IEC 62037-1:2025

Overview

IEC 62037-1:2025 specifies general requirements and measuring methods for intermodulation (IM) level measurement of passive RF and microwave components. Focused on passive intermodulation (PIM) caused by two or more transmitting signals, this third edition updates test procedures, reporting rules and test-set topographies to better characterize unwanted IM products over frequency. The standard addresses two‑tone IM testing, forward/reverse measurement directions, and practical measurement set-ups but does not cover long‑term product reliability.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Two‑tone test principle: measurement using two equal-power test tones (f1, f2) to detect IM products (typically third-order: 2f1±f2, 2f2±f1).
• Frequency dependence: clarification that PIM is typically frequency‑dependent; recommends swept or multiple fixed‑frequency testing for more accurate characterization.
• Test set‑ups: defines reverse (reflected) and forward (transmitted) measurement topologies and recognizes multi‑port PIM analyzers as acceptable test equipment.
• Power handling limits: requires that test power levels do not exceed the DUT’s power handling capability.
• Test specification completeness: updated to include parameters essential to define a PIM test (frequency range, power levels, measurement duration, resolution bandwidth, direction, etc.).
• Reporting requirements: test reports must include the maximum PIM value measured over the test duration and key test conditions.
• Measurement errors & calibration: guidance on residual system error, low‑PIM terminations and measurement uncertainty (see annexes for termination configurations and test considerations).
• Annex guidance: includes practical configurations for low‑PIM terminations and considerations such as stepped sweeps, fixed‑frequency testing, dynamic testing and heating effects.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 62037-1:2025 is essential for:

• RF and microwave component manufacturers (antennas, connectors, cables, combiners, filters) for product characterization and quality control.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing PIM measurements and vendor acceptance testing.
• Mobile network operators and RF installers assessing site hardware (antennas, jumpers, passive components) to mitigate interference and ensure network performance.
• Designers of passive RF systems specifying PIM requirements in procurement and compliance documentation.

Keywords: IEC 62037-1:2025, PIM, passive intermodulation, RF testing, microwave components, intermodulation level measurement, DUT, two‑tone test, multi‑port PIM analyzer.

Related standards (if applicable)

• Other parts of the IEC 62037 series (see IEC webstore for the full list) provide complementary, part‑specific procedures and normative details across the PIM measurement series.