Exposure to RF Electromagnetic Fields in the Connected Vehicle: Survey of Existing and Forthcoming Scenarios

Abstract

Overview

As vehicles continue evolving with increased connectivity to enhance applications for safety, traffic efficiency, and comfort, a wide variety of wireless technologies are being employed. These technologies, covering the full spectrum of the radiofrequency (RF) range, include vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, automotive radar sensing, and Internet of Things (IoT) for intra-car networks.

Findings

Every individual in the proximity of a connected vehicle is exposed daily to a combination of multi-source and multi-band electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by these technologies. This study presents the first extensive survey that assesses EMF exposure from all connectivity technologies in vehicles. It discusses the characteristics and standards of each technology, their applications, and their typical deployment in modern vehicles. It also compares and summarizes findings from past studies on EMF exposure levels in cars.

• Despite the assertion of prior studies that EMF exposure does not exceed safe limits, the potential risks and the increasing pervasiveness of these fields invite further scrutiny and continuous monitoring.
• The analysis emphasized the need for more realistic characterizations of the EMF exposure scenarios in the connected car environment.

Conclusion

The research surfaces open challenges and necessitates a comprehensive approach towards monitoring and analyzing EMF exposure levels in the context of emerging vehicular technologies, highlighting the importance of adhering to evolving safety standards to safeguard public health in a new era of vehicle connectivity.