IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000

Amendment 1 to IEC 60489-8 - Methods of measurement for radio equipment used in the mobile services - Part 8: Methods of measurement for antennas and ancillary equipment

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 26-Oct-2000
• ICS: 33.060.20 - Receiving and transmitting equipment
• ICS: 33.120.40 - Aerials
• ICS: 33.120.99 - Other components and accessories
• Technical Committee: TC 102 - Equipment used in radiocommunications for mobile services and for satellite communication systems
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 27-Oct-2000
• Completion Date: 15-Oct-2000

Overview - IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 (Amendment 1)

IEC 60489-8 Amendment 1 updates the international measurement methods for antennas and ancillary equipment used in mobile radio services. Published by the IEC Technical Committee 102, this amendment adds procedures for measuring duplexers, and introduces a new Section on vehicular antennas and conditions, plus normative annexes (ground‑plane mounting, a standard vehicle antenna, and power‑rating test equipment requirements). The standard is intended to be used with IEC 60489-1 and supports consistent type and acceptance testing for mobile radio antennas.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Duplexer measurements: definitions and step‑by‑step methods to quantify
  • Transmitter noise suppression ability (coupling attenuation from Tx to Rx),
  • Transmitter‑to‑receiver isolation ability,
  • Insertion loss for transmit and receive branches,
  • Standing‑wave ratio (SWR) measurement,
  • Power rating (4‑hour power endurance test) and presentation of results. Measurement procedures specify test connections, use of signal generators, attenuators, selective measuring devices, SWR and power meters, and graphical presentation of coupling attenuation and insertion loss vs frequency.
• Frequency stability (temperature): measure drift of edge frequencies where performance limits are met; expressed in parts per million per °C (ppm/°C).
• Environmental and stress tests: procedures to evaluate performance under cold, dry heat, humidity, vibration, shock, dust/sand, driving rain, and corrosion (salt fog) - performed per referenced clauses in IEC 60489-1.
• Vehicular antennas and conditions: supplementary definitions (impedance, bandwidth, polarization), standard test mountings (ground‑plane and back‑to‑back), a recommended test vehicle specification (approx. 4‑door steel passenger car with given dimensions), and requirements for radiation pattern and relative antenna gain measurements.
• Normative annexes: details on ground‑plane test mounting, a standard antenna for mounting, and test‑equipment requirements for power‑rating.

Applications and users

This standard is essential for:

• Antenna and duplexer manufacturers performing type tests and acceptance testing
• RF test laboratories and certification bodies ensuring consistent measurement methods
• Communications engineers specifying antenna performance for mobile and vehicular installations
• Regulatory authorities comparing measurement results across vendors and labs

Related standards

• IEC 60489-1 (general test conditions and methods) - to be used in conjunction with this Part 8
• Terminology referenced from IEC 60050(138)

Keywords: IEC 60489-8, antennas measurement, duplexer testing, vehicular antennas, SWR, insertion loss, transmitter‑receiver isolation, antenna power rating, ground‑plane test mounting.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL IEC
STANDARD
60489-8
AMENDMENT 1
2000-10
Amendment 1
Methods of measurement for radio equipment
used in the mobile services
Part 8:
Methods of measurement for antennas
and ancillary equipment
Amendement 1
Méthodes de mesure applicables au matériel
de radiocommunication utilisé dans les service mobiles –
Partie 8:
Méthodes de mesure applicables aux antennes
et matériels accessoires
 IEC 2000  Copyright - all rights reserved
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
Telefax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] IEC web site http://www.iec.ch
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
PRICE CODE
U
International Electrotechnical Commission
For price, see current catalogue

– 2 – 60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E)
FOREWORD
This amendment has been prepared by IEC technical committee 102: Equipment used in radio
communications for mobile services and for satellite communication systems.
The text of this amendment is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
102/62/FDIS 102/63/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this amendment can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
A bilingual version of this amendment may be issued at a later date.
___________
Amend the title of this standard on the cover page, the title page and on pages 5 and 9 as
follows:
Part 8: Methods of measurement for antennas and ancillary equipment
Page 3
CONTENTS
Add the title of the following new clause 9 in Section two:
9 Measurement of duplexers
Add the following new section and annexes.
Section three – Vehicular antennas and conditions
10 Supplementary definitions and conditions
11 Standing-wave ratio
12 Radiation pattern
13 Relative antenna gain
60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E) – 3 –
14 Antenna power rating
15 Measurement of electrical performance parameter under
adverse environmental conditions
Annex C (normative) Ground-plan test mounting
Annex D (normative) Standard antenna for mounting on a ground plane
Annex E (normative) Requirements for test equipment in power rating measurement
Page 9
Replace the text of clauses 1 and 2 as follows:
1 Scope
This International Standard refers specifically to the antennas and ancillary equipment used in
the mobile services.
This standard is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 60489-1.
The supplementary terms and definitions and the conditions of measurement set forth in this
standard are intended for type tests and may also be used for acceptance tests.
2 Object
The object of this standard is to standardize the definitions, the conditions and the methods of
measurement used to ascertain the performance of antennas and ancillary equipment
(for example, duplexer) within the scope of this standard and to make possible a meaningful
comparison of the results of measurements made by different observers on different
equipment.
Page 19
Add the following new clause 9 and new figures after subclause 8.4:
9 Measurement of duplexers
9.1 General
9.1.1 Supplementary terms and definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the following supplementary terms and definitions apply.

– 4 – 60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E)
9.1.1.1
duplexer
device allowing the same antenna to be used for simultaneous transmission and reception
[IEV 712-06-16]
NOTE There are three terminals which are connected to the transmitter, the receiver and the antenna respectively
in a duplexer. The branch from the transmitting terminal to the terminal of the antenna is referred to as the
transmitting branch. The branch from the terminal of the antenna to the receiving terminal is referred to as the
receiving branch.
9.1.1.2
frequency stability (temperature)
drift characteristic of the extreme frequency at which the specified duplexer performance is
–6
satisfied, with temperature. It is expressed as parts per million per centigrade (10 /°C).
The duplexer performance (for example, transmitter noise suppression-ability, transmitter-to-
receiver isolation-ability, insertion loss and SWR) should be measured under the condition of
specified temperature range and more than specified frequency range
9.1.2
standard test condition
unless otherwise specified, all measurements should be performed under the general test
conditions as stated in IEC 60489-1 and the supplementary test conditions given below
9.1.3 Supplementary test conditions
9.1.3.1
test load
non-radiating load with an impedance and power rating specified by the duplexer manufacturer
9.1.3.2
connections to the measuring equipment
care must be taken to ensure that measuring equipment does not adversely affect the duplexer
loading conditions
9.2 Transmitter noise suppression-ability
9.2.1 Definition
The ability of the duplexer to suppress the transmitter noise on the frequency band of the
receiver, so as to prevent the desired performance of the receiver from degrading.
It is expressed by the minimum coupling attenuation value from the transmitting terminal to the
receiving terminal of the duplexer in the above frequency band.
9.2.2 Method of measurement
a) Connect the equipment as illustrated in figure 1.
b) Connect point P1 to P2. Adjust the frequency of the generator (1) to any one within the
specified operating frequencies of the receiving branch.
Adjust the output of the generator (1) and attenuation of the attenuator (2) to provide a
signal level within the linear range of the selective measuring device (4). Record the level
and value of attenuation.
c) If required, repeat step b) at another specified operating frequency.

60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E) – 5 –
d) Connect point P1 to the transmitting terminal (Tx) of the duplexer, and point P2 to the
receiving terminal (Rx) of the duplexer.
While maintaining the output of the generator (1) established in step b), vary the frequency
over the specified operating range of the receiving branch and adjust the attenuator (2) to
provide a signal level within the linear range of the selective measuring device (4). Record
the level and the value of the attenuation at each frequency.
9.2.3 Presentation of results
a) Calculate the ratio, in dB, of the recorded level in step b) of 9.2.2 to recorded level in step d)
of 9.2.2 and the difference, in dB, between the recorded attenuation in step b) of 9.2.2 and the
recorded attenuation in step d) of 9.2.2. Add the value of both the ratio and the difference.
Record this coupling attenuation value, in dB.
b) Plot the coupling attenuation value recorded in step a) on the linear ordinate of a graph
versus the corresponding frequency on the linear abscissa.
c) The minimum coupling attenuation value in the graph is referred to as transmitter noise
suppression ability of the duplexer.
9.3 Transmitter-to-receiver isolation ability
9.3.1 Definition
The ability of the duplexer to isolate the transmitter output power level so as to prevent the
desired performance of the receiver from degrading.
It is expressed by the minimum coupling attenuation value from the transmitting terminal to the
receiving terminal of the duplexer in the transmitting frequency band.
9.3.2 Method of measurement
a) Connect the equipment as illustrated in figure 1.
b) Connect point P1 to P2. Adjust the frequency of the generator (1) to any one within the
specified operating frequencies of the transmitting branch.
Adjust the output of the generator (1) and attenuation of the attenuator (2) to provide a
signal level within the linear range of the selective measuring device (4). Record the level
and value of attenuation.
c) If required, repeat step b) at another specified operating frequency.
d) Connect point P1 to the transmitting terminal (Tx) of the duplexer, and point P2 to the
receiving terminal (Rx) of the duplexer.
While maintaining the output of generator (1) established in step b), vary the frequency
over the specified operating range of the transmitting branch and adjust the attenuation of
attenuator (2) to provide a signal level within the linear range of the selective measuring
device (4). Record the level and the value of attenuation at each frequency.
9.3.3 Presentation of results
a) Calculate the ratio, in dB, of the recorded level in step b) of 9.3.2 to the recorded level in
step d) of 9.3.2, and the difference, in dB, between the recorded attenuation in step b) of
9.3.2 and the recorded attenuation in step d) of 9.3.2. Add the values of both the ratio and
difference. Record this coupling attenuation value, in dB.
b) Plot the coupling attenuation value recorded in step a) on the linear ordinate of a graph
versus the corresponding frequency on the linear abscissa.
c) The minimum coupling attenuation value in the graph is referred to as transmitter-to-
receiver isolation ability of the duplexer.

– 6 – 60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E)
9.4 Insertion loss
9.4.1 Definition
Transmission loss of the transmitter output power level and the receiver input signal level
through the duplexer.
9.4.2 Method of measurement
a) Connect the equipment as shown in figure 2a to the attenuator (4) in the circuit, if the input
SWR of the selective measuring device (5) exceeds 1,2:1.
b) Connect point P1 to point P2. Adjust the frequency of the generator (1) to any one within
the specified operating frequencies of the transmitting branch. Adjust the output of the
generator (1) and the attenuation of the attenuator (2) to provide a signal level within the
linear range of the selective measuring device (4). Record the level.
c) If required, repeat step b) at another specified operating frequency.
d) Connect point P1 to the transmitting terminal (Tx) and point P2 to the antenna terminal
(Ant).
While maintaining the output of the generator (1) established in step b), vary the frequency
over the specified operating range of the transmitting branch. Record the level indicated by
the selective measuring device (5) at each frequency.
e) Connect the equipment as illustrated in figure 2b; connect point P1 to point P2. Adjust the
frequency of the generator (1) to any one within the specified operating frequencies of the
receiving branch. Adjust the output of the generator (1) and the attenuation of the
attenuator (2) to provide a signal level within the linear range of the selective measuring
device (4). Record the level.
f) If required, repeat step e) at another specified operating frequency.
g) Connect point P1 to the antenna terminal (Ant) and point P2 to the receiving terminal (Rx).
While maintaining the output of the generator (1) established in step e), vary the frequency
over the specified operating range of the receiving branch. Record the level indicated by
the selective measuring device (5) at each frequency.
9.4.3 Presentation of results
a) Calculate the ratio, in dB, of the recorded level in step b) of 9.4.2 to the recorded level in
step d) of 9.4.2 and the ratio, in dB, of the recorded level in step e) of 9.4.2 to the recorded
level in step g) of 9.4.2. Record this value, in dB.
b) Plot the ratio recorded in step a) on the linear ordinate of a graph versus the corresponding
frequency on the linear abscissa.
c) The maximum ratio in the specified operating frequency range of both branches is referred
to respectively as the insertion loss of the transmitting branch and the receiving branch.
9.5 Standing-wave ratio (SWR)
9.5.1 Definition
The ratio of the maximum to the minimum values of the voltage in the standing-wave pattern
along a lossless transmission line with the transmitting or antenna terminal as a load, while the
receiving and antenna terminal or the receiving and transmitting terminal are connected to the
test load.
60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E) – 7 –
9.5.2 Method of measurement
a) Connect the equipment as illustrated in figure 3.
NOTE The SWR measuring device has a nominal impedance equal to that of the transmitting line and a
residual SWR of not more than 1,05 below or equal to 500 MHz and not more than 1,10 above 500 MHz. This
residual SWR should be measured with all connectors to be used – measurement included.
b) Connect point P1 to the transmitting terminal (Tx) and point P2 to the antenna terminal
(Ant). Vary the frequency of the generator (1) over the specified operating frequency range
of the transmitting branch. Record the SWR at each frequency, as read on the SWR
measuring device (3).
c) Connect point P1 to the antenna terminal (Ant) and point P2 to the transmitting terminal
(Tx). Vary the frequency of the generator (1) over the specified operating frequency range
of the receiving branch. Record the SWR at each frequency, as read on the SWR
measuring device (3).
9.5.3 Presentation of results
The maximum value recorded in step b) and c) of 9.5.2 is respectively referred to as SWR of
the transmitting branch and the receiving branch.
9.6 Rating power
9.6.1 Definition
The permissible input power at the transmitting terminal of the duplexer under specified
operating conditions.
9.6.2 Method of measurement
a) Connect the equipment as illustrated in figure 4. Connect point P1 to point P2.
b) Adjust the output of the generator (1) at the specified frequency to achieve the specified
power as indicated by the power meter (5). Record the settings of the generator.
c) Switch off the output of the generator and connect point P1 to the transmitting terminal (Tx)
and point P2 to the antenna terminal (Ant.).
d) Switch the generator (1) output on and restore the settings recorded in b). Record the SWR
measuring device (3) reading.
e) Apply the power for a period of 4 h under specified temperature and humidity conditions.
No damage or deformation shall be observed and the change in SWR from the value
recorded in d) shall be less than 10 %.
9.6.3 Presentation of results
The result shall state the rating power, the test frequency and the environmental temperature
and humidity.
9.7 Duplexer performance under conditions deviating from standard test conditions
If required, the performance of the duplexer should be evaluated under conditions deviating
from standard test conditions.
The performance characteristics and the environmental conditions at which the measurements
are to be made shall be those explicitly specified in the equipment specification.
The results obtained may be compared with those obtained under standard test conditions.

– 8 – 60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E)
9.7.1 Initial measurements under standard test conditions
Before beginning the test described in the following subclause, the relevant performance
characteristics must first be measured under standard test conditions in accordance with the
methods specified in this section.
9.7.2 Variation of ambient temperature
9.7.2.1 Cold
The required characteristics shall be measured under the environment conditions specified in
clause 28 of IEC 60489-1.
9.7.2.2 Dry heat
The required characteristics shall be measured under the environment conditions specified in
clause 28 of IEC 60489-1.
9.7.2.3 Evaluation of frequency stability (temperature)
Measure the duplexer performance, for example, transmitter noise suppressionability,
transmitter-to-receiver isolationability, insertion loss and SWR, versus frequency under
standard test conditions, specified cold and dry heat, and more than specified frequency range.
Estimate the drift of the extreme frequencies corresponding to the satisfied requirement of
performance, for example transmitter noise suppressionability, transmitter-to-receiver isolation-
–6
ability, insertion loss and SWR. It is expressed in 10 /°C. The maximum value is referred to
as the frequency stability (temperature).
9.7.3 Variation of humidity
The required characteristics shall be measured under the environment conditions specified in
clause 28 of IEC 60489-1.
9.7.4 Vibration
For equipment intended to have immunity to vibration, the required characteristics shall be
measured after the vibration test has been performed in conformity with 30.1 of IEC 60489-1.
NOTE Duplexers intended to be used for transceivers operating under vibration conditions should be tested
additionally under real conditions, i.e. forming a part of transceivers, when the quality of transmitted (received)
information or signal-to-noise ratio on the transmission (reception) channel is estimated.
9.7.5 Shock
For equipment intended to have immunity to shock, the required characteristics shall be
measured after the shock test has been performed in conformity with 30.2 of IEC 60489-1.
9.7.6 Dust and sand
For equipment intended to have immunity to dust and sand, the required characteristics shall
be measured after the dust and sand test has been performed in conformity with 30.4 of
IEC 60489-1.
9.7.7 Driving rain
For equipment intended to have immunity to driving rain, the required characteristics shall be
measured after the driving rain test has been performed in conformity with 30.5 of IEC 60489-1.

60489-8 Amend. 1  IEC:2000(E) – 9 –
9.7.8 Corrosion (salt fog)
For equipment intended to have immunity to corrosion (salt fog), the required characteristics
shall be measured after the corrosion test has been performed in conformity with 30.6 of
IEC 60489-1.
Add the following new section after Section two:
Section three – Vehicular antennas and conditions
10 Supplementary definitions and conditions
Definitions used in this standard generally conform with those given in IEC 60050(138).
In this section, as stated in Section one, clause 3, the term "antenna" will be used. This term is
synonymous with "aerial" (see IEV 712-01-01).
10.1 Impedance of test equipment
The cha
...