RNS News

Radio Network Solutions (RNS) has recently invested in the latest range of Passive Intermodulation (PIM) test equipment from Kaelus. As one of only a few companies in Sub-Saharan Africa with its own PIM test equipment, and Kaelus trained and certified technicians, RNS is committed to providing an integrated solution to clients across the region.

“Owning our test equipment is vital in our quest to position RNS as a leader in our industry,” says RNS Technical Director, Neil Nordgaard. “After considering all available options globally and performing many on-site comparisons, we opted for the Kaelus range. This is mainly ascribed to its overall ease of operation, rugged design, RTF and report generation, as well as its international support structure.”

Passive Intermodulation (PIM) is a form of distortion that occurs in passive components, such as antennas, cables, connectors, or filters with two or more high-power input signals. PIM in the transmission path degrades quality of the wireless communication system.

Nordgaard continues: “PIM is fast becoming the most critical parameter in testing and approval of an RF site. This is due to the installation of multiple technologies on new and existing infrastructures with higher RF transmission power, multiband operation and, in some cases, common antennas. This is all combined to create higher probability of PIM in the receiving band.”

PIM is noise generated by the interaction between the multiple TX signals and passive non-linear junctions in the RF path.

The passive Intermodulation products caused by the non-linearity follow exactly the same principles of those of wanted modulation products in a mixer. It is found that the various harmonics of the input frequencies mix together to form products that can remain within the required operational band.