§  15.212   Modular transmitters.

   (a) Single modular transmitters consist of a completely self-contained
   radiofrequency transmitter device that is typically incorporated into
   another product, host or device. Split modular transmitters consist of
   two components: a radio front end with antenna (or radio devices) and a
   transmitter control element (or specific hardware on which the software
   that controls the radio operation resides). All single or split modular
   transmitters are approved with an antenna. All of the following
   requirements apply, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this
   section.

   (1) Single modular transmitters must meet the following requirements to
   obtain a modular transmitter approval.

   (i) The radio elements of the modular transmitter must have their own
   shielding. The physical crystal and tuning capacitors may be located
   external to the shielded radio elements.

   (ii) The modular transmitter must have buffered modulation/data inputs
   (if such inputs are provided) to ensure that the module will comply
   with part 15 requirements under conditions of excessive data rates or
   over-modulation.

   (iii) The modular transmitter must have its own power supply
   regulation.

   (iv) The modular transmitter must comply with the antenna and
   transmission system requirements of § § 15.203, 15.204(b) and 15.204(c).
   The antenna must either be permanently attached or employ a “unique”
   antenna coupler (at all connections between the module and the antenna,
   including the cable). The “professional installation” provision of
   § 15.203 is not applicable to modules but can apply to limited modular
   approvals under paragraph (b) of this section.

   (v) The modular transmitter must be tested in a stand-alone
   configuration, i.e., the module must not be inside another device
   during testing for compliance with part 15 requirements. Unless the
   transmitter module will be battery powered, it must comply with the AC
   line conducted requirements found in § 15.207. AC or DC power lines and
   data input/output lines connected to the module must not contain
   ferrites, unless they will be marketed with the module (see § 15.27(a)).
   The length of these lines shall be the length typical of actual use or,
   if that length is unknown, at least 10 centimeters to insure that there
   is no coupling between the case of the module and supporting equipment.
   Any accessories, peripherals, or support equipment connected to the
   module during testing shall be unmodified and commercially available
   (see § 15.31(i)).

   (vi) The modular transmitter must be equipped with either a permanently
   affixed label or must be capable of electronically displaying its FCC
   identification number.

   (A) If using a permanently affixed label, the modular transmitter must
   be labeled with its own FCC identification number, and, if the FCC
   identification number is not visible when the module is installed
   inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the
   module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed
   module. This exterior label can use wording such as the following:
   “Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: XYZMODEL1” or “Contains FCC ID:
   XYZMODEL1.” Any similar wording that expresses the same meaning may be
   used. The Grantee may either provide such a label, an example of which
   must be included in the application for equipment authorization, or,
   must provide adequate instructions along with the module which explain
   this requirement. In the latter case, a copy of these instructions must
   be included in the application for equipment authorization.

   (B) If the modular transmitter uses an electronic display of the FCC
   identification number, the information must be readily accessible and
   visible on the modular transmitter or on the device in which it is
   installed. If the module is installed inside another device, then the
   outside of the device into which the module is installed must display a
   label referring to the enclosed module. This exterior label can use
   wording such as the following: “Contains FCC certified transmitter
   module(s).” Any similar wording that expresses the same meaning may be
   used. The user manual must include instructions on how to access the
   electronic display. A copy of these instructions must be included in
   the application for equipment authorization.

   (vii) The modular transmitter must comply with any specific rules or
   operating requirements that ordinarily apply to a complete transmitter
   and the manufacturer must provide adequate instructions along with the
   module to explain any such requirements. A copy of these instructions
   must be included in the application for equipment authorization.

   (viii) Radio frequency devices operating under the provisions of this
   part are subject to the radio frequency radiation exposure requirements
   specified in § § 1.1307(b), 1.1310, 2.1091, and 2.1093 of this chapter,
   as appropriate. Applications for equipment authorization of modular
   transmitters under this section must contain a statement confirming
   compliance with these requirements. The modular transmitter must comply
   with any applicable RF exposure requirements in its final
   configuration. Technical information showing the basis for this
   statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.

   (2) Split modular transmitters must meet the requirements in paragraph
   (a)(1) of this section, excluding paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(v),
   and the following additional requirements to obtain a modular
   transmitter approval.

   (i) Only the radio front end must be shielded. The physical crystal and
   tuning capacitors may be located external to the shielded radio
   elements. The interface between the split sections of the modular
   system must be digital with a minimum signaling amplitude of 150 mV
   peak-to-peak.

   (ii) Control information and other data may be exchanged between the
   transmitter control elements and radio front end.

   (iii) The sections of a split modular transmitter must be tested
   installed in a host device(s) similar to that which is representative
   of the platform(s) intended for use.

   (iv) Manufacturers must ensure that only transmitter control elements
   and radio front end components that have been approved together are
   capable of operating together. The transmitter module must not operate
   unless it has verified that the installed transmitter control elements
   and radio front end have been authorized together. Manufacturers may
   use means including, but not limited to, coding in hardware and
   electronic signatures in software to meet these requirements, and must
   describe the methods in their application for equipment authorization.

   (b) A limited modular approval may be granted for single or split
   modular transmitters that do not comply with all of the above
   requirements, e.g., shielding, minimum signaling amplitude, buffered
   modulation/data inputs, or power supply regulation, if the manufacturer
   can demonstrate by alternative means in the application for equipment
   authorization that the modular transmitter meets all the applicable
   part 15 requirements under the operating conditions in which the
   transmitter will be used. Limited modular approval also may be granted
   in those instances where compliance with RF exposure rules is
   demonstrated only for particular product configurations. The applicant
   for certification must state how control of the end product into which
   the module will be installed will be maintained such that full
   compliance of the end product is always ensured.

   [ 72 FR 28893 , May 23, 2007, as amended at  85 FR 18149 , Apr. 1, 2020]