IEEE 1528-2003

To specify protocols for the measurement of the peak spatial-average specific absorption rate (SAR) in a simplified model of the head of users of hand-held radio transceivers used for personal wireless communications services and intended to be operated while held next to the ear. It applies to contemporary and future devices with the same or similar operational characteristics as contemporary devices that operate in the 300 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range and provides a conservative estimate of the spatial peak SAR representative of that which would be expected to occur in the heads of a significant majority of persons during normal use of these devices, but which may not be the absolute maximum value that could possibly occur under every conceivable combination of head size, head shape, handset orientation and spacing relative to the head.

The purpose of this recommended practice is to provide a protocol for the measurement of the peak spatial-average SAR in an anatomical model of the human head of users of wireless handsets intended to be operated while held next to the ear. It provides the users with standardized and accepted protocols, measurement and validation techniques, and means for estimating the overall uncertainty in order to produce valid and repeatable data. Specific SAR limit values are not included since these are found in other documents, e.g., IEEE Std C95.

New IEEE Standard - Superseded. IEEE Std 1528-2003 specifies protocols and test procedures for the measurement of the peak spatial-average SAR induced inside a simplified model of the head of users of certain handheld radio transceivers. These transceivers are intended to be used for personal wireless communications services, operate in the 300 MHz–3 GHz frequency range, and are intended to be operated while held against the ear. The results obtained by following the protocols specified in this recommended practice represent a conservative estimate of the peak spatial-average SAR induced in the head of a significant majority of persons, subject to measurement and other uncertainties that are defined in this standard. The results are representative of those expected during conditions of normal use of a handheld wireless device. It is not the intent of this recommended practice to provide a result representative of the absolute maximum SAR value possible under every conceivable combination of head size, head shape, handset orientation, and spacing relative to the head. The measurement of SAR induced in the external tissues of the head, e.g., the external ear (pinna), is not addressed in this standard. The following items are described in detail: measurement concepts, measurement techniques, instruments, calibration techniques, simulated-tissue (phantom) models, including homogeneous anatomical models of the human head and simple phantoms for validation of the SAR measurement system, and the limitations of these systems when used for measuring the spatial-peak mass-averaged SAR. Procedures for calibrating electric field (E-field) probes used for SAR measurements and assessing the SAR measurement and system uncertainties are provided in the annexes. This recommended practice is intended primarily for use by engineers and other specialists who are familiar with electromagnetic (EM) theory and measurement techniques.