Recent advances in cellular technology have created the need for service providers to improve the quality of existing infrastructure and new network installations.
In an effort to assist service providers in this process, Saab Grintek, in conjunction with TRIASX (an Australian engineering company), recently introduced the first portable Passive Intermodulation (PIM) test set into the African market.
PIM distortion is caused by the non-linear mixing of two or more signals in a passive device such as a connector or cable. This type of distortion causes interference at the base station receiver and consequently degrades the performance of the receiver.
The quality of site installations was previously tested using mainly return loss measurements while there was no way for testing PIM performance," says Danie du Toit, General Manager for the Antennas division.
PIM problems on installations can cause excessive delays, causing a site to exhibit lower than expected capacity; high dropped call rates and ultimately reduced revenue.
In the past, it was virtually impossible to conduct PIM testing outside a laboratory. Components had to be sent to Saab Grintek or similar institutions for testing. The TRIASX portable PIM tester, however, provides a convenient and cost-effective solution to operators in certifying components and installations on-site.
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Saab AB is one of the world's leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defence, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capability in systems integration.
Saab Grintek
Saab Grintek is a leading empowerment technology company and employs 1 000 people, most of whom are engineers and technicians. The company is a privately held partnership between Saab AB (70.3%) of Sweden and Kunene Bros Holdings (29.7%). The group specialises in three main market segments, namely telecommunications and selected niche opportunities within industrial and defence electronics. Saab Grintek is a business unit of Saab AB.
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