3M can help you address EMI and PIM where it matters most.
3M EMI and PIM mitigation for 5G infrastructure
Control EMI and PIM in 5G applications with confidence.
With the proliferation of antennas — from large outdoor structures to small device assemblies — it’s crucial to reduce signal interference as much as possible. 3M taps into a storied history of controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) in consumer electronics devices to bring products that enable different EMI shielding and grounding techniques that allow you to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) throughout the 5G infrastructure.
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What is PIM?
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Passive intermodulation (PIM) is a major source of noise in wireless networks, caused when downlink signals at a cell site mix at non-linear objects in the radiofrequency (RF) path. A common source is loose metal-to-metal contact or dissimilar metal contact in front of an antenna or inside the reactive near field behind an antenna.
5G is more sensitive to PIM due to the allocated spectrum and the data density (i.e., more bits per unit of time and frequency) while keeping the signal integrity consistent. This effect is especially pronounced with rooftop and tower antenna sites transmitting sub-6Ghz.
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How to reduce passive intermodulation (PIM)
- Ensure there are no obstructions in front of the antenna
- Replace metal snap-ins and aluminum brackets on structural elements
- Clean the area of environmental build-up (e.g., dirt, rusted objects, etc.)
- Replace hose clamps
- Tighten nuts, bolts and hose clamps so that they are not loose
- Remove excess infrastructure or materials from the area
- Install a PIM reduction solution to help reduce interference
More than one type of PIM
Did you know that there are two different types of PIM: radiated and conducted? Each is caused by a different interference source and should be mitigated in a slightly different way.
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What is Radiated PIM?Generated by a non-linear device directly irradiated by the antenna. In these cases, no induced currents are involved. The antenna itself emits signals that excite nearby non-linear objects, which then radiate signals back to the antenna and cause PIM.
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What is Conducted PIM?Caused by induced currents flowing in structural elements near the antenna reaching a non-linear junction. These structural elements have been exposed to enough electromagnetic energy to induce an electric current, but that current has been interrupted by a non-linear junction — such as antenna mounting brackets, rusty bolts or hose clamps.
Conducted PIM is a major cause of signal interference in today’s high-speed networks, which rely on high-quality signals to support higher data rates. The 3M™ PIM Reduction Kit is an easy-to-apply, all-in-one solution that can help reduce conducted PIM, so network operators can quickly improve signal integrity with less disruption.
Blog: Discover the science behind Passive Intermodulation (PIM)
- Why is external PIM a challenge?
- Where does PIM come from?
- Why it's important to address PIM
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