Gigahertz Solutions HF38B High-Frequency EMF Meter

Higher Sensitivity and Extended Measurement Range for Detailed RF Analysis

The Gigahertz Solutions HF38B is a high-frequency EMF meter for measuring radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields from 700 MHz to 2.7 GHz, with measurements possible up to 3.3 GHz with increased tolerances.

The HF38B combines broadband RF measurement with a directional logarithmic-periodic (LogPer) antenna, selectable peak and average readings, Peak Hold and audio analysis. This allows RF fields to be measured and, where required, investigated to help identify the direction of a source.

What does the HF38B measure?

The HF38B measures power flux density over its specified frequency range, with a measurement range of 0.01 - 19,990 µW/m².

The frequency range covers many RF sources encountered in homes, offices and other buildings, including:

• Mobile phone networks
• GSM
• UMTS / 3G
• LTE / 4G
• 2G and 3G services
• Sub-3-GHz 5G bands, including 700 MHz
• DECT cordless phones
• Lower WLAN / Wi-Fi frequencies
• Bluetooth
• Radar
• Microwave ovens

Directional RF measurement

The HF38B uses an external optimised logarithmic-periodic (LogPer) antenna. Its directional characteristics can be used when investigating where an RF source is located.

By changing the direction of the antenna and observing the measured level, the user can investigate the direction from which a stronger RF field is arriving. The antenna has reduced ripple and improved directional characteristics.

The HF38B can be used for measurements indoors and outdoors. When used outdoors, the instrument should be protected from moisture.

Frequency-compensated measurement

The HF38B is fully frequency compensated within its specified frequency range. This is relevant when measuring broadband RF fields containing signals at different frequencies.

The measurement system displays the sum of the detected RF radiation at the measurement location, rather than simply selecting the strongest individual signal.

Peak, average and Peak Hold

RF signals can change considerably over time. The HF38B allows the user to switch between peak value, average value and Peak Hold.

The Peak Hold function retains a measured peak value, which can be useful when investigating intermittent or rapidly changing RF signals.

Audio analysis

The HF38B includes an audio analysis function that can assist in identifying certain pulsed RF sources.

The acoustic signal is related to the modulation frequency and field strength of the detected radiation. This can help distinguish characteristics of signals from sources such as mobile radio, DECT cordless phones, WLAN and radar, alongside the numerical measurement shown on the display.

High sensitivity and wide measurement range

The HF38B has a display resolution of 0.01 µW/m² and a measurement range extending to 19,990 µW/m² (19.99 mW/m²).

The specified basic accuracy is ±6 dB, including linearity error. The specified zero-point deviation and rollover are ±9 digits.

Applications

The HF38B can be used when investigating high-frequency electromagnetic fields in:

• Houses and flats
• Bedrooms and living areas
• Offices and workplaces
• Buildings in areas with mobile network coverage
• Locations with Wi-Fi equipment
• Areas where DECT cordless phones are used
• Locations where intermittent RF sources need to be investigated
• Indoor and outdoor environments

The directional antenna is particularly useful when the purpose of a measurement is not only to establish the presence of RF radiation, but also to investigate the direction of a source.

The HF38B can also be used to compare measurements before and after changes intended to reduce RF exposure, provided that measurements are taken under comparable conditions.

Technical Specifications

What's included?

• Gigahertz Solutions HF38B measuring device
• Plug-on LogPer antenna
• Antenna cable
• 9 V alkaline manganese battery
• Detailed operating instructions with background information

HF38B for UK EMF and RF measurements

The HF38B is suitable for users who need to investigate high-frequency electromagnetic fields in greater detail than is possible with a basic RF detector. Its combination of a directional LogPer antenna, frequency-compensated measurement, wide measurement range, peak and average readings, Peak Hold and audio analysis provides several ways to examine an RF environment.

For UK measurements, the specified frequency range includes the 700 MHz 5G band as well as other Sub-3-GHz 5G frequencies, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, DECT, Bluetooth and other RF sources falling within the meter's operating range.