Radiometrics Midwest Corporation provides FCC Part 15B testing for unintentional radiators and digital electronic products at our A2LA-accredited EMC laboratory in Illinois.
FCC Part 15 Subpart B applies to many products that generate radio-frequency energy as a result of their normal electronic operation but are not intended to transmit RF signals. Radiometrics can help manufacturers determine the applicable requirements and develop an efficient compliance or pre-compliance test program.
What Is an FCC Part 15B Unintentional Radiator?
An unintentional radiator is a device that generates RF energy for use within the device, or sends RF signals by conduction to associated equipment through connecting wiring, but is not intended to emit RF energy by radiation or induction.
Products commonly evaluated under FCC Part 15B can include:
- Computers and computer peripherals
- Industrial controls and automation equipment
- Digital electronic products
- Microprocessor-controlled equipment
- Power supplies and power electronics
- Displays and instrumentation
- Laboratory and measurement equipment
- Electronic products containing digital circuitry
The exact FCC requirements depend on the product design, operating frequencies, interfaces and intended environment.
FCC Part 15B Testing Capabilities
Radiometrics provides Part 15B testing including:
- Radiated emissions testing
- AC mains conducted emissions testing, when applicable
- Class A and Class B equipment
- Multiple operating modes
- Peripheral and support equipment configurations
- Pre-compliance emissions testing
- Engineering investigation and troubleshooting of emissions failures
Radiated Emissions Testing
Radiated emissions testing measures unwanted radio-frequency energy emitted by the equipment and its associated cables.
The equipment under test is operated in representative modes and configurations while emissions are measured using the frequency ranges, detector functions, measurement distances and limits required by the applicable FCC rules.
Product orientation, connected cables, peripherals and operating modes can affect measured emissions and must be considered when developing the test configuration.
Conducted Emissions Testing
Applicable Part 15B requirements can include measurements of radio-frequency disturbances conducted onto AC power lines.
The equipment is operated under representative conditions while conducted disturbances are measured using the required measurement network, receiver and test configuration.
Radiometrics can coordinate conducted and radiated emissions measurements as part of the same Part 15B compliance program.
Class A and Class B Digital Devices
FCC Part 15B establishes different emissions limits for Class A and Class B digital devices.
Class A equipment is generally intended for use in commercial, industrial or business environments.
Class B equipment is generally intended for use in residential environments and is subject to more restrictive emissions limits.
The appropriate classification depends on the product and its intended use. Radiometrics can help determine which limits should be applied before testing begins.
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
Many products subject to FCC Part 15B use the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity equipment authorization procedure.
The responsible party must ensure that the product complies with the applicable FCC technical requirements and maintain the required compliance information.
Radiometrics provides the emissions measurements and test documentation needed to support applicable Part 15B compliance evaluations.
Products That Also Contain Wireless Transmitters
A product can be subject to Part 15B requirements even when it also contains an intentional radio transmitter or a previously certified wireless module.
The transmitter and digital portions of the final product may be subject to different FCC requirements.
Radiometrics can review the product configuration, incorporated radio modules and existing certification documentation to help identify the testing required for the complete host product.
FCC Part 15B Pre-Compliance Testing
Pre-compliance testing can identify emissions problems before formal compliance testing.
This is particularly useful during development of digital electronics, switching power supplies, high-speed interfaces and products with multiple external cables.
Radiometrics can perform focused measurements to identify frequencies, operating modes, cables and configurations that may present compliance problems.
FCC Part 15B Troubleshooting
When a product exceeds an FCC emissions limit, Radiometrics can work with the manufacturer’s engineering team to help identify the source and coupling path.
Troubleshooting may include evaluation of:
- Shielding and enclosure seams
- Cable emissions
- Grounding
- Power-input filtering
- Switching power supplies
- Clock and digital circuitry
- Interface connections
- Common-mode currents
Where practical, corrective changes can be evaluated during testing to determine whether they improve the measured emissions.
Information Needed for an FCC Part 15B Quote
Please provide the following information when available:
- Product description and model number
- Product dimensions
- AC or DC power requirements
- Number and type of external cables and ports
- Required peripherals and support equipment
- Normal and worst-case operating modes
- Class A or Class B classification, if known
- Highest internally generated or used frequency, when applicable
- Information about incorporated wireless modules, if any
- Previous FCC reports or emissions data, when available
If you are uncertain whether Part 15B applies to your product, Radiometrics can review the product information before developing the test program.
Schedule FCC Part 15B Testing
Radiometrics Midwest Corporation has provided EMC and RF testing and engineering services since 1983. Contact us to discuss FCC Part 15B compliance testing, pre-compliance evaluation, troubleshooting, scheduling or quotation requirements.