test tones (2 x 43
dBm)
PIM in DAS
1900 MHz
Small changes in antenna location can have large impact on PIM
RF absorber behind antenna has proven beeing very effective to
reduce PIM
With Absorber, PIM reduced by 40 dB !!!

Does it matter at what frequency I test at?
Yes, it does partially
Selective antennas
Tower Mounted Amplifiers (TMA)
Combiner, Duplexer, Filter
Lightning surge protectors
Line Sweep test to verify
Use correct PIM test set
By-pass frequency limiting devices

Does it matter at what frequency I test at?
Yes, it does partially in case of
Selective antennas
Tower Mounted Amplifiers (TMA)
Combiner, Duplexer, Filter
Lightning surge protectors
By-pass frequency limiting components
No, it doesnt in case of
cable and connector measurements
Yes, it does partially in case of
Line Sweep test to verify
Use correct PIM test set

Does the variation really matter?
Assuming 15 dB reduction in PIM per order (conservative)

Yes, if IM3 or IM5 falls in your RX band
Variation is significant
Measure using same band producing the IM3 or IM5 interference
No IF only higher order products fall in your RX band (IM7, IM9, etc.)
Variation is literally in the noise
Measure using any band that passes through the system
PIM Measurements
PIM versus Time
PIM Measurements
PIM versus time is not static there is a dynamic behavior
PIM magnitude vs. time
Tapping on DUT reveals
real behavior
Excellent visual indication of
PIM stability
Peak PIM held for Pass/Fail
Static Test
Tests the base PIM performance
of Cable and Connectors
Dynamic Test
Detect lose contacts in
connectors
Detects contamination in the
connection
Tapping on RF
connections
Limit Line
Distance-To-PIM Measurements
PIM Measurements
DTP - Measure PIM level and location
Shows PIM along a cable
and in an antenna, readout meter
DTP can also measure PIM beyond
an antenna (such as a nearby rusty
cabinet)
Pinpoints bad spots like DTF
Setup is very similar to DTF
Unlike PIM, DTP must be calibrated
PIM Measurements
Measure PIM level and location in a DAS
PIM sources seen at:
0m
45 m
86.6 m
PIM at test point

reduced by tightening
7/8 connector back nut
PIM of Radiating Cables
PIM of Leaky Cables

Radiating cable is sensitive to PIM sources close to the cable.
It doesnt help the fact cables are going to be installed in tunnels
and subway systems near many other metal objects
In this case Distance-to-PIM (DTP) technology
DTP can accurately locate PIM sources along a radiating cable
PIM Measurements
Measure PIM level and location in Leaky Cable
PIM Measurements
Finding of hidden and unknown PIM sources
Using Distance-to-Fault to Verify Antenna Location
Using Marker and Delta Marker to Identify Distance-to-PIM beyond
the Antenna
DTP Measurements
Finding PIM sources beyond the antenna
No need to do this time-consuming and thus expensive job if you use
Anritsu Distance-to-PIM (DTP)
Once you have verified the antenna position, use a Delta Marker to
Identify Distance-to-PIM beyond the Antenna
Antenna position? How?
DTP Measurements
Same situation, but magnified
First DTF view, after that DTP view
PIM Measurements
Hidden
Antennas
Concealment site
Antennas hidden inside roof
Possible PIM in front of the
antenna
PIM Measurements
DTF vs. DTP Overlay with Line Sweep Tools (LST)
DTF from VNA, BTS Master
DTF from VNA, BTS Master
DTP from PIM Master
DTP from PIM Master
Be sure to:
Be sure to:
Set same start / stop distances
Set same start / stop distances
Set same propagation velocity
Set same propagation velocity
Calibrate both units
Calibrate both units at end of

test lead
Set DTF start / stop

frequencies:
Set DTF start / stop frequencies:
High bands: 698-896 or 791-960
High bands: 698-896 or 791-960
Low bands: 1710-2170
Low bands: 1710-2170
If possible, sweep as broad as

possible
Low PIM
Termination
PIM
Source
PIM
Source
PIM Measurements
DTF vs. DTP Overlay with LST
overlay previous DTF with actual DTP measurement and reveal very
precise any kind of potential PIM source
PIM Measurements
precise any kind of potential PIM source (1710 2170 MHz)
PIM Measurements
precise any kind of potential PIM source
PIM Measurements
DTP in different RF bands
the more sweep bandwidth the higher the resolution
PIM Measurements
Resolution = ability to resolve closely
spaced PIM sources
Resolution = (150 * vp) / Sweep
Bandwidth
PIM Measurements
VF = .80

Too many variables impact
accuracy
Propagation velocity errors
Signal magnitude
Resolution confusion
Electrically long devices (TMA, filters)
Big PIM sources can mask smaller
PIM sources
Remove largest PIM source & repeat
VF = .88
3,5 m
PIM Measurements
Standard resolution
reports
one PIM source at 16.7 m
DTP with enhanced resolution

2 x improvement in resolution!
Predictions clearly marked by
red bars on life trace
Location for each prediction
automatically displayed
Speeds DTP trace interpretation
16m
0m
2 x PIM sources
2m
16 m
18 m
loa
d
Enhanced resolution reports

two PIM sources, 15.7 m and
17.4 m
PIM Measurements
PIM sources 1 m separation

MW82119A-0180
Resolution = ability to resolve

closely spaced PIM sources
Std. Resolution = (150 * vp) / BW
Resolution improved by
factor of two!
Frequency Std. Resolution Enh. Resolution
700 MHz (U)
7.1 m
3.6 m
700 MHz (L)
5.5 m
2.8 m
800 MHz
6.9 m
3.4 m
850 MHz
5.5 m
3.3 m
900 MHz
6.3 m
3.1 m
1800 MHz
2.4 m
1.2 m
1900 MHz
3.3 m
1.7 m
1900/ 2100 MHz
2.9 m
1.5 m
2100 MHz
3.3 m
1.7 m
2600 MHz
6.6 m
3.3 m
MW82119A-0180

MW82119A-0700
MW82119A-0700
MW82119A-0900
MW82119A-0900
Swept PIM Measurements
PIM Measurements
System PIM Level a need for swept PIM measurements
PIM levels for individual components combine to give a system PIM
level.
Combination is similar to the case of system VSWR, except that
feeder and jumper losses provide more padding for far end
components because of the non-linear nature of PIM generation
(typically 2.5 dB variation per 1 dB of carrier variation for 3rdorder).
For example, a 2 dB feeder loss will improve the apparent antenna
return loss as seen on the ground by ~4 dB, but will improve the
apparent PIM by about 7 dB.
PIM contributions from the various components will usually
combine in random phase for a typical system level, which can be
calculated.
But there can be favorable or unfavorable phase combinations to
give variations up to a worst case value.
PIM Measurements
Swept PIM measurements
f1 fixed, f2 swept
Multiple PIM signals on combining in

and out of phase
f2 fixed, f1 swept
PIM magnitude vs. frequency
shows worst case PIM level
in this example ~13 dB
variation due to phasing!
13 dB
Guidelines and Recommondations
Guidelines & Recommondations

Typical PASS / FAIL criteria
Guideline for PIM testing at the component and system level
Test Case
Acceptable Range
@ 2 x 20 W (43 dBm)
New site installation -140 > PIM > -159 dBc
Required RF System Maintenance

(coaxial, Antenna, etc,..)
Nothing
minimal impact
RX Noise Impact
(dBm]
-97 > N > -116 dBm
Existing (aged) site
-123 > PIM > -139 dBc
Optional
Capacity & Coverage
-80 > N > -96 dBm
Site shows poor performance
-100 > PIM > -122 dBc
Maintenance Request
Service is affected
-57 > N > -79 dBm
Recommendations based on Florida Network US
Guidelines & Recommondations

Typical PASS / FAIL criteria
Field test
-97 dBm @ 2 x 20 W
Required residual PIM of set-up
-107 dBm -150 dBc
PASS / FAIL limit
Factory test
-107 dBm @ 2 x 20 W
Required residual PIM of set-up
-117 dBm -160 dBc
PASS / FAIL limit
Based on IEC 62037 the residual PIM level should be 10 dB below

the target PIM certification level
Is there a preferred test process?
Line Sweep Test (RL, DTF) versus DTP
PIM Measurements
What can you detect with a Sweeper and / or PIM Tester
RF System Problem Detection
Open Circuit
PIM
Maybe
RL
Yes
RL (DTF/TD)
Yes
Short Circuit
Maybe
Yes
Yes
Deformed Coax Cable

Loose connection
Probably
Yes
Yes
Probably
Yes
Yes
Water ingress
Probably
Probably
Yes
Corrosion
Poor material / components
Yes
Yes
Probably
Probably
Probably
Yes
Contaminations (filings, wire edge, plating flecks)
Yes
No
No
Poorly fitting coaxial cable and connector surface

Spark marks in surface (from hot disconnects)
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Dielectric material between coax-cable & connector surface
Yes
No
No
Split in flare due to over-tightening
Yes
No
No
Cracked Solder Joint
Yes
No
No
Internal antenna faults, loose screws, cracked joints
Yes
No
Probably
Small cracks in coaxial cable

Loose braid in jumper cable
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Cell ageing
Yes
No
No
PIM Master product concept
Anritsu PIM MasterTM

Anritsu
The
Solution
Boxof PIM
The
fastest way
to pinpoint
the source
Parameter Specification
Small size: 350 x 314 x 152 mm
Light weight: 9 kg to 12 kg
Battery operation: > 3.0 hours
Wide power range: 25 dBm to 46 dBm
(0.3 W to 39.8 W)
Residual PIM: -117 dBm @2x 43dBm
-125 dBm typical
Distance-to-PIM: YES
PIM vs. Time: YES
Swept PIM: YES
Noise floor: YES
Remote Control: YES
GPS option: YES

Anritsu
The models
Solution Box
Available
frequency
Frequency
Model Number
F1
F2
IM
700 MHz (L/U)
MW82119A-0700
734.0 734.5 MHz
745.0 766.0 MHz
698.0 716 MHz

779.5 804 MHz
800 MHz
MW82119A-0800
791.0 795.0 MHz
811.5 821.0 MHz
832 862 MHz
850 MHz
MW82119A-0850
869.0 871.5 MHz
881.5 894.0 MHz
824 849 MHz
900 MHz
MW82119A-0900
925.0 937.5 MHz
951.5 960.0 MHz
880 915 MHz
1800 MHz
MW82119A-0180
18050. 1837.5 MHz
1857.5 1880.0 MHz
1710 1785 MHz
1900 MHz
MW82119A-0190
1930.0 1932.5 MHz
1950.0 1990.0 MHz
1870 1910 MHz
1900/2100 MHz
MW82119A-0192
1930.0 1935.0 MHz
2110.0 2155.0 MHz
1710 1755 MHz
2100 MHz
MW82119A-0210
2110.0 2112.5 MHz
2130.0 2170.0 MHz
1920 1980 MHz

2050 2090 MHz
2600 MHz
MW82119A-0260
1930.0 1932.5 MHz
1950.0 1990.0 MHz
1870 1910 MHz

Designed and tested like all Anritsu Handhelds
2 to 3 hour Battery Life
Replaceable
Same as other Anritsu HHs
Production tested for reliability

50 hour burn-in
2 hour thermally cycled
Designed tested for reliability

HALT Test
Vibration Test
Shock Test
Drop Test
Optional Accessory kit

2000-1716-R (out of sales)
Individual components on demand
available
Low PIM termination
Low PIM, Armored

test lead
Cleaning supplies
Torque wrench +
Adjustable wrench
RF adapter kit
(Inside protective box)
PIM standards
Impact resistant, hard
case
(Inside protective box)
Extra compartments for

cables, charger, etc.
Optional Transit case

760-259-R
Weather seal
Retractable handle
4x snap latch
Foam padding to protect

contents
Space for PIM Master inside

soft case
Lifting handles
Storage boxes
Contents shown for
example only
Impact resistant, hard

case
Optional Backpack Accessory Kit

2000-1745-R
Content
Anritsu Backpack (P/N 67135),
PIM Test Cable (P/N 2000-1626-R),
Low PIM Termination (P/N 2000-1724-R),
PIM Standard 1800 MHz (P/N 1091-390-R),
2 x Low PIM Adapters (P/N 1091-425-R),
Low PIM Adapter (P/N 1091-427-R),
Cresent Wrench (P/N 01-510),
Torque Wrench (P/N 01-513-R),
Isopropyl Wipes (P/N 971-9-R),
Tapered double tip swabs (P/N 971-10-R)
Optional Backpack Accessory Kit

2000-1746-R
Content
Anritsu Backpack (P/N 67135),
PIM Test Cable (P/N 2000-1626-R),
Low PIM Termination (P/N 2000-1724-R),
PIM Standard 1800 MHz (P/N 1091-390-R),
Low PIM Adapter (P/N 1091-427-R),
Cresent Wrench (P/N 01-510),
Torque Wrench (P/N 01-513-R),
Isopropyl Wipes (P/N 971-9-R),
Tapered double tip swabs (P/N 971-10-R)
Low PIM Termination

2000-1749-R
Designed specifically to support the average power generated by
the MW82119A while testing at 2 x 40 W.
Since the MW82119A transmits using a low duty cycle, the average
power transmitted is much lower than the peak test power. As a
result, a much smaller, lighter weight, termination can be used.
Existing
Termination
(20001714-R)
1.2 kg
New Termination
(2000-1749-R)
0.6 kg
PIM Master Equipment Verification Process

Level compatibility between PIM Standard 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
PIM Master Equipment Verification Process

Level compatibility between PIM Standard 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
PIM Master What do you need?

Recommended configuration
Transit case
Weather protection
Shock protection in
vehicle
Shipping container
Accessory kit
Anritsu kit is a PREMIUM kit
Customer may already have
this!
Okay to use existing kit
Batteries / charger
One battery comes with PIM
Master
Two spares + external charger
enables continuous use
PIM Master What do you get for free?

Anritsu
The
Solution Box
Line
Sweep Tools
Documentation
(LST)
Line Sweep Tools enable to
Collect traces from the
instruments
Verify that the traces are
correct using markers and
limit lines
Report results in industry
accepted PDF and/or DAT file
format
Line Sweep Tools features

Marker and limit line presets
Quick file name, trace name,
and sub-title renaming
Automated report generation
PIM analysis and reporting
capability
LMR Master and VNA Master
Field Mode compatibility
PIM Master What do you get for free?

Line Sweep Tools Documentation (LST)
Reporting after measurement
has been done in order to
secure service payments
Report Generation with
Line Sweep Tools
PIM Level versus time
Distance-To-PIM
Return Loss
Distance-to-Fault
Insertion Loss
General Function principle of PIM

measurements
General Function principle of PIM measurements

Prior conventional way to measure PIM during the good old days
General Function principle of MW821xA
General Function principle of MW821xA

How does MW821xA PIM test equipment work?
Hybrid Combiner
(2x 20W)
F1 (40W)
Duplexer
TX
F2 (40W)
(2x 20W)
IM
Load
RX
Receiver
F1 & F2 can be any frequency

power produced goes into load
Fans required to remove heat dissipated in load

Hybrid Combiner
A hybrid combiner design utilizes
a 3 dB quadrature hybrid coupler
to split the two input signals F1
and F2 equally between the two
output ports of the coupler.
Advantages of this approach
include small size, low cost and
broad operating bandwidth.
The disadvantage of a hybrid
combiner is power consumption.
Since the hybrid coupler splits
one half of each signal between
the two output ports of the
device, it requires two times the
input power to achieve a given
output level.
General Function principle of MW82119A
General Function principle of MW82119A

Tx combiner
F1
Must be
low PIM !
Duplexer
DUT
TX
F2
PIM
Receiver
IM
RX
Inject two test tones into a system

Tightly controlled frequencies
High power (2 x 20 W typical)
Measure & report the magnitude of the IM produced
Load
How does MW82119A PIM test equipment

work?
Filter Combiner
A filter combiner design utilizes

cavity band-pass filters to
efficiently combine signals from
two neighboring frequency bands
onto a common output port.
Advantage very low insertion
loss
Disadvantage - is size, weight,
cost and frequency bandwidth.
Filter combiners do not allow all
frequencies in the downlink band
to be selected for PIM testing.
Rather, a space or guard band is
required to achieve isolation
between neighboring frequency
bands
How does MW82119A PIM test equipment work?

TX test tone range setting
The MW82119A is designed to
maximize the range of IM3
frequencies that can be generated in
the uplink band using F1 and F2 test
signals from the downlink band of
that system.
Placing F1 and F2 at the farthest
allowable spacing will identify the far
limit of the IM3 range.
Lowest possible IM3 frequency
How does MW82119A PIM test equipment

work?
TX test tone range setting
The MW82119A is designed to

maximize the range of IM3
frequencies that can be generated
in the uplink band using F1 and F2
test signals from the downlink band
of that system.
Placing F1 and F2 at the farthest
allowable spacing will identify the
far limit of the IM3 range.
The near limit to the IM3 range
coincides with the near limit of the
uplink band itself.
Highest possible IM3 frequency
Summary
Passive Intermodulation Measurements

Summary Statement
PIM = reduces site performance
PIM sources can be eliminated / minimized through:
Careful construction techniques
Use of low PIM components.
Careful site design.
PIM testing should be dynamic (not static)

PIM testing AND Line Sweep testing (VSWR) are
needed to
verify system performance.
EDUCATE and TRAIN installation personal on PIM
and PIM Prevention
Passive Intermodulation Measurements

All the time a question of CAPEX and OPEX
1 dB improvement in receiver sensitivity can
mean as much as 11% fewer radio base stations
Source: Harri Holma and Antii Toskala, WCDMA & UTMS Nokia
Finland 2004. publisher John Wiley and Son USA
Practical PIM measurements
Practical demonstration
Lab demonstration I
Further on
To be measured
Uplink spectrum
RL / DTF
PIM level versus time
DTP
Swept PIM
(eventually)
DTF versus DTP
overlay
Is there a difference
between hand tight
and torch wrench?
Where is my antenna?
Do I have PIM in front
of the antenna?
10 m
6m
6m
RG214 cable
Lab demonstration II
Further on
To be
measured
What is the impact

of the TMD?
Same as
before
TMD 900/1800
10 m
6m
6m
K 80010667
VPol Panel 872960 907.5dBi
(50 LOAD)
Practical measurement demonstration

M1 PIM vs Time Complete antenne line
M2 PIM vs Time Antenna removed and feeder line with PIM Load
terminated
M3 DTP of M2
M4 DTP enhanced of M2
M5 PIM Source at 16 m removed
M6 TMD exchanged against a new one, result: less PIM
next removed, because TMD input port is creating PIM
M7 Antenna reconnected
M8 Antenna with steel wool on radome
M9 Antenna swapped against another type (Kathrein)
M10 Antenna with close by located clotheshorse with attached steel
wool
Residual PIM level measurement
Uplink noise floor measurement
E-GSM UP noise floor
Distance-to-PIM parameter settings
PIM vs Time of entire feeder line including antenna
Antenna removed and feeder line terminated with PIM Load
DTP
Enhanced DTP
PIM source at 16 m removed
TMD first swapped and then removed
Antenna reconnected
Antenna with steel wool on radome
Antenna swapped against a Kathrein type
Antenna swapped against a Kathrein type
Antenna with close by clotheshorse and attached steel wool
Antenna close to clotheshorse and attached steel wool

Pim X Tim by Anritsu

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Understanding PIM and its effects

Fundamentals of antenna and

Why is PIM nowadays a problem

PIM indicators in cellular networks

This is why PIM IMD is so

PIM bandwidth increases as carrier bandwidth increases

PIM Root Causes

PIM root causes

Current increases linearly with

Current does not increase

PIM root causes

PIM root causes

Rusty / corroded surfaces

PIM root causes

Why is PIM nowadays a problem?

Why is PIM now a problem?

Single bands per feeder

Why is PIM a problem today?

What is the goal of PIM problem fixing

Why do we measure IM3?

BTS Uplink (Rx)

IM3 is the highest magnitude / most accurate to measure

How is PIM measured

How is PIM measured?

How is PIM measured?

How is PIM measured?

How is PIM measured?

PIM impact on other services

PIM impacts several services

PIM impacts UL-bands of other services

PIM impacts UL-bands of other services

Assuming RX Noise Figure = 5 dB,

PIM impacts UL-bands of other services

PIM impacts UL-bands of other services

Mobile: -117 dBm

For example Ericsson receiver sensitivities:

CS 12,2 -124 dBm

CS 12,2 -119 dBm

Required PIM Noise << -119 dBm

Node B: -121 dBm

PIM impacts UL-bands of other services

Thermal Noise of one RB = -121 dBm

How does PIM look like under real field

What does PIM look like to the operator?

Narrow band spikes

What does PIM look like to the operator?

Number of lost or dropped calls or enhanced data speed is

What does PIM look like to the operator?

What does PIM look like to the operator?

What does PIM look like to the operator?

After switching on the

Bad real world field examples

PIM Field Examples

PIM Field Examples

PIM Field Examples

iBwaves in-building talks webinar series 07-2013

PIM Field Examples

After connector replacement

PIM Field Examples

Self made PIM sources

Self-made PIM sources

PIM indicators in cellular networks

PIM in a Cellular Network