Issues Concerning Radio Noise Floor Measurements Using a Portable Measurement Set-Up

An investigation is made into the selection of measurement antennas for man-made noise measurements. Although an ITU-R recommendation about noise measurements exists, the nature and goals of specific measurements campaigns prescribe additional requirements in the selection of antennas. Seen from points of sensitivity and calibration accuracy electric field rod antennas appeared to be suitable only for use on fixed locations in combination with a low impedance grounding. For portable measurement set-ups tuned magnetic field loop antennas are more applicable, but sensitivity and directivity of loop antennas require suitable measures.