The aim of the project in cooperation with IMST GmbH, accredited to DIN EN 17025:2018, was to measure electromagnetic fields from 5G-NR locations along a rail test track using exposure measurements as part of the “GINT, Gigabit Innovation Track” project. For this purpose, various scenarios were examined according to different requirements. The primary objective was to record the parameters to ensure compliance with the limit values ​​for the general population (26th BImSchV [26.BImSchV]) and for occupational safety (EMFV [EMFV], Verordnung zum Schutz der Beschäftigten vor Gefährdungen durch elektromagnetische Felder).

GINT creates the technological and organizational basis for gigabit illumination on the track. The focus is on optimizing radio performance through close-to-track construction, dedicated track illumination and their economic basis. To this end, GINT is testing innovative, railway-suitable mast concepts that include screw foundations and a comparatively low mast height, as well as investigating active and passive multiple antenna configurations (MIMO) and beamforming mechanisms. The latter required an EMF measurement inside and outside a train that was used as a test laboratory (ATL – Advanced Train Lab). The measurements were carried out in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on a section of track between Karow and Malchow. Various network configurations were recorded using various EMF measurements, extrapolated if necessary and evaluated.

The first 5G mobile base station in the city of Essen was measured for the mobile network operator (MNO) Telefónica in 2020/2021. The use of a hand-held code-selective spectrum analyzer allowed the various beams of the system to be displayed and gave both the MNO and the expert Markus Ridder the opportunity to fully characterize an 8×8 MiMo system.