Related NPRM FCC 11 79

0443-EX-ST-2012 Text Documents

Honeywell International Inc.

2012-05-30ELS_126146

Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

II. BACKGROUND

2. The 76-77 GHz band is in the region of the radiofrequency spectrum known as “millimeter
wave” spectrum. The term “millimeter wave” derives from the wavelength of radio signals at frequencies
between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, which range between 1 millimeter at 300 GHz and 10 millimeters at 30
GHz. The propagation of millimeter wave radio signals is more limited than that of radio signals at lower
frequencies. Signals in the millimeter wave bands are affected by the presence of oxygen and water vapor
within the atmosphere. Absorption and scattering caused by oxygen and water vapor limit the range of
millimeter wave transmissions to a relatively short distance.2 While the limited range of such
transmissions might appear to be a major disadvantage, this limited range allows the reuse of frequencies
within very short distances and enables a higher concentration of transmitters to be located in a
geographical area than is possible with lower-frequency transmitters.3 The 76-77 GHz band is allocated to
the Radio Astronomy (RAS) and Radiolocation Services on a primary basis.4 The band is also allocated
to the Amateur and Space research (space-to-Earth) services on a secondary basis, however, amateur
operations in this band are currently suspended.5

3. The propagation characteristics of millimeter wave frequencies, along with the relatively
wide bandwidth available in the 76-77 GHz band, are desirable to the proponents of vehicular radar
technology. Therefore, in 1995, the Commission adopted rules to allow the use of the 76-77 GHz band
by vehicular radars on an unlicensed basis.6 Section 15.253 of the Commission’s rules specifies the
technical requirements for operation of unlicensed vehicle-mounted radar systems within the bands 46.7-
46.9 GHz and 76-77 GHz.7 Vehicle-mounted radar systems are the only type of operation permitted
under this section; fixed applications are not permitted. The current rules specify three sets of average
power density limits for vehicle-mounted radars, all measured at 3 meters from the exterior surface of the
radiating structure: 1) 0.2 µW/cm² in any direction when the vehicle is not in motion; 2) 60 µW/cm² for
forward looking radars when the vehicle is in motion; and 3) 30 µW/cm² for side looking and rear-
looking radars when the vehicle is in motion. The in-motion limits were based on conservative estimates
of the minimum power necessary to provide the range required for the radars to operate effectively.8 The
more restrictive not-in-motion limit was adopted to ensure that human exposure to radiofrequency (RF)
radiation would be reduced as much as possible to protect pedestrians crossing in front of stopped

2
See Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin Number 70, (July,
1997) “Millimeter Wave Propagation: Spectrum Management Implications.”
3
Id. See also “The use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Above 30 GHz: A Consulative Document, Department of
Trade and Industry, Radiocommunications Division, London, September 1988.” This document quantifies the
relationship of frequency reuse to useful communications working range for various frequencies. See also
Amendment of Parts 2 and 15 of the Commission’s Rules to Permit Use of Radio Frequencies Above 40 GHz for
New Radio Applications Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, ET Docket No. 94-124 at para. 8, 9 FCC Rcd 7078
(1994).
4
International footnote 5.149 of Section 2.106 of the FCC’s rules applies to the 76-86 GHz frequency range. This
footnote urges Administrations “to take all practical steps to protect the radio astronomy service from harmful
interference.” See 47 C.F.R. § 2.106.
5
See 47 C.F.R § 97.303(s).
6
See Amendment of Parts 2, 15, and 97 of the Commission’s Rules to Permit Use of Radio Frequencies Above 40
GHz for New Radio Applications First Report and Order and Second Notice of Proposed Rule Making, in ET
Docket No. 94-124, 11 FCC Rcd 4481 (1996).
7
See 47 C.F.R. § 15.253. This Notice is not proposing any changes to the rules for 47.6-47.9 GHz band.
8
See Amendment of Parts 2, 15, and 97 of the Commission’s Rules to Permit Use of Radio Frequencies Above 40
GHz for New Radio Applications, First Report and Order and Second Notice of Proposed Rule Making, ET Docket
No. 94-124 at paras. 21-27, 11 FCC Rcd 4481 (1996).

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

vehicles.9 At the time these rules were adopted, Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits for RF
electromagnetic fields had not yet been established and the Commission therefore chose very
conservative limits for vehicle radars. Subsequent to the adoption of the Section 15.253 rules for
vehicular radars in the 76-77 GHz band, the Commission adopted RF human exposure limits for this band
which are far less restrictive than the level presumed appropriate at the time for not-in-motion vehicular
radars.10

4. On July 21, 2009, the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) filed a petition for rulemaking
requesting that the emission limits be modified for vehicular radar systems operating within the 76-77
GHz band.11 Specifically, TMC requested that the Commission eliminate the “in-motion” and “not-in-
motion” distinctions in the emission limits for vehicular radar systems and establish a single emission
limit that applies in all directions from a vehicle. In response, the Commission issued a public notice
requesting comments on TMC’s petition.12 Comments in favor of TMC’s petition were filed by Denso
Corporation (Denso); Strategic Automotive Radar Frequency Allocation (SARA); Fujitso Ten Technical
Center, USA, Inc. (Fujitsu Ten); Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA); Denso International America,
Inc. and Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM). Comments opposing
TMC’s petition were filed by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Association (NRAO). Reply
comments addressing NRAO’s concerns were filed by TMC, MBUSA, and the Intelligent Transportation
Society of America.

5. On September 8, 2009, Era filed comments in CB Docket N0. 09-102 requesting that the
Commission amend Section 15.253 of the rules to permit fixed use of 76-77 GHz radars at airports for
monitoring terrestrial vehicle movement.13 Specifically, it requested that Section 15.253 be amended to
permit the unlicensed use of fixed radars at airports under the following conditions: 1) the maximum
power complies with the present limits for vehicles in motion, 2) radars must be professionally installed
and may not exceed the Maximum Permissible Exposure limits in Section 1.1310 of the rules,14 3) radars
may only be used at airports recognized by FAA and must be owned and operated by either the airport
operator or an air carrier licensed by FAA, or operated on their behalf, 4) radars must be installed so as to
limit the power flux density reaching roads used by the general public to -57 dBW/m2 (peak), and 5) the
installer must make measurements to verify the power flux density on public roads at time of installation.
The Commission found that Era’s comments provided sufficient basis to be treated as a petition for
rulemaking under Section 1.401 of its rules and issued a public notice seeking comments regarding Era’s
request.15 Only Era filed comments in response to this public notice.

9
Id.
10
See Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation, Report and Order, in ET
Docket No. 93-62, 11 FCC Rcd 15122 (1996).
11
See Petition for Rulemaking of the Toyota Motor Corporation (filed July 21, 2009).
12
See Public Notice released August 26, 2009, RM-11555, Report No. 2896.
13
See Era comments filed in response to “FCC Seeks Comment Regarding Possible Revision or Elimination of
Rules Under The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 610”, DA 09-1307, CB Docket No. 09-102, released June 24,
2009.
14
Era anticipates that these radars would be located in high locations such as lamp posts and roofs of terminal
buildings. Thus, the MPE limits will be met because of distance separation of any humans from the main beam of
the radars.
15
See Office of Engineering and Technology Seeks Comment on Era Systems Corporation’s Proposal to Permit
Fixed Ground-Traffic Radar at Airports in 76-77 GHz band, ET-Docket No. 10-28, released January 26, 2010, 25
FCC 896 (2010). On September 30, 2009, the Commission granted Era a waiver of the rules to permit the
installation of no more than 10 76-77 GHz radars at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Specifically,
the Commission waived Section 15.253(a) of the rules which restricts operation in the 76-77 GHz band to vehicular
(continued....)
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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

III. DISCUSSION

6. The 76-77 GHz band offers advantages for vehicular and fixed radar systems, such as precise
real-time monitoring of the position and speed of vehicles. Our proposals described below are intended to
foster the development of improved radar systems that offer significant safety benefits to the general
public. We also foresee economic benefits such as economies of scale and broader marketplace demand
that may be attained if both the U.S. and other markets use the 76-77 GHz band for fixed and vehicular
radar systems. Furthermore, we believe that the changes in power levels and use suggested by TMC and
Era will not result in any increased potential of interference to licensed services.

7. TMC Petition for Rulemaking. In its petition, TMC states that when the Commission
adopted the rules and emission limits for vehicular radar systems in 1995, technologies for vehicle safety
support systems were still in the early stages of development. It submits that since then there has been
significant growth in the use of automobile radar systems, and it is anticipated that these systems will
become relatively commonplace within a few years as a result of consumer demand and the desire to
increase vehicular comfort and safety.16 TMC seeks to introduce into the United States “omni-
directional” vehicular monitoring systems that operate in the 76-77 GHz band. It argues that the emission
limits should be based on electromagnetic interference considerations independent of whether a vehicle
is in motion or not, and requests that the Commission harmonize its technical rules for these systems
with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) limits that are used in other parts of
the world.17 TMC believes that the current limit for not-in-motion operation, which is based on
concerns regarding human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy, is unnecessarily conservative.
TMC asks that the three limits for not-in-motion, rear-looking, and side-looking vehicular radar
operation be replaced by a single peak emission limit of 55 dBm, which is equivalent to a peak power
density limit of approximately 279 µW/cm2 at a distance of 3 meters from the radiating structure.
TMC also urges the Commission to specify its limits in Section 15.253 in terms of maximum peak
power in a manner similar to other international standards. TMC states that specifying the emission
limit in terms of maximum peak power, instead of power density, will obviate the need to specify
emission limits based on beam direction (e.g., forward-looking, side-looking, or rear-looking), as is
the case in existing rules.

8. The following tables show the current FCC limits and Toyota’s requested limits:

Average emission limit in dBm Average emission limit in µW/cm² at 3m
FCC Toyota
(current) Proposed FCC (current) Toyota Proposed
Not-in-
Motion 23.5 0.20
In-Motion
Front 48.3 50 60 88
In-Motion
Side/Rear 45.3 30

(...continued from previous page)
radar systems, and Section 15.253(b)(1) which requires reduced operating power when a radar is not in motion. The
Era petition seeks to create permanent rules somewhat analogous to what was granted in the waiver. Era Systems
Corporation Request for Waiver of Sections 2.803, 15.201 and 15.253 of the Commission’s Rules, Order, ET
Docket No. 09-55, 24 FCC Rcd 12179 (OET, 2009).
16
See TMC petition at page 2.
17
See TMC petition at page 8.

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

Peak emission limits in dBm Peak power density limits in µW/cm² at 3m
FCC Toyota FCC
(current) Proposed (current) Toyota Proposed
Not-in-
Motion 43.5 20
In-Motion
Front 68.3 55 6000 279
In-Motion
Side/Rear 65.3 3000

Toyota proposes to consolidate the in-motion, not-in-motion, front, side and rear-looking criterion. Its
requested average power density limit of 50 dBm (88 µW/cm² at 3 m) and peak power density limit of 55
dBm (279 µW/cm² at 3m) would be applicable in all directions regardless of the motion status of the
vehicle. This is slightly higher than the existing FCC emission limits but is below the current MPE limits
for RF safety measured at 3m.18 Toyota’s proposed peak limit of 55 dBm (279 µW/cm² at 3m) is also
higher than the existing FCC limits for radars on vehicles not in motion, but is lower than the current peak
emission values for in-motion vehicular radars. In addition to the power density levels permitted under
Section 15.253, vehicular radar devices are also subject to the RF safety requirements in the
Commission’s rules, and Toyota does not propose any revisions to that requirement.19

9. In its comments, NRAO expresses concern that the increased emission limits that TMC
proposes would increase the likelihood of interference to radio astronomy in the affected bands and notes
that the vehicular radar systems to date have achieved very low market penetration, making it difficult to
assess the overall interference level.20 NRAO states that vehicular radars operating under the proposed
limits have the potential to cause permanent damage to radio astronomy detectors if the beam from one of
the vehicular systems were to find its way down or near the bore sight of a radio astronomy antenna.
NRAO suggests implementation of coordination zones based on GPS–aware vehicular radar systems to
prevent interference and permanent damage to radio astronomy equipment. It also suggests that all
vehicular radar systems should be equipped with a readily accessible cut-off switch as reliable means of
protecting radio astronomy operations. Lastly NRAO states that insufficient technical basis has been
provided by TMC for assessing the interference potential of vehicular radar systems.

10. TMC, in its reply comments, argues against NRAO’s request to implement coordination
zones that are based on GPS–aware vehicular radar systems.21 It notes that the peak power limits it
proposes are less than the current peak power limits allowed for vehicular radars. TMC also argues that
the Commission has already recognized that sharing between automotive radar systems and the radio
astronomy service is feasible.22 It cites an FCC proceeding in 2004 where the Commission considered

18
See 47 C.F.R. § 1.1310 and OET Bulletin Number 65, “Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields,” (August 1997 Edition 97-01).
19
Currently, Section 15.253(f) incorporates by reference the RF safety requirements in Sections 1.1307, 2.1091, and
2.1093. In Appendix A to this NPRM, we propose redesignating this provision as Section 15.253(e), but do not
propose any substantive revisions to this requirement.
20
See NRAO comments at 2.
21
See TMC reply comments at pages 3-4.
22
See TMC reply comments at 3.

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

15. We also seek comment on TMC’s request to modify Section 15.253 to specify a limit on
peak EIRP instead of average power density as an alternative to, or in addition to, the limits currently
specified in the rules. Furthermore, we are proposing to modify Section 15.35(b) to reflect the fact that
the proposed peak emission limit is not 20 dB above the average emission limit.25

16. Era Petition for Rulemaking. In its petition, Era requests that the Commission amend
Section 15.253 of its rules to permit the use of 76-77 GHz unlicensed fixed radars at airports for
monitoring terrestrial vehicle movements.26 Era contends that when the rules limiting operation to
vehicle-mounted radars were adopted, there was no practical experience with vehicular radars in the 76-
77 GHz band, and the rules were made very conservative to assure that such radars would not receive
interference from other users of the band. Era contends that subsequent experience in other countries has
shown that the requirement that radars operate only on moving vehicles is overly restrictive. It requests
that the Commission relax this requirement and suggests several alternative approaches for modifying the
rule to allow fixed radar use, primarily at airports. The suggested approaches are: 1) limit fixed radars to
airports and other applications that do not illuminate public roads; 2) require either compliance with the
ETSI standard27 or strict compatibility testing for any system that illuminates public roads; or 3) mandate
compliance with the ETSI standard for all 76 GHz radar systems. Era does not express a preference for
which of these approaches it believes the Commission should adopt.

17. We agree with Era that the current rules should be relaxed to allow the operation of fixed
radars in the 76-77 GHz band on an unlicensed basis. We are therefore proposing to permit fixed radars
to operate in the 76-77 GHz band in addition to vehicular radar systems, and to require that such fixed
radar systems meet the proposed limits for vehicular radar systems discussed above as well as the
maximum permissible RF exposure levels set forth in the rules.28 We believe that, based on Era’s
representations, use of the fixed radar devices in this band will enhance public safety by enabling
applications such as monitoring vehicles on the ground at airports. However, we are not proposing to
limit operation to monitoring vehicles or to specific locations such as airports or other places where fixed
radars would not illuminate public roads. We believe that Era’s suggested alternative approaches and
proposals may be overly restrictive and could cause unnecessary burdens for the public if implemented.
Implementation of certain elements of these approaches could require licensing and/or coordination that
would be burdensome for both users of the devices and the Commission with no corresponding benefits in
terms of reduction of interference potential to licensed services or improved co-existence between
unlicensed devices. Our proposal to permit fixed radar applications is less restrictive and could be more
beneficial to public than the proposals requested by Era. We believe that fixed radars operating at the
same maximum power levels as vehicle-mounted radars will be less likely to interfere with the RAS and
Radiolocation services than vehicle-mounted radars because the location where they are used would not
change. We also believe that fixed radars should be able to co-exist with vehicular radars because they
would both operate with the same power level and because both would use antennas with narrow
beamwidths, thus reducing the chances that the signal from one radar would be within the main lobe of
the receive antenna of the other. In a worst case scenario where two radars are aimed directly at each

25
See 47 C.F.R. § 15.35(b). This section states that, unless otherwise specified, the peak limit on radio emissions
above 1 GHz is 20 dB greater than the average limit. Because we are proposing to modify Section 15.253(b) to
specify a peak emission limit that is less than 20 dB above the average limit, we are also proposing to modify
Section 15.35(b) to indicate that the 20 dB peak to average limit does not apply to Section 15.253(b).
26
See Era comments in ET Docket 10-28.
27
See “Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Short Range Devices; Road Transport
and Traffic Telematics (RTTT); Radar equipment operating in the 76 GHz to 77 GHz range; Part 1: Technical
characteristics and test methods for radar equipment operating in the 76 GHz to 77 GHz range”, EN 301 091 Ver.
1.3.3
28
See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091 and 2.1093.

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

other, a fixed radar should have no more impact on a vehicular radar system than another vehicular
system would.

18. We seek comment on whether we should allow unlicensed fixed radar applications to operate
within the 76-77 GHz band, and on the appropriateness of the proposed power levels. We also seek
comment on whether there is a need to limit fixed radar applications to specific locations such as airports
and/or locations where they are not aimed at publicly accessible roads as suggested by Era, or if some
alternative criteria would be more appropriate. Commenters who recommend operational restrictions
such as these should also address how they could be practically enforced for unlicensed devices. In
addition, we seek comment on whether specific technical requirements are necessary to allow co-
existence of fixed and vehicular radars in the 76-77 GHz band (e.g., antenna height, operational frequency
or power limits), and whether we should require fixed or vehicular radars to comply with a standard such
as the ETSI EN 301 91 standard referenced by Era.

IV. PROCEDURAL MATTERS

A. Ex Parte Rules – Permit-But-Disclose

19. This is a permit-but-disclose notice and comment rulemaking proceeding. Ex parte
presentations are permitted, except during the Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed
pursuant to the Commission’s rules. 29

B. Comment Period and Procedures

20. Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules 47 CFR §§ 1.415, 1.419,
interested parties may file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on the first
page of this document. Comments may be filed using: (1) the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing
System (ECFS), (2) the Federal Government’s eRulemaking Portal, or (3) by filing paper copies. See
Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).

§ Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the
ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
http://www.regulations.gov.

§ Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each
filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding,
filers must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number.

Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-
class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s
Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.

§ All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary must be
delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th St., SW, Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554.
The filing hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber
bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the building.

§ Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must
be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.

29
See generally 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1202, 1.1203, 1.1206.

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

§ U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street,
SW, Washington DC 20554.

People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille,
large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (tty).

C. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

21. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 30 the Commission has
prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant economic impact on
small entities of the policies and rules proposed in the Notice. The IRFA is found in Appendix B. We
request written public comment on the analysis. Comments must be filed in accordance with the same
deadlines as comments filed in response to the Notice, and must have a separate and distinct heading
designating them as responses to the IRFA. The Commission’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Bureau, Reference Information Center, will send a copy of this Notice, including the IRFA, to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.

D. Paperwork Reduction Analysis

22. This document does not contain a proposed information collection(s) subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA, Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain
any new or modified information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25
employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44
U.S.C. 3506(c)(4).

E. Further Information

23. For further information regarding this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, please contact Aamer
Zain, Spectrum Policy Branch, Policy and Rules Division, Office of Engineering and Technology,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554, at 202-418-2437 or
via the Internet at Aamer.Zain@fcc.gov.

V. ORDERING CLAUSES

24. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED, pursuant to Sections 1, 2, 4(i), 301, 302, and 303(f) of the
Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151, 152, 154(i), 301, 301, and 303(f), that this Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking is hereby ADOPTED.

30
See 5 U.S.C. § 603.

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

25. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Bureau, Reference Information Center, SHALL SEND a copy of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
including the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Marlene H. Dortch
Secretary

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

APPENDIX A

Proposed Rules

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Federal Communications Commission proposes to amend
Part 15 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

Part 15 – RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

1. The authority citation for Part 15 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 304, 307, 336 and 544a.

2. Section 15.35 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:

§ 15.35 Measurement detector functions and bandwidths.

*****

(b) Unless otherwise specified, on any frequency or frequencies above 1000 MHz, the radiated emission
limits are based on the use of measurement instrumentation employing an average detector function.
Unless otherwise specified, measurements above 1000 MHz shall be performed using a minimum
resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz. When average radiated emission measurements are specified in this part,
including average emission measurements below 1000 MHz, there also is a limit on the peak level of the
radio frequency emissions. Unless otherwise specified, e.g., see §§ 15.250, 15.252, 15.253 (b), 15.255,
and 15.509–15.519, the limit on peak radio frequency emissions is 20 dB above the maximum permitted
average emission limit applicable to the equipment under test. This peak limit applies to the total peak
emission level radiated by the device, e.g., the total peak power level. Note that the use of a pulse
desensitization correction factor may be needed to determine the total peak emission level. The
instruction manual or application note for the measurement instrument should be consulted for
determining pulse desensitization factors, as necessary.

*****

3. Section 15.253 is revised to read as follows:

§ 15.253 Operation within the bands 46.7–46.9 GHz and 76.0–77.0 GHz.

(a) Operation within the band 46.7–46.9 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.

(1) The radiated emission limits within the bands 46.7–46.9 GHz are as follows:
(i) 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/cm² at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the
radiating structure.
(ii) 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
μW/cm² at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(iii) 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

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

not exceed 30 μW/cm² at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the radiating
structure.
(iv)The provisions in § 15.35 limiting peak emissions apply.

(b) Operation within the band 76.0–77.0 GHz is restricted to vehicle-mounted field disturbance sensors
used as vehicle radar systems and to fixed 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 or as a fixed field disturbance sensor. Operation under the provisions of this section is
not permitted on aircraft or satellites.

1) The radiated emission limits within the bands 76.0–77.0 GHz are as follows:
(i) The average power density of any emission within the bands specified in this section shall not
exceed 88 µW /cm2 at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(ii) The peak power density of any emission within the bands specified in this section shall not exceed
279 µW /cm2 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) Radiated emissions below 40 GHz shall not exceed the general limits in § 15.209.
(2) Radiated emissions outside the operating band and between 40 GHz and 200 GHz shall not
exceed the following:
(i) For field disturbance sensors operating in the band 46.7–46.9 GHz:
2 pW/cm² at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(ii) For field disturbance sensors operating in the band 76–77 GHz:
600 pW/cm² at a distance of 3 meters from the exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(3) For radiated emissions above 200 GHz from field disturbance sensors operating in the 76–77
GHz band: the power density of any emission shall not exceed 1000 pW/cm² at a distance of 3
meters from the exterior surface of the radiating structure.
(4) For field disturbance sensors operating in the 76–77 GHz band, the spectrum shall be
investigated up to 231 GHz.

(d) 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.

(e) Regardless of the power density levels permitted under this section, devices operating under the
provisions of this section are subject to the radiofrequency radiation exposure requirements specified in
§§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091 and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. Applications for equipment authorization
of devices operating under this section must contain a statement confirming compliance with these
requirements for both fundamental emissions and unwanted emissions. Technical information
showing the basis for this statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.

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Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

which: (1) is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3)
satisfies any additional criteria established by the Small Business Administration (SBA).7
5. Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment
Manufacturing. The Census Bureau defines this category as follows: “This industry comprises
establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing radio and television broadcast and wireless
communications equipment. Examples of products made by these establishments are: transmitting and
receiving antennas, cable television equipment, GPS equipment, pagers, cellular phones, mobile
communications equipment, and radio and television studio and broadcasting equipment.”8 The SBA has
developed a small business size standard for Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless
Communications Equipment Manufacturing, which is: all such firms having 750 or fewer employees.9
According to Census Bureau data for 2002, there were a total of 1,041 establishments in this category that
operated for the entire year.10 Of this total, 1,010 had employment of under 500, and an additional 13 had
employment of 500 to 999.11 Thus, under this size standard, the majority of firms can be considered
small.
D. Description of Projected Reporting, Record Keeping, and Other Compliance
Requirements

6. Radars operating in the 76-77 GHz band are required to be authorized under the
Commission's certification procedure as a prerequisite to marketing and importation, and the NPRM
proposes no change to that requirement. However, it proposes to eliminate the requirement that a radar
must reduce power when a vehicle is not in motion and to establish a single emission limit that applies in
all directions from a vehicle. The NPRM also proposes to permit fixed radars to operate in the 76-77
GHz band under the same limits proposed for vehicular radar systems.
E. Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities, and
Significant Alternatives Considered

7. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant alternatives that it has considered in
reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) the
establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the
resources available to small entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance or
reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; (3) the use of performance, rather than design,

(...continued from previous page)
for public comment, establishes one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the activities of the
agency and publishes such definition(s) in the Federal Register.”
7
15 U.S.C. § 632.
8
U.S. Census Bureau, 2002 NAICS Definitions, “334220 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless
Communications Equipment Manufacturing”; http://www.census.gov/epcd/naics02/def/NDEF334.HTM#N3342.
9
13 C.F.R. § 121.201, NAICS code 334220.
10
U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder, 2002 Economic Census, Industry Series, Industry Statistics by
Employment Size, NAICS code 334220 (released May 26, 2005); http://factfinder.census.gov. The number of
“establishments” is a less helpful indicator of small business prevalence in this context than would be the number of
“firms” or “companies,” because the latter take into account the concept of common ownership or control. Any
single physical location for an entity is an establishment, even though that location may be owned by a different
establishment. Thus, the numbers given may reflect inflated numbers of businesses in this category, including the
numbers of small businesses. In this category, the Census breaks-out data for firms or companies only to give the
total number of such entities for 2002, which was 929.
11
Id. An additional 18 establishments had employment of 1,000 or more.

14

Federal Communications Commission FCC 11-79

standards; and (4) an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities.12
8. The proposals contained in this NPRM are deregulatory in nature, which we expect will
simplify compliance requirements for all parties, particularly small entities, and permit the development
of improved radar systems. Elimination of requirement for a radar to reduce power when a vehicle is not
in motion will simplify equipment design, and establishment of a single emission limit that applies in all
directions from a vehicle would allow the development of omni-directional monitoring systems.
Permitting fixed radar devices in the 76-77 GHz band would enable the development of applications such
as monitoring the movement of vehicles on the ground at airports.
F. Federal Rules that May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the Proposed Rule

9. None.

12
See 5 U.S.C. § 603(c).

15

Document Created: 2019-02-14 05:41:02
Document Modified: 2019-02-14 05:41:02

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