Understanding EIRP and ERP in Wireless Communication

EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) and ERP (Effective Radiated Power) are crucial concepts in wireless communication. They serve as important benchmarks for regulating the power output of transmitting devices. Regulatory bodies like the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) set limits on EIRP and ERP to ensure responsible use of radio frequencies.

Why are EIRP and ERP Important?

• Regulatory Compliance: Radio transmitting devices must adhere to the EIRP/ERP limits established by regulatory bodies.
• Transmit Power Control: EIRP is directly related to transmit power. Higher EIRP indicates a stronger transmit power.
• Health and Safety: Excessive transmit power can be harmful to human health and the environment. Limiting EIRP and ERP helps mitigate potential risks while still enabling effective communication.

EIRP Calculation

The formula for calculating EIRP is:

$EIRP = \text{Transmit Power} + \text{Antenna Gain} - \text{Cable Loss}$

Potential Harmful Effects of Excessive Radiation

Cell phone radiation and cell tower radiation exceeding the limits set by regulatory bodies can have several adverse effects, including:

• Various diseases in plants, insects, animals, and birds.
• Negative impacts on farm animal productivity.
• Health problems in humans, such as headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, memory loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and increased cancer risk.

The primary goal of limiting EIRP and ERP is to prevent these potential health and environmental issues.

Image alt: cell phone radiation effects

For additional information on protecting yourself from cell phone radiation, you can find helpful resources online.

EIRP and LoRaWAN

EIRP limits vary depending on the specific wireless technology and region.

Image alt: LoRaWAN EIRP Tx Power

The table above illustrates the EIRP and transmit power limits for LoRaWAN technology in India.