RSS-Gen, Issue 6: General Requirements for Compliance of Radio Apparatus

Scope and Application

RSS-Gen sets out the general requirements applicable to both licensed and license-exempt radio apparatus used in Canada. It serves as the foundational document to be used in conjunction with specific Radio Standards Specifications (RSS) applicable to various radio technologies. This standard does not apply to broadcasting receivers or broadcast satellite receivers, which are regulated by Broadcasting Equipment Technical Standards (BETS) and ICES-003.

Regulatory Context and Modifications

RSS-Gen, Issue 6 replaces RSS-Gen, Issue 5 (including its subsequent amendments). Key modifications in this issue include updated site validation standards (ANSI/USEMCSC C63), expanded frequency ranges for unwanted emission measurements (up to 750 GHz), and the integration of QR code labelling. It also clarifies that stand-alone receivers and passive RFID tags have been moved to RSS-310.

Equipment Classification

• Category I Equipment: Radio apparatus that requires a Technical Acceptance Certificate (TAC) issued by the Certification and Engineering Bureau of ISED or a recognized Certification Body. These devices must be listed on the Radio Equipment List (REL).
• Category II Equipment: Radio apparatus exempt from certification. While no TAC is required, the equipment must still comply with all applicable technical standards, and the manufacturer must retain a test report.

Key Technical Requirements

• Frequency Stability: Transmitters must maintain frequency stability under various environmental conditions. Testing is typically performed at temperatures of -30°C, +20°C, and +50°C for licensed equipment, and -20°C, +20°C, and +50°C for license-exempt equipment.
• Transmitter Power: Specifications are provided for measuring average power, peak power, and power spectral density. Measurements must be taken at the maximum power rating intended for the device.
• Occupied Bandwidth (OBW): The 99% emission bandwidth must be reported for all radio apparatus.
• Unwanted Emissions: Limits include both out-of-band and spurious emissions. The range of measurement depends on the device's highest frequency, potentially extending up to the 10th harmonic or 750 GHz.
• RF Exposure and Compatibility: Devices must comply with RSS-102 for radio frequency exposure and, where applicable, RSS-HAC for hearing aid compatibility.

Testing Methods and Procedures

Compliance must be demonstrated using established measurement methods, primarily those specified in ANSI/USEMCSC C63.10 for unlicensed devices and ANSI/USEMCSC C63.26 for licensed services.

• Radiated Emissions below 30 MHz: Measurements must use a small loop antenna and be reported in terms of magnetic field strength (H-field). Rod antennas are strictly prohibited.
• Radiated Emissions at 30 MHz and above: Measurements should be taken in the far-field. If taken at a different distance, results must be extrapolated using a factor of 20 dB per decade.
• On-site/In-situ Testing: For equipment that cannot be tested at a standard site (e.g., perimeter protection systems), testing must be performed at a minimum of three representative locations.
• Standard Test Voltage: Testing should be performed at ±5% of the manufacturer's rated supply voltage. For battery-operated devices, a new or fully charged battery must be used.

Labelling and User Manual Requirements

All radio apparatus must be uniquely identified. The ISED certification number format is IC: XXXXX-YYYYYYYYYYY, where XXXXX is the Company Number (CN) and YYYYYYYYYYY is the Unique Product Number (UPN).

• Bilingual Notices: License-exempt radio apparatus must include specific compliance notices in both English and French within the user manual or on the device.
• Detachable Antennas: Transmitters with detachable antennas must list the permitted antenna types and maximum gain in the user manual.
• Electronic Labelling (e-labelling): Devices with integrated displays may use e-labelling for certification information, provided instructions on how to access the label are included in the manual or packaging.
• QR Codes: Labels may consist of a QR code if it is easily readable by generic apps and is permanently affixed to the product.

In-Country Compliance

ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) manages the certification process. Testing must be conducted by ISED-recognized laboratories. A transition period of one year is generally provided from the date of publication of a new issue, during which applications under either the old or new issue are accepted.