FCC authorization Wireless Charging & RF Exposure

What rule part?

  • [] Part 15 ‐ If charger uses radio energy for communication with device (may not transmit in the 90‐110 kHz band, restricted under 15.205)

  • [] Part 18 ‐ If charger uses RF only to perform work (i.e. charge). Load impedance detection with limited communication for load management ok. (i.e. backscatter load modulation)

  • [] Devices that use a secondary frequency for load management, control and data functions must be authorized according to both Part 15 and Part 18 requirements, as appropriate.

RF Exposure Exclusions;

Inductive wireless power transfer applications that meet all of the following requirements are not required to submit a KDB inquiry for devices approved using “Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity” (SDoC) or follow the “Pre Approval Guidance” (PAG) proceedure for equipment approved using certification to address RF exposure compliance. However, the responsible party is required to keep a copy of the test report.

  • [1] Power transfer frequency is less than 1 MHz

  • [2] Output power from each primary coil is less than or equal to 15 watts

  • [3] The system may consist of more than one source primary coils, charging one or more clients. If more

than one primary coil is present, the coil pairs may be powered on at the same time.

  • [4] Client device is inserted in or placed directly in contact with the transmitter.

  • [5] Mobile exposure conditions only (portable exposure conditions are not covered by this exclusion).

  • [6] The aggregate H-field strengths anywhere at or beyond 15 cm surrounding the device, and 20 cm away from the surface from all coils that by design can simultaneously transmit, and while those coils are simultaneously energized, are demonstrated to be less than 50% of the applicable MPE limit.

In all other cases, unless excluded by 5 above, an RF exposure evaluation report must be reviewed and accepted through a KDB inquiry to enable authorization of the equipment. When evaluation is required to show compliance; for example, using field strength, power density, SAR measurements or computational modeling etc., the specific authorization requirements will be determined based on the results of the RF exposure evaluation.

Devices specifically intended for use for wireless power transfer, or inductive charging, require FCC guidance for frequency exposure review if not excluded by the above. This includes Part 18 devices. The responsible party or manufacturer must seek guidance from the FCC by submitting a wireless charging application inquiry at http://www.fcc.gov/labhelp.

The initial inquiry shall include the following:

  • [] In the “Subject” line, fill the field as follows: Seeking guidance for wireless chargers;

  • [] complete product description, including coil diameters , number of turns and current;

  • [] the rule part(s) the device will operate in and the reasoning for rule part(s);

  • [] planned equipment authorization procedure;

  • [] drawings, illustrations;

  • [] frequencies;________________________________

  • [] radiated power;_____________________________

  • [] operating configurations

  • [] conditions for human exposure

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