Jon, and all connected here
CFR47 part 15 section 15.101 states which products require testing. A
micro-controller as stated only requires verification unless it
interfaces to a personal computer permenantly for use. Exemptions are
listed in 15.23, 15.103 and 15.113.
12.23 Your product is a home built device, however once you market it
this exemption no longer applies.
15.103 From your discritpion your power source or operating frequency
cannot be determined . <most micro-controllers operate above 1.705
MHz> Based on this assumption, your product must be tested. If you
are operating below 1.705 MHz you may be exempt if you device is not
powered via the AC power grid via any method. If you use any type of
AC-DC power module or use the train set controller as the power source
the AC power line conducted emissions requirements apply. The product
must be tested if the operating from the AC power line and using a
clock greater than 9 kHz.
15.113 Your device does not use the AC power line as a vehicle for
transmitting data or control signals. This exemption does not apply.
Testing your device is required by FCC regulations once it is marketed
based on my assumptions. Testing must be done at an FCC listed EMC
facility and a emissions report from the lab and must be kept by you.
Refer to CFR 47 section 2 2.801 definition, 2.803 equipment requiring
FCC approval, 2.902 with references to 2.908, 2.909, 2.951, 2.952,
2.953, 2.954, 2.955, 2.956, 2.957.
2.807 defines exemptions that allow test labs to test your product.
Your feed back from others show the requirements for CE mark also
include immunity to; ESD, RF radiated, EFT, RF conducted, lightening
surge, magnetic radiated field, AC voltage dips-interrupts-variations.
These FCC regulations are available at the FCC.gov or GPO.gov web
sites, search CFR 47 Part 2 or Part 15.
The feedback refering to compliance enforcement are real. Fines and
penalties can easily exceed the costs to properly test, document and
label your product.
Dave Fry, Sr. EMC Specialist
Intermec Technologies Corporation
Norand Mobile Systems Division
EMC Test Laboratory
"FCC listed and NIST/NVLAP accredited EMC facility"
[email protected]
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: FCC Questions.
Author: "Jon Bertrand" <[email protected]> at smtpgate
List-Post: [email protected]
Date: 2/20/98 9:13 AM
Hello Everyone,
A lot of "budding midnight designers" ask these questions on the
microcontroller newsgroups so I thought I'd ask them here - and learn
something :)
(If I've missed some FAQ that covers this please let me know.)
1) Say I'm building some microcontroller based widget in my home
business that runs model trains (or whatever). It's not an intential
transmitter, its typically used in the home. And I want to sell them.
Do I need some FCC approval.
Specifically do I need to:
1.a) Spend money having someone test emissions.
1.b) File some paperwork with the FCC.
2) If I don't have the money for testing - but I really do know how
to keep my microcontroller quiet (i.e I know loop area, di/dt, and
maybe even have done lots of other 'approved' products) - and a
little in-home testing shows it doesn't bother the rabbit ears or
show-up on the AM or FM radio. Would I be in violation of some law if
I just sold the darn thing.
2.a) Would I be in violation if it really was quiet to CISPR (i.e.
would have passed). (i.e. is there now a CE mark like compliance that
lets me self declare and assert who's responsible).
3) How does the FCC verify that I don't pollute the EM band - do they
random sample train widgets or wait for someone to complain.
Thanks,
Jon Bertrand
[email protected]
