White Paper: Troubleshooting Passive Intermodulation Problems In The Field

By Nicholas Cannon, Anritsu Company

It is broadly understood that Passive Intermodulation (PIM) is a formidable issue within the cellular industry. This type of test has been in use for 15 years or more within the OEM industry throughout the world. As extra cellular transmitters and modulation formats are commissioned into service in new or existing sites, the statistical performance can appear to change dramatically. Ultimately, this can result in poor site/sector performance and reduced coverage, and this is why testing for PIM is now required in the field. The purpose of this article is to introduce the troubleshooting methods currently used in the cellular construction industry as well as to offer some background knowledge of Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM).