RSS-102 - Radio Frequency Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands)

Issue 2
November 2005

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications

Radio Standards Specification

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Preface

Radio Standards Specification 102, Radio Frequency Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands) sets out the requirements and measurement techniques used to evaluate radio frequency (RF) exposure compliance of radiocommunication apparatus designed to be used within the vicinity of the human body.

The first issue of RSS-102 (1999) outlined Industry Canada’s evaluation procedures used by certification applicants to declare compliance of mobile and portable radio transmitters with the radio frequency exposure limits established in Health Canada's Safety Code 6.

Since the original publication, technological advancements have resulted in radiocommunication apparatus that are more versatile, easier to use and provide a range of new services. With the introduction of new technologies comes the need for updated regulatory requirements.

RSS-102, Issue 1 has been revised to cover new equipment, to mandate the use of standard internationally recognized measurement techniques and to modify compliance methods under certain circumstances. In addition to a change in title, the document has been reformatted and updated to reflect Industry Canada’s current practices.

RSS-102, Issue 2 will be in force as of the publication date of Canada Gazette notice SMSE-013-05 after which the public has 90 days to make comments. Comments received will be considered and a new issue or revised version of this issue may be developed.

Issued under the authority of
the Minister of Industry

_______________
R.W. McCaughern
Director General
Spectrum Engineering

Table of Contents

• 1. Scope
  • 1.1 Definitions
    
    
• 2. Certification Requirements
  • 2.1 Application for Certification
  • 2.2 RF Exposure Technical Brief
  • 2.3 RF Technical Brief Cover Sheet
  • 2.4 Approval Process
  • 2.5 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits
    • 2.5.1 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits – SAR Evaluation
    • 2.5.2 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits – RF Exposure Evaluation
  • 2.6 User Manual Requirements
    
    
• 3. Measurement Methods
  • 3.1 SAR Measurements
    • 3.1.1 SAR Measurement of Body-worn Devices
    • 3.1.2 SAR Measurement of Devices Containing Multiple Transmitters
  • 3.2 RF Evaluation of Devices with Multiple Transmitters
  • 3.3 Computational Modelling
    
    
• 4. Exposure Limits
  • 4.1 SAR Limits for Devices used by the General Public
  • 4.2 RF Limits for Devices used by the General Public
  • 4.3 SAR Limits for Controlled use Devices
  • 4.4 RF Limits for Controlled use Devices
    
    
• Annex A - RF Technical Brief Cover Sheet
  
  
• Annex B - Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance

1. Scope

This Radio Standards Specification (RSS) sets out the requirements and measurement techniques used to evaluate radio frequency (RF) exposure compliance of radiocommunication apparatus designed to be used within the vicinity of the human body.

This Standard shall be used in conjunction with other applicable Radio Standards Specifications (RSS) and not by itself. Before certification is granted, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable Industry Canada standards.

The safe use and installation of antennas typically placed on towers and structures, such as building rooftops, are specified in Client Procedure Circular 2-0-03, Environmental Process, Radiofrequency Fields and Land-Use Consultation (CPC-2-0-03).

1.1 Definitions

The following terms and definitions apply to this Standard: 

Body-mount (or body-worn) radio is a wireless transceiver that is normally operated (or intended to be used) while it is placed in the pocket of a garment, or is maintained close to the body by means of a belt clip, holster, pouch, lanyard or similar mechanism.

Controlled Use is the type of approval given to a device that is intended to be used by a person who is fully aware of, and can exercise control over their exposure. Controlled use devices are not intended for use by members of the general public.

Controlled Use Limit refers to the SAR and RF exposure limits that apply to devices approved for Controlled Use.

Device refers to a sample unit representative of the equipment for which certification is sought.

General Public Limit refers to the SAR and RF exposure limits that apply to devices approved for General Public Use.

General Public Use is the type of approval given to a device that can be used by the general public.

RF exposure evaluation is the method used to evaluate the RF exposure levels generated by a device. RF exposure evaluation is required if the separation distance between the user and the device is greater than 20 cm.

RF exposure limit refers to the limit pertaining to an electric field, a magnetic field or a power density that applies to the RF exposure evaluation.

Specific absorption rate (SAR) evaluation is the method used to evaluate the SAR levels from a device by physical measurement or computational modelling techniques. SAR evaluation is required if the separation distance between the user and the device is less than or equal to 20 cm.

Specific absorption rate (SAR) limit is the limit pertaining to the rate of RF energy absorbed in tissue, per unit mass, and which applies to the SAR Evaluation.

2. Certification Requirements

2.1 Application for Certification

Compliance to this RSS shall always be evaluated in the context of an application for certification submitted under the RSS(s) applicable to the frequency band and/or technology that pertains to the equipment for which certification is sought.

2.2 RF Exposure Technical Brief

An RF exposure technical brief shall be prepared and contain information related to the SAR evaluation or RF exposure evaluation of the device, including the exact test configuration(s), equipment calibrations, equipment and measurement uncertainties and all other relevant technical information. Device test positions shall be documented (including graphical representations showing separation distances and tilt angles used during the evaluation), and close-up photos of the actual device in the various test positions shall also be included.

The RF exposure technical brief shall demonstrate that the requirements of this Standard have been met and that appropriate measurement methods, evaluation methodologies or calculations have been used.

For devices approved for Controlled Use, the RF exposure technical brief shall also include device operational guidelines which meet the requirements of Section 2.5, for user exposure awareness and control.

2.3 RF Technical Brief Cover Sheet

The information found in the RF technical brief cover sheet (see Annex A), shall be taken from the RF exposure technical brief. The information provided therein shall clearly support the compliance claim.

2.4 Approval Process

To obtain approval under this Standard, the above mentioned application for certification shall be accompanied by the duly completed RF technical brief cover sheet (see Annex A) and a properly signed declaration of compliance (see Annex B). However, if the device in question meets the exemption from routine evaluation limits of Sections 2.5.1 or 2.5.2, only a properly signed declaration of compliance shall be submitted.

Although submission of the RF exposure technical brief is not required for certification, it shall be made available upon request, for as long as the device model is marketed in Canada.

2.5 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits

All transmitters are exempt from routine SAR and RF exposure evaluations as long as their output power complies with the power levels of Sections 2.5.1 or 2.5.2. If the equipment under test (EUT) meets the requirements of Sections 2.5.1 or 2.5.2, applicants are only required to submit a properly signed declaration of compliance. The information contained in the RF exposure technical brief may be limited to information that demonstrates how the output power of the transmitter was derived.

If the EUT does not meet the appropriate exemption limit, a complete SAR or RF evaluation shall be performed.

It must be emphasized that the above exemption from routine evaluation is not an exemption from compliance.

2.5.1 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits – SAR Evaluation

SAR evaluation is required if the separation distance between the user and the device is less than or equal to 20 cm, except when the device operates: 

• from 3 kHz up to 1 GHz inclusively and its output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or effective isotropic radiated power (e.i.r.p.) source-based time-averaged output power) is less than, or equal to 200 mW for General Public Use and 1000 mW for Controlled Use;
  
  
• above 1 GHz up to 2.2 GHz inclusively and its output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or radiated (e.i.r.p.) source-based time-averaged output power) is less than, or equal to 100 mW for General Public Use and 500 mW for Controlled Use;
  
  
• above 2.2 GHz up to 3 GHz inclusively and its output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or radiated (e.i.r.p.) source-based time-averaged output power) is less than, or equal to 20 mW for General Public Use and 100 mW for Controlled Use;
  
  
• above 3 GHz up to 6 GHz inclusively and its output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or radiated (e.i.r.p.) source-based time-averaged output power) is less than, or equal to 10 mW for General Public Use and 50 mW for Controlled Use.

In these cases, the information contained in the RF exposure technical brief may be limited to information which demonstrates how the output power of the device was derived.

2.5.2 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits – RF Exposure Evaluation

RF exposure evaluation is required if the separation distance between the user and the device is greater than 20 cm, except when the device operates: 

• below 1.5 GHz and its e.i.r.p. is equal to or less than 2.5 W;
  
• at or above 1.5 GHz and the e.i.r.p. of the device is equal to or less than 5 W.
  

In these cases, the information contained in the RF exposure technical brief may be limited to information that demonstrates how the e.i.r.p. was derived.

2.6 User Manual Requirements

The applicant is responsible for providing proper instructions to the user of the radio device, as well as any usage restrictions, including limits of exposure durations. The user manual shall provide installation and operation instructions, as well as any special usage conditions, to ensure compliance with SAR and/or RF exposure limits.

Instructional material shall be included to caution against inappropriate usage. Furthermore, instructions shall be included in the user manual regarding the minimum separation distances between users or bystanders (i.e. any person in the vicinity of the apparatus, and any part of the radiating element).

The user manual of devices intended for Controlled Use shall also include, information relating to the operating characteristics of the device; operating instructions to ensure compliance with SAR and/or RF exposure limits; information on the installation and operation of accessories to ensure compliance with SAR and/or RF exposure limits; and contact information where the user can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance. Other related information may also be included.

3. Measurement Methods

Devices that have a radiating element normally operating at or below 6 GHz, with a separation distance of up to 20 cm between the user and the device, shall undergo a SAR evaluation. Devices operating above 6 GHz shall undergo an RF exposure evaluation.

SAR evaluations shall be made in accordance with the latest version of IEEE 1528 [Footnote 1] and IEC 62209. [Footnote 2]

Devices that have a radiating element normally operating at separation distances greater than 20 cm between user and device shall undergo an RF exposure evaluation. SAR evaluation may be performed in lieu of an RF exposure evaluation for devices operating below 6 GHz, with a separation distance of greater than 20 cm between the user and the device.

RF exposure evaluation shall be made in accordance with the latest version IEEE C95.3. [Footnote 3]

3.1 SAR Measurements

In addition to the above mentioned SAR standards, the following information shall apply when performing SAR evaluation:

• device has push-to-talk capability, a minimum duty cycle of 50% (on-time) shall be used in the evaluation. A lower duty cycle is only permitted if the transmission duty cycle is an inherent property of the technology or in the design of the equipment and not under user-control. Proof of the various on/off durations and a detailed method of calculation of the average power shall be included in the SAR evaluation. In general, maximum average power levels shall be used to determine compliance.
  
  
• For devices without push-to-talk capability, the duty cycle used in the evaluation shall be based on the inherent property of the transmission technology or the design of the equipment.
  
  
• If possible, the transmitter shall be set to the maximum output power for which it is rated before the SAR evaluation. If the antenna length is variable, the tests shall generally be performed with an antenna length that maximizes the peak SAR, such as fully retracted and again fully extended. The device shall be in the normal operating position as recommended by the manufacturer when evaluating SAR.
  
  
• Multi-mode transmitters operating in the same frequency band are to be evaluated in the mode that is expected to yield the greatest SAR. Devices which are capable of operating in multiple bands shall be evaluated against all these bands.
  
  
• If the device is designed to operate in front of the mouth, it shall be evaluated with the front of the device positioned at 2.5 cm from a flat phantom. If it is also designed to operate when placed next to the cheek and ear, it shall also be tested in that position.
  
  
• SAR evaluation of Medical Implant Communication System (MICS) and Medical Implant Telemetry System (MITS) devices shall be performed by physical measurement or computational modelling.
  

3.1.1 SAR Measurement of Body-worn Devices

The following requirements shall be considered when performing SAR measurements for body-worn devices. As an alternative, compliance of body-worn devices shall be assessed using internationally recognized methods proven to provide a conservative estimate of the SAR value.

• A flat phantom shall be used.
  
  
• Belt-clips and holsters shall be attached to the device and positioned against the flat phantom in normal use configurations.
  
  When multiple accessories supplied with the device contain no metallic component, the device shall be tested with the accessory that provides the smallest separation distance between the device and the body.
  
  
  
• When multiple accessories supplied with the device contain metallic components, the device shall be tested with each accessory containing a unique metallic component. If multiple accessories share the same metallic component only the accessory providing the smallest separation distance between the device and the body shall be tested.
  
  
  
• If accessories are not supplied or available, a separation distance of 1.5 cm, between the device and the phantom, is recommended. Although other separation distances may be used, the measurement distance used in the evaluation shall not exceed 2.5 cm. The device shall be positioned with either its back face or front face toward the phantom - whichever will result in the higher SAR value. If this cannot be determined, both positions shall be tested and the higher of two SAR values shall be included in the RF technical brief cover sheet.
  

3.1.2 SAR Measurement of Devices Containing Multiple Transmitters

Compliance of devices with multiple transmitters capable of simultaneous transmission shall be assessed using internationally recognized methods proven to provide a conservative estimate of the SAR value. Applicants shall include all information relevant to the exact method used in the RF exposure technical brief.

3.2 RF Evaluation of Devices with Multiple Transmitters

If the device is designed such that more than one antenna can functionally transmit at the same time, the RF evaluation shall be conducted while all antennas are transmitting. The individual exposure levels shall be summed and used for compliance purposes.

If the device has more than one antenna, but is not designed to have more than one antenna functionally transmit at the same time, the RF evaluation of the device shall be performed for each of the individually transmitting antennas. The maximum RF field value shall be recorded and used for compliance purposes.

If the device combines groups of simultaneous transmitting antennas, the worst case of the above combination of requirements applies.

3.3 Computational Modelling

Computational modelling may be used to demonstrate compliance with SAR and/or RF exposure limits. Applicants shall submit all information relevant to the modelling, including an electronic copy of the simulation and modelling information necessary to reproduce the results. The applicant is responsible for compliance to the limits specified in this RSS regardless of the computational model used.

Please refer to IEEE C95.3 for general information on computational modelling.

4. Exposure Limits

For the purpose of this Standard, Industry Canada has adopted the SAR and RF exposure limits established in Health Canada’s RF exposure guideline, Safety Code 6 [Footnote 4]. Please refer to Safety Code 6 for additional information on these limits.

4.1 SAR Limits for Devices used by the General Public

4.2 RF Limits for Devices used by the General Publicic

Note:  ƒ is the frequency in MHz.
* Power density limit is applicable at frequencies greater than 100 MHz

4.3 SAR Limits for Controlled use Devices

4.4 RF Limits for Controlled use Devices

Note:  ƒ is the frequency in MHz.
* Power density limit is applicable at frequencies greater than 100 MHz

Annex A - RF Technical Brief Cover Sheet

Annex A, PDF Format, 218 KB

Annex B - Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance

Annex B, PDF Format 217 KB

Footnotes

1. IEEE 1528: Recommended Practice for Determining the Peak Spatial-Average Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Head from Wireless Communications Devices: Measurement Techniques.

2. IEC 62209: Procedure to Determine the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for Hand-held Mobile Telephones in the Frequency Range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz.

3. IEEE C95.3: Recommended Practice for Measurements and Computations of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields With Respect to Human Exposure to Such Fields, 100 kHz-300 GHz.

4. Health Canada’s Safety Code 6: Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.