Simplified Methodology of Electromagnetic Field Measurements in the Vicinity of 5G Massive MIMO Base Station for Environmental Exposure Assessment

The development of wireless systems technologies consists, on the one hand, in new methods of generating a radio signal and, on the other hand, in optimizing the transmission of this signal, for instance, by using modern multiantenna technology. This is particularly visible in cellular systems, especially 5G, where network capacity, link throughput and energy optimization are very important. Changes in technology are followed by the need to adapt methods for measuring the electromagnetic field strength in the vicinity of the base station to new cellular standards, mainly because of the introduction of features that allow for real time change in radiation pattern and power distribution. This paper presents basics of multiantenna systems and beamforming techniques for modern cellular networks and the related consequences of evaluating electromagnetic field distribution in the vicinity of such installations for the purpose of compliance with the applicable radio frequency exposure limits. Measurement methods are presented together with the proposal for the optimized and simplified methodology, which can be used for the in-situ electromagnetic field exposure assessment in the vicinity of base stations with multiantenna systems and the configured maximum transmitted power. The measurement methodology has been verified empirically.