On Site Testing for PIM

PIM- Passive Intermodulation

Christian Entsfellner Productmanager Rosenberger Germany Laddie Basa Technical Sales Engineer Rosenberger Site Solutions

On Site Testing for PIM

PIM- Passive Intermodulation
David (Dave) Bedford Sales Manager PIM Analysers

Agenda
Introduction: About Rosenberger Section I: PIM Basics
What is PIM? Why test for PIM? What causes PIM? PIM source examples How they work dBm or dBc? Receiver noise floor and residual PIM Measurement uncertainty and residual PIM Control Panel and display Set-up for test Perform test Save data and create report Remote operation Component PIM test Cable system PIM test Total system PIM test Trouble shoot

Section II: PIM Analyzers and Terminology

Section III: PIM Analyzer Operation

Section IV: Test Methodology

Founded Founded 1958 1958 Hans Hans Rosenberger Rosenberger Sr. Sr. Headquarters Headquarters Germany Germany and and China China 14 14 Manufacturing Manufacturing Facilities Facilities Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Sales Sales 345 345 Million Million USD USD

Site Solution Products Coaxial Connectors & Adaptors Cable and Cable Assemblies Fiber Optic Cable Systems Test and Measurement Products
13 yrs rack mount PIA Now site portable PIA
Site Portable PIM Analyzer

Automotive Connectors

Calibration/Termination

Coax Jumpers Fiber Distribution Power Dividers Mounting Hardware Main Feeder Coaxial/Optical Fiber

Installation Tools

Coaxial and Fiber Optic Cables

Grounding Kits Coax Jumpers Surge Arrestors Fiber Distribution

Rosenberger Site Portable PIM Analyzer

Lab quality yet portable & rugged Simple Operation Efficient data storage and report generation Protected display visible under direct sunlight Low -168dBc (2x20W) residual PIM for accuracy Stringent test capabilities
Swept as well as 2-tone Power levels from 5 to 40Watts per test tone Meet IEC Test Standard Stress PIM sources Stay above noise floor limitations Dynamic verification with 2-tone time plot

Remote PC operation and direct graphical report Limit alarm (pass/fail) Accessories included
Low PIM load & PIM standard Three Low PIM test cables plus connector adaptors Replaceable test port connector Torque and adjustable back up wrenches Cleaning kit and other

Section I: PIM Basics

What is PIM? Why test for PIM? What causes PIM? Examples

PIM Passive Intermodulation Basics

Intermodulation (IM) or frequency mixing results from non-linear behavior
Linear Behavior Non-Linear Behavior I

IM generated by passive components is PIM Transmission line systems include many metal-to-metal junctions Metal-to-metal junctions exhibit either linear or non-linear behavior Non-linear
Loose contact with sandwiched oxides/contaminates simulate diode Rough contacting surfaces alter electron flow at voids (tunneling)

Linear by design: highly conductive non-magnetic materials, uniform high contact pressure, smooth surface finish, low current density, durability Non-linear in service: workmanship, faulty installation, contamination, damage, over stressed, poor solder joint, environmental effects, aging Any connected transmission line component is a potential PIM source External (non-connected) PIM sources can also exist if excited by EM fields

PIM Products from Non-Linear Junctions

Two carriers impinging a non-linear junction generate a multitude of IM products
F1
Power

F2

Frequencies of all IM products FIM(O)= m(F1) n(F2)

Upper IMs

Lower IMs

IM3 IM5 IM7

IM3 IM5 IM7 IM9

Frequency of lower odd IM Products FIM3= 2(F1) F2 FIM5= 3(F1) 2(F2) FIM(O)= m(F1) n(F2)
where O = Order = m + n For upper odd IMs interchange F1 & F2

IM9

Frequency

Regulatory block pairing precludes low order IM in Rx band (>5th), but new bands under limited spectrum are jeopardizing this coordination ability Test for IM3easiest to detect

IM order significance
Lowest odd orderhighest powerclosest to fundamentals (potential Rx band) IM bandwidth spreads = fundamental bandwidth multiplied by IM order number Increases PIM vulnerability for advanced wide band architectures

Multi-carriers and their products further mix

Manifests as noise floor risedesensitizes receivercalls droppedcapacity limited BTS and mobiles power up but IM power increases at faster rate (3dB : 1dB)

Noise Floor Rise Desensitizes Receiver

Signal Strength Above Sensitivity Below Sensitivity Equal Signal Strength Min S/N

Signal

Signal

Receiver Sensitivity

Min S/N

Noise Rise

Degraded Receiver Sensitivity

Receiver inherent thermal noise, noise floor, limits recognition and processing of weak signals Receiver sensitivity is minimum input signal that can be processed to produce a specified output The required minimum signal strength above noise floor is generally expressed as S/N ratio System performance depends on signal strength above receiver sensitivity PIM raises the noise floor thus desensitizing the receiver

Rationalize On Site PIM Testing

PIM creates interference/noise that desensitizes receiver
Coverage reduces Calls drop Data rate slows Capacity reduces

Potential of high power PIM products falling in receive band is increasing

Multi-band and co-located operation Higher power and carrier combining Addition of new bands under limited spectrum

Advanced architectures more vulnerable and sensitive

Increased channel bandwidth Full capabilities depend on optimum noise floor

DTF, RL, and IL tests do not detect PIM Quickly and easily validate linearity of as-built infrastructure
Isolate PIM sources Corrective actions restore systems performance capabilities

Demonstrated effectiveness in finding cause for illusive service problems Degraded performance = dissatisfied customers = lost revenue

Rx Diversity Imbalance Duplex Broadband Noise Rise

RSSI Rx0: -62.6dBm RSSI Rx1: -81.5dBm
TP A Tx On TP B

Threshold = 5dB
TP A Tx Off

Noise rise desensitizes receiver Lost revenue: service deterioration

PIM analyzer isolated problem to antenna

lex Dup

Test Point A

Test Point B
y Onl x R

Trouble Shooting - Simple Process of Elimination

Check PIM of easily accessible first terminate with low PIM load: OK Replace antenna with low PIM load: PIM level still OK Acceptable low PIM validates antenna problem or external PIM source PIM testing antenna by itself confirmed sourcehigh PIM level Replacing antenna restored diversity balance and service quality Cracked Solder Joint Evidence of Corrosion

Antenna Power Divider

Other Examples of PIM Sources

Internal External

Anywhere there is loose or non-uniform metal contact and/or contamination can be PIM source Connectors are common faultworkmanship/contamination/loose or non-uniform contact PIM is very sensitiveworkers tools or keys can be a PIM source During testing with antenna, workers should stand still and either be above or below antenna PIM sources can be external if impinging radiated field intensity is sufficiently high External PIM sources are most difficult to identify but sometimes obvious

Roof Top - External PIM Source Example

Service Affected Rx Diversity Alarm PIM test system less antenna OK PIM test antenna OK Kicking vent identified PIM source

Cellular Duplex Rx0 RSSI= -64dBm

Rx1 RSSI= -71dBm

Rx1

PCS

PCS

ABa nd C

arr i

er

nd a B B-

r rie r Ca

Tx/Rx0

Rusty Roof Vent Replacing vent restored diversity balance and service quality

Section I: Summary and Additional Comments

Demonstrated service affecting examples infrastructure / external Probability for IM products falling in Rx bands increasing with time Advanced architecture more sensitive (broadband high speed digital) On site PIM tests
Reveal hidden design, workmanship, and installation flaws (RL insensitive) Promote robust quality components and installation Validate linearity to preclude unnecessary service limitations

On site PIM testing is quick and easy

Site commissioning Infrastructure reuse Maintenance checks and trouble shooting

Verifying linearity can prevent illusive service degradation

Customer satisfaction $$$ Maintenance $$$

Acknowledgement- Scott Semone, MTS Engineer Verizon Wireless, who cooperated in providing data and findings included in this presentation

Section II: PIM Analyzers and Terminology

How does the PIM analyzer measure PIM? What is difference between dBm and dBc? What is receiver noise floor and residual PIM? How does residual PIM affect measurement accuracy?

PIM Analyzer Block Diagram

Filter Module Accessories
Low PIM Load

f1

PA

Tx -Filter

P1

f2

PA

Tx -Filter

P4

DUT

P2 P3
Rx Filter

Signal Source

Receiver

System Hardware

Two generated signals (test tones) of different frequencies and monitored power levels (operator set within transmit band) are output to the DUT. When a non-linear junction is encountered, a multitude of resulting PIM signals propagate both in forward and reverse directions. The analyzer selects only that reflected PIM signal which is in accordance with set IM order and then displays/records its power level and frequency. In 2-tone mode there is only one PIM frequency. With sweep mode multiple frequencies are possible and will be displayed in accordance with start/stop settings.

PIM Measurement Units dBm or dBc

dBm is an absolute power level, referenced to a mW
Watts= 2x dB= 3

dBm= 10log(Watts/mW) =10log(Watts*1000)

Watts= 10x

dB= 10

dBc is the dB down from the test tone power Example: Test tone power= +43dBm and IM3= -100dBm Then dB= +43 - (-100)= 43 + 100= 143dB A negative sign is used to designate dB below test tone; i.e. -143dBc Industry test standard specifies 2x20W (2x43dBm) Stresses PIM source to operational power levels IM products do not change 1:1 with test tone power (3dB:1dB) Provides level playing field for comparisons

Analyzer Residual PIM and Noise Floor

Analyzer residual PIM is its internal PIM level Analyzer receiver noise floor can limit residual PIM Before taking PIM data check residual PIM and noise floor
Use test standard settings: 2 x 20W (2 x 43dBm) Both should be <-125dBm (-168dBc) at instrument test port Port extension cable can degrade residual PIM

High residual PIM will impact measurement accuracy

Positive or negative error depending on phase relationship

Measurement Uncertainty Vs Residual PIM

8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 -6.0 -8.0 -10.0 -12.0 -14.0 -16.0 -18.0 -20.0 0 1 Measurement Uncertanty (dB)

= 11dB

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Residual PIM (dB below true PIM value of DUT) add error difference error

Example PIM criterion for DUT is <-150dBc. PIM analyzer has residual PIM of -155 dBc (5 dB below criterion). Error Range: from -146 to -157dBc. To assure -150dBc criterion is met, limit needs to be -157dBc. With Rosenberger typical residual PIM (spec< -168dBc) we are ~20dB below criterion: irrelevant error!

Section III: PIM Analyzer Operation Rosenberger Site Portable

Front panel controls and display Set-up procedure Perform PIM test Save data and create report Remote operation

Rosenberger Site PIM Analyzerfront panel

ModeLock keys/other buttons ineffective for this model Soft keysstep frequency (arrows)set time & day/dBm or dBc/IM order/step size/alarm limits Two channel hard keysset 2-tone F1 & F2 frequencies/power levels/start stop sweep/RF on/off Key paddata entryright bottom is enter key, any key is escape key Red LED lightsindicate RF power on Red measurement buttonsstart 2-tone single/continuousstart sweep mode single/continuous Displayshows all settings (visible even under direct sunlight) USB portssave data to memory stick and remote operation

Setting up Analyzer
Turn on AC power switch15 minute warm up is recommended Use menu and soft keys to preset parameters
dBm or dBc, Date & Time, IM order, alarm limits, & step size

For 2-tone mode use hard keys to set test tones

F1 & F2 frequencies and power levels

For sweep mode use hard keys to set start and stop frequencies for F1 & F2
Sweep mode test consists of two sweepsone up and one down The up sweep is F1 start to F1 stop while holding F2 at its start The down sweep is F2 start to f2 stop while holding F1 at is start Recommend leaving sweep at its default settingassures max PIM products

View set-up screen to verify all settingsif set up screen is not being displayed
Hit soft esc key to return from menu or any key to return (escape) from other modes

Verify noise floor and residual PIM at test port <-168dBc (-125dBm) 2x20W
Perform if test port extension cable not used or results with cable are suspect

Attach appropriate test port extension cable terminated into low PIM load
Check connectors to be sure undamaged and clean of debris Use toque wrench to tighten connectors

Perform noise floor and residual PIM check as described above

Verify and take note of noise floor level (<-125dBm) Press red 2-tone RF power button to check residual PIM (<-125dBm)

Set-up Screen Display - Verify Test Set-up at a Glance

Last setup before powering down, will be initial setup when powering back up

Analyzer Receiver Noise Floor Verification

Low PIM Load Do not press

Note noise floor level

DIN m/m adaptor

Caution: Avoid bumping low PIM load when connected directly to test port Do not confuse PIM standard for DIN adaptor AC power on but RF off (no 2-tone or sweep test): <-168dBc (-125dBm) 2 x 20W (2 x 43dBm)

Analyzer Residual PIM at its Test Port

Low PIM Load Press 2-tone or sweep

Verify residual PIM level

DIN m/m adaptor

Caution: Avoid bumping low PIM load when connected directly to test port Do not confuse PIM standard for DIN adaptor AC and RF power on (2-tone or sweep test): <-168dBc (-125dBm) 2 x 20W (2 x 43dBm)

Functional Test at Instrument Test Port

Low PIM Load Press 2-tone or sweep

DIN m/m adaptor

Compare against PIM reference

PIM Reference

Caution: Avoid bumping low PIM load when connected directly to test port Do not confuse PIM standard for DIN adaptor 2-tone or sweep test: Compare with PIM reference level within 2dB, 2 x 20W (2 x 43dBm)

Functional Test Result with -110dBm (-153dBc) PIM Reference

Analyzer Residual PIM Check at Test Port Extension

Perform 2-tone or sweep mode test: Increased residual PIM indicates deterioration of test cable affecting measurement accuracy in accordance with table in a previous slide Verify dynamic stability of test cable Take care of test cable, avoid excessive and frequent bending near connectors Note/verify receiver noise floor level as described in previous slide

Perform Functional Test with PIM Reference

Perform initially and/or if data appears unrealistic Allow 15 minute warm up Insure connectors are clean inside and free of debrisuse canned air and/or alcohol with q-tips and swabs as necessary Insert PIM reference between end of test cable and low PIM load Always use torque wrench with backup when tightening connectors If test cable has significant insertion loss, power settings should be increased accordingly Press red 2-tone or sweep RF power button and verify PIM level is within 3dB of PIM reference (depends on cable quality and compensation for IL) To preserve test cable PIM quality, avoid flexing/bending within 5 inches of connector Condition of test cable can impact check resultif necessary eliminate cable to isolate problem Repeat test with PIM standard directly attached as demonstrated in earlier slides Before turning on RF power, always make sure the supplied low PIM load is used to terminate components. Other loads may not be low PIM or capable of handling high power.

Perform PIM Test of Component or System

Identical to functional test except PIM standard is replaced by DUT Un-terminated components must be terminated with low PIM load Function of 2-tone or sweep buttons respectively Single short press= single 10 sec 2-tone or single frequency sweep Press and 2-sec hold= continuous 2-tone digital display or continuous frequency sweeps After test cycle completes a soft key save appears Press any key to escape and return to setup screen Press save soft key to save data to memory stick inserted in USB port A prompt instructs to use key pad and enter 3-digit file name Saved file name will be selected 3 digits prefixed by time stamp Use PIA software to generate data report

Create Data Report- load data file

Create Data Report- select file from saved folder

Create Data Report- result with ability to reformat

Create Data Report- select add comments

Create Data Report- add comments

Create Data Report- save final results as pdf file

Create Data Report- final result

Remote Operation- set band

Remote Operation- setup test parameters

Remote Operation- adjust parameters as in manual mode

Remote Operation- press start or stop measurement

Remote Operation- save pdf

Section IV: Test Methodology

Component PIM test Cable system PIM test Total system PIM test Trouble shoot

Test Methodology
Ground test tower top components including antenna
Antenna ground tests require special treatment to avoid false positive Support antenna above ground away from metal objects pointing to clear sky Set antenna perpendicular to unavoidable near-by metal objects (chain link fence) Verify no interference- compare noise floor into load against into antenna
Noise floor rise with antenna connected is interference Antenna PIM test accuracy will be limited by noise floor rise

Identify possible external PIM sourceorient antenna for lowest PIM level Antenna should not be hypersensitive to realistic dynamic test

PIM test cable system PIM test complete system Trouble shoot cable system
Isolate by changing location of load and test point Be suspicious of any metal/metal junction, especially connectors Perform tap and dynamic tests monitoring stability of PIM level

Trouble shoot complete systemfails when antenna added

Possible interference or external PIM source Isolate by verifying noise floorif rise then interference exists Orient antenna direction, increase elevation adjust to max up and change azimuth Re-check cable system terminating with load at last component before antenna Look for any obvious external PIM sources in near proximity of antenna If problem cannot be found in short time, log condition (Verizon Advisory)