Experimental validation of simulated 3D field distribution within a vehicle cabin

Large resonant cavities such as a vehicle cabin present a challenging measurement environment for both field emissions and exposure limits testing. A model vehicle cabin which includes interior details such as steering wheel, seats and dashboard was constructed to validate field levels predicted by FEKO and CST Microwave Studio. Individual effects of these furnishings to internal fields were included in the study. The simulated field levels were compared with measurements made using a 3D automated low-disturbance probe positioning system and it was found that the predicted values were within 3.4 dB of measured field levels.