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Navigating the FCC Online Resrouces

Presented by: Chris Harvey Tim Dwyer Anne Liang

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AgendaFCC KDB (Knowledge Database) search - ChrisSubmitting FCC KDB inquiries, TCB web site - TimFCC grants/applications search - Anne

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FCC Website Navigation & Links:

Main site: (can always navigate from here): www.fcc.gov

EAS site: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/

Knowledge Database (KDB): https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfm

TCB site: https://apps.fcc.gov/tcb/index.html 

Measurement Procedures: http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html

FRN Search: https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

Knowledge Data Base (KDB)

The FCC Rules are very complex and yet cannot provide all the detail needed to ensure compliance of devices

The FCC created the KDB system to provide additional guidance

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Purpose of KDBs (and disclaimer)

The staff guidance provided in the KDB is intended to assist the public in following Commission requirements and does not constitute rules.The guidance is not binding on the Commission and will not prevent the Commission from making a different decision in any matter that comes to its attention for resolution.

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FCC KDB System

Knowledge DataBase (KDB): https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/index.cfmToday there are approximately 175 ‘active’ KDBs (may be more)Most are numbered using 6 digits +

no rhyme or reason to numbering There are groups of KDB’s under single number with Document numbers (D01, etc.)Versions/revisions change regularly (i.e. D02 v02r05)

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FCC KDB System

Historically… (before KDB’s) searching for FCC ‘policy’ was very difficultmany interpretations from FCC were not public

Today…Searching is much betterMost interpretations are publicCould still use some improvement

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KDB Major Guidance Listhttps://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/reports/GuidedPublicationList.cfm

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Groupings:Application Administrative GuidanceApplication Technical GuidanceLabeling InformationRF ExposureTCB/Test organizationsTest Methods

KDB – Advanced Searches

There are 274 possible first categoriesMany do not have any interpretations

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KDB Searches – Basic Search

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KDB Search efficiency

My preference is using the Basic Search:

Basic Search on UNII produced 20 itemsAdvanced Search on UNII category produced 6 items

Is it better to have more hits?

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KDB Searches – Keyword Selection

How do you find the right words to use in a search?

comes from experience and knowing the Rules

Example:You want to find requirements for WiFi device, but WiFi is not an FCC term.Try synonyms: 802.11, DTS, NII, WLAN

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How to find information

Example Basic search on similar termsWiFi – 2 hitsWLAN – 3 hitsDTS – 11 hitsNII – 13 hits802.11 – 22 hits!

So how do you find the information you want?

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How to find information

Using FCC terms from Rulesi.e. UNII, DTS, FHSS

Start General then to specificsIf you get too many hits, narrow your searchIf you don’t get enough or the right hits, adjust your search termsPersistence pays-off

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How to find information (2)

You are likely to need to review/search more than one KDB to get the complete picture:

i.e DTS test guidance in 558074 D01RF Exposure in 447498, 248227 + othersMIMO in 662911 D01

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KDB Example Searches – lets try

Cell Phone Composite Tx issuesWiFi Channel 12&13 issuesSAR requirements for Notebook ComputerSimultaneous Transmission SARPush-to-Talk (PTT) RadiosGarage door openersOthers?

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Draft KDB’s

New Drafts open for Public comments:https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/reports/PublishedDocumentList.cfm

Archives of Draft KDB’s:https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/kdb/reports/ExpiredDocumentList.cfm

There are no archives of final KDB’s… Possible project for TCB Council?

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KDB Updates

TCB Council Members receive monthly email (sometimes more often) listing and linking KDB Updates

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KDB Inquiry

If additional guidance is needed beyond what is publically available in the KDB Search you can submit a private KDB Inquiry and receive a private response from FCC

Sometimes the FCC will see benefit in scrubbing the private KDB to provide general guidance to the public

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KDB Inquiry – sharing

Currently FCC does not want private KDB’s shared

Private KDB replies are for specific situations/configuration/devicesInformation may not apply to another device/situationTCB Council Working with FCC to find a way to generalize private KDB’s for sharing

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FCC grants/applications searchWeb Link: https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/

 Live searches

FCC DFS Master Approvals

FCC DFS requirementFCC-06-96A1 went into effect on July 20, 2006.KDB443999 D01 interim policy published on Oct 14, 2010.

DFS master applications must go through the FCC for approval.DFS testing at the FCC OET lab is required.

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FCC Approved DFS APs in 2014

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SDR ApprovalsKDB442812 D01 SDR Apps Guide v02r02 (10/31/2013)

TCBs are permitted to approve SDR(s) subject to a Permit-But-Ask (PBA) procedure prior to an initial or a Class III permissive change application.

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SDR Approvals issued by a TCB

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Dismissed GrantsReasons for dismissals

Voluntary withdrawals (product never been sold or marketed)• Product name or FCC ID wrong• To protect confidentiality (grant was issued before the deferred grant

date)• To improve performance; Product end of life

Dismissed by the FCC• Measurement issues (applicable modes not tested; inconsistency in

device configuration and output power; SAR not properly addressed). • Grant issued without filing a PBA inquiry

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Dismissed Grants in March 2014

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Thank You