IEC TR 63170-2018 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 63170:2018 — Measurement procedure for the evaluation of power density related to human exposure to radio frequency fields from wireless communication devices operating between 6 GHz and 100 GHz. The Technical Report provides state‑of‑the‑art measurement techniques and guidance for evaluating local and spatial‑average incident power density for portable and body‑near devices (mobile phones, tablets, wearables) and gives advice on combined exposure (SAR and power density) and multi‑transmitter scenarios.

Abstract

This technical report documents recommended measurement procedures and test approaches for assessing human exposure to radio‑frequency power density from wireless devices that operate in the 6 GHz to 100 GHz range. It focuses on measurement methods for close‑proximity testing of portable devices and on procedures to derive local and spatial‑averaged incident power density metrics that support regulatory and conformity assessment activities.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (IEC technical report; withdrawal recorded by IEC 30 April 2024).
• Publication date: 15 August 2018.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 106.
• ICS / categories: 17.220.20 (Metrology and measurement — measurement of electrical and magnetic quantities; human exposure to electromagnetic fields).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 99 pages (published technical report PDF).

Scope

Defines measurement procedures and test arrangements for evaluating incident power density related to human exposure from wireless communication devices operating between 6 GHz and 100 GHz. The scope covers close‑proximity testing of portable devices in applicable operating positions near the human body, methods to obtain local and spatial‑average incident power density values, and guidance for assessing combined exposure from transmitters both below and above 6 GHz (including SAR/power‑density combinations). The report is informational (technical report) and aimed at documenting state‑of‑the‑art approaches rather than setting normative regulatory limits.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement techniques for incident power density at frequencies from 6 GHz up to 100 GHz, including near‑field considerations.
• Procedures to derive local and spatial‑average incident power density metrics appropriate for close‑proximity device testing.
• Test setups and positioning guidance for portable devices (operating positions near the body, use cases such as phones, tablets, and wearables).
• Guidance on combined exposure assessment where SAR (below ~6 GHz) and power density (above ~6 GHz) coexist, and for multi‑transmitter scenarios.
• Discussion of measurement uncertainty, instrumentation considerations and practical limitations for millimetre‑wave frequencies.

Typical use and users

Intended users include radio‑frequency test laboratories, equipment manufacturers (mobile, wearable and IoT device vendors), regulatory and conformity assessment bodies, and researchers working on electromagnetic exposure assessment in the 6–100 GHz range. The report is used to inform test method development, pre‑compliance measurements, and to harmonize measurement approaches prior to or alongside normative standards.

Related standards

Related and complementary documents include the IEC 62209 series (SAR measurements), IEC/IEEE measurement guidance for device exposure, national RF‑exposure regulations and guidance (for example, incorporation references in some national radiocommunication exposure standards), and later IEC deliverables from TC 106 that further develop or supersede measurement practice. National regulators and test houses also cross‑reference IEC TR 63170 when defining measurement requirements for mmWave devices.

Keywords

power density, human exposure, RF exposure, millimetre‑wave, 6 GHz–100 GHz, measurement procedure, portable devices, SAR combination, incident power density, IEC TR 63170.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 63170:2018 is a Technical Report from IEC (TC 106) that documents measurement procedures for evaluating incident power density related to human exposure from wireless devices operating between 6 GHz and 100 GHz. It is informational (TR), describing state‑of‑the‑art methods rather than containing binding normative requirements.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement methods and test arrangements to obtain local and spatial‑average incident power density for devices used close to the body (phones, tablets, wearables), guidance for multi‑transmitter and combined SAR/power‑density assessments, and considerations specific to millimetre‑wave frequencies (instrumentation, uncertainty and near‑field effects).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: RF test laboratories, device manufacturers developing mmWave‑capable products, conformity assessment bodies and researchers working on human exposure assessment and test‑method development use this TR as a reference for measurement techniques and for aligning test approaches across organizations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 63170:2018 was published on 15 August 2018 and is recorded as withdrawn by the IEC with a withdrawal date of 30 April 2024. Users should check for later IEC normative standards or technical reports from TC 106 that update or replace the guidance in this TR for current compliance needs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a Technical Report produced under IEC TC 106 activities on methods for assessing electromagnetic fields for human exposure. It complements the IEC 62209 SAR measurement series and other IEC/IEEE documents addressing device exposure and measurement practice.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Power density, incident power density, human exposure, mmWave, 6 GHz–100 GHz, measurement procedure, portable device testing, SAR combination.