Two-Port PIM Analyzer for Internal and External Source Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting and mitigating passive intermodulation (PIM) interference in wireless communication systems, particularly in MIMO and DAS, are inadequate in distinguishing between internal and external sources, leading to inefficient mitigation strategies and network performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A two-port PIM analyzer is used to inject test tones into a system, receive response signals, and identify PIM sources by correlating one-port and two-port measurements to distinguish between internal and external PIM sources, utilizing Distance-to-PIM (DTP) measurements for precise localization and characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PIM detection methods are used, then PIM interference can be detected, but the ability to distinguish between internal and external PIM sources is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PIM measurement process into distinct one-port and two-port measurement modes. One-port measurements detect PIM sources by injecting signals through a single port, while two-port measurements use signal injection through both ports to differentiate internal versus external sources. This segmentation enables precise source identification without requiring overly complex measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Distance-to-PIM (DTP) measurements as an intermediary parameter that bridges the gap between raw PIM detection and source localization. By measuring the distance to the PIM source and comparing DTP values across different measurement configurations, the system can accurately identify whether PIM sources are internal or external without directly observing the sources themselves.
2Productivity
If PIM sources are not accurately distinguished, then mitigation strategies can be applied, but network performance degradation occurs due to inefficient mitigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of PIM sources as internal or external before applying mitigation strategies. By using one-port and two-port measurements to pre-identify source locations and characteristics, the system enables targeted mitigation actions that address the specific nature of each PIM source, thereby improving network performance and signal quality.
3Measurement precision
If general PIM detection is performed, then PIM interference can be identified, but precise localization and characterization of PIM sources is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through DTP measurements, where the measured distance to PIM sources is fed back into the analysis process. By comparing DTP values from different measurement configurations and using this feedback information, the system achieves precise PIM source localization and characterization while managing measurement complexity through systematic data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of passive intermodulation (PIM) detection in a radio frequency (RF) system including: injecting, from each port of a two-port PIM analyzer, two test tones or a wideband modulated carrier signal into the system one port at a time; receiving, at each port, a response signal from the system in response to the test tones or wideband modulated carrier signal; injecting, from two ports of the two-port PIM analyzer, test tones or a wideband modulated carrier signal into the system; receiving, at the two ports, a response signal from the system in response to the test tones or wideband modulated carrier signal; and identifying one or more PIM sources based on the response signals.