VDE 0848-385 DIN EN 50385 2003-05 PDF

Full title and description

DIN EN 50385 VDE 0848-385:2003-05 — Product standard to demonstrate the compliance of radio base stations and fixed terminal stations for wireless telecommunication systems with the basic restrictions or the reference levels related to human exposure to radio‑frequency electromagnetic fields (110 MHz – 40 GHz) — German version of EN 50385:2002. This edition addresses assessment and conformity procedures for general‑public exposure from base‑station equipment.

Abstract

This standard specifies methods and product requirements for demonstrating that radio base stations and fixed terminal stations meet the applicable basic restrictions (e.g., SAR) or reference levels for human exposure to radio‑frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the frequency range 110 MHz to 40 GHz. It defines assessment configurations, measurement and calculation approaches, worst‑case considerations and documentation needed for conformity demonstration for the general public.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (replaced by a later edition / German adoption DIN EN 50385:2019-05 / VDE 0848-385:2019-05).
• Publication date: May 2003 (Edition designation: 2003-05; original EN version 2002/2003).
• Publisher: German adoption published by VDE Verlag (German version of the European (CENELEC) standard / DIN adoption).
• ICS / categories: 13.280 (Radiation protection); 33.070.01 (Mobile services in general); (also commonly associated with measurement ICS 17.220.20 for related editions).
• Edition / version: DIN EN 50385 VDE 0848-385:2003-05 (German version of EN 50385:2002).
• Number of pages: 11 (typical published length for the 2003 German adoption).

Scope

The standard applies to base station equipment and fixed terminal stations intended for use in wireless telecommunication systems and provides product‑level procedures to demonstrate compliance with RF exposure limits for the general public in the frequency range 110 MHz to 40 GHz. It is intended for conformity assessment at the time of placing equipment on the market and covers measurement and/or calculation routes, assessment distances and representative operating conditions (including worst‑case/maximum‑emission configurations).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of application scope (equipment types covered: base stations and certain fixed terminal stations) and applicable exposure limits (basic restrictions and reference levels for the general public).
• Measurement and calculation procedures to assess RF field levels and, where required, SAR evaluation or indirect compliance via reference levels.
• Specified test configurations, assessment distances and representative (worst‑case) antenna / transmit settings for product evaluation.
• Requirements for documentation and declaration of conformity (test reports, measurement setups, assumptions and results).
• Guidance on use of standardized assessment geometries and on aggregation of multiple transmitters to determine combined exposure.
• Conformity criteria and pass/fail determination relative to the applicable limits for the general public.

Typical use and users

Used by product compliance engineers, RF test laboratories, manufacturers of base‑station and fixed radio equipment, conformity assessment bodies, national standards committees and operators responsible for placing telecommunications equipment on the market. Also referenced by regulators and health‑and‑safety specialists assessing public RF exposure from installed base stations.

Related standards

EN 50385 (later editions, e.g., EN 50385:2017 / DIN EN 50385:2019-05) which supersedes the 2003 version; standards on measurement and calculation procedures and product assessment such as EN 50401 (installation/commissioning aspects), EN 62479 / EN 50663 (low‑power device assessment), EN IEC 62311 (assessment of electronic equipment with respect to EMF exposure limits), and international guidance such as ICNIRP exposure guidelines and national regulatory documents (e.g., FCC OET Bulletins for the US).

Keywords

RF exposure, base station, radio base station, EMF, electromagnetic fields, SAR, reference levels, conformity assessment, measurement procedures, VDE 0848-385, DIN EN 50385, public exposure.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DIN EN 50385 VDE 0848-385:2003-05 is the German adoption of EN 50385:2002 — a product standard that specifies procedures to demonstrate that radio base stations and certain fixed radio equipment comply with RF exposure limits for the general public in the 110 MHz to 40 GHz band.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers assessment methods (measurement and calculation), test configurations and documentation requirements for demonstrating compliance with basic restrictions (e.g., SAR) or with reference levels for RF electromagnetic fields emitted by base‑station equipment. It focuses on product‑level conformity prior to or at market placement.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, network operators, national standards bodies and regulatory or health‑and‑safety specialists involved in RF exposure assessment and market conformity of base‑station equipment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2003 edition has been withdrawn and superseded by later editions — notably the German adoption of EN 50385:2017 published as DIN EN 50385 VDE 0848-385:2019-05. Users should apply the most recent edition applicable in their jurisdiction.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 50385 is part of the family of EMF/EMC and RF‑exposure related standards and is intended to be used alongside related product and measurement standards (for example EN 50401 for installation/commissioning, EN 50663 / EN 62479 / EN IEC 62311 for device assessment and general measurement standards for EMF). National adoptions and later revisions form a continuity of related documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: RF exposure, base station, EMF, SAR, reference levels, conformity assessment, measurement, DIN EN 50385, VDE 0848-385, public exposure.