Extremely High Sensitivity Contactless Measurement Technology of Passive Intermodulation in Satellite Communication

Passive intermodulation (PIM) is an un-negligible issue in satellite antennas and communication systems, which also has an adverse impact on future 6G communications. High sensitivity measurement is essential for evaluating the PIM performance of microwave components. Novel contactless PIM measurement method is proposed. All components of the measurement system that pass through high-power signals are designed to be contactless using gap waveguide technology, and the residual PIM of the measurement system can be significantly reduced. As a result, the PIM measuring sensitivity would be improved to an extremely high level. A Ku-band contactless PIM measurement system is successfully implemented, and 3rd order residual PIM of less than -140dBm@2×100W under temperature cycling conditions is achieved.