PIM testing has become more critical as cellular systems age and the carrier count is increased. PIM testing is the best way to determine how telecommunication systems respond to multiple high-powered RF signals. 

With the complexity of today’s mobile networks ever improving, designers of wireless telecom systems must find a way to tackle increasingly stringent passive intermodulation (PIM) requirements, as even the smallest levels of PIM distortion can significantly impact network performance. PIM occurs when two strong RF signals that are close in frequency meet and mix together, thereby degrading network quality. By lowering PIM distortion, wireless telecom networks perform better and signal quality increases.  

Without mitigation, PIM can wreak havoc on telecom network performance. In order to combat these issues, mitigation by a trusted partner is essential. Mitigation will increase wireless network coverage and capacity without the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades, maximizing the current infrastructure capacity without the burden of significant infrastructure costs.  

V & G Telecom is your trusted partner for efficiently and comprehensivelly delivering all of your PIM Mitigation solutions.  You can trust V & G Telecom for professional experienced staff, custom data reporting, and 48 hour turn-around on close out packages.   

What is PIM?  PIM is the effect produced on transmission lines when signals at two or more frequencies mix with each other in a non-linear manner. This is a significant issue within the telecommunications sector and is an industry benchmark in determining the strength of a communication system.   PIM mitigation is becoming more and more critical as network capacity and network speed demand continue to increase.

Causes that lead to PIM PIM is caused by a multitude of factors present in the RF signal path. These include:

• Poor mechanical contact
• Presence of ferrous content like iron, nickel and steel in connectors and metals
• Contact between two unmatched metals
• Loose or dirty surfaces
• Overlaying new carriers into old antenna runs
• Ages of existing equipment
• Spark discharges
• Nearby towers with conflicting antenna patterns
• Nearby metal objects such as guy wires, barn roofs, fences, anchors, roof flashings and pipes

Effects of PIM  The spurious signals produced can degrade call quality and reduce the capacity of a wireless system. Interfering signals can raise the noise floor, block desired signals as well as reduce the receiver sensitivity. This often results in decreased data rates, dropped calls and decrease in the system capacity.