Best Practices for Registering Wireless Microphones and Other Low Power Devices with a TV White Space Device Administrator.

Transcription

1 Best Practices for Registering Wireless Microphones and Other Low Power Devices with a TV White Space Device Administrator Bruce Franca Version 1.0 April 15, 2013

2 Table of Contents Microphone Registration Check List... 4 EXAMPLE: Wireless Microphone Registration Process... 7 Spectrum Bridge Microphone Registration Process Telcordia Technologies Key Bridge Global, LLC Google Contact Information for TV Band Database Administrators Appendix A: TV Channel Frequencies Appendix B: Relevant FCC Rules

3 Best Practices for Registering Wireless Microphones and Other Low Power Devices with a TV White Space Device Administrator Bruce Franca, NAB Recently, the FCC amended its rules to permit Part 15 unlicensed devices, called TV Band Devices (TVBDs), to operate on television broadcast channels that are unused in a specific geographic area. For example, if TV channel 20 ( MHz) is currently not used for TV transmissions and reception at a certain location that channel may be used by unlicensed TVBDs. To determine whether a TV channel is unused at a particular location, the TVBD is required to contact and provide its location information to a TV Band Database Administrator that has been approved by the FCC. The TV Band Database Administrator will then provide the TVBD with the unused TV channels at that location. These unused TV channels, however, are not necessarily unused. Broadcasters, for example, use these channels for many other purposes. They are used for wireless microphones operations in TV studios, for Electronic News Gathering (ENG), for sporting events and other program production. They are also used for Interruptible Feedback (IFB) systems and other low power auxiliary purposes. To provide for continued operation of these activities, the FCC rules allow broadcasters to register locations where these low power auxiliary devices are used on a regular basis. This document describes how to register these low power auxiliary devices for protection and provides suggested best practices for this process. 1 1 NAB and the author would like to make this document as useful as possible in providing guidance to our members. Your comments and suggestions on how we can make improve this document and make it more helpful to personnel at both radio and television stations that operate wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary equipment on TV frequencies are most appreciated. We do intend to update this document to take into account changes in TV White Space rules and/or TV Database Administrators. 3

4 Microphone Registration Check List Conduct an Inventory And Make A List of All Low Power Auxiliary Equipment Before beginning the registration process, a complete inventory of all wireless microphones, IFB and other Low Power Auxiliary equipment that operates on any frequency between 54 MHz and 698 MHz should be taken and recorded. The operating frequency or frequencies of each device should be noted and recorded. The operating frequency or frequencies of each device should be converted to a specific TV channel. See Appendix A for TV channel frequencies. Registrations are for a full 6 MHz TV channel and not the specific narrowband channel or frequencies used by the equipment or wireless microphone. For example, if your microphone operates on the 200 khz channel between to MHz, you would register and request protection for TV Channel 19 ( MHz). If you have other equipment that operates on the same TV channel at the same location, only one registration is required. Determine What Channels Are Already Protected TV White Spaces devices cannot operate on any channel used for TV operations in the area. In spectrum congested markets, broadcasters sometimes use low power auxiliary equipment that operates on channels that are used for TV operation in that market. There is no need to register equipment that operates on these channels since unlicensed devices are already precluded from using these channels. IN FACT, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT SUCH CHANNELS NOT BE REGISTERED. Under the TV white spaces rules, two TV channels are reserved for wireless microphone operations. They are the first unused channel above and below TV channel 37at any specific location. If unused channels are not available both above and below channel 37, the two unused channels closest to channel 37 are reserved for wireless microphones and may not be used by unlicensed TV band devices. These two reserved wireless microphone channels are available for both licensed and unlicensed wireless microphones. Therefore, there is no protection from interference from unlicensed wireless microphones that might be used on these channels. While the probability of interference from unlicensed microphones is low, it is something that should be taken into account in using these channels. The two reserved channels are determined for each specific geographical location and may vary by locations within a TV station s service area. For example, if a TV station in a nearby market operates on a channel near TV channel 37and its contour overlaps part of the service area, that channel may be available in some of the market (where there is no overlap) but not available in the part of the service area (where there is an overlap of coverage). 4

5 Stations should identify the two reserve channels in their market and how those channels may vary by location. This can be done by going to a Database Administrator s website and putting in various locations throughout the service area. There is no need to register locations or equipment that operates at those locations on the reserve channels since unlicensed devices cannot be used on these reserved channels. Determine Sites Where Wireless Equipment Is Used On a Regular Basis Registrations are based on the Site or Specific Locations where the equipment is used on a regularly scheduled basis. Recommend that ALL Stations register their news or other studio locations if they use wireless microphones or other equipment in the station or studio on a regular basis. Recommend that Stations also register specific sites within their licensed service area where wireless microphones are used on a regular basis. o Some examples of this include: Sites used on a regular basis for weather reports (e.g., regular weather reports from a park, beach or even outside your studio can be registered); Sites used on regular basis for traffic reports; Sites such as local courthouse or government office that are used on a regular basis for news reports Sites used on a regular basis such as news and studio locations may be registered for a period of up to one year. Protections are valid only for the specific locations and times that are registered. Special Event Registration If you plan to use microphones, IFBs, or other equipment at a planned special event, you need to register the event location and times and request protection on all TV channels on which the equipment will operate. o Some examples of special events include: Sporting events Concerts County fairs Events may be a single time event or recurring events (Friday night concerts or football games). Protections are valid only for the specific locations and times that are registered. Registration and ENG There are NO specific provisions for registration of unplanned operations such as ENG in the FCC s white spaces rules. Instead, the TVWS rules reserve two channels for wireless microphone 5

6 operation at every location. The reserved channels are the first unused TV channel above or below TV channel 37 or, if there are no channels above and below, the first two channels closest to TV channel 37. One of the problems with the two reserve channel approach is the fact that the specific channels are based on exact location. This means that the specific reserve channels can vary across a typical radio or TV station s service area. As stated above, it is recommended that each station develop a map identifying the two reserve channels over their service area for their ENG and station personnel. In addition, while TVWS devices may not operate on the two reserved channels, the two reserved channels may be used by anyone for unlicensed wireless microphone operation. ENG staff should be aware that, although it is unlikely given the very low power of wireless microphones, it is possible that unlicensed wireless microphone use of these channels may cause interference to ENG operations. Despite the fact that the FCC did not establish provisions for unscheduled ENG activities and the rules provide a 24 hour time period for a registration requesting protection, a number of Database Administrators have indicated that registrations, in practice, will be considered and propagated to other administrators in close to real-time. Therefore, registration may offer a practical solution for situations even for unplanned ENG operations where those operations may be on site for several hours, such as reporting an event at both 7 and 11 o clock news. Determine the Database Administrator That Best Meets Your Needs And Consider Establishing An Account With That Database Provider The FCC have approved a number of different parties to be TV Band Database Administrators. Each administrator has developed their own websites and registration processes. Each of the websites have their own unique look and feel and it is recommended that you try several to determine which administrator best serves your registration needs. All Database Administrators must accept registrations of licensed stations and may not charge for the registration of a licensed station. However, they may offer additional add-on services for a fee. KeyBridge, for example, has developed services for specific broadcasters. If you anticipate register a number of locations, events or wireless microphones, it is recommended that you establish an account with a specific TV Band Database Administrator. This will simplify the registration process and eliminate having to input redundant identification and registration data. 6

7 EXAMPLE: Wireless Microphone Registration Process Inventory Results Fictional TV Station KWXYZ-TV operates on TV channel 45 in Albany, GA and has SONY Pro Audio DWMO1/C3114 and C4244 Wireless Microphones along with DWRSID/1820 and 3032 Wireless Microphone Receivers for their Cameras that are used in the studio and for ENG operations. The equipment operates on channels 18 to 19 and in the studio and operates from 18 to 21 and 42 to 44 in the field for ENG. Studio operations include three news and weather broadcasts daily, recording of local ads, promos, etc. Between testing and rehearsals, microphone operation can occur from 6AM to 11:30PM. Equipment Sony DWMO1/C3114 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/1820 receiver Sony DWMO1/C3142 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/4244 receiver Sony DWMO1/C3114 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/1820 receiver Sony DWMO1/C3142 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/4244 receiver Area of Operation Frequencies Used (TV Channels ) Time of Operation Studio 18 & 19 6AM to 11:30PM Studio 44 & 45 6AM to 11:30PM Field ENG As Needed Field ENG As Needed 7

8 Channels Available for TVWS Devices From a search of a TVWS Database, TV channels 18 to 21 and 42 to 44 are available for TVWS devices. 2 Note: TV channel 45 is used by KWXYZ and is not available for TV white space operation. Therefore, although this channel is used for wireless microphones for studio operations there is no need to register this channel since it is already protected from TVWS operation. Studio Registration Some Database Administrators require that you sign-up as a user before any wireless microphones or other low power devices can be registered. An example of the sign-up process and an example of the information required to be entered is given below: 2 In this example, we will use the Spectrum Bridge database to determine channel availability and register for protection. 8

9 Once this information has been entered, the database administrator will then notify the user by that they may now enter registration information. In some instances, a User ID and password will be assigned or needed for entering data. The station should put in place procedures for how they want to handle registrations. For example, do they want all registrations to be handled by a single point at the station or do they want registrations to be made by ENG crews in the field? Whatever approach is taken, you need to make sure all appropriate personnel have the station s User ID and Password and other information needed to make the registrations. The following is an example of the data needed for registration: 9

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11 Spectrum Bridge Microphone Registration Process In January, 2012, the FCC conditionally approved Spectrum Bridge, Inc., to begin operations as a TV Band Database Administrator for limited commercial operations in Wilmington and Hanover County, North Carolina. While TV Band device operations will be limited for a time to those areas of North Carolina, the Spectrum Bridge database is now available for licensed wireless microphone and other types of registrations across the country. Since TV band device operations can go nationwide at any time, it is recommended that broadcasters consider protecting their wireless microphone operations by registering now with Spectrum Bridge. Registrations are valid for a period of one year and registrations can be made with any database administrator who will then provide this information all other approved administrators. The following is an example of how to register your wireless microphones with Spectrum Bridge. Inventory Results The first task should be to take an inventory of your wireless microphones. As indicated above, Fictional TV Station KWXYZ-HD operates on TV channel 45 in Albany, GA and completed its inventory of wireless microphone equipment. The station has SONY Pro Audio DWMO1/C3114 and C4244 Wireless Microphones along with DWRSID/1820 and 3032 Wireless Microphone Receivers for their Cameras that are used in the studio and for ENG operations. The equipment operates on channels 18 to 19 and in the studio and operates from 18 to 21 and 42 to 44 in the field for ENG. Studio operations include three news and weather broadcasts daily, recording of local ads, promos, etc. Between testing and rehearsals, microphone operation can occur anytime from 6AM to 11:30PM. Equipment Sony DWMO1/C3114 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/1820 receiver Sony DWMO1/C3142 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/4244 receiver Sony DWMO1/C3114 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/1820 receiver Sony DWMO1/C3142 wireless microphones with DWRSO1D/4244 receiver Area of Operation Frequencies Used (TV Channels ) Time of Operation Studio 18 & 19 6AM to 11:30PM Studio 44 & 45 6AM to 11:30PM Field ENG As Needed Field ENG As Needed Determining Available Channels The Spectrum Bridge database allows you to determine the channels that are available for wireless microphone operation at any location. The fictious station and studio is located in Albany, Georgia and 11

12 we can use that location to find what channels are available for licensed wireless microphones. To do that, go to the Spectrum Bridge database website, This will bring you to the Protected Entity Registration and Data Portal, shown below: This web page provides a search function that allows you locate available white space channels; view protected areas; and locate wireless microphone channels. There is also a registration function to register with the database to receive protection from interference from TV white space devices. This function is used to register licensed wireless microphones. It is important to note the database only prevents unlicensed TV band white space devices from operating on a registered TV channel. It does not prevent other wireless microphones from registering or using the same channels so coordination 12

13 of ENG and other activities is still necessary. Finally, there is a support function that permits comments to be filed and lets you view all registrations and other information in the database. Using the search function, left click on the word here in the locate channels available exclusively for wireless microphones. 3 This will bring you to the following page: Left click on the highlighted click here above to bring you to the following screen where you can enter location information. In this case, we entered Albany, Georgia, the location of our fictitious studio and station. 3 Note: You can actually use any of the channel search functions and then click on wireless microphones. 13

14 After you ve entered the location, left click on the search button and icon immediately to the right of the box in which you entered the location information. The database will then return a list of channels available for wireless microphone operation, as follows: On the Spectrum Bridge database, the wireless microphone channels are presented in a Table as shown above on the right. The first column shows the 6 MHz TV channels that are not occupied and useable for wireless microphone operation at the location specified in the search. The second column lists the frequency range of each usable channel. The third column lists the availability of each channel. Exclusive channels are the two channels that under the FCC White Spaces rules have to be reserved for wireless microphone operation. The rules require that the first vacant TV channels on either side of channel 37 (Reserved for Radio Astronomy) are available exclusively for both licensed and unlicensed wireless microphone operation. TV white space devices cannot operate on these reserve or exclusive channels. In the Spectrum Bridge database, Available channels are also channels that can be used only for wireless microphone operation because of rule or interference restrictions. TV Channels 20 and below may only be used by fixed TV Band devices and operation on channels adjacent to TV station channels is not permitted by fixed devices. These channels are therefore available for wireless microphones only. The last category in the Table is White Space channels. These channels are available 14

15 for wireless microphone use but may also be used by TV White Spaces devices. Licensed wireless microphones receive interference protection from TV Band devices if the channel only if they have been registered with a TV bands database administrator. Submitting a Registration Request To register a wireless microphone go to the main page on the Spectrum Bridge website, Under the Protected Entity registration column, left click on the highlighted here in Register a Low Power Auxiliary Station (wireless microphone) here. This will bring you to the registration page, below. Since our fictitious station has studio microphones that operate on channels 18, 19, 44 and 45, we ve checked those channels in the channel list. We next have to input the transmitter call sign. This can be the call sign assigned by the low power auxiliary license or the TV station s call sign. The call sign, however, must match exactly the call sign in the FCC records. The next step is to add the location the wireless microphones will be used. This can be a single location (geographic point) or a quadrilateral (where no side can exceed 3km). This later function can be useful for a large venue such as a sports stadium. For our fictitious station and studio, we will use a point for registration, as shown below: 15

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17 Telcordia Technologies Other database s may have different look and feel and may require other information for the registration process. Telcordia has been approved as a TVWS Database Administrator and its website is somewhat different from the Spectrum Bridge example above. If you go to the Telecordia website, you will bring up the following page. To register a wireless microphone, you would click on Register an FCC Protected Entity shown by the arrow 17

18 Before a low power wireless microphone or other Part 74 auxiliary device may be registered you need to obtain a User ID from Telcordia. Once a User ID has been obtained, you can then begin registering devices. 18

19 Key Bridge Global, LLC Key Bridge s registration process requires creating an account. The Key Bridge website is and will bring up the following page: Once an account is established, there are step-by-step instruction that guide you through the registration process, as shown below: 19

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21 Google Google is another TV band Database Administrator, but registration of wireless microphones is done using the Spectrum Bridge website. If you go to the Google web page, the following page comes up: If you click on the link to register a Protected Entity (e.g., wireless microphone you will be re-directed to the Spectrum Bridge website. 21

22 Contact Information for TV Band Database Administrators The following are the web addresses and other contact information for TV White Space Database Administrators that have been approved by the FCC, and that are available for use by TV white space devices and microphone registration, or are in FCC testing. Spectrum Bridge, Inc Greenwood Boulevard Suite #200 Lake Mary, FL Toll Free: Fax: (407) Direct: (407) TV Band Database: Telcordia Technologies, Inc. (Telcordia is now part of Ericsson, doing business as iconectiv.) Iconectiv One Telcordia Drive Piscataway, NJ TV Band Database: Key Bridge Global, LLC 1600 Tysons Blvd., Suite 1100 McLean, VA (703) TV Band Database: Google, Inc Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA TV Band Database: 22

23 Appendix A: TV Channel Frequencies Use the Following List to determine the TV Channel(s) to be used for registering a low power device for protection with a TV Band Database Administrator. Channel No. Frequency band (MHz)

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25 Appendix B: Relevant FCC Rules Subpart H Television Band Devices [Source: 74 FR 7326, Feb. 17, 2009, unless otherwise noted.] Scope. This subpart sets forth the regulations for unlicensed Television Band Devices (TVBDs). These devices are unlicensed intentional radiators that operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands at MHz (TV channel 2), MHz (TV channels 5 and 6), MHz (TV channels 7 13), MHz (TV channels 14 36) and MHz (TV channels 38 51) Definitions. (a) Available channel. A six-megahertz television channel, as specified in of this chapter, which is not being used by an authorized service at or near the same geographic location as the TVBD and is acceptable for use by an unlicensed device under the provisions of this subpart. (b) Contact verification signal. An encoded signal broadcast by a fixed or Mode II device for reception by Mode I devices to which the fixed or Mode II device has provided a list of available channels for operation. Such signal is for the purpose of establishing that the Mode I device is still within the reception range of the fixed or Mode II device for purposes of validating the list of available channels used by the Mode I device and shall be encoded to ensure that the signal originates from the device that provided the list of available channels. A Mode I device may respond only to a contact verification signal from the fixed or Mode II device that provided the list of available channels on which it operates. A fixed or Mode II device shall provide the information needed by a Mode I device to decode the contact verification signal at the same time it provides the list of available channels. (c) Fixed device. A TVBD that transmits and/or receives radiocommunication signals at a specified fixed location. A fixed TVBD may select channels for operation itself from a list of available channels provided by a TV bands database, initiate and operate a network by sending enabling signals to one or more fixed TVBDs and/or personal/portable TVBDs. Fixed devices may provide to a Mode I personal/portable device a list of available channels on which the Mode I device may operate under the rules, including available channels above 512 MHz (above TV channel 20) on which the fixed TVBD also may operate and a supplemental list of available channels above 512 MHz (above TV channel 20) that are adjacent to occupied TV channels on which the Mode I device, but not the fixed device, may operate. (d) Geo-location capability. The capability of a TVBD to determine its geographic coordinates within the level of accuracy specified in (b)(1), i.e. 50 meters. This capability is used with a TV bands database approved by the FCC to determine the availability of TV channels at a TVBD's location. (e) Mode I personal/portable device. A personal/portable TVBD that does not use an internal geolocation capability and access to a TV bands database to obtain a list of available channels. A Mode I device must obtain a list of available channels on which it may operate from either a fixed TVBD or Mode II personal/portable TVBD. A Mode I device may not initiate a network of fixed and/or 25

26 personal/portable TVBDs nor may it provide a list of available channels to another Mode I device for operation by such device. (f) Mode II personal/portable device. A personal/portable TVBD that uses an internal geo-location capability and access to a TV bands database, either through a direct connection to the Internet or through an indirect connection to the Internet by way of fixed TVBD or another Mode II TVBD, to obtain a list of available channels. A Mode II device may select a channel itself and initiate and operate as part of a network of TVBDs, transmitting to and receiving from one or more fixed TVBDs or personal/portable TVBDs. A Mode II personal/portable device may provide its list of available channels to a Mode I personal/portable device for operation on by the Mode I device. (g ) Network initiation. The process by which a fixed or Mode II TVBD sends control signals to one or more fixed TVBDs or personal/portable TVBDs and allows them to begin communications. (h) Operating channel. An available channel used by a TVBD for transmission and/or reception. (i) Personal/portable device. A TVBD that transmits and/or receives radiocommunication signals at unspecified locations that may change. Personal/portable devices may only transmit on available channels in the frequency bands MHz (TV channels 21 36) and MHz (TV channels 38 51). (j) Receive site. The location where the signal of a full service television station is received for rebroadcast by a television translator or low power TV station, including a Class A TV station, or for distribution by a Multiple Video Program Distributor (MVPD) as defined in 47 U.S.C. 602(13). (k) Sensing only device. A personal/portable TVBD that uses spectrum sensing to determine a list of available channels. Sensing only devices may transmit on any available channels in the frequency bands MHz (TV channels 21 36) and MHz (TV channels 38 51). (l) Spectrum sensing. A process whereby a TVBD monitors a television channel to detect whether the channel is occupied by a radio signal or signals from authorized services. (m) Television band device (TVBD). Intentional radiators that operate on an unlicensed basis on available channels in the broadcast television frequency bands at MHz (TV channel 2), MHz (TV channels 5 and 6), MHz (TV channels 7 13), MHz (TV channels 14 36) and MHz (TV channels 38 51). (n) TV bands database. A database system that maintains records of all authorized services in the TV frequency bands, is capable of determining the available channels as a specific geographic location and provides lists of available channels to TVBDs that have been certified under the Commission's equipment authorization procedures. TV bands databases that provide lists of available channels to TVBDs must receive approval by the Commission. 26

27 Cross reference. (a) The provisions of subparts A, B, and C of this part apply to TVBDs, except where specific provisions are contained in subpart H. (b) The requirements of subpart H apply only to the radio transmitter contained in the TVBD. Other aspects of the operation of a TVBD may be subject to requirements contained elsewhere in this chapter. In particular, a TVBD that includes a receiver that tunes within the frequency range specified in (b) contains digital circuitry not directly associated with the radio transmitter is also subject to the requirements for unintentional radiators in subpart B Information to the user. (a) In addition to the labeling requirements contained in 15.19, the instructions furnished to the user of a TVBD shall include the following statement, placed in a prominent location in the text of the manual: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the rules for TV bands devices, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: (1) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. (2) Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. (3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. (4) Consult the manufacturer, dealer or an experienced radio/tv technician for help. (b) In cases where the manual is provided only in a form other than paper, such as on a computer disk or over the Internet, the information required by this section may be included in the manual in that alternative form, provided the user can reasonably be expected to have the capability to access information in that form Permissible channels of operation. (a) All TVBDs are permitted to operate available channels in the frequency bands MHz (TV channels 21 36) and MHz (TV channels 38 51), subject to the interference protection requirements in and , except that operation of TVBDs is prohibited on the first channel above and the first channel below TV channel 37 ( MHz) that are available, i.e., not occupied by an authorized service. If a channel is not available both above and below channel 37, operation is prohibited on the first two channels nearest to channel 37. These channels will be identified and protected in the TV bands database(s). 27

28 (b) Operation on available channels in the bands MHz (TV channel 2), MHz (TV channels 5 and 6), MHz (TV channels 7 13) and MHz (TV channels 14 20), subject to the interference protection requirements in and , is permitted only for fixed TVBDs that communicate only with other fixed TVBDs. (c) Fixed and Mode II TVBDs shall operate only on available channels as identified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and as determined by a TV bands database in accordance with the interference avoidance mechanisms of and (d) Mode I TVBDs shall operate only on available channels as identified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and provided from a fixed or Mode II TVBD in accordance with (b)(3)(iv) General technical requirements. (a) Power limits for TVBDs. (1) For fixed TVBDs, the maximum power delivered to the transmitting antenna shall not exceed one watt per 6 megahertz of bandwidth on which the device operates. The power delivered to the transmitting antenna is the maximum conducted output power reduced by the signal loss experienced in the cable used to connect the transmitter to the transmit antenna. If transmitting antennas of directional gain greater than 6 dbi are used, the maximum conducted output power shall be reduced by the amount in db that the directional gain of the antenna exceeds 6 dbi. (2) For personal/portable TVBDs, the maximum EIRP shall not exceed 100 milliwatts (20 dbm) per 6 megahertz of bandwidth on which the device operates with the following exceptions; Mode II personal/portable TVBDs that do not meet the adjacent channel separation requirements in (a) and Mode I personal/portable TVBDs that operate on available channels (provided by a Mode II TVBD) that do not meet the adjacent channel separation requirements of (a) are limited to a maximum EIRP of 40 milliwatts (16 dbm) per 6 megahertz of bandwidth on which the device operates. (3) TVBDs shall incorporate transmit power control to limit their operating power to the minimum necessary for successful communication. Applicants for equipment certification shall include a description of a device's transmit power control feature mechanism. (4) Maximum conducted output power is the total transmit power over the occupied bandwidth delivered to all antennas and antenna elements averaged across all symbols in the signaling alphabet when the transmitter is operating at its maximum power control level. Power must be summed across all antennas and antenna elements. The average must not include any time intervals during which the transmitter is off or is transmitting at a reduced power level. If multiple modes of operation are possible (e.g., alternative modulation methods), the maximum conducted output power is the highest total transmit power occurring in any mode. (5) The power spectral density conducted from the TVBD to the antenna shall not be greater than the following values when measured in any 100 khz band during any time interval of continuous transmission: 28

29 (i) Fixed devices: 12.2 dbm. (ii) Personal/portable devices operating adjacent to occupied TV channels: 1.8 dbm. (iii) Sensing-only devices: 0.8 dbm. (iii) All other personal/portable devices: 2.2 dbm. (6) TVBDs shall incorporate adequate security measures to prevent the TVBD from accessing databases not approved by the FCC and to ensure that unauthorized parties can not modify the TVBD or configure its control features to operate inconsistent with the rules and protection criteria set forth in this subpart. (b) Antenna requirements. (1) All transmit and receive antenna(s) of personal/portable devices shall be permanently attached. (2) The transmit antenna used with fixed devices may not be more than 30 meters above the ground. In addition, fixed devices may not be located at sites where the height above average terrain (HAAT) at ground level is more than 76 meters. The ground level HAAT is to be calculated by the TV bands database that the device contacts for available channels using computational software employing the methodology in (d) of this chapter. (3) For personal/portable TVBDs operating under , the provisions of (c)(4) do not apply to an antenna used for transmission and reception/spectrum sensing. (4) For personal/portable TVBDs operating under that incorporate a separate sensing antenna, compliance testing shall be performed using the lowest gain antenna for each type of antenna to be certified. (c) Emission limits for TVBDs. (1) In the television channels immediately adjacent to the channel in which a TVBD is operating, emissions from the TVBD shall be at least 72.8 db below the highest average power in the TV channel in which the device is operating. (2) Emission measurements in the channel of operation shall be performed over a reference bandwidth of 6 megahertz with an average detector. Emission measurements in the adjacent channels shall be performed using a minimum resolution bandwidth of 100 khz with an average detector. A narrower resolution bandwidth may be employed near the band edge, when necessary, provided the measured energy is integrated to show the total power over 100 khz. (3) At frequencies beyond the television channels immediately adjacent to the channel in which the TVBD is operating, the radiated emissions from TVBDs shall meet the requirements of

30 (4) Emissions in the band MHz must also comply with the following field strength limits at a distance of one meter. Frequency (MHz) Field strength dbµv/meter/120 khz [F(MHz) 602] [620 F(MHz)] (5) TVBDs connected to the AC power line are required to comply with the conducted limits set forth in (d) Compliance with radio frequency exposure requirements. To ensure compliance with the Commission's radio frequency exposure requirements in (b), and of this chapter, fixed TVBDs shall be accompanied by instructions on measures to take to ensure that persons maintain a distance of at least 40 cm from the device, as well as any necessary hardware that may be needed to implement that protection. These instructions shall be submitted with the application for certification. Personal/portable TVBDs that meet the definition of portable devices under of this chapter and that operate with a source-based time-averaged output of less than 20 mw will not be subject to routine evaluation for compliance with the radio frequency exposure guidelines, while devices that operate with a source-based time-average output power greater than 20 mw will be subject to the routine evaluation requirements Interference avoidance methods. Except as provided in , television channel availability for a TVBD is determined based on the geolocation and database access method described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. (a) Geo-location and database access. A TVBD shall rely on the geo-location and database access mechanism to identify available television channels consistent with the interference protection requirements of Such protection will be provided for the following authorized and unlicensed services: digital television stations, digital and analog Class A, low power, translator and booster stations; translator receive operations; fixed broadcast auxiliary service links; private land mobile 30

31 service/commercial radio service (PLMRS/CMRS) operations; offshore radiotelephone service; low power auxiliary services authorized pursuant to through of this chapter, including wireless microphones and MVPD receive sites; and unlicensed wireless microphones used by venues of large events and productions/shows as provided under (h)(8). In addition, protection shall be provided in border areas near Canada and Mexico in accordance with (g). (b) Geo-location and database access requirements. (1) The geographic coordinates of a fixed TVBD shall be determined to an accuracy of ± 50 meters by either an incorporated geo-location capability or a professional installer. In the case of professional installation, the party who registers the fixed TVBD in the database will be responsible for assuring the accuracy of the entered coordinates. The geographic coordinates of a fixed TVBD shall be determined at the time of installation and first activation from a power-off condition, and this information may be stored internally in the TVBD. If the fixed TVBD is moved to another location or if its stored coordinates become altered, the operator shall re-establish the device's: (i) Geographic location and store this information in the TVBD either by means of the device's incorporated geo-location capability or through the services of a professional installer; and (ii) Registration with the database based on the device's new coordinates. (2) A Mode II personal/portable device shall incorporate a geo-location capability to determine its geographic coordinates to an accuracy of ± 50 meters. A Mode II device must also re-establish its position each time it is activated from a power-off condition and use its geo-location capability to check its location at least once every 60 seconds while in operation, except while in sleep mode, i.e., in a mode in which the device is inactive but is not powered-down. (3)(i) Fixed devices must access a TV bands database over the Internet to determine the TV channels that are available at their geographic coordinates, taking into consideration the fixed device's antenna height, prior to their initial service transmission at a given location. Operation is permitted only on channels that are indicated in the database as being available for such TVBDs. Fixed TVBDs shall access the database at least once a day to verify that the operating channels continue to remain available. Operation on a channel must cease immediately if the database indicates that the channel is no longer available. Fixed TVBD must adjust their use of channels in accordance with channel availability schedule information provided by their database for the 48-hour period beginning at the time of the device last accessed the database for a list of available channels. (ii) Mode II personal/portable devices must access a TV bands database over the Internet to determine the TV channels that are available at their geographic coordinates prior to their initial service transmission at a given location. Operation is permitted only on channels that are indicated in the database as being available for personal/portable TVBDs. A Mode II personal/portable device must access the database for a list of available channels each time it is activated from a power-off condition and re-check its location and the database for available channels if it changes location during operation by more than 100 meters from the location at which it last accessed the database. A Mode II 31

32 personal/portable device that has been in a powered state shall re-check its location and access the database daily to verify that the operating channel(s) continue to be available. Mode II personal/portable devices must adjust their use of channels in accordance with channel availability schedule information provided by their database for the 48-hour period beginning at the time of the device last accessed the database for a list of available channels. A Mode II personal/portable device may load channel availability information for multiple locations around, i.e., in the vicinity of, its current location and use that information in its operation. A Mode II TVBD may use such available channel information to define a geographic area within which it can operate on the same available channels at all locations, for example a Mode II TVBD could calculate a bounded area in which a channel or channels are available at all locations within the area and operate on a mobile basis within that area. A Mode II TVBD using such channel availability information for multiple locations must contact the database again if/when it moves beyond the boundary of the area where the channel availability data is valid, and must access the database daily even if it has not moved beyond that range to verify that the operating channel(s) continue to be available. Operation must cease immediately if the database indicates that the channel is no longer available. (iii) If a fixed or Mode II personal/portable TVBD fails to successfully contact the TV bands database during any given day, it may continue to operate until 11:59 p.m. of the following day at which time it must cease operations until it re-establishes contact with the TV bands database and re-verifies its list of available channels. (iv) A Mode I personal/portable TVBD may only transmit upon receiving a list of available channels from a fixed or Mode II TVBD that has contacted a database and verified that the FCC identifier (FCC ID) of the Mode I device is valid. The list of channels provided to the Mode I device must be the same as the list of channels that are available to the fixed or Mode II device, except that a Mode I device may operate only on channels that are permissible for its use under A fixed device may also obtain from a database a separate list of available channels that includes adjacent channels that would be available to a Mode I personal/portable device and provide that list to the Mode I device. A fixed or Mode II device may provide a Mode I device with a list of available channels only after it contacts its database, provides the database the FCC Identifier (FCC ID) of the Mode I device requesting available channels, and receives verification that the FCC ID is valid for operation. To initiate contact with a fixed or Mode II device, a Mode I device may transmit on an available channel used by the fixed or Mode II TVBD or on a channel the fixed or Mode II TVBD indicates is available for use by a Mode I device on a signal seeking such contacts. At least once every 60 seconds, except when in sleep mode, i.e., a mode in which the device is inactive but is not powered-down, a Mode I device must either receive a contact verification signal from the Mode II or fixed device that provided its current list of available channels or contact a Mode II or fixed device to re-verify/re-establish channel availability. A Mode I device must cease operation immediately if it does not receive a contact verification signal or is not able to re-establish a list of available channels through contact with a fixed or Mode II device on this schedule. In addition, a Mode II device must re-check/reestablish contact with a fixed or Mode II device to obtain a list of available channels if they lose power. Collaterally, if a Mode II device loses power and obtains a new channel list, it must signal all Mode I devices it is serving to acquire new channel list. 32

33 (v) Device manufacturers and database administrators may implement a system that pushes updated channel availability information from the database to TVBDs. However, the use of such systems is not mandatory, and the requirements for TVBDs to validate the operating channel at least daily and to cease operation in accordance with paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section continue to apply if such a system is used. (vi) TV bands devices shall incorporate adequate security measures to ensure that they are capable of communicating for purposes of obtaining lists of available channels only with databases operated by administrators authorized by the Commission, and to ensure that communications between TV bands devices and databases between TV bands devices are secure to prevent corruption or unauthorized interception of data. This requirement includes implementing security for communications between Mode I personal portable devices and fixed or Mode II devices for purposes of providing lists of available channels. (4) All geographic coordinates shall be referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). (c) Display of available channels. A TVBD must incorporate the capability to display a list of identified available channels and its operating channels. (d) Identifying information. Fixed TVBDs shall transmit identifying information. The identification signal must conform to a standard established by a recognized industry standards setting organization. The identification signal shall carry sufficient information to identify the device and its geographic coordinates. (e) Fixed devices without a direct connection to the Internet. If a fixed TVBD does not have a direct connection to the Internet and has not yet been initialized and registered with the TV bands database consistent with , but can receive the transmissions of another fixed TVBD, the fixed TVBD needing initialization may transmit to that other fixed TVBD on either a channel that the other TVBD has transmitted on or on a channel which the other TVBD indicates is available for use to access the database to register its location and receive a list of channels that are available for it to use. Subsequently, the newly registered TVBD must only use the television channels that the database indicates are available for it to use. A fixed device may not obtain lists of available channels from another fixed device as provided by a TV bands database for such other device, i.e., a fixed device may not simply operate on the list of available channels provided by a TV bands database for another fixed device with which it communicates but must contact a database to obtain a list of available channels on which it may operate. (f) Security. (1) For purposes of obtaining a list of available channels and related matters, fixed and Mode II TVBDs shall only be capable of contacting databases operated by FCC designated administrators. (2) Communications between TV bands devices and TV bands databases are to be transmitted using secure methods that ensure against corruption or unauthorized modification of the data; this 33