Wireless/5G

PIM-rated in-building, small cell antennas optimize 3G/4G/LTE wireless networking

June 20, 2014

PCTEL launches PIM-rated series of in-building, small cell antennas.

PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCTI) launched a new series of PIM-rated wireless antennas at the recent DAS & Small Cells Congress in Las Vegas (June 17-18). The company's new PIM-rated products include its 700 MHz/LTE small cell base station antennas and a series of 3G/4G in-building wireless antennas. The new products meet cellular carrier performance requirements to minimize interference and optimize performance across 3G/4G/LTE mobile networks.

It is generally known that in cellular networks, PIM (passive intermodulation) interference can significantly impact RF performance. PIM may cause issues such as reduced data throughput and dropped calls, limiting network capacity in general. To reduce PIM interference, antennas have to be expertly engineered to deliver best in class PIM performance.

Related product:Plenum-rated low PIM cable assemblies for in-building DAS

PCTEL says its PIM-rated 700 MHz small cell base station antennas are designed for high-density LTE network coverage. The rugged, compact antennas can be mounted remotely or installed directly on a microcell, metrocell, or picocell. In addition to PIM testing, the antennas undergo environmental testing in PCTEL’s labs and are fully sealed for an IP67-compliant design when properly mounted. Remote mount models (BOA7465) cover 746-787 MHz, while direct-mount models are available for frequency ranges of 698-746 MHz (BOA6982DINM) and 749-790 MHz (BOA7452DINM).

Also newly available, PCTEL’s PIM-rated 3G/4G in-building antennas are aesthetically pleasing, low-profile antennas designed to provide excellent coverage for DAS and other in-building networks across multiple frequency bands. Each antenna undergoes PIM testing on major cellular bands to ensure minimal PIM interference throughout the 3G/4G cellular range. Multiple antenna models will provide a variety of coverage and installation options, including ceiling-mount omnidirectional antennas, single-polarization panel antennas, and dual-polarized panel antennas.

“With a robust pipeline of PIM-rated products in development, the new in-building and small cell antennas represent our growing commitment to in-building and small cell infrastructure,” says Jeff Miller, president of PCTEL Connected Solutions. “PCTEL has invested in state-of-the-art design and testing capabilities that will allow us to meet carriers’ exacting requirements for high-performing PIM-rated products that deliver great reception."

PCTEL’s PIM-rated in-building and small cell antennas will be available in Q3 2014.

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About the Author

Matt Vincent | Senior Editor

Matt Vincent is a B2B technology journalist, editor and content producer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the full range of media content production and management, as well as SEO and social media engagement best practices, for both Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine and its website CablingInstall.com. He currently provides trade show, company, executive and field technology trend coverage for the ICT structured cabling, telecommunications networking, data center, IP physical security, and professional AV vertical market segments. Email: [email protected]