IEC 62037-6:2013

Overview

IEC 62037-6:2013 - Part 6 of the IEC 62037 series - specifies recommended test fixtures and procedures for measuring passive intermodulation (PIM) generated by antennas used in RF and microwave wireless systems. Its primary purpose is to define qualification and acceptance test methods for antennas intended for low intermodulation (low IM) applications. The standard covers both conducted and radiated measurement modes and focuses on the passive parts of antenna systems (active intermodulation is out of scope).

Key topics and requirements

• Antenna definitions and scope - clear definitions for antenna, antenna under test (AUT) and how PIM applies to antenna assemblies and interfaces.
• Test fixtures & set-ups - recommended configurations for reverse (reflected) and forward (transmitted) PIM measurement; guidance for coaxial test cables, connectors and torque/cleaning practices.
• Measurement considerations - quality assurance, handling procedures, measurement accuracy, test environment and safety practices to ensure reliable PIM readings.
• Reference loads & baseline verification - procedures to define a low-PIM reference load and verify test-site baseline PIM before testing an AUT.
• Design and installation influences on PIM - environmental effects, mounting hardware, radomes, grounding, dissimilar metal junctions and neighboring structures that can generate or influence PIM.
• Materials and interfaces - recommendations on connector plating and minimizing interfaces to reduce metal-to-metal junctions that cause PIM.
• Combined environmental and PIM testing - mechanical, cable and chamber considerations when performing PIM tests under environmental stress.
• PIM test chamber design - guidance on RF absorber materials, supporting structures and shielding to control test conditions.

Practical applications and users

IEC 62037-6 is used to ensure consistent, repeatable measurement of antenna PIM performance and to qualify antennas for deployment where low PIM is critical. Typical users include:

• Antenna and RF component manufacturers (qualification and production acceptance testing)
• Independent test laboratories and EMC/PIM test houses
• Wireless infrastructure integrators and mobile network operators validating antenna installations
• Aerospace and satellite engineers (note: the standard flags that acceptable PIM levels may differ between terrestrial and space applications)
• System designers concerned with receiver desensitization and in-band interference caused by passive intermodulation

Related standards

• IEC 62037-1:2012 - General requirements and measuring methods for PIM measurement
• IEC 62037-3 - Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial connectors

Keywords: IEC 62037-6, passive intermodulation, PIM measurement, antennas, low IM, RF testing, antenna qualification, PIM test fixtures.