Abstract

Passive intermodulation (PIM) commonly exists in non-ideal metallic contacts. Since PIM typically represents an extremely low level of nonlinearity, it has not drawn enough attention over the years except for extremely high-power applications such as base stations. However, in recent years, the study on PIM has become essential in universally used consumer electronics design because of the higher requirement on the radio frequency (RF) sensitivity of wireless communications. The metal contacts caused PIM can create the sideband spectrum to interfere with the receiving band in the frequency divide duplex (FDD) mode. Therefore, the study on PIM for the frequently used flexible metallic components is important in the industry. The PIM characterizations for the flexible components at least demand the compression variability and the capability to inject high-power signals while monitoring the sideband spectrum. It is preferred to have the access to measuring more relevant quantities. This paper aims to summarize the practical experience in designing a high-dynamic range and multi-purpose applicable test setup for characterizing PIM in the flexible components. Capabilities to precisely measure/control PIM, gap variability, tilted angle variability, and DC resistance (DCR) are presented with measurement examples.

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Comments

National Science Foundation, Grant IIP-1916535

Keywords and Phrases

desense; fabric over foam; passive intermodulation; radio-frequency interference; spring component; two-tone test

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-166540929-2

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2023 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2022

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