Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Testing for Wireless Devices
Ensuring Safe RF Exposure for Regulatory Compliance
DEKRA offers comprehensive RF exposure assessment services to ensure that wireless devices comply with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure limits for humans and domestic animals.
These services help demonstrate compliance with both national and international RF exposure standards, an essential requirement for market access and user safety.
About SAR and APD/IPD Testing
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Power Density (PD) testing measure the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy absorbed by the human body during the use of wireless devices. This evaluation is mandatory for products designed for use near the head or body and is crucial for gaining access to global markets.
RF-Exposure Assessment Methods
The appropriate method for evaluating RF exposure depends on the device's operating frequency and its intended distance of use from the body. Depending on these factors, one or more of the following assessment techniques may apply:
- Electric and Magnetic (E&H) Field Evaluation / Nerve Stimulation (NS): Required for devices operating between 3 kHz and 10 MHz.
- Specific Absorption Rate (SAR): Required for devices operating between 4 MHz and 6 GHz intended for use at distances less than 20 centimeters from the body.
- Absorbed Power Density (APD) and Incident Power Density (IPD): Required for devices operating above 6 GHz with intended use distances less than 20 centimeters from the body.
- APD is required when the evaluation point is within the reactive near-field region (i.e., distance d < λ/2π).
- IPD is required when the evaluation point is outside the reactive near-field region (i.e., distance d > λ/2π).
- Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE): Required for devices used more than 20 centimeters away from the body.
Full Portfolio of RF Exposure Assessment Services
DEKRA's RF exposure testing and evaluation services cover a comprehensive range of regulatory and technical scenarios. Our services include Nerve Stimulation (NS) assessments, Electric and Magnetic (E&H) Field evaluations, and detailed measurements based on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits.
We perform SAR testing using both scanning and array-based systems across multiple frequency bands, in addition to power density measurements, Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) assessments, and evaluations for low-power SAR exemptions.
Operating across a wide frequency range from 3 kHz to 10 GHz, we conduct NS, E&H Field, SAR, and APD/IPD testing using state-of-the-art measurement systems and internationally recognized methodologies.
Our technical capabilities include:
- Advanced Nerve Stimulation and E&H Field measurement systems for low-frequency wireless devices.
- 3D volume scanning systems for high-precision SAR measurements.
- Fast-SAR Measurement with array-based testing systems.
- Power density measurement systems for high-frequency RF devices.
Our services are tailored to your development stage, offering everything from pre-compliance evaluations to full type-approval certification, ensuring a fast and efficient way to global markets.
SAR testing and broader RF exposure evaluations are essential to ensure consumer safety and compliance with international exposure standards.
By meeting global exposure limits, SAR-compliant devices help protect consumers and reinforce trust in the safety of wireless technologies. For manufacturers, this reflects a commitment to regulatory compliance, product transparency, and long-term safety assurance.
Our testing capabilities
We offer comprehensive testing for a wide range of wireless devices, including:
- Cellular devices (2G, 3G, LTE, Cat M1/NB IoT, 5G FR1)
- Short-range wireless (NFC, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi 2.4/5/5.8/6 GHz)
- Wireless Chargers (WPC/Qi, Apple MagSafe, Proprietary)
- Emerging technologies (wearables, AR/VR devices)
Our SAR testing capabilities cover a broad range of wireless and RF-enabled devices that must meet regulatory RF exposure requirements. We support manufacturers and technology developers throughout the product lifecycle, from design verification to final certification.
- CE Marking (EU)
- FCC Certification (USA)
- ISED Compliance (Canada)
- GITEKI (Japan)
- RCM (Australia/New Zealand)