TABLE OF CONTENTS Besides measuring RF capabilities to ensure that the performance meets datasheet specifications, it is also necessary to ensure that the system meets the applicable regulatory requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and the emissions limits for the operating frequency bands.
WLAN devices must be tested to ensure that they adhere to regulatory limits in the countries in which they are to be marketed. For WLAN devices, this means testing for electromagnetic interference (EMI) limits, as well as testing to ensure compliance to the specific requirements for WLAN devices in the applicable 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. In the US, this means verifying that the device meets Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Class B EMI limits for consumer devices, as well as FCC Part 15 emissions limits for unlicensed intentional radiators.
Note that different regulatory areas specify different limits and requirements. For example, European countries fall under the ETSI ETS 300 standard, while in Japan these limits are defined by TELEC. We will focus here on the US limits, as they are generally representative of typical requirements and specifications. In this case, the limits are set by Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
For WLAN devices, the actual transmitted power from the device is limited by rules given in FCC Part 15.247(b), which limits the transmitter peak output power to no more than 1 W in the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands. The 5.15 and 5.25 GHz bands have lower limitations on transmitter power (50 and...
