M2MAPPS: We are integrating a module we got from a distributor, who can we get support for this from?

DAVID TREVAYNE-SMITH: This question often arises as the manufacturers of modules use the distribution network to cover their sales methods. Depending on the level of support that is required, the test laboratory you are using for certification will have access to much of the documentation covering the FCC grant on the module, the AT Commands supported and the module manufacturers’ process for integration. If needed, we have the contacts within the manufacturers to discuss any issues and can solve these fairly quickly.

M2MAPPS: There has been a lot of talk about sun-setting of 2G networks and some carriers have released dates. I have a module currently using the 2G network what should I do?

DAVID TREVAYNE-SMITH:

In reality the closure of 2G is going to happen worldwide in a phased approach, giving time to redevelop your product using modules supporting multi-band and multi-mode 2G, 3G and even LTE. Although at the moment the cost of these modules are higher, the long term ROI will appear as you will potentially have a device supporting technologies for the next 10, 15 or 20 years, how far forward looking do you want to go.

I understand that many M2M devices are not going to need the bandwidth and capabilities that the 3G and LTE technologies bring, but just because you have a sports car doesn’t mean you drive at 170 MPH. Consideration of your product lifecycle being extended and the saving of duplicate R&D and certification costs will affect the decision of when to move upwards in technologies.

M2MAPPS: So … I have this great device! What do I need to do to get market access?

DAVID TREVAYNE-SMITH:

Product Review North America Certification

Firstly, we need to see what the device is, how you have created it, using what modules, you may have a simple single cellular module within it, or integrated cellular with Wi-Fi and additional Short Range frequencies… oh you added Bluetooth as well! To start with let review the original grant notice from the cellular module. Do you see “The antenna(s) used for this modular transmitter cannot have a gain of more than 3 dBi and must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter” on the FCC grant? From this case we can see you are going to likely require PTCRB testing if you are aiming at the North America carriers, check on the PTCRB website how to get access to the documentation, or request your test laboratory about this. There are several laboratories that can do this. As you have changed from the original grant authorization from the manufacturer, you will need FCC testing perhaps to obtain a permissive change on the grant with the cooperation of the manufacturer. Even the usage of your device we need to review. Will SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing be applicable? These are all questions we answer almost every day, the integrator is often expert in the field of their experience but for certification you need to consider using experts. The carrier isn’t going to let you place a device on their network without fulfilling the test requirements, using a pre-certified module does shortcut and save potentially 90% of the costs of developing from scratch. But it isn’t always as easy as soldering or screwing on an antenna, adding power and a SIM card. There are some carriers who have pre-certified modules which they list, again look into these. The saving of time/cost in using the correct module will ensure the effort is rewarded. I have seen some great ideas fall flat due to the bad choice of purchasing 5,000 modules which were not pre-certified and effectively not able to be used.

Europe…

Although far apart, the requirements while not matching do align to some degree. In Europe the R&TTE directive governs regulatory approvals, your Declaration of Conformity (DoC) will be required, and often the networks may need GCF (Global Certification Forum) certification. Like the PTCRB they have a module integration process. Again the consideration of EMC, Safety and SAR is called for if applicable.

Rest of the World…

Hey come on… we can write a book on this, but with the FCC and R&TTE, PTCRB and GCF you have done 90% of the world, the other 10% is from those countries which may require in country testing, your Global Type Approval specialist can advise you how to get approval for your product from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

M2MAPPS: I looked at these modules, which is best?

DAVID TREVAYNE-SMITH: Let’s look at the factors which will determine your choice. Where is the module going – remembering that not all carriers use the same bands or even the same technology. Your CDMA module unless supporting multimode with GSM isn’t going to work worldwide no matter if it is pre-certified, not only for the certification schemes of PTCRB and GCF but also the carriers/networks. Saving $5 on the cost of a module isn’t always part of the equation when it needs review over the big picture. And finally we and the other laboratories can’t tell you which is the best, we can assist you in making the decision based on our knowledge of both certification and of working with module manufacturers but the choice will need to be made by you.

M2MAPPS: What is the most common failure you see, where are the issues.

DAVID TREVAYNE-SMITH: Antenna Antenna Antenna… and to solve this. Pre-test, rather than carry out the whole of the testing, the main area which you as integrator had control over and with a series of scans in a reduced mode from the full testing and again at a reduction in cost this will give you the information to adjust and make changes with assistance from engineering skills from your laboratory.

M2MAPPS: And what does the arrival of LTE do to these certification and compliance processes? Do they change substantially in time, cost, or other dimension?

DAVID TREVAYNE-SMITH:

We already see several modules which have LTE incorporated, the certification and compliance of these does lead to certain difficulties for an integrator mainly due to the number and LTE bands that are now available to cover the current and future networks worldwide. Previously a quad band 2G/3G module would support multiple market areas, perhaps 90% of the world and carrier configurations. With LTE we are looking at specific carriers supporting band configurations, but there is no easy way to create one module to fit all, so the effective cost of certification will be higher, needing perhaps 2 or 3 modules to cover North American carriers and worldwide we are looking at 5 modules potentially.

For the integrator this cost may create the need for rationalization, which can concentrate certification effort on particular carriers or regions. The up side of this is for the integrator to develop better carrier relationships, with concentration on choosing the best module configuration for their market plan. Some carriers are offering programs which will assist the integrator, the programs for LTE module and integrations certification and carrier approvals are in place. The cost and therefore time, can depending on carrier be perhaps three times more expensive than 2G/3G certifications but the capabilities and devices which we are seeing will have a longer lifetime in the marketplace without the need for recertification and the amount of available bandwidth allows the use if needed of applications which previously could not even be thought of.

Let’s look forward into the world being the internet of things, rather than expecting a piece of machinery to just connect and send short data bursts to each other.