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Passive Intermodulation

Fundamentals

Kaelus Passive Intermodulation


Seminar/Workshop

V.6_4.13

Course Objectives
In this course, we will cover the following items:
Introduce Passive Intermodulation (PIM)
Identify sources of PIM
Recognise the benefits from eliminating PIM problems
Demonstrate products used for PIM testing
Demonstrate through hands-on exercises:

How PIM test equipment operates


Identify critical safety elements associated with PIM testing
Conduct equipment verification
Conduct a test
Interpret PIM Results
Review key elements
-2-

Key Terms

DTF
DTP
RTF
DUT
IM
PIM
RL
TMA
Dynamic test
dBm
dBc
BTS

Distance to Fault (Return Loss/VSWR)


Distance to PIM (Passive Intermodulation)
Range to Fault (DTF and DTP combined)
Device Under Test
Intermodulation
Passive InterModulation
Return Loss
Tower Mounted Amplifier
Test with movement (Tap and Flex)
Power ratio relative to 1mW
PIM power referenced to Carrier power
Base Transmitting Station or Base station
-3-

About Kaelus

Kaelus designs and manufactures a wide range of innovative RF and


microwave solutions for the wireless telecommunications sector

Within Smiths Group we rebranded as Kaelus, four existing Smiths trading


entities into a single operating unit in 2010, while preserving the technology
and management of our individual companies

Kaelus experience and understanding of the radio environment enables us


to excel by developing technically differentiated offerings that improve
network performance

Kaelus is an operating unit of Smiths Interconnect Microwave, within Smiths Group, plc.

RF Conditioning Products

PIM Test Instruments

Site Services

-4-

Global Support and calibration facilities

AMERICAS:

EMEA:

APAC:

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What is Passive Intermodulation (PIM)?


PIM = Interference
PIM = Noise generated by TX signals at a cell site
interacting with non-linear characteristics of the RF path
Tx frequencies
PIM

PIM
f1

f2-f1

2f1-f2
3f1-2f2

4f1-3f2

f2
2f2-f1

3f2-2f1
4f2-3f1

f1+f2
2f1

2f2

Multiple frequencies + High power + Non-linear characteristics = PIM

-6-

What Do You Mean By Non-Linear?


current

Linear

NonLinear

voltage

Current does not increase Linearly as the applied voltage is increased


Metal-to-metal contacts with low contact pressure
Oxides on metal surfaces initially impeded current flow
As voltage increases current begins to flow through voids and thin spots
Arcing may occur across micro air gaps (cracks, surface roughness, loose
connections)

These non-linear junctions behave like diodes the key


component of a mixer.

-7-

Non-Linear Junctions & Materials


MetalMetal-toto-metal contacts:
Loose RF connectors
Poorly prepared RF cable terminations
Improperly mated / misaligned parts
Cracked / cold solder joints
Metal chips / shavings inside connectors
Loose mechanical fasteners (screws, rivets)
Overlapping sheets of metal (flashing, vents)
Loose bolts and brackets
Materials:
Nickel plating on RF conductors
Rust
Poor or deteriorating plating on components

-8-

PIM Sources

Poorly constructed or damaged RF


components
Poor Installation
Improperly torqued connectors
Scratches
Stress fractures
Contamination on conduction materials
Dielectric material
Site environment
Guy wires
Steel tower
Other sites IMD
Roof flashing/vent hoods
Rust

-9-

RF Connector Selection

Type N connectors will work, but 7-16 DIN


connectors are more robust and are less likely to
produce unacceptable levels of PIM

-10-

Sources of PIM
90 connectors:
Do not twist connector on cable

-11-

Sources of PIM
Resistive loads
generate PIM

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Sources of PIM
Poor cable preparation:
Improper tool use

Dirt / Trash:
Cleaning

-13-

Sources of PIM

Poor cable preparation:


wrong tool

-14-

Sources of PIM
Poor cable preparation:
wrong tool

-15-

Sources of PIM

Cable damage:
Improper tool use

-16-

PIM trial in Europe pre 2009

>280 feeder lines surveyed.


24 Operators and OEMs, 15 countries
Many PIM problems recorded
Few VSWR problems found
The sites were originally commissioned with Sweep test equipment so
it is no surprise that the VSWR results are good
70.77%

29.23%

3.52%
Sites or sectors with PIM
problems

Sites or sectors with


VSWR problems

Sites or sectors without


PIM Problems

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PIM trial in Europe pre 2009 technologies

47
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UMTS2100

GSM900/GSM1800

GSM1800/UMTS2100

CDMA450

25

GSM900/UMTS2100

GSM1800

GSM900

GSM900/GSM1800/UMTS2100

27

-1818-

PIM trial in Europe pre 2009


PIM Defects Found
Survey Results

The PIM defects found were


primarily due to workmanship
issues at the RF connections

Many lines had multiple defects

Other passive devices with PIM


problems included:
Diplexing filters

70%
62.50%
60%

50%
41.25%
40%

30%

Surge protectors
20%

Bias-Ts

KPI improvements reported on


the majority of sites repaired

17%

16.25%

Antennas

Other
Passive
Devices

10%

0%

Feed Cables

Jumper
Cables

-19-

PIM Test Specifications


First edition of IEC 62037 was published on 9/16/1999
(>12 years ago!)

Purpose: To establish a standard test method for measuring


PIM
Provide a method to compare the PIM performance of different
devices

Key recommendations of the specification:

1. Third Order IM products typically represent the worst case


condition of unwanted signals; therefore measuring IM3
characterizes the DUT
2. PIM comparisons should be done at the same power level. (2x
20 W recommended for mobile communications systems)
3. Devices should be subjected to an impact or movement
while PIM testing

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10

PIM Level is expressed in dBm or dBc


dBm

dBc
0dBc

2 x 20 Watts

Reference

+43dBm

-100dBm

-143dBc

Absolute power relative to 1mW

PIM

PIM

CARRIER

Reference

CARRIER

0dBm

Power relative to the carrier level

-21-

You Need to Know the Power Level

As the test power changes, the


measured PIM level changes

+36dBm
0dBm
Reference

-100dBm

Calculating equivalent test levels


when changing test power
requires careful attention!

*All calculations in dBm

4 Watts

+43dBm

2.2dB to 3dB change in PIM


level for every 1dB change in
test power

-121dBm

-21dBm
(3 X 7)

PIM

-7dBm

CARRIER

20 Watts

PIM

PIM level is VERY dependent on


test power level

CARRIER

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Exercise Calculating dBc


Assume that you measure two different jumper cables.
The field terminated jumper is tested with the Kaelus iHA 4-watt (36dBm)
test unit and the factory terminated jumper was tested with the Kaelus iQA
unit at 20-watts (43dBm). The test results are as follows:
PIM of field terminated jumper = -111dBm at 2 x 36dBm carrier power
PIM of factory terminated jumper = -111dBm at 2 x 43dBm carrier power

Calculate the PIM of both devices in dBc


Field terminated jumper = _________ dBc at 2 x 36dBm
Factory terminated jumper = _________dBc at 2 x 43dBm

Note that both had the same PIM measurement value, -111dBm, if you ignored
the carrier power. However, you now know that the test power used can give
you very different results. Which is the better cable?

-23-

Why Do We Care?
PIM = Reduced coverage, reduced capacity and slower
data rates
PIM that falls in the Rx band elevates the noise floor
Reduces the ability of the system to detect real signals
The primary cause of PIM is poor construction quality
Interference

f1

f2
IM 3

IM 3

IM 5

IM 5
IM 7

IM 7

1880

1805

Tx band
1785

1710

Rx band

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Also occur across band


3rd order

5th order

DCS1800 into UMTS2100

1880MHz

1805MHz
1800GSM Tx band

1920MHz

1980MHz

UMTS2100 Rx Band

And with LTE there are multiple combinations nowadays

-2525-

Why Is PIM So Important Now?

Dramatic increase in smart phone traffic

Higher data rates


Broadband technologies
Greater traffic density
Video bandwidth demand

Zoning / tower loading forcing co-location


Site sharing multiple operators on the same site
Infrastructure sharing multiple bands and
technologies combined on the same RF path

The probability of PIM falling in an operators


Rx band is increasing.
Operators have limited spectrum and must
reduce PIM interference from stealing network
capacity.
Tx/Rx 900
Tx/Rx 1800

Tx/Rx 900
Tx/Rx 1800

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PIM is getting more complex


Networks are evolving:

Triplexer

Ant

PS

PS

PS

Ant

Ant

Indoor
Area 2

PS

Ant

Indoor
Area 3

PS

Ant

Ant

PS

PS

Ant

PS

Indoor
Area 4

Ant

Ant

PS

PS

Ant

Ant

Indoor
Area 5
Load

PS

RF Output ports

Combining Unit

OP 1
BTS

OP 2
BTS

GSM 900

OP 3
BTS

OP 1
BTS

OP 2
BTS

GSM 1800

OP 3
BTS

OP 1
Node B

WCDMA

OP 2
Node B

Outdoor
area

Ant

Ant

PS

OP 3
Node B

Multi-technology sites (GSM


900 MHz, GSM 1800 MHz,
UMTS 2100 and 900 MHz,
CDMA 450, ...LTE)

Ant

900/1800

Site sharing with multiple


transmit carriers (same RF
infrastructure for multiple
operators)

Indoor
Area 1
1800/WCDMA

Indoor or outdoor complex DAS


systems (shared by several
operators)

-2727-

PIM Impact On Network Performance


PIM = interference

Dropped calls
Call initiation failure
Reduced data rates
Blocked calls
Premature handoff
Reduced coverage
Reduced capacity

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PIM Impact On Network Performance


High Dropped
Call Rate
PIM induced
noise shrinks the
effective cell
size
Gaps in
coverage result
in higher
dropped call rate
Significant increase in call drops after a new carrier was added to a DAS
system with PIM problems.

-29-

PIM Impact On Network Performance


High average receive signal strength indication (RSSI)
differential between main and diversity paths.
PIM problems
corrected

 BTS PIM causing elevated


average noise on the Main
branch

 Diversity path not impacted


 Key indicator of an

Main

Rx levels
tracking
together

internal interference
problem

 External interference
would impact both paths
equally

Diversity

-30-

15

PIM Impact On Network Performance


GSM: Elevated Interference on Idle (IOI) channels
High interference
levels before fixing
PIM problems.

PIM problems
corrected
Increased successful
traffic channel (TCH)
allocations

Decreased interference
after fixing PIM
problems.

-31-

PIM Impact On Network Performance




BTS is blind to new mobiles trying to access


the cell
Not impacting Dropped Call Rate because the
call never initiated on the sector

PIM problems
corrected

Significant
improvement
after fixing PIM.

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16

PIM Impact On Network Performance

The Benefit
5dB reduction in
RX Noise floor
after correcting
PIM problems.

RX Noise floor
before PIM
testing

-33-

Ideal Infrastructure
Minimum loss

Input signals

Transmitted signals
Linear Infrastructure
(No new frequencies)

Minimum

Reflected signals

Reflections measured by sweep test

Measures the quality of impedance


matching in the system

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Non-Ideal Infrastructure

Input signals

Transmitted signals
Non-Linear infrastructure
(Creates new frequencies)

Reflections still measured by sweep test


Reflected + interference signals

Interference measured by PIM tester

-35-

But It Passes The Sweep Test?


Yes but PIM testing and sweep testing
are very different tests
Sweep gear transmits a single frequency at
low power (1mW) into the system and
measures the magnitude of the reflected
power at that frequency
PIM testing transmits two frequencies at
high power (20W each) into the system and
measures the power of the interference
generated at a third frequency
Both tests are important and necessary to
ensure quality site construction

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But It Passes The Sweep Test?


Range to Fault PIM sweep showing multiple PIM sources
Note Return Loss is all OK, better than 28dB

-37-

But It Passes The Sweep Test?


Same feeder after re-terminating jumper cable at 4 meters
Note: Second PIM source located at 41-42 meters after
Note: Return Loss is all OK, better than 28dB

-38-

19

How Does PIM Test Equipment Work?


PIM Test Equipment
20 W
20 W

IM 3

PIM
Source

PIM test equipment transmits 2 test tones at high power into the system
under test in order to excite any non-linear junctions

The test equipment is tuned to accurately measure and display the


magnitude of the PIM generated

A typical IM3 system level field specification with 2 x 20W test tones:
-140dBc (-97dBm) new construction
-130dBc (-87dBm) existing sites

-39-

PIM Testing is Not New!

Summitek Instruments (now Kaelus)


has been producing bench top PIM
test systems for 15 years

Kaelus Bench PIM Analyzers are used


by nearly every RF equipment
manufacturer worldwide in both
engineering and manufacturing

Kaelus has delivered more than 1,200


BPIM systems worldwide

-40-

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Rugged, Portable Versions


Portable PIM test sets were
developed in Australia at the
request of Telstra by
Summiteks sister division,
then known as Triasx
Kaelus has delivered more
than Qty 5,000 x PPIM
systems worldwide
These systems are being
used by network operators
worldwide to reduce PIM in
their RF infrastructure

-41-

iQA Passive Intermodulation Analyzer


High Power
Adjustable power +33dBm to +43dBm
Fully adjustable frequencies
Full reporting functionality
Rugged construction
Integrated transit case
Panel PC with touch screen interface, onboard reporting
 Designed and developed in 2007, 3000+
units deployed globally








-4242-

21

PIM test equipment: iQA Series:


15

16

14

17
18

13
20
19

10

11

12

iQA Passive Intermodulation Analyzer


additional user modes

Frequency
Sweep

Spectrum
Analyzer

Time
Trace

22

Range to Fault Mode (optional)

Requires RTF enabled iQA or


iPA test instrument and RTF
Module

One Tx frequency is held fixed


Second Tx frequency is swept across a range
of Tx frequencies
Resulting PIM frequency measured that fall in
the RX band
Frequency data is post-processed to create
time domain data
Location of PIM faults are calculated and
displayed.
Similar process occurs to calculate distance
to RL
-45-

What's New : RTF and Battery Operated Test Sets

Designed and built for purpose starting


with a clean sheet of paper:
Battery Powered, Light weight,
Remote Controllable, Rugged,
Durable, Reliable and compact.

-4646-

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iPA Passive Intermodulation Analyzer

Highly portable and ruggedized design


built for purpose for top-of-tower testing
Includes tablet for remote control
allowing the operator at the top of the
tower to have hands-free for dynamic
testing and safety
IEC Specified Test Power: 2 x 20 watts
Battery powered
On board, touch screen interface
available for local control when
necessary
Includes the Kaelus industry leading
report generator

47

iPA Key advantages

Variable output power provides versatility:


In-Building, rooftop, top and bottom of tower
+20 dBm to +43 dBm

Residual PIM at 2 x 43 dBm carrier power


-117 dBm (-160 dBc, maximum)
- 125 dBm (-168 dBc, typical)

Ruggedized and Lightweight


26 pounds (12 kg)
Impact resistant display

Optional range to fault function


Remotely controllable
Provides convenience in all test situations
Adds to personnel safety for top-of-tower testing
48

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iPA
Configurable and Ruggedized for Field Testing

Designed with tower climbers in


mind
Lifting lugs at either end for hoisting
and multiple hanging and mounting
orientations
Rotating handles for any
orientation
Webbing straps on both sides for
comfortable hand carrying

49

iPA Wireless Remote Control


Any device with Wi-Fi and a web browser can
connect and view or control the iPA
Tablet included with the every unit
Multiple devices can view data while testing as
viewers or master controllers
Safety Master Control functionality avoiding
inadvertent RF transmission
Top of tower control from base allowing for field
engineer at the base to control testing with
tower climber making the tower top connections
and dynamically testing
View multiple screens on the remote device,
e.g. time trace and standard PIM.
iPA acts as an access point providing a secure
wireless network utilizing WPA/WPA2 security
50

25

Kaelus Reports
1.

Fill in the site details:





Name the site


Use ALL for sector &
feeder
Enter your name as operator

2.

Test parameters will be listed


automatically by the software to
verify the instrument settings are
correct

3.

Required test points:




PIM source

Low PIM load

Port 1 (of mini BTS)

Port 2 (of mini BTS)

Add more as needed during


troubleshooting process

-51-

How do we test for PIM, Safety Review

PIM test equipment is capable of producing up to 50W of RF power


in the 700 to 2600 MHz region
Users must take proper precautions to minimize exposure to RF
fields:
Always terminate the output port of the test equipment into a load, a loaded
line, or a line that will radiate the energy to free space before turning on the
RF power
Always turn off the RF power whenever a test is not being conducted
Always turn off the RF power before disconnecting a RF connection on a
line under test
Burns to fingers and permanent damage to eyes can result from exposure to
connectors carrying high levels of RF power

Ensure that any antenna being tested is placed so that no personnel are
exposed to RF field levels in excess of the maximum allowable exposure
limits

-52-

26

How do we test for PIM?


Perform a static PIM test first.
If the line fails terminate the line and use RTF
analysis to quickly identify the location of static
PIM faults.
PIM problems are typically at RF
connections!
Use the RL + PIM overlay screen to
visualize RF connector locations
Fix the largest PIM fault & repeat.
Once all static PIM faults are corrected, perform
dynamic PIM testing.
If the line fails while dynamic PIM testing you
know where the fault is! (It is where you are
tapping!)
-5353-

Is Dynamic Testing Really Necessary?

YES!!

Tapping or gently flexing a faulty connection will cause the PIM to spike
If the PIM goes above the specification, the connection needs to be repaired
Dynamic testing makes sure that the feed system is robust and will not fail
prematurely due to environmental extremes (Hot, Cold, wind, vibration, etc.)
Dynamic PIM testing is required by the IEC specification as well as your
customers. (Also referred to as Percussion Test).
-54-

27

PIM Teams
PIM testing is a team activity. In order to
correctly test PIM and isolate problems there is
almost always going to be more than one person
involved, the norm is:
The person doing the dynamic testing (tap, flex of
cables, connectors, antennas, etc)
May be required to climb

The person operating the test equipment

-55-

Reduce System Down-time


PIM testing is OUT OF SERVICE testing which
means it will Line Sweep test and interrupt service
There are a few steps necessary to ensure the
outage is minimal or conducted at a time when
traffic is low on the system:

Make sure the proper NOC or operation center knows


what is about to happen (Get a clearance if necessary)
Schedule the test during the maintenance window if
needed
Prepare your equipment and plan (Tailgate) in advance to
minimize the outage time
Notify others when the test is complete and service is
restored

-56-

28

Test Frequencies PGSM 900

-5757-

Test Frequencies GSM1800

-5858-

29

Test Frequencies UMTS2100

-5959-

Typical Cell Site Objectives


Site specifications need to be determined by the
operator
Typical specification could be:
Configuration

3rd Order IM with 2x 20W


(+43dBm) Test Power

New construction

-140dBc (-97dBm) Max

Specified by US operators

New construction

-150dBc (-107dBm) Max

Possible new specified by US


Operators for LTE networks

Existing site modifications

-130dBc (-87dBm) Max

Specified by US Operators

-6060-

30

RTF Overview

-6161-

User Interface
RTF analysis mode - Overlay view
Displays overlay of PIM vs. distance and
RL vs. distance graphs
Markers will be available for both RL and
PIM to display the relative distance
between peaks.
Errors that impact RTF accuracy impact
both the RL measurement and the PIM
measurement equally.
The relative distance between a known
reflection (such as the end of the
transmission line) and a PIM source will be
more accurate than either individual RTF
measurement.

-6262-

31

Range to Fault Mode


PIM
RTF Graph

Basic RTF
Screen

Return
Loss
DTF Graph

PIM
RTF &
Return Loss
DTF Graph

-63-

PIM Sources Can Be External

Transmitted signals
Input signals

Linear infrastructure
PIM

Reflected + external PIM signals

-64-

32

External PIM
Range to Fault PIM sweep showing PIM sources:
approximately 7 meters in front of the antenna, jumper cable
Approximately 3 meters in front of the antenna

Note Return Loss is all OK, better 28dBm

Antenna

-65-

External PIM
Picture of the site showing a support approximately 3.5 meters infront
of the antenna a possible cause of PIM

-66-

33

External PIM

-67-

Elevation Tilting May Be Effective To Identify External PIM

PIM

PIM

15 Rotation

-68-

34

External PIM Sources


System failed PIM
testing (-120dBc)
Eliminated PIM sources
inside shelter
Attached PIM load to
jumper at antenna
Passed PIM (<-150dBc)
PIM caused by antenna

or external source
(generate report)

-69-

External PIM Sources


Disconnected antenna
at base, tilted so its
pointing at open sky
Passed PIM (-149dBc)
PIM caused by external
source (generate report)

-70-

35

Antenna Testing Prior to Installation


SKY

Make sure there are no PIM sources


within the field of view of the antenna!
Recommendations:
BE SAFE!
Point antenna toward the sky
No metal objects within 20 of the
side of the antenna or 10 from the
ends
Antenna should be placed on nonmetallic supports during test
Test equipment and test operators
should be located off the end of the
antenna; not the side

PIM

PIM

SKY

PIM

-71-

Antenna Testing
~6m

~3m

-72-

36

Summary

Passive Intermodulation (PIM) interference degrades site


performance

PIM testing and VSWR testing are both required to verify site
performance and installation quality

Properly designed and constructed sites will have low PIM

Passing a dynamic PIM test certifies high quality RF system


construction

Use low PIM components


Take your time and do it right the first time
Use the right tools and follow manufacturers instructions when building
cables
Use a torque wrench on all connections
Clean, clean, clean

-73-

Accessories

iPA System includes:


iPA-xxxx PIM Unit
iPad Mini (WiFi Only)
Soft bag storage
Charger
1 re-chargable lithium
batteries
SD Card containing
manuals

RTF Module (optional)

iPA Premium Accessory Kit


(iKA-0060A) includes:











Hard case
Dual charging cradle
2 spare batteries
Low PIM load
PIM Source
Torque wrench
Adjustable wrench
3-meter test cable
Adapter Kit
Cleaning Kit

74

37

Operational Demo
Review of the operator interface
Creating report headers
Creating test point labels
Test setup verification

Measure and record low PIM Load


Measure and record PIM source

Demonstrate dynamic test of cable as a system test

PIM load not properly tightened


Record PIM vs. time
Save data
Capture screen

Show other test modes

Swept Frequency measurement


Spectrum Analyzer mode
Measure PIM source with RF off and RF on

-75-

PIM Testing Hands On

PIM test modes


Equipment set-up
Equipment verification
Power levels
Low PIM loads
Conducting the test
Trouble shooting

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38

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Americas
+1.303.768.8080
Asia Pacific, Africa
+61.(0).7.3907.1200
China
+86.21.6084.2200
Europe, Middle East, India
+44.(0).1383. 437920

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Smiths Microwave 2013. All Rights Reserved

www.kaelus.com

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