Of particular importance is that the revised standard still allows the use of either the 1988 or 1998 editions of C63.5 on antenna calibration until the publication of C63.5-2003. Other major changes include that, for the time being, the standard does not require telecommunication port conducted-emission measurements or measurements using ferrite-tube loading on input/output (I/O) cables exiting the test site for tabletop tests. The standard also includes a reference to ISO/IEC 17025 on competency of testing.

The new version allows the use of emission-measurement receiving equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, that do not meet all of the reference receiver requirements in either ANSI C63.2 or CISPR 16-1. In case of disputes, a receiver meeting either reference receiver specification takes precedence. The new version provides more-detailed information on the use of spectrum analyzers and additional features that must be employed, such as input filters and overload protection.

The new standard clarifies the calibration interval requirements for measurement equipment. In addition, it notes that cable insertion loss should include environment considerations such as temperature and damage effects. The use of the vertical coupling plane for performing conducted emission measurements is also clarified.

The revised standard includes new test setups for cases in which power accessories such as ac/dc power packs are used. The new setups take into account when such power accessories are in the equipment under test (EUT) and when they are not. The revised standard also allows the use of loop-back cable arrangements for large equipment when such cables link with remote equipment. This allows cables to provide both a horizontal and vertical exposure. A warning in the new version indicates that not searching full antenna-height elevation between 1 and 4 m in exploratory testing in a semianechoic chamber may not yield sufficient radiated emission information. Such data are needed for a compliance test at a site that meets normalized site attenuation requirements.

Additional Clarifications

The changes are designed to clarify which items are mandatory and which are suggested. The new version also indicates that the text takes precedence over any figures, which are provided only as examples. All power cords associated with the system being tested must be checked for conducted emissions during exploratory measurements. The result helps to establish the power cord arrangement for final testing.

Several annexes were updated and renamed to reflect additional changes. Annex C (Site Attenuation Deviations) was removed because it is covered in ANSI C63.7. Annex E (LISN calibration), made several changes addressing the effects of power source and any filters to suppress external power supply noise when calibrating LISN impedance. Annex G (unintentional radiators other than ITE) includes additional instructions on how to set the sweep time and video bandwidth. Annex H (intentional radiators) now provides further details on use of test instrumentation, including setting of the frequency span, video bandwidth, and resolution bandwidth. It also introduces impulse bandwidth in determining the 1 MHz bandwidth for this measurement. Annex M was also updated.

A number of changes and corrections were made to figures throughout the standard. Further details will be covered during the workshop in Boston. For further information on the technical content of the workshop, contact Don Heirman at d.heirman@ieee.org.

FCC Proposes More Spectrum for Unlicensed Use As part of its ongoing effort to promote more flexible and market- driven uses of the radio spectrum, FCC has proposed making an additional 255 MHz of spectrum available for unlicensed use in the 5.470–5.725 GHz band. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), FCC proposed that this spectrum be made available for use by unlicensed national information infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including radio local-area networks (RLANs), operating under Part 15 of FCC rules. This addition would increase the spectrum available for use by unlicensed devices in the 5 GHz region of the spectrum by nearly 80%. It also represents a significant increase in the spectrum available for unlicensed devices across the overall radio spectrum. FCC also proposed additional technical requirements for U-NII devices, including transition periods for implementation of these requirements. According to FCC, the increased capacity gained from access to this added spectrum, along with the ease of deployment and operational flexibility provided by U-NII rules, will foster the development of a wide range of new and innovative unlicensed devices. FCC predicts the move will lead to further wireless broadband access and investment. FCC noted that this action advances the policies set forth in the Spectrum Policy Task Force Report issued in the fall of 2002. The report specifically recommended that additional spectrum be provided for unlicensed use. This action responds to a petition for rulemaking filed by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA, now known as the Wi(check)Fi Alliance). In agreement with WECA, FCC recognized that this proposal aligns the frequency bands used by U-NII devices with those in many other parts of the world, enabling more-widespread use of the same digital communications products and decreasing development costs for U.S. manufacturers. FCC also proposed several allocations consistent with both the U.S. WRC-03 position and an agreement reached by the U.S. Department of Defense, National Air and Space Administration (NASA), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and FCC regarding the 5 GHz band. For more information contact Ahmed Lahjouji of the Office of Engineering and Technology at 202-418-2061. Reference ET Docket No. 03–122.

UL Panel Updates Filter Standard

Underwriters Laboratories has formed a panel to further develop UL 1283, Safety of Electromagnetic Filters. Standards Technical Panel (STP) 1283 is seeking users and others interested in participating in the panel.

"We are interested in candidates who use the product, have an interest in safety concerns, or have expertise in the use of EMI filters," says David Wester, secretary for STP 1283. UL 1283 addresses the requirements for EMI filters installed on or connected to 600-V or lower-potential circuits.

The requirements cover filters used to attenuate unwanted radio-frequency signals generated from electromagnetic sources. Such filters consist of capacitors and inductors used alone or in conjunction with each other, and may be provided with resistors. For more information, contact Wester at 631-271-6200, ext. 22559, or via e-mail at david.r.wester@us.ul.com.

UL Improves Medical Device Standard

Underwriters Laboratories has issued a new version of UL 60601-1 to address frustrations experienced with UL 2601-1. The reformatted UL 60601-1, Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements for Safety, alleviates the need to flip through the document for clauses, amendments, deviations and rationales.

The easier-to-use version of the standard includes a new number that matches the IEC and EN medical equipment standards, Amendments 1 and 2 fully incorporated into the text, and U.S. national differences placed with their relevant clauses. An electronic version includes hyperlinks to rationales directly within requirements.

"The publication of this reformatted standard reinforces UL's approach to simplifying medical device manufacturers' worldwide conformity-assessment needs," says Dale Hallerberg, senior staff engineer at UL's Northbrook, IL, office. To view a demo version of the electronic UL 60601-1, visit http://www.ul.com/medical.

For additional information regarding the reformatted standard, contact Hallerberg at 847-664-3224 or via e-mail at dale.a.hallerberg@us.ul.com.

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