How Important is PIM Testing?
How Important is PIM Testing?
If you’ve ever used a mobile phone, then you’ve
benefited from PIM
testing and the
products that TMG supplies to keep everything running.
Passive intermodulation (PIM) often occurs when
multiple signals are used in passive components in conjunction with non-linear
elements.
For the layperson, this means the signals
basically obstruct each other, reducing receiver sensitivity or even hindering
communication entirely.
If this doesn’t sound serious enough, allow us
to explain all of the reasons for PIM testing and some of the equipment that
can be used to complete the task.
A World Without
PIM Testing Equipment
Without going through the proper process of PIM
testing, poor signals, dropouts, and reduced transmission data would go
relatively unexplained.
Sure, we might have a hunch as to what was
causing these symptoms, but the equipment developed over decades of mobile
communication allows us to know for sure.
With a modern understanding of PIM and its
effects on end-users, antennas and entire networks can be designed and
optimised to avoid this phenomenon from happening too often.
Of course, PIM remains unavoidable at times,
for reasons to be explained, but things could certainly be much worse for
mobile communication.
Applications for
PIM Testing
This tried-and-tested process allows cellular
network operations to detect and remove non-linear junctions at the site,
improving performance for their customers.
It is most commonly applied to antennas and
feeder arrangements for cellular base stations. This is often due to several
carriers broadcasting from a single site, therefore tangling signals and
causing PIM.
It can also occur around coax connectors, coax
cables, and grounds. Metal objects such as guy wires and anchors, roof
flashings, and pipes can all cause PIM too.
This all reveals the broad and common nature of
PIM and PIM testing, demanding a large range of testing equipment to suit a
range of contexts.
A Rising Tide
Lifts All Boats
Regular customers for TMG’s PIM testing
equipment are mobile network providers who have set up shop nearby a competitor.
As discussed, this PIM-possible situation
requires testing at installation; each time a new party is installed at the
site; and after much time has passed and degradation is possible.
It is therefore in the interest of each carrier
to test their signal for PIM and take the appropriate action to remedy the
situation.
Degredation
Just as low levels of PIM are enough to degrade
receiver sensitivity and system performance, physical degradation is another
cause of PIM which must be monitored.
This can be caused by weather or the
environment where the equipment is operating. If the temperature is wildly
variable, or if pollution is high, the metal components will be more
susceptible to rust. The environment can also cause the metals around the
junctions to have a slightly unstable connection.
PIM Testing
Equipment
It would be remiss of us to discuss PIM testing
and not hand you a range of equipment with which to do so.
The Kaelus External PIM
Finder is a compact and convenient solution for locating and identifying
external PIM sources, such as loose or corroded metals.
It quickly suppresses the interfering signal
with a variety of methods, including removing or covering the PIM source.
This
battery-powered, remote control product is available to buy or rent from our
online store today, so that you can conduct effective PIM testing tomorrow.
Image Credit:
Original Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/X1LR6LO7hiE
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