Kaelus iPA-0600D User manual

Classified
Title
Doc. No.
Rev
Sheet
Method of Procedures - 1-Port PIM finder
TN122621
B
1(19)
Reviewed
Author
Approved
Date
MARTIN.BAILEY
Christine.Blair
HB
2023-08-22
© 2022 Kaelus. All Rights Reserved.
www.kaelus.com
All information contained within this document is confidential and proprietary to KAELUS. Unless
otherwise agreed in writing by KAELUS, the disclosure, use, copying and distribution of the
information is prohibited
Method Of Procedures
(MOP)
1-port PIM Finder

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
Contents
1 General .......................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Purpose ...............................................................................................................................3
1.2 Scope ..................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Audience..............................................................................................................................3
1.4 RF Safety.............................................................................................................................3
2 Equipment overview ...................................................................................................................4
2.1 1-Port PIM Finder Solution ..................................................................................................4
2.2 Accessory kit: iAK-0060A ....................................................................................................4
2.3 PIM mitigation and tools ......................................................................................................5
2.4 Passive Intermodulation analyser and Range to Fault Module ...........................................5
2.5 Uplink Filters........................................................................................................................5
2.6 iPA measurement modes ....................................................................................................6
3 Process Flow ..............................................................................................................................7
3.1 Before going to the site........................................................................................................7
3.2 PIM finding process overview..............................................................................................7
3.3 Step by Step Instruction ......................................................................................................8
3.3.1 PIM Hygiene.................................................................................................................8
3.3.2 Instrument Preparation.................................................................................................9
3.3.2.1 Decide on the frequency setting of the instruments..................................................9
3.3.2.2 Prepare the test configuration and reporting ..........................................................10
3.3.2.3 Prepare the instrument ...........................................................................................10
3.3.3 Interference check......................................................................................................12
3.3.4 Perform a swept PIM test of the site ..........................................................................12
3.3.5 Perform Range to Fault (RTF) measurements...........................................................13
3.3.6 PIM Finder Mode........................................................................................................17
3.3.7 Verify the PIM level ....................................................................................................19
3.3.8 Document your findings..............................................................................................19

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
1 General
1.1 Purpose
As the complexity of the cellular base station increases with the deployment of new frequency bands,
a new type of PIM issue is arising: PIM sources external to the antenna systems can now become
problematic, in particular when low order PIM products (IM2, IM3, IM4 and IM5) are susceptible to
falling in the receiver frequency bands.
External PIM sources are generally poor metal to metal contacts exacerbated by long exposure
times to the weather.
This document describes the Method Of Procedure (MOP) for performing external PIM finding using
the 1-port PIM Finder Solution from Kaelus. The MOP focuses on standard equipment setup and
process to be followed for a successful mitigation of external PIM.
1.2 Scope
This document provides a step by step process to efficiently locate PIM external to an antenna
system.
1.3 Audience
This document is intended for the installer and technician of cellular sites to guide them through the
trouble shooting process of PIM mitigation.
1.4 RF Safety
WARNING! The radio frequency fields near cellular antennas may exceed safe levels
for human exposure. Personnel engaged in troubleshooting external PIM sources
should be trained for work in radio frequency environments and use a personal RF
monitor if working near active antennas.
The PIM test equipment is capable of producing up to 80 Watts pulsed (10% duty cycle) of radio
frequency (RF) power in the 600 MHz to 2600 MHz frequency band. Users are reminded that proper
precautions must be taken to minimize exposure to these RF fields to the recommended limits.
Please pay particular care to the following areas:
•Always turn off the RF power whenever a test is not being conducted;
•Switch off the RF power from the test equipment before removing or connecting the cables to the test
port. Burns to fingers and permanent damage to eyes can result from exposure to connectors carrying
high levels of RF power;
•Always terminate the output port of the test equipment into a load, a loaded line or a line that will
radiate the energy to free space before turning on the RF power;
•Ensure that any antennas being tested are placed so that no personnel are exposed to RF field levels
in excess of the maximum exposure limits
Also, the unit should be operated by a suitably qualified operator in order to ensure interference is
not caused to other spectrum users.
Please refer to the ICNIRP (ICNIRP | Base Stations)and the local RF Exposure and Safety
instructions for further guidelines.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
2 Equipment overview
2.1 1-Port PIM Finder Solution
#
Model
DESCRIPTION
Note
1
iPA
1-port Passive Intermodulation Analyser
Multiple frequency variants
available, see section 2.4
2
RTF
Range to Fault Module
Multiple frequencies
available, see section 2.4
5
iVA-0627A
IVA Cable and Antenna Analyser
6
iVA-SW-FI-A
PIM Finder Software Upgrade for the iVA
Compatible with Android,
Microsoft and Apple Devices
3
R29-4788
Low PIM probe
4
Filter
Filter to protect the iVA receive from the transmit tones
generated by the iPA
Multiple frequency variant
available, see section 2.5
2.2 Accessory kit: iAK-0060A
Model
DESCRIPTION
Note
PIL-0005A
Low PIM Load
Used to verify IPA performance before starting the test
CIS-0001A
PIM Source
Used to verify IPA performance before stating the test
and normalise the RTF
Adaptors
Various Low PIM adaptors
To connect to various part of the antenna systems
Cables
Low PIM cable
To connect to various part of the antenna systems
Battery and Battery
Charger
The IPA has interchangeable batteries so the testing
can be performed through the day without interruption.
The iVA has an internal battery which, if full at the
beginning of the day, should last the whole day under
normal use.
Cleaning kits
Various cleaning material and swabs
To keep RF connectors clean during measurement

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
2.3 PIM mitigation and tools
To successfully optimise the cell site for PIM interference, material to either eliminate the PIM
sources or hide them will be needed.
ConcealFab offers a range of PIM mitigation equipment and consumables such as cable ties, cable
racks, PIM blankets: Innovating for the 5G Future | ConcealFab
Other tools such as brushes and standard tools are recommended to free the site from debris and
tighten loose connections.
2.4 Passive Intermodulation analyser and Range to Fault Module
Any of the 1-port Passive Intermodulation Analysers (IPA) can be used for PIM finding, refer to
Kaelus iPA Series | Battery Portable Passive Intermodulation Analyzer | Kaelus.
Select a Range to Fault (RTF) module suited to the IPA model.
Model
DESCRIPTION
TX1 RANGE
TX2 RANGE
RX RANGE (PIM)
RTF MODULE
iPA-0600D
600MHz, 2x40W
617-630 MHz
640-652 MHz
663-698MHz
RTF-1000
iPA-0707D
700MHz LOW/HIGH,
2x40W
728-731.5MHz
741-764MHz
698-716MHz
/ 776-802MHz
RTF-1000
iPA-0703A
APT700 LTE
758-768MHz
778-803MHz
703-748MHz
RTF-1000
iPA-0790A
LTE 800
791-796MHz
808-821MHz
832-862MHz
RTF-1000
iPA-0850A
850MHz
869MHz
879-894MHz
824-849MHz
RTF-1000
iPA-0901A
EGSM900
925-935MHz
945-960MHz
880-915MHz
RTF-1000
iPA-1800A
DCS1800
1805-1812MHz
1825-1880MHz
1710-1785MHz
RTF-2000
1930-1950MHz
1970-1990MHz
1850-1910MHz
iPA-1921A
Dual Band PCS/AWS
1930-1950MHz
2110-2155MHz
1710-1755MHz
RTF-2000
iPA-2100A
UMTS (3rd & 7th)
2110-2130MHz
2150-2170MHz
1920-1980MHz /
2050-2090MHz
RTF-2000
iPA-2600A
LTE 2600
2620-2630MHz
2650-2690MHz
2500-2570MHz
RTF-2600
2.5 Uplink Filters
An Uplink filter will be required to protect the iVA from the high transmit carriers generated by the
iPA to prevent internal PIM being generated in the iVA. Select a filter suited to the IPA model.
Part number
Description
Frequency range
IPA Model
BPA-0707A
Band Pass Amplifier -
700L/700H UL*
698-716MHz
/ 776-802MHz
IPA-0707D
R29-4790
600MHz Ulink Filter
663-698MHz
IPA-0600D
R29-4798
700 MHz Uplink Filter
703-748MHz
iPA-0703A
R29-4794
850 MHz Uplink Filter
824-849MHz
IPA-0850A
BPA-0790A
Band Pass Amplifier 800MHz*
832—862MHz
IPA-0790A
R29-4799
900 MHz Uplink Filter
880-915MHz
iPA-0901A
FIL-0900A
900 MHz Uplink Filter
890-915MHz
iPA-0901A in co-location with 850 systems
R29-4795
1750 MHz Uplink Filter
1710-1785MHz
iPA-1800A and iPA-1921A
R29-4796
1900 MHz Uplink Filter
1850-1910MHz
iPA-1921A
R29-4800
2100 MHz Uplink Filter
1920-1980MHz
iPA-2100A in co-location with 1800 systems
Note: (*), the BPA-0707A and BPA-0790A contain a battery powered LNA to optimize the
sensistivity of the iVA and high rejection filters to suppress TX signals.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
2.6 iPA measurement modes
Fixed Tones mode:
- The two TX tones are fixed in Frequency. This is the mode used when using the PIM
Finder, see section 3.3.7
Swept Tones mode:
- The two TX tones are swept across the frequency. This is useful to measure the PIM level
across the receive band and to identify the maximum PIM level. See section 3.3.5
Spectrum Monitor mode:
- The transmit tones are switch off and the RX spectrum can now be monitored for external
interference (ie generally interferences not caused by PIM). See section 3.3.4
RTF mode:
- The RTF module need to be fitted for this mode to be enabled. The RTF is used to check
the distance to PIM sources and to Return Loss faults. See section 3.3.6

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
3 Process Flow
3.1 Before going to the site
The first step to a successful PIM mitigation is good preparation prior to the site visit:
- Verify if the issue is related to PIM: you can do so by turning off the radio transmit power.
If the receiver noise floor drops, the sector is likely to have PIM issues. If the noise floor
remains high, the site is likely to have external interference issues.
- Obtain the frequency allocation for the site and check the potential IM combinations
created. There are various tools available on the internet to help with the mathematical
calculation (use keyword PIM calculator).
- Obtain a map of the site vicinity and check if other operators have a cellular site close by.
This is particularly important in the case where the 850 and 900 or 1800 and 2100 are co-
located: the iVA receiver will need to be protected against the signals from the co-located
transmitter(s).
- Obtain photos of the site so you can review the site configuration and anticipate the likely
PIM mitigation material requirements.
- Plan a testing sequence, based on the KPI results of the radios, i.e., which sector / antenna
ports to focus on first.
3.2 PIM finding process overview
Once you arrive on site, the following flowchart shows the overall PIM finding process.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
3.3 Step by Step Instruction
3.3.1 PIM Hygiene
When you arrive on site, perform a site inspection and identify potential PIM sources such as:
- Metal Swarf left over from construction: remedyremove
- Loose cable ties: remedyremove, cut excess

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
- Loose screws: remedytighten
Essentially any metal-to-metal contact should be inspected to ensure no intermittent connection.
3.3.2 Instrument Preparation
3.3.2.1 Decide on the frequency setting of the instruments
Depending on the spectrum allocation used on site, select the relevant IPA model. Although the
antenna systems are usually comprised of broad band components, it is recommended to match
the radio frequency when performing the testing. For example, if the spectrum in use is 1800MHz,
the IPA-1800A should be used.
It is also important to understand any co-location of other transmitters so the iVA receiver is
adequately protected.
In Fixed tone mode, the frequency setting of the TX1 and TX2 tones on the IPA should be selected
so the IM3 falls in the receive band: IM3 is usually stronger than IM5 so easier to detect. Ideally,
the frequencies should be selected in such way that to prevent interference in other operators
bands and to comply with the local regulator’s directive. You may need to obtain approval to
perform this activity. Check with the local authority.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
The table below provides some guidance on the frequency settings; however, some adjustment
might be required depending on the situation:
Region
Band
Note
IPA model
Filter model
TX1
(MHz)
TX2
(MHz)
IM3
(MHz)
US
600
IPA-0600D
R29-4790
617
652
687
EU/APAC
700
IPA-0703A
R29-4798
758
778
738
US
700
700 Low
IPA-0707D
BPA-0707A
731
764
698
US
700
700 High
IPA-0707D
BPA-0707A
731
764
797
US/APAC
850
Be mindful of 900MHz receiver if in
co-located situation
IPA-0850A
R29-4794
869
890
848
EU
800
iPA-0790A
BPA-0790A
791
821
851
EU
900
No co-location with 850
IPA-0901A
R29-4799
925
960
890
APAC
900
If co-located with 850, ensure that
the correct filter is used to protect
the iVA receiver
IPA-0901A
OEM122566
935
960
910
EU/APAC
1800
IPA-1800A
R29-4795
1805
1880
1730
US
1900
IPA-1921A
R29-4796
1930
1990
1870
US
AWS
IPA-1921A
R29-4795
1930
2110
1750
EU/APAC
2600
IPA-2600A
R29-4800
2620
2690
2550
Note: it is recommend that the transmission frequencies selected fall in the guardband of the
current frequency allocation to prevent interference to other cell sites.
3.3.2.2 Prepare the test configuration and reporting
If no state files are available, configure the instrument for frequencies, power, IM order and more.
You can save the settings in a state file as demonstrated in Creating State File for PIM testing
video.
With the iPA, you can document your testing activities as you go. The tags make it easy to
indentify the captured plots, results and photos in an orderly manner. Check out Creating Tag
Matrix for PIM testing video in the PIM minutes section. You can also prepare the report template
in advance. Check out Creating Site Details for PIM test report video.
3.3.2.3 Prepare the instrument
The Videos | PIM Testing | Sweep Testing | Kaelus provide a detailed description of the
PIM Finder methodology, in particular the setting of the instruments are well explained.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
- Clean all RF connectors (iPA, CIS-0001A, PIL-0005A, Low PIM cables and adaptors) as
per PIM testing Cleaning Kit Video, to ensure perfect cleanliness and to avoid cross-
contamination at all RF junctions.
- Verify the iPA PIM performance by
oCheck the residual PIM level by connecting the PIL-0005A. Set the tones at 43dBm
and perform a PIM sweep across frequency. Is the PIM level better than -117dBm?
oCheck the Receiver level by connecting the CIS-0001A. Set the tones at 43dBm
and perform a PIM sweep across frequency. Does the PIM level meet the level
stated in the datasheet? Kaelus CIS-0001A | Passive Intermodulation (PIM) Source
| Kaelus (ie IM3 ~-75dB to -65dBm depending on frequency)
- Perform RTF Zeroing
oA Yellow Zero Button, indicates that RTF (Port) requires zeroing.
oThe RTF require to be Zero-ed in order to perform DTP and DTF measurements.
oPress the Yellow button and follow the prompts.
Zeroing Process
Important notes:
•Once the Zeroing is complete, the Zero button will turn grey:
•You can perform the Zeroing even if the Zero button is grey
•Once Zeroing is complete, user is able to make set-up changes, i.e.. frequency,
power, range, etc., without having to re-Zero.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
- Set up the iVA for the PIM Finder mode, see Videos | PIM Testing | Sweep Testing | Kaelus
and PIM Finder Software Quick Start Guide.
- Connect the iVA, Low PIM probe and the
filter together. The magnetic holder can
be used to secure the phone making one
handed operation possible.
In order to effectively utilize the PIM
Finder mode with the iPA and iVA, it is
imperative to connect to the Kaelus Unify
App beforehand, especially when utilizing
the iPA as a Wi-Fi hotspot device.
3.3.3 Interference check
As per the testing sequence developed prior to arriving on site (refer to section 3.1), select the
sector and antenna to be tested and disconnect the RF cable from the radio. Thoroughly clean the
connector before connecting to the IPA + RTF.
Switch to Spectrum Monitor mode on the IPA and check there is no interference falling in the
receive band. If there is interference, record the frequency and adjust the TX1 and TX2 tones on
the IPA to ensure the IM3 frequency is different to the interferer.
Ensure you record the spectrum monitor measurement to add to the comprehensive report.
3.3.4 Perform a swept PIM test of the site
Perform a standard PIM test (swept PIM) to establish the base line PIM of the system. This PIM
level should be recorded to be able to evaluate the improvement in the PIM mitigation exercise.
Ensure you record the PIM measurement to add it to the comprehensive report.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
3.3.5 Perform Range to Fault (RTF) measurements.
The RTF is a critical tool used to locate the PIM faults inside and outside the
antenna system.
The antenna face is the delimiter between “internal” PIM faults and “external” PIM
faults.
Troubleshooting activities should always begin by identifying and mitigating PIM
sources internal to the antenna system.
The first step to this process is to identify the distance to the antenna face.
Perform RTF measurements, including Distance to Fault (DTF) and Distance to PIM (DTP). You
Important notes:
•When troubleshooting for “internal” PIM sources, it is recommended to set the
Velocity Factor (VF) to 0.8 (signal propagating through cable)
•When troubleshooting for “external” PIM sources, it is recommended to set the
Velocity Factor (VF) to 1 (signal propagating through air).Once Zeroing is complete, user
is able to make set-up changes, i.e.. frequency,

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
Step 1: identifying the distance to Antenna Face using the RTF
Method: placing a PIM source on the antenna face
1. Set the Range to 300ft
2. Set the VF to 0.8
3. Create 2 tags:”Internal PIM” and “External PIM”
4. If still in “Basic RTF Screen”, Switch to “Advanced
RTF screen”
5. Perform a DTP measurement, add tag “Internal
PIM” and record the measurement
6. Place a strong PIM source on the Antenna Face
7. Perform a second DTP measurement and compare
it with the previous DTP measurement. You should
see a strong peak has appeared on the second
measurement. This is the location of the Antenna
face for Internal PIM measurements.
8. Place marker 1 on the peak, add tag “Internal PIM”
and record the measurement.
9. Set the VF to 1
10. Perform a third DTP measurement. You should see
the same strong peak but at a different distance.
This is still the location of the Antenna face but for
External PIM measurements.
11. Place marker 1 on the peak, add tag “External PIM”
and record the measurement.
Advanced RTF screen
Marker 1: Antenna face
Marker 2
Distance between
M1 and M2

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
Step 2: Mitigate PIM internal to an Antenna System
RTF mode set up:
•Select the measurement range: it needs to be larger than the
distance from the PIM tester to the antenna face. Typically 200 ft
should be sufficient.
•Set the velocity factor to the cable velocity factor, typically 0.8.
•Switch to “Advanced RTF screen”
•Recall the Marker 1 position for “internal PIM” to identify the
antenna face location.
Follow the process steps on the right. In RTF mode, identify the PIM
sources located before the antenna face. Mitigate those PIM sources and
repeat the process until no PIM sources are detected internally to the
system (ie before the antenna face).
Perform a Fixed tone PIM measurement to verify the PIM level
improvement and record the result.
Important note:
The Fixed tone PIM measurement might still provide a poor result if a strong external PIM
source is present. If this is the case, then proceed to step 3.
Tip If strong lobes on the Distance to PIM (DTP) trace are observed, PIM sources have been
identified at those locations. Overlay the Distance to Fault (DTF) with the DTP plots. If the
DTF and DTP lobes coincide, the PIM source is located at an RF junction such as connector
joints.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
Step 3: Mitigate PIM external to an Antenna System
RTF mode set up:
•Select the measurement range: it needs to be larger that the distance from the PIM tester
to the antenna face, plus the distance from the antenna to the edge of the site. Generally
300 to 400 ft should be sufficient.
oSet the velocity factor to 1, you are now only interested to measure the DTP of PIM
source which are in ”air”
•Switch to “Advanced RTF screen”
•Recall the Marker 1 position for “external PIM” to identify the antenna face location.
•Run the RTF sweep and locate the strongest PIM source and mark it with marker 2
•You can now read the ”Δ” distance between marker 1 (antenna) and marker 2 (the
strongest PIM source).
Using the RTF, we can extract the distance of the strongest PIM source in
relation to the Antenna face, however, without the angle information, we can
only assume it is located somewhere along the “Δ” distance arc from the
antenna. We now need to identify the location of the PIM source using the PIM
Finder probe.
The RTF plot can be zoom-ed in to ignore the area before the Antenna face. Press on the
RTF screen to enter the plot settings screen and change the distance to start at the antenna
face.
Since Marker 1 represents the location of the antenna face, it is a critical marker position. It
can be locked to prevent accidental change.

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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
3.3.6 PIM Finder Mode
Using the iVA in PIM Finder Mode, create your “Circle of Concern” (figure below):
Set target value ,a good starting point would be ~10dB lower than the IM Swept result performed
with the PIM tester. The Min and Max Tone Y Offset values are represented by blue dashed
lines relative to your target value . These offsets control the lowest and highest discernable audio
tone values. Any signal received between these will provide a smooth Theremin-like audio
feedback, and anything below the Min Tone Offset value will be silent, anything above the Max
Tone Offset value with have a continuous and high pitch tone. By being defined as offsets, these
values move with your target value, meaning no adjustments are required as you scroll your
threshold to target a differently sized PIM source. Your circle-of-concern will always be ready for
your next challenge.
Finding the center
Your screen turns red and stays red, only when the trace crosses the threshold set by your
PIM Finder Limit. A short beep gets your attention without distracting from the continuous audio.












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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
Avoid the noise floor
Often you must search for PIM right down to the noise floor of your spectrum monitor. If the lower
audio threshold happens to go below the noise floor, you will hear a tone and you lose your circle-
of-concern. Set the Squelch Y Position just above your noise floor to automatically trim your
circle-of-concern when getting down this low. It will save having to adjust your audio offset settings.
Now that the iVA is correctly set up, turn on the iPA transmitter and start sweeping the PIM probe
on the arc distance measured by the RTF. Listen to the Theremin sound and mark the position(s)
where the PIM centers were identified. Focussing on each of the PIM centers, orient the probe at
different angles to confirm its location.
Once the PIM source has been identified, it is time to implement a mitigation plan. Turn off the IPA
and mitigate the PIM source. In an ideal situation, the PIM source should removed: consider Low
PIM attachments, for example, clamps and cable ties from ConcealFab. The second- best
alternative is to conceal the PIM source: ConcealFab offers PIM blankets, absorber, PIM foil, PIM
roofing materials and more.
Turn the IPA transmitter on and using the probe, confirm that the PIM level has been reduced.
Take a picture of the mitigation implemented so it can be added to the report.



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1-Port PIM Finder - MOP
Note: during the search process, be conscious of where you are standing. The body is a good RF
attenuator when standing between the antenna and the external PIM source. The PIM level may
drop dramatically.
Note: items such as keys and RFID can be a very good source of PIM. Ensure that personnel
performing the trouble shooting does not carry these items during the exercise.
3.3.7 Verify the PIM level
Once the PIM source has been removed, perform a PIM test (Swept PIM using the IPA) and
compare it to the base line. The PIM level should have improved and must be verified at different
antenna tilt positions. If the improvement is sufficient, document your findings and move to the next
antenna port or next sector and start the process again at step 0 (interference check).
If the PIM improvement is not sufficient, go back to step 3.3.4 and find the next strongest PIM
source.
Ensure you record the PIM level not only for documentation purpose but also to establish the new
base line.
Note: It is advisable to verify the PIM level at various antenna tilts. Depending on the angle of
signal in relation to the PIM source, the PIM level generated could vary greatly.
3.3.8 Document your findings
Once all antenna ports and sectors have been tested as per the test plan, document your findings.
As you have been recording the results at each step of the process, ensure that you compile the
results in a single comprehensive report.
There may be PIM sources identified which are part of the infrastructure around the site which may
need future work. Ensure the relevant pictures and sketches are collected so that further site
improvements can be effectively performed.