SMP device measures electromagnetic field strength

The SMP monitoring system, which is manufactured in Spain by Wavecontrol, is suitable for applications where there are concerns about EMF levels.

The system can measure EMF levels generated by any source within the frequency range of the probe attached to the system.

The SMP checks compliance with all recognised national and international standards related to monitoring human exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (up to 3GHz).

It will find immediate applications where the user needs to establish compliance with standards.

Howard Venning, managing director of Aspen Electronics, said: 'New legislation is expected to be effective in the UK in early 2012.

'Every employer will have a duty to ensure their employees are not subjected to excessive levels of RF [radio-frequency] radiation in the workplace from equipment both in their control and outside their control.

'The Wavecontrol field strength meter will play a major role in testing and monitoring workplace environments,' he added.

The system can sample the field level continuously and store that data automatically in internal memory at user-configurable intervals (one sample per one second to five-minute intervals) with a capacity of up to 32,000 samples.

This data can be downloaded to a computer via a USB port for later processing.

There are two basic functions: instant and averaged field measurements.

An integrated multi-measurement system enables instant measurements of the total field level, Ex, Ey and Ez measurements separately, continuous measurements, arithmetic averaging (selectable over a range from 10 seconds to 30 minutes), minimum and maximum values and normative measurements.

The internal configurable alarm generates an audible signal (warning) when the measured level exceeds the adjustable threshold.

For field applications, when fitted with the optional internal GPS module, measured data can be related to its geographical position and displayed on a variety of mapping applications.

Various field probes are available, which can be changed, and the SMP features an automatic probe recognition system.

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides more than 10 hours of operation between charges.

The SMP is already in production and is available from Aspen Electronics on a four-week lead time.

The unit costs GBP3,000 and probes are priced from GBP1,800.