Introducing the Narda 5G FR2 Frequency Downconverter Antennas

New Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antennas for the Measurement of Electromagnetic Fields

Isotropic EMF measurements are normally measured isotropically, i.e. independent of direction. However, with the introduction of 5G NR FR2 i.e., frequencies > 20GHz and bandwidths up to 1000 MHz, there is a demand in the market for frequency selective measurements. In Australia, the roll-out of the Frequency Range 2 (FR2) network is well underway. Mike Wood and his team at Telstra have carried out many practical mmWave small cell trials using the Narda mmWave 5G FR2 Antennas to test out the electromagnetic energy (EME) levels of Telstra’s 5G infrastructure to determine the EME levels of the 5G rollout on the general public.  

Narda Safety Test Solutions has developed two new 5G antennas for the tried and tested field strength radiation measuring system, the SRM-3006, to measure the upper-frequency band Frequency Range 2 (FR2). The SRM-3006 Selective Radiation Meter displays the EMF strength as a percentage of the regulatory limits or standards and covers all the cellular bands including the 5G bands in Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2) with the two new downconverter antennas.

The Low Noise Block (LNB) antennas are available in two models:

1. the directional (horn) antenna with high sensitivity
2. the omni-directional antennas

The Type of Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antennas

Both models of the Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antenna include a downconverter that converts the millimetre wave from 24.25 GHz to 29.5 GHz into the SRM-3006’s receive band. This means that the RF cable between the antenna and the basic unit only transmits frequencies up to a maximum of 6 GHz, which greatly reduces the cable loss compared with a 20 GHz cable. The downconverter is located within the antenna and therefore allows users to use the antennas on all SRM-3006 units without the need to upgrade or modify the base unit.

Directional (Horn) Antennas 

The directional antennas with high sensitivity have been designed to be used for EMF measurements inside buildings or from a larger distance where the field strengths are low and weak. For example – a modern coated glass window can attenuate a signal at 24GHz by about 30dB. To be able to detect such a field strength, a high gain antenna is required. 

Omnidirectional Antennas

Omnidirectional antennas are suitable for outdoor EMF measurements and any other non-directional EMF measurements in the open air. The antenna offers an omnidirectional reception characteristic that roughly corresponds to that of a doughnut. Ideal reception results are therefore obtained from an X-Y spatial plane. To cover all three spatial axes for isotropic measurements, the antenna must be connected to the basic unit via an RF cable and moved accordingly during the measurement. An omnidirectional antenna is the best compromise between a directional horn antenna and an isotropic antenna for the FR2 range.

Product Highlights of the Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antennas

Standout features of the Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antennas include:

• Calibrated antennas for reliable measurements  - The device comes calibrated for ease of use however the recommended calibration interval is 24 months.
• Measurements are displayed in field strength or in per cent of limit values, e.g. ICNIRP, FCC  - EMF measurements are displayed in a easy to understand exposure values in units of field strength or as a percentage of a selected human safety value for individual frequency bands as specified by the user. With a direct safety evaluation, the user has direct onsite evidence of compliance with defined limit values as well as information on the proportion of overall exposure that is due to each of the frequency bands considered.
• Easy to set up  - Once the Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antenna is connected all that is required to set up is the desired frequency band and start the measurement sequence as usual. The antennas also have their frequency response data stored in the 5G antenna itself. When connected using a Narda antenna cable the data is automatically read by the SRM-3006. Simple measurement and operation guarantee fast, reliable and error-free measurement data for the user.
• Built-in battery that is independent of the basic unit  - The downconverter antennas have a built-in battery that is independent of the SRM-3006 unit so that the runtime of the SRM-3006 is not affected by the operation of the antennas. The battery on the antennas can be charged via a USB-C socket and also be used for long-term measurements by connecting it to a USB power bank.

Narda Safety Test Solutions is a leading supplier for developing quality, application-tailored measurement EMF test and measurement solutions for safety, environmental and personal protection. To learn more about the Narda 5G FR2 Downconverter Antennas please contact your local Air-Met Scientific office to speak to one of our sales representatives.

Air-Met Scientific is the exclusive supplier of Narda EMF range in Australia.