MCV Microwave has developed a line of ultra-low passive intermodulation (PIM) cavity filters and multiplexers covering the TETRA and all LTE frequency bands from 300 to 3600 MHz. The typical production PIM performance is −163 dBc, measured with two CW tones, each at 43 dBm. An even lower PIM filter line with a guaranteed −173 dBc is available for PIM test bench and more demanding testing applications.

Typically, the filters have approximately 1 dB passband insertion loss, 20 dB minimum return loss, 95 to 120 dB rejection or isolation between the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) bands, 200 W CW power handling and −173 dBc PIM with quick-latch, blind-mate or torque-matched connectors.

These high-power, low PIM filters are suitable for small cell, tower-mounted amplifiers, Tx or Rx combiners, multiplexers, distributed antenna systems and PIM test benches. Rather than using a hybrid coupler for a duplexer, a triplexer can be used to provide power at two separate Tx frequencies with low insertion loss, saving the 3 dB loss of the hybrid.