IEC 62037-3:2021

Overview

IEC 62037-3:2021 - "Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement - Part 3" specifies a standardized impact test to evaluate Passive Intermodulation (PIM) generated by coaxial connectors. The document defines how to apply controlled mechanical impacts to connectors (to emulate weak connections or internal particles) while measuring PIM, and it emphasizes isolating connector PIM from cable/transmission-line effects. This second edition (2021) updates the impact method and adds impact-energy requirements and calculation methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose: Measure passive intermodulation (PIM) caused by mechanical defects, weak mating or contaminants inside coaxial connectors.
• Test setups: Two permitted configurations - a short multi-port assembly (minimizes transmission line effects) or a one‑port DUT on a transmission line appropriate to the connector type.
• Impact method: Impacts are delivered by a remotely released steel ball (replaces the previous brass rod method) dropped through a tube perpendicular to the connector axis (tube alignment ±3°).
• Number of impacts: A minimum number of impacts are required (see standard); PIM is measured before, during and after each impact.
• Impact energy: The 2021 edition specifies required impact energy for connector types and provides a method (Annex B) to calculate equivalent impact energy for connector types not listed.
• Energy calculation: Annex A defines potential energy PE = m × g × h (Joules) and provides tables and examples to convert steel ball diameter to mass and to compute equivalent drop heights/energies.
• Reporting: Test reports must document drop height, ball mass, impact energy (if different from defaults), and peak PIM values prior to, during and after impacts.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 62037-3:2021 is intended for:

• Connector manufacturers for design validation and quality control
• RF test laboratories performing standardized PIM measurements
• Wireless infrastructure vendors and integrators to verify connector robustness in base stations and distributed antenna systems
• Certification bodies and QA teams that require a repeatable method to assess connector susceptibility to PIM due to mechanical stress or contamination

Practical benefits include repeatable assessment of connector mechanical robustness, reduced field PIM failures, improved supplier specifications, and clearer acceptance criteria for installed RF hardware.

Related standards

• IEC 62037-1: General requirements and measuring methods for intermodulation level measurement
• IEC 62037-4: Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial cables

Keywords: IEC 62037-3:2021, PIM, passive intermodulation, coaxial connectors, impact test, impact energy, RF connectors, intermodulation level measurement.