IEEE 1528a-2005

1528a-2005 is a technical standard amendment focused on average specific absorption rate (SAR) measurement in the human head for wireless communications devices, adding a CAD file for the SAM phantom. In the fields, waves and electromagnetics context, it supports more consistent modeling and test setup when evaluating how device emissions interact with the head. This makes it a useful reference for SAR assessment, simulation alignment, and measurement repeatability in wireless device compliance work.

Overview of 1528a-2005

This amendment to 1528 addresses a practical need in SAR testing by providing a CAD file for the standardized human head model, commonly known as the SAM phantom. It is intended to support measurement techniques for average SAR in the head from wireless communications devices, helping test teams use a consistent geometric reference. For users working with electromagnetic exposure evaluation, 1528a-2005 can improve comparability between labs, tools, and device configurations.

Typical use cases

Typical use cases include SAR compliance measurements for handsets, portable radios, and other wireless communications devices intended for head-adjacent operation. The CAD head model may be used in simulation, fixture setup, phantom-based testing, and documentation of measurement geometry. It is especially relevant where the SAM phantom is used to standardize placement and assess device-specific exposure under controlled laboratory conditions. Teams working in RF test engineering and product safety may rely on it during method development.

Why it matters

For organizations evaluating human exposure from wireless devices, 1528a-2005 helps reduce ambiguity in how the head model is represented and applied. That matters because small geometry differences can affect SAR results, test repeatability, and comparison across facilities. Using a common CAD reference can support more consistent compliance workflows, better design control, and clearer procurement of test services or tooling. As a superseded document, it remains useful for understanding the historical test basis behind related SAR methods.

• SAR measurement for head exposure
• SAM phantom CAD reference
• Wireless communications device testing
• EMC and RF compliance workflows
• Superseded technical document