FCC SAR Testing & Radio Frequency Exposure 3

Question 1

What does the acronym 'SAM' refer to in the context of FCC handset SAR testing?

Accepted Answer

Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin

Answer

SAM (Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin) is the standardized plastic head and torso phantom shell used to contain the tissue-simulating liquid during SAR testing of mobile handsets per IEEE 1528.

Question 2

What is the FCC SAR limit for extremities such as hands, wrists, feet, and ankles?

Accepted Answer

4.0 W/kg averaged over 10 grams

Answer

The FCC allows a higher SAR limit of 4.0 W/kg averaged over any 10 grams of tissue for extremities, recognizing that these body parts can tolerate greater localized heating due to lower thermal sensitivity.

Question 3

Under FCC rules, a device is classified as 'portable' and requires SAR evaluation when the transmitting antenna operates within what distance from the human body?

Accepted Answer

20 centimeters

Answer

Per 47 CFR Part 2.1093, a device is subject to SAR evaluation when its transmitting antenna is designed to operate within 20 cm of the human body during normal use.

Question 4

Why is the temperature of the tissue-simulating liquid critical to monitor during SAR measurements?

Accepted Answer

Temperature changes the liquid's dielectric properties, directly affecting measurement accuracy

Answer

The permittivity and conductivity of the tissue-simulating liquid are temperature-dependent; deviations from the target temperature alter these electrical properties and introduce significant measurement errors.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a system validation dipole (SVD) in a SAR test system?

Accepted Answer

To verify the overall SAR measurement system performance against a known reference standard

Answer

The SVD is a half-wave dipole with characterized SAR values used to validate the complete measurement system—including the probe, robotic scanner, and software—against traceable reference values.

FCC - Federal Communications Commission Certified Laboratory Practice Test

FCC - Federal Communications Commission Certified Laboratory Practice Test

FCC SAR Testing & Radio Frequency Exposure 3