FCC 容许更改政策: RF Design Changes and FCC Filing

随着时间的推移, you may find yourself in need of design changes to accommodate evolving products or component shortages, and you may wonder whether these product updates will require another full FCC filing process. 

Below is a guide to the FCC 容许更改政策 issued in October 2015 that will inform you about the product changes that require you to submit a new filing. The policy outlines three permissive change levels, applying to the following equipment modification categories: 

• 天线的变化
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and hardware changes
• 附件更改
• 软件更改
• 射频接触 considerations 
• 各种各样的变化

除了一些例外, product modifications such as changes to basic frequency-determining and stabilizing circuitry, frequency multiplication stages, 基本调制器电路, 最大功率, or field strength ratings will require a new grant (FCC ID) and equipment application.

If your product has a transmitter and you have had to make design updates, refer to the change classes outlined below to determine if a new filing is necessary. All proposed changes must be considered to determine the type of filing required.

Class I Permissive Changes

Class I Permissive changes include equipment modifications that do not degrade the characteristics reported by the manufacturer and accepted by the FCC during initial certification. This update category does not require the manufacturer to apply for a new FCC filing.

Class II Permissive Changes

Class II updates include equipment modifications that degrade performance characteristics as reported to the FCC at the time of initial certification. Degraded performance must still meet the minimum requirements of the applicable rules. Class II permissive changes require the grantee to provide the FCC with test results of the product characteristics affected by the change. The modified equipment may not be marketed under the existing grant of certification without FCC acknowledgment that the change is acceptable.

请注意: When a Class II permissive change is filed either for EMC or 射频接触 目的, an EMC test report or 射频接触 evaluation is required, regardless of whether EMC or 射频接触 levels are degraded.

Class III Permissive Changes

Class III updates include software modifications to a software-defined radio transmitter that change the frequency range, 调制类型, or maximum output power (radiated or conducted) outside the parameters previously approved, or that change the circumstances under which the transmitter operates in accordance with FCC rules. When a Class III permissive change is made, the grantee shall provide the FCC with a description of the changes and test results showing that the new software loaded on the equipment complies with the applicable rules, including compliance with relevant 射频接触 requirements.

请注意: Class III changes are permitted only for equipment that has not also had any Class II changes made. 

As you consider your product modifications, remember to review the full 容许更改政策, available on the FCC website. 

For further information, please review the FCC Permissive Change: Frequently Asked Questions.

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