Automatic RF Input Power Level Control Methodology for SAR Measurement Validation

Abstract

Evaluation of radiating radiofrequency fields from hand-held and body-mounted wireless communication devices to human bodies are conducted by measuring the specific absorption rate (SAR). The uncertainty of system validation and probe calibration in SAR measurement depend on the variation of RF power used for the validation and calibration. RF input power for system validation or probe calibration is controlled manually during the test process of the existing systems in the laboratories. Consequently, a long time is required to reach the stable power needed for testing that will cause less uncertainty. The standard uncertainty due to this power drift is typically 2.89%, which can be obtained by applying IEC 62209 in a normal operating condition. The principle of the Automatic Input Power Level Control System (AIPLC), which controls the equipment by a program that maintains a stable input power level, is suggested in this paper. The power drift is reduced to less than <TEX>${\pm}1.16dB$</TEX> by AIPLC, which reduces the standard uncertainty of power drift to 0.67%.