The first FCC-type certification of a 60 GHz WiGig module granted on the basis of assessment with SPEAG’s unique 5G test system

Another first for SPEAG: the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently granted the first radiofrequency (RF) exposure-type approval (FCC ID PD9-18265NG, dated 09/19/2017) for a WiGig embedded wireless communication module. To achieve this remarkable breakthrough, SPEAG worked closely with the manufacturer and the IT’IS Foundation. The module was designed to be embedded into conventional clamshell PCs as well as in modern 2-in-1 (detachable) platforms and tablet-like platforms. As part of the submission, the WiGig module was connected to a beam-forming antenna array.

SPEAG's 5G Module automatically optimizes the scans and reconstruct the total field and power density averaged over any user-specified area. The uncertainty is lower than 1.4dB. 

Compliance of the module with FCC limits was demonstrated with SPEAG’s 5G solution. The 60 GHz electric (E-) fields were assessed with SPEAG’s unique EUmmWV2 ISO 17025-calibrated near field probe, which allows measurements to be made as close as 2 mm to the device. The power density was determined from the E-field measurements on two planes by the novel total-field reconstruction algorithm developed by IT’IS. The report submitted to the FCC shows that the E-, magnetic (H-), and S-fields are in good correlation with simulations. Overall, SPEAG’s 5G solution supports compliance testing from <10 – 110 GHz with minimal uncertainty. The 5G test system can be complemented with a 5G simulation package based on the highly successful Sim4Life computational life sciences platform.

Professor Niels Kuster, director of the IT’IS Foundation – together with his teams at Z43 – was directly involved in consulting and supporting the 5G evaluations at the manufacturer’s wireless RF laboratory.

Last week in Melbourne, Australia, he was part of the 5G Ad Hoc Group (AHG10) of IEC which met and finalized a report entitled ”Measurement Procedures for the Evaluation of Power Density Related to Human Exposure to RF Fields from Wireless Communication Devices Operating between 6 GHz and 100 GHz””. IT’IS contributed to the technical content and performed the sample measurements for the report. At the meeting in Melbourne, Prof. Kuster stated: ”I think the technical report will become a quasi-standard ready for demonstration of compliance in the very close near-field until the full standard has been developed. The methods described in the report have already been applied in a successful FCC submission. This is a great example, that direct collaboration between leading industry players, instrumentation companies, regulators, and universities can result in rapid sound solutions. More work is ahead of us, but a huge step has been accomplished.”

The IT’IS Foundation collaborates with key players from research, industry, and government to smooth the path of new mm-wave products through regulatory approval, and works very closely with standards bodies. IT’IS also offers cutting edge and comprehensive safety evaluations of 5G devices. For more information visit the website or send an email to customized@itis.swiss.