Proposed Changes and Updates on IEEE Std 1128 -

Recommended Practice on Absorber Evaluation

Zhong Chen Vince Rodriguez
ETS-Lindgren, Inc. NSI-MI Technologies
1301 Arrow Point Dr 1125 Satellite Blvd., Suite 100
Cedar Park, Texas 78613 Suwanee, GA 30024
[email protected] [email protected]

Abstract— The last published version of the IEEE Std 1128 is the performances. Some applications, for example, rely on
1998 edition. It is titled “Recommended Practice for RF Absorber absorber level testing. For example, in the military EMC
Evaluation in the Range of 30 MHz to 5 GHz”. Over the years, the standard MIL-STD-461G [3], chamber requirements are
document has been used widely for absorber evaluations in entirely defined by absorber reflectivity specifications with no
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) applications as well as in
other system level requirements. Moreover, for end users, it is
antenna and microwave measurement applications. Besides the
obvious frequency range which needs to be expanded to satisfy also important to have an industry-wide set of practices so
today’s applications, several areas are in need of an update. The comparisons can be made with confidence. Many users acquire
proposed document will change the upper frequency limit to absorbers separately from chambers, e.g., for retrofitting or
40 GHz (with provisions in the document to potentially extend refurbishment of existing facilities. It is highly desirable to
above 40 GHz based on test methods). Measurement uncertainties have some common metrics to compare and evaluate.
were not discussed in the IEEE Std. 1128 – 1998. In the new
edition, measurement instrumentation and test methods are
expected to be updated with guidance on estimating measurement Obviously, the title of the standards dictates that the standards
uncertainties. In the proposed document, a section on absorber prescribe recommended methods for absorber testing on the
evaluations for high power applications is planned, and fire component level, not on system level chamber quiet zone (QZ)
properties and test methods will be included. performances. Chamber qualifications are addressed by a
plethora of other standards such as NSA requirements in CISPR
I. INTRODUCTION 16-1-4 [4], ANSI C63.4 [5] for EMC applications and Free-
space VSWR reflectivity in IEEE Std 149 [6] for antenna
IEEE Std 1128-1998 [2] is a “Recommended Practice for RF
measurements. IEEE Std 1128 intends to direct users to those
Absorber Evaluation in the Range of 30 MHz to 5 GHz”. There
documents for guidance, and concentrates on test methods for
are four categories [1] of IEEE standards under the policies and
measurements of absorber reflectivity, and other material
procedures of IEEE standard association, namely standards,
properties (electrical or fire retardancy).
recommended practices, guides, and trial-use documents. In a
recommended practice standard, the word “should” is generally
used instead of “shall” to indicate the requirements are not The IEEE Std 1128 was last published in 1998 under the
mandatory, but preferred. The IEEE Std 1128 is a set of sponsorship of IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
recommended practices for evaluating the performance of RF Society. Absorbers are used in anechoic chambers for
absorbers typically used in anechoic chambers for antenna and conducting radiated EMC compliance measurements. The
EMC measurements. Absorbers (such as thin sheets used in EMC society has a keen interest in providing guidance and
products for EMI suppressions) are not covered specifically by uniform test methods. The frequency range of 30 MHz to
the standard. 5 GHz in the document title reflects these application goals,
because it covers the needs of the EMC standards at the time
(1998).
IEEE Std 1128 has proven to be an invaluable tool for absorber
users, providers, purchasing agents alike to facilitate
specification and evaluation of absorbers. Most users of Absorbers are also widely used in antenna and other microwave
absorbers are interested in the final chamber performances, not measurement ranges, for example, in the far-field chambers,
necessarily how some individual pieces perform. compact ranges, and nearfield measurement chambers. There
Consequently, many view IEEE Std 1128 as a specialty are limited IEEE stipulations or test methods addressing this
document for absorber providers and chamber designers. While application (IEEE Std 149 – 1979 is perhaps the only IEEE
it is true chamber results (typically evaluated as quiet zone standard which contains a free-space VSWR method for
reflectivity levels) show aggregated macro level absorber anechoic chamber level evaluation). Absorber evaluation

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methods are largely application agnostic. As a result, IEEE Std applicability for frequencies greater than 40 GHz. For
1128 – 1998 has become the de facto guides for absorber testing frequencies much greater than 40 GHz (for example at W band
used in antenna chambers. One significant deficiency here is or above), a study [7] has shown that different considerations
the upper limit of 5 GHz. might be needed. At present time, the working group does not
intend to address issues for millimeter wave range evaluation,
Many other aspects of the documents are also in need of as they are beyond the project scope.
updating from the 1998 edition, including equipment,
measurement techniques, measurement uncertainties, or Several other aspects are to be addressed. Notably missing from
alignment with other standards. In August of 2015, a group the 1998 edition are high power applications/fire protection
from chamber and absorber users, absorber manufacturers, and properties of absorbers, and measurement uncertainties
test labs formed an ad hoc group at the IEEE international guidelines. Structurally, the working group plan on re-
Symposium on EMC in Dresden, Germany to look at the arranging the document to better reflect the workflow that are
possibility of updating the standards. Since then, multiple likely encountered by potential users of the document. The
meetings have been conducted in conjunction with the annual absorber reflectivity measurements do not appear until Chapter
IEEE EMC symposiums and AMTA conferences. A Project 7 in the 1998 document. It is more logical to move to an earlier
Authorization Request (PAR) was approved by IEEE on March
chapter. Perhaps discussions on instrumentations, antennas,
3, 2017. The group consists of members from IEEE EMC
society, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (APS) and test conditions and other supporting information can be moved
AMTA. The group decided to seek sponsorship from both EMC to annexes. The structure in a proposed order is shown below:
and APS societies, and the working group is now officially • Reflectivity measurements (currently Chapter 7)
recognized as a jointly sponsored IEEE working group. • Material bulk-parameter measurements (currently
Chapter 6)
II. EXISTING AND PLANNED STRUCTURES • High power applications
The front matter of the IEEE Std 1128-1998 gives a description • Fire properties and standards compliance
of the scope. It states, the document provides: • Chamber level measurements (currently Chapter 8)
“Realistic and repeatable criteria, as well as • Measurement uncertainties
recommended test methods, for characterizing the • Annexes (instrumentations and other supporting
absorption properties of typical anechoic chamber information)
linings applied to a metallic surface are described.
Parameters and test procedures are described for the III. ABSORBER REFLECTIVITY
evaluation of RF absorbers to be used for radiated
Absorber reflectivity is a critical parameter. Two primary types
emissions and radiated susceptibility testing of
electronic products, in the absorber manufacturer of facilities are used to measure absorber reflectivity, i.e., in a
and/or absorber user environment, over the frequency free-space environment or in a guided structure. The arch
range of 30 MHz to 5 GHz.” method is performed in free-space, and is fairly straightforward
and intuitive. Transmitting and receiving antennas are set at
The standard consists of three basic sections
specular angles of reflection, and at the far field of the test
• Instrumentations – discussions on spectrum analyzers, sample (>2 ⁄ , where is the aperture size of the antenna,
network analyzers, vector voltage meter and EMC and is the wavelength). Test samples are measured against a
antennas perfect electric conductor (PEC) plate only, and then with
• Material bulk-parameter evaluations on how to absorbers placed on top of the PEC plate. The difference is the
measure permittivity and permeability of absorber reflectivity. Figure 1 shows a typical setup. The method is still
materials used widely in the industry, and there have not been any major
• Absorber reflectivity measurement methods, including changes in basic test concept. However, the 1998 standard is
arch method, TEM horn time domain method, written based on using a scalar VSWR meter and manual data
waveguide method and coaxial reflectometers. recording and processing. This does not reflect the prevailing
practice today. One of the challenges in this measurement is to
The IEEE EMC society traditionally places frequency limits in isolate the cross coupling between the transmitting and
standards for easy identification. The working group adopted receiving antennas, and to isolate reflections from the open test
to honor the tradition, and change the upper limit of IEEE Std environment. Vector measurements using vector network
1128 to 40 GHz. Of course, many of the existing test methods analyzers (VNA) are commonplace today. The vector data
work well without much modification, while some need allows for post processing, such as time domain gating to
additional discussions and changes. Test methods do not remove extraneous couplings and reflections. The standards
“magically” cease to work at 40 GHz. The effects are gradual, will be updated to reflect the current practice.
so discussions and cautions are intended to be included about

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 is the so called “edge effects”, where the data at the band edges
is unreliable after gating. The standard recommends a start
frequency of at least 10% of the frequency range below the
lowest frequency of interest. However, 30 MHz is a critical
frequency point for most EMC absorber evaluations. There is
not enough frequency range below 30 MHz to be “discarded”.
Studies [8,9] have shown the edge effects are quite pronounced
at 30 MHz, and the results are dependent on the algorithm and
analyzers used. The next edition of IEEE Std 1128 intends to
address the edge effects and provide more guidance on this
issue.

The standard also discussed higher order modes and upper

usable frequency limit, and warned that severe errors will occur
if measurements are attempted for frequencies above 600 MHz.
Recent studies [8,9] have compared numerical simulated results
Figure 1. Arch method setup (Figure 20 in [2]). obtained in a reflectometer vs. using a plane wave excitation.
These results indicate that the reflectometers can be used
As the frequency reaches lower (below 1 GHz), the arch radius effectively up to 900 MHz or above depending on the absorbers
becomes impractically too large to satisfy the far field loading and reflectivity levels. It is expected that next edition
condition. Additionally, the sample size is recommended to be will update the discussions based on these newer findings.
greater than 10λ. 10λ is 3 m at 1 GHz, which is at the upper
limit of a practical setup. For this reason, guided wave The 1998 edition devotes much attention to direct time domain
structures are preferred by most labs at these lower frequencies. methods to measure absorber reflectivity using a pulse
Two methods are given in the standards. One is a flared generator and a digital scope. Specifically, two methods were
waveguide method (Figure 2) where a TE10 mode wave is detailed – one is an in-situ setup in an anechoic chamber using
launched from one end, and absorber samples over a shorting two TEM horn antennas in a bi-static configuration; the other is
plate provide the load at the other end. The wave impedance in a mono-static configuration. The descriptions are informative,
the waveguide is not equal to the free-space impedance of and the methods are useful for researching and debugging
377 Ω. For TE10 mode, the impedance in the waveguide is purposes. For example, they can help to understand how
given by: installed absorbers impacting chamber performances. These
, tests are however not widely used for absorber evaluations in
the industry because of the amount of absorber samples
where is the free space wave impedance of 377 Ω, required, uncertainties and accuracies of the method, and
is the free-space wavelength, complexity of the setups. It is the opinion of the authors that
a is the width of the waveguide. these sections should be moved to an informative annex.

A study showed that for an error of 2 dB when measuring 30 IV. FIRE TESTS AND HIGH POWER APPLICATIONS
dB reflectivity, a is required to be at least 2λ, or 20 m at 30 MHz Absorbers convert EM energy to heat. In high power incident
(to approximate a plane wave). On the other hand, the upper field applications, excessive heat buildup is a fire safety
frequency is limited by the appearance of higher order modes concern. The 1998 edition does not address this aspect of
(which is related to the size a). These two factors limit the absorber evaluation, and this topic will be new additions in the
frequency range and applicability of the configuration. Most next revision.
users prefer an alternative configuration using a coaxial
reflectometer where TEM mode is dominant. In the next Naval Research Lab (NRL) produced a test report NRL-8093 in
edition, this preferred arrangement should be listed as the first 1977 related to fire testing of urethane absorbers [10]. Five
(and recommended) method, instead of being listed behind the performance tests were described and the first 3 are fire safety
flared waveguide configuration. Figure 3 shows an example of related, and the other two are related to chemical toxic gas
a coaxial reflectometer. The center pin of the coax is a square emissions. The three fire tests are briefly introduced below:
prism with the same cross-sectional size as that of an absorber
tile (for example 2’ x 2’). Eight tiles are required to make a • Test 1: Resistance to electric stress and ability to
reflectivity measurement. The 1998 edition provides a rather withstand electrical overload or short. Two 240 V ac
general description of the measurement procedure. Because the (capable of 8 A) leads are inserted into samples of a
characteristic impedance of such a coaxial line is approximately defined size for 60 s. The test specimen must self-
60 Ω, time domain gating using a VNA is needed to remove the extinguish to pass.
discontinuity when connected to a 50 Ω system. One of the • Test 2: Ease of ignition and flame propagation, and
issues of time domain gating through digital signal processing
ability to self-extinguish to open flame. Five 2 in or

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 larger cubes are tested. An open flame is directed at if the test piece is completely burned away in the 60 s allotted
the bottom center of sample for 30 s. Flame is to be time?). Argumentatively, they “pass” the NRL 8093 Test 1, 2
moved and kept on the sample if the sample shrinks and 3, but clearly do not demonstrate any fire safety aspects of
away. Specimen must self-extinguish within 60 s to the material. It is intended that the IEEE Std 1128 will address
pass. the issue with better definitions.
• Test 3: Smoldering test and ability to self-extinguish
Other fire test standards are often quoted by absorbers suppliers
(flameless ignition source). A cartridge heater is
and users. For example, DIN 4102 Part 1 (B2) [11] is a small
inserted into a sample, and the temperature is raised to flame test for building materials. The specimen is vertically
600 °C and left in for 5 minutes. A separate suspended, and is subjected to edge and/or surface exposure
thermocouple is inserted 1” from the heater. The test from a gas flame for 15 s. Pass/fail is based on droplets and
is considered over only when all visible smoldering flame spread distance in a set time. Other fire standards could
has ceased, and the second thermocouple must stay also apply, e.g., EN 13501 [12], DIN 4102 (15/16) [11], UL 94
under 450 °C +/- 10 °C at all time. [13], and ASTM E84 [14]. These fire tests are expected to be
referenced or discussed in the new edition of IEEE Std. 1128.

There are currently no established methods to stress-test

absorbers under high power RF incident fields. In such
measurements, temperature inside the absorbers is monitored as
a function of varying levels of RF illumination. The highest
internal temperature reached establishes the absorber’s power
handling limit. Users are likely interested in the steady state
case when the absorbers reach temperature equilibrium with the
surroundings (if this is not the intention, test exposure time
would need to be clearly stated), so test time and ambient
temperature are undoubtedly important. Base materials, such
as polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyethylene foams have
different temperature limits. The absorber constructions (shape
and size of the absorbers) and material structure (e.g.,
honeycomb substrate, close cell or reticulated foam) can also
affect the temperature. In actual measurements, the distance
between the source antenna and absorbers is typically short (for
Figure 2. Flared waveguide measurement setup (Figure 32 example, < 1 m) because of the high field level needed. The
in [2]. test distance is shown to have an impact (as compared to far
field/plane wave condition) [15]. Test frequencies can affect the
power distribution in the absorber, and have a significant
influence on temperature contours and highest temperature in
the absorber [15]. The intention of the standard is to provide
guidance and at least bring attention to the effect of these
influencing factors.

V. BULK-PARAMETER MEASUREMENT

In IEEE Std 1128, Chapter 6 is dedicated to absorber bulk-

parameter (permittivity ε and permeability µ) measurement. The
first part essentially describes the homogenization [16] analysis
Figure 3. An example of coaxial reflectometer. by treating a large area of periodic absorber array as a one-
dimensionally inhomogeneous multilayered structure. At low
These tests have become the industry standards for urethane frequencies where the period (e.g., the distance between
pyramids) is small compared to wavelengths, the individual cone
foam absorbers. Unfortunately, they can be misused and
shapes are no longer important. The array can be treated
misquoted. The tests are clearly catered to urethane foams (as
equivalently as a layered structure with each layer consisting of
indicated by the document tile), but some have misused them. a solid material (mixed from varying proportions of absorber and
For example, if applied to polystyrene foam materials, the air). For typical pyramids, simple mixing rules, such as Maxwell
plastic melts away from probes in Test 1 and 3 (so probes are Garnett formula [17], have proven to be sufficiently accurate to
not making direct contacts after the initial insertion), and can calculate the effective properties. For more complex geometries
entirely burn away in Test 2 (is it considered self-distinguishing (such as wedged hollow absorbers with possible different side

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wall thicknesses), a more sophisticated rule is needed. The ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
current IEEE Std 1128 has not discussed material mixing, which The authors wish to acknowledgement the contributions
is necessary to complete an analysis. Those discussions can be from the IEEE Std 1128 working group members.
expanded in the next revision.
REFERENCES
The second part of Chapter 6 discusses the actual measurement [1] IEEE Standards Association Policies and Procedures.
of material properties using a coaxial transmission line. The S- https://standards.ieee.org/about/policies/opman/sect1.html
parameters (S21 and S11) are given in terms of the relative [2] IEEE Std 1128 – 1998, “IEEE recommended practice for radio-frequency
absorber evaluation in the range of 30 MHz to 5 GHz,” 1998.
complex permittivity and permeability (εr and µr) of a test
[3] MIL-STD-461G, “Requirements for the control of electromagnetic
specimen. The solution can be obtained by root finding, for interference characteristics of subsystems and equipment”, December
example, using the well-known Nicholson-Ross-Weir (NRW) 2017.
algorithm [18,19], or a numerical iterative method. NRW [4] CISPR 16-1-4:2019,”Specification for radio disturbance and immunity
algorithm utilizes closed form expressions to calculate εr and µr. measuring apparatus and methods – Part 1-4: Radio disturbance and
It requires both S-parameters (S11 or S21). For non-magnetic immunity measuring apparatus – Antennas and test sites for radiated
disturbance measurements”.
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Measurement of Radio-Noise Emissions from Low-Voltage Electrical
may be more expeditious in these and other cases. The current and Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz”.
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It would be beneficial to offer a more detailed treatment. 1979.
[7] Z. Chen, “Common microwave absorbers evaluation in W-band (75-110
GHz)”, AMTA 2017.
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reflectometer measurement procedure for evaluation of RF absorbers’
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frequency limit of 1000 MHz). The standard can be expanded Research Laboratory, March 9, 1977.
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building elements – Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire
tests”.
VI. SUMMARY
[13] UL 94, “Standard for tests for flammability of plastic materials for parts
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evaluations for both EMC and RF/microwave antenna [14] ASTM E84-07, “Standard test method for surface burning characteriscs
measurement communities. Many aspects including test of building materials”, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA,
2007.
methodology, equipment and frequency coverages have
[15] Z. Chen, A. Adhyapak, and H. Bayat, “Multiphysics analysis of RF
become dated since the publication in 1998. Additionally, pyramidal absorbers”, accepted for publication, AMTA 2019.
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to participate in this open group and contribute to the next [20] J. Schultz, “Focused beam methods, measuring microwave materials in
free space,” ISBN: 1480092851, 2012.
revision of the standards.

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