A Multi-Band Body-Worn Distributed RF Exposure Meter: Design, On-Body Calibration and Study of Body Morphology

Abstract

Overview

The study introduces a multi-band Body-Worn Distributed Meter (BWDM), specifically designed and calibrated for accurate on-body electromagnetic field measurements across various telecommunication frequency bands. This innovative system integrates multiple textile antennas into a single garment to enhance measurement certainty.

Findings

• The BWDM achieves an uncertainty improvement of 22 dB over existing systems by employing multiple antennas across 11 frequency bands.
• Calibrated on six individuals in an anechoic chamber, the meter's accuracy is demonstrated, with variations minimized to a range between 1.2 and 3.6 dB for various body types.
• Demonstration of how commercial meters such as EME Spy 200 and ExpoM-RF underestimate actual RF exposure significantly—by a factor of up to 20.6.
• Measurements in Ghent, Belgium, showed average incident power densities significantly higher than commercial meters indicate, highlighting potential under-assessment of public exposure.

Conclusion

The BWDM provides more reliable and precise measurements of RF exposure, suggesting significant underestimates by current commercial devices. This has important implications for public health, suggesting that current assessments might significantly downplay potential electromagnetic exposure risks.