Hiya Guys,

I'm new here (and also a Software/Network Engineer by trade!) - so forgive me if I ask a stupid question!

I'm looking to calculate how far away certain RF equipment needs to be from each other to avoid damaging the internal circuitry. So if, for example, I have a high-powered WiFi router (which transmits a signal) and also a GPS receiver (which, I assume, is passive and just "listens") - what information do I need to know, and what calculation do I need to use, to work-out how far apart the two devices need to be to avoid the WiFi router from damaging the GPS receiver?

I fear this isn't going to be as simple an answer as I am hoping!

Any help/advice anyone can give would be very much appreciated!

Thank you all in advance!

Cheers,

Steve.

 

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/evaluation.html

http://www.arrl.org/the-fcc-s-new-rf-exposure-regulations


Regards, Dana.

 

For one piece of equipment that deliberately transmits rf (such as a wi-fi router) to damage an adjacent piece of equipment – the rf output power would need to be at such a level that it would be hazardous to your health.

 

The main problem with an RF source in the vicinity of a sensitive receiver listening to a different frequency is called "receiver desensitization". It is not dangerous, but is possibly annoying. It raises the sensitivity floor of the receiver so that a stronger signal is required to receive intelligible data(error free ?) or voice (understandable?). This of course all depends on the RF power levels, measured in dBm. That is Decibels with respect to 1 milliwatt. Receiver sensitivity can also be measured in the same units with some care. A typical high performance receiver should be able to handle signals as low as -135 dBm. Your mileage may vary.