Budget software plots basestation radiation

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jul 9, 2003

New from RF radiation safety specialist Link Microtek is a low-cost version of Telstra's established MBSFIP mobile basestation field intensity plotter simulation software.

New from RF radiation safety specialist Link Microtek is a low-cost version of Telstra's established MBSFIP mobile basestation field intensity plotter simulation software.

Known as MBSFIP-Lite, the new package is primarily designed to enable local authorities and community groups to carry out an assessment of the RF radiation levels associated with a single antenna, whereas the original MBSFIP package can be used for complex multiple-antenna applications.

MBSFIP-Lite provides a clear graphical representation of the RF field intensity as a function of distance from the basestation, with emission levels displayed in a choice of five standard units or as a percentage of ICNIRP public exposure limits.

An elevation plot can also be generated at user-selected points, enabling the field strength in nearby high-rise buildings to be determined.

The plots and a textual summary can be copied and pasted into other programs to allow more effective communication of the results, eg by using presentation software with the plots overlaid on to local street maps.

Designed to be easily understood by the general public, the simple coloured plots are calculated from site variables such as the type, height, bearing and tilt of antenna, feeder losses, transmission power, and number of RF carriers.

By providing the RF field information in a format that is easy for both local authorities and residents to comprehend, the software reduces the uncertainty about emission levels and helps to reassure all parties about the safety of cellular basestations.

Compatible with all Windows-based PCs, MBSFIP-Lite includes a library of standard antenna patterns, together with a facility for importing new antenna pattern files.