FCC and IC in Digital Consumer Products July 23, 2009 Moderator: Richard Rosati Speakers: H. Scott Griggs and Thomas M. Heckmann,P.E.
BUREAU VERITAS WEB SEMINAR: FCC/IC and Digital Consumer Products AGENDA Introduction When do FCC/IC regulations apply? What are the requirements? How is compliance determined? Best practices recommendations Conclusion - Questions & Answers Webinar Panel: Moderator: Richard Rosati, Director of Toy Technical Services, Americas, Bureau Veritas Presenter: H. Scott Griggs, Director, Sales and Marketing, Bureau Veritas, Electrical and Electronic Products Services Presenter: Thomas M. Heckmann, P.E., Senior Project Engineer, Engineering Services, Bureau Veritas 2
Introduction Why are we talking about FCC/IC?
FCC/IC and Digital Consumer Products Introduction Increasing numbers and types of electronic toys Increasing electronic speeds, and decreasing cost of chips (Integrated Circuits) Increased compliance requirements in the US and around the world Definitions: FCC (Federal Communications Commission) US Federal Agency per 47 Code of Federal Regulations (47 CFR) that enforces radio and telecommunications rules. IC (Industry Canada) Canadian government agency that regulates radio and telecommunications rules EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) general requirements for electronic products to not interfere with other products. 4
Part 1 When Does FCC/IC Apply?
FCC/IC CONTROL THE FREQUENCY SPECTRUM Radio Spectrum is like Real-Estate Only So Many Channels and Only So Much Space Military Emergency First Responders Any product that may cause interference on someone else s legitimate spectrum is regulated Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations (47 CFR) Digital TV Conversion Spectrum auction $ at stake Canada has similar Technical Specifications with Industry Canada regulations. Europe, Australia, Japan, China, etc. all have similar requirements Radio Standards Specifications RSS-Gen 6
ELECTROMAGNETIC FREQUENCY SPECTRUM Low Frequencies Radio Frequencies Audio 10 Hz - 15 khz AM FM 1 Hz 60 Hz 3 khz AC Power 9 khz 1.705 MHz 49 MHz Visible Radio Frequencies Infrared Frequencies UV Freq s Microwave Infrared Ultraviolet 900 MHz 2.4 GHz 300 GHz 4-7 x 10 14 Hz 7
FCC SPECTRUM MAP 8
WE HAVE TO SHARE THE AIR Cell Phones Baby Monitors TV Military Radio Astronomy HAM radio operators AM/FM Radio Civilian Aircraft Navigation Seagoing vessels Satellite Radio 9
ALL ELECTRONICS MAKE RADIO WAVES Moving Electricity makes Electromagnetic Waves This needs to be considered for all battery operated or plug in products Electric pulses faster than 9000/second = Radio Waves Pulse of electricity makes pulse of radio wave. Radio waves INTERFERE with other electronics 10
WHAT ARE DIGITAL DEVICES? Digital Devices are Per FCC in United States 47 CFR Part 15.3(k) an electronic device that makes or uses 9000 pulses (9 khz) or higher frequency Per Industry Canada in Canada ICES-0003 Section 2 an electronic device that uses in excess of 10,000 pulses/second (10 khz) 11
FCC PART 15 /ICES-0003 COVER MANY CONSUMER PRODUCTS Intentional Radiator Intends to broadcast, to perform function, so may interfere Example: Wireless phones, and wireless camera both in lab on same wavelength. The camera picture was susceptible to the wireless phones broadcast Unintentional Radiator Does not mean to broadcast, but could create radio interference Example: TV set when camping Example: Garage door opener w/ fluorescent lamp Example: MP3 s and EEG s Example: Singing Lapel Pin Class A (Industrial use) or Class B (Home use) Digital Device Consumer Products are all Class B 12
IF IT USES A BATTERY OR A TRANSFORMER, IT LIKELY NEEDS FCC/IC 13
EXAMPLES NEEDING FCC/IC EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION Talking Plushes Howling Halloween Decor Newer AC & DC power supplies Fluorescent lights MP3 devices Handheld electronic games Alarm Clocks Computers Appliances with Timers Ultrasonic detectors Electronic Measuring equipment Telephones Display screens Infrared remote controls Radios Singing Greeting Cards Electronic musical instruments Peripherals (keyboards, mice) Cameras Battery Chargers YES! though there are some technical exemptions 14
TECHNICAL EXEMPTION EXAMPLES CB radios (have own rules) Microwave Ovens (have own rules) Dishwashers Some battery operated toys Flashlights Heaters and heating elements Some Infrared Remotes Some battery operated noise making equipment Most Single LEDs (flashing or otherwise) Most Power Tools Car Parts (have own rules) Aircraft Equipment (have own rules) Fluorescent Lamps (have own rules) Specialized Industrial, Medical equipment (have own rules) Some RC toys (have own rules) Lasers Most B.O. clocks/watches Pumps and motors Incandescent Lamps Non-electrical products Certain RF Test Equipment 15
FCC/IC EXEMPTIONS Exemption makes sense only if: Design is actually exempt. Can prove it. The electronic product can be identified (model number). Production is under control. 16
Part 2 What are the Requirements?
FCC/IC REQUIREMENTS Equipment Authorization: Two Paths EITHER 1. TEST one sample at an appropriately accredited lab Radio emissions are within limits 2. Correct permanent MARKINGS on product 3. Correct INSTRUCTIONS provided with the product OR PROVE EXEMPTION if design allows 18
FCC/IC REQUIREMENTS: TESTING Radio Frequency Noise Within Limits Example Showing Low Frequency Emissions 19
FCC MARKINGS - LABELING Typical Unintentional Radiator (Verification) Label Per 47 CFR 15.19(a): Permanent Label This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. if the device is so small it s not practical to mark this statement, then statement can be placed in instructions, and mark with FCC logo. Example: Mark Back Panel Example: Small 20
FCC INSTRUCTIONS - LABELING Typical Unintentional Radiator (Verification) Instructions per 47 CFR 15.105(b): Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/tv technician for help. Work closely with your FCC lab. Alternate statements may be appropriate. 21
IC LABELING REQUIREMENTS Typical Unintentional Radiator Markings per ICES-0003 Section 6.2: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Work closely with your FCC/IC lab. Alternate statements may be appropriate. Also, must retain test reports for five years. 22
Part 3 How is Compliance Determined?
EMC CHAMBER 24
EMC CHAMBER 25
RADIATED EMISSIONS TESTING Test Site: Measure Radiated Noise from Equipment Case and Cables Product Turntable Receiving Antenna Inside Anechoic Chamber 3 or 10 meter 26
Part 4 Best Practices & Recommendations
FCC/IC SERVICES Before a supplier submits for Retailer Testing Program, the product needs to go through FCC/IC Equipment Authorization (or be shown exempt): Equipment Authorization at accredited FCC/IC labs Technical Opinion Services to evaluate a design and provide formal letter if it can be shown to be exempt from the FCC/IC authorization process. 28
FCC PRODUCT OPTIONS 29
REQUIREMENT: EITHER OPTION For FCC/IC Testing / Equipment Authorization: Submit to Bureau Veritas FCC/IC accredited lab: Sample Sample Questionnaire If associated with Retail Program After test, you will need to prepare: Markings for product Instruction manual entry for product For Exemption Documentation: Submit to Bureau Veritas Engineering Services: Design Information [Traceable and Technical] Make sure the technical chip information is shown and chip is on the board/component in your product Make sure that board/component is cited in your Product Bill of Materials or the like Make sure the Model identifier is described clearly and matches the B.O.M or the like Service Request Form (TRF) 30
Requirement for Retailer Quality Check (Protocols) Submit to Bureau Veritas Retailer Approved Location: Sample (like normal) Test Request Form (like normal) FCC/IC Report from independent FCC/IC lab (and make sure sample has markings and instructions) OR Exemption Letter from Independent FCC/IC lab (sample does not need markings) 31
Conclusion & Question & Answer
CONCLUSION FCC/IC applies to almost all products with a battery or cord FCC Equipment Authorization / IC compliance is mandatory and the law for most electronic products Two paths for compliance. Accredited FCC Testing and Marking and Instructions in per 47 CFR (or per IC accredited lab) Engineering Review of Design for possible exemptions Bureau Veritas and retailers check by audit. 33
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING! Questions? Thomas M. Heckmann, P.E., Bureau Veritas Email: esg-us@us.bureauveritas.com Scott Griggs, Bureau Veritas Email: electricalmail@bureauveritas.com Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. ( BVCPS ) provides the information in this webinar as a resource of general information. It does not replace any applicable legal or regulatory requirements and is provided as is. BVCPS will not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, consequential or other damages (including without limitation lost profits) of any kind in connection with this webinar. BVCPS DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS WEBINAR. Copyright 2009 Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 34
APPENDIX Federal Communications Commission www.fcc.gov FCC Forms http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html FCC Enforcement http://www.fcc.gov/eb/ FCC Frequency Allocation Chart http://www.ntia.doc.gov/osmhome/allochrt.pdf 47 CFR Online http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html Industry Canada http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/home Interference Causing Equipment Standards http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smtgst.nsf/eng/h_sf06127.html Bureau Veritas www.bureauveritas.com Engineering Services (Design Reviews) www.bureauveritas.com/engineeringservices Electrical and Electronic Test & Approvals (FCC/IC Equipment Authorization) www.bureauveritas.com/ee 35