Abstract

Overview

To advance our understanding of non-thermal biological effects of microwaves, this study introduces new metrics and methodologies, focusing on peak exposure analysis rather than just time-averaged values. The approach is designed not for comparing general features between 4G and 5G technologies but to analyze real-life exposure under specific conditions.

Methodology

• Use of signal and spectrum analyzers with adequate bandwidths.
• Statistical analysis via amplitude probability density, complementary cumulative distribution function, and channel power measurements.
• Differentiation of amplitude-time features for 4G vs. 5G signals during usage of various mobile apps.

Findings

The study identifies notable differences in user exposure levels when engaging in different mobile applications using 4G and 5G networks:

• Higher electric field strengths were recorded for 5G, particularly pronounced during Internet video streaming with a threefold increase over 4G.
• Notably different amplitude probability density distributions between 4G and 5G, with 5G showing lesser dependence on the type of mobile application used.
• Greater crest factors and superior tail emissions in 5G, implying more frequent high power levels.
• Effective utilization of YOLO v7 deep learning algorithm for accurate classification of emissions.

Conclusion

This study provides a novel exposimetric analysis tool, highlighting significant differences in exposure dynamics across mobile technologies. Although based on realistic exposure conditions, the findings encourage further investigation to generalize these observations across varied scenarios.