Visualization of 5G antenna radiation characteristics using 3D printed models – focusing on busting the myths and finding out the truth about 5G health issues

Abstract

The developments of mobile communication technology accompanied by increase in the number of high frequency bands and antennas, gave the public a negative perception that 5G is harmful to human health. Recently, rumors circulated on social media that 5G spreads COVID-19 and the pandemic. Leaving this situation untouched will hinder the successful landing of 5G and the development of 6G technology. Hence, the misunderstanding and groundless belief in 5G need to be corrected. We believe that misunderstanding and myths about 5G communications stem from fears of invisible electromagnetic waves. We visualize and compare the 5G and 4G antennas’ radiation properties by creating models with 3D printing technology to offer an intuitive impression of antenna characteristics and dispel the invisible fear. The radiation characteristics of the antennas used in 5G and 4G base stations and smartphones and their impacts on the human body are analyzed by using the electromagnetic simulator, HFSS.

KEYWORDS:

• 5G
• base station antenna
• smartphone antenna
• 3D printing
• 3D model
• antennas
• radiation pattern
• SAR

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jung-Hyeon Kim

Jung-Hyeon Kim received his B.S. degree in information and communication engineering from Dongyang Mirae University, Seoul, Korea, in 2021. His research interests include antenna design and EMC.

Soo-Jin Joo

Soo-Jin Joo received her B.S. degree in information and communication engineering from Dongyang Mirae University, Seoul, Korea, in 2022. Her research interests include RF circuit design and antenna design.

Yong-Hoon Kim

Yong-Hoon Kim is currently pursuing his B.S. degree in information and communication engineering, Dongyang Mirae University, Seoul, Korea. His research interests include antenna design and 3D printed model design.

Tae-Hoon Yoo

Tae-Hoon Yoo received the B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea in 1985, 1987 and 2000, respectively. He worked for Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Korea, as a research engineer from 1987 to 1993. Since 1993, he has been a professor with the Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Dongyang Mirae University, Seoul, Korea. His research interests include antenna and microwave circuit designs, and EMI/EMC.