Analyser gets the measure of RF radiation

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jun 18, 2004

The Narda SRM-3000 is a selective radiation meter claimed to break new ground in safety measurement technology by combining a handheld spectrum analyser with a dedicated isotropic probe.

The Narda SRM-3000 is a selective radiation meter claimed to break new ground in safety measurement technology by combining a handheld spectrum analyser with a dedicated isotropic probe.

Capable of measuring the emissions from each individual source within a multiple-frequency RF environment, the SRM-3000 is ideal for use at shared transmitter sites and will therefore be of particular interest to broadcasters, mobile phone companies, radio network operators, measurement service providers and public authorities.

The meter offers high sensitivity compared with conventional broadband measuring equipment, and it is supplied as standard with a triaxial probe that allows isotropic measurements of field strength over the frequency range 80MHz to 3GHz, which covers FM radio and TV broadcast frequencies as well as GSM and the latest 3G mobile services.

The use of an isotropic probe means that safety measurements can be made quickly and accurately without the need to take readings in three orthogonal directions and calculate the resultant value.

In its simplest mode of operation, known as safety evaluation mode, the meter automatically provides the user with the total field strength value, together with a list of the field strength readings for the individual telecom services at the site.

Shown in tabular format on the 115 x 80mm LCD, the results can be expressed as a percentage of a permissible limit (eg ICNIRP reference levels) or as absolute values in a choice of different units.

The SRM-3000 also has an advanced mode of operation - spectrum analysis - which provides a conventional graphical display of field strength across all frequencies in a specified range.

The new meter has sufficient built-in memory for storing at least 500 spectral plots, and results can easily be transferred to a PC via the RS232 interface for long-term storage or further analysis.

Powered by rechargeable batteries or an external AC adapter, the SRM-3000 is supplied complete with configuration software, cables, carrying strap and operating manual.