Ensure your wireless devices adhere to SAR standards to gain access to global markets. Element’s specialized Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) services will help you comply with international regulations. As a global leader in RF Exposure assessments, our Å·ÃÀÊìÅ®ÂÒÂ× include Power Density (PD) and SPR-002 Nerve Stimulation Testing for comprehensive RF safety compliance.

 

What is Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing and why is it important? 

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the measure of how much Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless devices is absorbed by the human body. Governments worldwide enforce safety guidelines, limiting RF exposure within 20 cm (7.8 in) of the head or body. SAR testing ensures compliance with these guidelines and helps ensure the safety and well-being of your customers. This mandatory approach safeguards public health and promotes the responsible development and usage of wireless communication technologies.

 

How is Element’s SAR testing conducted?

SAR testing at Element uses the highly advanced DASY6 scanning system, for the latest technology in SAR testing. This involves placing your wireless device next to a “phantom” (a simulated model of a human body part, such as a head, torso, wrist or hand). Your device is then operated at its maximum power levels while SAR probes measure the energy absorbed by different body tissues. The results are used to calculate the SAR values. These values can be used to ensure devices comply with exposure limits, such as the SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg for the general population in the US and Canada, regulated by 47 CFR Part 2, section 2.1093. The European Union and other countries have a SAR limit of 2.0 W/kg under Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC. Similar tests can also be conducted using DASY6 and phantoms to assess Power Density (PD) levels.

 

Key benefits of Specific Absorption Rate testing with Element

  • Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Our SAR testing service guarantees that your wireless devices meet established regulatory limits. The testing process provides essential data demonstrating your devices' compliance with safety standards, streamlining the certification and regulatory approval process for you.
  • Remain Accountable: As a manufacturer, uphold your accountability through independent verification using our SAR testing procedure. This allows you to assess and showcase your products' adherence to specific standards, providing an objective and standardized method to identify and address potential issues related to RF energy absorption.
  • Achieve Global Market Access: SAR testing facilitates your product's global market access by providing evidence of compliance with international SAR standards including those for the US, Canada, Korea, Japan, and Europe, simplifying the certification processes necessary for your products to enter the global market.
  • Optimize Your Network: To optimize the network integration of your products, SAR testing offers crucial information about RF energy absorption by the human body during device usage. This data assists you in optimizing network performance (considering factors such as placement, and supportive or shielding devices) and addressing potential issues related to device interaction within the network.
  • One supplier, One solution: Our expert engineers can arrange Power Density (PD) testing, as well as SPR-002 Nerve Stimulation testing, alongside or separately from SAR testing – providing the convenience of complete compliance through one supplier, reducing time to market and unnecessary costs. Element is also a global leader in a wide range of other EMC and Global Market Access services and our team is happy to discuss your individual needs. 
Michael Derby

Michael Derby

Technical Director - Regulatory Approvals

Read more about Michael

Keep up with changing standards

SAR testing plays a crucial role in encouraging the development of technologies that minimize RF exposure. While this represents a positive shift towards safer devices, it can cause issues for users who now face the prospect of upgrading or replacing their existing devices. At Element, we recognize the importance of balancing technological advancements with user convenience. Through our SAR testing services, we contribute to the creation of safer technologies and offer a solution that ensures your devices meet and exceed stringent safety standards, meaning they can potentially remain compliant for longer, reducing upheaval for your customers.

 

Ensure professional safety

SAR testing with Element safeguards the professionals and customers working with your radiofrequency products by ensuring compliance with established safety standards. Our meticulous testing process guarantees that the specific absorption rate (SAR) remains within safe limits, offering assurance and mitigating potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure. Partnering with us fosters a secure working environment for professionals, prioritizing human safety in any daily tasks involving radiofrequency devices.

 

Products that we test 

We have helped to develop regulatory testing solutions for products including:

  • Consumer and occupational handheld wireless devices
  • Tablets and smartphones including all cellular technologies (2G/3G/4G/LTE/5G)
  • EAS, metal detectors, RFID, TPMS, vehicle security systems
  • A4WP, WPC, PMA Wireless Power Transmission (WPT)/Charging
  • Wearables- Implants and body-worn devices
  • IoT including ZigBee
  • 5G NR and mmWave technology
  • Device-based time-averaged RF exposure (TAS) 

 

Why choose Element?

As one of the few labs globally offering comprehensive Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing, Element is the ideal partner for your telecom device certification. The latest technology we offer through our DASY6 near field evaluation system, our simulated human tissue testing, and the best-in-class expertise of our team are second to none.

Our SAR Testing team can accommodate a wide range of products including 2G/3G/4G/LTE/5G cellular phones, WLAN, laptops, Bluetooth, Zigbee, implantable and body-worn devices. We offer RF exposure and SAR testing services according to the latest standards and specifications around the world to support you with gaining approvals for CE marking for EU, FCC for US, ISED for Canada, MIC for Japan, and RRA for Korea. With fast turnaround times, the ability to create custom test plans, and over 39 years of connected technology experience, you can be sure of accurate results within your budget and deadlines. 

Contact us today to discuss your SAR testing requirements or learn more about Element.

Europe
  • EN62369-1:2009
  • EN 50360 (2017)
  • EN 50566 (2017)
  • EN 62209-1 (2016)
  • IEC 62209-1 (2016)
  • EN 62209-2 (2010/AMD1:2019)
  • IEC 62209-2 (2010/AMD1:2019) 
  • EN 50364 (2018)
  • EN 62479:2010
  • IEC/IEEE 62209-1529 (2020)
  • IEC TR 63170: 2018
North America
  • FCC RF Exposure KDBs
  • IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 (2020)
  • IEEE Standard 1528 (2013)
  • IEC 62209-2 (2010/AMD1:2019)
  • IEC 62209-1 (2016)
  • RSS-102, Issue 5
  • Safety Code 6: Health Canada's Radiofrequency Exposure Guidelines
  • RSS-102, SPR-002
  • IEC TR 63170: 2018

Are all wireless devices required to undergo SAR testing?

Yes, in many countries, regulatory bodies require SAR testing for wireless devices, especially those in close proximity to the body, like mobile phones. Compliance with SAR limits is a prerequisite for certification and market approval.

How can consumers access SAR information for a specific device?

SAR information is often provided by manufacturers in product documentation or on their websites. Additionally, regulatory agencies may publish SAR values as part of their certification databases. Consumers can check these sources to find SAR information for a particular device.

Does SAR testing account for different user scenarios and demographics?

SAR testing is conducted using standardized models representing a range of user scenarios. However, individual factors like age, body composition, and device usage habits can influence RF absorption. The standardized tests aim to provide a reasonable assessment for the general population.

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