Reference resources " FCC Transmitter Module Equipment Authorization Guide
Question: Can a module be certified where the host device must use a micro-strip trace on the host’s printed circuit board to an antenna connector or a trace antenna on the host circuit board?
Answer: A modular transmitter may be certified when the connection to the antenna is made through a host’s printed board micro-strip trace layout to an external connector, trace antenna or component (chip) antenna on a printed circuit board (herein referenced as “ trace design”). This can be extended to include passive parts for antenna attenuation padding, impedance matching or providing test ports. Other components such as amplifiers and active drivers are not considered a trace layout and must be contained on the module.
The Form 731 application shall include detailed engineering reference designs for the trace design in addition to the required OEM instructions (see Comprehensive integration instructions above) for all trace designs approved with the module. In particular the integration instructions shall include the following:
1. Trace layout and dimensions including specific designs for each type:
a.Layout of trace design, parts, antenna ,connectors and isolation requirements;
b.Boundary limits of size , thickness, length, width, shape(s) dielectric constant, and impedance must be clearly described for each type antenna;
c.Different antenna length and shapes affect radiated emissions and each design shall be considered a different type; e.g., antenna length in multiple(s) of frequency wavelength and antenna shape (traces in phase) can affect antenna gain and must be considered;
d.The above data is to be provided by a Gerber file (or equivalent) for PC layout.
2.Appropriate parts by manufacturer and specifications.
3.Test procedures for design verification.
4.Production test procedures for ensuring compliance.
Only trace designs approved at the time of grant or through permissive change can be used by the OEM. PCB circuit designs have an increased potential for design mishandling and they are susceptible to cross-talk and increased unintentional radiation. The applicant must provide compliance test data for all antenna circuit trace designs being marketed or used. Different antenna length and trace layouts can affect radiated emissions and each design shall be considered a different type.
For demonstrating compliance, when not limited to specific host, a stand-alone reference open board PCB test board design that is representative of the worst case boundary limits (as constrained by the design rules documented in the integration instructions) for each trace design (type) shall be used.
For SAR consideration, all current test procedures and guidance must be followed as discussed in Section IV on RF Exposure considerations and all the relevant FCC KDB publications and in particular the conditions defined in Section 2 of FCC KDB Publication 447498.
It is recommended that the grantee have an agreement with the Host manufacture to build in accordance with instructions, in order to ensure compliance.
Grant comment: This module can only be used with a host antenna circuit trace layout design in strict compliance with the OEM instructions provided.