Implementing the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)

Under the FCC’s Rules, equipment that contains digital circuitry and receivers that tune between 30 MHz and 960 MHz, including the receiver portions of transceivers, must comply with the emissions limitations of FCC Part 15B. These limits are for unintentional emissions from electronic devices, such as from microprocessors and digital equipment, opposed to intentional transmitters, like WiFi, Bluetooth and other radio devices.

The new Rules merge two previous compliance processes called Verification and Declaration of Conformity. A single process now exists called Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or “SDoC.”

Combined equipment (unintentional and intentional emitters) must comply with Certification and/or SDoC as specified for the type of device by the rules (15.101 for unintentional radiators, or the specific rule parts for other TX or devices falling under licensed rule parts). Note that certain types of devices may allow either process to be applied, but certain types of devices may only allow for Certification. Complex device may fall under several types of equipment and should apply all that are applicable. Mobile phones, WiFi, WLAN, notebook computers and tablet computers are a combination of radio transmitters that require certification and unintentional digital circuitry requiring use of the SDoC procedure.

The SDoC approval process is now used for both Class A and Class B equipment. Previously, Verification was required for Class A devices; DoC or Certification were required for Class B equipment.

To comply with SDoC requirements, a manufacturer must perform the necessary tests for unintentional emissions and document the results in a test report. However, the testing can be performed at any capable laboratory; it is not necessary to have accreditation at the laboratory.

Labeling
The FCC warning statement must still be on the label or provided with literature provided to the consumer.