Kaelus RTF2000A User manual

2017 | R99-0068RevC
This document contains information which is condential and the property of Kaelus, and which is not to be communicated to any person or
company, or used in any way without the previous authorization of Kaelus.
RTF OPERATING MANUAL
Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device

Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
2
Document Issue IR Description of Document Change Date Edited By Authorization
A Original Issue 03/02/2012 BH
B Addition of iPA material and menus 21/12/2013 LW
CImplementation of new Kaelus
format. 13/10/2017 SR LJ

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF USE
DISCLAIMER: INTERFERENCE
!WARNING: RF HAZARD
!WARNING: INTERFERENCE
This instrument is intended for use with the Kaelus iQA/iPA family of portable PIM analyzers, which are capable of
producing up to 50 watts of radio frequency (RF) power in the 700 MHz to 2600 MHz frequency band. Users are reminded
that proper precautions must be taken to minimize exposure to these RF elds to the recommended limits. Please pay
particular care to the following areas:
• Switch o󰀨 the RF power from the test equipment before removing or connecting the cables to the test port. Burns to
ngers and permanent damage to eyes can result from exposure to connectors carrying high levels of RF power
• Ensure that any antennas being tested are placed so that no personnel are exposed to RF eld levels in excess of the
maximum exposure limits [Ref ARPANSA RPS No. 3 for Australian Users or Australia]
Also, the unit should be operated by a suitably qualied operator in order to ensure interference is not caused to other
spectrum users. Radiation through an antenna requires authorization by the frequency license holder to do so.
This instrument has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an industrial
installation. The instrument generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this instrument does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o󰀨 and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the instrument and receiver
• Connect the instrument into an outlet on a circuit di󰀨erent from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
When used in conjunction with a Kaelus iQA/iPA portable PIM analyzer, this instrument uses similar frequencies and
power levels to several cellular telephone systems. Kaelus and its agents or distributors accept no responsibility for
interference to existing communications services as a result of improper operation or misuse. If the equipment is used in a
manner not specied by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
This equipment should be protected from the ingress of liquids and precipitation such as rain and snow. The equipment
must be operated within the environmental conditions specied in Section 4. This equipment is not approved for use in
hazardous atmospheres or medical applications.
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Precautions

Kaelus warranties all of its products and services to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
12 months from rst receipt into customer store. The limit of liability under this warranty shall be to repair or replace any
product, or part thereof, which proves to be defective after inspection by Kaelus provided that:
• The products are returned properly packed, carriage paid, to Kaelus or their agent or distributor, at the customer’s risk
within the warranty period
• An adequate description of fault conditions is included with the returned products
• The products have not been misused, mishandled, overloaded, modied or repaired in anyway, or used for any
purpose other than that for which they were designed
Kaelus shall be responsible for one way freight charges, from Brisbane to customer store destinations within Australia.
Repair and replacement work carried out by Kaelus on products manufactured by them, shall be warranted against the
same defects re-occurring in a period of 12 months, or until the expiration of the original product warranty, which ever
shall be the latter.
Kaelus shall not be liable for any direct or consequential injury, loss or damage incurred through the use, or the inability
to use, any Kaelus product. Kaelus reserves the right to make design changes to Kaelus product without incurring any
obligation to make the same changes to previously purchased products.
WARRANTY
UNPACKING
Ensure that the total number of boxes of equipment is checked o󰀨 against the delivery documentation. At the same
time inspect for any obvious transit damage. Should any damage be noted, notify the carrier immediately to le a transit
damage claim. Do not discard any packing material until notied by the carrier or Kaelus. Carefully unpack all containers
and check that all items listed on the delivery documentation. Please notify Kaelus of any damaged or missing items from
the shipment.
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 10
2. Functional Description 10
2.1 Passive Intermodulation Distortion 10
2.2 Conventional PIM Testing Equipment 10
2.3 RTF Module 10
2.4 Measurement Process 10
2.4.1 PIM vs Distance 10
2.4.2 Return Loss vs Distance 11
3. Features of The RTF System 11
4. Specication 11
5. Construction And Layout 13
5.1 RTF Module 13
5.2 iQA/iPA Front Panel Connectors 14
6. Getting Started 16
6.1 Connecting the RTF Module to the iQA 16
6.2 Connecting the RTF Module to the iPA 17
6.3 Calibrating the System 17
6.4 Main Application Window 20
6.5 Measurement Conguration Menu (iPA) 22
7. Standard iQA/iPA Measurement Modes 24
7.1 Introduction 24
7.2 Fixed Frequency PIM Measurements with RTF Module Connected to iQA/iPA 24
7.3 Time Trace, Frequency Sweep and Spectrum Monitor 26
7.4 Measurements with RTF Module Connected to iQA/iPA 26
8. RTF Analysis 26
8.1 Activating the RTF Analysis Window 26
8.2 Layout of the RTF Analysis Window 27
8.2.1 iQA Analysis Window 27
8.2.1.1 Results Display Mode Buttons (iQA) 27
8.2.1.2 Basic Mode (iQA) 27
8.2.1.3 PIM vs Distance Plot (iQA) 27
8.2.1.4 Return Loss vs Distance Plot (iQA) 27
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8.2.1.5 Overlay Plot (iQA) 27
8.2.1.6 Calibrate Button (iQA) 28
8.2.1.7 RF ON/OFF Button (iQA) 28
8.2.1.8 F1 Tone Frequency (iQA) 28
8.2.1.9 F2 Tone Frequency Range 28
8.2.1.10 Tone Output Powers 28
8.2.1.11 Maximum Range 28
8.2.1.12 PIM Product 28
8.2.1.13 Velocity Factor (VF) 28
8.2.3 iPA Analysis Window (Remote Control) 29
8.2.1.14 Test Point Label 29
8.2.1.15 Cong Lock (iQA only) 29
8.2.1.16 Button Bar 29
8.2.1.17 HPA Temperature 29
8.2.2 iPA ANalysis Window (Local Control) 29
8.3 Performing an RTF Measurement 30
8.3.1 Calibrating the Instrument 30
8.3.2 Starting an RTF Sweep 30
8.4 Analyzing the Results of an RTF Sweep 31
8.4.1 Basic Display Mode 31
8.4.2 PIM , RL Marker, Zoom Functions and Enhanced Display (iPA) 32
8.4.2.1 Setting Enhanced Mode on the Local Display (iPA) 33
8.4.2.2 Setting Enhanced Mode on the Remote Display (iPA) 34
8.4.2.3 Zoom and Pan Control (iPA Local Display) 36
8.4.2.4 Zoom Control (iPA Remote Control using PC with Mouse) 37
8.4.2.5 Pan Control (iPAd Remote Control using Touch Screen Device) 40
8.4.3 PIM vs Distance Plot (iQA) 41
8.4.4 PIM vs Distance Plot (iPA Remote Display) 43
8.4.5 Return Loss vs Distance Plot 44
8.4.6 Overlay of PIM and Return Loss vs Distance Plots 47
8.5 Verifying the Accuracy of the Calibration 48
8.6 Changing the RTF Sweep Settings (iQA) 49
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8.6.1 Enabling Conguration Mode 49
8.6.2 Modifying the Frequency of the Fixed Tone 50
8.6.3 Modifying the Frequency Range of the Swept Tone 50
8.6.4 Modifying the Maximum Range 50
8.6.5 Changing the PIM Product 51
8.6.6 Modifying the Velocity Factor 51
8.6.7 Modifying a Test Tone Power Level 51
8.6.8 Modifying the Return Loss Pass/Fail Threshold (iQA) 51
8.6.9 Applying the Factory Reset 52
8.7 Changing the RTF Sweep Settings (iPA) 52
8.7.1 Slider Controls (iPA) 54
8.7.2 Adjust Upper and Lower Frequency Limits (iPA) 54
8.7.3 Cable Velocity Factor 54
8.7.4 Max Range 54
8.7.5 PIM Product Menu 54
8.7.6 OK Button 54
8.7.7 Cancel Button 54
9. Tips for Getting the Best from the RTF System 55
9.1 RTF System Practices 55
9.1.1 Cable & Connector Care 55
9.1.2 Making PIM vs Distance Measurements 55
9.1.3 Making Return Loss vs Distance Measurements 55
9.2 Recommended Procedure for PIM Troubleshooting 55
9.2.1 Static and Dynamic PIM Faults 55
9.2.2 Elimination of Multiple Static PIM Faults 56
9.2.3 PIM Testing Flowchart 56
9.3 Handling and Transport 57
9.4 Cleaning the RTF Module 57
9.5 Troubleshooting Guide 57
9.6 CE Declaration of Conformity 59
9.7 End of Life Statement 60
9.8 Contacts 60
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List of Figures
Figure 1 Top view of RTF module. 13
Figure 2 Side view of RTF module showing RF warning LED 13
Figure 3 C-series iQA and A-series iPA front panel connectors 15
Figure 4 Recommended orientation of RTF module when connected to iQA 16
Figure 5 Recommended orientation of RTF module when connected to iPA 17
Figure 6 RTF module on the iQA (CIS-0001A PIM Source used for 5th order calibration) 19
Figure 7 RTF module attached to iPA with PIM Source attached to Test port 19
Figure 8 Main application window with RTF module connected to iQA 21
Figure 9 Main application window with RTF module connected to iPA (Remote) 21
Figure 10 Main application window with RTF module connected to iPA (Local contol) 21
Figure 11 Selecting the Measurement conguration Menu iPA (Local control) 22
Figure 12 Measurement Conguration Menu iPA (Remote Control) 22
Figure 13 Measurement Conguration Menu iPA (Local Control) 23
Figure 14 Fixed-tone PIM test running with RTF module connected 25
Figure 15 Softkey menu path to RTF Analysis screen (iQA) 26
Figure 16 Softkey menu path to RTF Analysis screen (iPA) 26
Figure 17 RTF Analysis Window - Basic Display Mode (Default) iQA 27
Figure 18 RTF Analysis Window - Basic Display Mode (Default) With Instrument Under Local Control 29
Figure 19 RTF Analysis Window - Basic Display Mode (Default) Under Remote Control 29
Figure 20 Basic Display Mode 32
Figure 21 Enable Enhanced Display and Trace Menu (iPA Local Screen) 33
Figure 22 Enhanced Display Trace Menu (iPA Local Screen) 33
Figure 23 Enable Enhanced Display and Trace Menu (iPA Remote Screen) 34
Figure 24 Enhanced Display and Trace Menu (iPA Remote Screen) 35
Figure 25 Zoom control window (iPA local screen) 36
Figure 26 Zoom control window with mouse wheel (iPA Remote PC Screen) 37
Figure 27 Zoom control window with duoble mouse click or touch pad (iPA Remote PC Screen) 38
Figure 28 Zoom control window with multi-touch tablet (iPA Remote Touch Screen) 39
Figure 29 Pan control touch pad (iPA remote touch screen) 40
Figure 30 PIM vs Distance plot 41
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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Figure 31 Resolution-enhanced plot of PIM vs Distance (iQA) 42
Figure 32 Resolution-enhanced plot of PIM vs Distance (iPA) 43
Figure 33 Return Loss vs Distance plot (iQA) 44
Figure 34 Return Loss vs Distance plot (iPA) 45
Figure 35 Resolution-enhanced plot of Return Loss vs Distance 47
Figure 36 Overlay of PIM & Return Loss vs Distance plots 47
Figure 37 Results of verication sweep (PIM vs Distance screen) 48
Figure 38 Results of verication sweep (Return Loss vs Distance screen) 49
Figure 39 Conguration Mode window 50
Figure 40 Settings screen 52
Figure 41 Settings screen (iPA) 53
Figure 42 iPA RTF Settings screen (Local control) 54
Figure 43 PIM testing owchart including RTF analysis 56
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1. Introduction
This manual describes the operation of the Kaelus Range-to-Fault (RTF) system. This system enables the user to
pinpoint the locations and magnitudes of PIM and Return Loss faults in RF infrastructure of the type typically found in
cellular mobile telephone base stations.
The RTF system comprises an external device called an RTF module connected to a suitably equipped iQA or iPA
portable PIM analyzer. Customers can purchase an RTF-ready PIM analyzer from Kaelus, or can arrange a factory
upgrade to their existing iQA to become RTF compatible.
2. Functional Description
2.1 Passive Intermodulation Distortion
Passive intermodulation distortion (PIM) is a form of electromagnetic interference that is often encountered in full-duplex
radio communications systems such as cellular mobile telephone networks. Its root causes and e󰀨ects on network
performance are described in detail in the iQA/iPA Operating Manuals, but su󰀩ce it to say that PIM is an extremely
undesirable phenomenon that is of increasing concern to cellular network operators.
2.2 Conventional PIM Testing Equipment
In response to the challenges presented by PIM, a new family of test instruments has come onto the market in recent
years. Commonly referred to as “PIM analyzers”, these instruments measure the overall PIM performance of the RF
infrastructure using the method of Test Setup 1 of IEC62037. The iQA/iPA portable PIM analyzer from Kaelus is one
example of this type of instrument.
While useful in determining whether or not a system has a PIM problem, conventional PIM analyzers do not provide
any information about the locations of PIM faults in the device under test. Consequently, PIM faults can still be labor-
intensive and time-consuming to resolve, especially in complex systems containing many RF cables, components and
interconnects.
2.3 RTF Module
The lack of detailed information about where PIM faults are located has previously been a key limitation of conventional
PIM analyzers. However, this shortcoming has now been remedied with the development of the Kaelus RTF module.
When attached to an iQA/iPA portable PIM analyzer, the RTF module enables the iQA/iPA to determine the location and
magnitude of individual PIM faults in the RF infrastructure.
In addition to this, the RTF module enables the iQA/iPA to pinpoint the location and magnitude of individual Return Loss
faults in the RF infrastructure.
2.4 Measurement Process
2.4.1 PIM vs Distance
The RTF system measures the distance to PIM faults by performing a frequency-swept reected PIM measurement in
accordance with Test Setup 1 of IEC62037.
At each point in the sweep, the iQA/iPA generates two high-power synthesized carriers in the transmit band of the
instrument. These carriers are emitted from the test port and propagate into the device under test, where PIM is
generated by the faulty components and interconnects therein. The resulting 3rd or 5th order intermodulation product is
automatically calculated, and the RTF module’s receiver is tuned to the required frequency. The RTF module measures
the amplitude of the PIM product, and also its phase relative to a local reference tone. This process is repeated at every
point in the frequency sweep. Upon completion of the sweep, the measured results are post-processed by the iQA/iPA,
and the PIM fault locations and amplitudes are displayed on the screen.
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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2.4.2 Return Loss vs Distance
The RTF system measures the distance to return loss faults using the well-known technique of Frequency Domain
Reectometry (FDR). This involves measuring the vector reection coe󰀩cient of the device under test over a range of
discrete frequencies, and then computing the inverse Fourier transform of the results.
At each point in the sweep, the RTF module generates a single low-power carrier in the transmit band of the iQA/iPA.
This tone is emitted from the test port and propagates into the device under test, where reections are generated by
impedance mismatches in the components and interconnects therein. The RTF module then measures the amplitudes
of the forward and reected waves and their relative phase. This process is repeated at every point in the frequency
sweep. Upon completion of the sweep, the measured results are post-processed by the iQA/iPA, and the return loss fault
locations and amplitudes are displayed on the screen.
3. Features of The RTF System
• Accurately and rapidly measures distance to PIM faults in RF infrastructure
• Also measures distance to Return Loss faults in RF infrastructure
• Multiple display options, including overlay plot of PIM and Return Loss
• Proprietary resolution enhancement algorithm signicantly improves e󰀨ective resolution of system
• Simple sweep setup:
• Tx start/stop frequencies automatically chosen (within user-dened limits) so that PIM frequencies land in
receive band of system
• Receiver automatically tuned to PIM frequency
• Rapid one-step calibration procedure
• RTF module enclosed in durable, compact housing which attaches directly to output RF connector of iQA/iPA
• All existing iQA/iPA functionality still available, including xed-tone testing, time trace, frequency sweep and spectrum
monitor
4. Specication
PIM Mode
Measurement Method Reected PIM, frequency swept
RF Power 2 x +43 dBm supplied by iQA/iPA
Available PIM Products for RTF Analysis 3rd order (IM3), 5th order (IM5)
Residual PIM < −115 dBm max (< −125 dBm typ)
PIM vs Distance Measurement Accuracy Distance: ± 1 m (typ)¹
Magnitude: ± 3 dB (typ)
Return Loss Mode
Measurement Method Frequency Domain Reectometry (FDR)
RF Power −33 dBm supplied by RTF module
E󰀨ective Directivity of Calibrated System 40 dB (approx)
¹ Assumes input return loss of 10 dB or better for all components & interconnects in device under test. Accuracy
specication is applicable to PIM faults with levels of −110 dBm or greater. When multiple PIM faults are present, the
stated accuracy is applicable only when adjacent faults are separated by a distance greater than the system resolution.
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System
Results Display Modes Numeric:
Distance to largest PIM fault
Magnitude of largest PIM fault
Graphical:
PIM vs Distance
Return Loss vs Distance
PIM & Return Loss vs Distance
Maximum Alias-Free Range 1500 x vf metres (4950 x vf feet)²
where vf = cable velocity factor³
Ports Communications (USB Mini-B)
Auxiliary Port (Type-N female)
iQA/iPA Port (7-16 male)
Test Port (7-16 female)
Electrical
Power +12V DC @ 400mA (max) supplied via iQA/iPA monitor
port
+5V DC supplied via iQA/iPA USB port
Power Connector Coaxial RF connector, Type N female
Mechanical
Dimensions 127 x 90 x 73 mm
Weight 1.0 kg
Environmental
Operating Temperature Range −10°C to +40°C
Storage Temperature Range −20°C to +60°C
Ingress Protection (IP) IP50 (operating)
Relative Humidity 5% to 95% RH non-condensing
² Assumes system congured for IM3 sweep with xed carrier located between Rx band and swept carrier.
³ Cable velocity factor vf must be greater than zero and less than or equal to one.
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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5. Construction And Layout
5.1 RTF Module
The external details of the RTF module are shown below in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively. Labels may vary slightly
from one frequency variant to the next.
Figure 1 Top view of RTF module.
Figure 2 Side view of RTF module showing RF warning LED
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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1 iQA/iPA Port
The iQA/iPA Port of the RTF module is connected to the 7-16 test port on the front panel.
2 Test Port
The Test Port of the RTF module is attached to the device under test.
3 Auxiliary Port (AUX Port)
The Auxiliary (AUX) Port is attached to the Monitor Port on the iQA/iPA via a short length of RF cable. The measured PIM
signal and 12V DC supply from the iQA/iPA enter the RTF module through this port.
4 USB Port (Type Mini-B)
The USB Port is normally connected to one of the spare ports on the front panel of the iQA or the USB type A connector
on the iPA. It allows the iQA/iPA to control the RTF module so that measurements can be made in a synchronized
fashion.
5 Communications LED (Green Flashing LED)
The green Communications LED ashes continuously whenever an active communications link exists between the RTF
module and the iQA/iPA.
6 DC Power LED (Steady Green LED)
The green DC Power LED will be illuminated whenever 12V DC is present on the AUX Port.
7 RTF Frequency Variant Label
Indicates the frequency variant of the RTF module. The RTF-1000 variant is designed for operation from 698–960 MHz,
whereas the RTF-2000 is designed for operation in the range 1710–2170 MHz. The RTF 2600 variant is designed for
operation from 2300–2690 MHz
8 Red LED (RF ON indicator)
The high intensity, red LED ashes when RF power is present on the Test port.
5.2 iQA/iPA Front Panel Connectors
The front panel connectors on the C-series iQA and the iPA are identied in Figure 3 below.
In the case of A- and B-series iQAs that have had the RTF upgrade kit installed, the front panel layout is the same
except that the third USB port is not provided. iPAs with Firmware version 1.6.1 or later can be upgrade to the latest
RTF software via the SD card. iPAs with rmware prior to 1.6.1 MUST upgrade to version 1.6.1 rst. Then upgrade to
subsequent versions of RTF capable software. Please visit www.kaelus.com to nd the service center nearest you for
assistance.
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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Figure 3 C-series iQA and A-series iPA front panel connectors
9
9
10
11
10
1112
13
9. RF Output Port
The RF Output Port on the iQA/iPA front panel is a bidirectional RF port. The pair of high-power carriers are
emitted from this port, while the reected PIM signal from the system under test enter the iQA’s receiver via this
port.
10. Monitor Port
The Monitor Port is normally connected to the AUX Port of the RTF module. It is used to transmit the measured
PIM signal and 12V DC power from the iQA/iPA to the RTF module.
11, 12, 13. USB Port
One of the USB Ports on the iQA/iPA must be connected to the RTF module. For C-series iQAs the preferred
choice will usually be USB Port 3, due to its close proximity to the RTF module’s point of attachment to the iQA.
For the iPA a single Type A USB connector is provided under a protective cover.
Note that USB Port 3 is not provided on A- or B-series iQAs that have had the RTF upgrade kit installed. For
those instruments either USB Port 1 or USB Port 2 can be used to connect the iQA to the RTF module.
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© 2017 Innite Electronics, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Cable Assemblies
The RTF module is supplied with the following cable assemblies:
Short USB Cable
The short USB cable is for use with C-series iQAs and the iPA. It connects the RTF module to USB Port 3 on the front
panel of the iQA and the Type A USB connector on the iPA.
Long USB Cable
The long USB cable is for use with A- and B-series iQAs that have had the RTF upgrade kit installed. It connects the RTF
module to USB Port 1 or USB Port 2 on the front panel of the iQA.
Monitor Cable
The Monitor cable is a low-power RF cable that connects the AUX port on the RTF module to the Monitor port on the front
panel of the iQA. Its purpose is to carry the measured PIM signal and 12V DC power from the iQA to the RTF module.
Current Production iPAs are shipped with a N Type to SMB cable to connect the RTF module to the iPA. If your N-to-SMB
cable has been lost or damaged, a replacement cable can be ordered from Kaelus (part no. R18-0768-500).
6. Getting Started
6.1 Connecting the RTF Module to the iQA
The RTF module can be connected or disconnected from the iQA at any time, without risk of damage to either piece of
equipment.
The connection procedure is as follows:
1. Attach the RTF module to the iQA’s RF Output port and tighten the RF connector. Do not allow the body of the RTF
module to rotate while tightening the connector, as this can cause damage to the 7-16 connector mating surfaces.
The recommended orientation of the RTF module is shown in Figure 4.
2. Connect the AUX port of the RTF module to the iQA’s Monitor port using the cable provided.
3. Connect the USB port on the RTF module to any one of the USB ports on the iQA’s front panel using the cable
provided.
USB Cable
Monitor Cable
Figure 4 Recommended orientation of RTF module when connected to iQA
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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6.2 Connecting the RTF Module to the iPA
Figure 5 Recommended orientation of RTF module when connected to iPA
USB Cable
Monitor Cable
1. Attach the RTF module to the iPA’s RF Output port and tighten the RF connector. Do not allow the body of the RTF
module to rotate while tightening the connector, as this can cause damage to the 7-16 connector mating surfaces.
The recommended orientation of the RTF module is shown in Figure 5.
2. Connect the AUX port of the RTF module to the iPA’s Monitor port using the cable provided.
3. Connect the USB port on the RTF module to the Type A USB port under the iPA’s protective side cover.
6.3 Calibrating the System
Before the RTF module can be used, it must rst be calibrated according to the following procedure:
1. If the iQA/iPA is currently turned o󰀨, turn it on now (refer to the relevant iQA/iPA Operating Manual for details
concerning the startup procedure).
2. There will be a brief delay while the iQA/iPA connects to the RTF module and searches for a valid calibration. For the
iQA, if a valid calibration is found, the following dialogue box is displayed:
Click “Ok” to complete the setup process. The instrument is now ready for use.
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For the iPA, if a RTF module is detected then the mode menu selection for RTF will no longer be greyed out.
Shaded Grey
= RTF Not
Available
3. If no calibration exists, or the existing calibration is out of date, the iQA/iPA will prompt the user to calibrate the RTF
module with the following dialogue box:
4. Click “Yes” to start the calibration. If you click “No” you will be returned to the main application screen.
Note: Users will not be able to access any of the instrument’s PIM vs Distance functions until the unit has been
calibrated. However, Return Loss vs Distance functionality is always available, regardless of whether or not the PIM
calibration has been performed.
5. The following prompt will now appear on screen, instructing the user to attach the Passive Intermodulation Source
(Kaelus part no. CIS-0001A) to the Test port of the RTF module:
6. Attach the PIM Source to the Test port of the RTF module as shown Figure 7 RTF module attached to iPA with PIM
Source attached to Test port (for iQA) or Figure 7 (for iPA), then click “Ok” on the Calibration dialogue box.
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
18

Figure 6 RTF module on the iQA (CIS-0001A PIM Source used for 5th order calibration)
Figure 7 RTF module attached to iPA with PIM Source attached to Test port
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© 2017 Innite Electronics, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

7. The system will now perform the RTF calibration sweep. This process can take up to 20 seconds to complete. While
the calibration is running, the following progress indicator is displayed:
iPA Remote
Display
iPA Local
Display
Note: The user can abort the RTF Calibration sequence prematurely by clicking the “Stop” / ”Cancel” button if desired. In
that case the instrument will use the last valid calibration for subsequent measurements. If no valid calibration exists, the
user will not be able to access any of the instrument’s PIM vs Distance functions until the unit has been calibrated
8. Upon completion of the RTF Calibration sweep, the instrument is ready for use.
6.4 Main Application Window
After the RTF module has been successfully calibrated, the instrument will return to the Main Application Window.
The layout of the main application window is described in the iQA/iPA Operating Manuals. When the RTF module is
connected, this window remains unchanged except for the new Peak Return Loss indicator and Return Loss indicators.
On the iQA these indicators appear beneath the Peak PIM indicator, as shown in Figure 8. The indicators on the iPA are
shown in Figure 9. The Peak Return Loss and Return Loss Pass/Fail indicators are visible only when the RTF module is
connected; if the RTF module is disconnected, the indicators are removed.
The Peak Return Loss and Return Loss Pass/Fail indicators are discussed further in Section 7. For details on other
aspects of the main application window, refer to the iQA/iPA Operating Manuals
Operating Manual | Passive Intermodulation and Return Loss Fault Ranging Device
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