User's Manual

Allowed Antennas to be Used with the Radio Module
The Integrator must request from Atheros sales or regulatory contact person the current
list of allowable antennas for use with the specific radio module. This information is not
available on the public FCC database but will be provided by Atheros. Atheros will
provide a table of antenna type(s) models, cable lengths, and peak gain in each band.
Generally, the list will include omnidirectional Inverted-F (PIFA) and stamped
metal/film antennas for use inside laptops. In some cases, dipole antenna types may be
included in the available list. Peak gain including cable losses are quoted in the table
provided by Atheros.
Use of any of the antennas in the list (identical or equivalent antenna with same gain,
dimensions and cable lengths) is acceptable in the host device, without any further FCC
testing or submission.
However, use of an antenna that is Higher gain than those on the list or is a Different
Type, requires additional testing and submission to the FCC. Also, if the host PC is
certified as an FCC Portable device subject to RF Exposure (SAR) evaluation, then
additional SAR testing per FCC rules may be required. Therefore, antennas with higher
gain or different type than specified by Atheros, may not be used with the Atheros
module until new testing and reporting is completed.
You must contact the Atheros Regulatory Group to report any higher gain or new antenna
type to be used with the module.
Antenna Placement and RF Hazard (SAR) Compliance
For host PCs 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 that maintains at least 20 cm 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, additional certification testing including RF Exposure (SAR) testing and an
FCC certification submission are required to gain permission to place antennas closer
than 20 cm 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
host PCs will require certification per FCC rules for a Portable Category host.
This restriction is specified on the FCC modular grant of approval:
“The antenna used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance
of at least 20 cm from all persons