FCC certification with cc2540

Josh Michales

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC2540

Hi,

I just joined the forum. I am actually working on my first project. I recently got into hardware design (I do have an electrical engineering background, just have been away from the technical side for many years).

I am working on a very simple bluetooth device. I have bluetooth tags and when they go a certain distance from my master, the master turns on the vibration motor.

What confuses me is the certification required for bluetooth devices. I plan on selling the device in North America so CE does not apply, but FCC does.

If I am using the CC2540 with TI's key fob design (stripped of everything except what is required for bluetooth operation) and add my motor and coin cell, do i still need to get FCC approval?

If I use a pre certified bluetooth module and add a motor and my custom coin cell power supply to it, do I need FCC approval?

This has been asked on the forum before, but I am struggling to come to a conclusion. I appreciate any help!

Thank you!

over 11 years ago

0 Josh Michales over 11 years ago

Prodigy 30 points

I did read through the FCC document (not the easiest read) and it seems that even if you use pre cert modules, your system still needs to be certified but I am not adding any extra radios, just a motor and a battery so does it still apply?

0 Fredrik K over 11 years ago

TI__Guru** 106705 points

Hi Josh,

If you use a pre-certified module additional certification should not be required.

If you use the keyfob design you will have to re-certify if you do any changes that will affect the RF-performance. Adding a motor to the board/system will do that.

Cheers,

Fredrik

0 Josh Michales over 11 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

Prodigy 30 points

Hi Fredrik,

Just to confirm. If I use a pre-certified BLE module and add my own motor and power circuit to it, I should not have to do any further FCC testing?

Thanks

0 Fredrik K over 11 years ago in reply to Josh Michales

TI__Guru** 106705 points

That is my understanding. You should confirm with the module manufacturer, FCC or a local test house though.

Cheers,
Fredrik

0 Earl Van Wagoner over 11 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

Prodigy 220 points

Hi Fredrik,

Based on what you said above, if you use the keyfob design and no changes are made which affect the RF-performance, then would you not have to re-certify?

Thanks,

Earl

0 Fredrik K over 11 years ago in reply to Earl Van Wagoner

TI__Guru** 106705 points

Hi Earl,

Keep in mind that even changing the board shape, using a different battery, changing some routing may change the RF performance of the board.

Cheers,
Fredrik

0 Earl Van Wagoner over 11 years ago in reply to Fredrik K

Prodigy 220 points

Hi Fredrik,

I understand that changing certain components/conditions on the board could change the RF performance, but just so I understand, let's assume that the "reference design" (the keyfob board) was exactly duplicated in all respects that would keep the RF performance identical, would that "new" board need to be re-certified? If not, would one use the same FCC ID as the origional "keyfob"?

Thanks,

Earl

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FCC certification with cc2540