On Wed, Sep 03, 2003 at 01:06:59PM -0700, J?rgen Botz wrote:
> Tim Pozar wrote:
> >Huh? Where does the FCC restrict the software drives the chipset?
> >Can you quote the section of CFR 47 on this?
>
> I was only quoting the README from the driver:
>
> The FCC requires that a software-defined radio cannot be configured
> by a user to operate outside the approved power levels and
> frequency channels. This makes it difficult to open-source code
> that enforces limits on the power levels, frequency channels and
> other parameters of the radio transmitter. See
> <http://ftp.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Orders/2001/fcc01264.pdf>
>
> In the PDF file you'll find this:
>
> We are also adopting rules to permit electronic labeling of software
> defined radios and to require manufacturers to take steps to prevent
> unauthorized software modifications [...]
>
> Taking steps to prevent "unauthorized modifications" is rather anti-Open
> Source.
Hmmm... I wasn't thinking that this chipset is considered an SDR
but by the very loose definition in CFR 47 Part 2.1 Terms and
definition...
2.1 Terms and definition.
(c) Software defined radio. A radio that includes a transmitter
in which the operating parameters of frequency range, modulation
type or maximum output power (either radiated or conducted) can
be altered by making a change in software without making any
changes to hardware components that affect the radio frequency
emissions.
And of course here is the rule on what software can be loaded up
on these radios...
2.932 Modification of equipment.
(e) Manufacturers must take steps to ensure that only software
that has been approved with a software defined radio can be loaded
into such a radio. The software must not allow the user to operate
the transmitter with frequencies, output power, modulation types
or other parameters outside of those that were approved.
Manufacturers may use authentication codes or any other means to
meet these requirements, and must describe the methods in their
application for equipment authorization.
But this is interesting...
2.944 Submission of radio software
The grantee or other party responsible for compliance of a software
defined radio, or the applicant for authorization of a software
defined radio shall submit a copy of the software that controls
the radio frequency operating parameters upon request by the
Commission. Failure to comply with such a request within 14 days
or such additional time as the Commission may allow may be cause
for denial of authorization, forfeiture 1.80 of this chapter, or
other administrative sanctions.
It would be interesting to see if the FCC starts to routinely ask
for code. Could folks file FOIA's to get the code? :-)
Tim
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