LEARNING ABOUT ANSI C63.4

A Standard for Methods of Measurement of Radio Noise Emissions from Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz

ANSI C63.4 describes the test methods for FCC Part 15 unintentional radiators (digital devices). For many years ANSI C63.4 had been the primary standard for both FCC Part 15 unintentional and intentional radiators testing. The new ANSI standard (ANSI C63.10) now contains the test methods for intentional radiators, while the ANSI C63.4 standard is now used only for unintentional radiators. ANSI C63.4 originally replaced the formal recommended procedures (MP-4 1983/1987) issued by the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET).

There are two primary subparts to FCC Part 15: Subpart B covers the control of unintentional radiation from digital devices such as your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer, or other electronic devices, while subpart C is the other main subpart, covering unlicensed low power intentional radiators, devices that transmit radio frequency energy intentionally, usually for wireless communication of some type. Examples include WiFi transmitters, cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices, wireless remote controls, and key fobs. The remaining subparts in Part 15 address more specific spectrum utilization or interference concerns, generally related to new and emerging technology, with new subparts being added as needed.

With the demand for low power transmitters steadily increasing, innovative ways to utilize the spectrum has to be developed at a rapid pace, with test methods meant to assess compliance needing to keep pace. FCC Knowledge Database articles would be published to provide guidance on appropriate methods and special procedures were developed to handle specific emerging technology. Because of this, the amount of supplemental guidance became numerous and difficult to identify.

In March of 2006, C63® approved the establishment of the working group that would go on to develop ANSI C63.10; American National Standard for Testing Unlicensed Wireless Devices after realizing that the supplemental guidance should be consolidated and separated when needed. ANSI 63.10 branched off from ANSI C63.4 and with the new project began facilitating the consolidation and development of procedures for testing a wide variety of unlicensed wireless devices for compliance with the FCC Rules.

ANSI C63.10 owes its existence to Mr. Art Wall. Mr. Wall is the retired Deputy Chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Laboratory and principal consultant for Radio Regulatory Consultants. Mr. Wall initially proposed the development and ultimately won the committee approval necessary for the formation of the Working Group that formed ANSI C63.10