High-frequency coupling to cables for plane wave and random wave conditions

In this paper, the high-frequency coupling from electromagnetic fields to cables is studied and this under (i) plane-wave conditions representing a susceptibility test in a semi-anechoic room and (ii) random wave conditions representing a more realistic environment with many reflections. Two set-ups are considered. First, a simple wire above an infinite ground plane. Second, a more realistic set-up representing a desktop device with attached cables whose layout is according to EN 55016-2-3:2006 [1]. It is shown that for frequencies above 1 GHz the induced (worst-case) current at the side of the device under test can differ significantly between plane-wave and random wave conditions. Moreover, the random wave condition does necessarily not lead to the highest induced currents.