Computational Assessment of RF Exposure Levels due to 5G Mobile Phones

Authors: M. Bonato et al.

Year: 2022

Category: Computational Simulation

Journal: 2022 Microwave Mediterranean Symposium (MMS)

Institution: Microwave Mediterranean Symposium (MMS)

DOI: 10.1109/MMS55062.2022.9825603

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9825603

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates human RF-EMF exposure in the context of 5G mobile technology, utilizing mm-wave spectrum. A mobile antenna modeled on 5G's innovative features, including mm-wave bands and beamforming capacity, forms the basis of this research.

Methodology

  • A phased array antenna with eight elements operating at 27 GHz was simulated.
  • Three different skin layer models were used to assess peak absorbed power density.
  • Exposure for both a mobile phone user and a passerby was simulated using the Sim4Life platform.

Findings

Significant underestimations of power density peaks were found when using homogeneous skin model compared to multi-layer skin models. Specifically:

  • The highest exposure for a passerby reached 6.97 W/m2, notably underestimating exposure levels by 18-55% with a homogenous skin model.
  • The highest exposure peaks followed ICNIRP guidelines, not exceeding the restrictive 20 W/m2 limit.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for multi-layer models in RF-EMF exposure assessment for accurate representation and safety evaluation in 5G contexts.

5G RF-EMF exposure phased array antenna mm-wave ICNIRP guidelines Sim4Life skin models
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