天线基础知识（一）/Antenna basics part I

天线基础知识之指标PIM

什么是无源互调(PIM)？

What is PIM？

无源互调是互调失真的一种形式，通常发生在被认为是线性的组件中，例如电缆、连接器和天线，但是，当受到蜂窝系统中的高射频功率影响时，这些设备产生-80dBm或者更高的互调信号。如果两个频率 f1 和 f2 通过非线性元件（半导体效应），则会产生原始频率的谐波 (2f1,3f2…)，这些谐波的组合会产生称为互调产物的频谱。互调产物存在偶数次(阶)和奇数次(阶)。

PIM is a form of intermodulation distortion that occurs in components normally thought of as linear, such as cables, connectors and antennas. However, when subject to the high RF powers found in cellular systems, these devices can generate intermodulation signals at -80dBm or higher. If two frequencies f1 and f2 pass through a non linear element (semi conductor effect), harmonics of the original frequencies are created (2f1,3f2…),Combinations of these harmonics result in a frequency spectrum called intermodulation products. IM products occur in even and odd orders.

偶数阶交调产物：影响小

Even Orders PIM:Less Dangerous 

偶数阶交调产物不重要是因为(如:F1 +f2或2f2-2f1):

IM product of even order(e.g. f1 +f2 or 2f2-2f1): Uncritical because of

• 与原始频率的距离很大

  The big distance to original frequencies

• 在移动通信中使用的信号没有静态分量，偶数阶交调产物将不会出现。

  Signals used in mobile communication show no static component. Products of even orders will not occur.

奇数阶交调产物：影响大

Odd Orders PIM :High Impact

• 奇数阶交调产物(如:2f2-f1或4f1-3f2)很危险，因为它们接近原始频率。

     IM products of odd orders(e.g.2f2-f1 or 4f1-3f2) dangerous due to their closeness to the original frequencies

• 落入RX波段的交调产物不能被滤波器抑制，并且可能对工作频率造成干扰。

     IM products falling into the RX band, cannot be suppressed by filters and may cause interference with operating frequencies

实际有趣的现象：

An interesting phenomenon in reality:

PIM的带宽随着无源互调产物的阶数增加而增大

PIM bandwidth increases with the order of the product

举例Example：

在蜂窝通信系统中，PIM可能引起干扰，降低接收机灵敏度，甚至完全阻塞通信。这种干扰可能影响产生它的蜂窝以及附近的其他接收机。

In cell communication systems, PIM can create interference and will reduce receiver sensitivity or may even inhibit communication completely. This interference can affect the cell that created it, as well as other nearby receivers. 

LTE:

在LTE频段2中，下行链路范围是1930 MHz至1990 MHz，上行链路范围是1850 MHz至1910 MHz。若有两个分别位于1940 MHz和1980 MHz的发射载波从具有PIM的基站系统发射信号，则其交调会产生一个位于1900 MHz的分量，该分量落入了接收频段，这会影响接收机。此外，位于2020 MHz的交调可能影响其他系统。

For example, in LTE Frequency Band 2, the downlink is specified from 1930 MHz to 1990 MHz, while the uplink ranges from 1850 MHz to 1910 MHz. If two transmitter carriers, located at 1940 MHz and 1980 MHz, are transmitting from the base station system with PIM, their intermodulation will lead to a component at 1900 MHz, which will fall into the receive band. This will affect the receiver. Furthermore, the intermodulation item at 2020 MHz may affect other systems.

GSM:

无源互调PIM来源：

PIM Sources:

为什么有的无线产品，射频工程师不注意无源互调？

Some RF engineers may not prioritize passive intermodulation (PIM) in certain wireless products？

发射信号不强，灵敏度不高。比如在雷达和卫星地面站中，由于收发天线共用，发射信号强，接收灵敏度高，无源互调PIM对无线接收的影响不可忽视。这也是为什么基础设施设备而非用户设备对无源互调PIM更加关注。

For some wireless products, RF engineers may not pay much attention to passive intermodulation (PIM), especially when the transmission signals are not strong, and sensitivity is not high. This is evident in applications such as radar and satellite ground stations where transmit and receive antennas are shared. In these cases, there is typically a focus on strong transmit signals and high receive sensitivity. However, the impact of passive intermodulation (PIM) on wireless reception should not be overlooked. This concern is particularly emphasized in infrastructure equipment, as opposed to user devices, where transmit and receive antennas are shared, making the effects of PIM more critical.

还有就是在基站、雷达等通信设备系统中，这些设备的复杂性和高度集成性有关，其中涉及了多个组件的组装和互联。各个组件之间的信号互联（例如通过线缆和连接器）可能导致无源互调。不良的连接、接头或线缆可能引起信号的非线性失真，产生干扰和互调产品。

In communication equipment systems such as base stations and radars, the complexity and high integration of these devices involve the assembly and interconnection of multiple components. The signal interconnection between various components (for example, through cables and connectors) may result in passive intermodulation. Poor connections, joints, or cables can cause non-linear distortion of the signals, leading to interference and the generation of intermodulation products.

如何规避PIM？

How to Avoid PIM？

选择高质量组件：选择经过充分测试和质量可靠的连接器、线缆、天线和其他组件。高质量的材料和工艺能够降低PIM的产生。

Select High-Quality Components: Choose connectors, cables, antennas, and other compo nents that have undergone thorough testing and are known for their reliable quality. High-quality materials and processes can reduce the generation of PIM.

使用低PIM连接器：一些连接器专门设计以降低PIM，这些连接器通常采用特殊的材料和设计，减少非线性效应。

Use Low-PIM Connectors: Some connectors are specifically designed to minimize PIM. These connectors often employ special materials and designs to reduce non-linear effects.

注意连接质量：确保连接器、接头和线缆都安装正确，紧固牢固。不良的连接质量可能导致不必要的PIM。

Pay Attention to Connection Quality: Ensure that connectors, joints, and cables are correctly installed and securely fastened. Poor connection quality can lead to unnecessary PIM.

避免不良材料：在天线和其他组件的制造中，避免使用对PIM敏感的材料。特别是在共享天线的环境中，选择能够最小化非线性效应的材料。

Avoid Suboptimal Materials: In the manufacturing of antennas and other components, avoid using materials sensitive to PIM. Particularly in environments with shared antennas, choose materials that minimize non-linear effects.

隔离发射和接收信号路径：尽量将发射和接收信号路径分离，以减少共享天线带来的PIM影响。这可以通过使用不同的天线或通过物理隔离来实现。

Isolate Transmit and Receive Signal Paths: Try to separate transmit and receive signal paths as much as possible to reduce the impact of PIM from shared antennas. This can be achieved by using different antennas or implementing physical isolation.

定期检查和维护：进行定期的系统检查和维护，以确保连接器和线缆的状态良好，减少因组件老化或环境变化引起的PIM问题。

Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Conduct regular system checks and maintenance to ensure the connectors and cables are in good condition, reducing PIM issues caused by component aging or environmental changes.

注意功率控制：控制发射功率，确保在系统设计和运行中，发射功率处于适当范围内。高功率信号可能增加PIM的产生。

Pay Attention to Power Control: Control transmit power to ensure it is within the appropriate range during system design and operation. High-power signals can increase the generation of PIM.

使用PIM测试工具：使用专门的PIM测试工具对系统进行定期测试，以便及早发现并解决潜在的问题。

Use PIM Testing Tools: Employ specialized PIM testing tools to regularly test the system, detecting and addressing potential issues early on.

接收通带内，-110dBm的最大PIM电平可以满足众多应用需求，特别是当包含BTS接口时。许多组件厂商瞄准-118dBm或者更高的设计指标，组件不同，指标也不同。当采用标准的连续波测试信号，每音功率为43dBm，则对应的PIM为-153dBc。请注意，不要将其与接收灵敏度大约为-120dBm的接收机相比较，因为接收机灵敏度的定义是针对特定的带宽的，对于CDMA/OFDM类型的信号，该灵敏度就意味着一个连续波信号。

Within the receive passband, a maximum PIM level of -110 dBm can meet the requirements for numerous applications, especially when incorporating the BTS interface. Many component manufacturers aim for design criteria of -118 dBm or higher, with variations depending on the specific component. When utilizing a standard continuous wave test signal with a per-tone power of 43 dBm, the corresponding PIM is -153 dBc. It's important to note that this should not be compared to the receiver sensitivity of approximately -120 dBm, as receiver sensitivity is defined for a specific bandwidth and, for CDMA/OFDM signal types, this sensitivity implies a continuous wave signal.