Hello Group; Today's regulatory labeling requirements in a global marketplace can get quite cumbersome, while devices such as handheld PDA-types tend to get smaller, with fewer flat surfaces available for product labeling. One of my company's objectives towards product labeling is that the system be flexible, with an eye toward future requirements as the product adds features, or moves into new world markets. A handheld product may require laser classification/warning, safety agency mark, national safety and/or EMC mark, FCC, Industry Canda, RTTE, and other national radiofrequency type approval marks for up to three different low power RF devices included in the unit simultaneously.
While considering the regulatory labeling requirements for a new handheld computer, it occured to me that a PDA - type device is an ideal medium for storing and displaying information; by definition, that's what it is. The device itself could easily be an 'e-label'. Heck, I could store and display regulatory information such as agency marks, laser classifications, transceiver type approval numbers, etc, etc, ad nauseum. In a Windows CE environment, it's a piece of cake and there would be some definite advantages. Save $$ on labels. The regulatory info is as resistant to chemicals and wear as the device itself is. I can be a bit verbose, and make everything easy to read, instead of the usual too-crowded, too-small format. I could even store the DoC on the device itself. This device presents no potential hazard until it is powered up, and there is no hazard associated with putting the battery pack in. For instance, even with a laser barcode scanner option installed, could I display the aperture warning on start up? The manufacturing date and laser classification reside in memory, available to the display from a Windows icon or recessed dedicated keypad button? Just one example of the possibilities. Just one example of how the intent of the product specific standard may be met, while the letter of the standard may not be. For the purpose of clearing customs, most markings can be applied to packaging, where there's tons of space. I'd like to hear what your opinions are. Doug Massey Lead Regulatory Engineer LXE, Inc. ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Dave Heald: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://ieeepstc.mindcruiser.com/ Click on "browse" and then "emc-pstc mailing list"
