Regulatory Updates, Events & Insights
Welcome to the November edition of the Washington Laboratories Newsletter!
This month, we’re featuring Episode Two of our EMC video series, “The Bruce is Loose at Washington Labs,” where Bruce Archambeault, PhD, takes on one of the most misunderstood topics in EMC: grounding.
We’re also highlighting several key FCC and ISED actions that affect filing deadlines, equipment authorization processes, and wireless device approvals — plus a preview of the 2026 Washington Laboratories Academy webinar series.
In This Issue:
- Featured Video: The Ground is a Place for Potatoes and Carrots
- Key FCC & ISED Updates
- Preview: 2026 Washington Laboratories Academy Webinar Series
FEATURED VIDEO
The Ground is a Place for Potatoes and Carrots
Episode Two: The Ground is a Place for Potatoes and Carrots
In this episode, Dr. Bruce Archambeault, IBM Distinguished Engineer, takes aim at one of the biggest EMC misunderstandings: “ground.” He breaks down what engineers actually mean — signal return, power return, safety earth, and chassis/shield reference — and why mixing them up creates noise loops, antennas, and spectacular test-day misery.
A fast, myth-busting refresher that shows the real secret isn’t “ground”… it’s controlling the return path.
Be sure to subscribe to the Washington Labs YouTube channel for more EMC tips. Also, check out the preview on Instagram: Instagram Reel
KEY FCC AND ISED UPDATES
FCC Announces Revised Filing Deadlines
The FCC released a Public Notice adjusting deadlines for filings impacted by recent system disruptions.
This affects ECFS submissions, rulemaking comments, waiver requests, and some equipment authorization filings.
Source: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-revised-filing-deadlines
ISED RSS Standards Updates
ISED continues updating several Radio Standards Specifications (RSS) to clarify test methods, spectrum rules, and approval pathways.
These revisions may influence testing and documentation for wireless products entering the Canadian market.
FCC Focus on Supply Chain Security & Authorization Integrity
The FCC is emphasizing transparency and verification of device origin, manufacturing chain, and documentation accuracy — particularly for wireless and IoT equipment.
Source: https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain
UPCOMING EVENTS
Preview: Washington Laboratories Academy – 2026 Webinar Series
Washington Laboratories Academy will continue its mission in 2026 to deliver practical, engineering-driven training that supports real design and compliance work.
Our upcoming webinar series will feature sessions such as:
- EMC & RF Testing Essentials: A refreshed look at emissions, immunity, coexistence, and wireless performance testing — including tips for avoiding common pitfalls in the chamber.
- MIL-STD-461 Deep Dive: How to interpret key clauses, set up test configurations, and troubleshoot failures for defense and aerospace programs.
- Environmental Testing with MIL-STD-810: Using temperature, shock, vibration, altitude, and climate profiles to qualify products for harsh environments and demanding supply chains.
- Wireless Certification Pathways: An overview of FCC, ISED, EU/RED, and selected global approval routes, with practical guidance on test strategy and documentation.
- Product Safety Fundamentals: Major product safety standards, risk considerations, and design practices to help streamline safety evaluations.
- Industry-Focused Sessions: Targeted content for medical devices, automotive electronics, IoT systems, and defense applications, highlighting sector-specific challenges and expectations.
Full dates and registration details will be announced soon.
