The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) issued the updated versions of the EN 300 328 and EN 301 893 standards, introducing changes to testing procedures of applicable wireless equipment. TÜV Rheinland strongly encourages manufacturers of wireless devices to comply with the updated testing and certification requirements in order to ensure they can sell in the European Union and other countries following the standard after the January 1, 2015 deadline.
The EN 300 328 standard regulates wireless transmitters in the 2.4 GHz band and affects multiple wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and ZigBee®. The latest version (1.8.1) seeks to improve the usage and quality of data transmission within the 2.4GHz band. It introduces significant changes to testing procedures for RF output power, power spectral density and medium access. Changes in procedures are also implemented in transmitter spurious emissions and frequency range tests. Devices claiming conformance with Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment Directive need to be re-evaluated by December 31, 2014 if their test reports do not reference the 1.8.1 version.
The EN 301 893 standard applies to 5 GHz RLAN equipment used in wireless local area networks and intended to operate at 5150 MHz – 5350 MHz and 5470 MHz – 5725 MHz frequency ranges. The 1.7.1 version outlines the relationship between Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and uniform spreading, or Adaptivity, which allows one RLAN device to detect another. The 1.7.1 version of the standard introduces changes to testing procedures, including RF output power, power density and unwanted emissions, as well as adds new requirements. Manufacturers that need compliance with EN 301 893 must re-evaluate their equipment due to these changes.
As a leading independent testing, inspection and certification service provider, TÜV Rheinland has more than 140 years of experience and provides professional testing services for product safety, ZigBee® Alliance and market access (International Approvals) certifications for medical, lighting (including LED lighting products), Information Technologies and electrical equipment.
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