PIM Series: Passive Intermodulation Laminates

Arlon's reduced Passive Intermodulation (PIM) laminates are a series of woven fiberglass reinforced Teflon (PTFE) composite materials designed for use as printed circuit laminates. They have been engineered to reduce the contribution of the base laminate to Passive Intermodulation loss and distortion in finished microwave constructions, for example, antennas and filters.

This reduction is the result of optimizing the interface between the copper and laminate, specifically controlling copper surface morphology and treatment, as well as the laminate construction and processing. The result is a series of materials that demonstrate reductions in PIM of up to 20dB in both microstrip testing and finished antennas vs. standard laminates. Typical values achieved with Arlon reduced PIM laminates are -155dB or better when tested as described below.

PIM Performance Test: The following test was conducted to determine the performance of Arlon's reduced PIM laminates: Microstrip test vehicles (12 inch 50 ohm line) and finished antennas were tested using a Summitek Passive Intermodulation Distortion Analyzer. The power level used was two tones with each carrier at 20 watts( 43dBm). The 3rd Order Intermodulation Product was measured in dBc (dB below the carrier peak). The testing was performed at 1.90 Ghz. Please note that many factors in both microstrip and antenna testing have a significant impact on PIM results, particularly the print and etch quality of the pcb as well as all elements of the workmanship in the assembly of the microstrip test vehicle or finished antenna. This testing sought to hold these variables constant to isolate the effect of the laminate on intermodulation values.

• Designed to Reduce PIM Distortion
• Optimized Copper/Laminate Interface

Benefits:

• Greatly reduces the production of new, unwanted signal frequency components
• Improved Receiver Performance
• Measured PIM values < -155 dBc

Typical Applications:

• A single site with two or more base station transceivers
• High Transmitter signals levels
• High Receiver sensitivity
• Transmitters and receivers sharing a common antenna