Low Passive Intermodulation - Low PIM

SPINNER has been optimizing infrastructure components for mobile communication applications for more than 20 years. As a technology leader in this field, we know that one of the most important and challenging targets is to achieve products with extremely low third-order intermodulation distortion.

PIM always develops when at least two different frequencies are transmitted from a passive component, such as a plug or antenna cable. The nonlinearity of the component, as the result of poor design of the component, inaccurate manufacturing, defective materials or shabbily processed surfaces, can cause a disturbing signal to exist in the frequency range of a useful signal.

The more frequencies are transmitted through a shared line, the more disturbing signals can occur. GSM and UMTS are already transmitted through the same cable. With LTE, the probability of disturbing signals increases considerably. If this disturbing signal is in the useful range of a mobile communication frequency, it disrupts the transmission from smartphone to base station. In the worst case scenario, PIM disconnects this radio path completely.

SPINNER's firts PIM testbench: continuously developed since 20 years

SPINNER has been the first vendor notifying the risk of PIM in the early time of mobile communication systems. Today, mobile networks with various technologies are using approximately 4 to 5 frequencies in parallel. Low PIM products are more important than ever and network carriers around the globe are aware of the influence of PIM to their overall RF network performance. Understanding the growth in cellular networks taking place based on additional frequency bands makes one decision very obvious to SPINNER: strong focus on developing a comprehensive low PIM product portfolio – since more than two decades

Before network components can be tested for low PIM, the adequate measurement environment has to be in place meeting even tougher PIM requirements. This is due to the intermodulation occurring within the test PIMp your RF environment Today, PIM is a buzz. Nearly all vendors claim to have “low PIM products”. But what is behind low PIM and what’s the customer value? system, but also of other components involved in the test such as measurement cables, loads or attenuators. All components within the test system have to meet low PIM spec as well. At SPINNER, we support our customers worldwide in setting up professional and reliable measurement environments.

PIM Tests at SPINNER

4.3-10 and 7-16 low PIM jumper cables

 4.3-10 and 7-16 low PIM testing cables