Overview
IEC 62037-6:2021 - Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement - Part 6: Measurement of passive intermodulation in antennas - specifies recommended test fixtures and procedures for measuring passive intermodulation (PIM) generated by antennas. Intended for qualification and acceptance testing of antennas for low intermodulation (low IM) applications, this second edition (2021) replaces the 2013 edition and updates dynamic testing requirements to define impact energy and impact locations for devices under test.
Keywords: IEC 62037-6:2021, passive intermodulation, PIM measurement, antennas, low IM, RF testing, microwave.
Key Topics and Technical Requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines methods to measure antenna PIM at RF interfaces in both radiated and conducted (transmissive/reflective) modes.
- Test fixtures and set-ups: Guidance on reverse and forward PIM test configurations, required test site baseline verification, and definition of a low-PIM reference load.
- Measurement considerations: Requirements covering measurement accuracy, quality assurance, cable and connector selection, and test environment controls.
- Antenna definitions: Clarifies what constitutes the antenna under test (AUT), including radiating elements, feed networks, radomes, mounting hardware and peripheral components that can affect PIM.
- Design and installation factors: Best practices for interface connections, torque, material selection/plating, and mounting to minimize PIM generation.
- Environmental and combined testing: Procedures for combined environmental and PIM testing, including mechanical considerations and ESD grounding influences.
- PIM test chamber and RF absorber guidance: Considerations for chamber design, absorber materials, supporting structures and RF shielding to ensure reliable PIM measurements.
- Dynamic PIM testing: New/updated requirements to define impact energy and specific locations to apply impacts (e.g., hammer/shock tests) to evaluate susceptibility to mechanical shocks and impacts.
- Safety and normative references: Safety considerations and references to IEC 62037-1 and IEC 62037-3 for general and connector-specific PIM measurement methods.
Practical Applications and Users
This standard is essential for:
- Antenna designers and manufacturers performing qualification and production acceptance tests for low-IM antennas.
- Test laboratories and RF measurement service providers conducting standardized PIM measurements.
- Wireless network operators and installation engineers validating site components to reduce passive intermodulation in cellular base stations, broadcast sites, aerospace and satellite ground equipment.
- Regulatory bodies and procurement teams requiring verifiable PIM performance for deployed antenna systems.
Practical uses include design validation, material and connector selection, field acceptance testing, and assessing susceptibility to mechanical/environmental stress that can increase PIM.
Related Standards
- IEC 62037-1:2012 - General requirements and measuring methods for passive intermodulation.
- IEC 62037-3 - Measurement of passive intermodulation in coaxial connectors.
For accurate implementation, refer to the full IEC 62037-6:2021 document and associated parts of the IEC 62037 series.
Open preview (PDF)Passive RF and microwave devices, intermodulation level measurement - Part 6: Measurement of passive intermodulation in antennas
