A Brief Overview

About

AWT Global has been established in 2012 together

with AceWaveTech (AWT), a well-known Korean
corporation, designing and manufacturing leading
edge high-tech wireless products since 2002.

Products include Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

Testers, RFID Analyzers, Waveform Analyzers, Radar
Signal Generators, Radar Target Simulators, High-
Speed Signal Sampling and Recording Systems, and
systems up to 40 GHz, as well as customer specific
system developments.

AWT Globals Headquarters are located in

Hackettstown, New Jersey

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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AceWaveTech AWT Global

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Markets we serve

Telecommunications
Defense
Aerospace
Test & Measurement

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Customers

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Products
Shielding Radar T&M Passive
PIM Analyzers
Solutions Products Analyzers Components

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Contact

Headquarters: Hackettstown
New Jersey 07840
USA
Phone: +1 (973) 321-3423
Email: sales@awt-global.com

Web: www.awt-global.com

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Passive Intermodulation
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 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Modulating RF Signals
Amplitude
Modulation combines two or more Modulation
signals. Modulating RF with other signals
adds information on the carrier. The RF
carrier adopts the characteristics of the
Frequency
information signal . Modulation

Simple: Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Frequency Modulation (FM) Phase Shift Key
Modulation
Advanced: Phase Shift Key (PSK)
QPSK ( 2bits / symbol)
Complex: QAM 16 ( 4 bits / symbol) HSPA
QAM 64 ( 6 bits / symbol) LTE
QAM256 ( 8 bits / symbol) 16 QAM
(Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation)

Complex signal modulation is required

to transport huge amounts of data.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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QAM 16 Constellation Diagram
Modern Modulations Technologies use for
example Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation. 2
II I
With QAM, signal phase and amplitude 1
vector must appear within a specific
area during a specific time to depict a
certain symbol.

III VI
Interferences cause misinterpretation of
symbols. This generates BER and slows the 3
system down.

1001 0000 1110

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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QAM16 Constellation Diagram

and there is more

QAM 64 & QAM 256

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QAM-256
Q Every yellow dot represents a specific 8 bit
Symbol, examples: 01101110, 11101001.

Any interference with the Rx signal can alter the

I/Q amplitude position of the original signal,
leading to a very different bit pattern. Result is a
failed transmission. Issues are detected (f. e.
I CRC) and a re-sent a bit stream is requested.

Frequent re-sent requests reduce however

bandwidth. Depending on the systems decision
algorithm, it will decide to use a less powerful
modulation (e.g. QAM-16). In serious cases the
system might even block the channel
completely. Obviously, this is not acceptable to
wireless operators because in busy networks it
translates directly into significant revenue loss.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Passive Intermodulation
Equally to modulation that is required for
data transmission, Passive Intermodulation
(PIM) is also a result of mixing two (or
more) different frequencies.
However
Other than intentional modulation, PIM
acts completely uncontrolled. PIM !

PIM is caused by non-linear behavior of

system and components.
This non-linear behavior may distort Rx
signals, producing (unwanted) signal
components that are not present in the
original signal.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Passive Intermodulation Spectrum 1

P f1 f2

IM2

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Passive Intermodulation Spectrum 2

P f1 f2

IM3 IM3

IM2

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 Passive Intermodulation Spectrum 3

P f1 f2

IM3 IM3

IM5 IM5
IM7 IM7
IM9 IM9
IM2 IM11
IM4 IM13
IM6
IM8

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Passive Intermodulation Spectrum 4

IM3 IM3

IM5 IM5
IM7 IM7
IM9 IM9
IM2 IM11
IM4 IM13
IM6
IM8

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 PIM Multiplies Bandwidths
If the bandwidths of f1 and f2 are 1 MHz then
Bandwidth of IM3 is 3 MHz
Bandwidth of IM5 is 5 MHz
f1 f2
Bandwidth of IM7 is 7 MHz
P

fIM3

fIM5
fIM7

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

Wolfgang Damm
 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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How To Calculate Intermodulation Products?

IM3= 2x F1 F2
IM3= 2x F2 F1
Intermodulation Order is determined by
the sum of the frequency factors:
IM5= 3x F1 2x F2
IM5= 3x F2 2x F1
IM 3 = 2 x F1 1 x F2
IM7= 4x F1 3x F2
3 = 2 + 1
IM7= 4x F2 3x F1

and so on

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 A simple IM example (50 & 60 MHz, = 10MHz)

F1 F2

IM3- IM3+

IM5+
IM5-
IM7- IM7+

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 PIM units are expressed in dBm or dBc
dBm dBc
Reference
0 dBc
The m in dBm The c in dBc
stands for 43 dBm stands for
milliwatts Reference carrier
0 dBm
(1mW)

20 W Carrier
20 W Carrier

-163 dBc

-120 dBm
Whether expressed in dBc
or dBm, carrier power c
must always be provided
with the value.
PIM

PIM
-174 dBm / Hz (-187 dBc / 1 kHz)
(-144 dBm / 1 kHz) @ 43dBm

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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PIM specifications to look for at data sheets

3rd Order IMD Test Method:

Two 43dBm Carriers
3rd Order IMD -120dBm @910 MHz

-165 dBc typ; <-160 dBc, with 2

1900 MHz 20 W tones @25C

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 IEC 62037 International PIM Test Standard

Excerpt Page 7

Excerpt Page 10

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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PIM Testing with 2W 20W carriers

At 50 Ohms impedance 20W systems

deliver 31.6V average, while 2W sources

Volts
provide only 10 Volts, just one third.

Components and connector contact areas

Impedance:
are to be properly energized for conform 50 Ohms

20 W
measurements. Only continous CW
measurement signals of 2x 20W offer
suficient power.

2W
Purpose of IEC62037 is to standardize
measurements, and them repeatable.
This independently of the technology used
in the network. Power

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 PIM Testing Field Practices

Static
What: Components, cables
How: Apply 2 x 20W power, measure 30 seconds to fully energize the DUT. The PIM reading should be
at least 3-4 dB better than the required limit.
Result: The test finds bad material, scratched & dirty component surfaces.

Dynamic 1 Mechanical Stress

What: Cables
How: Apply 2 x 20W power, wiggle cable 10 times. PIM must not change.
Result: This test detects loose contacts, quality of cable assembly, finds cracks & bad solderings.

Dynamic 2 Tapping
What: Cables, connectors
How: Apply 2 x 20W power, use rigid device but not metal (e.g. skrew driver handle), tap connectors
10 times lighty. PIM vs Time display should not show spikes when tapping.
Results: Finds contaminations, dust, chips and other alien bodies in the connectors.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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VSWR vs. PIM Measurements

Impedance Mismatch Intermodulation Effects

Power Power
100% 100%
Reflected Power Diverted Power

Effective Transmitted Effective Transmitted

Power Power
IM3 IM3
IM5 IM5

Frequency Rx Tx Frequency

Power is reflected to the high Power diverted to other frequencies.

power RF amplifier, impacting Tx. Distortes Rx Signals
Transmission signal emitted by the Low data rates, dropped calls.
antenna lower than HPA output.
Weaker subscriber signal power.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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RF System Problem Detection - PIM vs Sweep
SystemProblem
RF System Problem Detection
Detection PIM
PIM VSWR
VSWR

Open Circuit indirect yes

Short Circuit indirect yes
Deformed Coax Cable probably yes
Loose connection yes probably
Water ingress probably probably
Corrosion yes probably
Poor material / components yes probably
Contaminations (filings, wire edge, plating flecks) yes no
Poorly fitting coaxial cable and connector surface yes no
Spark marks in surface (from hot disconnects) yes no
Dielectric material between coax-cable & connector surface yes no
Split in flare due to over-tightening yes no
Cracked Solder Joint yes no
Unmatched connector parts yes no
Internal antenna faults, loose screws, cracked joints yes no
Small cracks in coaxial cable yes no
Loose braid in jumper cable yes no
Cell ageing yes no

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

Wolfgang Damm
 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM Metal Chips

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM Dust & Dirt

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM Scratches & Oxidation

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM Holes in Braid

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM Cracks in Tinned Braid

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Connector Surfaces I
Atomic lattice dimensions of metals is
often no more than 25 Angstroms.

Mechanically produced surfaces do not

have this degree of smoothness.

When connected, surfaces will first

touch on just a few asperities. Due to
localized high pressure, asperities
deform when connectors are tightened.
Only a small portion of a connector surface
touches the opposite connector surface. A-spots
Deformations are however limited to are load bearing areas .
some load-bearing areas, or a-spots.

a-spots have an overall area several

orders of magnitude smaller than the
apparent contact surface

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Connector Surfaces II

Structural material discontinuity causes

also a discontinuity in electron flow.

Regardless of the contact material,

discontinuity in electron flow is
characterized by:

Constriction Resistance due to

bending of current lines of flow in RC Model of an a-spot. Since the length of the
the vicinity of an a-spot. constrictions are very short, inductive effects are
small compared to capacitive and resistive products
Tunnel Resistance due to the
conduction through thin insulating
contaminant layers via tunnel
effect.
Contact Capacitance between the
two essentially parallel
equipotential surfaces.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Skin Effect
Due to the skin effect, RF current densities Skin Effect
occur only within a few skin depths at the
surface of the conductor.

At 1 GHz, on a silver plated surface,

approximately 98% of the
current density occurs within
approximately 0.01 mm of depth.
For comparison: the average human hair
has a diameter of only 0.08mm Current Flow
@ 1GHz
Scratches on the material, even on a
microscopic scale, interrupt homogeneous
flow of electrons and with that are sources Plating is most important for flow of
of PIM. electron flow. At 1 GHz 98% of the current
density occurs in only 0.01 mm material
depth.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Components that can cause PIM

Connectors
Cables
Splitters
Hybrids
Filters
Antennas
Attenuators
DC blocks
Lightning Arrestors

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM

Dissimilar metals
Ferromagnetic metals (nickel, steel, iron)
Corrosion of components in the RF path
Irregular contact areas
Mechanical damage
Resistive Components
Poorly designed components

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

Wolfgang Damm
 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Topics

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect
Q&A

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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What have these images in common?

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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Causes of PIM Rusty Bolt Effect
The Rusty Bolt Effect is a source of radio
interference caused by corroded parts in the Rx
line of transmission. These parts act as a
diode. Tx
Metal objects in the antenna path
Antenna structures
Antenna joints PIM
Cables and connector corrosion
Concrete rebars
Suspended sealing grids

Remedies:
Remove the corroded object.
If the rust is superficial clean object.
Place an insulator between the two metal
objects which cause the problem.
Use antenna with more directional
characteristics.

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Modulation Schemes
PIM Spectrum
Calculating PIM
Conclusion

dBm vs. dBc
PIM Standard IEC 62037
PIM vs. VSWR Measurements
Causes of PIM
Component Surfaces
Rusty Bolt Effect

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Questions
&
Answers

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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 Thank You !

Passive Intermodulation (PIM)

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