Courtesy of Pasternack : The Making of Low PIM Coaxial Cable Assemblies
With the growing number of distributed antenna system (DAS) and small cell installations, low passive-intermodulation distortion (PIM) interconnect and components have gained popularity. Modern complex multi-carrier communication systems, such as DAS and small cells, are now incredibly wide-band and support a plethora of wireless standards, such as WiFi, cellular, military, government, public safety, and emergency bands. Any there is only an expanding number of sub-6 GHz wireless standards and technologies, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, new 5G-NR sub-6 Ghz services, TV white space (TVWS) devices, and more. Many of these standards cover frequencies that if mixed by passive means, would cause distortion in any of other bands. The greater the bandwidth of a system, the more potential for PIM distortions to cause reduced throughput, loss of service, and even system failures.
Hence, low PIM coaxial cable assemblies comprised of both low PIM cable and low PIM connectors are being employed more often as jumpers and interconnect between wireless system components. The value of low PIM cable assemblies is that they are tested, and hopefully certified, for low PIM operation. If installed correctly in a system that is also otherwise designed for low PIM performance, these interconnect shouldn’t add any significant PIM and mitigate the distortion that would normally be contributed by cables with a higher PIM rating.
The construction of a low PIM cable assembly typically involves three main parts, the two end connectors and the coaxial cable itself. Each of the end connectors–commonly DIN 7/16, 4.3-10, Type N, and 4.1/9.5 for communication system applications–should be low PIM rated and include hardware to attach to the coaxial cable that also facilitates a low PIM installation. As any additional connections could lead to an increased level in system PIM, connectors should be chosen that eliminate the need for adapters at either end. This may require male to male or male to female connectors, or a different connector type and gender on each end. Cable assemblies with different connector types are commonly known as between series, where cable assemblies with the same connector type are known as in-series. Moreover, right-angle adapters are often used in confined and difficult installation situations. However, using low PIM and right-angle connectors for the cable assembly could lead to better PIM performance than relying on additional right-angle adapters.
The coaxial cable should also be low PIM rated, and also satisfy building code requirements. For building code, UL910 ratings for plenum coaxial cables meet most building code requirements. Often low PIM coaxial cables are made of solid inner and outer conductors, as solid conductors tend to perform better in low PIM applications than braided. As solid conductors are less flexible, is it also common to have corrugated outer conductors to enable some flexibility and ease installation. A solid outer conductor also provides better shielding than braided conductors, which could be useful in installations with a dense number of services and connections and nearby transmitters.
Lastly, the assembly of the complete cable needs to be done in a way that ensure low PIM operation, and testing is also necessary to ensure that any manufacturing defects in any of the components or assembly process don’t produce a failing unit. Having the PIM performance listed on the cable can make installation much easier when evaluating the overall system’s PIM performance, especially during troubleshooting.
To learn more about Pasternack’s Low PIM interconnect visit:
Pasternack’s Low PIM Plenum Rated Custom Cable Assemblies
Pasternack’s Low PIM Coaxial Connectors