Comparison of Measured Values Based on NR Signal Extrapolation Methods Utilizing Spectrum Analyzer and Decoder

This paper clarifies differences between measured values from two NR signal extrapolation methods in the IEC 62232 standard that are based on SSB and used to evaluate the maximum NR exposure from a 5G base station.This paper also discusses the optimum parameter settings to minimize measurement errors associated with the extrapolation methods.A measurement system is used in which a signal generator that outputs the NR downlink signal is connected to a receiver via an RF cable to obtain the measurement values for extrapolation.The IEC 62232 standard gives two NR signal extrapolation methods: one utilizing a spectrum analyzer and the other utilizing a decoder.However, there has not been sufficient investigation to explain the spectrum analyzer parameters that will minimize the measurement errors.Moreover, the differences between extrapolated values of the SSB signal power obtained using the spectrum analyzer and the decoder have not yet been compared.This paper clarifies that the high video bandwidth parameter causes the spectrum analyzers with a peak detector to overestimate the measured values using the NR signal extrapolation methods.Furthermore, the NR signal extrapolation method utilizing the decoder can provide low measurement errors of less than 1 dB without detailed settings.