prepare your products for successful wireless device emc testing

Prepare Your Products for SuccessfulWireless Device Testing

Problem:A growing number of new radio applications (RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) available in the

market today makes obtaining regulatory approvals more confusing than ever.

Scenario 1: Radio That’s Ubiquitous, Yet Unique

When it comes to product design, every radio application is unique. That means testing strategy will almost never be one-size-fits-all.

A radio (previously certified as a module) is integrated into a host device.

What do you need to do for testing?

Question:

A. NothingSince this radio was certified as a module, it does not require any additional testing.

B. Re-assessThe regulatory requirements for each unique implementation of a radio module should be assessed by experts.

Answer:B. Re-assess

The regulatory requirements for each unique implementation of a radio module

should be assessed by experts.

Why?• EU recommends re-assessing new combinations of

modular radios & host devices for EMC compliance.• Some modules may have been tested but not

certified. •No FCC ID number on module = certification is NOT

complete.

The Bottom LineWhen you choose to adapt a previously certified radio module it will most likely require additional testing and certification for use within your new product.

Scenario 2:The Modern-Day Multi-Radio Product

A product with more than one radio will almost always require additional testing, so plan ahead to ensure you’ll have plenty of time to get through testing and certification.

For radios that already have FCC ID number

Get your testing agent involved! They can help you…• Look up radio FCC ID number• Review grant notes• Explain what notes mean for costs/timelines of project

FCC ID grant notes• Usage conditions• How will the product be used? • How close will it be from the user’s head or torso?

• Does current FCC ID number cover that usage?• What kind of additional testing will be needed?

What if… Should you….Continue to work on this radio?

-OR-

Is it time to begin a search for a new module?

Previous testing and certification is not adequate for the radio as it’s used in your product?

“How can we make this work?”

If it’s an approved module…Change of ID followed by a Class II Permissive Change• FCC authorization: Copy existing grant from original grant holder (radio manufacturer) to a new FCC

ID for new grant holder (system manufacturer) Download public exhibits from manufacturer’s application • Public-domain exhibits may be downloaded from FCC. Contact original module manufacturer for any

confidential exhibits sent directly to the TCB.Agent authorization • Obtain a signed document from grant holder to make a Class II Permissive change to the application.

Benefits• Significant savings for product developers (compared to starting

testing over from scratch).• Testing agency can provide coaching + sample letters for agent

authorization.

What You Can Do Today

Your test lab can assist you with many facets of your testing strategy, but you can take steps now to ensure your business has the best results

for wireless device testing.

1. Choose the correct radio for your application.• The ‘next big thing’ isn’t always the best choice. • Often, lower per unit cost results in lower testing costs.• Research to understand tradeoffs of different technologies• This can really pay off when it comes time to test.

Interoperability• If your device requires interoperability with other devices on the market

(e.g. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), you may need the high-tech solution. • If not, a simpler radio design may be perfectly suitable.

2. Start shopping for approved modules.• This is the least expensive way to add wireless capability to products. • Leave extra time for mechanical design for the radio enclosure.• Define the type of antenna you’ll be required to use.

3. Test early, test often.• Ensure your product is compliant.

• Test components and prototypes early, make modifications early in product design if needed.

• Some tests are worth doing very early, some will be better to wait.

• Your testing lab can help you understand the ins and outs of each.

4. Create a target list of countries you want to sell into.Identify target markets early in design process and plan your testing strategy to meet the requirements of each country.

5. Talk to your testing agency.By partnering with a consultative testing agency and following these steps early in your product design, you can make sure you have all the tools needed to launch your products successfully.

prepare your products for successful wireless device emc testing

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