Intermodulation

Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Intermodulation

Origin of Intermodulation Products

if two frequencies f1 and f2 pass through a non linear element (semi conductor effect), harmonics of the original frequencies are created (2f1,3f2,...) combinations of these harmonics result in a frequency spectrum called intermodulation products IM products occur in even and odd orders

Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Intermodulation

IM product of even order (e.g. f1 + f2 or 2f2 - 2f1) : uncritical because of 1. 2. the big distance to original frequencies signals used in mobile communication show no static component. Products of even orders will not occur.

2f2 - 2f1

f1 + f2

Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Intermodulation
IM products of odd orders (e.g. 2f2 - f1 or 4f1 - 3f2) dangerous due to their closeness to the original frequencies

IM products falling into the Rx band, cannot be suppressed by filters and may cause interferences with operating frequencies

Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Intermodulation

Example : GSM 900 Intermodulation products 3 Order th 5 Order

rd

Tx - Band 935 960 MHz f1 936 MHz 938 MHz f2 958 MHz 956 MHz

Rx - Band 890 915 MHz fIM 914 MHz 902 MHz

2f1 - f2 3f1 - 2f2

effects of intermodulation - blocking of Rx frequencies - overloading the system by creating non-existing subscribers - higher amount of drop calls, higher bit failure rate
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Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Intermodulation

GSM standard specification : Level of 3rd order IM product below carrier : - 103 dBm Ref. to two carriers of 20 W (43 dBm) each : - 146 dBc (103 dBm + 43 dBm) Kathrein antennas provide a minimum intermodulation attenuation of the 3rd order product of -150 dBc (2 x 20 W carriers) A measurement of 2 carriers for 3rd order is the worst case

Comparison Averaged distance earth - sun quivalent distance

carrier 0 dBm 150 Mill. kilometer

IM - product - 150 dBm 0,15 mm

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Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Xpol Antennas / Intermodulation

Final test range for dual band antennas in an anechoic chamber : 100 % test of - VSWR - Isolation - Intermodulation min. -150 dBc at 900 MHz 1800 MHz UMTS Must be measured because IM value also depends on the frequency where measured (Important for dual- and multiband antennas)
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Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06

Intermodulation

How to avoid intermodulation products in passive devices like antennas, cables or connectors ?

pure materials such as copper, brass or aluminum are recommended - mixed materials like stainless steel are forbidden no material combination with a high chemical electrical potential - a thin corrosion layer between the materials act like a semi conductor contacts have to be well defined and fixed - no rivets or unlocked screws cable connections should be soldered External creation : Rusty bolt effect

Kathrein/Scholz, Kretzschmar 06/06