The Worldwide Approval Status for 900 MHz and 2.

4 GHz Spread
Spectrum Radio Products
Kursat Eroglu
Intermec Technologies Corporation

ABSTRACT

900 MHz DEVICES

The use of Spread Spectrum radios utilizing the ISM bands

(902-928 MHz, 2.400-2.4835 GHz and 5725-5850 GHz) is
increasing dramatically. All sorts of ITE equipment and
now even telecom equipment are using these reliable, high
throughput radios. The rules governing these devices have
been developing quite rapidly too. Most countries in Europe
are going towards a single certification process in addition
to the CE certification. The rules are being relaxed in the
US as well, but there are always exemptions. This paper
gives an overview of the regulations and technical
requirements in different countries.

900 MHz ISM band is not allowed in Europe, but the early
availability of the technology and the larger coverage range
made this technology widely used in North America and
Pacific Rim countries. Besides industrial applications such
as warehouse data collection networks, 900 MHz modems
are becoming increasingly popular and replacing telephone
line connections for computer networks. Many cities in the
US have Internet service providers with 900 MHz networks
established.

USA

These devices are regulated by the FCC in the US under

Part 15 rules (paragraph 247). These rules allow up to 4 W
Recent years have seen an explosion in the use of all kinds (EIRP) transmit power giving the products a fairly large
of electronic equipment using radios of various types. From range. A summary of the details of these rules is given in
radio controlled security systems to wireless networks low table 2. FCC rules, especially the ones pertaining to the
power RF devices are entering all markets en mass. Like in certification of these products have been relaxed over the
many other areas the regulations for these products have last 3 years. To certify a product a report demonstrating
followed the explosion in use and increased in number and compliance with 15.247 by a certified lab must be
content dramatically over the last years. It has not submitted to the FCC Authorization and Evaluation Lab.
necessarily gone in the worse direction however. After the After a nominally 2 month review period, the product is
initial trial phases we are seeing more and more certified and does not require site approval.
harmonization and relaxation of the rules. Low power RF FCC allows modular approval of certain types of
devices cover a wide range of frequencies and equipment transceivers; however, there are special requirements for
categories. In this paper we will concentrate on a particular those forcing most transceivers to be approved as individual
category that is of more interest to ITE manufacturers. transceiver-host combinations.
Spread spectrum transceivers utilizing ISM bands are FCC has recently enacted new RF exposure rules as a result
replacing wired connections in all product categories. Low of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which are intended to
cost, high efficiency and generic product approvals make protect consumers from potential health hazards caused by
these attractive solution for many manufacturers. Three RF radiation. Although spread spectrum transceivers are
frequency bands are allowed worldwide for these devices categorically excluded from being subjected to SAR or
with exceptions. 902 - 928 MHz (433 MHz in Europe), 2.4 MPE tests, there are restrictions on output power depending
- 2.5 GHz (worldwide with certain country limitations) and on the application. For example, although Part 15.247
5.8 GHz bands are the main ones at this time. 5.8 GHz allows up to 4 W transmit power, a handheld product where
band is not much used currently due to technological the antenna would be within 10 inches of the body, would
restrictions, but the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands are not be allowed to transmit the full 4 W. Since the
widely utilized.
restrictions are very much application dependent, the
We will concentrate on the regulations of these 2 bands by decision is currently being made by the
region. One general rule is, these devices are approved in Authorization and Evaluation Lab on a case by case basis.
most countries on a non-interference basis. This means if
Canada
the transceiver interferes with another RF device, the spread
In Canada the standard for 900 MHz products is RSS 210
spectrum device is the one to be turned off.
published and enforced by Industry Canada. Canadian

INTRODUCTION

0-7803-5015-4/98/$10.00 0 1998 IEEE

1131

Pacific Rim Countries

requirements for these products are almost .identical to the

US requirements. In fact as a result of the harmonization
efforts, Industry Canada accepts FCC style test reports
without any additional test data. The certification process in
Canada lasts usually less than FCC's (4 - 6 weeks). One
major difference of the Canadian approval is the more
relaxed approach to modular certification allowing the
transceiver modules to be approved as opposed to
individual host-transceiver combinations making the lives
of manufacturers easier. Canada also has RF exposure
requirements, but we have not seen enforcement of those
yet.

Most pacific rim countries have either their own regulations

identical to FCC's rules or they accept FCC certification on
the face value. One of the major pacific rim markets
Australia currently requires manufacturers to maintain a
documentation folder containing FCC Part 15.247 based
report by a recognized lab. They do not require
certification. The Australian authority ACA (formerly
SMA) is, however, revising the rules. Some-countries such
as Japan do not allow 900 MHz transceivers. RF exposure
rules have so far not been an issue in pacific rim countries.
This too could change without much notice.

Allowed Band
(GHA

US, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile,

Colombia, Domin. Rep., Equador, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hong
Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand,
Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand,
Vietnam
Austria, Belgium, Czech Rep., Denmark,
Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovenia, S. Africa, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey, UK
France
SDain

'

3
4
~

~~~

5
fi

7
8

Israel
Mexico
Korea
JaDan

Australia

10

ISaudi Arabia

Remarks

Standard

11 w maximum ouput
power
2.4835
maximum EIRP
with high gain
FCC 15.247
antennas)
RSS 210

I(~w

!a4'

!.400 - 2.4835
100 mW maximum
output power (EIRP) ETS 300 328
L446 2.4835
ETS 300 328
!.445 2.475
ETS 300 328
stricter emission
''418 2*457 limits below 1 GHz ETS 300 328
environment
!.450 - 2.4835
NOM 121
restrictions
!.400 - 2.4835 special restrictions
!.471 - 2.497 special restrictions

1 W allowed only
between 2.400 ! . m 2.4835 2.445 GHz; above
2.445 GHz only 200
mW allowed
FCC 15.247
ETS 300 328
!.413 2.439

Table 1. Known frequency allocations for 2.4 GHz spread spectrum products
2.4 GHz DEVICES

With the advance Of

2'4 GHz devices are
becoming even more popular than 900 MHz ones. One
factor for this is the availability of the band worldwide
another factor in the increase of use. Coverage of 2.4 GHz

including Europe. Another factor is wider bandwidth

allowing-higher data throughput. With the recent adaptation
of IEEE standard 802.1 1 , interoperability between products
of different manufacturers is becoming
another factor in the increase of use. Coverage of 2.4 GHz

1132

transceivers is less compared to 900 MHz, but the other

factors usually weigh more for most applications.
The most widely allocated band for this category is 2.400 2.4835 GHz as in US, Canada, most of Europe, South
America and Pacific Rim countries. There are however
smaller bands allowed within this band in some countries.
The output power and some other characteristics of the
transceivers are also subject to varying requirements in
different countries. Table I gives a summary of the known
allowed bands and some of the restrictions.

USA
In the US 2.4 GHz devices are also regulated by Part
15.247. The requirements (shown on table 2) are similar to
900 MHz devices. The RF exposure rules are also the same
with a little more relaxation due to higher frequency. .

Canada
RSS 210 is also the standard in Canada for the 2.4 GHz
band. Although receiver out-of-band emissions are part of
the technical requirements, Industry Canada accepts FCC
style reports with just transmitter out-of-band emissions.
The approval process is the same for 2.4 GHz products as
for 900 MHz products.

Europe
In Europe European Telecommunication Standards Institute
(ETSI) is tasked with generating european standards for
telecommunications equipment such as the products
mentioned here. These standards become harmonized after
the approval of all member countries and local ones are
withdrawn. Following EMC Directive

FHSS
Characteristic
Maximum Transmit
Band
Minimum Number of
Channels
Maximum Channel
Bandwidth (20dB)
Dwell Time
Minimum Channel
Bandwidth (6dB)
Maximum Output
Power
Maximum Spectral
Power Density
Processing Gain
Channel Separation
Conducted Out-ofBand Emissions
Radiated Out-ofBand Emissions
Antenna
Requirement

900 MHz

Transmitter:

DSSS
2.4 GHz

900 MHz

2.4 GHz

Powerline: 250 pV
Antenna Port: 20 dB below the carrier
1) 20 dB below the fundamental for modulation products
2) FCC Part 15 Class B for transmitter related peaks
3) FCC Part 15 Class A non-transmitter related spurious emissions
If the antenna is removable, the connector between the antenna and the unit must
lbe a unique one and not available off-the-shelf to the customers.

Table 2. Summary of FCC Part 15.247 Requirements

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guidelines ETSI generates two sets of standards. One for

the RF characteristics of the products in a certain category,
the second one for the EMC characteristics of the products.
The first standard for the 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum
products (wideband transmission systems) is ETS 300 328.
It has been harmonized in late 1995 and revised in
November 1996. This standard is similar to FCCs Part
15.247 with some differences. The main one is the
maximum output power. ETSI only allows up to 100 mW
EIRP. A summary of the technical requirements of ETS 300
328 is shown in table 3.
The second standard, the EMC standard, is usually a
parallel one to the generic standard EN 50081 / EN 50082.
Until late 1997, the only EMC standard available for these
products was the generic draft standard pr ETS 300 339.
There were several problems associated with it. The
standard was poorly written, unclear in some places and
referring to older revisions of IEC standards. Because it was
just a draft standard, some notified bodies did not accept it
requiring the generic harmonized standards EN 50081 and
EN 50082. In late 1997 a product specific draft standard pr
ETS 300 826 was released. Much clearer and

Characteristic

synchronized with the latest CENELEC standards (EN

6 1000-4 series) this standard is accepted more widely.
Depending on application the requirements are almost
identical to EN 50082-1 (light industrial specification).
The certification process in Europe, however, has not yet
reached the goals of the harmonized standard. The goal was
to certify the products through one agency for all countries.
Currently, only UK and Austria accept other ETSI
countries certifications (RF Type Approvals) on their face
value and do not require additional certification. In
addition, France, Spain and Israel impose special frequency
bands more restricted than the generic ETSI band (see table
1). Some eastern european and middle eastern countries
also accept ETSI reports or certifications. For EU countries
(and some candidate countries) CE-Type Certification by
one notified body is adequate. No recertification is required
in individual countries. Most ETSI countries have also
adopted individual labeling requirements making the lives
of small product manufacturers more difficult. One piece of
good news is the recent elimination (late 1997) additional
testing requirements by Italy, France and Czech Republic.

FHSS

Table 3. Summary of ETS 300 328 Requirements

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DSSS

CONCLUSION

Pacific Rim Countries

Regulations in Pacific Rim countries follow the two major Spread spectrum products are gaining popularity in ITE
standards (FCC Part 15.247 and ETS 300 328). Some markets. After the initial surge of new regulations for these
technical differences and major approval process products, the trend is towards harmonization and relaxation.
differences exist however. Australia, as for the 900 MHz There is still a long road to be covered. True harmonization
products, only requires a test report by a recognized lab of testing and documentation requirements and reduction of
ready to be audited. The major technical difference in certification times will help manufacturers cover the
Australias case is the limitation of output power to 200 consumer demand.
mW in the 2.445 - 2.4835 GHz band. The rest of the
requirements are identical to FCC Part 15.247, although
ACA accepts ETS 300 328 reports as well. Another country
with similar dual acceptance is Singapore, where the local
agency TAS certifies products based on FCC or ETSI
reports. Hong Kong abolished certification on 2.4 GHz
spread spectrum products as long as they comply with FCC
or ETSI rules. Taiwan and Thailand are examples of
countries where the agencies certify the products based on
FCC test reports and visual inspection. New Zealand and
Philippines are examples of pacific rim countries certifying
products solely based on FCC test reports. Korea and Japan
have special frequency bands (see table 1) as well as other
restrictions on output power and spurious emissions. Japan
also requires a caller ID byte to be transmitted with every
transmission. The approval process in both countries is time
consuming and expensive. Although China officially does
not allow 2.4 GHz products, special permissions
depending on regions are granted.
South America

Most south American countries are in the process of

developing their own rules for certification of 2.4 GHz
products. Almost exclusively, all accept FCC based
reports.

Mexico
The approval process in Mexico has gone through major
changes in the last couple years. A government agency
(formerly SCT) certifies products to NOM 121 based on
recommendations of certified engineering companies, which
review product documentation such as schematics,
specifications etc. No testing is required (except for the
safety testing to NOM 019, which is required for most
electronic equipment). Technical requirements are similar
to FCCs except for the band restriction and environmental
restrictions based on power levels:
c 30 mW Local Area (within same building)
< 1W
Restricted Area (within same compound)
< 4 W
Wide Area (point to point, > 500 m
distances etc.)
The usual approval time in Mexico ranges between 1 year
and 18 months.

1135