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Need help complying with FCC Part 15? We work with businesses and individuals across the country, including in , to achieve compliance with Part 15 and other FCC regulations.
Click the “Talk to Our Team” button or call us on 866-540-5287 to ask our engineers your question about Part 15 compliance, or request a free quote for testing and achieving FCC authorization for your device.
If you are developing an electronic device that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, you’ll need to complete FCC testing and certification before bringing your device to market in the United States.
BLE devices, like other radio frequency devices, are subject to the Federal Communications Commission’s regulations for use of the radio frequency spectrum.
As an accredited electronics testing lab and Telecommunications Certification Body, we can carry out testing for your device and help you receive FCC equipment authorization, allowing you to legally market your BLE device in the United States.
Continue reading below to learn more about BLE FCC certification requirements and testing processes, or call us at 866-540-5287 or contact us online to talk to our team.
Bluetooth Low Energy Overview
- Bluetooth Low Energy devices are classified as intentional radiators by the FCC and require FCC certification in order to gain access to the market in the United States.
- To complete the FCC certification process, your BLE device will need to pass testing with an accredited lab, then apply for a grant of equipment authorization and FCC ID through a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB).
- After gaining a grant of equipment authorization, your BLE device will receive its own unique FCC ID, allowing market access in the United States.
- Common BLE chip manufacturers include Nordic Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, Dialog Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics, and several others. Many common BLE chips are designed for optimal electromagnetic compatibility.
- Contacting our team early in your BLE device design process lets us identify potential EMC issues early and helps you to achieve successful testing and compliance.
Common BLE Chips
Common BLE SoCs and module brands include:
- Nordic Semiconductor
- Texas Instruments
- Dialog Semiconductor
- STMicroelectronics
- Silicon Labs
- Qualcomm
- NXP Semiconductors
BLE Devices and FCC Part 15C
In the United States, all electronic devices capable of emitting radio frequency interference are subject to FCC regulations. The most common FCC regulation for consumer electronic devices is FCC Part 15.
Under FCC Part 15, devices are classified as intentional radiators (devices that deliberately use radio frequency waves for communication) and unintentional radiators (devices that do not emit RF energy deliberately, but may produce RF emissions due to their design).
All Bluetooth devices, including BLE devices, are classified as intentional radiators by the FCC and are required to comply with relevant electromagnetic compatibility regulations.
As intentional radiators, Bluetooth Low Energy devices are subject to FCC Part 15C and must receive FCC certification and an FCC ID in order to go on sale in the United States.
BLE devices cannot gain equipment authorization via the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity process. If your device contains a BLE module or SoC, it must be certified via a TCB and gain an FCC ID.
Key Steps to Test & Certify a BLE Device
All intentional radiator devices, including BLE devices, must complete a multiple-step process before gaining equipment authorization and an FCC ID:
- Pre-compliance testing during development. Many BLE devices have EMC issues that may not be apparent during design and development. Pre-compliance testing can help you identify these issues early in your device’s development process, simplifying the testing and certification process during the lab testing phase.
- Register with the FCC. By law, you must have a free FCC Registration Number (FRN) for certification and authorization of radio spectrum devices. If necessary, we can obtain the FCC Grantee code (Company FCC Code) from the FCC on your behalf.
- Lab testing for FCC compliance. In order to receive FCC certification, your device is required to demonstrate compliance with all required standards. As an accredited test lab, we can test your device to verify compliance with FCC Part 15C.
- Prepare technical documentation. Following testing, your compliance testing reports and other documentation must be compiled into a detailed technical document for FCC certification.
- Certification via an FCC-recognized TCB. The FCC does not directly certify devices. Instead, your application for certification is reviewed by a TCB and, if all conditions for certification are met, will receive FCC certification and a unique FCC ID.
- FCC equipment authorization and market access. After your device is authorized, it can legally display the FCC ID and enter the market in the United States.
As an accredited testing lab and FCC-recognized TCB, we have tested and certified hundreds of BLE devices. Our team can assist you with the pre-compliance, testing and FCC certification processes to help you receive equipment authorization and bring your BLE device to market.
Contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 for information about the testing and certification process, or to request a quote for your device.
