Exposure to RF EMF from Array Antennas in 5G Mobile Communication Equipment

In this paper, radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure evaluations are conducted in the frequency range 10-60 GHz for array antennas intended for user equipment (UE) and low-power radio base stations in 5G mobile communication systems. A systematic study based on numerical power density simulations considering effects of frequency, array size, array topology, distance to exposed part of human body, and beam steering range is presented whereby the maximum transmitted power to comply with RF EMF exposure limits specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, the US Federal Communications Commission, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is determined. The maximum transmitted power is related to the maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power to highlight the relevance of the output power restrictions for a communication channel. A comparison between the simulation and measurement data is provided for a canonical monopole antenna. For small distances, with the antennas transmitting directly toward the human body, it is found that the maximum transmitted power is significantly below the UE power levels used in existing third and fourth generation mobile communication systems. Results for other conceivable exposure scenarios based on technical solutions that could allow for larger output power levels are also discussed. The obtained results constitute valuable information for the design of future mobile communication systems and for the standardization of EMF compliance assessment procedures of 5G devices and equipment.