Overview
IEC/IEEE TR 63572:2026 provides comprehensive guidance on evaluating the absorbed power density (APD) related to human exposure from wireless communication devices operating in the frequency range of 6 GHz to 300 GHz. Developed jointly by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and IEEE, this technical report addresses the measurement and computational techniques required to assess human exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields, especially from devices used in close proximity to the body such as mobile phones, tablets, and wearables. The document also provides methodologies applicable to exposure scenarios near base stations.
Complying with global health and safety guidelines, this standardization document highlights practical test approaches for quantifying both local peak absorbed power density (pAPD) and peak spatial average absorbed (epithelial) power density (psAPD), supporting manufacturers, test laboratories, and regulatory bodies tasked with ensuring the safety of emerging wireless technologies, including 5G and future generations.
Key Topics
- Frequency Range Coverage: Techniques and considerations specifically for devices and scenarios operating within 6 GHz to 300 GHz, including millimeter-wave spectrum use cases.
- Absorbed Power Density (APD): Definitions, significance, and relevance of APD as a basic restriction metric for electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure above 6 GHz.
- Measurement and Computational Methods:
- Use of measurement phantoms and computational body models.
- Procedures for APD and psAPD evaluation.
- Uncertainty evaluation and reporting of results.
- Device Under Test (DUT) Configurations: Guidance on positioning, necessary test configurations for portable and wearable devices during measurements.
- System Check and Validation: Steps for verifying the accuracy and reliability of measurement and computational methods.
- Uncertainty Budgets: Techniques for calculating and considering uncertainty in both measurement and computational assessments.
- Exposure Metrics: Discussion of physical metrics and averaging metrics including spatial and temporal averaging relevant to APD.
Applications
- Portable Wireless Device Compliance: Ensures mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices meet international RF exposure safety requirements, particularly for products operating above 6 GHz.
- Base Station Proximity Assessment: Provides methodologies for evaluating absorbed power density for individuals in close proximity to base stations, supporting equipment manufacturers and network operators in regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory and Certification Bodies: Supplies actionable testing frameworks necessary for product approval and market access in accordance with regional and global EMF safety standards.
- Research and Product Development: Assists researchers and engineers in advancing new wireless technologies by offering standardized approaches to address human EMF exposure.
- Consumer Safety: Supports development of safer wireless products, enhancing consumer confidence in rapidly evolving high-frequency wireless communications such as 5G, 6G, and beyond.
Related Standards
- IEC/IEEE 62209-1528:2020: Specifies the assessment of specific absorption rate (SAR) for wireless devices up to 10 GHz, forming the base for APD assessment standards above this frequency.
- IEC/IEEE 63195-1 and 63195-2: Define methods for assessment of incident power density (IPD) from 6 GHz to 300 GHz for portable and body-worn devices.
- IEC 62232:2022: Provides procedures for evaluating EMF exposure from base stations in the 110 MHz to 300 GHz range.
- ICNIRP Guidelines (2020): International exposure guidelines referencing APD as a basic restriction above 6 GHz.
- IEEE Std C95.1™-2019: Contains requirements for equivalent assessment of epithelial power density above 6 GHz.
- IEC PAS 63446: Outlines methods for converting SAR results into APD for the 6 GHz to 10 GHz range.
By following IEC/IEEE TR 63572:2026, organizations and professionals can ensure scientifically robust, internationally recognized assessment of human EMF exposure linked to the latest wireless communication technologies. This enhances product safety, regulatory compliance, and public trust in high-frequency wireless devices.