In message <ofcbbf2034.30f27e78-on86257488.003c850f-86257488.003d2...@mmm.com>, dated Wed, 16 Jul 2008, [email protected] writes:
>Can someone please define "ancillary equipment" for me as used in >conjunction with European RF standards (for example, ETSI EN 301 >489-1). The definition contained in that document leaves me somewhat >confused. > >Also what if the equipment contains other functions not related to the >transmitter? For example, a passport reader that reads an RFID tag but >also has a mode that read UV inks. What is "ancillary" and what is not? I can't help directly, because you have highlighted a very fundamental issue in standards writing where multi-function products are concerned. One aspect is that it's impossible to forecast what functions might be integrated in one product. In fact, in the past, there has been a cynical tag-line applied to fulsome descriptions of multi-function products, '... can also be used as typewriter and Turkish bath.' Another aspect is that even if the standards writers can imagine what functions MIGHT be integrated, how can that be written down? A rigid list is clearly unwisely restrictive, and an open list, especially one terminated by 'etc.' is wide open to (mis)interpretation. I suspect that in many cases the only resort is a judgement. It might be a good idea to have this text in every appropriate standard: If a function of a multi-function product can conceivably affect the compliance of function(s) covered by this standard, then its effects shall be taken into account. If it cannot possibly affect them, it should not be taken into account. Taking your example, considering the ETSI standard, the RFID tag reader MIGHT affect compliance with transmitter emission requirements, but the UV reader could not. However, considering the applicable safety standard, all the functions are relevant. -- OOO - Own Opinions Only. Try www.jmwa.demon.co.uk and www.isce.org.uk Either we are causing global warming, in which case we may be able to stop it, or natural variation is causing it, and we probably can't stop it. You choose! John Woodgate, J M Woodgate and Associates, Rayleigh, Essex UK - This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Scott Douglas [email protected] Mike Cantwell [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Jim Bacher: [email protected] David Heald: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
