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CC3200MOD Certification

J.Schweiger
Expert 1745 points

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: CC3200MOD

I am new to RF and wanted to ensure my understanding is correct when it comes to certification.  I am using the CC3200MOD to minimize our requirements for certification.

For WiFi certification, based on your document SWRA458A, the WiFi certification for CC3200MOD can be directly transferred, just by signing up our company as a WiFi Alliance member, filling out some forms, and paying a small fee.  Correct?

For FCC certification, I'm following your wiki article at http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/CC31xx_%26_CC32xx_Radio_Certifications.

It says the certification can be used if design is exactly copied.  But is this the launchpad layout or the recommended layout in Figure 6-2 of CC3200MOD datasheet?  If it's the datasheet, exact dimensions are not given so I do not understand how to copy it directly.  If I need to have slightly different trace, would this cause me to require a Class II change?  Also, would using a 2-layer design require a Class II change?

If I understand your document correctly, if I need a Class 2 change it would cost roughly half of a full certification (around $12.5k), is this correct?  What should I budget for FCC approval if I don't need any class 2 changes (this is a consumer product).  I understand if TI isn't the right body to ask this question to, if so please recommend what certification house(s) you would recommend so I can contact them.

  • 0
    TI__Guru* 91336 points
    Jon -
    the module would be the one you would want to lay your board out for.
    the mechanical drawing you need is on page 60 and this is 1.27mm pitch LGA package

    the TI design files for the CC3200MODLaunchXL can be used to make yours correctly
    please scroll down and see design files section
    www.ti.com/.../cc3200modlaunchxl

    the board the module lives on is yours, just need to make the antenna be the same type and gain as what was used in the testing, and that i think is Class 1.

    if you go for using a different type of antenna or one with more gain - then that would be C2PC, which requires testing, and with us involved - at that point, to be honest its pretty much apples to apples cost wise as the testing is the same - reporting is similar - might as well get your own FCC ID at that point. and this is just my experience sharing - you should always consult with a TCB test house or the FCC directly to make sure you get 100% accurate guidance.

    and for costs - i think the test houses can quote you - you can find one in your region here ==> apps.fcc.gov/.../TestFirmSearch.cfm
  • 0 in reply to Josh Wyatt
    Expert 1745 points

    I see.  So to clarify, as long as I use the same antenna I should be able to use the low-cost Class 1 change with your FCC certification?  Even though my traces are different in length and I'm using a 2-layer design? 

    FYI, here is a screen shot of my antenna layout:

    It includes an optional u.Fl, and there's 0402 placements for 0 ohm resistor to each antenna.  In production the chip antenna would be used.  The only other thing in line is the 'L' matching network before the AH316 chip antenna. 

  • 0 in reply to J.Schweiger
    TI__Guru* 91336 points
    here is the rule:
    Class I Permissive Change
    This class includes modifications which do not degrade the characteristics reported by the manufacturer and accepted by the Commission when certification is granted. No filing with the Commission is required for a Class I Permissive Change. (2009 Title 47 CFR 2.1043 ((b)(1)))

    Here is example (given by FCC)
    Example 1: Change of Antenna for a Part 15 Subpart C Unlicensed Radio
    Both products and modules are tested and certified with specific antennas. In many cases the end user deviates from the specified antenna due to cost, style or availability. To maintain a Class I Permissive Change, the new antenna must be an equivalent antenna, defined as one of the same type (e.g., yagi or dipole) and must be of equal or less gain than an antenna previously authorized under the same FCC ID, and must have similar in-band and out-of-band characteristics (consult specification sheet for cutoff frequencies).[4]
    Therefore, if the antenna is of a different type or higher gain, the product or radio module requires a Class II Permissive Change, and all FCC provisions of Title 47 CFR 15.203 for antenna requirements must be met.