Approximate methods for EMF compliance assessments of large array antennas

In this paper, efficient EMF compliance test methodologies for large size array antennas with beam forming capabilities are proposed and evaluated. Different approaches based on the characteristics of a central element or a number of elements that are essential for describing the array behavior have been investigated and compared with a full-wave reference solution. The results show that for electrically large arrays, accurate compliance boundary dimensions may be obtained using a field combining procedure taking assessment results for a centrally placed element or results for a handful of elements as input. Compared with the general and straight-forward approach based on field combining of embedded assessment results for each element, the approximate methods allow for significant reductions of the total assessment time.