What is the equipment authorization guidance for Wireless Power Transfer Devices under Part 15 or Part 18.

Wireless power transfer (WPT) devices operating at frequencies above 9 kHz must be authorized under the FCC?s equipment authorization rules and are subject to the technical and operational requirements of Part 15 and/or Part 18 of the FCC rules.

A WPT device that transmits information between the transmitter and the device being powered must be authorized under the appropriate Part 15 Rules for intentional radiators (47 C.F.R. part 15, subpart C) and will generally require an equipment certification. If a WPT device operates in both charging and communication modes, the device can be authorized under Part 18 for the charging mode and under Part 15 for the communications mode. This requires that the device complies with the relevant rule parts, and that the two modes of operation are independent from each other. Alternatively, the power charging function could be approved under Part 15 rather than Part 18 if the device meets all the appropriate Part 15 rule requirements.

Both Part 15 and Part 18 devices are required to comply with the FCC limits for human radiofrequency exposure. Part 18 devices must be authorized using either the certification or Supplier?s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) procedures for equipment authorization: in both cases, the guidance presented in this publication shall be applied.

Attachment 680106 D01 Wireless Power Transfer v04 provides general guidance on the equipment authorization process for WPT devices.