IEC 62037-1:2012

Overview

IEC 62037-1:2012 defines general requirements and measuring methods for assessing intermodulation (IM) levels in passive RF and microwave devices. This first edition (2012) replaces IEC 62037 (1999) and is the foundational part of the IEC 62037 series on passive intermodulation (PIM) measurement. The standard specifies test principles using two-tone signals, measurement of intermodulation products (commonly third‑order), recommended test set-ups and equipment, and reporting practices. It does not cover long‑term reliability of product performance and is intended to be used alongside other parts of the IEC 62037 series.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Two‑tone test method: Apply two CW signals (f1 and f2) with equal specified test port power to the device under test (DUT) and measure IM products (e.g., 2f1 ± f2, 2f2 ± f1).
• Third‑order focus: Third‑order intermodulation is typically the worst case and commonly used to characterize DUT PIM, though the set-ups support other orders where relevant.
• Test set‑ups: Two reference configurations are described:
  • Set‑up 1 (reverse/reflected measurement) - suitable for 1‑port and multi‑port DUTs.
  • Set‑up 2 (forward/transmitted measurement) - suitable for 2‑port and multi‑port DUTs.
• Equipment and signal purity: Generators, amplifiers, combining/diplexing devices, bandpass receive filters, and low‑noise amplifiers are specified; test equipment self‑generated IM must be at least 10 dB below expected DUT levels.
• Termination and handling: Unused ports require low‑PIM linear terminations; guidance is provided on minimizing PIM sources (materials, contacts, corrosion, mechanical stress).
• Receiver sensitivity & measurement error: Use appropriate resolution bandwidth (RBW) and averaging to improve sensitivity; measurement error considerations and self‑intermodulation graphs are included.
• Reporting: Results and example reporting formats are specified for consistent characterization.

Applications and Users

IEC 62037-1 is used by:

• RF/microwave component manufacturers (connectors, cables, antennas, circulators)
• Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies performing PIM testing
• Wireless network operators and installers validating passive infrastructure (antennas, combiners)
• Quality assurance and R&D teams designing low‑PIM components

Practical applications include acceptance testing, production quality control, root‑cause analysis of PIM in deployed systems, and supplier verification.

Related Standards

• Part of the IEC 62037 series (other parts address complementary test details and specific device types). Use IEC 62037-1 in conjunction with the appropriate part(s) of the series for complete PIM measurement and evaluation guidance.

Keywords: IEC 62037-1, PIM, passive intermodulation, RF, microwave, intermodulation level measurement, test set-up, DUT, third-order intermodulation.