Antenna Systems & Technology - Winter 2016 - (Page 17)

TEST & MEASUREMENT NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES CommScope Enhances Optical PIM Tester With Cross-Band Testing CommScope has released an Optical PIM Tester, making it more capable of finding passive intermodulation (PIM), interference that can cripple the performance and throughput of modern networks. PIM is one source of wireless network interference that can result in significantly degraded voice quality, dropped calls and reduced data throughput. The effects of PIM can be drastic. Just a one decibel drop in uplink sensitivity due to PIM can shrink the wireless coverage area by 11 percent. To make it easier to find PIM caused by signal interaction between multiple frequency bands, CommScope added a cross-band PIM testing capability to its revolutionary Optical PIM Tester, which it believes is an industry first via Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI). The Optical PIM Tester injects test signals into the base station's downlink, now even between frequency bands, to identify PIM products in its uplink, which engineers can then remediate. CommScope also significantly reduced the PIM tester's size and weight, making it easier to transport. The enhanced features and functionality of the Optical PIM Tester ready it for inclusion in wireless operators' standard network acceptance and preventative maintenance processes. "CommScope has benefitted from and responded to excellent feedback from customers, who suggested ways that the Optical PIM Tester could be even more useful to them," said Paul Bell, senior vice president, CommScope. "We took these suggestions back to the lab and gave the PIM tester a makeover, making it even better equipped to pro-actively find PIM products instead of waiting for them to appear." Ka-Band High-Power Attenuators Offer Flat Frequency Response up to 40 GHz Link Microtek has launched a new range of high-power attenuators that offer a flat response right across their specified frequency band of 26.5 to 40 GHz, making them suited for use in the testing of military or commercial Ka-band satellite-communications systems. Known as the AM28J-XXMP series, the devices are available with attenuation levels ranging from 10 to 30 dB, while a microwave power handling capability of up to 100W CW enables measurements to be carried out on either TWT (travelling wave tube) or solid-state high-power amplifiers. The attenuators feature a low maximum VSWR of 1.15:1. Consisting of WR28 waveguide elements, internal ceramic loading and external cooling fins for optimum thermal dissipation, these compact attenuators have an end profile measuring just 78.5 by 29.5mm including heatsinks, with lengths varying according to the attenuation level specified. The devices are fabricated from lightweight aluminium, finished with an Iridite coating and satin black paint. UBR320 flanges are supplied as standard, while other flange styles available on request to suit specific customer requirements. www.AntennasOnline.com Winter 2016 Antenna Systems & Technology 17 http://www.AntennasOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Antenna Systems & Technology - Winter 2016

Contents
Editor’s Choice
Configurable Robotic Millimeter-Wave Antenna Facility
Antennas
Bringing Live Events to the Television Screen
Components/Subsystems
Software / System Design
Test & Measurement
Industry News
Marketplace
DAS Anywhere and Everywhere

Antenna Systems & Technology - Winter 2016