PDC 108: A Gentle Approach to Radio Frequency for IHs

Greater Columbus Convention Center 

Room: A 213 

CM Credit Hours: 7 

This PDC is designed to make radio frequency (RF) more approachable for IHs who may not have a strong background in physics. RF plays an increasingly significant role in our daily lives. It is crucial for IHs to understand this subject enough to bring a scientific perspective where needed. This course will take a step-by-step approach to introduce RF principles. Examples and practice exercises along with an Excel RF calculator will demonstrate the math involved with RF. The 7-step process for evaluating an RF source is represented by the acronym PANCAKE: Parameters, Absorption, Near/Far Fields, Continuous/Pulsed, Antenna of Interest, Keep-Out Zone, and Exposure. Additional course topics include: a) the significance and aesthetics of RF; b) RF safety program components; c) Periodic Table of RF; d) RF health issues; d) transmitters, conductors, antennas; e) RF controls; f) RF exposure standards; g) RF surveys; and h) survey meters.

In-person participants: *Registration includes boxed luncheon. **Power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, charging stations for laptops will be provided in each course room.

• RF Relevance, RF Spectrum, Health Effects
• RF Math: Use of Decibels
• A RF Emitter: Transmitter, Conductor, Antenna
• The 3 Fields in Front of an Antenna
• The Main Antenna Types
• The RF PANCAKE Evaluation Method
• Using Pulsed Signal Information for Greater Accuracy
• RF Exposure Limits
• RF Overexposure
• Onsite Evaluation: Walkthrough & Instrument Surveys 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Identify predictable trends going from low to high RF frequency.
• Use decibels in the context of RF.
• Define the parts of an RF emitter.
• Explain the parameters used in RF assessments.
• Utilize the 7-Step Pancake RF assessment method and Excel calculator.
• Describe what constitutes overexposure to RF.
• Explain how recognition, evaluation & control apply to RF. 

Participants should have a basic experience with Excel. 

Participants will take away a practical experience using RF PANCAKE Assessment method and Excel Calculator. 

This RF course is designed to instruct attendees so that they can perform basic RF evaluations using a 7-step model. The outcomes include knowing whether or not an RF control plan is required; what the keep-out zone distance is; and what the RF exposure is at a distance X from the antenna. This is meant to be a solid foundation in RF so that further education in the subject comes easier.  

Introductory

Laptop

Scientific Calculator

Smartphone

Corporation/Company

Aerospace

Engineering

Transportation

Radiation (Ionizing and Nonionizing)

Risk Assessment and Management

Toxicology

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Post course test

Practice exercises