ANSI C63.17
American National Standard for Testing Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (UPCS) Devices — a guide to its scope, FCC Part 15 Subpart D requirements, measurement procedures, and how ANSI C63.17 fits into the broader FCC authorization process. Part of the Compatible Electronics Learning Center.
What is ANSI C63.17?
ANSI C63.17 is an American National Standard published by the Accredited Standards Committee C63® on Electromagnetic Compatibility. It specifies measurement methods and test procedures for Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (UPCS) devices — devices that operate in the 1910–1930 MHz band under FCC Part 15 Subpart D without requiring individual licensing.
The UPCS band at 1910–1930 MHz is allocated for low-power, short-range wireless communications. Devices authorized under this subpart must meet specific technical requirements to protect licensed services operating in adjacent bands, including the licensed PCS service. ANSI C63.17 provides the measurement procedures for demonstrating compliance with those FCC technical requirements.
Compatible Electronics is NVLAP-accredited to test to ANSI C63.17 (2013) at our Lake Forest/Silverado location. Our ANSI C63.17 testing services include all measurements required for FCC Part 15 Subpart D authorization.
FCC Part 15 Subpart D — UPCS Requirements
FCC Part 15 Subpart D establishes the technical standards for UPCS devices. The key requirements addressed by ANSI C63.17 measurement procedures include:
1
Maximum EIRP and Power Spectral Density
UPCS devices are limited in maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) and power spectral density. These limits protect co-channel and adjacent channel users. ANSI C63.17 specifies how to measure both conducted power and radiated EIRP to verify compliance with the applicable limits under all operating conditions.
2
Frequency Band and Frequency Accuracy
Devices must operate only within the authorized 1910–1930 MHz UPCS band. Frequency accuracy requirements ensure that the device does not encroach on adjacent licensed service bands. ANSI C63.17 measurement procedures verify frequency accuracy under nominal and extreme operating conditions.
3
Unwanted Emissions
Spurious and harmonic emissions from UPCS devices must meet the applicable out-of-band limits. ANSI C63.17 specifies measurement bandwidths, detector functions, and frequency ranges for evaluating unwanted emissions to ensure interference protection for licensed services.
4
Antenna Requirements
UPCS devices may only use antennas that are either permanently attached or use a unique connector designed to prevent the use of non-approved antennas. ANSI C63.17 includes procedures for verifying antenna compliance with Part 15 requirements.
Relationship to ANSI C63.10 and FCC Authorization
ANSI C63.17 is one of several ANSI C63 measurement standards referenced by the FCC for testing unlicensed wireless devices. It works alongside:
- ANSI C63.10 — the general standard for unlicensed wireless device testing, covering intentional radiators under Part 15 Subparts C, E, F, G, and H.
- ANSI C63.4 — the standard for measuring emissions from unintentional radiators (Part 15 Subpart B digital devices).
For most UPCS devices, FCC authorization is obtained through FCC Certification. A test report demonstrating compliance with ANSI C63.17 measurement procedures is submitted to a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB). Compatible Electronics serves as both the test laboratory and as an FCC-authorized TCB (CETCB), enabling us to test and certify UPCS devices in a streamlined process. See our FCC certification page for details.
ⓘ Note on UPCS market: The UPCS band is less commonly used today than in earlier generations of wireless technology. Many modern cordless phone systems and personal communications devices have migrated to other bands (DECT at 1880–1900 MHz or 1.9 GHz, or 5.8 GHz). However, legacy UPCS devices still require certification, and any new product operating in this band must comply with Part 15 Subpart D and test to ANSI C63.17 procedures.
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Compatible Electronics is an NVLAP-accredited wireless testing laboratory and FCC-authorized TCB with three Southern California locations.
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