An evaluation and modeling of the electromagnetic compatibility problems of new generation communication systems

This study presents the long-term and periodic measurements of field intensity emitted from the base stations and several other high-frequency electromagnetic field sources located in and around the Malatya (Turkey) metropolitan city centre along with an evaluation of the results of these measurements and the related electromagnetic compatibility maps. To this end, the study concentrates on intensive living and working areas like microwave radio relay areas, medical centre, and university campus by identifying the changing trends of electromagnetic field intensity and power density through instant, periodic, and continuous measurements and by determining the highest and lowest values so as to delineate regional electromagnetic compatibility maps of these areas. The 60% increase in the number of base stations in the region during the monitoring and measuring process has raised the average electromagnetic field intensity value up to 210% while increasing the highest electromagnetic field intensity value to around 200%. In order to carry out instant control of electromagnetic field levels in Turkey, MonitEM continuous measurement and monitoring system was the first system that was put into use; since then, MonitEM has performed more than 200 million electromagnetic field intensity measurements and added these measurements to the networking web of the international data centre. The study presents a modeling to estimate electromagnetic field intensity that considers climate conditions (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) and communication traffic (Erlang) values by using ANN and MLRS methods. It has been observed that the measurement results are below the limit values of international (ICNIRP) and national (BTK) electromagnetic field safety standards for the time being. To determine the electromagnetic field changes and exposure emitted by the GSM and UMTS base station antennas that affect the surrounding regions, either remote or close by, a characteristic impedance method theoretical model has been developed. At the end, theoretical model and experimental results have satisfactorily matched.