Definition and Validation of an Exposure Measurement Method for a Typical Load of a Base Station

Abstract

Overview

In the context of risk communication regarding mobile radio, a significant discussion has surfaced about whether actual exposure at common load of a base station should be reported in addition to the theoretical maximum, especially as 5G massive-MIMO becomes more widespread.

However, there has been no reproducible method available for measuring instantaneous exposure, independent of cell utilization. To address this gap, the study identified 10 mobile phone use cases, measured their corresponding data rates, and categorized them into low (20 Mbps), medium (200 Mbps), and high (600 Mbps) to simulate a typical base station load.

Methodology

• A measurement method was developed using iPerf on user equipment to generate target data rates at the measurement point.
• Channel power measurements were used to determine exposure across all installed mobile radio services.
• The method was validated at four base stations, considering factors such as number of users, averaging time, and buffering.

Findings

• The method proved reliable across varying times of day and base station loads.
• Averaging over 30 sweeps produced reproducible exposure results.

A comparison of instantaneous exposure during actual application usage versus using iPerf to provoke constant data rates showed that only 5 out of 48 examined cases in 5G scenarios had deviations exceeding the expanded uncertainty. Only two cases showed a deviation in total exposure greater than 3 dB.

This demonstrates that provoking a constant data rate with iPerf is equivalent, in terms of exposure, to typical real-world scenarios, regardless of user data buffering.

Conclusion

The proposed method enables feasible and reproducible measurement of instantaneous exposure under typical base station load conditions. This supports improved risk communication by reporting both typical and maximum exposures. The integration of this approach into standards like IEC 62232:2022 is discussed, with the method providing a useful and robust exposure measurement technique relevant for regulation and public health.

Important EMF Health Risk Note: Accurate and reproducible measurement methods for electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, particularly under real-world load conditions, are fundamental for assessing and communicating the potential health risks associated with base station emissions. Validated exposure assessment helps inform safety guidelines and enables transparent communication of possible connections between EMF and health outcomes.