The International Intercomparison of SAR Measurements on Cellular Telephones

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an international intercomparison of specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements made with actual wireless telephones, following a similar program involving standard dipole antennas and flat phantoms. This study involved 17 laboratories in 11 different countries. All the participating laboratories supplied their data to the University of Maryland. The test of the reliability of dosimetric assessments involved an intercomparison of SAR measurements made in a head phantom filled with simulant fluid. These measurements are made using small electric field probes placed in the head phantoms. Two different wireless phones, a Motorola Model V290 and a Nokia Model 6310, were circulated to each participating laboratory, which provided its own electric field probes, head phantom, base station emulator to activate the phones, scanning system, and a simulant fluid prepared to a required prescription. The measurement technique to be followed was guided by the specifications given in the IEEE 1528 Compliance standard. At the conclusion of each laboratory's measurements, its results were communicated to the coordinators including 1 and 10 g maximum SARs for each phone at both 900 and 1800 MHz, and for the left and right cheeks, and left and right tilt positions relative to the phantom.