By obtaining wireless (Bluetooth) certification, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products comply with the required technical reliability. In another words, these certifications are like products’ passes, allow them legally entering the market and be able to import or export specific countries. Modular approval and Non-modular approval are two different approaches to the certification and regulatory processes for wireless communication devices.
Modular approval is a process in which a wireless device is certified as a modular component, such as a Bluetooth module, that can be integrated into multiple host devices without additional testing for each host device. Once certified, the module can be used in various host devices without undergo the same level of testing.
Non-modular approval is also known as end-product approval, is the traditional certification process for wireless devices, where the entire device needs to be tested and certified for compliance with wireless (Bluetooth) standards and regulations.
Countries follow and under modular approval such as FCC (USA), IC (Canada), Telec (Japan), KC (South Korea), NCC(Taiwan), SRRC(China)…etc.Meanwhile, countries are under non-modular approval, we have CE (Europe), RCM (Australia and New Zealand)…etc.
The elaboration and the easy steps on how the process we go through as you choose Raytac, detail for each as following:
Modular Approval:
FCC (USA) FCC ID Search | Federal Communications Commission 1. Part 15C –> Simply use our module FCC ID on product label 2. Part 15B (EMC) –> request lab to test on EMC, SDoc* *Definition: SDoc(Supplier’s Declaration of conformity) One way to show that a product, process or service to comply with a standard or technical regulation, in which a supplier provides written assurance of conformity to the specified requirements.
IC (Canada) IndustryCanda Wireless ID Database (industrycanada.co) 1.Similar to FCC –> Simply use our module IC ID on product label. 2.–> request lab to test finished good on EMC (IC ES003). Recommend combining test with FCC Part 15B
Telec (MIC)(Japan) MIC ICT Policy (soumu.go.jp) 1.–> Simply use our module Telec ID on product label 2.Different from the USA and Canada –> EMC is optional in Japan, upon on end customer’s request.
KC (South Korea) South Korea – Labeling/Marking Requirements (trade.gov) 1. Wireless test can be continued to use module report, new test is not required. 2. EMC KN301489(same rule as CE EN301489) –> to be tested based on final goods under EMC test policy. Same rules as FCC and IC. Recommend combining test with FCC Part 15B. 3. If product obtain additional cable IO port, test on KN3235 is required. 4. To be KC certified, the new test is required, certification no. cannot be continued to use from other policy. And the test must be done locally.
NCC (Taiwan) NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (ncc.gov.tw) 1. Products is compliant with platform policy –> lab submit photo and add product under Raytac NCC no. 2. Products is not compliant with platform policy –> product must be tested as final goods at the lab to be certified. *Definition: platform policy: product itself has it’s own function before Bluetooth was installed. For example, a Bluetooth installed pen has a new function; it vibrates when the switch is on. In this scenario, pen originally has it’s own function, and now the addition function; vibration has been added to this device. We say this product is compliant with platform policy.
SRRC (China) State Radio Regulation of China (srrc.org.cn) 1. –>Simply use our module SRRC ID on product label. 2. Products doesn’t under the category of home electronics / office supplies, SRRC test must be implemented.
Non-Modular Approval:
CE (Europe) CE Marking (trade.gov) 1. Wireless test: EN300328 –> Conducted test could continue to use Raytac ‘s CE report. –> Radiated test is required to be tested based on final goods under wireless regulation. 2. EN301489 (EMC) –> Same rules as FCC and IC. Recommend combining test with FCC Part 15B 3. Safety test: EN60950 (EN62368)–> safety test is required to be tested based on final goods under regulation.
RCM (Australia and New Zealand) The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) (General) – EESS 1. Products is CE certified –>lab can copy CE report to apply RCM 2. Products is not CE certified –> go through the same test as CE regulations.
Overall, it’s important to note that the certification process and requirements may vary across different regions. Manufacturers should consult the relevant certification authorities to determine the specific requirements for their wireless devices. Raytac already took a step ahead gone through complex procedures of obtaining certifications, and we also have strong IT team to support for best solutions.Choosing Raytac would allow you to work more efficient and it will be your key in success for all the projects.
Edited by Sales Manager: Mandy Chao
Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司 A Bluetooth & WiFi module maker based on Nordic nRF54, nRF53, nRF52, nRF7002 solution www.raytac.com email: service@raytac.com Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
Intro: With the ready built code of zephyr.hex file for net core and application core individually, we would like to proceed code flashing into the MDBT53/53V Nordic nRF5340 BLE module.
Ready Built Code Programming Steps
Step1.
Execute nRF Connect >> Programmer > > Open
Step2.
Click “SELECT DEVICE” >> Find icon of “nRF5340 DK” which is detected by the programmer app
Step3.
Click icon of “nRF5340 DK” >> “Erase All” to remove the flash memory from MDBT53/53V BLE Module
Step4.
Click “Add File” to load the net core zephyr.hex and application core zephyr.hex both into programmer
Step5.
Do “Erase & Write ” to execute the flashing process for both zephyr.hex into memory of MDBT53/53V Module.
Step6.
To validate the wireless broadcast of default name “Nordic_UART_Service” from MDBT53/53V Module, please check on the “nRF Connect for mobile” APP and do “Scan device” through your mobile.
Once the device name is detected in your mobile , the wireless connection is successfully done.
There are some more useful resources in the below links:
Here provides the easy introduction to the article of Hardware & Firmware Set up with step-by-step guidelines for nRF5340 Module demo board MDBT53-DB-40/MDBT53V-DB-40.
Hardware Set Up
Software Kits Resource & Preparation
To recognize your nRFConnect SDK version case by case
c. Locate all the necessary kits for programming in PC (Check Software/Application list)
3. To recognize your nRFConnect SDK version case by case
Intro: The preparation of nRF Connect SDK Vx.x.x(NCS SDK version, ) and Nordic Example code will help you get through the program code building and trace debug in VS Code IDE or Segger Embedded Studio IDE. Here’s the brief way to recognize your nRFConnect SDK version which suits your project development.
Step1.
Activated your “nRF Connect for Desktop” >> “Toolchain Manager” >> “Open” >> “Install”
(**Note: The development nRF Connect SDK(NCS) provides with free VS Code IDE and Segger Embedded Studio IDE as compiling system)
Step2.
To recognize your project is with or without Audio inquiry and download the “nRF Connect SDK(NCS)” by the following classification.
A.) Project with Non-Audio case
Option1. Go with NCS V1.9.1 (Included) and previous version.
There’re either “Open VS Code” or “Open Segger Embedded Studio” IDE options could be selected for program coding.
Option2. Go with NCS V2.0.0(included) and the later.
There’s simply “Open VS Code” IDE that could be run for program coding.
B.) Project with “Audio” inquiry
You would only have option of NCS V2.0.0(included) and the later version working in “Open VS Code” IDE.
Step3.
Please make sure the nRFConnect SDK is installed at same base directory with compiling system (the root of Open VS Code)
(This is using D:\ncs-work base as example.)
If the base is not directing to the same, do “Select directory’” to re-direct the route.
Step4.
nRFConnect SDK Vx.x.x Download ready
Find more information about nRF5340 Module firmware development resources in below link!
Where to find nRF5340 module quickly? The nRF5340 a dual core solution deployed with 2 Arm Cortex M33 processors. Not only provide faster and powerful for advanced applications, but also LE audio. Raytac knows your anxiety and already distributed the modules available in several channels aimed to provide a speedy and comfortable way to get it.
Nordic nF5340 is the first wireless SoC with dual core processors which aimed to optimized the performance of complex IoT applications and LE audios. The dual core contains a 1MB Flash / 512K RAM M4F MCU for application processor and another 256K Flash / 64K RAM for network. This structure remarkable optimized the performance also low power efficiency.
Raytac released 5 modules with 2 form factors, MDBT53 and MDBT53V, with different antenna options for selection. The modules deployed nRF53 SoC supports high-speed SPI, QSPI, USB, I2C, I2S, and NFC interface and 105°C industrial temperature specification. BT5.3 pre-qualified, FCC/IC/CE/Telec (MIC)/KC/SRRC/NCC pre-certified is a MUST for all Raytac modules.
MDBT53 is a System-on-Module (aka SoM) with a good size of 9.3mm x 14.3mm and 48 GPIO which is an ideal dimension to fit in most applications. MDBT53 provides 3 antenna options, Chip antenna; PCB antenna; and u.FL connector for external antenna which deliver a maximum feasibility for most IoT projects. MDBT53-1M (Chip Antenna)MDBT53-P1M (PCB Antenna)MDBT53-U1M (u.FL Connector for External Antenna)
MDBT53V is designated for the application which has a space constraint design. A 7.8mm x 12.4mm with 25 GPIO is small enough to offer the opportunity of employing nRF5340 modules in the project. MDBT53V provides 2 options of antenna, Chip and PCB, for developers’ selection which is capable of optimizing the project plan in terms of performance and budgetary. MDBT53V-1M (Chip Antenna)MDBT53V-P1M (PCB Antenna)
The nRF5340 is the world’s first wireless SoC with two Arm® Cortex®-M33 processors. The architecture is including an “Application Processor" which deployed a 1M Flash 512K RAM; and a “Network Processor’ which deployed a 256K Flash and 64K RAM. With the IoT applications has become more and more complex nowadays, nRF5340 is exact the solution to meet higher specification demand of technology and provide an easier and quick path toward project success.
Raytac deployed nRF5340 SoC to built up 2 series of module which are MDBT53 & MDBT53V . Both modules now have been completed BT5.2 qualification; FCC/IC/CE/Telec/KC/SRRC/NCC pre-certified. Quoted from Nordic Blog: First nRF5340 modules eliminate processor trade-off for developers, Raytac offer a range of qualified and certified modules based on Nordic technology which can immediately save the cost, time and complex process of the testing works. Shorten the Time to Market and Get the thing done quickly and effectively is what the advantage Raytac module can bring over to you.
“The UKCA marking came into effect on 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, you will still be able to use the CE marking until 1 January 2023 in most cases" according to British Government’s announcement.
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking has been an issue for brands since Brexit effected which regulate for goods, products been placed, used, sold in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
Bluetooth module provides wireless communication by using radio wave to connect over distances are requited to meet compliance with local standard. As the worldwide key Nordic solution module manufacturer, Raytac will continue to fulfill every major local government’s guidance of regulation compliance such as FCC, IC, CE, MIC, ….and UKCA for sure.
Does the end products need to perform certification test again if using Wirepas Massive software on a Pre-certified Bluetooth module? The Answer is “No"!
Local wireless regulation is the obligation for all devices need to follow. Raytac recently have received several queries from customers asking about if products built by Raytac’s Bluetooth modules need to perform FCC testing again if loaded Wirepas Massive software (aka Wirepas Mesh)?
Wireless regulation by countries may simply divided into 2 categories which are modular policy and non-modular policy. Countries like USA (FCC), Canada (IC), Japan (MIC/Telec)…etc. are following modular policy which means end products do not need to perform wireless testing and allow to use certified module ID on end products directly without further testing required. For non-modular policy countries like Europe (CE), the end products can only reference part of module testing report but still need perform the testing based on product base.
Bluetooth modules loaded Wirepas software would not change the wireless characteristics and features in term of frequency, channels, modulation, transmit power and antenna from original. Therefore, the original module certification and testing report can be referenced, used and leveraged.
Wirepas, an IoT software provider offers a flexible, scalable, and high reliability connectivity solution has been significantly reducing the cost and complexity over projects. The long-standing partnership between Raytac and Wirepas framed a combined hardware and software solution, has built up an ecosystem by providing a per-certified module and ready-to-use software successfully shorten time-to-market for system integrations and accelerate business.
Many Customers are interested about Raytac’s facility, reliability and capacity. Here, Raytac would like to invite customers having a quick tour and know more about Raytac’s factory.
Raytac’s factory is located in New Taipei City where is located in north of Taiwan. The factory scales 4600 M2 with 180 man power. A completed in house SMT equipment and inspection facility provide a reliable and speedy module production line with over 600,000 pcs monthly capacity.
Raytac Corporation 