Post by elchupacabras970 on Apr 17, 2008 16:54:04 GMT -5
Not quite satellite, but an interesting note from the engineering journal EE Times:
The Federal Communications Commission has changed its rules to facilitate the deployment of software-defined radios (SDRs), clearing the way for startups like Sirific Wireless Corp. to sell their wares.
SDRs, which can be reprogrammed to transmit and receive on multiple frequencies in different transmission formats, have been hamstrung by the FCC's type-approval process. The process requires all transmitters to get approval for each specific operating frequency, output power and modulation combination, implying extensive testing and the application of a sticker to the approved device.
Last December, the commission released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) seeking comments on proposed changes to streamline the equipment-authorization rules for SDRs, which can be reprogrammed in the field.
Under rules adopted Sept. 13, software modifications in an SDR can be made through a "permissive change," which has a streamlined filing process. In addition, the FCC identification number will not have to be changed, so equipment in the field will not have to be relabeled.
These permissive changes can be obtained only by the original grantee of the equipment authorization. To allow for changes to equipment by other parties such as software developers, the commission will permit an optional "electronic label" in which the FCC identification number could be displayed on an LCD or similar screen. It will allow another party to obtain an equipment approval in its name and become the party responsible for compliance, instead of the original grantee.
Development flexibility
The commission also adopted the proposal in the NPRM to require that a grantee must take adequate steps to prevent unauthorized software modifications to radios, but it declined to set specific security requirements. This will allow manufacturers flexibility to develop innovative equipment, while at the same time provide for oversight of the adequacy of such steps through the equipment authorization process.
Last July, the SDR industry globalization effort got a major boost when Japan's ministry for communications announced that it had directed its Telecom Engineering Center to look at regulatory issues for equipment certification in Japan.
The Federal Communications Commission has changed its rules to facilitate the deployment of software-defined radios (SDRs), clearing the way for startups like Sirific Wireless Corp. to sell their wares.
SDRs, which can be reprogrammed to transmit and receive on multiple frequencies in different transmission formats, have been hamstrung by the FCC's type-approval process. The process requires all transmitters to get approval for each specific operating frequency, output power and modulation combination, implying extensive testing and the application of a sticker to the approved device.
Last December, the commission released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) seeking comments on proposed changes to streamline the equipment-authorization rules for SDRs, which can be reprogrammed in the field.
Under rules adopted Sept. 13, software modifications in an SDR can be made through a "permissive change," which has a streamlined filing process. In addition, the FCC identification number will not have to be changed, so equipment in the field will not have to be relabeled.
These permissive changes can be obtained only by the original grantee of the equipment authorization. To allow for changes to equipment by other parties such as software developers, the commission will permit an optional "electronic label" in which the FCC identification number could be displayed on an LCD or similar screen. It will allow another party to obtain an equipment approval in its name and become the party responsible for compliance, instead of the original grantee.
Development flexibility
The commission also adopted the proposal in the NPRM to require that a grantee must take adequate steps to prevent unauthorized software modifications to radios, but it declined to set specific security requirements. This will allow manufacturers flexibility to develop innovative equipment, while at the same time provide for oversight of the adequacy of such steps through the equipment authorization process.
Last July, the SDR industry globalization effort got a major boost when Japan's ministry for communications announced that it had directed its Telecom Engineering Center to look at regulatory issues for equipment certification in Japan.