Anritsu PIM Master MW82119B Analyzer Series

PIM is interference created by Transmitting (Tx) signals at a cell site due to internal or external factors.   What is Passive Intermodulation (PIM)? PIM can cause connectivity problems and affect the quality of a wireless system. Using a variety of PIM Test Equipment can help troubleshoot cable & antenna systems to increase performance. Internal factors can be loose connections, metal shavings within connectors, or dirty connectors. These issues are usually easier to test and detect. External factors could be a variety of things which are harder to pinpoint. This could include anything from an antenna mast mounting bracket, to a metal coin on the ground near the antenna. PIM is created by nonlinear behavior within these passive components (internal or external to the system), which generates unwanted signals, referred to as IM3, IM5, IM7, etc. These IM frequencies are essentially the Intermodulation Harmonics created from the downlink carrier signals. The goal to mitigate PIM is to increase the Linearity of the system and its components.   PIM Mitigation Avoiding PIM is key in a effective wireless communication system, as users of communication devices are affected by bad cellular service. This problem can result in potentially larger battery draining for devices. ATEC stocks a variety of test equipment including PIM testers, cable & antenna analyzers, PIM blankets, PIM hunting probes, and handheld spectrum analyzers to enable PIM mitigation. PIM mitigation occurs when operators seek to minimize and reduce the PIM affecting a system.   How to Reduce PIM? The simple answer to reduce PIM is to increase linearity. Linearity is measured by using a PIM Tester. First, a basic RF sweep on the cable & antenna system is done to verify the VSWR is within specification. This initial step can help identify faulty components at the start, which could potentially be causing PIM. Once the system has been verified to have low return