[RFI] FW: ARLB022 FCC's OET Clarifies Emissions Compliance Testing for RF LED Lighting Devices

D C _Mac_ Macdonald k2gkk at hotmail.com
Thu Jun 30 17:49:34 EDT 2016


I'd guess it's a start, at least! 
 
* * * * * * * * * * * 
* 73 - Mac, K2GKK/5 * 
* (Since 30 Nov 53) * 
* Oklahoma City, OK * 
* USAF, Ret'd 61-81 * 
** FAA, Ret'd 94-10 * 
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> Subject: ARLB022 FCC's OET Clarifies Emissions Compliance Testing for RF LED Lighting Devices
> From: memberlist at www.arrl.org
> To: k2gkk at hotmail.com
> Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2016 16:15:58 -0400
> 
> SB QST @ ARL $ARLB022
> ARLB022 FCC's OET Clarifies Emissions Compliance Testing for RF LED
> Lighting Devices
> 
> ZCZC AG22
> QST de W1AW  
> ARRL Bulletin 22  ARLB022
> From ARRL Headquarters  
> Newington CT  June 30, 2016
> To all radio amateurs 
> 
> SB QST ARL ARLB022
> ARLB022 FCC's OET Clarifies Emissions Compliance Testing for RF LED
> Lighting Devices
> 
> The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) has clarified
> that all RF LED lighting devices falling under Part 15 rules as
> "unintentional radiators" must meet conducted and radiated emissions
> limits set forth in those rules.
> 
> "Operation of Part 15 unintentional radiators is subject to the
> condition that no harmful interference is caused," the OET reminded,
> in a knowledge database paper released on June 17. "Manufacturers
> and users should therefore note that lighting devices are required
> to cease operation, if harmful interference occurs."
> 
> The OET said radiated emissions measurements must be performed at
> least from 30 MHz to 1000 MHz to adequately demonstrate compliance
> with Part 15 (15.109). Its guidance, the OET continued, applies to
> RF LED lighting devices that, in the past, have been considered to
> operate on frequencies below 1.705 MHz. Previously, devices
> operating between 9 kHz and 1705 kHz had to be tested only for
> radiated emissions up to 30 MHz, where no specified radiated
> emissions limits exist, and were exempt from testing from 30 MHz to
> 1000 MHz. The OET said it recognizes that routine radiated emissions
> measurements are needed under Part 15, based on the highest
> frequency generated or used in the device.
> 
> "[W]e have found that emissions from RF LED lighting devices are
> non-periodic, broadband in nature, and are produced as a byproduct
> of the internal driver circuitry within the RF LED lighting device,"
> the OET "knowledge database" paper said. "These types of emissions
> have adequate energy and potential to generate radiated emissions
> well above 30 MHz."
> 
> The ARRL Lab's Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer Mike Gruber,
> W1MG, said he was pleased to see the FCC's OET clarify the test
> measurement requirements. He said ARRL is generally hearing more RFI
> complaints stemming from RF LED bulbs.
> 
> "Not only are the emissions limits higher for Part 15 LED bulbs - as
> opposed to Part 18 fluorescent and CFL bulbs, they seem to be
> winning out in terms of consumer popularity," Gruber said. "Higher
> limits and more bulbs probably make for more complaints." Gruber
> said the Lab has seen LED lighting devices causing problems in the 2
> meter band. "Since conducted emissions limits do not apply above 30
> MHz, radiated emissions limits can be the first line of defense
> against RFI at these higher frequencies."
> 
> Gruber pointed out that noise generated by street and traffic
> lighting can be widespread. In such instances, he suggested that
> Part 15b limits for residential areas should apply. "These limits
> are lower than Part 15a limits, which are intended only for
> commercial and industrial environments," he explained. "This is
> especially critical in cases where a pole transformer connected to
> the lighting device also feeds a home or residence. The 240 V
> split-phase secondary system can conduct RF into a residence through
> the service entrance panel." He suggested that the lower limits may
> benefit mobile users.
> 
> The OET noted that the ANSI Accredited Standards Committee C63-EMC
> is drafting measurement procedures for lighting devices. "When
> complete, we expect it will address in greater detail the
> measurement procedures and configurations to be used in determining
> compliance," the OET said.
> NNNN
> /EX
 		 	   		  


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