A new EMI test method for electronic medical devices exposed to mobile radio wave

A new testing method that can evaluate with high reliability the electromagnetic interference of cellular phones with electronic medical devices is proposed. In this test method, a standard dipole antenna or an actual cellular phone is used. Radio wave signals similar to those used in real communications are applied continuously or intermittently to electronic medical devices. In this way, the influence of both the far field and the near field can be evaluated in the worst case. The fundamental configuration, the test procedure, and the electromagnetic interference experienced by actual electronic medical devices are described. Evaluation tests of typical electronic medical devices including the implantable cardiac pacemakers are presented. In comparison with the existing test method of the IEC, highly reliable and accurate results are obtained. The present test method has been used for electromagnetic interference tests of various electronic medical devices, including pacemakers. The results provide a basis for the guidelines regarding the electromagnetic effects of cellular phones on electronic medical devices developed by the Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference (EMCC) Japan. (C) 2001 Scripta Technica.