PCB

IEC Publishes IEC 61189-5-1:2016, Guidance for PCBs

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has released IEC 61189-5-1:2016. This includes "Test methods for electrical materials, printed boards and other interconnection structures and assemblies - Part 5-1: General test methods for materials and assemblies - Guidance for printed board assemblies."

Microwave Detection is now 14 Times Better

Researchers from Aalto University in Finland have set a new world record for microwave detection. They developed a device that has 14 times higher energy resolution of thermal photodetection.
Smartwatch

Hackers Can Steal PIN Codes from Wearables

Your wearable device is tracking your hand movements, which is great if you want to know how many calories you’ve burned, but terrible if you don’t want hackers to know how to get into your bank account.
Paul Scherrer Institute

Lithium-Ion Batteries Aren’t So Bad After All

A Swiss research group has proven that we don’t need to rush to reinvent batteries. They have improved the performance of conventional lithium ion batteries without even changing the chemical composition.
Fire truck

E-One Incorporated Recalls Fire Trucks for Fire and Crash Hazards

E-One Incorporated is recalling model year 2014-2016 E-One Cyclone II and Typhoon vehicles equipped with certain Class 1 Es-Key power control modules manufactured by Hale Products. These fire and rescue trucks have a defective component that increases the risk of a fire and poses a crash hazard.
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New Edition: IEC 62209-1:2016, Standard for Devices Used Next to the Ear

IEC has released the second edition of IEC 62209-1:2016. This standard includes "Measurement procedure for the assessment of specific absorption rate of human exposure to radio frequency fields from hand-held and body-mounted wireless communication devices - Part 1: Devices used next to the ear (Frequency range of 300 MHz to 6 GHz)."

FCC to Vote on 5G Proposal

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler proposed new rules to open up spectrum for 5G applications. At a National Press Club luncheon in Washington DC in June, Wheeler spoke about why the FCC should make 5G a top priority for fostering American innovation.
LED

FCC Clarifies Emissions Requirements for LED Lights

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published guidelines that clarify how FCC rules apply to RF LED products. RF LED lighting devices are classified as unintentional radiators and are therefore are subject to the FCC’s Part 15 rules.
Clock

Test Labs Granted Accreditation Extension

In the May 2015 review, the FCC decided that all laboratories that perform equipment certification testing must be accredited by a recognized accreditation body. The Commission has now extended the deadline an additional year.