EMPIR project RF Measurements for future communications applications (20IND03, FutureCom) is working to develop measurement methods to support the European industry in meeting these requirements. The devices will be assessed under real-world operating conditions and harsh environmental influences like those in orbital satellites. Also, a new methodology will be developed to measure the detrimental effects caused by high component density.
One of this EMPIR project’s objectives is developing and validating novel measurement methods to evaluate the Passive Intermodulation (PIM) of RF electrical signals used in communications systems.
This objective is part of work package 4, led by PTB, Germany’s National Metrology Institute, involved in the international standardization board IEC TC 46 to provide the industry with a solid basis for evaluating its components and measurement methods.
In the last quarterly meetings of the IEC TC46, following input from the project, existing standards were revised and new standards were finalized.
The following existing standards were updated and published in November 2021:
- IEC 62037-1 Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 1: General requirements and measuring methods
- IEC 62037-2 Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 2: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial cable assemblies
- IEC 62037-3 Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 3: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial connectors
- IEC 62037-5 Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 5: Measurement of passive intermodulation in filters
- IEC 62037-6 Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 6: Measurement of passive intermodulation in antennas
In addition, the following new standards were published in November 2022:
- IEC 62037-7 Passive RF and Microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 7: Field measurements of passive intermodulation
- IEC 62037-8 Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement – Part 8: Measurement of passive intermodulation generated by objects exposed to RF radiation
Passive inter-modulation (PIM) has become a relevant obstacle that can lead to a drop in the data rate transmitted by the base stations of the telecommunications system. FutureCom is working on the development of reliable and reproducible PIM measurement capabilities in Europe to meet the industry demand for assessment and validation of their devices before they are integrated into the communication system.
In this context, the project has carried out specific PIM measurement activities by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Radio Frequency (RF) component manufacturers, which will lead to comparable PIM measurements within the European industry. This work package has developed a traceable PIM measurement system, the first of its kind in the world. The project will also perform investigation for the impact of the environmental conditions on PIM measurement.
FutureCom project has already started making contributions to the project stakeholders by providing traceable and reliable new measurements to European industries and inputs to relevant standards. The combined outputs from four technical work packages will have significant impact on system efficiency, resulting in reduced energy consumption and improved data output in future communications
