Accurate electromagnetic exposure assessment around UMTS base stations with a spectrum analyzer

The purpose of the investigation was to derive the optimal configuration of the spectrum analyser when used for the exposure assessment around base stations, together with the associated uncertainty and the underlying rationale for the chosen settings. A base-band simulation model for both the spectrum analyser and the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) communication signals has been developed to investigate the behaviour of the spectrum analyser when used for exposure assessment. Simulations and theoretical derivations enable to determine the theoretical bounds on the achievable accuracy for the measurement of a mobile communications signal and to examine the impact on the measurement result of one individual setting of the spectrum analyser. The simulation and theoretical models have been validated with measurements on a realistic UMTS test-signal.