Livingston Brings Cost Effective PIM Testing Solution to Mobile Communications Market

PIM is set to be a major issue for mobile operators to face as they move to 4G technology. It arises when the signals emanating from a base station are impacted on by radio frequency (RF) interference caused by mixing together of other wireless signals. This interference causes the noise floor of the base station to be increased, reducing its sensitivity Though this is something that has, to some degree, affected earlier mobile communications generations, the increased noise floor caused will have a far greater as LTE and HSPA+ networks are brought online, due to the large proportion of data being carried. It will mean that highly sophisticated test equipment will need to be utilised in order identify any sources of unwanted signals and evaluate base station construction quality (uncovering poor connector terminations, etc).

The Kaelus iQA series of PIM analysers, now being stocked by Livingston, is designed to allow mobile operators to improve network performance and lower operational costs by finding and eliminating the sources of PIM at cell sites. The series supports a variety of different frequency bands (from 680MHz up to 2100MHz). Offered in a compact (500mm x 457mm x 305mm) form factor, weighing 22.7kg. With an operational temperature range of -10°C to +40°C, they can cope with 95% humidity levels and have an IP20 rating against water ingress. The testers all incorporate a high resolution colour display (213mm diagonal) with an integrated, simple to operate touchscreen user interface. An RF output, two USB and two LAN interface ports are also included.

According to Geoff Kempster, Group Inventory Manager at Livingston UK, “Testing against the impact of PIM on LTE and existing networks will be vital for mobile operators if they are to maintain the compelling services and applications demanded by their subscribers. However, PIM testing represents another heavy capital expense that operators, or more frequently their subcontractors, need to find budget for.” “Livingston is now in a position to offer the industry an alternative to direct purchase of such hardware” he continues “by allowing companies to rent it, thereby maximising both flexibility and cost effectiveness, as well as keeping lead times considerable shorter than those of rival operations.”