A Method for Measuring the Maximum Measurable Gain of a Passive Intermodulation Chamber

Abstract

This paper presents an approximate method that allows the calculation of the maximum measurable gain (MMG) in an anechoic chamber. This method is realized by using a low passive intermodulation (PIM) medium-gain directional antenna. By reducing the distance between the antenna and the wall of the chamber to reduce path loss, the purpose of replacing a high-gain antenna with a medium-gain antenna is achieved. The specific relationship between distance and equivalent gain is given in this paper. The measurement interval is determined by the 3 dB beamwidth of the measurement antenna to scan the whole chamber. A set of corresponding data for the residual PIM level and the MMG of the chamber can be obtained by the method of measurement outlined herein. The feasibility of this method was verified by measurements in two PIM measurement chambers.