§ 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) The modular transmitter must comply with any applicable RF exposure
   requirements in its final configuration.

   (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]

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