Assessment of mobile phone user exposure to UMTS and LTE signals: comparative near-field radiated power levels for various data and voice application services

Abstract

The aim of present research was the experimental characterization of the radiated power and its dynamics in the near-field of mobile terminal during its use in various voice and data application services belonging to either Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or Long-term Evolution (LTE) communication technologies. The quantification of the realistic electromagnetic exposure of human user was done by offering a complementary, non-standardized method that enables a comprehensive dosimetric understanding of radiation impact. Statistical analysis was applied over the radiated power levels measured in different wireless communication situations followed by average and worst case exposure highlighting. Highest power levels were measured for uploading-type applications running under both UMTS and LTE networks. Among UMTS voice application services, VoIP-radiated power levels were on average 1.4 higher than those for VoCS services. The multiplication factor of the radiated power in LTE vs. UMTS was in average 15.3, ranging from 9.3 up to 31.6, depending on the considered application service. Present results demonstrate that highest exposure is expected for the same application type when running under LTE rather than under UMTS standard.

Keywords:

• Radiofrequency dosimetry
• near-field exposure
• radiated power
• UMTS
• LTE
• application services

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the valuable support offered by Rohde & Schwarz Romania SRL in Bucharest, especially to Mr. Cristian Bolovan.