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... Read Full Article 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 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 Compliance Bulletin Enforcement RoHS/WEEE: 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. 684 W. Maude Avenue Sunnyvale, California 94085 www.elliottlabs.com