Meaning
Evaluative procedure performed on a device that has previously passed regulatory testing but has undergone hardware or software modifications. Compliance retesting ensures that any alterations to the internal circuitry and the radio frequency path do not push the emissions outside of legal limits. It confirms the continued validity of the original certification under new conditions.
Change Assessment
Engineering teams must decide if a component swap is a pin for pin replacement or a significant design change. This decision determines if the project requires a full suite of tests or just a targeted evaluation of the affected radio bands. Substituting a passive component for a variant from a different supplier often necessitates a spot check of the spurious emissions.
Without this verification, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that the device remains within the authorized spectrum masks.
Risk Mitigation
Routine evaluations prevent the accidental release of products that no longer meet the technical requirements. A small change in the plastic housing can alter the antenna radiation pattern or the thermal dissipation.
Approval Filing
Data from the new rounds of testing is submitted to the certification body as a permissive change. This documentation links the new hardware revision to the existing file. The successful completion of this step allows the manufacturer to update the production line with the revised parts.
