Exem extends its accredited measurement range to 40 GHz
- 07/05/2023
- Exem, News, Press
Exem, a leader in the domain of electromagnetic field exposure, has recently extended its COFRAC* ( French Accreditation Committee) accredited measurement range in compliance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, to enable it to fully explore the capabilities of the new 5G 26 GHz band.
“At Exem, we see this new COFRAC accreditation as a key milestone in our continuous improvement journey. We remain committed to the highest standards of quality, impartiality and customer satisfaction. Our team of qualified experts is ready to rise up to any challenge and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.”
Lamine Ourak, Chief Executive Officer
What is the COFRAC accreditation ?
The COFRAC accreditation is an important mark of recognition for conformity assessment bodies such as Exem. It testifies that the company complies with the most stringent international requirements in terms of technical competence, independence and integrity. This strengthens the confidence of customers, partners and stakeholders in a company’s ability to provide high-quality, reliable services.
Focus on the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard establishes the general competence criteria for testing and calibration laboratories. It guarantees that accredited laboratories demonstrate strong technical management. That they use validated test methods. And that they provide accurate, reproducible results. Thanks to this accreditation, Exem is able to demonstrate its technical expertise in the field of electromagnetic waves. But also to guarantee its customers reliable results that meet the highest standards.
What is 5G in the 26 GHz band?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks. It uses different frequency bands to provide high-speed wireless communication services. Including the 26 GHz (gigahertz) frequency band. It is one of the so-called “millimetre-wave” bands. As a result, it offers very high data transmission capacity over short distances. These electromagnetic fields have a more limited range than the frequencies used in previous generations of mobile networks.
Using the 26 GHz band for 5G offers even faster download and upload speeds. In comparison with lower frequency bands, such as 3.5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. However, due to the more limited range of electromagnetic field, it is necessary to deploy a greater number of base stations to ensure adequate coverage.
The allocation and use of frequency bands for 5G may vary from country to country. The national regulatory authorities (ANFR in France) are responsible for allocating frequencies and setting the rules for their use. It is therefore possible that the 26 GHz band will be used for 5G in certain countries. In other cases, other frequency bands may be preferred.
Why measure exposure to 5G electromagnetic fields?
Electromagnetic field measurements are carried out to assess exposure to electromagnetic radiation in our environment. In particular for 5G in the 26 GHz (gigahertz) frequency band. They are carried out to ensure that levels comply with exposure limits set by regulatory organisations such as the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) or national health protection agencies. These limits are based on scientific research and are designed to protect the population from the potential harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation and to protect health.
The measurements, carried out at different locations around the 5G antennas, involve the use of specialised measurement equipment that can detect and quantify radiation levels in different frequencies (spectrum analysers, etc.).
Radiation levels in the frequencies used by 5G, including the 26 GHz band, are generally low and comply with established exposure limits. Numerous studies have been carried out to assess the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health. To date, there is no conclusive evidence of harmful effects at radiation levels below the established limits.
However, regulatory organisations (ANSES) are continuing to monitor radiation levels from 5G networks and to conduct studies to assess potential long-term effects. Electromagnetic field measurements are therefore an important tool for ensuring compliance and public safety.
* COFRAC accreditation tests n°1-5014 rev. 11, available at www.cofrac.fr. Click here to consult the accreditation certificate.
