Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF fully validated for AoA/AoD- Direction Finding

7layers is working on Bluetooth RF Testing with radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz.

The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF, a product of 7layers, is now fully validated for Direction Finding and listed in the published summer 2021 Test Case Reference List (TCRL) by the Bluetooth SIG. The Bluetooth low energy test package extension for Direction finding is in accordance to the Bluetooth Specification Part: RFPHY, version 5.3.

“By the rollout of Bluetooth low-energy devices supporting direction finding, proximity and positioning systems operating at sub-meter accuracy levels can now enable various services, such as indoor positioning, wayfinding, asset tracking, object finding, and directional discovery. This capability of high-accuracy distance measurement will become an important feature for Bluetooth enabled products”, says Magdy Ahmed, Product Manager at Interlab Test Products. “To qualify the new feature, the Bluetooth SIG has introduced a bundle of requirements for qualification mandatory starting from October 2021.”

The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF meets all qualification requirements for Bluetooth RF and RFPHY for Classic, Low Energy (LE) as well as Direction Finding. Existing customers of the Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF can now upgrade their test platform to operate Direction Finding testing. There is also an option just to purchase the Direction Finding Test Case package.

The R&S® CMW 270 platform is used as signalling unit of the Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF and provides many features from R&D, pre-qualification and Bluetooth SIG Qualification testing. “We continue our development in creating customer values for Bluetooth testing by our active participation to the Bluetooth SIG standardization. Having a reliable, high quality and flexible test platform as well as an intensive contribution to Bluetooth SIG and deep cooperation with leading Bluetooth product providers is the key to our success for future developments”, explains Carsten Kuhfuss, Product Manager at Interlab Test Products.

The R&S® CMW test platform delivers the full range of Bluetooth® RF tests, including Bluetooth® BR/EDR, Bluetooth® low energy up to Release 5.3. In addition to Direct Test Mode (DTM) and ‘over-the-air’ (OTA) signalling tests, it supports a wide range of audio tests on Bluetooth® basic rate/enhanced data rate (BR/EDR) links. “We support the interoperability of all Bluetooth devices worldwide. In doing so, we rely on close cooperation with Bluetooth qualification test facilities such as 7layers”, says Michael Altmann, Senior Director of Product Management Mobile Radio Testers.

About 7layers

7layers is an international testing, certification and consulting service provider, specialized in wireless technologies. With its network of laboratories all over the world, 7layers supports different sectors like industry, automotive, telecommunication, health, customer products and IoT – from initial consulting and testing to world-wide certification of smart products and smart services. Complementary 7layers supports laboratories, network operators and manufacturers with its Interlab Test Products business unit to master the complex test and lifecycle management tasks that are necessary to bring reliable connected devices and IoT services to market.
Founded 1999 in Ratingen/Germany, 7layers has been a member of the Bureau Veritas Group since 2013, a global leader in the field of inspection, testing and certification with approx. 75,000 employees and an annual turnover of 4,55 Billion Euros.

www.7layers.com/en/test-products
For further information please contact: sales@interlab.com

About Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had around 12,300 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

UNITED KINGDOM: UKCA marking and UK approval process – extension to accepting CE marking

As follow-up on our NEWS from 11th March 2021 (https://www.7layers.com/en/united-kingdom-ukca-marking-and-uk-approval-process/), we want to inform as follow:

All goods which previously required the CE marking will not need to use the UKCA marking until 1 January 2023.
Businesses are encouraged to be ready for full implementation of the new UK regime as soon as possible. However, to allow businesses time to adjust, CE marked goods in scope of this guidance that meet EU requirements (where these match UK requirements) can continue to be placed on the GB market until 1 January 2023 where EU and UK requirements remain the same. This includes goods which have been assessed by an EU recognized notified body.
The UKCA mark must be used for placing goods on the GB market from 1 January 2023.
You will still need to take action to ensure you comply with new importer responsibilities if you are placing a product on the GB market from the EU market.

For full details see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain

Bureau Veritas – 7layers and ioXt Alliance Expand Partnership in Asia

Bureau Veritas is now expanding its regional coverage by opening Service and Competence Centers in Asia

After the successful ioXt Alliance Asia Summer Summit in June 2021, Bureau Veritas is proud to announce that it’s increasing its engagement with the ioXt Alliance, and opening Competence and Service Centers for ioXt Alliance-related cyber security services in Asia.

“The Consumer Product Services Division of Bureau Veritas and the ioXt Alliance complement each other well, ” said Brad Ree, CTO of the ioXt Alliance. “As the global standard for IoT security, it’s important that we continue to help organizations in all regions provide security and transparency for all end-users. This will help them make better informed decisions and will keep them cyber-safe.”

Both organisations have a global approach to cyber security for the internet of things by providing a security certification after devices are tested against rigorous standards. With scalability for consumer products being top of mind, a global presence and local competence are keys for their success in this business environment.

“The 7layers’ team in Germany, as part of Bureau Veritas, has engaged with the ioXt Alliance since 2020. During this time, we’ve demonstrated our commitment and competence to provide valuable testing services to the members of the ioXt Alliance for certification of their products against cyber security requirements.” said Michael Beine, Business Development Manager at Bureau Veritas-7layers.

To learn more, reach out to our local contacts:

Europe – Germany: Michael Beine | info@7layers.com
Asia – China: Helen Huang | contact@cn.bureauveritas.com
Asia – Taiwan: Kenny Lee | service.adt@tw.bureauveritas.com

Further information about Bureau Veritas Cyber Security Services, visit:

www.cps.bureauveritas.com/needs/cybersecurity

To learn more about the ioXt Alliance, visit:

www.ioxtalliance.org

Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF fully validated for AoA/AoD – Direction Finding

We are pleased to announce that the Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF is now fully validated for AoA/AoD Direction Finding and listed in the summer 2021 Test Case Reference List (TCRL) by the Bluetooth SIG.
The Bluetooth low energy test package extension for Direction finding in accordance to the Bluetooth Specification Part: RFPHY, version 5.3 is now available.

A Bluetooth low-energy device supporting Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) plays a central role for Direction Finding capabilities and will become an important feature for Bluetooth enabled products.
To qualify the new feature, the Bluetooth SIG has introduced a bundle of requirements for qualification.

The corresponding Bluetooth SIG qualification will become mandatory starting from October 2021.
The new TCRL will be published mid of July 2021.

The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF meets all qualification requirements for Bluetooth RF and RF-PHY for Classic, Low Energy (LE) as well as Direction Finding.
Existing customers of the Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF can now upgrade their test platform to operate Direction Finding testing.
There is also an option just to purchase the Direction Finding Test Case package.

We continue our development in creating customer values for Bluetooth testing by our active participation to the Bluetooth SIG standardization.
Having a reliable, high quality and flexible test platform, an intensive contribution to Bluetooth SIG and deep cooperation with leading Bluetooth product provides is the key to our success for future developments.

For further information please contact sales@interlab.com

ETSI 300 328 V2.2.2 will become mandatory on the 6th August 2021

ETSI 300 328 V2.2.2, the European 2.4GHz harmonized standard will become mandatory on the 6th August 2021. The ETSI EN 300 328 transition period will end on this date. All products evaluated to previous versions will then need to satisfy the requirements for V2.2.2.

The specifications for broadband transmission in the 2.4GHz band are regulated by ETSI EN 300 328, such as:

• Bluetooth Classic + EDR
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• Wi-Fi
• Other wideband and frequency hopping (FHSS) data transmission equipment in the 2400-2483.5MHz band

7layers is authorized by the ioXt Alliance for the Mobile Apps Certification Program

7layers is proud to announce that the ioXt Alliance, the Global Standard for IoT Security, added 7layers as an authorized lab to the ioXt Certification Program for Mobile Apps. That makes 7layers to an exclusive test provider for the ioXt Alliance that can perform all testing required for Mobile Apps to be certified and to bear the ioXt Certification Mark.

During a pilot project, 7layers has successfully demonstrated the competence to verify cyber security of Mobile Apps based on established industry standards like the OWASP MASVS.

Manufacturers, ecosystem partners and end-users will benefit from the expertise and impartiality of 7layers to create the necessary trust and confidence in the baseline cyber security of Mobile Apps.

In addition to performing ioXt compliance testing, 7layers is also Contributor Member of the ioXt Alliance. “Participation in the ioXt Alliance compliance work groups allows 7layers to help to optimize the development and implementation of ioXt test plans,” said Michael Beine, Manager of Wireless IoT Testing and Business Development for 7layers.

To learn more about the ioXt Alliance and Mobile Apps Certification Program, visit: https://www.7layers.com/en/certification/ioxt-certification/

UNITED KINGDOM: UKCA marking and UK approval process

As follow-up on our NEWS from 19^th SEP 2020 (https://www.7layers.com/en/united-kingdom-ukca-marking-after-brexit/), we want to inform as follow:

For getting market access in Scotland, England and Wales till 31.12.2021, the CE marking of products for showing compliance to RED regulation is fully accepted as a kind of transition period. This also applies in the case that an EU-type examination (TEC) has been issued in case of non-harmonized standard to demonstrate compliance with RED article 3.2.

Since 01.01.2021, a manufacturer has to issue a UK Declaration of Conformity (UK DoC*, similar to this for EU), as long the product fulfil the harmonized standards which are currently almost identically to them for EU**. If a product is not compliance to harmonized standard (“non-designated”), an UK Conformity Assessment Body must be involved for getting a UKCA certificate to demonstrate compliance with the UK Radio Equipment Regulations. This can be also done voluntary although fully compliancy to harmonized standards is given.

In other words: If a product needs a EU-type examination certificate for fulfilling the RED requirements, it will also need a UKCA certificate for market access in Scotland, England and Wales.

Btw, Northern Ireland is covered by EU regulations as before. There are just some minor cases where further rules should be considered (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukni-marking). While marking of products with CE-logo will be sufficient till end of 2021, from 01.01.2022 marking with UKCA mark* by fulfilling UK regulations is obligatory. The CE mark can be kept simultaneously. Till 31.12.2022, UKCA marking and labelling with importer company’s name and contact address can be done with a temporarily sticker or on accompanying documentation, after this date it must be a permanent marked on the product***.

* Guidance regarding the UK DoC and UKCA mark: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukca-marking#self-declaration

** Information regarding the designated standards: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-standards-radio-equipment

*** Information for import requirements: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/placing-manufactured-goods-on-the-market-in-great-britain

TURKEY: Import regulation change since November 2020

The Turkish authority for information technologies and communications BTK (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu) updated their regulation for compliance to RED on 5th November 2020 (gazette no. 31295):
https://www.btk.gov.tr/telsiz-arayuz-ozellikleri

 

 

 

 

 

 

As conclusion, for products placing on their market, the CE Declaration of Conformity (CE DoC) must be translated into Turkish language as well as the user manual beside safety information. A simplified (or multi-language) CE DoC should be extended with Turkish written passus (as usual for other EU languages). A fully translated CE DoC should be available on a manufacturer’s webpage, pointed out in the simplified CE DoC.

MEXICO: Request for SAR evidence from 25th February 2021

The Technical Disposition IFT-012-2019, published by IFT (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones) will come into force on 25th February 2021. It contains request for showing compliance with the maximum limits of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation caused by telecommunications devices (public communication networks).
It will effect on those devices, which are intended to use close to human heads, especially ears, operating in a range of 300 MHz to 6 GHz, or with distance of =<20cm from human bodies in a operating frequency range of 30 MHz to 6 GHz.

This assessment must be carried out by local accredited laboratories and certification bodies by issuing a related Certificate of Conformity. For RF transmitter/transceiver with such a use case and a max power in all supported bands of 20 mW (13 dBm), local testing is not compulsory required. However, compliance with other standards like EN 62209-1 or EN 62209-2 must be shown. The assessment, respective the fulfilling of EN 62209 will be used for issuing new Type Approval Certificate by IFT by applications from 25th February. Extending of existing certificates (Renewals) are not affected.