Passive intermodulation, PIM is a form of intermodulation distortion that can occur when no active components are present. It arises from the action of passive components or elements that have non-linear responses to any signals
Passive intermodulation, PIM can be generated by a variety of components and objects: everything from coaxial connectors to cables, even rusty bolts or any joint where dissimilar metals occur. Even some normally ‘linear’ components may generate PIM
Passive intermodulation, PIM can produce interference, and this can sometimes hide the wanted signal. Accordingly it is often necessary to try to remove the element that generates the passive intermodulation so that interference generated can be removed.