Customers are required to prepare their product in the correct configuration for FCC Part 15 EMC testing. This includes the functionality or operation and also the associated cabling and much more. This brief blog article will highlight some of the requirements. FCC Part 15, Subpart B and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) reference the methods as per ANSI C63.4: 2014.
Configuration for FCC Part 15 EMC testing. General requirements
- Operated at the nominal rated operating voltage i.e. 120VAC, 60Hz or DC, battery etc.
- Operated at the normal environmental conditions for testing. Temperature between 0 to 40 Degrees Celsius and humidity of 10 to 90% RH.
- Use of typical load conditions to load ports through either actual loads or simulated.
- All the functionality or modes of operation must be assessed. Usually, the worst-case mode is either determined through investigative measures (pre-compliance testing). Or through the manufacturer’s engineering knowledge or testing.
- Arranged in the typical arrangement
- The worst-case orientation of the Equipment Under Test (EUT) will be determined. If the EUT orientation can be in more than one orientation in typical use.
- The EUT configuration can be either tabletop, floor standing or a combination of tabletop and floor standing
- If the product is handheld testing should do with and without the CISPR 16 artificial hand.
- Typical end-user configuration (i.e. as specified in the EUT instruction manual)
- Host PC if required (i.e. PC card) with the host PC cabinet enclosure removed.
Configuration for FCC Part 15 EMC testing. Port and terminal loading
- Each different functional type of port must be loaded with the appropriate cable type, cable length, load or termination. And exercise in the correct manner.
- If many identical ports exist then you must ensure extra port loading and cables do not contribute to the emissions.
- Typical installation grounding conditions should be followed.
Configuration for FCC Part 15 EMC testing. Interconnecting wiring and power cables
- Should be typical usage cable lengths and construction (i.e. non shielded, shielded, braided etc).
- If the cable length is unknown, then a nominal 1m cable lengths must be used. Or, a longer cable length that allows physical connectivity of components. For termination of Loop-back cables (port to port). We suggest using a 2m cable length to meet the 1m cable from each port and additionally setup requirements of EN 55032 / CISPR 32.
If you need FCC Part 15 EMC product testing for your device in order to sell in the USA and associated regions. Please contact us and find out how we can help. FCC testing should be conducted on a compliant ANSI 63.4: 2014 test site. Like our testing facility using EMC Bayswater’s iOATS Radiated emissions facility.
