User’s Manual Manual P/N 98405800B 1 / 2010 Pim 21 Portable Passive Intermodulation Test Set Taking performance to a new peak
User Manual Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Front Panel Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Accessories Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Purpose, Function and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Welcome to the Users Manual for the PIM 21 Passive Intermodulation Test Set.
Introduction +70°C) or charged with excessive voltage. Prior to disposal, the battery must be removed. To reduce the hazard from overcharging never exceed the maximum ‘Ext DC’ voltage of 16 Volts. As an additional precaution, always remove BATT Fuse, prior to storage for longer than 4 months. Transportation Hazard The device operates by using a transmitted RF Test signal, which may interfere with navigation and other electronic systems.
Front Panel Survey All user controls and connections are made on the front panel of the Test Set. Some of the control switches have multiple functions, which are explained in detail in the Advanced Features and Settings section of this manual.
Packing Contents Standard Accessories Kit The standard accessories kit provided with the PIM 21 Test Set contains 1 each of the following items: 57500100A Test Cable Type N(m) - N(m), 4m (13 ft) 48000100A Connector Adaptor 7/16”(m) - N(f) 48400700A Power Supply 90 - 264 VAC / 12 VDC, 4 Amp 56810400A Power Cord 2m (6 ft) 56811400A DC Charging Cable for Car Accessory Socket 70047300A Accessories Pouch 95951301A Cable (6 ft) 95951201A RS232 to USB Converter 95950101A Low Pim Cable Load 5 W, N(f) con
Optional Accessories kit 95950701A ZB-B11 Test Cable, 7/16”(m)-7/16”(m), 3m (10 ft) 95951001A Torque Wrench 18 ft-lbs Notes: For performance and safety reasons use only original qualified components to replace damaged or missing accessory kit items. Components in the accessories kit are intended for PIM 21 use only however, it is possible to use the Low IM load, test cable and adaptors for other applications. Under no circumstances should the Low power PIM sources be used for any other application.
Purpose, Function and Features Purpose, Function and Features Purpose The PIM 21 is a portable test instrument for the detection of non-linear components and assemblies in radio base station installations. Non-linear Radio Frequency (RF) assemblies cause Intermodulation Distortion (IM) and the purpose of the Test Set is to specifically test for this distortion in passive components.
The PIM 21 is a low power tester with excitation carrier powers up to +30/+33* dBm each. Its minimum size, reliability, and battery operation, all provide true portability. To test individual components, bench PIM test systems typically use a power of up to 20W per carrier. Such systems are heavy and bulky, and are generally considered impractical for field testing, especially at the mast head. Measurements between 20W bench sets and 2W portable field sets show predictably some what different readings.
Purpose, Function and Features PIM adjustment chart 1W & 2W vs 20W -80.00 -90.00 -100.00 -110.00 20 Watt Ref PIM -dBc 1 Watt equivalent PIM -dBc -120.00 2Watt equivalent PIM -dBc -130.00 -140.00 -150.00 -160.00 PIM Measurement PIM comparison for different carrier powers Functional Description The PIM 21 generates two continuous wave carriers at up to 1W / 2W each*. These two carriers are filtered and combined to a single common test port.
F1 Display F2 Combiner P Test Port Rx Ext DC Ext.DC Fuse DC DC BATT Fuse int Batt During the power up sequence all power supply rails (including battery and external DC supply) are checked. Error messages or advisory messages, in the case of missing external DC, will be displayed if voltage is outside of the limits. Also during this sequence an RF calibration of the receiver module is performed using an internal noise source.
Purpose, Function and Features Two front panel fuses are provided for protection of the External DC input and battery circuits. Reverse polarity protection is provided on the external DC input connection. Only in the case of reverse connection a crowbar circuit will operate and the External DC input fuse will blow. See parts list for fuse values to be used for replacement. Features The PIM 21 has a number of unique features that improve functionality and reliability.
Operation Procedure The PIM 21 has a number of user adjustable configuration settings and display/audio options. This section covers the test set’s default settings only, see the advanced features and settings section to make changes to defaults setting if required. Standard “quick start” operating procedure. NOTE: Before starting ensure nothing is connected to the Test Port. Calibration errors can occur if external signals are present during the power up sequence. 1.
Operational Procedure Note that the red ‘RF ON’ LED will illuminate whenever the RF carriers are on. If the ‘REV PWR’ LED indicator becomes lit during testing, first recheck test configuration for correct terminations. The ‘REV PWR’ alarm has an initial delay of approximately 30 seconds after ‘RF ON’ before entering an active state, all alarms following the delay are instantaneous.
The third indicator of measurement results is through an audio tone. The tone varies in pitch depending on the PIM level (default), the higher the pitch the higher the PIM level. Volume of the tone is adjustable via the ‘TONE LEVEL’ control. If required, the tone can be connected to external devices via the ‘TONE OUT’ connector. 9. After testing is complete the Test Set can be switched off by holding down the ‘PWR ON OFF’ switch for 5 or more seconds.
External Pre-test Checks b) Connect one end of the provided low PIM cable to the adaptor on the Test Set and the other to the Low PIM load. c) Press either of the two red RF On/Off buttons to begin testing. d) With this configuration the residual PIM should be ≤ -150 dBc and/or no more than one of the green LED’s should light on the LED bar graph (true for any carrier power set). e)If levels are greater than the -150 dBc, check that all connectors are clean and firmly hand tightened.
PIM Testing Procedures Accurate PIM testing relies on careful methodical processes and quality testing components. Also, the operator must be aware of the sensitivities relating to carrier power and the expected result. See Measurement Theory section for more detail. Components Choosing only PIM specified components for use in any test configuration is essential. The most common source of PIM problems are connectors and how they interface to the cable.
PIM Testing Procedures Residual PIM Test Before starting any test conduct a residual PIM test on the components which are to be used in the test configuration. This test makes use of the low PIM load as the standard termination for test cables, adaptors, etc. Place all used components in series between the PIM test set and the low PIM load. See “PRE TEST CHECKS” section for more details. Antenna Testing The testing of antennas for PIM needs special attention. 1.
5. Antennas are intentional radiators and can couple energy into other PIM generating structures in close proximity. Depending on the level of PIM generation within the adjacent structure the PIM can, in turn, also be received by the antenna and then be measured by the Test Set. In this case it is difficult to know if it is the antenna at fault or if the PIM is due to the environment around it.
Advanced Features & Settings For SETUP Mode: From SETUP press SELECT, then press MENU to cycle through the following items: 1. Rev Pwr Alarm 2. PIM Alarm Level 3. Tone Type 4. Tone Adj 5. Tx On time Sets threshold at which Reverse Power Alarm indicator and output triggers, which alerts user to incorrect set up or termination. Sets threshold at which PIM Alarm indicator and output triggers, which provides user with alternate high PIM indications. Changes audio tone from Sliding to Beep using UP/DOWN keys.
Maintenance and Support Support The PIM 21 PIM Test Set carries a warranty of 12 months after date of delivery, covering parts and labor manufacturing defects, but not against any mistreatment. The warranty excludes scheduled calibration, test cables, adaptors and low IM loads. If service is required the total unit is to be returned to Boonton for service by qualified service personnel. Recommended battery replacement: Every 18 months or as required.
Specifications Specifications Measurement type: Single port reflection PIM measurement. Carrier Power Cellular +20 to +33 dBm, in 1dB steps PCS +20 to +30 dBm, in 1dB steps Power accuracy: ± 1 dB / carrier Carrier frequencies*: Depending on type Measurement frequency*: Depending on type Measurement range: -80 dBc to -150 dBc, typically to -155 dBc Measurement accuracy: ± 2 dB to -153 dBc ± 3 dB to -155 dBc Frequency accuracy: ± 2 p.p.m.
Types & Frequencies Type F1 F2 IM31 GK-A01 869 891.5 846.5 GK-A02 1945 1989.7 1900.3 GK-A04 947.6 960 935.2 GK-A05 935 960 910 GK-A06 1940 1980 1900 GK-A07 2125 2140 2110 GK-A08 1855 1930 1780 GK-A09 835 875 795 Other frequencies available on request.
Addendum - Data Acquisition Software Data Acquisition Software Installation Notes 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1.1 Abstract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 1.2 Required Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Introduction 1.1 Abstract The Passive Inter-Modulation Tester Data Acquisition software is a Microsoft Windows based application used to log data and publish PIM measurements to a file in the PDF format. The data is ‘pulled’ from the PIMT unit using a RS-232 connection. 1.2 Required Software Wireless Telecom Group supplies a USB flash drive that contains all the files necessary for automatic installation.
Addendum - Data Acquisition Software 2 Installation 2.1 USB Flash Drive 1) Insert the flash drive containing the installation software into the USB port on the computer. The “Boonton Software” popup dialog box should appear. (Figure 1 – Boonton software) Select the item: “Install Boonton PIMT Software using the program provided on the device”. Click “OK”. If this dialog fails to appear, proceed to Manual start from USB Flash Drive Figure 1 - Boonton Software The Windows installer will start.
Figure 3 - ‘Welcome’ dialog box 2) Click ‘Next’ to continue. Figure 4 - License Agreement 3) Read the software license agreement and click “I Agree” and then ‘Next’ to continue with the installation.
Addendum - Data Acquisition Software Figure 5 - Installation Folder 4) Accept the default installation folder by clicking ‘Next’.
Figure 7 – Installation Complete 6) Click ‘Close’ to complete the installation. This completes the installation. A shortcut is created on the desktop for the PIMT Data Acq. application. Double click this shortcut to start the using the data logging application.
Addendum - Data Acquisition Software 2.2 Installing the prerequisite Add-In 1) If the Add-In dialog box appears (Figure 3 - PIMT Data Acq.), click ‘Yes’ to install the required Add-In. 2) Click to accept the license terms and press ‘Continue’ (Figure 9 – EULA) Figure 8 - EULA 3) When the installation completes, click ‘OK’ Figure 9 - Add-In Installation complete 4) At this point, only the Add-In has been installed.
2.3 Manual start from USB Flash Drive Some computers have the auto start capability disabled so the “Boonton Software” popup dialog box (Figure 1 - Boonton Software) doesn’t appear. If this is the case, open an Explorer window and locate the Wireless Telecom Group removable flash drives root directory. Double click on the ‘setup.exe’ file and continue the installation from: USB Flash Drive. 2.
