Impact of Electromagnetic Radiation of 4G/5G Base Stations on Medical Short-Range Devices in Urban Area

Abstract

The impact of electromagnetic radiation created by micro base stations of 4G/5G cellular networks on receivers of medical short-range devices of different systems (capsule endoscopy system, body area network system, and active implant system) located inside buildings is analyzed for urban area. The analysis is made by the use of computer simulation involving the multipath radiowave propagation model which takes into account outdoor-to-indoor propagation. To perform the simulation, a 3D model of a fragment of urban area containing buildings of a height from 6 m to 60 m is developed. The integrated interference margin is used as a criterion of electromagnetic compatibility. Results of the analysis show that 4G/5G base stations can create the interference to all considered types of medical short-range devices in cases when emitters are located outside buildings and receptors are located inside buildings. In order to achieve electromagnetic compatibility between these base stations and considered medical systems, recommendations on reducing of levels of electromagnetic interference are given. Results of this research can be used to ensure safe operation of 4G/5G base stations with respect to vital medical devices.

Application of a Testing-to-Failure Approach to the Susceptibility Assessment of Electronic Systems

“…Their results revealed that the exposure field strength from those RF sources exceeded the minimum immunity level of 3 V/m according to IEC 60601-1-2 [2]. Another similar study was conducted by A. Svistunou et al [3] which concluded that medical short-range devices located inside hospital buildings can potentially be interfered with by 4G/5G base stations outside of the hospital buildings. As for medical devices in clinical environments, the work done by Z. Chen et al [4] showed that EMI issues such as display distortion from a medical screen monitor can be caused by the close use of an electrosurgical knife.…”