Summitek Instruments, a member of the Smiths Interconnect group of companies, has announced the SI-400C PIM analyzer covering the frequency band from 138 to 512 MHz. As countries expand into the lower frequency bands for wireless communications and data transmission, while simultaneously upgrading existing networks with modern digital radios-particularly for emergency services,they are making extensive use of the VHF and UHF portions of the spectrum. The combination of the inevitable RF congestion in these bands and the critical nature of these services means that there is increasing concern about the potential for interference.

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Such interference is due to a variety of causes, including passive intermodulation. For this reason, all passive components in the high power transmission path of the network, including filters, antennas, cable assemblies, couplers and lightning protectors, should be tested for acceptable levels of passive intermodulation as a part of the manufacturing process.

SI-400C is appropriate for qualifying components used in emergency services, such as homeland security applications in the United States, and for TETRA in Europe and South America. It is also suitable for use in testing components used in CDMA450 networks. The SI-400C is fully automated using the Summitek Instruments passive IM virtual front panel software.