RF Safety

This presentation is copyrighted as defined on the cover page.
RF Safety Analysis versus EMC

Prepared for
Long Island Chapter
IEEE EMC Society
February 10, 2004
2004 RF Safety Solutions LLC
This presentation is copyrighted and is intended for
non-commercial use by members of the IEEE. No
right to distribute copies publicly by sale, lease, and
lending or to third parties is authorized.
RF Safety versus EMC
Related disciplines with
major differences.
Topics
EMC versus RF Safetyan Overview
RF Safety Biology
RF Safety Standards
RF Safety Measurements
Summary
EMC versus RF SafetyOverview
Types of measurements, objectives,
levels, frequencies, units of measure,
and test environments.
EMC Measurements
Radiated susceptibility
Conducted susceptibility
Radiated emissions
Conducted emissions
Resistance to ESD
Field intensity
Induced and contact currents (not common)
Objectives
EMC: Determine whether a UUT functions
correctly when subjected to RF fields.
RF Safety: Insure that people are not
exposed to potentially hazardous RF fields.
Typical Electric Field Levels
EMC:
3 to 200 V/m (2.5 W/cm to 11 mW/cm)
RF Safety:
6 to 1,380 V/m (10 W/cm to 500 mW/cm)
Units of Measure
EMC:
V/m and A/m
RF Safety:
mW/cm and Percent of Standard
Frequency Range
EMC:
10 kHz to 40 GHz
RF Safety:
Standards: 3 kHz to 300 GHz
Measurements: 300 kHz to 100 GHz
EMC Measurement Environments
Anechoic chamber
TEM cell
G-TEM cell
Antenna range (indoor or outdoor)
RF Safety Environments
Outdoors
Around industrial processing equipment
Waveguide leaks
Biology
Non-ionizing versus ionizing
radiation and RF bio effects
Ionizing versus Non-ionizing
The electromagnetic spectrum generates
two types of radiation:
Ionizing radiation
Non-ionizing radiation
Ionizing versus Non-ionizing Radiation
Sources and Effects
are totally different
Defining an Electromagnetic Wave
Frequencymost common definition for
people working in electronics.
Wavelengthmost common way of
defining light frequencies, also used in
electronics. { (meters) = 300/f (MHz)}
Energymost common way of defining the
higher frequency sources of energy such
as x-rays and gamma rays. {E(energy) = h x f}
Ionizing Versus Non-ionizing Radiation
ENERGY = h x f
Where f = frequency
h = Plancks constant
(6.63 x 10
-34
joule seconds)
The higher the frequency, the higher the
energy
At a frequency of approximately 2420
thousand GHz (the upper end of the UV
range) the energy level is sufficient to
ionize water molecules. This equates to
12.4 eV.
Frequencies and energies at or above this
level are classified as ionizing.
Ionizing radiation can cause permanent,
biological changes to molecular structure.
The ability to ionize is totally frequency
dependent, i.e.
The worlds largest radio transmitter can not
cause ionization.
An extremely small amount of radioactive
material, such as uranium, can cause ionization.
The biological effects are totally different.
Ionizing Versus Non-ionizing
Effects of non-ionizing radiation arenot
cumulative.
Effects of ionizing radiation arecumulative.
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Non-Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing Versus Non-ionizing
Electromagnetic energy at frequencies above UV light is
ionizing, i.e. photons have enough energy to tear electrons
from their atoms, creating ions. This can cause permanent
biological changes to molecular structure of cells.
The primary concern with RF (non-ionizing) radiation is
tissue heating.
Shocks and burns (electro-stimulation) are a concern at the
lower RF frequencies.
Frequency,
Hertz
10
5
0
10
1
2
10
1
4
10
1
5
10
1
7
10
2
0
10
2
4
ELF
fields
Radio
Waves
Infrared
Ultra-
Violet
X-Rays
Gamma
& Cosmic
Rays
Non-ionizing Radiation Ionizing Radiation
Visible
Light
Biological Effects
Non-ionizing Radiation
and the Human Body
Key Points to Understand
Which factors determine how effectively a
body (or parts of a body) are heated?
How much heat can a body absorb before
adverse affects are felt?
At what levels can permanent biological
damage occur?
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The rate of absorption of
energy into the body.
The method used to
quantify the effects of
electromagnetic fields on
the body.
The basis for all modern
standards.
SAR measured in W/kg
RF Energy and the Human Body
There are many factors that affect
absorption into the human body:
Dielectric composition.
Size of the body.
Shape, orientation and polarization.
Complexity of the RF field.
RF Absorption Versus Frequency
10 30 100 300 1 3 10 30 100
Frequency (MHz) (GHz)
1.0
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.0001
S
p
e
c
i
f
i
c

A
b
s
o
r
p
t
i
o
n

R
a
t
e

(
W
/
k
g
)
MAN RAT
SAR Induced with a 1 mW/cm
2
RF Field
Whole Body Heating
The body acts like an absorptive antenna.
Thin, lossless
dipole antenna
Fat, lossey body
Shape, Orientation & Polarization
The human body in a vertical position
absorbs 10 times more energy in a
vertically polarized field than in a
horizontally polarized field.
Similarly, a prone body in a
horizontally polarized field also
absorbs the most energy.
SAR Versus Frequency
E - Polarization
H - Polarization
K - Polarization
E
K
H
Antenna
Radiation
Frequency
10 30 100 300
(MHz) (GHz)
S
p
e
c
i
f
i
c

A
b
s
o
r
p
t
i
o
n

R
a
t
e

(
W
/
k
g
)
.0001
.001
.01
0.1
1.0
SAR Induced in a 1.75m high Human Exposed to a 1 mW/cm
2
RF Field
1 3 10 30 100
SAR Versus Frequency
10 30 60 100 300 600 1000
1.0
Numerical Calculations
based on a block model
of man in conductive
contact with ground
One year old child
in conductive
contact with ground
Prolate model of
a human infant
Frequency (MHz)
A
v
e
r
a
g
e

S
A
R

(
W
/
k
g
)
0.3
0.1
0.03
0.01
0.003
0.001
Upper limit for the range of human beings from infant to adult
Whole Body Resonance
Where (m) = 300/F (MHz); assumes a dipole = /2
150 MHz 300 MHz 20 0.5 Infant
33 MHz 66 MHz 90 2.29 NBA player
43 MHz 86 MHz 69 1.75 Adult male
f
R(Grounded)
f
R(Isolated)
Ht(in) Ht(m) Subject
Time Averaging
Because the primary effect is thermal, exposure is
averaged over time.
In most standards the averaging time is six
minutes, which is close to the thermal regulatory
response time of the human body.
There are limits on peak exposure levels, but they
only apply in highly unusual circumstances such
as EMP testing.
Spatial Averaging
Measurements are averaged over an area
equivalent to the vertical cross section of the
human body.
The limbs can tolerate higher levels since the
bodys circulatory system acts as a coolant
with the remainder of the body functioning as a
radiator. (Typically 20:1 higher).
The basic limits apply for the eyes and testes
due to the poor blood flow of these organs.
SAR Versus Metabolic Rate
How much heat can a body absorb before
adverse affects are felt?
At what levels can permanent biological
damage occur?
Specific Absorption Rate
Normal metabolic rate for humans:
1 w/kg when sleeping.
2.4 w/kg during normal exercise.
Maximum rate for healthy young adults
over a period of 5 to 6 hours:
4 to 5 w/kg.
Most western standards are based on levels
of 0.4 w/kg a 10:1 safety factor.
Safety Factors
If healthy young adults can tolerate
4 W/kg, then why are most standards based
on only 0.4 W/kg?
Why a 10:1 Safety Factor
Rate assumes room temperatureif RFR
exposure occurs at high temperature, the body
already has a thermal load.
Hot spots can occur within the body, especially in
the human resonance range.
Not everyone is young or healthy.
The individual may be engaged in a physically
stressful task, such as climbing a tower, that
generates heat by itself.
Specific Absorption Rates (SAR)
Cell phone limit for the head. 1.6
FCC Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit for
General Population/Uncontrolled exposure.
0.08
FCC Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit for
Occupational/Controlled exposure.
0.4
Permanent damage can occur with whole body heating. 5.0
Situation/Limit SAR
Level*
*Watts per kilogram of body mass.
Overexposure Symptoms
As time and/or energy level (intensity) increases,
an individual is likely to experience:
First, an overall feeling of warmth.
Then, symptoms similar to overexertion
(perspiration, elevated body temperature, labored
breathing).
Symptoms (nausea, headache) are often mistaken
for the flu.
Severe cases have the same effect as heat stroke.
Medical Implants
If you have a medical implant with
electronic circuitry, it may be prone to
malfunction in moderate level RF fields.
Devices such as cardiac pacemakers,
medical monitoring equipment, and pumps
may malfunction at field levels far below
the FCC regulations.
Standards & Regulations
Standards in the U.S.
Two major standards are used in the U.S.:
FCC 1997 Regulations
Levels based on NCRP Report 86 (1986)
IEEE C95.1-1999 (ANSI C95.1-1999)
DOD Instruction based on IEEE
DOE (proposed) based on IEEE
ACGIH based on IEEE
First Standard Based on SAR
0.01
ANSI C95.1-1982. Adopted by the FCC in 1986
MHz
1 3 10 30 100 300 1 3 10 30 100 300 3 10 30 100 300
kHz GHz
0.1
1.0
10
100
10
4
10
5
10
6
900/f
2
f/300 E&H
mW/cm
2
10
3
Radiation Protection
Guide
Time and Whole Body
Averaged
f in MHz
FCC 1997 Regulations
0.01
MHz
1 3 10 30 100 300 1 3 10 30 100 300 3 10 30 100 300
kHz GHz
0.1
1.0
10
100
10
4
10
5
10
6
180/f
2
900/f
2
f/300
f/1500
E&H
= Occupational
= General
Population
1.34 15
mW/cm
2
10
3
Maximum Permissible
Exposures (MPEs)
f in MHz
IEEE C95.1-1999
MHz kHz GHz
1 3 10 30 100 300 1 3 10 30 100 300 3 10 30 100 300
0.1
1.0
10
100
10
4
10
5
10
6
10,000/f
2
180/f
2
900/f
2
f/300
f/1500
H
E
= Controlled
= Uncontrolled
1.34 15
mW/cm
2
10
3
Maximum Permissible
Exposures (MPEs)
Time and Whole Body
Averaged
f in MHz
American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
0.01
MHz
1 3 10 30 100 300 1 3 10 30 100 300 3 10 30 100 300
kHz GHz
0.1
1.0
10
100
10
4
10
5
10
6
10,000/f
2
900/f
2
f/300
H
E
mW/cm
2
10
3
Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)
Time and Whole Body
Averaged
f in MHz
E & H
EMC versus RF Safety Measurements
EMC engineers work to establish a precise RF
field level under controlled conditions. Normally
only one frequency is used at a time.
RF safety measurements focus on trying to
determine RF field levels under conditions that are
anything but controlled.
Output levels vary over time.
Multiple emitters and modulation schemes.
Reflections from towers, buildings, and the ground.
Field interaction.
Influence of the surveyor and the instruments.
FREQUENCY
3 MHz 30 MHz 300 MHz 3 GHz
3.0
100.0
10.0
1.0
m
W
/
c
m
Determining Compliance in a
Multi-Signal Environment
Field strength: 5 mW/cm
and 71 % of Standard
FREQUENCY
3 MHz 30 MHz 300 MHz 3 GHz
3.0
100.0
10.0
1.0
Determining Compliance in a
Multi-Signal Environment
m
W
/
c
m
Field strength: 5 mW/cm

and 169 % of Standard
Shaped Frequency Response Probes
Shaped probes have frequency-dependent
sensitivity that attempts to mimic the
exposure limits of a specific standard.
Design of sensors is similar to a filter.
Deviation from standard is normally
greatest in the transition regions. Best
probes conform within 2 dB.
Output is in Percent of Standard.
Shaped Frequency Response Probes
0.01
MHz
1 3 10 30 100 300 1 3 10 30 100 300 3 10 30 100 300
kHz GHz
0.1
1.0
10
100
10
4
10
5
10
6
mW/cm
2
10
3
Maximum Permissible
Exposures (MPEs)
Mt. Wilson Antenna Farm
The antenna farm on Mt.
Wilson contains all of the
TV and most of the FM
stations that serve the Los
Angeles area.
There are > 30 towers and
>50 broadcast antennas.
One area recently cited by
the FCC has 21 emitters
contributing significant
field strength.
South Mountain
South Mountain contains all the television stations that
serve the Phoenix area. It also contains numerous FM
stations and wireless services.
There are >30 towers on South Mountain and countless
antennas.
Tucson Mountain
Tucson Mountain is one
of three modest sized
antenna farms that
serves the Tucson area.
It contains five 100 kW
FM stations, several TV
stations, and numerous
wireless antenna
systems
Rooftop Sites
In addition to the
multitude of wireless
systems, this rooftop in
Houston also has an FM
antenna.
Field levels vary
constantly as the number
of channels in use change
and pagers go on and off.
Rooftop Sites
This rooftop in Phoenix
has an FM antenna aimed
towards the door.
The RF fields near the
entrance door are about
300% of Occupational
limits.
Personnel will now wear
an RF personal monitor
when visiting this site.
A Small Antenna Farm
This small antenna
farm on a mountain in
Santa Barbara has
more than 50 wireless,
FM, and television
transmit antennas.
The FM antennas that
are mounted close to
the ground generate
significant RF fields.
Summary
RF Safety
Determining RF safety compliance is not
just about making measurements.
Limiting human exposure, not emissions, is
the goal. This involves risk assessment and
the use of controls.
Engineering controls, such as interlocks and
automatic shutoffs.
Administrative controls, such as policies and
procedures.
Relationship of EMC to RF Safety
Both disciplines involve the measurement
of RF fields.
Similar equipment is often used.
There are different objectives and very
different measurement conditions.
EMC Measurements
Standards are precise.
Test procedures are well defined.
Test conditions are controlled.
Personnel are well trained.
Standards have specific exposure limits but the
criteria for which tier to use and how to apply are
confusing.
Test procedures are not defined.
Test conditions are not controlled.
Personnel are often poorly trained. The recent
growth in the industry has seen an influx of
personnel that fit the description of Last week I
couldnt spell surveyor, this week I am one.
Summary
Questions?
Additional Information
Web site contains a great deal of
information with links to other sources.
www.RFSafetySolutions.com

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RF Safety Analysis versus EMC

Field strength: 5 mW/cm

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