Standard Site Method (SSM) is theoretically analyzed using matrix representations to examine its validity and develop an improved method. The analysis reveals that the SSM yields an antenna factor specifically related to the effective load impedance presented by the cable and associated devices which are disconnected from the antenna during the SSM site attenuation measurements. Therefore, an additional conversion is required to determine the desired antenna factor under actual load conditions. It is also concluded that the SSM is not applicable to antennas having height-dependent antenna factors. In addition, the SSM correction factors are found to be theoretically inappropriate. Uncertainty of the antenna factor obtained using the SSM is discussed and the required antenna separation distance is investigated. To improve the existing SSM, it is proposed that both transmitting and receiving antennas are placed at the same height during the site attenuation measurements. Experiments exhibit the superiority of the improved method.

Theoretical and experimental investigations of dipole antenna factors were carried out with special interest in their height patterns, since difference between them is a main cause of disagreement in EMI measurement results obtained with different antennas types. Antenna factors were expressed by matrix representation and their dependence on antenna dimensions and balun construction were numerically evaluated with the moment method. Those analyses revealed that antenna dimensions and balun characteristics have little effect on antenna factor height patterns. Slight influence was observed only at frequencies around 30MHz, when an antenna was placed less than 1.5m above a metal ground plane.