FCC 47 CFR Part 2.1093 Radio Frequency Exposure Testing

On April 2, 2025, the FCC issued testing guidelines for radio frequency exposure (including SAR, PD, EMF, etc.) of portable equipment specified in 47 CFR Part 2.1093, with primary reference to documents such as KDB 447498, KDB 616217, and KDB 648474. The key points of the new guidelines are as follows:

Core Objectives

①　Unify Testing Standards: Serve as an interim replacement for existing KDB publications (e.g., 447498, 616217, 648474). Ensure consistent testing across different devices (especially tablets/laptops), adapt to technological advancements, and minimize deviations from existing procedures.

Key Changes

1. DefaULt Testing Distance

①　The 1-g sar testing distance for all devices (including tablets/laptops) shall not exceed 5 millimeters.

②　Exception: If a device is equipped with an on-body cradle and this is clearly demonstrated in the certification documentation, the testing distance may be increased to a maximum of 25 millimeters. However, the cradle used and the corresponding distance must be specified in the user documentation.

2. Testing Requirements for Different Usage Scenarios

①　Body Exposure in Hotspot Mode: Mandatory 1-g sar testing at a distance of 10 millimeters. (Testing at a more stringent 5-millimeter distance is also acceptable.)

②　Head Exposure: Surfaces supporting near-ear voice communication (e.g., tablets with earpieces) shall undergo contact testing (0 millimeter distance).

③　Limb Exposure: All surfaces/edges within 25 millimeters of the antenna shall undergo 10-g SAR contact testing, unless the area has already passed body exposure testing under the same configuration.

Applicable Equipment

Portable equipment as defined in §2.1093, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and other similar rectangular devices.

Special Notes

1. Tablets larger than 20 centimeters in size generally do not require near-ear testing. However, if they support voice communication (e.g., phone-like tablets), testing shall be conducted in accordance with mobile phone standards (KDB 648474).

2. For foldable devices, attention should be paid to the fact that the earpiece may be located on the reverse side of the screen, and the corresponding surface shall be tested.