PIM analyser offers two 40W output signals

In response to the continually increasing demand for higher data rates, network operators have to increase the spectral efficiency of their networks up to the theoretical limit.

However, the high sensitivity of LTE and LTE-Advanced makes any interference even more noticeable.

These passive intermodulation effects have therefore developed into a challenge for network operators wanting to ensure the quality of their networks. PIM effects can be caused by corroded connectors or poor antenna isolation, for example.

Within buildings, distributed antenna systems (DAS) can be strongly affected by PIM due to the metal structures used to route cables.

New Jersey-based Communication Components is a fast-growing provider of radio access network (RAN) technologies, and it developed the PiMPro Tower Series PIM analyzer on the basis of its RAN expertise. Rohde & Schwarz has exclusive global sales rights for the PiMPro Tower Series. The analyser complements the extensive mobile network testing portfolio from Rohde & Schwarz, which includes T&M solutions for compliance, installation, optimization, operation and benchmarking of mobile networks.

Service teams in the field who install and maintain mobile radio base stations are able to rapidly detect sources of errors using, for example, the portable R&S ZVH cable and antenna analyser from Rohde & Schwarz. The analyser performs fast and error-free VSWR, cable loss, distance-to-fault and power measurements. The PiMPro Tower Series - offered by Rohde & Schwarz at an attractive price - optimally enhances this functionality by adding PIM test capability, which becomes increasingly important.

The lightweight instrument, which comes in a practical backpack, is ideal for use on transmitter masts.

The user-friendly analyser offers two 40W output signals for PIM tests, making it the only instrument of its kind to address real-world challenges in the field. Even in battery mode, it can deliver this high output power for up to three hours.

Users are able to perform PIM, return loss, distance-to-PIM and distance-to-fault measurements without requiring additional hardware, even in difficult-to-access areas. Its excellent measurement sensitivity of -135dBm and its ability to reduce two-tone transmit signals to 24dBm (100mW) make the PIM analyser an ideal instrument for measurements on base stations and DAS.