User's Manual

Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. Company Confidential
4 - DRAFT
Introduction
This document describes mandatory steps required by the OEM integrator when designing
and manufacturing any system utilizing an Qualcomm Atheros SiP (System in Package)
radio module which will be referred to as the “SiP integrating system”. Also refer to the
Qualcomm Atheros Regulatory Compliance Guide available on the Qualcomm Atheros customer
support site and from your Qualcomm Atheros customer support contact person.
This document lists the mandatory responsibilities and actions of the OEM integrator.
Failure to comply with all requirements and conditions in this document may result in
non-compliance of the “SiP integrating system” with FCC rules and invalidate the
Qualcomm Atheros FCC certification for the module.
This guide applies to WLAN Client modules that act under control of an Access Point. This
document does not apply to a Client module or Access Point with radar detection feature.
Allowed Antennas to be used with the Radio Module
The Integrator must request from Qualcomm Atheros sales or regulatory contact person the
current version of the document the document “AR4100 SiP Module – Certified Antennas”
which specifies the allowable antennas and connection method for use with the certified SiP
Module.
You must contact the Qualcomm Atheros Regulatory Group to discuss necessary actions where
alternate antenna models or connection schemes are desired by the end integrator. Any such
deviations from the Certified Antenna specification provided by Qualcomm Atheros must not be
implemented without prior written acceptance. Unauthorized deviations may invalidate the FCC
certification of the SiP Module.
Antenna Placement and RF Hazard (SAR) Compliance
For “SiP integrating systems” or systems certified as FCC Mobile Category devices, the FCC
Grant of approval for the Atheros module is only valid when the Integrator ensures antenna
placement in the host system maintains at least 6 mm separation between any part of the
antenna element(s) and any part of the end user’s body (considering their likely or usual
operation position and grip). This spacing is naturally met by non-Mobile systems such as
Access Points or Desktop PCs. Laptop PCs typically have integrated antennas placed high in
the LCD display assembly. However, many of the host devices that use an Atheros SiP
module will fall under FCC Portable Category.
Additional certification testing including RF Exposure (SAR) testing and an FCC certification
submission are required to gain permission to place antennas closer than 20cmm to the end-
user (e.g. a WLAN radio in a handheld personal organizer, Netbook or Tablet PC where the
antennas will be close to the users hands or lap. Such “SiP integrating systems” will require
certification per FCC rules for a Mobile Category host.