U.S. Conformity Requirements     European Conformity Requirements     Industry Canada Conformity Requirements

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As an FCC listed EMC Test Laboratory, analab can perform the required testing and prepare the supporting technical documentation required for inclusion with an application to the FCC for certification. Test reports issued by analab can be used as the basis for issuing a Declaration of Conformity to FCC part 15 rules. analab also provides its clients with EMC Test Reports for inclusion in a Technical File, substantiating the manufacturer's application of the European CE mark and Industry Canada ICES-003.

Why Emissions Testing?

  The "Radio Frequency" (RF) spectrum is generally considered to include frequencies from 9 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz.

Carefully mapped with closely guarded boundaries, this portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is analogous to zoning and property lines in real-estate. Like real-estate, the radio spectrum is not limitless and, therefore, is becoming increasingly valuable.

To protect the radio spectrum from certain chaos and ensure its efficient use, governments have appointed regulating agencies (e.g., the FCC in the U.S.). These national agencies work to support internationally recognized treaties that have been established to coordinate global spectrum usage. At first glance it may be puzzling: why have organizations like the FCC become involved with consumer products that are not usually recognized as “radio transmitters.” It’s obvious that a radio station is a transmitter or “Intentional” radiator of signals. Not so obvious, however, is the “Unintentional” radiator, which can be a computer, a television, DVD player, or other passive device.


U.S. Emissions Compliance Requirements

Intentional Radiators (Part 15)

  In the U.S., Part 15 of the FCC rules covers both low power transmitting devices that intentionally emit R.F. energy and devices that emit unintentional or incidental radiation. Intentional radiators are devices specifically designed to emit RF energy, for example, biomedical telemetry units and cordless phones. Intentional radiators also include high-power devices such as commercial mobile two-way radio transceivers and fixed radio stations, which fall outside of the Part 15 rules and, therefore, must comply with Section 302 of the Communications Act of 1934. Prior to being placed on the market, these high-power transmitters must comply with strict requirements for parameters such as frequency stability, output power, harmonics, occupied bandwidth and modulation characteristics. These transmitters require "Certification" by the FCC (for the U.S.) or registration with "Notified Body" (for Europe). The end user of these devices will generally be licensed, or granted an authority to radiate RF energy.

The FCC Part 15 Rules, however, do not require the operator of intentional (transmitting) equipment falling under its guidelines to have a license. Instead, these guidelines place restrictions on power, modes of transmission, frequency spectra, and antenna height. Examples of equipment conforming to Part 15 rules include personal communications systems, Citizens Band radios, key chain transmitters, etc. While these low-power devices do not require a license to operate them, often a detailed set of verifiable measurements is still needed; for example, the FCC requires that personal communications systems comply with ANSI C63.17-1998, “Methods of Measurement of the Electromagnetic and Operational Compatibility of Unlicensed Personal Communication Services Devices.”

Unintentional Radiators (Part 15)

  Unintentional radiators are devices that internally generate RF energy to perform their intended function. In so doing, they may accidentally radiate unwanted RF signals. Digitally controlled appliances and information technology equipment with microprocessors that operate at frequencies within the radio spectrum are examples of unintentional emitters. Uncontrolled and unwanted radiation of RF Energy is designated Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). All digital equipment manufacturers need to test their products for unwanted emissions before marketing them. Further, it must be documented that devices sold for use in the home comply with the national EMI limits.

Compliance is verified by direct measurement of the RF emissions produced by the equipment. These emissions may be either directly radiated into "free space," or they may be conducted to interconnecting cables or power lines. National and international limits and test methods have been established for each type of emission. In the interests of performing only one test for multiple markets, the FCC accepts compliance with either CISPR 22 (European CE) limits or the limits specified in CFR 47 Part 15.


Industrial, Scientific and Medical (Part 18)
  This category of commercial products also purposefully generates RF energy to perform an intended function. In operation, this equipment may accidentally radiate RF energy. Examples of products in this category include, RF lighting devices, medical diathermy equipment, and cooking devices (e.g., microwave ovens) that generate heat by induction.

Compliance is verified by direct measurement of the RF emissions produced by the equipment. These emissions may be either directly radiated into "free space," or they may be conducted to interconnecting cables or power lines. National and international limits and test methods have been established for each type of emission. Conformity is demonstrated by verification of compliance to the limits specified in CFR 47 Part 18.


European Emissions Compliance Requirements


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