Anritsu IQ Fiber Master MT2780A performs CPRI-based RF and PIM analysis over fiber
Anritsu Co. says its IQ Fiber Master MT2780A multi-port CPRI-based RF and passive intermodulation (PIM) analyzer is the first to market that can deliver true PIM analysis over fiber and present RF spectrum results derived from IQ data. The company adds that the ability to conduct RF interference measurements and PIM troubleshooting via a single instrument on LTE-based systems using CPRI fronthaul infrastructure saves time and money.
The IQ Fiber Master is designed to enable PIM over CPRI and RF over CPRI measurements to be conducted on the ground. Users can leverage the MT2780A to scan the uplink RF signals of a remote radio head (RRH) for in-band interference while simultaneously conducting PIM over CPRI measurements. The instrument can be used with equipment from any Tier 1 LTE base station radio manufacturer, Anritsu asserts.
The instrument can help field engineers and other field technicians determine if KPIs are being affected by interference or PIM. Analyzing CPRI IQ data enables such allows users to view a radio's uplink spectrum for interference troubleshooting, Anritsu explains. The IQ Fiber Master measures PIM over CPRI with four SFP inputs, which enables technicians to compare multiple bands and sectors. All of these measurements are conducted on live cell tower traffic signals, which means no system downtime due to test requirements. Anritsu adds that, as measurements are derived from baseband IQ data, the IQ Fiber Master can make measurements on any frequency RRH or combination of frequencies of the RRH.
The IQ Fiber Master will report the presence of PIM, whether it is internal or external, and the distance to PIM. A proprietary PIM heatmap displays which transmitter contributes the most PIM, which Anritsu says speeds PIM detection and evaluation. The instrument also can be installed at cell sites to conduct long-term PIM over CPRI measurements and provide analytical information. This ability enables such problems as intermittent PIM occurring on specific days and times or changes in PIM due to base station load during the day to be discovered.
The IQ Fiber Master MT2780A also can serve as a band-less PIM test platform. The test instrument weighs 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) and measures 185 x 133 x 55 mm (2.1 in x 7.3 in x 5.2 in).
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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