5G Electric Fields Strength With Software Defined Radios

Authors: Minucci F. et al.

Year: 2022

Category: Communications Technology

Journal: IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society

Institution: IEEE

DOI: 10.1109/OJCOMS.2022.3222537

URL: https://ieeexplore-ieee-org.libproxy.berkeley.edu/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=9955380&isnumber=8901158

Abstract

Overview

The evolution of cellular technologies, especially with the advent of 5G, has necessitated a reevaluation of measurement approaches for electromagnetic field exposure due to their potential impacts on public health.

Findings

  • Traditional instruments like spectrum analyzers are inadequate for measuring high power, wide-band transmissions typical in 5G; instead, software-defined radios (SDRs) offer a more cost-effective and accurate alternative.
  • The International Committee on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines help in keeping exposure below harmful thresholds, even though 5G operates differently from past technologies due to its high spatial focusing performance and capability for high peak download speeds.
  • Developing a calibration framework for SDRs allows for accurate measurements of RF power and electric field values in varying real-life scenarios within a private 5G network.

Conclusion

Despite the significant focus on the emissions from base stations, the larger contribution to RF exposure might come from the user equipment (UE). Measurements indicate that electric field exposure averages are significantly lower than potentially harmful levels.

5G electromagnetic fields public health RF power measurement software defined radio calibration electric field exposure
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