[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 2, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14500-14503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-7689]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 2 and 15
[ET Docket No. 94-124; RM-8308; FCC 95-499]
Operation above 40 GHz
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: By this First Report and Order (``1st R&O''), the Commission
adopts revisions to the frequency allocation table and establishes
standards to permit the manufacture, importation and operation of
vehicle-mounted radar system transmitters in the 46.7-46.9 GHz and 76-
77 GHz bands and of general use, unlicensed transmitters in the 59-64
GHz band. Part of this action responds to petitions for rule making
filed by General Motors Research Corporation (GM) and VORAD Safety
Systems , Inc. (VORAD).
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 2, 1996. The suspension of Sec. 15.255 is effective
until a final Commission decision is reached concerning appropriate
spectrum etiquette techniques. FCC will publish notice of the final
decision in the Federal Register.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Reed, Office of Engineering and
Technology, (202) 418-2455, Richard Engelman, Office of Engineering and
Technology, (202) 418-2445, or Michael Marcus, Office of Engineering
and Technology, (202) 418-2470, or send an electronic mail message via
the Internet to [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's 1st
R&O, ET Docket 94-124, FCC 95-499, adopted December 15, 1995, and
released December 15, 1995. The full text of this Commission decision
is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in
the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. The complete text of this decision may also be purchased from the
Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service,
Inc., (202) 857-3800, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 246 or 2100 M Street,
N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037.
Summary of 1st R&O
1. On October 20, 1994, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed
Rule Making, 59 FR 61304, November 30, 1994, in this proceeding. The
Commission proposed to open for commercial development and use a
portion of the millimeter wave frequency bands above 40 GHz. In
particular, the Commission proposed to make available a total of 16 GHz
of spectrum in the frequency range between 47.2 and 153 GHz on a shared
basis with existing and future government users. The Commission also
proposed to make available 2 GHz of spectrum in the 40.5-42.5 GHz band
for non-government users.
2. In cooperation with the Department of Commerce's National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the
Commission proposed twelve frequency bands in the region of the
spectrum from 47 GHz to 153 GHz for potential use by new millimeter
wave technologies. The frequency bands are: 47.2-48.2 GHz, 59.0-64.0
GHz, 71.0-72.0 GHz, 76.0-77.0 GHz, 84.0-85.0 GHz, 94.7-95.7 GHz, 103.0-
104.0 GHz, 116.0-117.0 GHz, 122.0-123.0 GHz, 126.0-127.0 GHz, 139.0-
140.0 GHz, and 152.0-153.0 GHz. The Commission also proposed to
designate three millimeter wave bands, as well as part of a fourth
band, for use by vehicular radar systems. These bands are: 47.2-47.4
GHz, 76.0-77.0 GHz, 94-7-95.7 GHz and 139.0-140.0 GHz.
[[Page 14501]]
3. This 1st R&O makes available a total of 6.2 GHz of spectrum in
the 46.7-46.9 GHz, 59-64 GHz, and 76-77 GHz bands for unlicensed
devices. These new frequency bands and associated standards will permit
the development of vehicle radar systems that could be used in
conjunction with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and short-
range, high capacity wireless radio systems that could be used for
educational and medical applications, wireless access to libraries or
other information databases. Based on comments filed in this
proceeding, the Commission believes that the frequency band 46.7-46.9
GHz would be a better choice for vehicle radar operations in this
region of the spectrum than our original proposal of 47.2-47.4 GHz. The
use of this frequency band for vehicle radar systems addresses the
concerns of Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and others,
and will provide additional flexibility in our decisions regarding
licensed operations. Therefore, we are making the 46.7-46.9 GHz and 76-
77 GHz bands available for vehicle radar systems. We are also making
the 59-64 GHz band available for use by general unlicensed devices
under Part 15 of our rules. Our decision is primarily motivated by the
physical characteristics of the spectrum and widespread support for
this aspect of our rule. We believe that licensing is not necessary
because of the limited potential for interference due to oxygen
absorption and the narrow beamwidth of point-to-point antennas likely
to be operating in this range. Moreover, we believe that by providing a
full 5 GHz bandwidth we will be making the spectrum more attractive for
novel broadband applications such as wireless computer-to-computer
communications.
List of Subjects
47 CFR Part 2
Communications equipment, Radio.
47 CFR Part 15
Communications equipment, Highway safety, Radio.
Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
Rules Changes
Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 2 and 15, are
amended as follows:
PART 2--FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The authority citation for Part 2 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Sec. 4, 302, 303, and 307 of the Communications Act
of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 302, 303, and 307,
unless otherwise noted.
2. Section 2.106, the Table of Frequency Allocations, is amended by
revising the frequency bands 43.5-47.0 GHz, 59-64 GHz, 76-81 GHz, to
read as follows:
Sec. 2.106 Table of Frequency Allocations.
* * * * *
International table United States table FCC use designators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Non-
Region 2-- Region 3-- --------------- Government
Region 1-- allocation GHz allocation GHz --------------- Rule Special-use
allocation GHz Allocation Allocation part(s) frequencies
GHz GHz
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
43.5-45.5 43.5-45.5 43.5-45.5 43.5-45.5 43.5-45.5
MOBILE 902 MOBILE 902 MOBILE 902 FIXED-
SATELLITE
MOBILE-SATELLITE MOBILE-SATELLITE MOBILE-SATELLITE (Earth-to-
space)
RADIONAVIGATION RADIONAVIGATION RADIONAVIGATION MOBILE-
SATELLITE
RADIONAVIGATION- RADIONAVIGATION- RADIONAVIGATION- (Earth-to-
SATELLITE SATELLITE SATELLITE space)
903 903 903 G117
45.5-47.0 45.5-47.0 45.5-47.0 45.5-47.0 45.5-47.0
MOBILE 902 MOBILE 902 MOBILE 902 MOBILE MOBILE RADIO
FREQUENCY
DEVICES
(15)
MOBILE-SATELLITE MOBILE-SATELLITE MOBILE-SATELLITE MOBILE- MOBILE-
SATELLITE SATELLITE
RADIONAVIGATION RADIONAVIGATION RADIONAVIGATION (Earth-to- (Earth-to-
space) space)
RADIONAVIGATION- RADIONAVIGATION- RADIONAVIGATION- RADIONAVIGATI RADIONAVIGATI
SATELLITE SATELLITE SATELLITE ON-SATELLITE ON-SATELLITE
903 ................ 903 903
* * * * * * *
59-64 59-64 59-64 59-64 59-64
FIXED FIXED FIXED FIXED FIXED Radio 61.25 GHz250
devices MHz:
(15) Industrial,
scientific
and medical
frequency
INTER-SATELLITE INTER-SATELLITE INTER-SATELLITE INTER- INTER-
SATELLITE SATELLITE
MOBILE 909 MOBILE 909 MOBILE 909 MOBILE 909 MOBILE 909
RADIOLOCATION 910 RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION
911 911 911 911 911
[[Page 14502]]
* * * * * * *
76-77 76-77 76-77 76-77 76-77
RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIO
FREQUENCY
DEVICES
(15)
Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur
Amateur-Satellite Amateur- Amateur-
Satellite Satellite
Space Research Space Research Space Research
(space-to-Earth) (space-to- (space-to-
Earth) Earth)
77-81 77-81 77-81 77-81 77-81
RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION RADIOLOCATION Amateur
(97)
Amateur Amateur Amateur Amateur
Amateur-Satellite Amateur- Amateur- Amateur-
Satellite Satellite Satellite
Space Research Space Research Space Research
(space-to-Earth) (space-to- (space-to-
Earth) Earth)
912 912
* * * * *
3. Section 2.997 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 2.997 Frequency spectrum to be investigated.
(a) In all of the measurements set forth in Secs. 2.991 and 2.993,
the spectrum shall be investigated from the lowest radio frequency
signal generated in the equipment, without going below 9 kHz, up to at
least the frequency shown below:
(1) If the equipment operates below 10 GHz: to the tenth harmonic
of the highest fundamental frequency or to 40 GHz, whichever is lower.
(2) If the equipment operates at or above 10 GHz and below 30 GHz:
to the fifth harmonic of the highest fundamental frequency or to 100
GHz, whichever is lower.
(3) If the equipment operates at or above 30 GHz: to the fifth
harmonic of the highest fundamental frequency or to 200 GHz, whichever
is lower.
(b) Particular attention should be paid to harmonics and
subharmonics of the carrier frequency as well as to those frequencies
removed from the carrier by multiples of the oscillator frequency.
Radiation at the frequencies of multiplier stages should also be
checked.
(c) The amplitude of spurious emissions which are attenuated more
than 20 dB below the permissible value need not be reported.
(d) Unless otherwise specified, measurements above 40 GHz shall be
performed using a minimum resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz.
PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES
1. The authority citation for Part 15 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 4, 302, 303, 304, 307, and 624A of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 302,
303, 304, 307, and 544A.
2. Section 15.31 is amended by revising paragraph (f)(1) to read as
follows:
Sec. 15.31 Measurement standards.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(1) At frequencies equal to or above 30 MHz, measurements may be
performed at a distance other than what is specified provided:
measurements are not made in the near field; and, it can be
demonstrated that the signal levels needed to be measured at the
distance employed can be detected by the measurement equipment.
Measurements shall not be performed at a distance greater than 30
meters unless it can be further demonstrated that measurements at a
distance of 30 meters or less are impractical. When performing
measurements at a distance other than what is specified, the results
shall be extrapolated to the specified distance using one of the
following formulas: for measurements above 30 MHz but below 40 GHz, an
inverse linear-distance extrapolation factor (20 dB/decade); for
measurements above 40 GHz, an inverse linear-distance-squared
extrapolation factor (40 dB/decade).
* * * * *
3. Section 15.33 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as
follows:
Sec. 15.33 Frequency range of radiated measurements.
(a) For an intentional radiator, the spectrum shall be investigated
from the lowest radio frequency signal generated in the device, without
going below 9 kHz, up to at least the frequency shown in this
paragraph:
(1) If the intentional radiator operates below 10 GHz: to the tenth
harmonic of the highest fundamental frequency or to 40 GHz, whichever
is lower.
(2) If the intentional radiator operates at or above 10 GHz and
below 30 GHz: to the fifth harmonic of the highest fundamental
frequency or to 100 GHz, whichever is lower.
(3) If the intentional radiator operates at or above 30 GHz: to the
fifth harmonic of the highest fundamental frequency or to 200 GHz,
whichever is lower.
(4) If the intentional radiator contains a digital device,
regardless of whether this digital device controls the functions of the
intentional radiator or the digital device is used for additional
control or function purposes other than to enable the operation of the
intentional radiator, the frequency range shall be investigated up to
the range specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section
or the range applicable to the digital device, as shown in paragraph
(b)(1) of this section, whichever is the higher frequency range of
investigation.
* * * * *
4. Section 15.35 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
Sec. 15.35 Measurement detector functions and bandwidths.
* * * * *
(b) On any frequency or frequencies above 1000 MHz, unless
otherwise
[[Page 14503]]
stated, the radiated limits shown are based on the use of measurement
instrumentation employing an average detector function. When average
radiated emission measurements are specified in the regulations,
including emission measurements below 1000 MHz, there is also a limit
on the radio frequency emissions, as measured using instrumentation
with a peak detector function, corresponding to 20 dB above the maximum
permitted average limit for the frequency being investigated. Unless
otherwise specified, measurements above 1000 MHz shall be performed
using a minimum resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz. Measurements of AC power
line conducted emissions are performed using a CISPR quasi-peak
detector, even for devices for which average radiated emission
measurements are specified.
* * * * *
5. Section 15.205 is amended by adding a new paragraph (d)(4) to
read as follows:
Sec. 15.205 Restricted bands of operation.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(4) Any equipment operated under the provisions of Sec. 15.253 or
Sec. 15.255.
* * * * *
6. A new Sec. 15.253 is added to Subpart C to read as follows:
Sec. 15.253 Operation within the bands 46.7-46.9 GHz and 76.0-77.0
GHz.
(a) Operation within the bands 46.7-46.9 GHz and 76.0-77.0 GHz is
restricted to vehicle-mounted field disturbance sensors used as vehicle
radar systems. The transmission of additional information, such as
data, is permitted provided the primary mode of operation is as a
vehicle-mounted field disturbance sensor. Operation under the
provisions of this section is not permitted on aircraft or satellites.
(b) The radiated emission limits within the bands 46.7-46.9 GHz and
76.0-77.0 GHz are as follows:
(1) If the vehicle is not in motion, the power density of any
emission within the bands specified in this section shall not exceed
200 nW/cm \2\ at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of
the radiating structure.
(2) For forward-looking vehicle-mounted field disturbance sensors,
if the vehicle is in motion the power density of any emission within
the bands specified in this section shall not exceed 60 W/cm
\2\ at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the
radiating structure.
(3) For side-looking or rear-looking vehicle-mounted field
disturbance sensors, if the vehicle is in motion the power density of
any emission within the bands specified in this section shall not
exceed 30 W/cm \2\ at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior
surface of the radiating structure.
(c) The power density of any emissions outside the operating band
shall consist solely of spurious emissions and shall not exceed the
following:
(1) For vehicle-mounted field disturbance sensors operating in the
band 46.7-46.9 GHz: 2 pW/cm \2\ at a distance of 3 meters from the
exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(2) For forward-looking vehicle-mounted field disturbance sensors
operating in the band 76-77 GHz: 600 pW/cm \2\ at a distance of 3
meters from the exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(3) For side-looking or rear-looking vehicle-mounted field
disturbance sensors operating in the band 76-77 GHz: 300 pW/cm \2\ at a
distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the radiating
structure.
(4) Radiated emissions below 40 GHz shall not exceed the general
limits in Sec. 15.209.
(d) The provisions in Sec. 15.35 limiting peak emissions apply.
(e) Fundamental emissions must be contained within the frequency
bands specified in this section during all conditions of operation.
Equipment is presumed to operate over the temperature range -20 to +50
degrees celsius with an input voltage variation of 85% to 115% of rated
input voltage, unless justification is presented to demonstrate
otherwise.
(f) Regardless of the power density levels permitted under this
section, devices operating under the provisions of this section must
comply with the requirements of the RF safety standards specified in
Sec. 1.1307(b) of this chapter. Compliance with these standards for the
fundamental emissions and the unwanted emissions must be demonstrated
in the application for certification.
7. A new Sec. 15.255 is added to Subpart C and suspended to read as
follows:
Sec. 15.255 Operation within the band 59.0-64.0 GHz.
(a) Operation under the provisions of this section is not permitted
for field disturbance sensors, including vehicle radar systems, nor is
the operation of this equipment permitted on aircraft or satellites.
(b) Within the 59.0-64.0 GHz band, the power density of any
emission shall not exceed 9 W/cm \2\ at a distance of 3
meters.
(c) The power density of any emissions outside the 59.0-64.0 GHz
band shall consist solely of spurious emissions and shall not exceed 90
pW/cm \2\ at a distance of 3 meters. The levels of the spurious
emissions shall not exceed the level of the fundamental emission.
(d) Radiated emissions below 40 GHz shall not exceed the general
limits in Sec. 15.209.
(e) The provisions in Sec. 15.35 limiting peak emissions apply.
(f) Fundamental emissions must be contained within the frequency
bands specified in this section during all conditions of operation.
Equipment is presumed to operate over the temperature range -20 to +50
degrees celsius with an input voltage variation of 85% to 115% of rated
input voltage, unless justification is presented to demonstrate
otherwise.
(g) Regardless of the power density levels permitted under this
section, devices operating under the provisions of this section must
comply with the requirements of the RF safety standards specified in
Sec. 1.1307(b) of this chapter. Compliance with these standards for the
fundamental emissions and the unwanted emissions must be demonstrated
in the application for certification. The use of professional
installation to install the equipment is not sufficient to provide this
demonstration.
[FR Doc. 96-7689 Filed 4-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P