3M's easy to install solution reduces PIM and time performed on the tower

     Passive intermodulation can be a major obstacle to maintaining network performance, especially in towers with multiple frequency bands and near-antenna spacing. 3M's PIM Reduction Kit is an easy to install solution that reduces the PIM performed and time spent on the tower to achieve reliable service without disruptive outages.

     The PIM reduction suite is the solution to today's biggest signal integrity challenges. Combined with 3M's trusted expertise in EMI/EMC applications and adhesives, this out-of-box solution helps reduce the amount of PIM that has been carried out without significantly increasing cost, labor, or disruptive downtime, making it an effective, reliable solution to PIM problems in wireless network infrastructure.

     These kits are ideal for waterproof and moisture-proof seals, and provide excellent resistance to UV exposure and a variety of weather conditions. Pims are a major source of noise and signal interference, especially for 5G networks. PIM occurs when two or more signals from a cell are mixed in a nonlinear system or device, producing unwelcome signals that can cause interference depending on their strength and proximity to the original signal. This interference degrades wireless coverage and performance, and ultimately the customer experience.

     While PIMs can be found in many locations both inside and outside the system, external PIM sources can be particularly difficult to find, let alone address. Common sources include contact between loose metals or connections of mismatched metals, oxidation, rusting, etc., all of which can be found anywhere outside the system. In addition, external PIMs can be further divided into two categories: radiated PIMs and conducted PIMs, both of which are unique and require different solutions.

     These 3M kits are the first known solutions to do PIM. When traditional PIM mitigation solutions mask PIM sources, PIM reduction kits absorb the current that produces PIM before they reach the potentially non-linear junction (unaffected by shielding). This means that the user can handle potential PiMs that would otherwise be unaffected. Regardless of where it comes from, PIMs can have a dramatic impact on network performance, reducing reception sensitivity, data rate, reliability, capacity, and more.

     PIM is not a problem that will go away. As wireless networks become denser, additional spectrum is allocated, and site configurations continue to increase, PIM will only get worse unless addressed promptly and properly. Roof mounted antennas have their own challenges, including tight spacing and interference that can lead to material in the surrounding area. With unique PIM mitigation, accessibility, and reworkability, 3M PIM Reduction kits help maintain network performance with minimal cost and labor, and no downtime.