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

Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus (All Frequency Bands)
Footnote 13 was updated in December 2010.
(PDF, 126 KB, 22 pages)

Issue 4
March 2010

Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Radio Standards Specification

Preface

Radio Standards Specification 102, Radio Frequency (RF) 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.

RSS-102, Issue 4, will be in force as of the publication date of Canada Gazette notice SMSE-002-10, after which the public has 120 days to submit comments. Comments received will be considered and a new issue or revised version of this issue may be developed.

Changes:

1. Section 1.1: Definition of body-supported device has been added, and definition of specific absorption rate (SAR) evaluation has been revised
2. Section 2.4: The submission of the RF Exposure Technical Brief is now required for certification
3. Section 2.6: Clarification related to the User Manual
4. Section 2.7: New section on Quality Control and Post-Certification Investigations/Audits
5. Section 3: Clarification on sections related to Test Reductions and Fast SAR evaluation within IEC 62209
6. Section 3.1.1: Clarification related to SAR measurement for 3 GHz-6 GHz
7. Section 3.1.4: SAR test procedures for 802.16e/WiMAX devices and the link to complete list of accepted FCC's KDBs
8. Section 3.3: Clarification for Computational Modeling
9. Annex A: Additional subsections for SAR evaluation of Limb-Worn Devices
10. Annex C: Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance for exempt radiocommunication apparatus under Section 2.5
11. Annex E: Information for documenting SAR compliance in the RF Exposure Technical Brief

Issued under the authority of
the Minister of Industry

Marc Dupuis
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

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
   • 2.6 User Manual Requirements
   • 2.7 Quality Control and Post-Certification Investigations/Audits
3. Measurement Methods
   • 3.1 SAR Measurements
   • 3.2 RF Exposure Evaluation of Devices with Multiple Transmitters
   • 3.3 Computational Modelling
4. Exposure Limits
   • 4.1 SAR Limits for Devices Used by the General Public (Uncontrolled Environment)
   • 4.2 RF Field Strength Limits for Devices Used by the General Public (Uncontrolled Environment)
   • 4.3 SAR Limits for Controlled Use Devices (Controlled Environment)
   • 4.4 RF Field Strength Limits for Controlled Use Devices (Controlled Environment)

• Annex A - RF Technical Brief Cover Sheet
• Annex B - Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance
• Annex C - Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance for Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits
• Annex D - Body Tissue Equivalent Liquid
• Annex E - Information that should be Included in the RF Exposure Technical Brief to Document SAR Compliance

1. Scope

This Radio Standards Specification (RSS) sets out the requirements and measurement techniques used to evaluate RF exposure compliance of radiocommunication apparatus designed to be used within the vicinity of the human body. This includes mobile, portable and fixed transmitters having an integral antenna, systems requiring licensing with detachable antennas sold with the transmitters, or licence-exempt transmitters with detachable antennas as defined in RSS-Gen.

This standard shall be used in conjunction with other applicable RSSs. Before equipment certification is granted by Industry Canada, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable departmental standards.

It is the responsibility of proponents^{Footnote 1} and operators of antenna system installations to ensure that all radiocommunication and broadcasting installations comply at all times with Health Canada's Safety Code 6, including the consideration of combined effects of nearby installations within the local radio environment. These requirements are specified in Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems.

1.1 Definitions

The following terms and definitions apply to this standard:

Body-supported device is a device whose intended use includes transmitting with any portion of the device being held directly against a user's body.^{Footnote 2}

Body-worn (or body-mount) 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 persons who are 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 field strength limits that apply to devices approved for controlled use (controlled environment).

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

General public limit refers to the SAR and RF field strength limits that apply to devices approved for general public use (uncontrolled environment).

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 field strength 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 field strength 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 or bystanders 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 with this RSS shall 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

The applicant shall prepare an RF exposure technical brief that contains information related to the SAR evaluation (see Annex E) or RF exposure evaluation of the device, including the exact test configuration(s), equipment calibrations, equipment and measurement uncertainties, as well as all other relevant technical information. Device test positions shall be documented, including graphical representations showing separation distances and tilt angles used during the evaluation. 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 that 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 signed declaration of compliance needs to be submitted (see Annex C).

In addition, submission of the RF exposure technical brief is now required for certification. It shall be accompanied by the completed RF technical brief cover sheet.

2.5 Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits

All transmitters are exempt from routine SAR and RF exposure evaluations provided that 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 (see Annex C). 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 exposure 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 radiating element of the device is less than or equal to 20 cm, except when the device operates as follows:

• from 3 kHz up to 1 GHz inclusively, and with output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) source-based, time-averaged output power) that is less than or equal to 200 mW for general public use and 1000 mW for controlled use;
• above 1 GHz and up to 2.2 GHz inclusively, and with output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or radiated (e.i.r.p.) source-based, time-averaged output power) that is less than or equal to 100 mW for general public use and 500 mW for controlled use;
• above 2.2 GHz and up to 3 GHz inclusively, and with output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or radiated (e.i.r.p.) source-based, time-averaged output power) that is less than or equal to 20 mW for general public use and 100 mW for controlled use;
• above 3 GHz and up to 6 GHz inclusively, and with output power (i.e. the higher of the conducted or radiated (e.i.r.p.) source-based, time-averaged output power) that 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 that 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's radiating element is greater than 20 cm, except when the device operates as follows:

• below 1.5 GHz and the maximum e.i.r.p. of the device is equal to or less than 2.5 W;
• at or above 1.5 GHz and the maximum 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, and 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 field strength limits. For instance, compliance distance shall be clearly stated in the user manual.

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

2.7 Quality Control and Post-Certification Investigations/Audits

Industry Canada will conduct market surveillance compliance audits and compliance investigations from time to time, after certification, of radio apparatus intended for sale in Canada. In the event of an investigation of non-compliance, the certificate holder will be asked to provide to the Department records of the quality control process and any relevant information that would help identify issues related to compliance. It is expected that all certificate holders will be able to demonstrate a quality control process used for production inspection and testing in accordance with good engineering practices.

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 3} and/or IEC 62209.^{Footnote 4} However, the applicant shall consult with Industry Canada prior to initiating the certification process if the sections on test reductions^{Footnote 5} and fast SAR evaluations within IEC 62209 are to be applied for the determination of regulatory compliance of the radiocommunication apparatus.

For SAR probe calibration and system verification for measurements between 150 MHz and 300 MHz, the procedures^{Footnote 6} established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can be used as an interim measure until IEEE 1528 and IEC 62209 have incorporated the extended frequency range.

Devices that have a radiating element normally operating at separation distances greater than 20 cm between the user and the 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 of IEEE C95.3.^{Footnote 7}

3.1 SAR Measurements

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

• If a 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 permitted only if the transmission duty cycle is an inherent property of the technology or of 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. 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 of 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 the 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 that 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 for 3 GHz-6 GHz

SAR measurements for devices operating between 3 GHz and 6 GHz are not currently covered by the international standards in Section 3. Until these standards are revised to include the extended frequency range, the FCC's published procedures^{Footnote 8} can be used as an interim measure. In addition, other recognized methods could be used if deemed acceptable by Industry Canada prior to initiating the certification process. Applicants shall include all information relevant to the exact method used in the RF exposure technical brief.

3.1.2 SAR Measurement of Body-Worn Devices

The following requirements shall be considered when performing SAR measurements for body-worn devices. Otherwise, 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 shortest 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 shortest 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.
• The head or body tissue equivalent liquid (see Annex D) for SAR measurement of body-worn devices shall be used. Information related to the tissue equivalent liquid shall be included in the RF exposure technical brief.

3.1.3 SAR Measurement of Devices Containing Multiple Transmitters

Compliance of devices with multiple transmitters capable of simultaneous transmission shall be assessed using recognized methods, such as the procedures^{Footnote 9} published by the FCC, proven to provide a conservative estimate of the SAR value. Applicants shall include in the RF exposure technical brief all information relevant to the exact test methodology used.

3.1.4 SAR Measurement of Other Types of Devices

SAR measurements for certain types of 3G devices^{Footnote 10} (e.g. CDMA2000, Ev-Do, WCDMA), 802.11 a/b/g transmitters,^{Footnote 11} 802.16e/WiMAX devices,^{Footnote 12} laptop computers with built-in antennas on display screens^{Footnote 13} or located within the chassis, as well as licensed and licence-exempt modular transmitters,^{Footnote 14} are not covered by the current international standards in Section 3. Until these standards contain the measurement procedures for these types of devices, the FCC's published procedures can be used as an interim measure. A complete list of accepted FCC's KDB procedures related to SAR measurements can be found on Industry Canada's Certification and Engineering Bureau website.^{Footnote 15} In addition, other recognized methods could be used, if deemed acceptable by Industry Canada, prior to initiating the certification process. Applicants shall include all information relevant to the exact method used in the RF exposure technical brief.

3.2 RF Exposure 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 exposure 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 exposure evaluation of the device shall be performed for each of the individually transmitting antennas. The maximum RF field strength value shall be recorded and used for compliance purposes.

If the device combines groups of simultaneous and non-simultaneous transmitting antennas, the worst case of the above scenarios applies.

3.3 Computational Modelling

Computational modelling may be used to demonstrate compliance with SAR and/or RF field strength limits. However, the applicant shall consult with Industry Canada to determine if computational modelling is deemed acceptable for the type of radiocommunication apparatus for which regulatory compliance is sought, prior to initiating the certification process. The applicant shall submit all information (see Annex E) 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 with the limits specified in this RSS regardless of the computational model used.

Refer to IEEE C95.3-2002 for general information on computational modelling.

4. Exposure Limits

For the purpose of this standard, Industry Canada has adopted the SAR and RF field strength limits established in Health Canada's RF exposure guideline, Safety Code 6.^{Footnote 16}

4.1 SAR Limits for Devices Used by the General Public (Uncontrolled Environment)

4.2 RF Field Strength Limits for Devices Used by the General Public (Uncontrolled Environment)

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

4.3 SAR Limits for Controlled Use Devices (Controlled Environment)

4.4 RF Field Strength Limits for Controlled Use Devices (Controlled Environment)

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

Annex A - RF Technical Brief Cover Sheet

Annex B - Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance

Annex C - Declaration of RF Exposure Compliance for Exemption from Routine Evaluation Limits

Annex D - Body Tissue Equivalent Liquid

(ε_r = relative permittivity, σ = conductivity and ρ = 1000 kg/m³)

Annex E - Information that should be Included in the RF Exposure Technical Brief to Document SAR Compliance

Footnotes

^{Return to footnote reference 1} "Proponent" is defined as anyone who is planning to install or modify an antenna system, regardless of the type of installation or service. This includes, among other services, Personal Communications Services (PCS) and cellular, fixed wireless, broadcasting, land-mobile, licence-exempt and amateur radio services.

^{Return to footnote reference 2} This differs from a body-worn or body-mount radio in that it is not attached to a user's body by means of a carry accessory. A portable computer with an external antenna plug-in radio card (e.g. PCMCIA card) and a portable computer with an antenna located in the screen section are examples of body-supported devices.

^{Return to footnote reference 3} IEEE 1528: Recommended Practice for Determining the Peak Spatial-Average Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the Human Head from Wireless Communications Devices: Measurement Techniques

^{Return to footnote reference 4} IEC 62209: Human exposure to radio frequency fields from hand-held and body-mounted wireless communication devices – Human models, instrumentation, and procedures

^{Return to footnote reference 5} The applicant is not required to consult with Industry Canada if the test reductions are based on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) KDB procedures referenced in this standard.

^{Return to footnote reference 6} FCC KDB Publication 450824: SAR Probe Calibration and System Verification considerations for measurements from 150 MHz to 3 GHz (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 7} IEEE C95.3-2002: IEEE recommended practice for measurements and computations of radio frequency electromagnetic fields with respect to human exposure to such fields, 100 kHz-300 GHz

^{Return to footnote reference 8} FCC KDB Publication 865664: SAR Measurement Requirements for 3 to 6 GHz (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 9} FCC KDB Publication 648474: SAR Evaluation Considerations for Handsets with Multiple Transmitters and Antenna (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 10} FCC KDB Publication 941225: SAR Measurement Procedures for 3G Devices http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 11} FCC KDB Publication 248227: SAR Measurement Procedures for 802.11 a/b/g Transmitters (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 12} FCC KDB Publication 615223: 802.16e/WiMAX SAR Measurement Guidance (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 13} FCC KDB Publication 616217: SAR Evaluation Considerations for Laptop Computers with Antennas Built-in on Display Screens (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html) and measurement method for bystander requirement (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ceb-bhst.nsf/eng/h_tt00080.html

^{Return to footnote reference 14} FCC KDB 447498: Mobile and Portable Device RF Exposure, Equipment Authorization Procedures (http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/eameasurements.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 15} List of accepted KDB procedures for SAR measurements (http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ceb-bhst.nsf/eng/h_tt00080.html)

^{Return to footnote reference 16} Health Canada's Safety Code 6: Limits of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy in the Frequency Range from 3 kHz to 300 GHz (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/radiation/radio_guide-lignes_direct-eng.php)