Testing requirements for the devices having FCC pre-certified modules in them

Hello Everyone,

There is some clarity needed for the below mentioned queries. So, please can anyone provide any clarity about the same?

• If a pre-certified module is being used in the device, then for the rest of the electronics present in the product which would be the unintentional radiator components, would it be okay to opt for the compliance via the SDoC procedure, or it is mandatory to opt for the full certification?
• For any product which has been tested according to the SDoC procedure then would it be necessary to retest it every time the applicable test standards & Code of Federal Regulations changes?
• What about the products which have been tested & certified by the TCB & received FCC approval? Would it be necessary to retest those products whenever the applicable test standard or Code of Federal Regulations receives any major updates?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

1) If you follow the grant conditions - especially paying attention to the RF exposure conditions, you don't need to certify a host that incorporates a module.
2) Typically no, the FCC grandfathers in old products. ISED does not, so if you're selling into Canada new standards need to be addressed
3) Again, typically not. There are some exceptions - for example, there was a change to 5 GHz wifi a few years back that required recertification.

Hi emceng,

Thanks a lot for the information.

1) So does that mean SDoC process would be sufficient for the rest of the electronics except the pre-certified module? Would it not be necessary to test the electronics & module in simultaneously active condition to identify that the emission either increases or reduces & it is below the acceptable limits or not?

You still should test with both of them active for spurious emissions. KDB 996369 says "It is strongly recommended that host product manufacturers using a certified modular transmitter address the following items:"

Basically, if you follow the grant conditions and integration instructions you'll want to do unintentional emissions and spurious emissions for the product.

Hi emceng,

Well understood. Thanks for the info.