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
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
27-Oct-2000
Completion Date
15-Oct-2000

Overview

IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 is an international amendment published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifying standardized methods for measuring performance parameters of antennas and ancillary equipment in radio equipment used for mobile services. This amendment enhances testing approaches focused specifically on duplexers, vehicular antennas, and test mounting configurations to ensure repeatable and reliable performance assessment across different mobile communication systems.

By providing well-defined procedures and definitions, this IEC standard supports type and acceptance tests for mobile service antennas and related devices, facilitating consistent verification and comparison of results between different observers and organizations.

Key Topics

Measurement of Antennas and Ancillary Equipment

  • Supplementary definitions and conditions for antenna and duplexer testing
  • Measurement methods for key parameters including:
    • Transmitter noise suppression ability
    • Transmitter-to-receiver isolation
    • Insertion loss
    • Standing-wave ratio (SWR)
    • Power rating of antennas and duplexers
    • Duplexer performance under adverse environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, dust, rain, and corrosion)

Vehicular Antenna Measurements

  • Criteria for standard test mounting (ground-plane and back-to-back)
  • Test vehicle specifications and environmental requirements
  • Measurement procedures for:
    • Impedance and bandwidth
    • Polarization and radiation patterns
    • Relative antenna gain and percentage coverage gain
    • Shock and vibration stability

Annexes

  • Standard setups for ground-plane and antenna mounting
  • Guidance on standard antennas for ground-plane testing, ensuring reproducibility
  • Reference to test equipment requirements for accurate power rating measurements

Applications

The practical value of IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 lies in its universal, standardized approach to performance measurement of antennas and duplexers in mobile services. Key applications include:

  • Design & Quality Assurance: Manufacturers and developers of mobile radios and ancillary equipment, such as antennas and duplexers, use these test methods for consistent product assessment and development.
  • Conformance Testing: Laboratories and quality control facilities rely on these standardized procedures for type and acceptance testing, ensuring equipment meets industry and regulatory requirements.
  • Vehicle Integration: The section on vehicular antennas ensures reliable assessment of antenna performance under realistic, in-vehicle installation conditions.
  • Performance Comparison: By adopting common test conditions and definitions, results from different observers or test houses can be objectively compared for procurement, certification, or troubleshooting purposes.
  • R&D and Environmental Testing: The procedures cover not only laboratory conditions, but also performance under realistic environmental stresses, supporting ruggedization efforts for mobile communication equipment.
  • Antenna Design Validation: The specified ground-plane and standard antenna setups provide a controlled environment for comparative product evaluation and research.

Related Standards

Several IEC and international standards are referenced or complement IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000:

  • IEC 60489-1 – General methods of measurement for radio equipment used in the mobile services. Provides foundational test conditions and background procedures for use alongside Part 8.
  • IEC 60050(138) – International Electrotechnical Vocabulary: antennas and radio wave propagation
  • IEV 712-01-01 – Defines ‘antenna’ and related concepts
  • IEC 60489-8 – The base part to which this amendment applies, covering broader aspects of antenna and ancillary equipment measurement.
  • IEC 60489-1, Clause 28 and Clause 30 – Specifications for environmental tests including temperature variation, humidity, vibration, shock, dust, sand, rain, and corrosion.

For organizations involved in mobile communications, antenna testing, or radio frequency equipment certification, aligning with IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 supports global compatibility, reliable performance, and regulatory compliance in rapidly evolving communications markets.

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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 Released:10/27/2000

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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "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". This standard covers: 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

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

IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.060.20 - Receiving and transmitting equipment; 33.120.40 - Aerials; 33.120.99 - Other components and accessories. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 60489-8:1984/AMD1:2000 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

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: +41 22 919 0300 e-mail: inmail@iec.ch 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
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