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PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: (561) 320-9162
Fax: (561) 320-9176
[email protected]
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD METER
PCE-EM 29
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Unit 11
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: (0) 2380 98703 0
Fax: (0) 2380 98703 9
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
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Contents
1. SAFETY INFORMATION
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Fundamentals
2.2. Application
2.3. Features
3. SPECIFICATIONS
3.1. General Specifications
3.2. Electrical Specifications
4. OPERATION
4.1. Front panel controls description
4.2. LCD display description
4.3. Use E-field sensor
4.4. Explanatory notes
4.5. Setting
4.6. Making measurements
4.7. Manual data memory storing individual measured values
5. MEASUREMENT PREPARATION
5.1. Battery Loading
5.2. Battery Replacement
the meter
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1. SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION
• Before making a measur ement, check if the lo w battery sym bol (
soon as the meter is switched on. Change the battery if the symbol is di splayed.
+
) is shown on the display as
• In the case of prolonged storage, it is preferable to remove the battery from the meter.
• Avoid shaking the meter, particularly in the measurement mode.
• The accuracy and function of the meter may be adversely affected by the specified limits outside and
improper handling.
DANGER !
• In some cases, work in the vicinity of powerful radiation sources can be a risk of your life.
• Be aware that persons with electronic implants(e.g. cardiac pacemakers) are subject to particular dange rs in
some cases.
• Observe the local safety regulations of the facility operation.
• Observe the operating instructions for equipment which is used to generate, conduct or consumer
electromagnetic energy.
• Be aware that secondary radiators (e.g. reflective objects such as a metallic fence) can cause a local
amplification of the field.
• Be aware that the field strength in the near vicinity of radiators increases proportionall y to the inverse cube
of the distance. This means that enormous field strengths can result in the immediate vicinity of small
radiation sources (e.g. leak in waveguides, inductive ovens).
• Field strength measuring device can u nderrate pulsed signals. Particularly with radar signals, significant
measurement errors can arise.
All field strength measuring devices have a limited specified frequency range. Fields with spectral
•
components outside of this frequency range are generally incorrectly evaluated and tend to be underrated.
Before using field strength measuring devices, you should thus be certain that all field components to be
measured lie in the specified frequency range of the measuring device.
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1. Fundamentals
Electromagnetic pollution
This Meter used to indicate electromagnetic pollution generated artificially. Wherever there is a voltage or
a current, the electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields arise. All types of radio broadcasting and TV transmitters
produce electromagnetic fields, and they also arise in industry, business and the home, where they affect
us even if our sense organs perceive nothing.
Electric field strength (E):
A field vector quantity that represents the force (F) on an infinitesimal unit positive test charge (q) at a point
divided by that charge. Electric field strength is expressed in units of volts per meter (V/m).
Use the units of electric field strength for
• In the near-field area of the source.
• Wher
e the nature of the electromagnetic field is unknown.
measurements in the following situations:
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Magnetic field strength (H):
A field vector that is equal to the magnetic flux density divided by the permeability of the medium.
Magnetic field strength is expressed in units of amperes per meter (A/m).
The meter uses of magnetic field strength for measur
ements only in the far-field area of the source.
Power density (S):
Power per unit area normal to the direction of propaga tion, usua lly expr e ssed in un its of wa tts per square
meter (W/m
2
) or, for convenience, units such as milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2).
The characteristic of electromagnetic fields:
Electrom a g netic field s pr o p a gate as wave s an d travel at the speed of l ig h t ( c ) . The wavelength is
proportional to the frequency.
wavelength) =
λ(
c (speed of light)
f (frequency)
If the distance to the field source is less than three wavelength, then we are usually in the near-field. If the
distance is more than three wave length, the far-field conditions usually hold.
In the near-field, the ratio of electric
have to measure each separately.
In the far-field, however, it is enough to just measure one field q
accordingly.
field strength (E) and magnetic field strength (H) is not constant, so we
uantity, then the other could be computed
2.2 Aplication
Quite often routine operation, maintenance and service work has to be done in areas where active
electromagnetic fields are present, e.g. in broadcasting stations, etc. Additionally, other employees may be
exposed to electromagnetic radiation. In such cases, it is essential that personnel are not exposed to
dangerous levels of electromagnetic radiation, such as:
High frequency (RF) electromagnetic wave field strength measurement.
Mobil phone base station antenna radiation power density measurement.
Wireless communication applications (CW, TDMA, GSM, DECT).
RF power measurement for transmitters.
Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) detection, installation.
Spy camera, wireless bug finder.
Cellular/Cordless phone radiation safety level.
Microwave oven leakage detection.
Personal living environment EMF safety.
2.3 Features
The meter is a broadband device for monitoring high-frequency radiation in the range from 50MHz to 3.5GHz.
The non-directional electric field and high sensitivity also allow measurements of electric field strength in TEM
cells and absorber rooms.
The unit of measurement and the measurement t
and magnetic field strength and power density.
At high frequencies, the power density is of particular significance.
It provides a measure of the pow
as low as possible at high frequencies.
The meter can be set to display the instantaneous value, the maximum valu
Instantaneous and maximum value measurements are useful for orientation, e.g. when first entering an
exposed area.
er absorbed by a person exposed to the field. This power level must be kept
ypes have been selected to expressed in units of electrical
e measured or the average value.
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50MHz to 3.5GHz Frequency range.
For isotropic measurements of electromagnetic fields.
Non-directional (isotropic) measurement with three-channel measurement sensor.
High dynamic range due to three-channel digital results processing.
Configurable alarm threshold and memory function.
Easy & safety to use.
3. SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 General Specifications
• Measurement method : Digital, triaxial measurement.
• Directional characteristic : Isotropic, triaxial.
• Measurement range selection : One continuous range.
• Display resolution : 0.1mV/m, 0.1 A/m, 0.1 W/m
• Setting time : Typically 1s (0 to 90% of measurement value).
• Display refresh rate : Typically 0.5 sec
onds
• Display type : Liquid-crystal (LCD), 4 digit.
• Audible alarm : Buzzer.
• Units : mV/m, V/m, A/m, mA/m, W/m
2
, mW/m2, W/m2, W/cm2, mW/cm
• Display value : Instantaneous measured value, maximum value, or maximum average value.
• Alarm function : Adjustable threshold with ON/OFF.
• Manual data memory and read storage : 99 data sets.
• Dry batteries : 9V NEDA 1604/1604ª
• Battery life : > 15 hours
• Auto power off : 15 minutes.
• Operating temperature range : 0°C to +50°C
• Operating humidity range : 25% to 75%RH
• Storage temperature range : -10°C to +60°C
• Storage humidity range : 0% to 80%RH
• Dimensions : Approx. 60(W)×60(T)×237(L)mm.
• Weight (including battery) : Approx. 200g
• Accessories : Instruction manual, battery, carrying case.
2
, 0.001 W/cm
2
2
3.2 Electrical Specifications
Unless otherwise stated, the following specifications hold under the following conditions:
• The meter is located in the far-field of a source, the sensor head is pointed towards the source.
• Ambient temperature : +23°C ±3°C
• Relative air humidity : 25% to 75%
Sensor type : Electrical field (E)
Frequency
Specified measurement range:
• CW signal (f > 50MHz): 20mV/m to 108.0V/m ,
Dynamic range : Typically 75dB
Absolute error at 1 V/m and 50 MHz : ±1.0dB
range : 50MHz to 3.5GHz
A/m to 286.4mA/m ,
53
1
W/m
W/cm
0
2
to 30.93W/m2 ,
2
to 3.093mW/cm
2
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Frequency response:
• Sensor taking into account the ty
±1.0dB (50MHz to 1.9GHz)
±2.4dB (1.9G
Hz to 3.5GHz
pical CAL factor:
• Isotropy deviation: Typically ±1.0dB (f>50MHz)
• Overload limit: 10.61mW/cm
2
(200V/m)
• Thermal response (0 to 50℃):±0.2dB
4 OPERATION
4.1 Front panel controls description
(1). E-field sensor.
(2). LCD displa
(3).
key :
c Press this key to change sequential : “Instantaneous”→ “Max. instantaneous” → “Average” → “Max.
aver
d In the read mode, press this key to exit.
e In the alarm setting mode, press this key to
f Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to disable the audible sound. Then
will disappear.
age”.
y.
store the setting value.
the “
” symbol
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(4). key :
c Press this key to change sensor axis selector : “
All axis” → “X axis” → “Y axis” → “Z axis”.
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to switch the device to the alarm setting mode.
e Press this key for 2 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off.
(5).
key :
c Press this key to change units selector : “mV/m or V/m” → “
A/m or mA/m” → “ W/m2, mW/m2 or W/m
”→ “ W/cm2 or mW/cm2 ”.
d Press this key for 2 seconds to turn the backlight on. The backlight turns off automatically in 15 seconds
later.
e Press and hold this key and turn on the meter again to disable the backlig
(6).
(7).
key : Press this key to turn the meter on or off.
MEM
key :
ht auto off function.
c Press this key momentarily to store one data set to memory.
d Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to enter the clear man
e In the manual data reading mode, press this key to read the next stored d
ually recorded data mode.
ata.
f In the alarm setting mode, press this key to increase the setting value.
READ
(8).
key :
c Press this key to switch to the manual data reading mode.
d
Press and hold this key while turning the meter on to disable the auto power off function.
e In the manual data reading mode, press this key to read the previous stored data.
f In the
alarm setting mode, press this key to decrease the sett ing value .
2
4.2 LCD display description
Z
X Y
2
AVGMA X
ALM
R
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(1). : Auto power off function on / off.
(2).
(3). MAX :
(4). AVG
(5).
(6). Units :
(7).
(8).
(9). : Manual data memory address number (1~99).
(10).
(11). ALM : Alarm function on / off or alarm setting indication.
(12).
(13).
: Displayed : Audible sound function on / off.
Maximum measured value displayed.
MAX AVG : Maximum average value displayed.
: Average measured value displayed.
+
: Low battery indication.
mV/m and V/m : Electric field strength.
A/m and mA/m : Magnetic field strength.
W/m2 , mW/m2, W/m2, W/cm2 and mW/cm2 : Power density
: Measured value displayed as per selected mode and selected units.
: Manual data memory mode indication.
: The manual data memory clear mode.
: Stored measured value to memory indication.
S When the alarm function is on , the instantaneous measured value exceeds the limit value indication.
: Analog bargraph of each axis (X,Y or Z) measured dynamic range indication for observing trends.
(14). X : X axis measured value displa
(15). Y : Y axis measured value displayed.
(16). Z
: Z axis measured value displayed.
yed.
4.3 Use E-field sensor
The actual 3-channel sensor is located in the head part of the meter. The three voltages generated by the
sensor are fed back to the meter. In far-fields, an E-field sensor is preferable due to the greater bandwidth.
The E-field sensor for frequencies is from 50MHz to 3.5GHz.
The meter is a small portable instrument that measures the
meas u r e m ent sensor surroundings.
The measurement of the field is done by moving the aerial of the sensor in the desired measu red environment.
You obtain a direct wide band measurement of the field that the measurement sensor is subjected to. To find
the value of the field emitted by a source of interference, simply point the aerial towards it and get as close as
possible (the value of the field is inversely proportional to the distance of the sensor/emission source). The
operator must take care not to be between the source of disturbance and the zone to be checked : the human
body shields electromagnetic fields. The E-field sensor is isotropic, it does not require special handing. Its
sensitive part measures the field according to 3 axes without the aerial having to be moved in the 3 planes.
Simply point it at the target to make the measurement.
electric field presented in the atmosphere of the
4.4 Explanatory notes
4.4.1 Units of measurement
The meter measures the electrical component of the field, the default units are those of electrical field strength
(mV/m, V/m). The meter converts the measurement values to the other units of measurement, i.e. the
corresponding magnetic field strength units (μA/m, mA/m) and power density units (μW/m
μW/cm
The conversion is invalid for near-field measurements, as
electrical and magnetic field strength in this situation. Always use the default units of the sensor when
making near-field measurements.
2
,or mW/cm2) using the standard far-field formulate for electromagnetic radiation.
there is no generally valid relationship between
2
, mW/m2, W/m2,
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4.4.2 Result modes
The bar graph display always shows each axis (X, Y or Z) the instantaneous measured dynamic range value. The
digit display shows the instantaneous or result according to one of four modes which can be selected:
• Instantaneous : The display shows the last value measured by the sensor, no symbol is displayed.
• Maximum instantaneous (MAX) : The digital display shows the highest instantaneous value measured,
the “MAX” symbol is displayed.
• Average (AVG) : The digital display shows the averag e valu e measured, the “AVG” symbol is displayed.
Maximum average (MAX AVG) : The digital display shows the highest averag e value mea sured, the “MAX
•
AVG” symbol is displayed.
Field strength
Max. Hold
Max. Average
Average
Actual
t
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.4.3 Alarm limit value (ALM)
4
The alarm limit value is used to monitor the display value automatically. It controls the alarm indication function.
The alarm limit value can be edited in the displayed V/m unit. The smallest value that can be set to 0.05V/m.
※ Alarm limit function is only used for total three axial value comparator.
4.5 Setting the meter
4.5.1 Setting the units of measurement
With the key as follows.
(a). Electric field strength (V/m).
(b). Computed magnetic field strength (mA/m).
(c). Computed power density (mW/m
(d). Computed power density (μW/cm
2
).
2
).
4.5.2 Setting the result mode
Instantaneous result mode is automatically set when the me ter is turned on .
With the key as followings:
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4.5.3 Setting the alarm limit value (ALM)
1. Press
2. Press and hold on key, then press
flashing which can be changed.
3. Press
4. Press
key to turn off the meter.
MEM
or
READ
key to increase or decrease the value.
key to store the new setting value and exit.
key to turn on the meter. (The Alarm setting mode). The units and four digits
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.5.4 Setting the alarm function on or off
4
ALARM
ALM ALM
1. Press key for 2 seconds to switch the alarm function on or off. The “ALM” and “
display indicates that the alarm function is on.
2. When the alarm function is on, the display will show
S if the instantaneous measured value exceed the
limit value.
.5.5 Setting the audible sound function off
4
When the meter is normally turned on, the audible sound function is on.
1. Press
2. Press and hold
key to turn off the meter.
MAX
AVG
key and turn on the meter again to disable the audible sound, then the “
will disappear from the display.
4.5.6
Setting the auto power off function off
” symbols in the
” symbol
READ
When the meter is normally turned on, the auto power off function is on.
1. Press
2. Press and hold
key to turn off the meter.
READ
key and turn on the meter again to disable the auto power off function, the “ ”
symbol will disappear from the display.
4.5.7 Setting the backlight auto off function off
UNIT
1. Press
2. Press and hold
key to turn off the meter.
key and turn on the meter again to disable the backlight auto off function.
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4.6 Making measurements
Important :
The following effect will be noted with all field strength meters :
If move the sensor quickly, excessive field strength values will be displayed which do not reflect
conditions. This effect is caused by electrostatic charges.
Recommendation : Hold the meter steady during the measurement.
4.6.1 Short-term measurements
Application :
Use either the “Instantane
the field are unknown when entering an area exposed to electromagnetic radiation.
Procedure
1. Hold the meter at arm’s length.
2. Make several measurements at various locations aroun
described above. This is particularly important if the field conditions are unknown.
Pay special attention to measuring the vicinity of possible radiation sources. Apart from active sources,
thos
e components connected to a source may also act as radiators. For example, the cables used in
diathermy equipment may also radiate electromagnetic energy. Note that metallic objects within the field
may locally concentrate or amplify the field from a distant source.
ous” or the “Max. instantaneous” mode, if the characteristics and orientation of
d your work place or the interested areas as
4.6.2 Long-term exposure measurements
Location
Place the meter between yourself and the suspecte
points where parts of your body are nearest to the source of radiation.
Note : Use the “Average ” or “Max average” modes only when the instantaneous m
fluctuating greatly.
You may fix the meter to a wooden or plastic tripod.
d source of radiation. Make measurements at those
easurement values are
4.6.3 Alarm function
Use this feature in the “Instantaneous”, “Max. instantaneous”, “Average” or “Max. average” modes.
When the instantaneous measured value exceeds
the limit value, a sequence of warning beeps sounded.
the actual field
4.7 Manual data memory storing individual measured values
The meter includes a non-volatile manual data memory function which can store a maximum of 99 measured
values.
4.7.1 Storing individual measured values
MEM
The current memory location number appears in the lower right small display.
Once you press the (
Each flash of the “
indicate the manual data memory is full, then you must clear the entire contents of the manual data memory
before you store any new values.
MEM
) key, it will store a displayed value and plus “one” for the memory location number.
” symbol display indicates one storage. The memory location number shows “99”, to
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4.7.2 Reading individual measured values
V/m UNIT
READ
Z
X Y
R
MEM
READ
UNIT
A/m
Z
X Y
R
1. Press
2. Press
3. Press
4. Press
READ
key, the display shows “ ”(reading mode).
or
MEM
key to select the desired memory location.
READ
key to select the desired reading units.
key to select the desired sensor axis reading.
5. Press key to exit.
4.7.3 Deleting manual data memory measured values
Once the memory is full, you can clear the entire contents of the manual data memory.
MEM MEM
READ
1. Press to turn off the meter.
2. Press and hold
READ
3. Press
MEM
4. Press
MEM
and turn on the meter again, the display then shows “ ” and “ ”.
to select “ ” to clear memory.
to clear memory.
5. MEASUREMENT PREPARATION
5.1 Battery Loading
Remove the battery cover on the back and put a 9V battery inside.
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5.2 Battery Replacement
When the battery voltage drops below the operating voltage, the mark
battery should be replaced with a new one.
+
appears and flashes. If it appears, the
NOTE: "This instrument doesn’t have ATEX protection, so it should not be used in potentially
explosive atmospheres (powder, flammable gases)."
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