FCC compliance testing

Q: What is FCC compliance?

FCC compliance refers to meeting the technical and safety standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for electronic and wireless devices sold or distributed in the United States. Any device that emits radio frequency (RF) energy - such as smartphones, laptops, routers, wearables or IoT products - must be tested to ensure it does not cause harmful interference and that it operates within safe electromagnetic and RF exposure limits. Products that pass FCC compliance testing receive an FCC ID or qualify under the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), allowing them to be legally marketed and sold in the U.S.

Q: What are FCC regulations?

FCC regulations are the rules and technical standards established by the Federal Communications Commission under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR47). These regulations govern how electronic and communication devices operate to ensure: Efficient use of the radio spectrum Prevention of interference between devices Protection of public health and safety from RF exposure Fair competition and consumer protection in the communications market FCC regulations apply to a wide range of technologies, including broadcasting, telecommunications, wireless communication and electronic devices.

Testing for FCC standards

Meet FCC requirements for wireless products

Ensuring compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations is essential for any electronic or wireless product entering the U.S. market. FCC compliance testing verifies that devices emitting radio frequency energy – such as smartphones, laptops, routers, wearables and IoT devices – meet strict requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency emissions and RF exposure (SAR or power density).

Testing must be conducted at FCC-accredited laboratories. Passing the compliance tests leads to an FCC ID, which is necessary for legal marketing and sales within the U.S. The testing process references CFR Title 47 (CFR47), relevant KDB (Knowledge Database) guidance and ANSI C63 standards, ensuring standardized and reproducible methods across product types.

Early pre-compliance testing during product development helps identify potential failures before final submission, reducing costly redesigns and retesting later in the process.

Master your FCC compliance testing challenges

FCC requirements change as wireless technologies evolve. Manufacturers face several recurring challenges in meeting these standards:

Keeping up with changing regulations: Revisions must be actively monitored and incorporated into design and verification workflows.
Increased wireless complexity: Modern devices integrate multiple wireless technologies that operate across various frequency bands.
EMC and emissions testing: Compliance with radiated and conducted emissions limits per CISPR and ANSI C63 standards is a fundamental but challenging part of FCC approval.
RF exposure and SAR compliance: Wireless devices must comply with human exposure limits for specific absorption rate (SAR) or power density (PD).

High-performance solutions for FCC compliance testing

Our test systems delivers end-to-end coverage for FCC testing – from EMC and RF exposure validation to DFS and 6 GHz compliance:

R&S®TS9975: conducted and radiated EMI measurements
R&S®TS8996: radiated spurious emissions (RSE) testing
R&S®TS8997: ETSI and FCC compliance testing and unlicensed band testing (such as WLAN and Bluetooth)
CMX500 one-box tester: 5G NR testing

DFS ensures that Wi-Fi devices can share spectrum with radar systems. The FCC’s KDB 905462 defines strict waveform and detection requirements.

Challenges:

Generating and synchronizing radar waveforms with high accuracy
Ensuring repeatable detection probability results across test cycles

Solution:

The R&S®TS8997 test system delivers high-fidelity waveform generation, wide dynamic range and full automation – simplifying the complex DFS testing workflow.

The opening of the 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz) for unlicensed use has enabled Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies. Compliance testing under KDB 987594 requires validation across multiple device classes (LPI, SP, VLP) and coordination with AFC systems for standard-power devices.

Challenge:

Limited flexibility when testing client devices requiring standard-power AP operation under AFC control.

Solution:

Custom test configurations and application notes support complete and efficient testing for all 6 GHz device categories.

Benefits of our FCC compliance testing solutions

Faster certification cycles: automated testing reduces time to market
Confidence in compliance: proven systems aligned with key standards ensure accurate and repeatable results
Scalability and flexibility: support for multi-radio devices, new frequency bands and future standard updates
Reduced cost and redesign efforts: pre-compliance testing supports early identification of design issues
Worldwide support network: Our global presence ensures that we can support your testing need no matter where you are located

Discuss your specific FCC compliance testing needs with our experts.

Products for FCC compliance testing

R&S®CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester

Future-proof 5G NR test solution with an intuitive and flexible web-based user interface

产品信息

R&S®TS8997 wireless measurement system

Leading platform for regulatory testing in ISM bands.

产品信息

R&S®TS8996 RSE test system

Designed for EMI and radiated spurious emission testing in anechoic chambers.

产品信息

R&S®TS9975 EMI test system

Test system that covers all common EMI measurements over a large frequency range.

产品信息

Frequently asked questions

What is FCC compliance?

What are FCC regulations?

请求信息

Do you have questions or need additional information? Simply fill out this form and we will get right back to you.
For service/support requests, please go here to log in or register.

先生

女士

无可奉告

名字

姓氏

电子邮箱

公司

国家/地区

电话（例如，+1 400 123 5678）

邮政编码

城市

询问

Email confirmation (optional)

你的申请已提交，我们稍后会联系您。

An error is occurred, please try it again later.

FCC compliance testing

Testing for FCC standards

Master your FCC compliance testing challenges

High-performance solutions for FCC compliance testing

Case studies with our FCC compliance testing solutions

Case study 1: Dynamic frequency selection (DFS) in the 5 GHz band

Case study 2: 6 GHz band device testing (KDB 987594)

Benefits of our FCC compliance testing solutions

R&S®TS8997 wireless measurement system

Frequently asked questions

Sign up for our newsletter