The FCC has published changes to its SAR Test Exemption Power Thresholds. Devices containing a Bluetooth transmitter are affected the most by the new requirements.  Previously, Bluetooth devices that operated below 10 mW were exempt from SAR testing, but these new FCC SAR requirements now call for all devices operating above 3 mW and within 5 mm of the body to prove SAR compliance. The power level does vary depending on the distance the transmitter is from the body.  This update will largely affect Bluetooth devices as well as any other device that operates in the 300 MHz to 6GHz frequency range and is used within 20 cm of the head and body. Changes have also been made to millimeter wave devices, which operate above 6 GHz.

The FCC has not yet announced the transition period for this new guidance, but it’s best to begin using this new guidance for projects to avoid any compliance issues. 

What is Millimeter Wave?

Millimeter wave is a band of radio frequency ranging from 30 GHz to 300 GHZ, also known as extremely high frequency (EHF). This band is known as the “millimeter wave” because they have wavelengths ranging from 10 to 1 millimeter.

This frequency range is used to power 5G networks and mobile and wireless networks due to its ability to enable higher data rates for Wi-Fi and cellular networks. It’s also used in a variety of products and services such as high-speed, point-to-point wireless local area networks (WLANs), and broadband access. It’s ideal for short-distance wireless transmission of ultra-high-definition video and communications from small, low-power IoT devices. The limited distance of mmWave also makes it ideal for communications between autonomous vehicles.

Millimeter Wave SAR Testing

SAR testing for millimeter wave devices can be complicated by the fact that 5G and mmWave technology have a variety of applications like automotive uses, multi-mode and multi-band technologies, antennas, and more. All of these different devices and applications have different testing requirements. 

In some millimeter wave devices, the transceiver will need to be tested along with the antennas, while for other devices, only the antennas will need to be tested. However, transceivers and antennas along with the package and the speed and integrity of the signal may need to be tested, which may complicate SAR testing for these devices.

SAR Testing Up to Date With FCC SAR Requirements at RF Exposure Lab

Our team’s expertise comes from RF Exposure Lab’s Owner, Vice President, and Chief Engineer, Jay Moulton. An authority in SAR testing with a background in manufacturing and the regulatory side of SAR testing, Jay Moulton has more than 25 years of experience. He is unique in his ability, experience, and knowledge of SAR. It’s this distinctive expertise and knowledge that allows us to guarantee our clients accurate SAR testing results and solutions. 

In addition to this expertise, our team always works hard to go above and beyond, making sure that our clients understand how we are testing their devices and how SAR standards affect this. We strive to be as communicative and transparent as possible throughout the testing process so our clients are always up to date on the status of their testing.

We offer SAR testing services for a variety of wireless devices, such as

• Millimeter wave devices
• Near field charging devices
• Cell phones, laptops, and tablets
• Medical devices
• Modems

As well as many more devices! If you’re looking for SAR testing help that is provided with expertise, speed, accuracy, and integrity, contact us to learn more about our services or to get a quote.