IEC 62037-1:2021

Overview

IEC 62037-1:2021 - Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement - Part 1: General requirements and measuring methods - specifies general requirements and measurement methods for characterizing unwanted intermodulation (IM) signals in passive RF and microwave components. The standard focuses on measurement of passive intermodulation (PIM) produced when two or more transmitting signals are present and describes test procedures using two equal-power test signals. It is the second edition (2021), superseding the 2012 edition, and is part of the IEC 62037 series.

Key editorial/technical updates in this edition:

• Clarification that test equipment may use pulsed generators to reduce power consumption.
• Notes on heating effect differences in the device under test (DUT) for pulsed testing (Annex B).
• Guidance to improve detection probability for short-duration PIM events during dynamic testing (Annex B).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Methods to measure IM levels from passive components (connectors, cables, antennas, filters, circulators, isolators, etc.); does not address long-term product reliability.
• Measurement principle: Two-tone tests with frequencies f1 and f2 at equal specified port power; measurement of intermodulation products (commonly third-order: 2f1 − f2, 2f2 − f1) across a specified frequency band.
• Test set-ups: Description of reverse (reflected) and forward (transmitted) IM measurement topologies (set-up 1 and set-up 2) and the need for low-self-PIM system components.
• Test equipment: Guidance on signal sources, combiners, terminations and the use of pulsed vs. CW sources; emphasis on minimizing residual system PIM.
• Preparation, procedure and reporting: DUT handling, minimization of PIM sources (materials, contacts, contamination), measurement steps, error analysis and result reporting.
• Annexes: Annex A - low-PIM termination configurations; Annex B - test procedure considerations including stepped/fixed frequency methods, dynamic testing and heating effects.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing PIM measurement and acceptance testing.
• Manufacturers of passive RF/microwave components (antennas, connectors, cables, passive filters, combiners).
• Wireless network operators and site installers validating component performance for cellular, microwave backhaul and CATV systems.
• R&D and quality assurance teams implementing production test procedures and troubleshooting intermittent PIM events.

Related standards

• Use in conjunction with other parts of the IEC 62037 series (all parts) for complete PIM test program requirements.
• Refer to IEC Electropedia and IEC webstore for related normative documents and updates.

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