96-7689. Operation above 40 GHz  

  • [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.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    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 mmwaves@fcc.gov.
    
    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
    
    

Document Information

Published:
04/02/1996
Department:
Federal Communications Commission
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
96-7689
Dates:
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.
Pages:
14500-14503 (4 pages)
Docket Numbers:
ET Docket No. 94-124, RM-8308, FCC 95-499
PDF File:
96-7689.pdf
CFR: (9)
47 CFR 1.1307(b)
47 CFR 2.106
47 CFR 2.997
47 CFR 15.31
47 CFR 15.33
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