Feature: RF
assessment or evaluation.
If you modify a wireless module or use it outside of the specification for which it has been tested and certified, then you may also face additional testing and certification requirements
7. Te module must comply with the applicable rule parts for the transmitter, and the manufacturer must provide instructions that explain those requirements.
8. Include provision in the application for meeting RF Exposure or SAR requirements. When these requirements are met and
the device is certified, the FCC Grant of Equipment Authorization will state that the device has modular approval. Te grant will also stipulate certain conditions of use. If you have an FCC-approved module, you can access the FCC database to see the relevant modular approval grants and review the rules associated with them. Tat provides the integrator with information to ensure they meet grant conditions to be able to use the modular approval as part of their final product. A limited modular approval may also be
authorised by the FCC in circumstances where the requirements of 15.212(a) are not fully compliant if the manufacturer can demonstrate suitable alternative means. If a module only has a limited modular approval then ensure to check if further conditions may apply which may result in additional testing or assessment of RF exposure. Provided the conditions of the grant
are adhered to, there should be no further certification required for the intentional radiator part of the host equipment. A label should be displayed stating that an approved wireless module is contained within the host, using statements like “this product contains FCC ID: ABC-123”. It is important to remember that a grant
for a wireless module covers the spectrum and RF exposure requirements only,
and all final products will still require the integrator to perform and EMC assessment. Where the conditions of the modular
grant cannot be adhered to when integrated into the final host, for example if you have modified something, additional testing and certification may be required, and three options are available: 1. Full product certification. 2. Grantee (that’s the original module manufacturer) Class Two Permissive Change (C2PC).
3. Change in ID and Class 2 Permissive Change (C2PC). FCC KDB 996369 is a guidance
document from the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). It gives module manufacturers and host integrators a comprehensive guide to navigate the complexities of modular approvals and ensure that devices incorporating transmitter modules comply with FCC regulations. It is split into five documents that cover: 1. Te requirements for obtaining modular approval so that it can be integrated into various host devices without requiring separate certification for each host.
2. Guidance for grantees on OEM manuals creation so that host manufacturers understand how to integrate the module.
3. A module integration guide for host manufacturers to ensure compliance with FCC rules.
4. Compliance for host manufacturers to ensure the final product (which contains the integrated module) complies with all applicable FCC rules. Tis oſten requires a technical
5. End-user accessibility, which impacts labelling and integration instructions. Te Industry Canada rules for modules
are broadly similar to those of the FCC and are laid down in RSS-GEN Section 3.
Europe While there is no specific guidance in Europe, the North American rules provide excellent direction for what should be taken into consideration when integrating radio modules into a final product for the European market. I would also advise referring to two
European guidance documents - ETSI EG 203 367 V1.1.1 (Clauses 6.1 and 6.2), from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, and REDCA Technical Guidance Note 1 (TGN01), from the Radio Equipment Directive Compliance Association. Tese give an excellent overview of what you should consider when integrating a radio module into a final product. Both documents have similar requirement however TGN01 explains it layman’s terms.
Key considerations when integrating a wireless module The manufacturer placing the host product on the market is responsible for ensuring its compliance. So whilst test data and compliance from pre-approved modules can be leveraged, it is always the host product manufacturer to ensure the entire product is compliant whether that be EU or FCC. For further details see EG 203 367 Clause 6.1 and FCC KDB 996369 Section 2(e). In both the UK and EU, a final product
integrating a wireless module is required to demonstrate compliance with the Essential Requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). Tis means that it is not just the module that must be tested for radio emissions, but the entire product into which it has been integrated. One of these essential requirements is EMC. However, there is still a great advantage to sourcing a module that has demonstrated compliance with the RED in its standalone, modular configuration, as the required tests should be minimal.
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