Introduction to FCC Certification 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in the United States. For manufacturers of electronic devices that emit radio frequency, obtaining FCC certification is a crucial step in ensuring compliance with the United States' communication regulations.

Modular vs Product Level Certification

Modular Level Certification		Product Level Certification
Modular level certification is applicable to individual components, typically RF modules, that are designed to be integrated into other products. The module itself is tested and certified to meet FCC standards, allowing manufacturers to incorporate the certified module into their products without the need for extensive re-testing of the module under FCC standards.		Product level certification involves evaluating the entire product to ensure it complies with the specific FCC rules applicable to that type of device. This certification assesses all components, functionalities, and final assembly configurations of the product.

Common RF Testing Parameters for Modular-level FCC Certification

Modular certification requires a series of rigorous tests to ensure compliance with FCC regulations. While the following list includes many of the common tests performed, it is essential to verify the complete requirements based on the specific device and FCC guidelines.

1. Peak Output Power Level
   • Definition: Measures the maximum power level emitted by the RF device.
   • Purpose: Ensures that the device does not exceed the maximum allowable power levels to prevent interference with other devices.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.247(b)
2. Bandwidth Measurement
   • Definition: Measures the width of the frequency band in which the RF device operates.
   • Purpose: Ensures that the device stays within its designated frequency band to avoid interference with other devices.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.247(a)
3. Conducted Spurious Emissions
   • Definition: Measures unwanted signals emitted by the RF device that are conducted along the power lines or other cables.
   • Purpose: Ensures that these emissions are within specified limits to prevent interference with other electronic equipment.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.247(d)
4. Radiated Spurious Emissions
   • Definition: Measures unwanted signals emitted by the RF device through the air.
   • Purpose: Ensures that these emissions are within specified limits to avoid interfering with other wireless communications.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.209 and 15.247(d)
5. Frequency Stability
   • Definition: Measures the ability of the RF device to maintain its operating frequency under varying conditions, such as changes in temperature and voltage.
   • Purpose: Ensures reliable communication and minimizes interference by maintaining a stable operating frequency.
   • Standard: FCC Part 2.1055 and Part 15.407(g)
6. Occupied Bandwidth
   • Definition: Measures the width of the frequency band occupied by the transmitted signal at specific power levels.
   • Purpose: Ensures that the signal does not occupy more bandwidth than allowed by FCC regulations to prevent interference with other devices.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.247(a)(2)
7. Power Spectral Density
   • Definition: Measures the power distribution of the RF signal over the frequency spectrum.
   • Purpose: Ensures that the power is distributed in a manner that minimizes interference with other devices.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.247(e)
8. Duty Cycle, Transmission Duration, and Interval
   • Definition: Measures the duration and frequency of transmissions and the time interval between them.
   • Purpose: Ensures that the device's transmission characteristics comply with FCC requirements to minimize interference.
   • Standard: FCC Part 15.35 and Part 15.231

Essential Tests for Product-Level FCC Compliance

Product-level testing involves a variety of tests to ensure that electronic devices comply with regulatory standards for safety, performance, and electromagnetic compatibility. Here’s a detailed list of common tests conducted during product-level compliance testing:

1. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing

• Definition: Evaluates the device's ability to operate correctly in its electromagnetic environment and not emit disturbances that would affect other equipment.
• Purpose: Ensures the device does not cause or is not affected by electromagnetic interference.
• Common Standards: FCC Part 15, CISPR 32, EN 55032 for emissions; CISPR 24, EN 55024 for immunity.

2. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Testing

• Definition: Measures the electromagnetic emissions from the device to ensure they are within acceptable limits.
• Purpose: Prevents the device from interfering with other electronic devices.
• Types of Tests:
  • Radiated Emissions: Measures emissions radiated through the air.
  • Conducted Emissions: Measures emissions conducted along power lines.
• Common Standards: FCC Part 15, EN 55011, EN 55022.

3. AC Power Line Conducted Emissions Testing

• Definition: Measures unwanted signals on the power lines when the device is connected to the AC mains.
• Purpose: Ensures the device does not inject excessive noise back into the AC mains, which can interfere with other equipment.
• Common Standards: FCC Part 15.207, CISPR 16-2-1.

4. Radiated Emissions Testing

• Definition: Measures the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the device.
• Purpose: Ensures compliance with limits for unintended radiation that could interfere with other electronic devices.
• Common Standards: FCC Part 15, CISPR 32.

5. Conducted Emissions Testing

• Definition: Measures the electromagnetic disturbances conducted along cables or wires connected to the device.
• Purpose: Ensures that conducted emissions do not exceed regulatory limits.
• Common Standards: CISPR 22, EN 55022.

6. Electromagnetic Immunity Testing

• Definition: Assesses the device’s ability to function correctly in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.
• Purpose: Ensures the device remains functional when exposed to common sources of electromagnetic interference.
• Types of Tests:
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Testing: Simulates static electricity discharges.
  • Radiated RF Immunity Testing: Simulates exposure to RF fields.
  • Electrical Fast Transient (EFT) Testing: Simulates rapid bursts of electrical noise.
  • Surge Immunity Testing: Simulates power surges.
• Common Standards: IEC 61000-4 series.

7. Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker Testing

• Definition: Measures the effect of the device on the AC power supply voltage fluctuations.
• Purpose: Ensures the device does not cause harmful voltage fluctuations that can affect other equipment.
• Common Standards: IEC 61000-3-3.

8. Harmonic Current Emissions Testing

• Definition: Measures the harmonic currents generated by the device.
• Purpose: Ensures that the device does not generate harmonics that could affect the power quality.
• Common Standards: IEC 61000-3-2.

9. Power Line Voltage Dip, Interrupt, and Variation Testing

• Definition: Assesses the device's performance when subjected to dips, interruptions, and variations in the power supply.
• Purpose: Ensures the device can withstand common power supply disturbances without malfunctioning.
• Common Standards: IEC 61000-4-11.

Understanding the Cost Implications

When it comes to choosing between modular and product level certification, understanding the cost differences is key. Modular certification involves higher initial costs due to extensive testing of the module independently. However, it offers long-term savings as the certified module can be integrated into multiple products without requiring separate FCC testing for each new product. This approach is particularly advantageous for manufacturers who use the same module across various devices, as it streamlines the approval process and reduces repetitive testing expenses.

Moreover, the FCC allows leveraging modular certification when obtaining product certification. This can simplify and expedite the approval process for products incorporating these pre-certified modules. Nonetheless, it's important to note that modular certification primarily covers the RF (Radio Frequency) portion of the device. The final product still requires comprehensive product level testing to ensure overall compliance with FCC regulations, including tests for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), EMI (Electromagnetic Interference), safety, SAR (Specific Absorption Rate), and other potential interferences. These tests verify that the product as a whole, including its non-RF components and the way the RF module interacts with them, meets all applicable standards.

On the other hand, product level certification might have lower initial costs for a single product but can become more expensive with each new product or update, as each variant requires its own certification process. This makes product level certification less economical for companies with diverse product lines or frequent modifications.

In summary, while modular certification offers a cost-effective and streamlined path for integrating RF modules into multiple products, product level certification remains essential to ensure full compliance with FCC regulations for each specific product.

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