Theoretical Normalized Site Attenuation
Calculations by Spreadsheet Analysis
Manny Barron
Compaq Computer Corp
Tandem Division
10300 N. Tantau Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014 USA
Abstract: This paper describes an analysis methodology
that implements the theoretical normalized site attenuation
(NSA) model into a standard electronic spreadsheet
program, such as Microsoft Excel, that can calculate and
plot the exact theoretical NSA value for any given
frequency of interest. The theoretical NSA is referenced in
ANSI C63.4 (1992) [1] and is discussed in numerous
papers in the open liturature. The mathematical model for
the theoretical NSA consists of a set of complex equations
for horizontal and vertical polarization and is best suited
for calculation via computer automation. The spreadsheet
analysis technique addressed in this paper has several
advantages: 1) the popularity of spreadsheets today
provides an easy to use software platform that can be
utilized to fully automate the complex theoretical NSA
calculations, 2) the spreadsheet provides an open
framework whereby all areas of the model are open for
visual inspection, and 3) the spreadsheet model can be
used for "what-if" scenarios whereby the test site input
parameters are easily modified and the calculations re-run
for new test site configurations.
INTRODUCTION
Normalized site attenuation (NSA) has become the
standard method for determining the acceptability of EMC
test sites to perform radiated emission measurements. The
NSA parameter is a frequency response characteristic of a
test site that is acquired via measurement on the test site in
accordance with various standards, e.g. ANSI C63.4 plus
others. The criteria for site acceptance is specified in
ANSI C63.4 as well as other standards, and is based on a
comparison of the "measured NSA" for a given site to the
calculated "theoretical NSA" of an ideal site. The ANSI
C63.4 standard requires that the measured NSA must be
within ± 4 dB of the theoretical NSA over the frequency
range of 30 - 1000 MHz in order for the site under
evaluation to be considered acceptable for performing
radiated emission testing. The ANSI C63.4 standard
contains several tables of calculated theoretical NSA
values for 27 discrete frequencies for various antenna
types, distances, heights, and polarizations. The
determination of theoretical NSA at frequencies other than
the 27 published frequencies is typically performed via
linear interpolation of the existing table data. This linear
interpolation technique is generally employed due to the
relatively complex and intensive iterative calculations
required to compute the exact values from the original
theoretical NSA equations.
The theoretical NSA model is referenced in the ANSI
C63.4 standard as having been developed in 1982 by
Smith, German, and Pate.[3] A discussion of the work
done by the ANSI C63 committee to adopt this model was
summarized in 1987 by Heirman.[4] From these papers
the theoretical NSA model is expressed as follows:
NSATH = − 20 Log(fM ) + 48.9 – EDMAX (1)
where
NSATH = NSA theoretical value
fM = frequency in MHz
MAX
ED = maximum received field
The EDMAX parameter contains the primary model for the
NSA theoretical calculations and is addressed in the ANSI
C63.5 (1988) standard [2] as well as in the open literature.
For brevity the geometry of this model is summarized in
Figure 1 below along with the associated mathematical
representation in Figure 2 (excerpt from ANSI C63.5).
Receive
d1
h2
Transmit
h1 d2
γ Groundplane
R
Figure 1. Geometry of NSA Model
 1/ 2
within the pre-defined elevation range. The antenna height

49.2 d 22 + d12 ρ H
2
+ 2 d1d 2 ρ H

Cos φ H −
2π
(d 2 − d1 )  corresponding to the maximum received value of EDMAX is
  λ  then determined from this data. This procedure is then
MAX
E DH =
d1d 2
repeated for each frequency that is listed in the user
defined frequency list for which EDMAX, and hence NSATH,
1/ 2

49.2 R 2  d26 + d16 ρV
2 
+ 2d13d 23 ρV CosφV −
2π
(d2 − d1 ) is desired.
  λ 
MAX
EDV =
d13d 23 Refinement of Modeling Equations
where
ρH =
(
Sin γ − K − j 60λσ − Cos 2γ ) 1/ 2 The NSATH mathematical model as shown in Figure 2 is
not suitable for insertion into a spreadsheet since it
Sin γ + (K − j 60λσ − Cos γ ) 2 1/ 2
contains complex equations plus the angle γ is not clearly
defined in terms of known parameters. Therefore, the
ρV =
(K − (
j 60 λσ) Sin γ − K − j 60 λσ − Cos 2γ) 1/ 2
modeling equations must be refined appropriately for use
(K − j 60 λσ) Sin γ + (K − j 60λσ − Cos γ )
1/ 2
2
in the spreadsheet. A careful review of the geometry of the
model will provide some trigonometric insight that leads
[ (
d1 = R 2 + h 2 − h 1 ) 2 ]1 / 2 [ (
d2 = R2 + h 2 + h 1 ) 2 ]1 / 2 to an expression which results in the following
relationship after some algebraic manipulation:
Legend:
 h + h2 
h1 = fixed transmit antenna height γ = Arc tan  1  (2)
h2 = variable height receive antenna height  R 
R = antenna separation relative to ground plane
K = relative dielectric constant
This angle is now defined in terms of known site
σ = conductivity of ground plane
parameters. Notice that this angle is dynamic, i.e., it
ρ = reflection coefficient
ϕ = phase angle of reflection coefficient changes continuously as the height h2 varies from its
λ = wavelength or frequency of interest minimum to maximum value.

Figure 2. EDMAX Theoretical Math Model Additionally, the imaginary terms in ρH and ρV must be
removed to facilitate an easier insertion into the
spreadsheet. To accommodate this, the complex conjugate
Theoretical Model for EDMAX technique is implemented to derive the absolute value or
magnitude for each of these two equations. After alot of
The EDMAX parameter is the maximum received electric algebraic manipulation the complex j-term is removed,
field from a theoretical half-wave dipole with one picowatt resulting in the following formulas:
of radiated power with the receive antenna varied in
elevation between two selected heights. EDMAX is attained
1 − AH
by mathematically varying the receiving antenna height ρH =
position to obtain the maximum response at each and 1 + AH
every frequency for which a theoretical NSA value is (3)
desired. This mathematical iteration is partly responsible
1 − AV
for the complexity of calculating the theoretical NSA ρV =
values. Another important issue is the amount of 1+ AV
calculations required in the lengthy algebraic equations
that are shown in Figure 2. Clearly these calculations are where
not easily performed manually, such as on a hand 2 2
 K − Cos 2 γ   
 +  60λσ
calculator. Instead these calculations seem best suited for
AH =  
computer automation using a standard spreadsheet  Sin 2 γ   Sin 2 γ 
   
software program such as Microsoft Excel. Implementing
this theoretical NSA model into a spreadsheet requires a (4)
‘macro’ program within the spreadsheet to perform the 2 2
 ac + bd   
antenna height variation mathematically and also to plot AV =   +  ad − bc 
 c2 + d 2  c +d 
2 2
the results in real time as the calculations are being    
performed. Varying the antenna height mathematically
requires calculating the ED value from the model in where the indidivual terms for AV are defined as follows:
Figure 2 repeatedly for each incremental height change
 a = K 2 − Cos 2 γ
b = 60λσ
(5)
c = K 2 Sin 2 γ − (60λσ Sin γ ) 2
d = 2 K 60λσ Sin 2 γ
Equations (3), (4), and (5) are now suitable for easy
insertion into the NSA spreadsheet framework. These
equations replace their equivalent complex versions that
are shown in the Figure 2 math model.
SPREADSHEET MODEL
The spreadsheet framework consists of one workbook file
that contains four worksheets. Refer to Figure 3 or 4
where the workbook file is shown as Edmax.xls and the
individual worksheets are tabbed as: Hdata, Hplot, Vdata,
and Vplot. Figure 3 is an overview of the basic
spreadsheet framework and cell layout. The input
variables to this model are simply those addressed in the
previous equations, namely the test site distance, the
transmit antenna height and polarization, the receive
antenna minimum and maximum height range, the ground
Figure 3. NSA Spreadsheet Framework and Cell Layout
plane conductivity and permittivity, all of which can be
changed by the user and the results re-calculated. The
detailed iterative calculation to determine the required
EDMAX value (which is then used to calculate the NSATH
theoretical value) is performed by a special spreadsheet
macro program that can be set-up for activation by a pre-
assigned keystroke command, a toolbar button, or a
standard menu item selection. For each frequency this
macro mathematically varies the receive antenna height as
required by the model to maximize the received field level
ED, eventually determining the specific height that
produces EDMAX. The macro program also plots the
resultant calculated NSATH theoretical values on the
appropriate graph so that the user can view the results in
real time as the macro is running. The overall calculation
time for each plot is dependent on the number of
frequencies, the step size of the receive antenna height
variation as well as the real-time plot refresh rate, all of
which are user selectable. However, a reasonable number
of frequencies (say 200), step size (say 0.1 meter) and plot
refresh rate (say 1 update per frequency calculation set)
results in a total run time of about a minute or two.
Hdata and Vdata Worksheets and the relative permitivitty, absolute conductivity, and
reflection coefficient of the metallic ground plane. Lastly
The Hdata and Vdata worksheets are the primary
a variable parameter named 'update' is also included that
worksheets where the NSA model equations are located
controls the refresh rate for the resultant NSATH plot while
and where all of the calculations are performed. The
the macro program is running. All of this site parameter
frequency range of interest is contained in the leftmost
information is linked to the various math model equations
column such that each discrete frequency for which a
contained within the spreadsheet calculation cells.
NSATH theoretical value is desired is simply entered into
the cells of this column [Note: in the example of Figure 3
The values of EDMAX as shown in the Hdata spreadsheet
there are 200 frequencies listed from 30 - 1000 MHz
column labeled with this same name (see Figure 3) are
(although all are not shown), broken down as follows:
calculated from the same math model equations described
30 - 100 MHz in 1 MHz increments, 100 - 500 MHz in
in this paper, namely those shown in Figure 2 plus the
5 MHz increments, and 500 -1000 MHz in 10 MHz
modified equations shown in (2) through (5). At each
increments].
frequency of interest the “macro” program mathematically
varies the receive antenna height as required by the model
The miscellaneous site parameter values are shown at the
to maximize the received field level ED eventually
top of the worksheet in a main table which characterizes
determining the specific height that produces EDMAX. This
the test site in terms of it's physical parameters. In
EDMAX value is then used to calculate the NSA theoretical
summary these parameters are the transmit and receive
value from equation (1) which is then plotted on the
antenna separation distance, the transmit antenna height,
appropriate NSATH theoretical graph, Hplot or Vplot.
the receive antenna minimum and maximum height range,
the step size to use for varying the receive antenna height,

Figure 4. Plot of Calculated NSA Theoretical Values

Spreadsheet Macro Program program as it is running. There are separate Hplot and
Vplot worksheets for the separate horizontal and vertical
The macro program used to perform the iterative EDMAX
NSATH data results. The results for an Hplot graph are
and NSATH calculations is a relatively simple program that
shown in Figure 4. A plot parameter called 'update' is also
provides automatic calculations and real-time data
included in the Hdata and Vdata worksheets to control the
plotting. The following is an overview of the
refresh rate of the Hplot and Vplot graphs. This parameter
"Determine_Max_Ed" macro program steps (which always
affects the speed of the macro program since it takes some
begins at the first frequency listed in the spreadsheet):
finite amount of time to update the plots. The fastest time
is achieved when this parameter is set to zero which means
Determine_Max_Ed (refer to Figure 3)
that the plot is not updated at all while the macro is
1. calculate ED using minimum height h2a and other site running, but instead is updated only once at the end of all
parameter inputs (including current frequency). calculations. The slowest time occurs when this parameter
is set to any negative value which means that the plot is
2. increment height by 'step' size and repeat step 1 for
updated after each calculation of the ED value for all
new height value.
receive antenna height increments. In this mode the user
3. repeat step 2 continually until height reaches the h2b can actually see the ED field vary on the real-time plot as
maximum value. the antenna is moved from its minimum height to its
maximum height. Setting this update parameter to a value
4. determine EDMAX and associated h2@max height and
of one or greater means the macro program will update the
store values into spreadsheet for current frequency.
plot after every x frequency points where x = the value
5. calculate NSATH from EDMAX for current frequency. entered and x > 1. Higher values of x cause the macro to
run faster since the plot is updated less frequently.
6. update NSATH graph plot for current frequency.
Table 1. Calculated Vs. ANSI Comparison
7. increment to next frequency row.
R = 10m h1 = 1m h2 = 1-4m
8. repeat steps 1 thru 7 for new frequency.
FREQ NSAHor NSAHor NSAVert NSAVert
9. repeat step 8 until last frequency row is reached. MHz Calc ANSI Calc ANSI
10. done, exit macro program. 30 29.8 29.8 16.7 16.7
35 27.1 27.1 15.4 15.4
In summary this macro begins at the first frequency listed 40 24.9 24.9 14.2 14.2
in the spreadsheet and calculates the received field ED for 45 22.9 22.9 13.2 13.2
the receive antenna minimum height specified. The 50 21.1 21.1 12.3 12.3
equations used for this calculation are those contained in 60 18.0 18.0 10.7 10.7
Figure 2 plus the modifications shown in equations (2) 70 15.5 15.5 9.4 9.4
thru (5). The macro then increments the receive antenna 80 13.3 13.3 8.3 8.3
height and re-calculates the received field ED again and 90 11.4 11.4 7.3 7.3
continues to increment the antenna height and continues to 100 9.7 9.7 6.4 6.4
re-calculate the received field ED until the receive antenna 120 7.0 7.0 4.9 4.9
height achieves its maximum pre-defined value. At this 125 6.4 6.4 4.6 4.6
point the macro has monitored each calculated value of ED 140 4.8 4.8 3.7 3.7
and can determine the receive antenna height which 150 3.9 3.9 3.1 3.1
produced the maximum value of ED, now called EDMAX. 160 3.0 3.1 2.6 2.6
The macro then re-enters this specific receive antenna 175 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
height into the equations, re-calculates the final EDMAX 180 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8
value for the given frequency, and proceeds to calculate 200 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.0
the NSATH theoretical value from equation (1) and then 250 -1.6 -1.6 0.5 0.5
updates the appropriate plot. The macro then increments a 300 -3.3 -3.3 -1.5 -1.5
pointer to the next discrete frequency and repeats this
400 -5.9 -5.9 -4.1 -4.1
process again and again until the maximum frequency is
500 -7.9 -7.9 -6.7 -6.7
attained, at which time the macro program is terminated.
600 -9.5 -9.5 -8.7 -8.7
NSA Plot Worksheet 700 -10.8 -10.8 -10.2 -10.2
800 -12.0 -12.0 -11.5 -11.5
This worksheet contains the results of the calculations and 900 -12.8 -12.8 -12.6 -12.6
is updated in real-time automatically by the macro 1000 -13.8 -13.8 -13.6 -13.6
 SPREADSHEET VALIDATION are easily modified and the calculations re-run for new test
site configurations.
Simply stated, this NSA spreadsheet analysis model can be
validated by comparing the calculated NSATH theoretical
Lastly, this theoretical NSA calculation spreadsheet can be
values to those published in the standards. This was done
integrated into a larger spreadsheet model for use in
for the 10m test distance scenario for both the horizontal
annual site attenuation measurements that includes raw
and vertical polarizations. Table 1 shows the results of the
site attenuation data and antenna factor data needed to
comparison of the calculated NSATH theoretical values and
calculate the complete sets of table data and grapical plots
those published in the ANSI C63.4 standard. The
for various test site configurations. This method helps to
correlation is very nearly identical except for 160 MHz
manage the massive amounts of data required for swept
horizontal and 180 MHz vertical which are both different
frequency measurements in a 10m semi-anechoic chamber
by 0.1 dB. However a closer look at each of the NSA
that uses multiple antenna offset positions (e.g., ±12
spreadsheet results reveals that the horizontal value for
degrees) and different antenna distances (e.g. 3m and
160 MHz was calculated to be 3.05 and the vertical value
10m), all of which require NSA measurements at five
for 180 MHz was calculated to be 1.75. Each of these
transmit antenna positions (center, front, back, right, left).
values is extremely close to being rounded up to the next
For an overview of this integrated model see reference [5].
higher single decimal position, i.e., 3.1 and 1.8, which is
exactly what the ANSI standard shows. Hence the
REFERENCES
difference could be attributed to round-off error. The
NSATH calculations for other test site parameters [1] ANSI C63.4-1992, “American National Standard for
(Reference [1], Tables 1, 2, 3) are equally close when Methods of Measurement of Radio Noise Emissions from
compared to the published ANSI standard, although those Low-Voltage Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the
results are not shown here. Furthermore, a similar Range of 9 KHz to 40 GHz”
comparison was also performed with the EDMAX values
which also revealed similar comparison results (Reference [2] ANSI C63.5-1988, “American National Standard for
[2] Table 1 & 2). Therefore, the results of these electromagnetic compatibility  radiated emission
comparisons show that the NSATH spreadsheet analysis measurements in electromagnetic interference (EMI)
model can be used with confidence. control  calibration of antennas”

CONCLUSIONS
The determination of the NSA theoretical values for a
radiated emission test site can be a complicated and
tedious calculation process which is based on the NSA
mathematical model published or referenced in the ANSI
C63.4 and C63.5 standards and the open literature. This
paper presented a methodology by which the complex
NSA model equations can be incorporated into a standard
electronic spreadsheet program and easily calculated with
the help of a spreadsheet macro program. The integrated
spreadsheet with the incorporated NSA models and macro
program can fully automate the iterative and tedious
theoretical NSA calculations. It was also shown that the
calculated NSA theoretical results agree very closely with
the same values in the published ANSI standards, thereby
providing confidence in its use.
[3] A.A. Smith Jr., et. al., “Calculation of Site Attenuation
from Antenna Factors", IEEE Transactions on
Electromagnetic Compatibility, EMC-25, No. 3, , August
1982, pp. 301-316
[4] Donald N. Heirman, “Definitive Open Area Test Site
Qualifications", 1987 IEEE International Symposium on
EMC, Atlanta, GA, pp. 127-134
[5] Manny Barron, “Normalized Site Attenuation Calcula-
tions Using Standard Spreadsheet Analysis", 1999 IEEE
International Symposium on EMC, Seattle, WA pp 133-
138

Also, this spreadsheet technique has several distinct

advantages: 1) the popularity of spreadsheets today
provides an easy to use software platform that can be
utilized to fully automate the theoretical NSA calculations,
2) the spreadsheet provides an open framework whereby
all areas of the theoretical NSA model are open for visual
inspection, and 3) the spreadsheet model can be used for
"what-if" scenarios whereby the test site input parameters