FCC
What Is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, satellite, cable and wire. It also establishes regulations that help ensure electronic equipment does not cause harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Many electronic products sold in the United States, including power supplies, LED drivers, industrial equipment and communication devices, must comply with FCC regulations before they can be legally marketed.
What Does the FCC Do?
The FCC develops and enforces regulations covering:
- Radio frequency (RF) emissions
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Wireless communications
- Telecommunications equipment
- Broadcasting
- Satellite communications
- Electronic devices that intentionally or unintentionally emit radio frequency energy
Its goal is to ensure that electronic products operate safely and coexist without interfering with other equipment or communication services.
Why Is FCC Compliance Important?
Electronic devices can generate radio frequency emissions during normal operation. If these emissions are not controlled, they may interfere with:
- Wireless networks
- Radio communications
- Television reception
- Medical equipment
- Industrial control systems
- GPS devices
FCC compliance helps minimise these risks by requiring products to meet specified emission limits.
Which Products Require FCC Compliance?
Many electronic products intended for the US market require FCC testing or certification, including:
- AC-DC power supplies
- LED drivers
- Computers and servers
- Industrial controllers
- Wireless communication equipment
- Networking hardware
- Consumer electronics
- Test and measurement equipment
Products containing wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular communication typically require additional FCC approval.
FCC Part 15
One of the most recognised FCC regulations is Part 15, which governs radio frequency emissions from electronic devices.
Part 15 applies to equipment that intentionally or unintentionally generates radio frequency energy and sets limits to reduce interference with licensed radio communications.
Products must operate without causing harmful interference and must accept interference received from other compliant devices.
FCC Testing
Before products are placed on the US market, manufacturers may carry out FCC compliance testing through accredited laboratories.
Typical testing includes:
- Conducted emissions
- Radiated emissions
- Radio frequency measurements
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
The exact requirements depend on the type of equipment and its intended application.
FCC and EMC
FCC regulations are closely related to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
While EMC is the broader concept of ensuring equipment operates correctly without causing or suffering from interference, FCC regulations specifically define the requirements for products sold within the United States.
Many manufacturers design products to satisfy both FCC and international EMC standards.
FCC and CE Marking
FCC compliance and CE marking are different regulatory requirements.
- FCC applies primarily to products sold in the United States.
- CE marking applies to many products sold within the European Union and European Economic Area.
Although both address electromagnetic emissions, they are based on different legislation and testing requirements.
FCC Compliance for Power Supplies
Modern switch mode power supplies (SMPS) operate at high switching frequencies that can generate electromagnetic noise.
To achieve FCC compliance, manufacturers commonly incorporate:
- EMI filters
- Shielding
- Proper PCB layout
- Grounding techniques
- Noise suppression components
These design practices help reduce conducted and radiated emissions while maintaining reliable performance.
People Also Ask
What does FCC stand for?
FCC stands for Federal Communications Commission, the US government agency responsible for regulating communications and radio frequency emissions.
What is FCC certification?
FCC certification demonstrates that an electronic product complies with applicable US regulations relating to radio frequency emissions and electromagnetic interference.
Which products require FCC compliance?
Many electronic products sold in the United States, including power supplies, LED drivers, computers, networking equipment and wireless devices, require FCC compliance.
What is FCC Part 15?
FCC Part 15 is a section of the FCC regulations that limits radio frequency emissions from electronic devices to reduce interference with communication systems.
Is FCC the same as CE?
No. FCC compliance applies primarily to products sold in the United States, while CE marking applies to products sold within the European Union and European Economic Area.
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