At Entirety, we’re committed to keeping our customers informed and prepared for the latest developments in product regulatory compliance. Our team recently attended the TCBC Fall 2024 Workshop, where we gained valuable insights into the evolving regulatory landscape. In this publication, we’ll share key takeaways from the workshop and explain how they directly benefit our customers, helping them streamline product development, ensure compliance, and access global markets.
The workshop featured presentations from key regulatory bodies such as the FCC, ISED Canada, and NIST. These presentations covered essential updates and discussions on crucial topics like FCC updates, ISED Canada and NIST updates, REDCA and other international updates. The workshop also included a KDB Sharing Session, offering valuable insights into the latest regulatory guidance and interpretations.
The agenda was very diverse and included sessions on topics like Wireless Power Transfer Compliance Techniques, Hearing Aid Compatibility, and Cybersecurity.
Here’s an outline featuring key takeaways from the TCBC Workshop, full details can be downloaded from the attachments section:
I. Spectrum Allocation and Utilization
● 6 GHz Band: The debate continues! While the 6 GHz band holds immense potential for 5G and Wi-Fi 6E/7, finding the optimal balance between licensed 5G, unlicensed Wi-Fi, and other users like satellite services remains a key challenge. Coexistence studies show promise, but careful planning and mitigation techniques are essential.
● CBRS Band (3.55-3.7 GHz): Growth and Evolution. With deployments exceeding 300,000 CBSDs, the CBRS band is proving its worth. The FCC is actively working to improve functionality, enhance rural broadband access, and streamline operations through various rule changes.
● 5 GHz Band: Enabling the Drone Revolution. New rules are paving the way for expanded UAS operations in the 5 GHz band, initially focusing on non-networked and line-of-sight applications. A nationwide DFMS is on the horizon to manage spectrum access and eventually enable more complex operations.
II. Device Certification and Compliance
● Contention Based Protocol (CBP) Testing (6 GHz APs): Compliance Concerns. Testing reveals inconsistencies in how 6 GHz Access Points respond to CBP requirements for incumbent signal detection and transmission cessation. Ensuring robust interference protection is crucial.
●VLP Devices (U-NII-5&7): Power Management is Key. For Very Low Power devices operating in the 6 GHz band, dynamic power control and channel prioritization are essential. Static power reduction methods and random hopping alone may not suffice to meet compliance requirements.
●RF Exposure Testing: Clarifying the Boundaries. Recent updates provide clarity on RF Exposure testing, emphasizing a per-device approach and offering guidance on antenna auto-tune, test separation distance, and testing near complex surfaces. Understanding these nuances is vital for accurate compliance assessments.
III. TCB Surveillance and Compliance Enforcement
● Increased Scrutiny: FM Transmitters and 6 GHz APs. The FCC is cracking down on non-compliant FM transmitters exceeding emission limits and operating outside permitted frequency ranges. Similarly, 6 GHz APs are under scrutiny for potential failures in incumbent detection and transmission cessation. The message is clear: compliance is paramount.
●TCB Responsibilities: Stay Vigilant and Informed. TCBs play a crucial role in maintaining compliance and must remain diligent in tracking grants, reporting non-compliances, and retaining samples. Effective communication with the FCC is vital to avoid penalties and maintain recognition.
We are reviewing our notes and the presentations to create a summary about ISED Canada presentations and other administrative topics. Stay tuned!
