Introduction
Bringing an electronic device to market requires careful planning and adherence to multiple industry certifications and regulatory approvals. Without a well-defined certification strategy from the start, companies risk costly delays, unexpected redesigns, and potential barriers to market entry. Identifying key certification requirements early ensures a smoother, more efficient development process and a timely product launch.
Developing a Certification Plan
Every electronic device must undergo testing by an accredited laboratory to confirm compliance with regulatory standards. During the conceptualization phase, core product attributes shape the certification strategy. Some key questions to address include:
Will the device use AC power or batteries?
Does it include a microprocessor or radio receiver?
Will it transmit wireless signals, and if so, how many?
What industries and countries will it be sold in?
Are there intellectual property licensing requirements?
By answering these questions upfront, companies can outline a certification timeline, prototype requirements, and budget expectations, helping to prevent costly surprises later in the design cycle.
Key Certification Categories
Electronic devices typically require certification in one or more of the following categories:
Government Regulations – Regulatory bodies like the FCC (U.S.), IC (Canada), and CE (Europe) oversee radio frequency emissions and safety compliance.
Industry-Specific Certifications – Organizations such as the Wi-Fi Alliance, Bluetooth SIG, and PTCRB ensure interoperability and performance standards.
Network Operator Approvals – Cellular devices often need certification from carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile to ensure network compatibility.
Understanding which certifications are required for your product streamlines the approval process and minimizes time-to-market delays.
Designing for Compliance
A product’s design must accommodate certification requirements from the outset. Best practices for ensuring compliance include:
Implementing RF shielding, proper grounding, and optimized signal routing
Incorporating test interfaces and software-controlled operational modes
Managing electromagnetic interference, receiver sensitivity, and electrostatic discharge risks
Considering mechanical design elements such as enclosures, cable routing, and accessories
By designing with certification requirements in mind, companies can avoid late-stage design modifications that could extend development time and increase costs.
Precertification Testing
Precertification testing helps identify compliance issues before official laboratory testing, reducing the risk of failures that could delay product launch. This process should include:
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing – Ensuring that emissions and immunity levels comply with regulatory standards
Antenna Performance Verification – For wireless products, ensuring proper antenna function and efficiency
Battery and Power Testing – Meeting safety and transportation regulations for battery-powered devices
Conducting precertification testing at an experienced compliance lab, such as Research Triangle Compliance Engineering (RTCE), helps mitigate risk and increase confidence in passing final certification.
Leveraging Pre-Certified Modules
One way to streamline certification is by integrating pre-certified modules into product designs. These modules have already passed regulatory testing when used within defined parameters, reducing the scope of testing required for the final product. Companies leveraging pre-certified radio or cellular modules can save significant time and money while ensuring compliance.
Navigating FCC Certification
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates electronic devices under Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Relevant categories include:
Unintentional Radiators (Part 15, Subpart B) – Devices with internal oscillators, such as microprocessors, must undergo testing to ensure minimal electromagnetic emissions.
Intentional Radiators (Part 15, Subpart C) – Devices that intentionally emit radiofrequency energy, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products, require stringent testing.
SAR Compliance – Devices worn close to the body must meet Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits to ensure safe human exposure to RF energy.
A well-structured FCC certification strategy includes expert consultation and thorough documentation preparation to facilitate the approval process.
Considerations for Multi-Transmitter Devices
Products incorporating multiple wireless technologies—such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular—must be tested for coexistence and interference. If pre-certified modules are used, manufacturers must ensure that modular approvals cover their intended configurations or plan for additional testing to validate performance in multi-radio environments.
Industry-Specific Certifications
Depending on the target market, additional certifications may be required. Examples include:
Medical Devices – Compliance with ANSI ES60601 standards for electromagnetic safety
Automotive Electronics – Adherence to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations
Intrinsic Safety (IS) Certification – Required for products used in hazardous environments
Conclusion
A well-planned certification strategy prevents costly redesigns and accelerates time-to-market. Essential elements of a strong plan include:
Early identification of certification requirements
A structured certification timeline and budget
Designing products with compliance in mind
Conducting thorough precertification testing
Leveraging pre-certified modules when applicable
By partnering with an experienced design and certification team, companies can streamline approvals and ensure a smooth path to product launch.
How Device Solutions Can Help
With a track record of successful product launches since 2003, Device Solutions specializes in guiding companies through product development, certification, and regulatory approval. Whether designing a proof-of-concept prototype or preparing for full-scale production, we offer expertise in wireless, IoT, and embedded systems.
If you're preparing to launch a new electronic product, Device Solutions can help you navigate the complexities of certification and bring your innovation to market efficiently.
________________________________
Chris Lamb is the Chief Technology Officer at Device Solutions, a North Carolina-based IoT engineering company specializing in wireless technology and sensor applications. The company's Cellio platform provides end-to-end IoT solutions for agriculture, industry, and environmental monitoring.