Design and Calibration of E-Field Probe for Multi Cellular Technology Frequency Bands (2G, 3G,4G)

Abstract

In this paper, a probe for measuring radio-frequency electric fields in the environment is designed and presented. These electric fields consist of multi cellular technology (2G, 3G and 4G), including four bands: GSM900, GSM1800, 3G2100 and LTE2600. This device, called the MCT electric probe, is realized by three orthogonal antennas, in connection to frequency multiplexer circuits and detectors. The proposed antenna is a 3-D multi-branch monopole antenna, and these orthogonal antennas can receive the electric fields in all directions uniformly and isotopically. The proposed multiplexer can separate the received signals into four narrowband and has the ability to remove out-of-band signals. The detector is able to convert the fields received from the antenna and multiplexer sections to suitable DC voltages for amplifying and digital processing. Finally, the designed MCT electric probe is fabricated and tested. The measurements confirm the proper operation of the probe in terms of dynamic range, accuracy, sensitivity, and the linearity and isotropicity of the received electric fields.