FCC conformity assessment done right, this is how product conformity works in the United States.

FCC conformity assessment done right, this is how product conformity works in the United States.

The main focus of the FCC is on high-frequency devices that emit frequencies between 9 kHz and 3000 GHz. Any device that can emit high frequency energy by radiation, conduction or otherwise is considered a high frequency device. Examples are: Digital computer and (by radiation emission) Mixer with DC motors (by arcing on brushes) TVs (through digital circuits)

Frequently asked questions

Q&A

What is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)?

Electronic systems emit both conduction fields and device radiation. Directives and regulations on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are intended to prevent them from interfering with the electromagnetic environment. In the USA, there are both statutory and self-imposed EMC requirements. The latter are often stricter than the former. The automotive industry, for example, is exempted from the FCC requirements, but its own regulations go far beyond the FCC regulations for digital devices.

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What are the CISPR-22 standards?

The basic EMC requirements are similar in many countries. More and more nations, most of them in Europe, are accepting the international standards for EMC requirements, the so-called CISPR-22 standards. These standards were developed in 1985 by the CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference).

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What is FCC certification and where does it apply?

Due to the enormous market growth of computers and other digital devices, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set limits for electromagnetic interference in radio and wire communications. Most electronic devices with a frequency of more than 9 kHz fall under this regulation. The Ordinance applies in all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia and other US territories.

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For which products must FCC conformity be demonstrated?

The main focus of the FCC is on high-frequency devices that emit frequencies between 9 kHz and 3000 GHz. Any device that can emit high frequency energy by radiation, conduction or otherwise is considered a high frequency device. Examples are:

  • Digital computer and (by radiation emission)
  • Mixer with DC motors (by arcing on brushes)
  • TVs (through digital circuits)
  • Almost all other digital devices
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What is an (un-)intended spotlight?

Intended radiators are devices that emit spark energy as part of their operation, such as smartphones. Unintended emitters are products that generate radio signals as an unintended by-product of their operation, such as a digital camera.

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How does the FCC allocate digital devices?

The FCC names two classes for digital devices. Class A products are marketed for use in commercial, industrial or business environments, while Class B digital devices are marketed for use in private environments. The requirements for Class B products are stricter than for Class A products.

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Which FCC class do PCs belong to?

Personal computers are considered a special category of Class B devices and are subject to stricter regulations than other digital devices. In particular, computer manufacturers must submit their test results to the FCC, while manufacturers of other digital devices of the same class certify their product themselves.

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What is the difference between the FCC and CISPR 22 regulations?

The FCC and CISPR-22(-International-EMC) regulations for radiated emissions differ significantly in the regulated frequency range for conducted emissions. The scope of the CISPR-22 regulations starts at 150 kHz; the FCC lower limit is 450 kHz; both scopes have the same upper limit. The emissions from switched-mode power supplies, which are becoming increasingly important, made the expansion necessary.

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How does the FCC differ from the EMC Directive (for CE conformity)?

The EMC Directive of the European Union requires the testing of radiated immunity, conducted immunity and electrostatic discharge (ESD). The FCC does not regulate these areas as they do not pose a threat to radio or wire communications. Many companies in the USA still design their products in such a way that they also function in the event of external interference.

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What is radiation immunity?

Radiation immunity is the ability of products to operate in the environment of high-power transmitters such as AM and FM transmitters and airport surveillance radars.

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What is conducted immunity?

Conducted immunity is the ability of a product to function despite a variety of interference coming into the device via the power cord. An extreme example of this disturbance is a surge of current caused by a lightning strike.

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What is electrostatic discharge?

Electrostatic discharge occurs when static charge builds up on the human body or furniture and then discharges onto the product with which it comes into contact, causing a momentary surge of current. Such static voltages can cause resetting of devices or erasing of IC memories, etc.

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Are there military EMC regulations?

EMC is particularly important for military applications, as military equipment must be immune to unwanted interference. Therefore, the military regulations are more stringent than the FCC or CISPR regulations and include a larger frequency range with multiple subdivisions. In addition, the EMC requirements of the FCC are not binding for certain military applications.

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What does FCC compliance mean?

As part of the FCC approval process, the device is tested for its suitability before it is placed on the market. It is tested for interference with other devices and transmission in the correct radio frequency range. One of the three FCC modes of verification, declaration of conformity or certification is used to monitor compliance.

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What is the FCC compliance check?

The verification shall be used for digital devices as defined in Part 15 which are not intended to emit radio frequency energy wirelessly by radiation or induction. These devices can be tested by the manufacturer himself and do not require formal FCC approval. Examples that require verification include TV and FM receivers.

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What is the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for FCC conformity?

In this stricter procedure than the verification, an accredited laboratory must test the high-frequency energy for the product to be placed on the market. A compliant product must bear the FCC logo on its label, and the FCC will receive the FCC’s compliance data upon request. Examples of devices subject to DoC include class B personal computers and peri

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What is FCC Compliance Certification?

The FCC certification is the strictest approval procedure in which the applicant must submit test data to the Commission. Only devices that can interfere with other devices and signals require this procedure. Telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs) approved by the FCC issue the certificates for compliant products. The FCC ID must be indicated on the label of the product. Examples of devices subject to certification include ultra-broadband products.

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How do I get FCC compliance?

FCC approval is required for electronic devices that have a frequency of over 9 kHz. The process of admission to the certification level includes the following five steps:

Step 1: Select the radio frequency

The manufacturer uses the current guidelines of the FCC for the assignment of radio frequencies and informs itself about legally released frequencies for the product to be developed and manufactured later.

Step 2: Pre-compliance testing during development

The manufacturer carries out as many internal tests as possible during development to avoid later surprises.

Step 3: Apply for a free FCC registration number (FRN)

The manufacturer registers with the FCC by providing his business address and contact information on the CORES (Commission’s Registration System) page. In this way he receives an FRN and can apply for a mandatory Grantee code (nominal fees apply).

Step 4: Contact an FCC-registered verifier

After receiving the FRN and Grantee codes, it is time to contact an FCC-registered verifier.

Step 5: Perform compliance tests

The laboratory partner is provided with a prototype ready for series production and its technical specifications.

Step 6: Certification and submission

Finally, the test documentation is checked by TCB, which leads to the granting of the certification on behalf of the FCC. The FCC adds the product to its approval list after receiving the TCB’s compliant data from the FCC database. Subsequently, TCB sends the manufacturer a "Grant of Equipment Authorization", which serves as final approval for the legal marketing and sale of the product in the USA.

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Which activities are not regulated by the FCC? For which products does FCC compliance not have to be proven?

The FCC does not regulate the following points:

  • information provided via the Internet
  • Closed loop systems
  • Radio or TV stations such as ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, which only licenses individual stations.

In addition, the FCC has no authority to grant licenses for activities such as bullfighting, exhibitions, price wars and sports, etc.

After all, the FCC is also not authorised to regulate:

  • Radios and TVs for the public
  • Music licensing organizations
  • Organizations that collect or publish messages
  • Record labels
  • Production of films for commercial or recreational purposes
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How long does FCC approval take?

The FCC certification process can be time-consuming. Therefore, the FCC has authorized several private organizations, so-called TCBs (Telecommunications Certification Body), to issue and facilitate certifications. A TCB can help achieve accelerated FCC certification, probably within 2 weeks.

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How does FCC compliance differ from UL compliance?

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories. It is a private organization that has been setting standards for different product categories and testing products for more than 100 years. A UL-approved product meets a nationally recognized safety standard, and UL certification is not required by law. However, it is a common practice as many large companies require UL safety testing from their suppliers.

Unlike UL, FCC is a legal requirement that means the product meets the standards of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States.

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