0
\$\begingroup\$

We are currently evaluating a nRF9160 for a consumer/industrial product. It does not have a built in antenna for GPS/LTE. There are detailed specs on designing for an external one from Nordic. Now normally, my understanding is in agreeance of what @tcrosley wrote FCC Certification? in this answer. If the module has a built-in antenna, or a connector for an external antenna (and you use a pre-tested one) you can be exempt from FCC testing as an intentional radiator.

The nRF9160 seems to be different. According to: FCC TCB

This grant is valid only when the module is sold to OEM integrators and must be installed by the OEM or OEM integrators. This module can only be used with a host antenna circuit trace layout design in strict compliance with the OEM instructions provided.

My take on that document is that as long as you follow Nordic's design doc's, and you don't exceed the power listed, you will be exempt from certification as an intentional radiator. That goes against all of my past experience and really doesn't make sense to me, since:

a host antenna circuit trace layout design in strict compliance with the OEM instructions provided.

is very open-ended and could easy be done improperly, causing the module to fail a test, if it was tested.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ "Installation of this device into specific final products may require the submission of a Class II permissive change application containing data pertinent to RF Exposure, emissions and host/module authentication, or new application if appropriate." might be relevant \$\endgroup\$
    – BeB00
    Mar 26, 2021 at 20:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ @BeB00 Absolutely, I noticed that. But if that means all cases, then what in the world is the reasoning for the quotes that I included? And what "specific final products" would not require a Class II submission? \$\endgroup\$
    – Kyle Hunter
    Mar 26, 2021 at 21:04

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
\$\begingroup\$

I went several times in an Italian EMC compliance test lab for some tests and asked them a similar question regarding pre-certified modules.

The answer was:

if you put a certified module on a new system you save the most expensive tests of the certification but some tests must be done again.

For example, the output power test must be done.

If the new system has a built-in antenna, the output power test is done in a semi-anechoic chamber.

If the new system has a connector for the antenna then the test is done by a spectrum analyzer. No chamber.

If the new system has a connector and it is sold without an antenna, then the output power test must be done by the one who buys the system.

Nordic's modules are certified using a host system which is different from yours.

They told me: even if you copy the Gerber files and all, your host system is different from the host system that led to the certification of the module.

Hope this helps.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Makes total sense, and that has been my understanding for years. I just don't understand how Nordic and/or that TCB doc can claim that a custom trace -> antenna would allow it to not require close to a full re-cert.. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kyle Hunter
    Mar 26, 2021 at 22:20
  • \$\begingroup\$ Regulations might have changed on printed antennas since they are not efficient. \$\endgroup\$
    – Enrico Migliore
    Mar 26, 2021 at 22:26

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.