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DFS Implementation Postponed for Further Review
Since the FCC announced plans to open the 5470 - 5725 MHz band
(which is used for 802.11a WLAN devices) there have been issues
related to the standardization of test procedures and criteria used
to demonstrate compliance with DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection)
requirements. DFS is a technique used by 802.11a devices to avoid
interference with existing radar services (military, aeronautical and
weather radars) operating in the 5250 MHz - 5725 MHz frequency range.
The original rules were scheduled to take effect in January 2005,
and would have replaced the existing rules that do not require DFS
testing in the existing 5250 - 5350 MHz band...
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FCC Proposes Changes to 900 MHz Spectrum Band
On February 10, 2005 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
proposed to eliminate unnecessary regulatory restrictions in the 900
MHz spectrum band. The Commission's proposal would allow more
flexible use of "white space" in the 900 MHz band and allow users in
the band to respond to evolving market demands. Specifically, the
FCC proposed amendments to Part 90 of its rules to facilitate more
flexible use of the 199 channels allocated to the Business and
Industrial Land Transportation (B/ILT) Pools in the 896-901/935-940
MHz (900 MHz) bands. The Commission's proposal addresses a number of
licensing, operational and technical issues, such as the appropriate
band plan, the rights and obligations of incumbent site-based
licensees, and competitive bidding procedures for new licenses in the
900 MHz band...
Read Full Article
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FCC Issues Liability Notice To Computer Board Manufacturer
Recently, the FCC issued a "Notice of Apparent Liability for
Forfeiture" to computer board manufacturer VIA Technologies in the
amount of $14,000. According to the record, the FCC investigated a
complaint that VIA was importing two models of CPU motherboards with
the spread spectrum clocking (SSC) disabled, leaving it to the user
to enable the SSC function. It was also alleged that the CPU boards
did not meet the FCC's Part 15 emissions with the SSC function
disabled. Further, the instruction manual provided with the boards
discussed the spread spectrum function, and advised the end user to
leave it disabled for optimal system stability and performance.
Spread spectrum clocking dithers the operating frequency of the CPU,
and in particular, the system bus, spreading the energy in system
clock harmonics so its interference potential at single frequencies
is diminished.
In its response to the FCC's inquiry, VIA stated that it had
tested the boards for emissions compliance with the SSC function
enabled, but had neglected to test with the SSC function disabled.
However, VIA said the disabling of the SSC function was not
intentional. It blamed the default configuration (no SSC) problem on
erroneous production procedures. VIA also claimed that the manual's
tech writers were using a mistaken assumption on the effect of SSC on
system stability. Upon receiving the FCC's inquiry, VIA pulled all
non-compliant boards from US distribution, and took steps to update
them so they would be shipped with an enabled SSC function, and to
remove the option to disable it. Further, all users would be urged to
update their system BIOS, and the BIOS would force SSC operation.
In reviewing the situation, the FCC noted that VIA's corrective
actions were commendable, but did not mitigate the violations that
had already occurred. Accordingly, it decided to assess the base
forfeiture rate of $7,000 per occurrence, treating each mother board
as a single instance. VIA has the right to appeal.
For manufacturers, this incident points out the FCC's position
that all relevant operating modes of a product need to be
investigated. It is also a reminder of why spread spectrum clocking
was invented and came into common usage as a means of emission
control.
This article reprinted with permission from Conformity.com
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RoHS/WEEE: |
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The Big Challenge!
If your company markets its products in the EU, you may be
struggling to comply with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances
in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and WEEE (Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment).
If these new regulations are causing headaches for your
company, we want to hear from you! What are the most difficult
aspects of RoHS and WEEE compliance? Understanding how the new
regulations specifically apply to your company? Making the
operational changes to bring your company into compliance?
Are you looking for professional support to help you address
the new regulations? If so, what type of help do you need?
Training? Consulting? Other services? If you are currently dealing
with these challenges we want to hear from you. Please contact us
with your RoHS/WEEE questions and comments at
info@elliottlabs.com
Job Opportunities
We're Hiring! View a list of current
job offerings
at Elliott Laboratories.
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684 W. Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, California 94085
www.elliottlabs.com
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