Webinar Series Description
Time to market is essential for survival. The intense pressure of globalization, especially in the electronics industry, pushes the need to introduce new product designs as quickly as possible. Shelf life in the electronics industry is not much longer than the lifespan of a fruit fly.
This series of webinars looks at key compliance requirements for electronic devices and popular wireless technologies. Instruction is aimed at consumer and commercial product developers in the ITE, communications, energy, industrial and robotics industries.
FCC Part 15 Essentials
May 24, 2016
Presented by Mike Violette
The series will commence with a fundamentals-based training in Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Rules that govern electronic devices. The Commission’s Rules, originally crafted to serve broadcasters (largely) evolved quickly as radio technologies became common and ubiquitous. With the advent of the personal computer and low power wireless devices, the Rules evolved ever more.
This section of the FCC Rules covers practically every electronic device sold in the United States. Compliance with Part 15 is essential to be able to sell and market digital and wireless devices.
These Rules embody the bulk of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements for consumer and commercial equipment in the United States. The Rules, now thirty years on, covered so-called “unlicensed” operation and have evolved tremendously as the technologies have changed over time.
This one hour webinar will include a review of the role of the FCC Rules as well as cover application of the Rules to specific devices.
In Part One, we will discuss the following:
- Product Certification
- Approvals Necessary
- Digital Device Rules
- Application of FCC Part 15 and Exemptions
- Digital Transmission Systems
- UNII and Ultra Wideband Communications
- Low Power devices for command and telemetry
- WiFi, Zigbee, Bluetooth and related applications
- Testing and Reporting Requirements
SAR and Radiation Hazards
September 09, 2016
Presented by Jay Moulton
Radio products must comply with radiation exposure requirements to limit the impact of RF energy on human health. The requirements for devices depends largely on the output power and the use of the device. The limits for “safe exposure” are slightly different across different approvals regimens, but the FCC limits are considered to be the most stringent in the world. The FCC mandates the “routine environmental evaluation” be performed for all radio frequency transmitters. The devil, as they say, is in the details.
Many challenges exist when measuring these quantities. The assessment depends on the distance of the radio transmitter from the human body, whether it be the head, hands or torso. Different techniques are used, and different limits apply.
Other international organizations develop assessment methods and limits, notably the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which has been working since 1992 to assess the health aspects of non-ionizing radiation (as opposed to the ionizing kind—alpha, beta, gamma and X-rays).
Several elements of health effects on humans are explored in this webinar. Concepts related to the measurement and quantification of RF energy will be discussed, including:
- Evolution of the Exposure Requirements
- Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)
- Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
- Human Body Models
- Sampling techniques
- Summation and multiple-emitter quantification
- Evolution of RF Safety Standards
- New measurement technologies
We will explore the requirements for the protection of human health and safety from radio frequency energy. The original requirements for protection of persons from radio frequency energy grew out of research conducted in the 1950s and 1960s, as radio services expanded. The original requirements, in the US, were promulgated under ANSI C95.1, which was originally issued in 1974. Since then, volumes of studies, measurements, reports and discussion have swirled around the issues of the safety of radio frequency fields.
Broadband Wireless Devices
September 20 2016
Presented by Michael Young
According to the 802.16-2004 WiMAX standard, broadband means “having instantaneous bandwidths greater than 1 MHz and supporting data rates greater than 1.5 Mbit/s. This seminar explores the technologies that have proliferated after the introduction of IEEE 802.xx series of specifications. There is a wide range of systems available spanning from 900 MHz through 72 GHz. Discussion will present an overview current Wi-Fi devices, as well as other the license-free bands and equipment that operates in these bands. We will also explore the TV White Spaces and introduce the brand new Citizens Broadband Radio Service.
According to the 802.16-2004 WiMAX standard, broadband means “having instantaneous bandwidths greater than 1 MHz and supporting data rates greater than 1.5 Mbit/s. This seminar explores the technologies that have proliferated after the introduction of IEEE 802.xx series of specifications. There is a wide range of systems available spanning from 900 MHz through 72 GHz. Discussion will present an overview current Wi-Fi devices, as well as other the license-free bands and equipment that operates in these bands. We will also explore the TV White Spaces and introduce the brand new Citizens Broadband Radio Service.
The following topics will be addressed:
- Definition of “broadband wireless”
- Types Broadband wireless systems (non-gov’t, non-military)
- Overview of Wi-Fi specs
- ISM band devices – not WiFi
- License-free mm Wave devices
- The New Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)
- Overview of White Spaces on UHF
Wireless Approvals in the Far East
December 6, 2016
Presented by Mark Maynard and Mike Violette
Wireless Approvals in the Far East will explore methods to introduce products into those large economies. Notably, we will explore the regulatory regimes in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Oceania, where nearly one-half the population of the world resides.
Access to two billion people has to count for something and as the world globalizes, it standardizes, too. With the adoption of standards, such as those presented in Part III of this series, a device can be designed for multiple markets. With the 2.4GHz band being the most common frequency range used, product developers can integrate wireless functionality with ease.
No where is that greater than the Far East where countries like China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines and much of the ASEAN countries (Association of SE Asian Nations) have deployed wireless access for communications and other purposes.
To gain access, though, it is necessary to understand the regulatory regimes. This webinar will present strategies for access to the following countries:
- China and the SRRC
- Japan and the MIC
- Korea and the KCC
- Taiwan and the
- Access to ASEAN
- Australia and New Zealand and the RCM
Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Implementation
December 8, 2016
Presented by Michael Derby
Directive 2014/53/EC the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) became applicable 13 June 2016 replacing the R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC) bringing many changes to handling and approval of radio equipment. The transition has been wrought with many concerns and mis-understandings. Now in full force, the RED continues to have questions during implementation.
An overview of the main changes when transitioning from the R&TTE Directive or EMC Directive, to the RE Directive (RED). The webinar will re-cap the most significant changes affecting the transition to RED, including the latest updates on using the RED, important dates and timescales, RED guidance and harmonized European Norm (EN) standard development. ACB receives so many questions about the RED and has consistently been involved with the development of the Directive and RED Notified Body activities. Michael’s webinar will ensure that the most frequency asked questions, by manufacturers and test labs, are included in the presentation.
FCC Approval Requirements/Process
April 12, 2017
Presented by Tim Johnson
This webinar will review various rule part applicability for the more common applications for licensed and unlicensed wireless device approval for US and Canada. Restrictions on modifications and use of accessories are presented. Modular approval and integration requirements are discussed for the designer implementing wireless functionality into products. SAR and MPE requirements and details regarding permissive change options are identified. A review of the grant and obtaining technical detail on the approval is reviewed. Rule parts that require FCC involvement are identified.
FCC Application Review (Content Requirements)
April 19, 2017
Presented by Greg Czumak
This webinar will review the application for approval content and presentation of technical detail from test results to design parameters. Providing all the required information as part of the original application can expedite the approval process without a delay to obtain additional information required for approval. This presentation is based on the reviewer perspective with identification on common omissions. An essential training for those preparing applications.
New European Radio Requirements Could Leave You in the “RED”
April 26, 2017
Presented by Michael Derby
As the required implementation date and the end of the R&TTED to RED transition period rapidly approaches, this training addresses compliance to Directive 2014/53/EU, known as the RED. We have seen a lot of activity in harmonizing standards but it is still expected that Notified Body (NB) involvement will be needed in many cases. This webinar reviews the requirements and timelines of the RED, the status of the harmonised or draft standards, and the requirements for using a Notified Body including the technical documentation file. Preparation for the June 2017 deadline for maintaining compliance of products on the EU and EEA market must be completed, and this training provides essential information.
Anatomy of a Test
May 8, 2017
Presented by John Repella
Many wireless device approval regulations require an extensive set of test and measurements to confirm that a device is compatible with radio frequency spectrum matters. Although not applicable to all countries, the RED cites use of specific harmonized standards to demonstrate compliance and these ETSI standards describe the test program. Compliance in other countries have a similar test program with their specific requirements that have a lot of similarity to the ETSI testing.
This webinar provides a detailed review of a test program based on compliance with a selected ETSI standard (300 328) The test approach, measurements, and verification of compliance for:
- RF power
- Duty Cycle
- Accumulated Transmit Time
- Hopping Frequency Separation
- Medium Utilization
- Adaptivity
- Occupied Channel Bandwidth
- Unwanted emissions (TX & RX)
- Receiver Blocking
+ Other specific elements will be discussed, and the requirement for immunity testing will be provided as a separate class on this topic.
Those involved in design and qualification testing of wireless devices will find this information critical for understanding what happens during the test program and why the operation control of the device under test is so critical for the testing.
Wireless Broadband Device and DFS Requirements
May 10, 2017
Presented by Michael Young
According to the 802.16-2004 WiMAX standard, broadband means “having instantaneous bandwidths greater than 1 MHz and supporting data rates greater than 1.5 Mbit/s. This seminar explores the technologies that have proliferated after the introduction of IEEE 802.xx series of specifications. There is a wide range of systems available spanning from 900 MHz through 72 GHz. Discussion will present an overview current Wi-Fi devices, as well as other the license-free bands and equipment that operates in these bands. Dynamic Frequency Selection requirements for operation in the 5 GHz region for radar protection is included in this wireless device class. We will also explore the TV White Spaces and introduce the new Citizens Broadband Radio Service.
This class provide essential information for the designers incorporating broadband technology into their products and to the test and evaluation team on understanding the parameters associated with this product type.
International Approvals
May 17, 2017
Presented by Mark Maynard
This webinar provides details on the approval process for many Asia Pacific, South America, Africa, Middle East and Europe (Non-EU) countries. Information regarding the technical requirements, requirement for in country test and evaluation and specific variances for select countries are discussed. A critical training for those associated with the international market approval.
Immunity Requirements – Wireless
May 24, 2017
Presented by Steven Koster
Many country approvals include Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) evaluations that require immunity as part of the approval process. This class reviews the various immunity test requirements using a RED harmonized standard as the basis for test selection. From radiated RF to power interruptions, the details are examined along with the fundamentals of accomplishing the tests. This class supplements the class on testing of the radio performance testing previously presented.
Wireless and Risk Management
May 31, 2017: 11:00 AM ET
Presented by Steven Ferguson
Directive 2014/53/EU includes provisions to address risk management and requires that the file include this analysis. If using a harmonized standard or Notified Body (NB), the risk analysis remains a necessary function and must be present in the technical file. This class reviews the various topics associated with wireless device approval and how to manage risk mitigation. A general approach to documenting the risk analysis included. The review goes beyond the minimum elements specified in the directive to address other matters integral to the overall performance of the device.
Your Presenters
Tim Johnson is Senior Certification Engineer for American Certification Body and an iNARTE Certified Engineer (for both EMC and Wireless Device Certification Professional disciplines). Tim has been with ACB since November 2001. Tim has over twenty two years in the testing and certification industry and has reviewed and certified thousands of devices across the technology spectrum. He has developed techniques and procedures for FCC, ISED (formerly Industry Canada) and Japan MIC requirements. He launched American Certification Body’s operation in Taiwan and has overseen audit and surveillance programs and contributed to Quality System for compliance with ISO Guide 65 for Certification Bodies. Tim has also served as member of the TCB council Executive Board from 2007 to 2009 and TCB council Education Committee member for several years thereafter.
Gregory Czumak is a Regulatory Review Engineer for American Certification Body. Greg started in the FCC’s OET Laboratory Equipment Authorization Branch in 1989, eventually leaving the Commission to enter the newly forming TCB community in 2000, in which he has been an active member since its inception. He has over 25 years of hands-on experience in equipment authorization, including compliance testing, FCC Rulemakings, development of test procedures, and application review of cutting edge technologies, from the introduction of Spread Spectrum and Bluetooth to the latest 4G systems.
Michael Derby is a Senior Review Engineer and Director at American Certification Body in Europe. He has been with ACB since November 2007. Michael is a TCB for the FCC, an FCB for Industry Canada and a Notified Body for the R&TTE, EMC and RE Directives. Michael is an active member of the REDCA and TCB Council; acting as the liaison between the two organizations. He is also the Chairman of the TCB Council Board of Directors. He is the Secretary of the EMC Test Lab Association, responsible for education on testing methods and standards development. Michael’s past experience includes product development, testing and certification for test laboratories and manufacturers. Michael provides worldwide services to ACB’s global customers from his office in the Hampshire area of the UK.
John P. Repella, Manager, EMC & Wireless Services, Washington Laboratories, Ltd – John is responsible for the day to day operations at the WLL Gaithersburg facility aiding customers in all manner of product compliance evaluations. John has over 25 years of experience in design, manufacturing, and the testing of systems for regulatory compliance. His expertise spans a full range of product evaluations from IT, Medical, Machinery, Measuring, Communications, and Military applications. John is a member of IEEE and SAE, and is an active member of C63 Standards Committee participating in several standards working groups.
Michael Young was the Founder, President and Chief Technical Officer of YDI Wireless, a publicly traded company that designed and manufactured broadband wireless data communication equipment and systems. He designed and his company manufactured a complete range of wireless data communication products and accessories. YDI Wireless was a world leader in providing extended range, license-free wireless data equipment that included Wi-Fi as well as turnkey long-distance wireless systems for applications such as wireless Internet, wireless video, wireless LANs, WANs and MANs. He semi-retired in 2004 and started his own engineering company, Young Engineering Services, LLC. He also went back to teaching college as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University where he created and taught their new Wireless Communication Course. He also was Faculty Supervisor for the ECE Senior Engineering Design Capstone Program. Currently he is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida and is offering the wireless course he created to the Computer Science Department and still offers engineering design services. As a side note, he is also a pilot and Certified Flight Instructor and enjoys flying his own plane, mostly doing dog rescue flights.
Steven Koster, President, Washington Laboratories, Ltd – Steve has over 30 years of experience in testing systems and devices for regulatory compliance. His expertise spans a full range of product evaluations from IT, Medical, Machinery, Measuring and Communications (including Wireless). He heads the Washington Laboratory team accomplishing all manner of product compliance evaluations.
In addition to his own insight, he will bring guest presenters into the webinar series to add subject matter insight directly from day-to-day test execution. The guests will supplement the presentation with real life approaches to over-coming obstacles in evaluating a variety of devices.
Steven Ferguson has been working in EMC, Safety, MIL-STD, Nuclear, Energy and related compliance engineering and test for over 35 years at test laboratories and manufacturers. His work includes designing products, developing procedures, performing tests and advising developers on routes and techniques for attaining product compliance. He has been directly involved with EMC design and compliance evaluation for many systems including several power plants (facilities and equipment qualification), hospitals, presidential aircraft, the Space Shuttle and Hubble Space Telescope. He presents various courses on EMI/EMC compliance including EMC for Nuclear Power Facilities, Architectural Shielding and a hands-on course MIL-STD-461 testing at the WLL facility in Maryland and on-site for multiple government and industrial clients. His work also includes EMC, Environmental and Safety evaluations for commercial, military and medical devices and training of hundreds of personnel on test and evaluation techniques. He has authored several papers on equipment qualification and evaluation techniques with presentations at many conferences. He is a member of the TR-102323 Working Group and supported preparation of Revision 4.
Michael Violette, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Laboratories, Ltd. Mike has twenty five years of experience in FCC, CE, IC testing and certification. Mike is a professional engineer, and an iNARTE Certified EMC Engineer. He currently is on the Board of Directors of ACIL and RABQSA. He has presented numerous live and webinar events on technical, measurement and regulatory requirements for electronic devices. Mike is a Notified Body for the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (RTTED) and EMC Directive. In addition to his own insight, he will bring guest presenters into the webinar series to add subject matter insight and expertise.
Jay Moulton is Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at RF Exposure Labs. Jay has been making SAR measurements since the inception of requirements for radio frequency requirements for portable devices. He is active on industry groups and consults with manufacturers and designers on the essence of SAR compliances. Jay’s expertise in RF exposure requirements and compliance includes highly complex multiple radio configurations and operational modes for mobile phones, tablets, push-to-talk radios, WiFI “Hotspots” and related RF equipment.
Michael Young was the Founder, President and Chief Technical Officer of YDI Wireless, a publicly traded company that designed and manufactured broadband wireless data communication equipment and systems. He designed and his company manufactured a complete range of wireless data communication products and accessories. His company was a world leader in providing extended range, license-free wireless data equipment that included Wi-Fi as well as turnkey long-distance wireless systems for applications such as wireless Internet, wireless video, wireless LANs, WANs and MANs. He left the company in 2004 and started his own small engineering company, Young Consulting Services. He also went back to teaching college as an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University where he created their new Wireless Communication and Networking Course as well as being a Faculty Supervisor for the ECE Senior Engineering Design Capstone Program. Recently move to Florida, he is set to bring that wireless course to the University Of Central Florida in Orlando.
Michael Derby is a Senior Review Engineer and Director at American Certification Body in Europe. He has been with ACB since November 2007. Michael is a TCB for the FCC, an FCB for Industry Canada and a Notified Body for the R&TTE, EMC and RE Directives. Michael is an active member of the REDCA and TCB Council; acting as the liaison between the two organizations. He is also the Chairman of the TCB Council Board of Directors. He is the Secretary of the EMC Test Lab Association, responsible for education on testing methods and standards development. Michael’s past experience includes product development, testing and certification for test laboratories and manufacturers. Michael provides worldwide services to ACB’s global customers from his office in the Hampshire area of the UK.
Mark Maynard has over 35 years of telecom, information technology, and compliance engineering experience. Mark is also an IEEE Senior Member, very active in the IEEE EMC Society, an iNARTE certified Product Safety Engineer, and a Past-President of the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society.