Assessing the Electromagnetic Field Exposure of 5G Transmitters: Challenges & Solutions

ABSTRACTThe ever-increasing densification of cellular base stations, combined with the use of active antenna systems, leads to concerns about human exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF). From a regulatory point of view, adapting assessment and validation methodologies for new 5G installations is also a complex exercise, as it will be for future generations. Most methodologies used by regulators rely on calculations or measurement approaches that are not always appropriate - leading to an overestimation of EMF levels. This paper gives an overview of existing calculation methods to correctly estimate the EMF exposure of a 5G mobile network, and provides an analysis to select the most appropriate framework. To do so, we first describes the key definitions and concepts framing EMF exposure assessment. Then, we review the state-of-the-art assessment methods that consider 5G's key features: Massive MIMO, millimeter Wave, and precise beamforming. Then, we propose an analysis based on Non-standalone (NSA) and Standalone standards-based (SA) paths to 5G. Next, we analyse the key standard used in Europe, i.e. IEC62232, and compare it with other standards and approaches to give a comprehensive analysis of what is missing and needed for the next versions. Finally, we select the most appropriate framework for calculation and computation considering the new wireless technologies.