Products: R&S FSE, FSH3, FSIQ, FSP, FSU, ESIB, ESPI, HL040, HL223

Field-Strength and Power-Flux-Density

Measurements with Spectrum Analysers
and Test Receivers
In this note, the measurement of field strength and power flux density with spectrum analysers or test
receivers and a directive antenna is explained. Usually, a test receiver is required to accurately measure
field strength and power levels. Assuming that the signal to be measured is not close to other high level
signals in either frequency or space angle, then a spectrum analyzer measurement is possible. The
antenna has to be calibrated with uncertainty included. A measurement example is given with a spectrum
analyser R&S FSP30, and an R&S HL040 antenna. The antenna cable insertion loss should also be
known. An uncertainty budget example is included.

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

Contents
1
2
3
4
5

6
7

8
9

Power Flux Density and Field Strength ...................................................2

Spectrum Analysers and Test Receivers ................................................3
Antenna Cables .......................................................................................4
Antennas..................................................................................................5
Relation between Input Voltage and Field Strength and between
Input Power and Power Flux Density ......................................................7
Input Voltage and Field Strength ........................................................8
Power and Power Flux Density ..........................................................8
Spectrum Analyser Parameters...............................................................8
Measurement Uncertainty .....................................................................12
Field-Strength Measurement............................................................12
Power-Flux Density Measurement ...................................................12
The Measurement Uncertainty .........................................................12
Measurement and Uncertainty Statement........................................15
References ............................................................................................15
Ordering information (example).............................................................16

1 Power Flux Density and Field Strength

The term power flux density is the standardised term to refer a given
electromagnetic wave power over a certain physical area. Power flux density
can be understood as how many Watts an electromagnetic wave is radiating
per square meter, according to the Spectrum Monitoring Handbook (see [1]).
Only E and H components orthogonal to the Poynting vector, P, in figure 1, are
taken into account. The measurement should be taken under far field
conditions. If P is integrated over a closed surface and then normalized to 1
square meter, the result is called power flux density, labelled S and its units are
2
given in W/m . P is a vector and S is a scalar magnitude.
TRANSVERSE ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE

TRAVEL
DIRECTION

POYNTING VECTOR shows

the propagation direction of
the electromagnetic wave
The ELECTRIC and MAGNETIC FIELD VECTORS
and the TRAVEL DIRECTION are all at 90 degrees
angles of each other, under far field conditions
S = E. H = E2/120

Fig.1 Poynting Vector

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

Power flux density S with unit W/m , should not be mixed up with power
spectral density, the unit of which is W/Hz, and with power spectral flux
2
density, the unit of which is W/(Hz m ).
The unit of measurement of field strength commonly used is the volt per
meter (V/m) and decimal sub-multiples thereof. This unit is rigorously only
applicable to the electric component (E) of the field but is generally also
used for expressing measurements of magnetic field strength or the
magnetic components of radiated fields by relation to the propagation
impedance, usually free space (377 ) in which case the magnetic field (H)
in amperes per meter in the far field is given by:

H=

E
377

2 Spectrum Analysers and Test Receivers

To measure field strength or power flux density, the power level must be
carefully measured and for that a measuring receiver with a correct RF filter
is required, rather than a spectrum analyzer. The receiver should have a
filter with a bandwidth equal to or wider than the signal bandwidth.
The main differences between measuring receivers and spectrum
analysers are:
1.- RF preselection filters: For test receivers, RF preselection filtering
means that broadband interfering signals which could overload the receiver
RF input are suppressed or largely attenuated. Input signal dynamic range
is thus higher compared to the one given by a spectrum analyser.
But if overload cannot occur, then spectrum analysers can be used for this
application as well.
2.- Preamplifier: Usually, the preselection option includes a low noise
preamplifier just after the filter bank. It decreases the minimum input signal
level that can be detected, further improving sensitivity, but decreasing
dynamic range.
3.- Receivers usually have a function to automatically control the
REFERENCE LEVEL and the INPUT ATTENUATION. Spectrum analysers
require these two parameters to be manually operated.
4.- Receivers also supply a number of special functions that allow saving
time while going through standardized tests, standard calibrations, or EMI
compliance test.
5.- Low noise and low distortion modes available in receivers are special
functions to improve measurements for very weak signals and crowded
spectra respectively.
6.- IF filters: Receivers have special filters according to CISPR standards:
200 Hz, 9 kHz, 120 kHz and 1 MHz in addition to other filters commonly
used. IF bandwidths are equivalent to RBW in spectrum analysers.
Video Bandwidth (VBW) Bvideo, is an added function that can smooth the
detected signal if Bvideo < Bresol. This function is available for both (analyzerbased) receivers and spectrum analysers.
7.- SCAN vs SWEEP (or stepped scan vs. swept scan): Receivers can
scan through a list of discrete frequencies or can scan in discrete steps
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Field strength and power flux density measurements

over a frequency range. The IF filter bandwidth (RBW) should be such that
it does not spill over measurements from one frequency onto another, it is
recommended that the RBW is not wider than a three times the frequency
step used. On the other hand, spectrum analysers sweep quasi-continuously over a frequency range. This means that the START and STOP
frequencies are taken to define the SPAN which defines the frequency
resolution of the screen display. If the SPAN is too wide, pixel averaging
functions may show inaccurate traces.
8.- Integration or measuring time: Receivers also allow to choose a
certain measuring or integration (dwell) time for each frequency of
measurement. The required measurement time depends on the signal to
be measured (type of modulation, lowest modulation frequency etc.).
9.- The (intermodulation-free) dynamic range within which signals may be
accurately measured is limited by two parameters: the inherent noise
level (determined by noise figure and measurement bandwidth) and the
level of two signals, which can cause an intermodulation product
equal to that noise level. The noise level is summarized by the DANL
(Displayed Average Noise Level). For the FSP we have 155 dBm/Hz
DANL, and a level combined standard uncertainty of 0.5 dB. The third
order intercept (TOI) is typ. 10 dBm (for 0.2 to 3 GHz).

Figure 2, Components for field-strength measurement: Antenna HL040,

cable (N instead of BNC connectors), and Spectrum Analyser FSP30

3 Antenna Cables
For an accurate measurement, all components including the antenna cable
should be calibrated. For this example, a HFU2-Z5, 7 m length, N-male/Nmale has been used. The following graphs on figure 3 show insertion loss
(IL) and Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). SWR or simply s, is directly related
to the reflection coefficient r or by:

SWR = s =

1+ r 1+
s 1
=
r = =
1 r 1
s+ 1

(3.1)

Where r equals s11. All sij parameters, which are complex values, can be
measured with a network analyser. The closer SWR is to 1, over the whole
band, the higher is the cable quality. Insertion loss is equal to s21.
Attenuation increases with frequency, thus signal level decreases with
frequency.

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

Cable s21, Lc = 20 log(s21)

Cable reflection parameters s11and s22

Insertion loss at 586 MHz equals 1.05 dB

Marker 1: 1000 MHz - 1.404 dB

Marker 1: 1000 MHz

Marker 2: 2 GHz

Marker 2: 2 GHz

- 2.299 dB

- 37.02 dB
- 30.65 dB

Fig.3 Cable insertion loss and reflection coefficients. A Network Analyser

ZVR with a previous full calibration TOSM and the associated calibration kit
was used for the measurements.
As shown in the left graph, there is some ripple in the lower frequency
range. For this reason cables must be accurately calibrated.
On both previous cable calibration curves markers have been positioned at
1 GHz and 2 GHz. For 586 MHz, the worst s11 is - 35 dB ( = 0,018 and ac
= - 1.05 dB. This attenuation (insertion loss IL) has to be directly added to
the level shown on the spectrum analyser or test receiver display.

4 Antennas
Field strength and power flux density measurement require calibrated
antennas. In order to suppress signals from other directions, a directive
antenna should be used with gain, as flat as possible over the whole
channel bandwidth. Rohde&Schwarz offers different antennas that can be
used to measure power flux density, one of them is HL040.
Gain, antenna factor and effective area, or at least one of them is to be
accurately measured for the correct measurement of field strength or power
flux density with a receiver/spectrum analyser and a directive antenna.
Rohde&Schwarz offers calibration services for antennas.

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

Fig.4 HL040 picture and basic parameters

HL040 main parameters for power flux density measurements
Frequency range

400 MHz to 3 GHz

Polarization

Linear

Impedance

50

SWR

< 2.5:1, typ. < 2.0:1

Front-to-back ratio

> 10 dB (400 to 450 MHz)

> 15 dB (450 MHz to 3 GHz)

Cross polar suppression

> 20 dB

Fig.5 HL040 radiation pattern S ( = 90, ) at 400 MHz.

The following are some antenna parameters of interest, (see reference 2
for more details):
1.- Antenna Impedance; Zin. All antennas are electromagnetic loads that
are depending on their geometry, on their working frequencies and their
environment. Measurement of the complex impedance requires a vector
network analyser.
2.- Radiation patterns: S( , ) and intensity S( , )/ Smax

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

3.- Half Power Beam Widths. Deviating from the direction of the main lobe
maximum to the direction where the radiation pattern has decreased by
3 dB, leads to -3dB/rad and -3dB/rad. For directive antennas (Dmax larger
than 15 dB), this parameter may be approximated by
-3dB -3dB (.7)
4.- Near/Far field boundary. There are different boundaries, but one most
commonly used is called the Fresnell/Fraunhofer boundary and it is
2
defined as 2L /, where L is an imaginary ball diameter that tightly would
wrap up the complete antenna. (.8)
5.- Effective Area. A parameter proportional to the antenna gain but also
proportional to the square of the wavelength is the effective area, Ae. It can
be used to calculate power flux density S from the measured power P.

Ae =

P 2 G (84,62m) 2
=
=
G
4 ( f / MHz ) 2
S

(4.1)

or in logarithmic quantities (using p = 10 lg P and s = 10 lg S):

a e / dB(m 2 ) = 38,55 + g 20 lg( f / MHz)

(4.2)

Sometimes it is useful to calculate the effective area from a given antenna

factor Ke or vice versa. For that purpose, the following applies (Z0 = free
space impedance, RN = nominal impedance of the antenna):

Ae =

1
Ke

Z0
RN

ae

and

dB(m )

= 8,77dB

ke

(4.3)

dB(m 1 )

6.- Antenna gain G: It is the power gain on the main lobe direction relative
to the isotropic antenna.
7.- Antenna factor, Ke: Antennas are transducers that convert E-field or Hfield into voltage across a certain load. Ke(f) converts V/m into V.
The antenna factor for a load of 50 can be calculated as follows:

Ke =

f / MHz

(4.4)

30.81 G

or in logarithmic form with ke = 20 log Ke (sometimes the acronym AF is

-1
used for ke) and g = log G, the antenna factor is given in dB(m ) as
ke/dB(m-1) = -29.77 dB g + 20 log(f/MHz)

(.4a)

8.- Aging decreases antenna performance because mechanical joints loose

tightness. So joints checking is a common part to regular antenna inspection.

5 Relation between Input Voltage and Field Strength and between

Input Power and Power Flux Density
Received voltage, V, at the test receiver input port is related to electric field
strength, E, using the antenna factor, Ke. Parallelly, received power, P, is
related to power flux density, S, using the effective area, Ae. And a direct
link between radiated field strength and power flux density requires only the
free space impedance.

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

Input Voltage and Field Strength

An electric field, E with units V/m, can be measured using an antenna, the
antenna factor Ke (resp. ke) of which is known.
Under far field conditions, see clause 4, part 4, E and H are travelling as
indicated on Fig. 1, and are directly related via the free space impedance
as follows:

H =

E
377

reference 1, page 189

(5.1)

The field strength E received by the antenna is related to the antenna

output voltage Vo by:

E = K e Vo

(5.2)

or in logarithmic quantities, using e/dB(V/m) = 20 lg E/(1V/m) and

vo/dB(V) = 20 lg Vo/(1V),
e/dB(V/m) = vo/dB(V) + ke/dB(m-1).......................................................(5.3)
For the sake of completeness, we have to add the cable attenuation ac
e/dB(V/m) = vo/dB(V) + ke/dB(m-1) + ac/dB...........................................(5.4)

Power and Power Flux Density

Under far field conditions, the corresponding relation exists between
received power and power flux density through the effective area, Ae.
From the effective area definition, eq. (4.1) we get

S=

P
Ae

(5.5)

or in logarithmic quantities, using s = 10 lg S/(1W/m2) and p = 10 lg P/(1W))

s
2

dB(W / m )

ae
p

dB(W ) dB(m 2 )

(5.6)

If the received power p is measured in dBm instead of W, we have

s
2

dB(W / m )

ae
p

30dB
dBm dB(m 2 )

(5.7)

Also here we have to add the cable attenuation ac

s
2

dB(W / m )

ae
a
p

30dB + c
dB
dBm dB(m 2 )

(5.8)

Example: at 900 MHz, with an antenna gain g = 6.5 dB on that frequency

2
we get ae = -14,0 dB(m ), a cable attenuation of 1.5 dB and power level
from the receiving antenna of 13 dBm, we have that,
2

s = +13 + 14 30 + 1.5 dB = -1.5 dB(W/m ).

6 Spectrum Analyser Parameters

For the following measurement, an FSP30 has been used. There is only
one detector which truly shows mean power values on the screen: the RMS

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

detector (on FSP, press TRACE DETECTOR DETECTOR RMS). If
the power flux density is measured of a PAL TV signal (i.e. a pulsemodulated signal), the PEAK detector is required to read peak power.
For pulse-modulated signals, it is also important to know the RMS power,
and from here to know the crest factor, or peak to RMS power relation.
SAMPLE or AVERAGE detection cannot be used to read the mean power
of impulsive or pulse-modulated signals.
Just to make clear SAMPLE, AVERAGE and RMS detector differences, the
following short explanations have been added.
1.- SAMPLE detection may have any value between the MAX PEAK and
the MIN PEAK within the time, which defines a pixel. It does not provide
any averaging function.
2.- RMS detection process implies taking some measurements to
calculate a different pixel level in order to display the true mean power
value of that set of samples. It is done in the following way:
Pixelj =

1
N

2
i

(6.1)

Where N is the number of samples within a pixel, and vi is the voltage after
envelope detection. While using RMS detection, RBW SPAN/501 should
be ensured, where 501 is the number of screen pixels, for the FSP or ESPI.
The number of samples depends mainly on which SPAN, RBW and sweeptime is used.
While RMS detector is used, TRACE AVERAGE function should be
avoided.
3.- AVERAGE detection only averages those same N values, within a
pixel
Pixelj =

1
N

(6.2)

Something different is the TRACE AVERAGE function, which does the

following:

Tracei =

(N 1)Tracei 1 +
N

measurei

(6.3),

where now N is the SWEEP COUNTER status, not the number of samples
taken for a pixel.
4.- PEAK detection holds the maximum power level on the screen,
regardless of any lower level that might take place during any sweep. The
value is only changed when the level is increased, given the case. Peak
detector works directly comparing pixels values. MAX PEAK, and MIN
PEAK can be selected, or AUTO PEAK, to connect both MAX PEAK and
MIN PEAK values with a straight vertical line.
For CW carriers all detectors give the correct power level, provided
RBW/VBW (the coupling factor) is correct. However, for a complex
modulated signal (GSM, IS95, DVB-T, ..) only the RMS detector gives
power readings independent of the signal data contents.
The two following measurements show the difference between AVERAGE,
RMS and MAX PEAK detection for a PAL signal with DISPLAY CENTER
FREQUENCY 585.6 MHz and SPAN 18.5 MHz.

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

1.- MAX HOLD OFF

* RBW 30 kHz

Ref -20 dBm

Att

10 dB

VBW 100 kHz

SWT 25 ms

3 PK *
AVG

Att

10 dB

VBW 100 kHz

SWT 25 ms

Marker 1 [T1]
-80.37 dBm
583.252000000 MHz

-20

-30

2 RM *
VIEW

Ref -20 dBm

-20

1 AV *
VIEW

2.- MAX HOLD ON

* RBW 30 kHz

Marker 1 [T1]
-80.37 dBm
583.252000000 MHz

-30
1 AV *
VIEW

-40
2 RM *
VIEW

-50
3 PK
MAXH

-40

-50

-60

-60
PRN

-70

-70

-80

-80

-90

-90

-100

-100

-110

-110

-120

-120

Center 585.612 MHz

Date:

31.JUL.2001

1.85 MHz/

Center 585.612 MHz

Span 18.5 MHz

Date:

12:06:39

31.JUL.2001

1.85 MHz/

Span 18.5 MHz

12:14:05

Fig.6, Yellow trace is DETECTOR AVERAGE + TRACE AVERAGE

FUNCTION: RBW = 40 kHz SPAN/500. The BLACK trace is RMS (see
arrows). Third trace colour green is MAX PEAK detector.
The PAL signal on fig. 7 has two analogue audio carriers. Luminance
carrier on 583.25 MHz, channel bandwidth is from 582 to 590 MHz.
* RBW 30 kHz

Ref -25 dBm

Att

10 dB

VBW 300 kHz

SWT 15 ms

Delta 4 [T1]
-14.49 dB
5.740000000 MHz

Marker 1 [T1]
-40.08
583.252000000
Delta 2 [T1]
-38.65
3
4.440000000
Delta 3 [T1]
4
-7.64
5.500000000

-30

1
1 AV * -40
AVG
-50

dBm
MHz A
dB
MHz
dB
MHz

-60

PRN

-70

2
-80

-90

-100

-110

-120

Center 586.912 MHz

Date:

31.JUL.2001

1 MHz/

Span 10 MHz

12:23:08

Fig.7, What signal to measure? One PAL TV channel, for instance.

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

This PAL signal does not even have a symmetric spectrum, but if we set
frequency centre on 586 MHz, adjust RBW to 8 MHz, then SPAN 0, we
get the same signal in time domain. For the time domain measurement to
obtain field strength and power flux density, the RMS detector will be used.
In order to synchronise, we can adjust SWEEP TIME to 75 ms approx.
(which is a little bit more than a PAL single line delay). REF LEVEL is
reduced to 25 dBm, for instance, in order not to saturate the first mixer,
and RANGE LOG MANUAL is set to +20 dB, so this time trace does not
get stuck to the screen roof. To keep this time display steady on the same
lines we can use a video trigger line, TRIG VIDEO to 67% might do.
PAL TV signals are of pulsed nature, like radar. This is why MAX PEAK
detector is necessary to know the peak power that the signal might reach.
RMS is required for power flux density measurements, concerning
biological effects. Either every pixel value can show the RMS during the
pixel time on an amplitude-vs.-frequency spectrum display (for more details
see [6]) or even better: the summary marker can show the MEAN RMS
POWER for the whole sweep on an amplitude-vs.-time display. If the
resolution bandwidth is not wide enough, the spectral power density has to
be integrated within the whole spectrum.
A result is in Fig 8;
The level is fluctuating. Not reliable to be read.
RBW 10 MHz
* VBW 10 kHz

Ref -20 dBm

Att

10 dB

SWT 67 ms

-20

Marker 1 [T1]
-27.36
2.500000
Delta 2 [T1]
0.00
0.000000

-22
1 RM *
CLRWR

Delta 3 [T1]
0.00 dB
0.000000 s

-24

dBm
ms
dB
s

TRG

-26

2
1
3
-28

Triggering level

PRN
-30

-32

-34

Low voltages
are bright
correspond to a
bright image

-36

-38

-40

Center 585.64 MHz

Date:

6.JUL.2001

6.7 ms/

20ms is one PAL

TV picture

15:15:11

Figure 8. time domain PAL TV signal, 3 pictures. (VBW too narrow!!)

The RMS power is

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

The above manual steps can easily be automated with a software option,
FSP-B6 (1192.8594.02). This option is also suitable to display any mobile
communications TDMA bursts, like GSM and NADC in time domain.

7 Measurement Uncertainty
The antenna is actually receiving 27.36 dBm + 1.05 dB = -26.31 dBm or
80.69 dB(V) after cable IL compensation.

Field-Strength
The HL040 calibration data [3] have the following antenna factor points:
ke(556 MHz) = 17.3 dB(1/m) and ke(608 MHz) = 18.0 dB(1/m). Linear interpolation gives ke(586 MHz) = 17.7 dB(1/m).
Using eq. (5.3), we get the field strength:
e = 80.69 dB(V) + 17.7 dB(1/m) = 98.4 dB(V/m)

Power-Flux Density
Using eq. (4.3), we get the effective area
ae = (8.77 17.7) dB(m2) = - 8.93 dB(m2)
and using eq. (5.7), resp. eq. (5.8), we get the pfd:
s = (-26,31 + 8.93 30) dB(W/m2) = - 47.38 dB(W/m2)

Measurement Uncertainty
Each result of a measurement of a physical quantity needs some
quantitative indication of the quality of the result, so that those who use it,
can assess its reliability.
Therefore it is common practice to evaluate the combined standard
uncertainty uc(y) of the estimate y of the measurand taking into account the
standard uncertainties u(xi) in decibels and the sensitivity coefficients ci of
each influence quantity, using:

uc ( y ) =

2
i

u 2 ( xi ) ................................................................. (7.1)

Using the combined standard uncertainty, the expanded measurement

uncertainty U of a test can be evaluated from:

U = ku c ( y ) ....................................................................................... (7.2)
where k is the coverage factor. A coverage factor of k = 2 yields
approximately a 95% level of confidence for the near-normal distribution of
most measuring results.
The standard uncertainties u(xi) have to be given by the calibration
laboratories or by the manufacturers or have to be evaluated using type A
evaluation of standard uncertainty (see [7]).
Uncertainty budget
Similar to [4], the measurand x (e or s) is calculated from the receiver
reading vr, the cable attenuation ac and the antenna factor ke or effective
area ae. All known deviations (systematic errors, e.g. measured during a
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Field strength and power flux density measurements

calibration) may be used to correct the result, whereas uncertainties (e.g.

uncertainties of the calibration laboratory) cannot be used for corrections. If
deviations are unsystematic, they should be treated like uncertainties.

x = vr + ac + ke + deviations + uncertainties ..................................... (7.3)

vr is directly read from the spectrum analyser display. The associated
uncertainties may be taken from the data sheet or from a calibration report.
ac cable attenuation may be taken from a calibration report (s21). The
associated uncertainty may be taken from the calibration report. The users
own measurement using a network analyser ZVR may help if no calibration
report is available. In this case, the uncertainty may be found in the ZVR
data sheet.

ke: For HL040 the antenna factor has been calibrated using the three
antenna method. Again, the calibration instrument is a Rohde&Schwarz
network analyser model ZVR. For HL040, the a tolerance of 1 dB is given
with the antenna factor. Therefore a rectangular distribution is assumed for
the uncertainty budget.
Signal
Stability

Measurement
Instrumentation
Spectrum Analyser

Integration
time

Cable
Antenna

OVERALL
UNCERTAINTY
Zero-span
measurement
Effect of
selectivity

Antenna
directivity
Mutual coupling
to environment

Measurement
Procedure

Effects
on Antenna

Fig. 9: Fishbone diagram to illustrate the sources of uncertainty, which may

contribute to the overall uncertainty of the measurement result.
Here we are concentrating on the effect of measurement instrumentation.
The reader may look closer to the other sources of uncertainty.
In equation (7.3), we have to consider
deviations vSW .............................................................................(7.4)
vSW, most of the sine wave correction is already done in the spectrum
analyser/test receiver display, because we assume that the instrument is
correctly calibrated before every measurement. The measurement
uncertainty due to data sheet specifications may be taken from [8]. In table
1, the uncertainty from [8] has been used. Additional correction may be
done, if a precision calibration report is available (e.g. DKD calibration).
For all other deviations (vpa, vnf, M), corrections can normally not be
applied. Therefore we have to assume, that correction is taken to be zero,
and the rest taken as uncertainty with some kind of probability distribution.
vpa accounts for the pulsed nature of the PAL TV signals.
vnf takes into account the spectrum analysers/test receivers intrinsic
noise level, which plays a role when it is within 10 dB of the displayed

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Field strength and power flux density measurements

signal level. For measurements regarding biological effects, the signal level
is usually high above the noise level and the influence is negligible.
M takes the antenna/receiver mismatch uncertainy into account. The
amount depends on cable attenuation, receiver input VSWR and antenna
VSWR. See below for more details.
The following table is used for uncertainty calculations:
Input quantity

Xi

Spectrum analyser total uncertainty

vr

Antenna-receiver attenuation, cable-IL

Antenna factor

ac
ke
vnf
vpa
M
ke

Noise floor proximity uncertainty

Pulse amplitude response
Antenna/receiver mismatch uncertainty
Antenna factor interpolation uncertainty
Combined standard uncertainty uc
Hence, for 2 uc we have

xi uncertainty
dB
Prdist; k
2
0,88

u(xi)
dB
0,44

ci

0,1
1,0
+ 0,1

0,05
0,58
0,05
0,29
0,484
0,05

1
1
1
1
1
1

0,5
+0,66/-0,71
0,1

2
Rectang.
2
Rectang.
U-shaped
2

ci u(xi)
dB
0,44
0,05
0,58
0,05
0,29
0,48
0,05
0,923
1,846

Table 1: measurement instrumentation uncertainty budget

From Table 1, one can see, that the uncertainty contributions of spectrum
analyser, antenna factor and antenna/receiver mismatch are worth to be
further considered.
MISMATCH UNCERTAINTY
Antenna and receiver SWR and cable IL are contributing to the final level
uncertainty due to mismatch uncertainty.
1.- Mismatch uncertainty without cable attenuation
Assuming a very short cable with no attenuation, we have the case of an
antenna directly connected to the receiver.
For both, spectrum analyser FSP30 [2] and test receiver ESPI, we have
that below 3 GHz with input attenuation > 0 dB, SWR < 1.5:1. Again with
(3.1) it means that r (586 MHz) = 0.2 .
From HL040 data sheet we have that the antenna SWR < 2.5:1 (typ. 2:1),
so a= 0.4285.
According to [5], and assuming a U-shaped distribution, the mismatch
uncertainty with the antenna directly connected to the receiver is:
M , M = 20 log(1 r a) ........................................................ (7.5)
-

M = + 0.714 dB,

M = + 0.778 dB

u (mismatch _ without _ cable) =

M M +
2

= 0.746dB

2.- Mismatch uncertainty with cable attenuation

According to CISPR 16-4 [4], the relation among cable mismatch
uncertainty, SWR of antenna and receiver and cable IL is described with
the following expression, (see [4] for more details):
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Field strength and power flux density measurements

2
M = 20 log (1 a S11 )(1 r S 22 ) S 21
a r .......................................... (7.6)

However, all parameters inside the logarithm function are complex and
usually only magnitudes, no arguments, are available. In this case, only the
extreme values can be used to approximate M.

M = 20 log 1 ( a S11 + r S 22 + a r S11 S 22 + a r S 21 ) .......(7.7)

2

For the cables, usually s11 = s22 (here 0,018) and s12 = s21 (here 0,886 for
1.05 dB attenuation). a and r are the antenna and receiver input reflection
coefficients.
With all these inputs then, (7.7) gives
M , M = 20 log[10.0786], M = - 0.711 dB and M = + 0.657 dB
-

u (mismatch _ with _ cable) =

M + M
2

= 0.684dB

This shows that even a low-attenuation cable, with low reflection can be
used to reduce total instrumentation measurement uncertainty.
Comments on the uncertainty budget table
In column u(xi), standard uncertainties in decibels are used as required by
equation (7.1). If the distribution function is Gaussian with a value of k = 2,
then the input value has to be divided by 2. For other distribution functions,
other factors must be applied (see [7]):
Rectangular distributions are used where only a tolerance is given for the
accuracy of a value. In this case a given value is divided by 3.
The effect of mismatch increases rapidly with increasing VSWR. Therefore
U-shaped distribution is assumed. In this case the input value is divided
by 2.

Measurement Result and Uncertainty Statement

The complete result of this measurement is the following statement:
The field strength and power flux density of a PAL TV signal on channel 35
[582, 590]MHz measured under far field conditions and with a set up as in
figure 2 , are
e = - 98.4 dB(V/m)
2

s = - 47.4 dB(W/m )
both with 1.8 dB uncertainty at a confidence level of 95%.

8 References
[1] Spectrum monitoring handbook: pages 197 and 198. ed. ITU.
ISBN 92-61-05761-6.
[2] Spectrum analyser R&S FSP30 and test receiver R&S ESPI operating
manuals, chapter 4. R&S ref. 1093.4495.30.
[3] R&S HL040 calibration data.
[4] CISPR 16-4:2002: Accounting for measurement uncertainties
when determining compliance with a limit. Pages 6 and 11.
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Field strength and power flux density measurements

[5] The Treatment of Uncertainty in EMC Measurements, NIS81, Edition 1,

May 94, Namas, NPL, UK
[6] Spurious emission measurement on 3GPP Base Station Transmitters.
R&S application note 1EF45_0E.
st

[7] Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. 1 edition

1995. ISO 1993. ISBN 92-67-10188-9.
[8] Level error calculation for Spectrum Analyzers. R&S application note
1EF36_0E.
Authors:
Manfred Stecher: Rohde&Schwarz 1ES, based on a draft by
John Bofarull:

formerly with Rohde&Schwarz International

Sales GmbH

9 Ordering information (example)

Type of instrument
Spectrum Analyzer R&S FSP3
Log-per. Antenna R&S HL040

frequency range
9 kHz ... 3 GHz
400 ... 3000 MHz

Ordering number
1093.4495.07
4035.8755.02

ROHDE & SCHWARZ GmbH & Co. KG . Mhldorfstrae 15 . D-81671 Mnchen .

P.O.B 80 14 69 . D-81614 Mnchen . Telephone +49 89 4129 -0 .
Fax +49 89 4129 - 13777 . Internet: http://www.rohde-schwarz.com
This application note and the supplied programs may only be used subject to the
conditions of use set forth in the download area of the Rohde & Schwarz website.
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Rohde & Schwarz