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Microwave Radiation
Personnel Operating Guidelines
This guideline presents operating practices appropriate for operators and technicians who work
with equipment involving microwave radiation. Levels of microwave radiation that do not
cause immediate physical discomfort can cause long term complications.
CPI Satcom Division equipment amplifies an RF signal from an external source. Operating
amplifiers with the input not terminated may cause oscillation and high levels of RF radiation.
WARNING! PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS AROUND FROM
UNWANTED RF RADIATION. ALWAYS TERMINATE THE AMPLIFIERS
INPUT AND OUTPUT WITH A TERMINATION BEFORE TURNING THE HIGH
VOLTAGE ON. THIS WILL REDUCE THE CHANCE OF OSCILLATION DUE
TO NOISE OF THE INTERNAL AMPLIFIER.
Microwave Discussion
Limiting exposure to microwave radiation prevents unwanted biological effects. Local
radiation levels can be detected with the proper equipment. The suggested permissible level of
RF radiation is 1mW/cm
²
for duration of 30 minutes. This is only a suggested guideline and it is
up to the end user of the product to establish the permissible RF radiation exposure level.
General Microwave Guidelines
These guidelines provide practical approaches to control unwanted RF radiation associated
with the operation and servicing of CPI Satcom Division equipment. The following approaches
have proven effective in both laboratory and field environments:
NOTE! IF THESE GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED THE POTENTIAL FOR RF
RADIATION EXPOSURE WILL BE MINIMIZED.
a.
Always terminate the output waveguide with an RF load capable of dissipating full CW RF
power. Fasten loads with hardware provided before applying prime power to the amplifier.
b.
Terminate the input to avoid the possibility of the amplifier oscillating. Terminate the input
before applying prime power to the amplifier.
c.
Do not look into the output port of the powered RF amplifier. Eyes are particularly
vulnerable. Looking into an output waveguide flange may cause cataracts.
d.
Shut off the amplifier if RF radiation is detected. The operator should put the amplifier in
standby or shut off the breaker if RF radiation is detected. Consult management if the
microwave radiation exceeds 1mw/ cm
²
. Examine the physical unit with the high voltage
OFF for visible cracks in the output waveguide.