TEST REPORT

FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

Test Report

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FCCID_506344

Table of Contents
1.0 General 3
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Product Description 3
1.2.1 Intended Use 4
2.0 Location of Test Facility 4
2.1 Description of Test Facility 4
2.1.1 Open Area Test Site 4
2.1.2 Conducted Emissions Test Site 5
3.0 Applicable Standards and References 6
4.0 List of Test Equipment 7
5.0 EUT Setup Block Diagram 7
6.0 Summary of Tests 8
6.1 Section 15.203 - Antenna Requirement 8
6.2 Section 15.207 - Power Line Conducted Emissions 8
6.2.1 Test Methodology 8
6.2.2 Test Results 8
6.3 Section 15.209 - Radiated Emissions (Unintentional Radiation) 9
6.3.1 Test Methodology 9
6.3.2 Test Results 10
6.4 Section 15.247(b)(3) – Peak Output Power 10
6.4.1 Test Methodology 10
6.4.2 Test Results 10
6.5 Section 15.247(a)(2) – 6dB Bandwidth 12
6.5.1 Test Methodology 12
6.5.2 Test Results 12
6.6 Section 15.247(c) - Spurious Emissions 13
6.6.1 Conducted Spurious Emissions 13
6.6.1.1 Test Methodology 13
6.6.1.2 Test Results 13
6.6.2 Radiated Spurious Emissions 13
6.6.2.1 Test Methodology 13
6.6.2.2 Test Results 13
6.7 Section 15.247(d) – Peak Power Spectral Density 14
6.7.1 Test Methodology 14
6.7.2 Test Results 14

7.0 MODIFICATIONS 15
8.0 CONCLUSION 15

Additional Exhibits Included In Filing

Conducted Spurious Emission Plots BOM
Internal Photographs Installation/Users Guide
External Photographs Theory of Operation
Test Setup Photographs System Block Diagram
Product Labeling Schematics
RF Exposure – MPE Calculations

5015 B.U. Bowman Drive Buford, GA 30518 USA Voice: 770-831-8048 Fax: 770-831-8598

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Introduction
The purpose of this report is to demonstrate compliance with Part 15, Subpart C of the FCC’s Code of Federal
Regulations.

1.2 Product Description
The ICARe will be a transmit-only meter module that collects and transmits metering data over the 902 - 928
MHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) RF band. The unit will contain both a Direct Sequence Spread
Spectrum (DSSS) transmitter and a Frequency Hopping (FSK) transmitter.

The ICARe functions as a RF transmitter that is capable of supporting remote meter reading using mobile and
fixed network protocols. The mobile network functions will be the R300 (ITRON™ protocol) or the R900
(SURF© protocol). The fixed network function will be the CellNet© electricity endpoint protocol (PID2) to
maintain legacy functionality.

The endpoint will be installed in the CENTRON meter as the register board. The metrology board will provide
power and energy data to the endpoint in the same manner as a normal register board.

The endpoint will provide the following data depending on configuration and firmware option:
• Cumulative energy readings using the ITRON protocol
• Cumulative energy readings using the Schlumberger SURF protocol
• Cumulative and interval readings using the CellNet by Atos Origin protocol

The endpoint will determine electrical energy data by counting pulses from the metrology board and then
converting them to energy values for display and transmission. The endpoint will use a constant loaded during
configuration to provide the correct energy values for the network being supported.

The endpoint will also use a serial protocol for configuration and testing using the register serial port.

It is also necessary for the endpoint to be able to be installed on previous meter bases with no modifications to
the base to maintain the modularity requirement of the CENTRON meter.

Detailed photographs of the EUT are filed separately with this filing.

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 3

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

1.2.1 Intended Use
The CENTRON ™ ICARe is intended to be installed on a residential or commercial structure to record
electricity usage and transmit the data to either utility personnel or to a nearby base station depending on
which radio is active. Only one radio will ever be active at any given time.

If the meter is configured for remote meter data collection by a utility meter reader, the Frequency Hopping
(FSK) transmitter radio will be activated.

If the meter is configured for base station data collection the Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
transmitter radio will be activated.

The radios are configured at the factory and cannot be activated by the end user or utility personnel.

2.0 LOCATION OF TEST FACILTY
All testing was performed by qualified ACS personnel located at the following address:

ACS, Inc.
5015 B.U. Bowman Drive
Buford, GA 30518

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF TEST FACILITY
Both the Open Area Test Site (OATS) and Conducted Emissions site have been fully described, submitted to,
and accepted by the FCC, Industry Canada and the Japanese Voluntary Control Council for Interference by
information technology equipment.

The following certification numbers have been issued in recognition of these accreditations and certifications:

FCC Registration Number: 89450
Industry Canada Lab Code: IC 4175
VCCI Member Number: 1831
VCCI OATS Registration Number R-1526
VCCI Conducted Emissions Site Registration Number: C-1608

2.1.1 Open Area Test Site
The open area test site consists of a 40’ x 66’ concrete pad covered with a perforated electro-plated
galvanized sheet metal. The perforations in the sheet metal are 1/8” holes that are staggered every 3/16”.
The individual sheets are placed to overlap each other by 1/4” and are riveted together to provide a continuous
seam. Rivets are spaced every 3” in a 3 x 20 meter perimeter around the antenna mast and EUT area.
Rivets in the remaining area are spaced as necessary to properly secure the ground plane and maintain the
electrical continuity.

The entire ground plane extends 12’ beyond the turntable edge and 16’ beyond the antenna mast when set to
a 10 meter measurement distance. The ground plane is grounded via 4 - 8’ copper ground rods, each
installed at a corner of the ground plane and bound to the ground plane using 3/4" stainless steel braided
cable.

The turntable is an all aluminum 10’ flush mounted table installed in an all aluminum frame. The table is
remotely operated from inside the control room located 40’ from the range. The turntable is electrically bonded
to the surrounding ground plane via steel fingers installed on the edge of the turn table. The steel fingers
make constant contact with the ground plane during operation.

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 4

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

Adjacent to the turntable is a 7’ x 7’ square and 4’ deep concrete pit used for support equipment if necessary.
The pit is equipped with 5 - 4” PVC chases from the pit to the control room that allow for cabling to the EUT if
necessary. The underside of the turntable can be accessed from the pit so cables can be supplied to the EUT
from the pit. The pit is covered with 2 sheets of 1/4" diamond style re-enforced steel sheets. The sheets are
painted to match the perforated steel ground plane, however the underside edges have been masked off to
maintain the electrical continuity of the ground plane. All reflecting objects are located outside of the ellipse
defined in ANSI C63.4.

A diagram of the Open Area Test Site is shown in Figure 2.1-1 below:

10

3 Meters

40

7x7x4
Pit

66 Feet

Figure 2.1-1: Open Area Test Site

2.1.2 Conducted Emissions Test Site Description
The AC mains conducted EMI site is a shielded room with the following dimensions:

¾ Height: 3.0 Meters
¾ Width: 3.6 Meters
¾ Length: 4.9 Meters

The room is manufactured by Rayproof Corporation and installed by Panashield, Inc. Earth ground is provided
to the room via an 8’ copper ground rod. Each panel of the room is connected electrically at intervals of 4”.

Power to the room is filtered to prevent ambient noise from coupling to the EUT and measurement equipment.
Filters are models 1B42-60P manufactured by Rayproof Corporation.

The room is of sufficient size to test table top and floor standing equipment in accordance with section 6.1.4 of
ANSI C63.4.

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 5

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

A diagram of the room is shown below in figure 2.1.2-1:

.4 Meters

EUT LISN Non-EUT LISN
Non Conductive Table
(.8Meters Tall)
1.0 Meter
.8 Meters

1.5 Meter
3.0 Meters

4.9 Meters

Figure 2.1.2-1: AC Mains Conducted EMI Site

3.0 APPLICABLE STANDARD REFERENCES
The following standards were used:

ANSI C63.4-1992: Method of Measurements of Radio-Noise Emissions from Low-Voltage Electrical
and Electronic Equipment in the 9KHz to 40GHz
US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Title 47, Part 2, Subpart J: Equipment Authorization
Procedures (October 2002)
US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Title 47, Part 15, Subpart C: Radio Frequency Devices,
Intentional Radiators (October 2002)
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Appendix C - Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 6

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

6.0 SUMMARY OF TESTS

6.1 Antenna Requirement – FCC Section 15.203
The EUT employs an integrated antenna that cannot be modified without damaging the device.

6.2 Power Line Conducted Emissions - FCC Section 15.207

6.2.1 Test Methodology
ANSI C63.4 sections 6 and 7 were the guiding documents for this evaluation. Conducted emissions were
performed from 150kHz to 30MHz with the spectrum analyzer’s resolution bandwidth set to 9kHz and the
video bandwidth set to 30kHz.

6.2.2 Test Results

Table 6.2.2-1: Conducted Emissions – Line 1
Total
Uncorrected Detector Corrected
Correction Limit Margin
Frequency (MHz) Reading (P/A) Reading
Factor (dBµV) (dB)
(dBuV) (dBµV)
(dB)
Peak Readings
0.28299 16.79 P 24.13 40.92 62.20 21.3
0.34044 16.53 P 22.96 39.49 60.56 21.1
0.43224 16.72 P 21.09 37.81 57.94 20.1
0.5002 17.97 P 19.50 37.47 55.99 18.5
3.76 14.75 P 10.45 25.20 56.00 30.8
11.33 12.6 P 10.56 23.16 60.00 36.8
16.07 13.01 P 10.61 23.62 60.00 36.4
19.71 12.86 P 10.65 23.51 60.00 36.5
23.65 12.26 P 10.69 22.95 60.00 37.1
26.05 12.71 P 10.72 23.43 60.00 36.6
Average Readings
0.28299 2.72 A 24.13 26.85 52.20 25.3
0.34044 2.61 A 22.96 25.57 50.56 25.0
0.43224 2.51 A 21.09 23.60 47.94 24.3
0.5002 2.48 A 19.50 21.98 45.99 24.0
3.76 0.8 A 10.45 11.25 46.00 34.8
11.33 -0.9 A 10.56 9.66 50.00 40.3
16.07 -1.03 A 10.61 9.58 50.00 40.4
19.71 -0.9 A 10.65 9.75 50.00 40.3
23.65 -1 A 10.69 9.69 50.00 40.3
26.05 -1.3 A 10.72 9.42 50.00 40.6

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 8

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

Table 6.2.2-1: Conducted Emissions – Line 2
Total
Uncorrected Detector Corrected
Correction Limit Margin
Frequency (MHz) Reading (P/A) Reading
Factor (dBµV) (dB)
(dBuV) (dBµV)
(dB)
Peak Readings
0.1535 20.83 P 26.77 47.60 65.90 18.3
0.2589 15.43 P 24.62 40.05 62.89 22.8
0.36189 15.89 P 22.52 38.41 59.95 21.5
0.44545 17.63 P 20.82 38.45 57.56 19.1
0.8745 16.14 P 14.18 30.32 56.00 25.7
4.79 13.84 P 10.50 24.34 56.00 31.7
13.52 12.69 P 10.59 23.28 60.00 36.7
15.17 12.58 P 10.60 23.18 60.00 36.8
17.83 11.88 P 10.63 22.51 60.00 37.5
19.36 11.45 P 10.64 22.09 60.00 37.9
Average Readings
0.1535 4.1 A 26.77 30.87 55.90 25.0
0.2589 3.13 A 24.62 27.75 52.89 25.1
0.36189 2.8 A 22.52 25.32 49.95 24.6
0.44545 2.759 A 20.82 23.58 47.56 24.0
0.8745 2.4 A 14.18 16.58 46.00 29.4
4.79 1 A 10.50 11.50 46.00 34.5
13.52 -0.59 A 10.59 10.00 50.00 40.0
15.17 -0.56 A 10.60 10.04 50.00 40.0
17.83 -0.6 A 10.63 10.03 50.00 40.0
19.36 -0.64 A 10.64 10.00 50.00 40.0

6.3 Radiated Emissions - FCC Section 15.209(Unintentional Radiation)

6.3.1 Test Methodology
ANSI C63.4 Sections 6 and 8 were the guiding documents for this evaluation. Radiated emissions tests were
performed over the frequency range of 30MHz to 5000MHz. Measurements of the radiated field strength were
made at a distance of 3m from the boundary of the equipment under test (EUT) and the receiving antenna.
The antenna height was varied from 1m to 4m so that the maximum radiated emissions level would be
detected. Radiated measurements were made with the Spectrum Analyzer’s resolution bandwidth set to
120KHz for measurements above 30MHz.

The EUT was caused to go into a “Standby” mode of operation for this test.

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 9

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

6.3.2 Test Results
Results of the test are given in Table 6.3.2-1 below:

Table 6.3.2-1: Radiated Emissions Tabulated Data (Unintentional Radiators)
Total
Uncorrected Antenna Antenna Turntable Corrected
Frequency Correction Limit Margin
Reading Polarity Height Position Reading Results
(MHz) Factor (dBµV) (dB)
(dBµV) (H/V) (cm) (°) (dBµV)
(dB)
35.388 9.93 V 100 0 17.29 27.22 40 12.8 Pass
42.933 16.24 H 100 0 13.57 29.81 40 10.2 Pass
84.96 20.14 V 100 0 9.21 29.35 40 10.6 Pass
117.3 22.19 V 100 0 12.79 34.98 43.5 8.5 Pass
125.92 12.35 V 100 280 13.22 25.57 43.5 17.9 Pass
205.69 17.88 H 100 0 11.35 29.23 43.5 14.3 Pass
306.196 34.01 H 100 0 -11.82 22.19 46 23.8 Pass
702.44 33.62 V 200 0 -1.35 32.27 46 13.7 Pass

No emissions within 20dB of the limit were detected above 702 MHz.

6.4 Peak Output Power – FCC Section 15.247(b)(3)

6.4.1 Test Methodology (Conducted Method)
The 6dB bandwidth of the EUT was within the resolution bandwidth of the Rohde & Schwarz spectrum
analyzer, therefore the power measurement was made using the spectrum analyzer method. The resolution
and video bandwidth were set to 3MHz. The EUT was caused to transmit a continuous signal at the low,
center and high channels.

6.4.2 Test Results
Results are shown below in table 6.4.2-1 and in figure 6.4.2-1 below:

Table 6.4.2-1: RF Output Power

Frequency Level Limit Margin
[MHz] [dBm] [dBm] [dB]
917.58MHz 25.33 30 4.67

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 10

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

6.6 Spurious Emissions – FCC Section 15.247(c)

6.6.1 Conducted Spurious Emissions

6.6.1.1 Test Methodology
The EUT was investigated for conducted spurious emissions from 30MHz to 60GHz, 10 times the highest
fundamental frequency. Measurements were made at the low, center and high channels of the EUT. For
each measurement, the spectrum analyzer’s VBW was set to 100kHz and the RBW was set to 1MHz. No
averaging factor was applied.

6.6.1.2 Test Results
All emission found were greater than 20dB down from the fundamental carrier. The RF conducted spurious
emissions found in the band of 30MHz to 60GHz are reported graphically separately with this filing in a file
titled “04-0396 Conducted Spurious Plots - DS.pdf”.

6.6.2 Radiated Spurious Emissions

6.6.2.1 Test Methodology
Radiated emissions tests were made over the frequency range of 30MHz to 10GHz, 10 times the highest
fundamental frequency.

The EUT was rotated through 360° and the receive antenna height was varied from 1m to 4m so that the
maximum radiated emissions level would be detected. For frequencies below 1000MHz, quasi-peak
measurements were made using a resolution bandwidth (RBW) of 120kHz and a video bandwidth (VBW) of
300kHz. For frequencies above 1000MHz, average measurements were made using an RBW of 1MHz and a
VBW of 10Hz and peak measurements were made with RBW of 1MHz and a VBW of 1MHz.

The EUT was caused to generate a constant carrier signal for the test.

6.6.2.2 Test Results
Radiated spurious emissions found in the band of 30MHz to 60GHz are reported in Table 6.6.2.2-1. Each
emission found to be in a restricted band as defined by section 15.205, was compared to the radiated
emission limits for a class B device defined in section 15.209.

Table 6.6.2.2-1: Radiated Spurious Emissions

Antenna Correction Corrected Final
Frequency Level Detector Limit Margin
Polarity Factors Level Result
(MHz) (dBuV) (P/A) (dBuV) (dB)
(H/V) (dB) (dBuV) (Pass/Fail)
2752.82 63 P V -3.41 59.59 74.00 14.41 PASS
2752.5 40.2 A V -3.41 36.79 54.00 17.21 PASS
3670.3 65.7 P H 3.32 69.02 74.00 4.98 PASS
3670 42.5 A H 3.32 45.82 54.00 8.18 PASS
4587.8 60 P H 5.64 65.64 74.00 8.36 PASS
4587.5 38.7 A V 5.63 44.33 54.00 9.67 PASS

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 13

Model: C1A-2 FCC ID: SK9C1A-2

Sample Calculations
RC = RU + CFT

Where:
CFT = Total Correction Factor (AF+CA+AG)-DC(Average Measurements Only)
RU = Uncorrected Reading
RC = Corrected Level
AF = Antenna Factor
CA = Cable Attenuation
AG = Amplifier Gain
DC = Duty Cycle Correction Factor (If applicable)

Example Calculation:

Corrected Level: 63 + (-3.41) = 59.59 dBuV

Margin: 74dBuV – 59.59 dBuV = 14.41 dB

6.7 Peak Power Spectral Density- FCC Section 15.247(d)

6.7.1 Test Methodology
The power spectral density was measured in accordance with OET bulletin 97-114, appendix C. The EUT
was caused to generate a constant carrier on the low, middle and high fundamental channels. The hopping
function was turned off for the measurement.

6.7.2 Test Results
Results are shown below in table 6.7.2-1 and figure 6.7.2-1.

Table 6.7.2-1: Peak Power Spectral Density
Frequency Level Cable Corrected Limit Result
[MHz] [dBm] Attenuation Level [dBm]
Factor [dB] [dBm]
917.58MHz 7.33 .5 7.83 8 Pass

ACS Report: 04-0396-15C-DTS Advanced Compliance Solutions Page 14

Document Created: 2005-01-12 09:18:52
Document Modified: 2005-01-12 09:18:52

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