Abstract

Overview

A novel compact device with spectrum analyzer characteristics has been designed, allowing for the measurement of the maximum power received in multiple narrow frequency bands of 300 kHz, and recording the entire spectrum from 78 MHz to 6 GHz. This device is capable of measuring the entire communications spectrum and detects multiple sources of electromagnetic fields using the same communications band.

Findings

• The device permits the evaluation of the cross-talk effect that, in conventional exposimeters, generates a mistaken estimation of electromagnetic fields.
• It was calibrated in an anechoic chamber for far-fields and validated against a portable spectrum analyzer in a residential area.
• A strong correlation between the two devices with a confidence higher than 95% was obtained, indicating strong reliability.

Conclusion

The compact exposimeter system proposed combines the benefits of conventional exposimeters and spectrum analyzers. It represents a vital tool for electromagnetic field studies, allowing measurements of the received power in the radio spectrum between 78 MHz and 6 GHz, with a resolution bandwidth of 300 kHz and measuring approximately 19,500 narrow bands. It also reveals the importance of further refining the device's sensitivity to varying electromagnetic fields for future epidemiological study applications.