Microchip Technology A090666 ATZB-900-B0 900 MHz B0, 802.15.4/Zigbee OEM-Module User Manual Cert guide

Atmel Norway AS ATZB-900-B0 900 MHz B0, 802.15.4/Zigbee OEM-Module Cert guide

Contents

User Manual Cert guide

FCC Certification Scenarios for Atmel ZigBits on Customers' products Features • Covers FCC certification scenarios for Atmel ZigBits’ usage • Analyzes the custom products possibilities and likely-hoods for successful certification 1 Introduction Atmel’s Wireless applications play vital role in providing IEEE 802.15.4 – compliant, ZigBee, and 6LoWPAN wireless solutions using family of RF devices such as ZigBits, AT86RFxxx,and MegaRF single chip solutions. These devices are purely based on Atmel’s wide range of high performance, low-power IEEE 802.15.4-compliant transceivers for the regional 700/800/900MHz frequency bands available in Europe and North America, and the 2.4GHz band available world wide. 8-bit Microcontrollers Application Note Rev. [0.5]-AVR-[09/10]
2 AVR[appnote nr] [doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 2 Overview This application note describes an overview of the Certification Scenarios possible when a designer uses the Atmel ZigBits portfolio. It also covers the changes that affect Atmel’s existing certification due to minor or major changes on designer’s hardware. 3 Atmel’s Range of ZigBit Modules and usage scenarios in customer products 3.1 ATZB-24-A2 It is a ZigBit Module with Dual Chip Antenna, a low-power, 802.15.4 ZigBee module combination with the popular ATmega1281V MCU and the Atmel AT86RF230 radio transceiver. The ATZB-24-A2 comes with a Dual Chip Antenna and eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming RF development and shortens time to market, while embedded 802.15.4/ZigBee software ensures standards-based wireless connectivity for a wide range of applications. Figure 3-1. ATZB-24-A2 3.1.1 Certification scenarios The following scenario explains the usage of the ATZB-24-A2 module with the customer’s base board. 3.1.2 Scenario # 1 The ATZB-24-A2 module is bought by a designer and used on the base board. When designers use the ATZB-24-A2 module on their base board and if the product does not have any other radiating circuits, the designer need not re-certify the complete product. In this case the designer has to mention on a visible area in their product that “Product carries FCC module with FCC ID – VW4A090664”.
AVR[appnote nr] 3[doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 3.1.3 Scenario # 2 When designers use the ATZB-24-A2 module on their base board and if there are additional circuits on the base board, with the additionally added circuits comprising of another radio or switching circuits, the radiations caused by the new circuits may or may not affect the performance of the ATZB-24-A2. If the ATZB-24-A2 does not get affected by the additional circuits, still there are possibilities that there could be emissions from these circuits that are out of limits specified by part 15.247. If these additional circuits are designed to operate within compliance limits, then the probability of successful certification is high. For more information on the type of additional circuits, please refer appendix A. The FCC ID of ATZB-24-A2 is VW4A090664. Customers have to mention “Product carries Module with FCC ID VW4A090664” on their product containing the ATZB-24-A2 ZigBits. The ZigBit’s FCC ID cannot be used in replacement of the final product’s FCC ID, if there is a requirement to have separate FCC ID for the entire product. 3.2 ATZB-A24-UFL ZigBit Amp ATZB-A24-UFL is an amplified IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee module. Its unique RF design achieves a rare combination of the industry-leading range performance and low power consumption. The ATZB-A24-UFL module’s small footprint of less than a square inch of space makes the integration easy, with the built-in U.FL antenna connector. Figure 3-2. ATZB-A24-UFL 3.2.1 Certification scenarios The following scenarios explain the usage of the ATZB-A24-UFL module on customer’s base board. 3.2.2 Scenario # 1 The ATZB-A24-UFL module is bought by a designer and used on the base board. When a designer uses ATZB-A24-UFL module on a base board with an antenna whose gain is less than or equal to 0dBi, and if the product does not have any other radiating circuit, the designer need not get the product re-certified. In this case the designer has to mention on a visible area of the product that “Product carries module FCC ID VW4A090668”
4 AVR[appnote nr] [doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] If there are additional circuits on the base board, with the additionally added circuits comprising of another radio or switching circuits, the radiations caused by the new circuits may or may not affect the performance of the ATZB-A24-UFL. If the ATZB-A24-UFL does not get affected by the additional circuits, still there are possibilities that there could be emissions from these circuits that are out of limits specified by part 15.247. If these additional circuits are designed to operate within compliance limits, then the probability of successful certification is high. For more information please refer appendix A. 3.2.3 Scenario # 2 Designers may want to use the ATZB-A24-UFL on the base board and / or use UFL antenna adaptor and take out the RF signal to a different antenna connector. Sometimes customers may have requirement to use higher gain antenna than an antenna with 0dBi gain as mentioned in sec 3.2.2. In such case designer is expected to re-certify the product with FCC and ETSI. In addition to having a different antenna and/or connector, there may be radiating circuits on the base board which will call for re-certification. Refer appendix A. for detailed information about additional circuits on base board. The FCC ID of ATZB-A24-UFL is VW4A090668. Customers have to mention “Product carries Module with FCC ID VW4A090668” on their product containing the ATZB-A24-UFL ZigBits. The ZigBit’s FCC ID cannot be used in replacement of the final product’s FCC ID, if there is a requirement to have separate FCC ID for the entire product. 3.3 ATZB-24-B0 ATZB-24-B0 ZigBit Module with Balanced RF Output is a low-power, 802.15.4/ ZigBee module, combination of the ATmega1281V MCU and the AT86RF230 radio transceiver. ATZB-24-B0 module is very similar to the ATZB-24-A2 module and unlike ATZB-24-A2 module it offers the flexibility of adding design oriented external antenna in the application board. ATZB-24-B0 minimizes bill of materials (BOM) and shortens time to market, while embedded 802.15.4/ ZigBee software ensures standards-based wireless connectivity for a wide range of applications.
AVR[appnote nr] 5[doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] Figure 3-3. ATZB-24-B0 3.3.1 Certification scenarios The following scenarios explain the usage of the ATZB-24-B0 module on customer’s base board. 3.3.2 Scenario # 1 The ATZB-24-B0 module is bought by designers and used on a base board. Atmel’s ATZB-24-B0 Module has been certified under Limited Modular category of FCC part 15 subpart C. Limited modular certification applies to modules that do not fully meet the requirements for a single modular certification. The ATZB-24-B0 module meets all but the requirement of having an on-board antenna or connector. Designers are required to re-certify their products carrying this module as this module brings out the Balanced RF Output without ending up in any antenna structure on the module. Since there is RF signal flowing on the designer’s base board in such case, the entire product has to be re-tested and certified. The new FCC ID obtained by the designer has to be used to meet regulatory requirements. By following the recommended design to connect the RF signal from B0 Module pins to the Antenna, the probability of success in Re-certification tests is very high. This is because the module has been successfully certified with Atmel’s Base board reference. The Base board reference design that applies for the ATZB-24-B0 is ATZB-EVB-24-SMA. 3.3.3 Scenario # 2 In cases were usage explained in Scenario #1 applies and additionally, application dependent circuits as explained in Appendix A is used on the Base board, this scenario applies. If the circuits on the customer’s base board are either Intentional or Unintentional Radiators or both, then the customer has to certify the entire product carrying the ATZB-24-B0 Module. The probability of a successful certification lies with how good or bad, the additional circuits on base board are designed in terms of regulatory compliance. Atmel’s Base board reference design- ATZB-EVB-24-SMA in this case can help customers in assuring success in the module related tests alone.
6 AVR[appnote nr] [doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 3.4 ATZB-900-B0 ATZB-900-B0 is an ultra-compact, low-power, high-sensitivity 868MHz / 915MHz 802.15.4/ZigBee OEM module from Atmel. ATZB-900-B0 modules eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming RF development, minimizes bill of materials (BOM), and shortens time to market for a wide range of wireless applications, while embedded 802.15.4 / ZigBee software ensures standards-based wireless connectivity. Figure 3-4. ATZB-900-B0 3.4.1 Certification scenarios The following scenarios explain the usage of the ATZB-900-B0 module on customer’s base board. 3.4.2 Scenario # 1 The ATZB-900-B0 module is bought by designers and used on their base board. Atmel’s ATZB-900-B0 Module has been certified under Limited Modular category of FCC part 15 subpart C. Limited modular certification applies to modules that do not fully meet the requirements for a single modular certification. The ATZB-900-B0 module meets all but the requirement of having an on-board antenna or connector. Designers are required to re-certify their products carrying this module as this module brings out the Balanced RF Output without ending up in any antenna structure on the module. Since there is RF signal flowing on the designer’s base board in such case, the entire product has to be re-tested and certified. The new FCC ID obtained by the designer has to be used to meet regulatory requirements. By following the recommended design to connect the RF signal from B0 Module pins to the Antenna, the probability of success in Re-certification tests is very high. This is because the module has been successfully certified with Atmel’s Base board reference. The Base board reference design that applies for the ATZB-900-B0 is ATZB-EVB-900-SMA.
AVR[appnote nr] 7[doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 3.4.3 Scenario # 2 In cases were usage explained in Scenario #1 applies and additionally, application dependent circuits as explained in Appendix A is used on the Base board, this scenario applies. If the circuits on the customer’s base board are either Intentional or Unintentional Radiators or both, then the customer has to certify the entire product carrying the ATZB-900-B0 Module. The probability of a successful certification lies with how good or bad, the additional circuits on base board are designed in terms of regulatory compliance. Atmel’s Base board reference design- ATZB-EVB-900-SMA in this case can help customers in assuring success in the module related tests alone. 3.5 ATZB-A24-U0 ZigBit Amp ATZB-A24-U0 is an amplified IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee module with low power consumption and small footprint of less than a square inch of space. ATZB-A24-U0 Module with Un-balanced RF Output minimizes bill of materials (BOM) and shortens time to market, while embedded 802.15.4/ ZigBee software ensures standards-based wireless connectivity for a wide range of applications. Figure 3-5. ATZB-A24-U0 3.5.1 Certification scenarios The following scenarios will explain the changes that can be done on the ATZB-A24-U0 module and / or on their carrier boards on customer’s base board. 3.5.2 Scenario # 1 The ATZB-A24-U0 module is bought by designers and used on customer’s base board. Atmel’s ATZB-A24-U0 Module has been certified under Limited Modular category of FCC part 15 subpart C. Limited modular certification applies to modules that do not fully meet the requirements for a single modular certification. The ATZB-A24-U0 module meets all but the requirement of having an on-board antenna or connector.
8 AVR[appnote nr] [doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] Designers are required to re-certify their products carrying this module as this module brings out the UnBalanced RF Output without ending up in any antenna structure on the module. Since there is RF signal flowing on the designer’s base board in such case, the entire product has to be re-tested and certified. The new FCC ID obtained by the designer has to be used to meet regulatory requirements. By following the recommended design to connect the RF signal from U0 Module pin to the Antenna, the probability of success in Re-certification tests is very high. This is because the module has been successfully certified with Atmel’s Base board reference. The Base board reference design that applies for the ATZB-A24-U0 is ATZB-EVB-A24-SMA. The recommended antenna gain for ATZB-A24-U0 on a baseboard is less than or equal to 0dBi. 3.5.3 Scenario # 2 In cases were usage explained in Scenario #1 applies and additionally, application dependent circuits as explained in Appendix A is used on the Base board OR antenna with gain of more than 0dBi (directional antenna) is used, this scenario applies. If the circuits on the customer’s base board are either Intentional or Unintentional Radiators or both, then the customer has to certify the entire product carrying the ATZB-A24-U0 Module. The probability of a successful certification lies with how good or bad, the additional circuits on base board are designed in terms of regulatory compliance. Atmel’s Base board reference design- ATZB-EVB-A24-SMA in this case can help customers in assuring success in the module related tests alone. 4 Country Specific certifications 4.1 Japan The ZigBits that are intended to use in Japan must be certified with TELEC certification system. TELEC is the major organization providing the certification services as a registered certification body. FCC approval and CE declaration are not recognized by TELEC. TELEC certification requires the ZigBits to be tested and certified in an accredited test lab within Japan according to TELEC standards. The probability of getting certified is high if the products already hold FCC / CE certification, since the TELEC specifications on the limits are similar to FCC/CE. Refer RF TELEC standard for more details. 4.2 Korea The ZigBits and the ZigBit’s products that are to be used in Korea must be certified with KCC (Korea Communications Commission) certification body. KCC is the institution providing the certification services as a registered certification body. The product which even passes the FCC / CE certification must undergo in-country testing and certification. But the probability of getting certified is high in case if the products already hold FCC / CE certification.
AVR[appnote nr] 9[doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 4.3 Taiwan In Taiwan, NCC (National Communications Commission) approval is required for the end product using ZigBits. In-country testing is required since FCC / CE certifications are not accepted. ETSI / FCC will be the reference standard for certification regulations. The probability of getting certified is high in case if the products already hold FCC / CE certification. 4.4 China The ZigBits and the ZigBit’s products that are to be used in China must under go in-country certification as mentioned by SRRC (State Radio Regulatory Committee). SRRC is a radio management of P.R China. The product which even passes the FCC / CE certification must undergo in-country testing and certification. But the probability of getting certified is high in case if the products already hold FCC / CE certification. 4.5 Australia RF Products that are used inside Australia must have the C-Tick mark. CE declaration is recognized in Australia. The ACMA (Australian Communication and Media Authority) accepts products that are tested for ETSI limits. The product has to be registered with ACMA for obtaining and using the C-Tick mark. 5 SAR Requirements SAR, Specific absorption rate, is a measure of radiated RF energy absorbed by a human body tissue. SAR is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) of biological tissue. The ZigBit modules must undergo SAR tests and qualification before commercial release if the device is operating with 20cm distance to the human body. SAR is measured using special lab equipments and environments. The device under test is placed in a phantom shell with tissue and checked for RF field exposure. The phantom is in human body shape and the DUT is positioned in the head part and body part. Probe positioner and device positioner are used to move the respective devices and simulated data is acquired and analyzed. SAR testing requirements on customer’s base board has to be decided, based on the nature of intended application. 6 Appendix 6.1 Appendix A Designers can use the ZigBit alone or with additional circuits on the base board. In this case following points need to be taken care. The custom product may contain any of the following circuits 1. High Voltage 2. Switching circuits
10 AVR[appnote nr] [doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 3. Secondary or another radio part When the above mentioned blocks are bought out items and are already pre-certified individually, the designer is expected to verify the entire product with FCC accredited Lab. The ZigBit’s FCC ID is still valid but cannot be used as a final product’s FCC ID because there are additional circuits in the product. But since ZigBits already carry FCC ID and are certified, the likelihood of getting the entire product certified is high, since the rest of circuits in the product are pre-certified too. If circuits listed above are not present in Customer’s base board and if customer’s base board is only for carrying the ZigBit ATZB-24-A2 or ATZB-A24-UFL module, then there is no need for re-certification When all or any of the above mentioned blocks are not pre-certified / non-compliant, irrespective of the scenarios mentioned for all of the ZigBits, the designers must certify the entire product and the likelihood of successful certification depends on the circuit design of the extra circuits added apart from the ZigBit. Testing and maintaining reports will be useful in a case when FCC / ETSI conducts audit on the product and asks the product owner for test reports and affiliated documents in a short notice
AVR[appnote nr] 11[doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] 6.2 Appendix B Additional Circuits in Base board Constraints / ZigBits Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Non compliant circuits / Uncertified circuits Compliant circuits / Pre-certified circuits FCC approval Requirement √ √ Mention FCC ID on Label of product ATZB-24-A2 √ √ Recertification √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification is high √ √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification is high ATZB-24-B0 √ √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification depends on Additional circuits on baseboard. √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification is high √ √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification is high ATZB-900-B0 √ √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification depends on Additional circuits on baseboard. √ √ Mention FCC ID on Label of product ATZB-A24-UFL √ √ Recertification √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification is high √ √ Recertification; Probability of successful certification is high ATZB-A24-U0 √ √ Recertification; Probability of successful
12 AVR[appnote nr] [doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] certification depends on Additional circuits on baseboard.
[doc nr]-AVR-[mm]/[yy] Disclaimer Headquarters International Atmel Corporation 2325 Orchard Parkway San Jose, CA 95131 U.S.A. Tel: (+1) (408) 441-0311 Fax: (+1) (408) 487-2600 Atmel Asia Limited Unit 01-5 & 16, 19F BEA Tower, Millennium City 5 418 Kwun Tong Road Kwun, Tong, Kowloon HONG KONG Tel: (852) 2245-6100 Fax: (852) 27232-1369 Product Contact Atmel Munich GmbH Business Campus Parkring 4 D- 85748 Garching b. MUNICH Tel.: (+49) 89-31970-111 Fax: (+49) 89-3194621 Atmel Japan 9F, Tonetsu Shinkawa Bldg. 1-24-8 Shinkawa Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-003 JAPAN Tel: (+81) 3-3523-3551 Fax: (+81) 3-3523-7581 Web Site http://www.atmel.com/ Technical Support avr@atmel.com Sales Contact www.atmel.com/contacts Literature Request www.atmel.com/literature Disclaimer: The information in this document is provided in connection with Atmel products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property right is granted by this document or in connection with the sale of Atmel products. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN ATMEL’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE LOCATED ON ATMEL’S WEB SITE, ATMEL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTY RELATING TO ITS PRODUCTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL ATMEL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF ATMEL HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Atmel makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice. Atmel does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein. Unless specifically provided otherwise, Atmel products are not suitable for, and shall not be used in, automotive applications. Atmel’s products are not intended, authorized, or warranted for use as components in applications intended to support or sustain life. © 2010 Atmel Corporation. All rights reserved. Atmel®, logo and combinations thereof, AVR® and others, are the registered trademarks or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Navigation menu