Bluetooth Module Approval Policy

There are various Bluetooth modules in the market, but how developers should select?

Despite most of the module makers promote the module with FCC certificated or FCC pre test, the products built by this selected module can really comply with module approval policy?

What is module approval policy?

 U.S. FCC define wireless module approvals fall into one of three categories:

• Full module approval – A radio module to be approved for use in any host and sold to anyone
• Limited modular approval – A radio module to be approved for restricted use
• Split modular approval – A radio module where the transmitter firmware is held on a host

FCC Full Module Approval
Full approval is defined in FCC Part 15.212.  The module will have the FCC ID; any host incorporating the module will show that the module is contained within it: Contains FCC ID: XXXYYYYY. 

Why developers love using modules to build up the products? Not only getting rid of complex professional design and knowledge in RF hardware aspect, but also trying have cost and time effective during development and marketing.

As such, to save time and energy wasting, it is important for developers learn how to distinguish and pick up a “Right” module with “Full Module Approval” at first place! 

How to judge ? Excepting checking the certification from supplier, there are 8 indispensable criteria can help to affirm without assertion.

Cites from FCC (USA) part 15 regulation depiction, a module comply with full module approval must:

1. Must have its own metal shields. 
2. Must have buffered modulation/data inputs
3. Must have its own power supply regulation
4. Must comply with FCC Part 15.203 & 15.204 (c) antenna requirements
5. Must be tested in stand-alone configuration
6. Must be labelled with the FCC ID (*)
7. Must comply with any specific rule or operating requirements applicable to FCC.
8. Must comply with any applicable RF exposure requirements

*6. If the FCC ID is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label referring to the enclosed module. The exterior label can use wording such as “Contains FCC/IC: XXX)

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