Numerical evaluation of human exposure to WiMax patch antenna in tablet or laptop

Abstract

Overview

The increasing use of wireless communication devices such as tablets and laptops, especially amongst children, highlights the need for detailed studies on specific energy absorption rates (SAR) that these devices emit. This study focuses on the SAR from devices enabled with WiMax technology.

Findings

• Analysis using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method assessed the interaction between a 3.5 GHz E-shaped patch antenna and four human models (young adult male and female, pre-teenager female, and male child).
• Various scenarios were examined, changing antenna distance, position, and orientation relative to the human models.
• Results indicated significant absorption ("hot spots") in sensitive organs like the eyes, genitals, and breasts in some worst-case scenarios, particularly affecting children.

Health Implications

The maximum SAR values were often located in sensitive organs, despite average SAR levels staying within recommended limits. Long-term exposure effects and potential risks remain a concern especially for developing children, pointing to the need for continuous monitoring and preventive guidelines.

Conclusion

This study stresses the importance of simulated exposures that consider the antenna-body proximity to identify exact locations of maximum SAR values. Protective measures are recommended to minimize exposure, especially in children, following the ALARA principle.