What is FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Testing?

What is an RF Device?

The FCC regulates RF (Radio Frequency) devices that are capable of emitting RF energy through radiation, conduction, or other means, as part of electronic and electrical products. These products have the potential to interfere with radio services operating in the 9 kHz to 3000 GHz radio frequency range.

Almost all electronic and electrical products (devices) can emit RF energy. Most (but not all) of these products must be tested to demonstrate that each electrical function within the product complies with FCC regulations.

As a general rule, products that are designed to include circuits operating within the RF spectrum must demonstrate compliance using the applicable FCC equipment authorization procedures specified in FCC rules. The procedure—either Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) or Certification—depends on the type of device. A product may include one or more devices, and one or both equipment authorization procedures may apply.

RF devices must obtain approval through the appropriate equipment authorization procedure before they can be marketed, imported, or used in the United States.

The following discussion and description aim to help determine whether a product is regulated by the FCC and if it requires approval. More complex issues, such as how to classify an individual RF device (or multiple components/devices within a final product) to determine the specific FCC rule part and the specific equipment authorization procedure required for fcc compliance, are beyond the scope of this document. This determination requires technical knowledge of the product and familiarity with FCC rules.

The Equipment Authorization page provides basic guidelines on obtaining equipment authorization. For more details, visit https://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/rfdevice

RF Testing

1. BT RF Testing

Equipment: Spectrum analyzer, Anritsu MT8852B, power splitter, attenuator

Testing Standard: fcc part 15C

Test Items:

- Frequency hopping count

- Peak output power

- 20 dB bandwidth

- Carrier frequency separation

- Occupied time (dwell time)

- Conducted spurious emissions

- Band edge compliance

- Conducted emissions

- Radiated emissions

- RF exposure emissions

2. WIFI RF Testing

Equipment: Spectrum analyzer, power splitter, attenuator, power meter

Testing Standard: FCC Part 15C

Test Items:

- Peak output power

- Bandwidth

- Conducted spurious emissions

- Band edge compliance

- Conducted emissions

- Radiated emissions

- Power spectral density (PSD)

- RF exposure emissions

3. GSM RF Testing

Equipment: Spectrum analyzer, base station, power splitter, attenuator

4. WCDMA FCC RF Testing

Equipment: Spectrum analyzer, base station, power splitter, attenuator

Testing Standard: FCC Parts 22 & 24

Test Items:

- Conducted RF output power

- 99% bandwidth occupation

- Frequency stability

- Out-of-band conducted emissions

- Band edge compliance

- Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP)/Effective Radiated Power (ERP)

- Out-of-band radiated emissions

- RF exposure emissions