Source: Radio Electronics--Electronic Experimenter's Handbook (1993)
Determine your exposure to line-frequency magnetic-fields with our easy-to-build
portable ELF gaussmeter.
REINHARD METZ
IF YOU ARE ONE IN A GROWING number of people who are concerned about the potentially harmful effects of exposure to magnetic fields, you will be interested in this important construction project. Now you can build your own gaussmeter, and determine the magnitude of magnetic flux densities in and around your home. Our hand held, battery-operated magnetic-field meter is sensitive from 0.1 micro-tesla (uT) to 20 milli-teslas (mT), and has a frequency range from 50 Hz to 20 kHz.
Why all the worry? Magnetic fields are all around us. They occur from the generation, distribution, and use of 50 and 60-Hz electricity, electronic equipment, and even from Earth's magnetic field, which has al ways been present throughout Man's evolution. Man has been "tuned" into Earth's steady magnetic field of about 30 RT (at sea level) for millions of years. Some sources of excessive magnetic fields that have caused the greatest public concern include power-distribution substations, power lines, CRT terminals, and use of appliances.
Magnetic field intensities can vary greatly, depending on the exposure source and the distance from that source. The rate at which the field intensity falls off with distance can vary from one source to another, depending on how well the current-carrying lines are balanced, or how well the opposing lines of magnetic flux cancel each other out. Fields from coils, magnets, or transformers drop off rapidly with distance by a factor of 1/r^3.
In power lines, if currents flow in opposite directions, the drop-off is 1/r^2 because of partial field canceling. When unbalanced cur rent exists, the field intensity falls off less rapidly as lir.
Figure 1-a,-b, and-c show drop-off rates of 1k, 1/r^2, and 1/r^3, respectively. Figure 2 lists some of the many sources of magnetic field exposure, with their range of intensities and drop-off rates.
Although a great deal of controversy still prevails, many people in the scientific community believe that exposure to magnetic fields of extremely-low frequency (ELF fields of 1-100 Hz) may pose a risk to human health. Some disturbing findings of exposure to ELF fields include a significant increase in serum triglycerides (a possible stress indicator) in humans, disorientation of chicks (a result suggesting that bird migration could be affected), and a slowed reaction time in monkeys.
FIG. 1-MAGNETIC FIELD drop-offs. A fast drop-off of 1/r^3 (a), 1/r^2 (b),
and a slow drop-off of 1/r (c) is typical of many sources of magnetic fields.
A study conducted by epidemiologist Nancy Wertheimer and physicist Ed Leeper, found that exposures to magnetic fields as small as 0.25 µT correlated with a rise in cancer rates. In the study, the researchers examined wiring and transformers in the neighborhood of birth homes of children who had died of leukemia between 1950 and 1975, along with those of a control group of children who did not have the disease. The results of their studies were published in The American Journal of Epidemiology (March, 1979). Some experts argue that other factors, such as pollution and exposure to chemical carcinogens, make interpretation of those findings very difficult.
Standards for acceptable exposure to ELF fields are emerging, as are results of studies describing possible hazard levels. If you are more interested a detailed account of scientific findings and the political history of the effects of magnetic-field radiation, we suggest a three-part series of articles by Paul Brodeur, The New Yorker (June 12, 19, and 26, 1989). "60-Hz and The Human Body", IEEE Spectrum, Parts 1-3, Volume 27, Number 9, pages 22-35 (August, 1990) is also a good source for technical information. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a report titled "The Evaluation of the Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields", publication number EPA/600/6-90/005B. This report contains analyses of 64 scientific studies, and is currently under review by the Scientific Advisory Committee.
Well, that's enough back ground for now. Let's examine some of the theory behind how the ELF meter works.
Theory
The quantity of magnetic flux density, B, is in units of webers/ meter^2, or tesla (T). The magnetic flux, phi, is defined by the integral
phi = J.Bds =B x A
... where ds is the differential surface area and A is the area that the coil encloses.
For a coil immersed in a field, the induced open-circuit voltage, E, is equal to the number of turns of a coil, N, times the rate of change of flux through it.
E= IN x d4)/dt1
Note that the value of N x dck/dt is actually negative with respect to the induced voltage value, but for our purposes we will just consider the magnitude of the product. The direction of the induced current is such that its own magnetic field opposes the changes in flux responsible for producing it.
If we substitute for 4 we get:
E= N x A(dB/dt)
If the magnetic field of a sine wave is B = a(sin cot), a is the amplitude in teslas and co is the angular velocity (27(1), then dB= ato(cos wt)dt, and E = N x Aaw(cos cot) Since cos wt varies from +1 to-1, the peak magnetic field is defined as
E= NAa
For a frequency of 60 Hz, (0 equals 23 x 60= 377 For a coil size of 3 1/2" x 3", the area is .0068 m^2, and therefore E=2.56 Nxa For the 12-turn pickup coil that we'll use, the sensitivity is 30 µV per µT.
FIG. 1--MAGNETIC FIELD drop-offs. A fast drop-off of 1 r^3 (a), 1, r2 (b),
and a slow drop-off of 1/r (c) is typical of many sources of magnetic fields.
--- COMPONENT SIDE OF THE PC BOARD. --- SOLDER SIDE OF THE
PC BOARD.
FIG. 2--HERE ARE SOME PRIMARY SOURCES of magnetic field exposure with
the range of field intensity in teslas, and drop-off rates.
FIG. 3--SCHEMATIC OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD METER
The magnetic field is picked up by L1 and appears as a voltage that is proportional to the field strength at the input of IC3 a, which amplifies the signal to 100 µV per uT. The signal is then further amplified by IC3-b and IC3-c to achieve the three tesla ranges.
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PARTS LIST:
All resistors are 1/4-watt, 1%, unless otherwise indicated.
R1, R3, R12-10,000 ohms R2, R11, R15--33,200 ohms R4-10 ohms R5-R7, R22-R24, R27-1 megohm R8, R29-464,000 ohms R9, R13, R28-100,000 ohms R10, R14-1000 ohms R16, R20-42,200 ohms R17-4.7 megohms R18-51,100 ohms R19-46,400 ohms R21-1-megohm potentiometer, 5% R25-22,100 ohms R26-20,000-ohm potentiometer, 5%
Capacitors
C1, C8-4.7 uF, 10 volts, electrolytic C2, C14-0.1 electrolytic or polyester C3, C7, C15-0.1 µF, polyester C4, C6, C10-10 uF, electrolytic C5, C9-6.5 pF, ceramic disc or mica C11-100 1.LF, 10 volts, electrolytic C12-22 uF, 10 volts, electrolytic C13-330 pF, polyester C16-0.047 uF, polyester or ceramic disc C17-0.68 uF, polyester
Semiconductors
D1, D2-1N4148 switching diode Q1, Q2-2N4124 NPN transistor IC1-ICL 7106 A/D converter IC2-4070 or 4030 quad 2-input exclusive-OR gate IC3-LF347 quad JFET input op-amp DISP1-LCD-002 liquid crystal display
Other components
S1-MSS1200, SPST (Alco) S2-MSS4300, SPDT (Alco) L1-18 turns, 3" diameter remote-sensing coil (optional, see text) B1-9-volt alkaline battery, with connector Case-Pac-Tec, HPS-9VB
NOTE: The following items are available from A & T Labs, P.O. Box 4884, Wheaton, IL 60187: A kit of all parts including PC board and case, with out battery, $79.00; an etched, drilled and plated through PC board with solder mask and silk-screened parts placement, $15.00; a fully assembled and tested unit, $109.00. Add 6.75% sales tax for Illinois residents, 5% shipping and handling in U.S., 12% shipping and handling in Canada.
Check or Money order (UPS COD in contiguous U.S. only) is accepted.
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ing, an external field coil probe can be used. Figure 3 shows the complete schematic of the circuit. The magnetic field picked up by the coil appears as a volt age, which is proportional to field strength and frequency at the in put of a cascaded amplifier IC3-a,-b, and-c. With a first stage amplifier gain of 3.3 set by R12-R10, the overall sensitivity is 100 µV per RT, or 100 mV per mT. The meter sensitivity is nominally 2 volts full scale, leading to the lowest level sensitivity of 20 mT full scale.
Op-amp IC3-a amplifies the signal to a normalized level of 100 uV per 1µT. That voltage is further amplified by 1, 100, or 10,000 by IC3-b and-c. The three amplifier stages provide the three magnetic field ranges of 2 mT, 200 uT, and 2 uT (full scale).
Components R3-C3 and R12-C7 establish a frequency roll-off characteristic that compensates for the frequency-proportional sensitivity of the pickup coil, and set the 20-kHz cut-off point.
Finally, IC3-d is a precision rectifier and peak detector. Its out put drives ICI, a combination analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and LCD driver. Components R25-R29 and C13-C17 are used by ICI to set display-update times, clock generation, and reference voltages. The decimal points are driven by IC2, as deter mined by the range-select switch S2. 11-ansistors Q1 and Q2 serve as a low-battery detector, and turn on the battery annunciator in the LCD when the battery volt age drops below 7 volts.
Assembly and checkout
The finished unit shown in Fig. 4 uses a double-sided PC board, which is available from the source mentioned in the parts list. We also show the component side and solder side of the PC board if you choose to make it yourself. You can, however, build the circuit on a perforated construction board if you like, but remember to include the 18-turn remote sensing coil, L1, as indicated in the Parts List. Mount all parts below the LCD display first.
It's easier to fix assembly problems if a socket is used with the LCD. Install all parts as shown in Fig. 5 paying attention to component valves and capacitor polarities. If you are using the internal sensing coil, install jumpers be tween L1-TP3 and L1-TP4.
If you are using the case specified in the parts list, raise and angle the display as necessary with wire-wrap IC sockets. Make holes in the front panel for S1 and S2. Mount the finished PC board in the case using a spacer for the single screw holding the center bottom of the board, and attach the battery connector. You are now ready for power-up and checkout.
With power on, adjust R26 for 1.000 volt between TP1 and TP2.
Then, select the 20 mT range and short the pickup coil with a very short lead between TP3 and TP4.
Adjust offset-null potentiometer R7 for a display of 0.00. Remove the jumper, and the meter is complete.
FIG. 4--THIS IS AN INTERNAL VIEW of the magnetic field meter. Assembly
is easy, just install all components below the LCD first.
FIG. 5--PARTS PLACEMENT DIAGRAM.
FIG. 6--USE THIS TEST SETUP TO accurately calibrate your meter. A known
current is passed through a coil whose field intensity is known. A sine-wave
generator provides the 60 Hz frequency, and an audio amplifier is coupled
to the coil by an 8-ohm resistor.
Measure the voltage across the resistor, and use the calculations shown.
Circuit description
The meter's 12-turn field pick up is integrated into the unit's circuit board. For remote sensing, an external field coil probe can be used. Figure 3 shows the complete schematic of the circuit. The magnetic field picked up by the coil appears as a volt age, which is proportional to field strength and frequency at the in put of a cascaded amplifier IC3-a, -b, and -c.
With a first stage amplifier gain of 3.3 set by R12-R10, the overall sensitivity is 100 µV per RT, or 100 mV per mT. The meter sensitivity is nominally 2 volts full scale, leading to the lowest level sensitivity of 20 mT full scale.
Op-amp IC3-a amplifies the signal to a normalized level of 100 uV per 1µT. That voltage is further amplified by 1, 100, or 10,000 by IC3-b and-c. The three amplifier stages provide the three magnetic field ranges of 2 mT, 200 uT, and 2 uT (full scale).
Components R3-C3 and R12-C7 establish a frequency roll-off characteristic that compensates for the frequency-proportional sensitivity of the pickup coil, and set the 20-kHz cut-off point.
Finally, IC3-d is a precision rectifier and peak detector. Its out put drives IC1, a combination analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and LCD driver.
Components R25-R29 and C13-C17 are used by IC1 to set display-update times, clock generation, and reference voltages. The decimal points are driven by IC2, as deter mined by the range-select switch S2.
Transistors Q1 and Q2 serve as a low-battery detector, and turn on the battery annunciator in the LCD when the battery volt age drops below 7 volts.
Assembly and checkout
The finished unit shown in Fig. 4 uses a double-sided PC board, which is available from the source mentioned in the parts list. We also show the component side and solder side of the PC board if you choose to make it yourself. You can, however, build the circuit on a perforated construction board if you like, but remember to include the 18-turn remote sensing coil, L1, as indicated in the Parts List. Mount all parts below the LCD display first.
It's easier to fix assembly problems if a socket is used with the LCD. Install all parts as shown in Fig. 5 paying attention to component valves and capacitor polarities. If you are using the internal sensing coil, install jumpers be tween L1-TP3 and L1-TP4.
If you are using the case specified in the parts list, raise and angle the display as necessary with wire-wrap IC sockets. Make holes in the front panel for S1 and S2. Mount the finished PC board in the case using a spacer for the single screw holding the center bottom of the board, and attach the battery connector. You are now ready for power-up and checkout.
With power on, adjust R26 for 1.000 volt between TP1 and TP2.
Then, select the 20 mT range and short the pickup coil with a very short lead between TP3 and TP4.
Adjust offset-null potentiometer R7 for a display of 0.00. Remove the jumper, and the meter is complete.
Calibration
Calibration of the meter is basically determined by the pick up-coil characteristics, amplifier gains, and meter reference-volt age setting. The amplifier gains, as we previously discussed, are chosen to match the coil characteristics as closely as possible.
If you desire to calibrate your meter more exactly, you will need to generate a known magnetic field intensity. One way to do that is to pass a known current through a coil configuration whose field pattern characteristics are known. Figure 6 shows such a calibration setup. A good controllable signal source is a sine-wave generator and an audio amplifier, whose output is coupled to a coil through an 8-ohm resistor. Measuring the volt age across the resistor gives the current. Then, calculate the magnetic field according to Fig. 6.
(Note that while all references to field strength here are made in teslas, gauss are also commonly used. The conversion is easy: 1 tesla = 10,000 gauss.) Place the meter inside the coil and turn it on. Use the highest sensitivity scale that does not overrange the display. An over-range is indicated by a display of 1 followed by three blanks. In most cases, the 2µT range is satisfactory.
Measurement interpretation
A great deal of controversy exists in the emerging understanding of potential health hazards of low-frequency magnetic fields.
The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) has set some interim standards based on 1984 World Health Organization guidelines. Those IRPA standards specify a continuous maximum magnetic field exposure for the general public of 100 uT, and 500 uT as the maximum occupational exposure al lowed over the entire working day.
Some European countries have already adopted strict magnetic field emission requirements for video display terminals, but the United States is taking a more cautious approach about developing and enforcing such guidelines.
Whatever studies and data you think are accurate, now you have a way to measure your own exposure and take whatever action you believe is prudent.