Test & measurement M RED REQUIREMENTS
The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is one of many directives and regulations which are part of the European Union’s New Legislative Framework (NLF). It is applicable to all electrical and electronic devices that intentionally emit and receive radio waves at frequencies below 3000 GHz, and it establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market. The RED ensures a single market for radio equipment by setting essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum. Compliance with the RED is achieved by satisfying a number of “essential requirements”.
It should be noted that in the UK, the requirements of the Radio Equipment Regulations
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anufacturers are producing products that are becoming increasingly complex in their design, including enhanced advanced wireless
applications. However, the rapid development of wireless technology and end-user demand for wireless capabilities has created a situation where manufacturers are sometimes unfamiliar with the regulatory requirements of their target markets. We are therefore seeing an increase in the number of non-compliant products coming into our laboratories.
The cost of regulatory compliance very much depends on the type of technology being used and the complexity of the equipment itself. For example, a mobile phone using a combination of 5G, WiFi and Bluetooth technology will cost many thousands of pounds more than a simple device using just Bluetooth technology. To reduce both costs and time to market for new products, many manufacturers are relying on the use of wireless modules which already meet limited or full regulatory requirements for a module. A major advantage of integrating pre-certified radio module(s) into an electric/ electronic host device is that compliant products can be developed without the need for deeper knowledge of the underlying radio technology. However, integrating a wireless module is not always as straightforward as it may seem. The manufacturer of the final product is responsible for its overall compliance and must therefore take responsibility for the wireless module compliance as well as the host product. Major markets are governed by regulatory compliance rules as defined by the European Radio Equipment Directive (RED), USA’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). These all define testing requirements that are widely accepted globally.
REGULATORY COMPLIANT IOT DEVICES USING PRE-CERTIFIED RADIO MODULES
2017 are presently very close to the RED. The current UK government will keep UK regulation closely aligned with the EU to allow easier market access for manufacturers.
Under RED requirements, there is no “modular approval” route to compliance. Therefore, a manufacturer integrating a radio module into an electric/electronic host device is creating a new radio product that is within the scope of the RED. They must therefore ensure that the integrated radio module is compliant with the RED, as represented by the assigned CE mark and the Declaration of Conformity issued by the radio module manufacturer. The accompanying technical documentation gives the host device manufacturer confidence that the radio module complies with all RED requirements. Under the RED, the host device manufacturer is responsible for following the integration guidance provided by the radio module manufacturer, along with ensuring it is used for its intended use as specified by the module manufacturer. The host device manufacturer should perform a limited set of radio module verification tests to ensure the final product complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and RED requirements, which contain receiver tests in addition to transmitter tests.
NORTH AMERICA REQUIREMENTS In North America, statutory compliance is required by the FCC in the USA and the ISED in Canada. The Industry Canada rules for modules are broadly similar to those of the FCC. These regulations govern the approval and certification of radio equipment, ensuring that all radio frequency (RF) devices meet technical standards for safety, EMC, and efficient use of the spectrum. However, these rules can be difficult to understand. So, for those wishing to export products to North America, it may be prudent to seek guidance from an authorised test laboratory or from an FCC-designated Telecommunications Certification Body.
By Phil Evans, business development director - Connectivity (Northern Europe) at TÜV SÜD
A wireless module must meet the part of the FCC rules which apply and must also meet certain criteria to gain modular approval. These include requirements such as the module must have shielded circuitry, a unique antenna connector, must be compliant in a stand-alone configuration, must meet RF exposure requirements, etc.
When all these requirements are met and the device is certified, the FCC grant will state that the device has modular approval. The grant will also stipulate certain conditions of use. For example, most modules are for use in “mobile” applications where the host product must not be used less than 20cm from the human head or body, and the module may not be co-located in the product with another wireless transmitter. Provided the conditions of the FCC grant are adhered to, there should
May 2025 Instrumentation Monthly
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