Munich, Germany. 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. 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.
Communication Components Inc. (CCI), a provider of radio access network (RAN) technologies, has developed the PiMPro Tower Series PIM analyzer on the basis of its RAN expertise. Rohde & Schwarz announced that effective immediately, it has exclusive global sales rights for the PiMPro Tower Series. The analyzer complements the Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing portfolio, which includes test-and-measurement 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 analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz. The analyzer performs fast and error-free VSWR, cable loss, distance-to-fault and power measurements. The PiMPro Tower Series optimally enhances this functionality by adding PIM test capability, which becomes increasingly important.
The lightweight instrument, which comes in a backpack, is suitable for use on transmitter masts. The user-friendly analyzer offers two 40-W output signals for PIM tests, enabling it to address real-world challenges in the field. 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 measurement sensitivity of -135 dBm and its ability to reduce two-tone transmit signals to 24 dBm (100 mW) make the PIM analyzer suitable for measurements on base stations and DAS.
