What is PIM?
Passive Intermodulation (PIM) occurs when two or more signals are present in
a passive device (rf switch) that exhibits a nonlinear response. The
nonlinearity is caused by dissimilar metals, dirty interconnects, loose
connections, or other anodic effects. Often times the nonlinearity does not
manifest itself at low input signal levels either because not enough stress
is placed on the dielectric or the PIM levels are at thermal noise level.
Passive components such as RF switches cannot be filtered to reduce PIM and
therefore the only solution to prevent this problem is to offer specially
designed microwave switches.
Since PIM characteristics depend on carrier frequencies, power level, and
number of other factors, CEI has certified the Low PIM product line per the
criteria show below.
3rd Order Intermodulation for
two carriers @ approximately 43.0 dBm |
Product
Description |
1st Carrier
Frequency |
2nd Carrier
Frequency |
PIM
Frequency |
PIM
Level |
Low PIM |
869 MHz |
891 MHz |
847 MHz |
110 dBc min. |
Low PIM |
1930 MHz |
1990 MHz |
1870 MHz |
110 dBc min. |
Ultra Low PIM |
869 MHz |
891 MHz |
847 MHz |
130 dBc min. |
Ultra Low PIM |
1930 MHz |
1990 MHz |
1870 MHz |
130 dBc min. |
Superior PIM |
869 MHz |
891 MHz |
847 MHz |
160 dBc min. |
Superior PIM |
1930 MHz |
1990 MHz |
1870 MHz |
160 dBc min. |
To select a low PIM switch simply visit our
product page
and select the number 7, 8, or 9 in section 8 (intermodulation) of our part
number reference. All CEI switches offer the low intermodulation option.
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