One additional point about the FCC accepting CISPR data. The CISPR 22 measurements should be tested with ANSI 63 test set-ups for the EUT (Equipment Under Test).
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, February 20, 1998 2:37 PM To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: FCC Questions. Jon, According to FCC Part 15 Subpart B clause 103, an unintentional radiator such as the one you've described can be exempted from the requirements of compliance if (f)the device's power consumption is less than 6nW, and (h)the highest frequency generated and/or used in the device is less than 1.705MHz and if the device does not operate from the AC power lines. Only if this device of yours meets all of these conditions, then FCC Part 15 compliance is not required. As the intended environment is residential, then the Class B requirements must be met. CISPR 22 can be used in lieu of FCC Part 15 for testing requirements. Please note that compliance to FCC Part 15 involves both radiated and conducted emissions. As the FCC has now allowed self declaration for Class B devices (similar to the CE scheme in Europe), testing and supporting test reports are still necessary to validate the self declaration. In allowing this declaration scheme, the FCC has freed up some of its resources to engage in enforcement activities. It is likely that a complaint would have to occur before it reached the FCC's attention, however, there are other methods of enforcement. If it was discovered that your device did not bear any marking and found not comply with the requirements, you will likely be forced to fix the problem, upgrade units already sold and on the shelves and likely face some legal/financial wranglings with the US government (not a pleasant prospect), not to mention the blemish to your commercial reputation which will likely occur in such a case. Of course, the decision of compliance or non-compliance is yours and the risks associated therein. Bear in mind that using a one-of-a-kind product in your own home is one thing, but offering the device for sale to others is quite another in terms of commercial and legal responsibility. I hope this helps. Is there anything anyone would like to add. The above constitutes only my opinion(s). Best regards, Ron Pickard [email protected] ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: FCC Questions. Author: "Jon Bertrand" <[email protected]> at INTERNET 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]
