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IWR6843AOP: Does FCC Modular Certification already exist for this chip?

Part Number: IWR6843AOP

I see documentation about how to configure a device that uses the chip to pass FCC Certification, but does that mean that the chip itself doesn't have FCC Modular Certification as an Intentional Radiator?  That would certainly make our lives a lot easier...  Or is it because how we configure/utilize the chip determines whether or not it passes FCC compliance testing?

  • Dear Lawrence - Correct, the EVM (entire board) has FCC certification - see https://dev.ti.com/tirex/explore/node?node=A__AH17RPddnA7Vno.eznvCWw__com.ti.mmwave_industrial_toolbox__VLyFKFf__4.9.0&r=VLyFKFf__2.0.0&r=VLyFKFf__3.6.0

    You may benefit from using a module from Mistral, that is based on the -AOP device, to make your life easier, as you said you desire. 

    https://www.mistralsolutions.com/product-engineering-services/products/som-modules/60ghz-industrial-radar-module-rom/ 

  • While I do appreciate the suggestion, that would triple my cost.

    So does this mean that the chip itself does not carry an FCC Certification (even if used within certain TI-specified constraints)?

  • Lawrence - 

    Correct - that is really not possible. The way FCC certification works, as you may know, from a high level in this specific context - is the basic FCC ID number is for the end equipment or kit, which is what was done on this EVM, because it is an intentional radiator and a kit, and we market and sell it, just like any other device which fall under Part 15 FCC Regulations for use by the general public, and we publish the reference design so you can copy it, but you would need to get your own testing done, for your system, as the rules are such that they don't just care about the antenna and the transmitter, also is considered the crystal(s), power supplies, enclosures. and PCB layout. The FCC testing looks at whole system at the conducted, radiated, temperature and input line voltage levels, and the specific results for the system are captured and compared to limits for the specific tests.     

    As it is most likely the rest of your design will be different with different power sources, cabling, and possibly other features, also which need to be checked at least for Class A or B unintentional radiator, etc.,  than what we provide with EVM, so it (your system) must be tested as a whole anyway to put any ID on the outside of the end equipment. Hope that is clear enough.

    Furthermore, TI does this type of testing and publishing of the reference along with the reports, so you can integrate (copy) the relevant sections and part numbers listed in the BOM then expect about same results when you test your unit as what we publish. At the very least you have a solid reference to start from, with regards to using the RADAR SoC IC and associated passive and active components needed around it to support operation. 

    Also, modular certification, in my experience, is not we do with many of our devices, as we don't focus on selling modules, with a transferrable modular certification, mainly because we don't want to compete with our own customers whose business it might be to do exactly this. :)  

  • Thank you so much for the clear and thorough explanation!  TI is the best!