Anritsu’s New PIM MasterTM B-series Diagnoses PIM Issues Reducing Time and Costs
Cable and antenna systems are a critical links in any wireless communications network. The quality of the components and their installation have a significant impact on network performance, site reliability, and ultimately, customer satisfaction.
To operate at maximum potential, the cable and antenna system must pass radio frequency (RF) signals between mobile subscribers and the base transceiver station (BTS) as efficiently as possible (minimum loss, minimum reflections), and without generating unwanted noise (passive intermodulation).
Diagnosing and troubleshooting PIM problems is an expensive and time-consuming exercise. It not only requires hours of resources but also degrades QoS since the site has to be shut down. The problem is exacerbated by new bands such as FirstNet introduced into LTE networks that make the RF environment more conducive to PIM.
PIM is a growing issue for cellular network operators. PIM issues may occur as existing equipment ages, when co locating new carriers, or when installing new equipment. PIM is a particular issue when overlaying (diplexing) new carriers into old antenna runs. PIM can create interference that will reduce a cell’s receive sensitivity or even block calls. This interference can affect both the cell that creates it as well as other nearby receivers. PIM is created by high transmitter power, so on-site PIM testing needs to be done at or above the original transmitter power levels to make sure that the test reveals any PIM issues.
The PIM Master MW82119B Battery-operated, High Power Portable, Passive Intermodulation Analyzer with optional Cable and Antenna Analyzer
PIM MasterTM B-series is a 40 Watt, battery-operated PIM analyzer featuring Site MasterTM line sweep capability. With the Site Master option included, the PIM Master is able to fully certify cable and antenna system performance, measuring PIM, Distance-to-PIM, Return Loss, VSWR, Cable Loss and Distance-to-Fault with a single test instrument.
PIM Master includes a large, outdoor-viewable display and intuitive user interface that is optimized for field conditions. PIM Master’s rugged design and enhanced portability enables both PIM and line sweep testing at the “top-of-the-tower,” helping operators to achieve maximum RF performance from their LTE Remote Radio Head (RRH) installations.
Compatible with the Smart Aligner Android application for the generation of site closeout reports, including antenna alignment results from Multiwave tools and line sweep results.
Typical applications include:
● RF Component testing
● Antenna testing
● Macro site cable system testing
● Remote Radio Head (RRH) site testing
● Distributed Antenna System (DAS) testing
● 2-port PIM hunting (option 703)
The available 2-port PIM Master solution (Option 0703) for the LTE 700 band now allows technicians to send F1 and F2 CW tones through Bands 17 and 14 antennas simultaneously, making testing and PIM hunting a FirstNet deployment more efficient.
This versatile solution also works as a traditional 1-port LTE 700 PIM test set, ideal for finding PIM in cable and antenna systems, as well as tap-testing connectors.
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Learn more at our Webinar: New Methodology Diagnoses PIM Issues without Climbing the Tower at https://www.anritsu.com/en-us/test-measurement/events/webinars/2020/new-methodology-diagnoses-pim-issues-without-climbing-tower
