Sierra Wireless PC3200P WIRELESS PCMCIA CDMA DATA MODEM User Manual Manual
Sierra Wireless, Inc WIRELESS PCMCIA CDMA DATA MODEM Manual
Contents
MANUAL
User Manual for the AirPrime PC3200P- version 0.4 (07/17/02)
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Getting the Most Out of Your Reception
Keeping Tabs on Signal Strength
The quality of each call you make or receive depends on the signal strength in your area.
Your PC card used with a laptop computer informs you of the current signal strength by
displaying a number of bars next to the signal strength icon. The more bars displayed, the
stronger the signal. If you’re inside a building, being near a window may give you better
reception.
Understanding the Power Save Feature
If your PC card is unable to find a signal after 15 minutes of searching, a Power Save
feature is automatically activated. If your PC card is active, it periodically rechecks service
availability or you can check it yourself by pressing any key. Anytime the Power Save
feature is activated, a message displays on the screen. When a signal is found, your PC
card returns to Standby mode.
Understanding How Your PC card Operates
Your PC card is basically a radio transmitter and receiver. When it’s turned on, it receives
and transmits radio frequency (RF) signals. When you use your PC card, the system
handling your call controls the power level. This power can range from 0.006 watts to 1
watts in digital mode.
Knowing Radio frequency Safety
The design of your PCS PC card complies with updated NCRP standards described below.
In 1991-92, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) joined in updating ANSI’s 1982 standard for safety
levels with respect to human exposure to RF signals. More than 120 scientists, engineers
and physicians from universities, government health agencies and industries developed
this updated standard after reviewing the available body of research. In 1993, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted this updated standard in a regulation. In
August 1996, the FCC adopted hybrid standard consisting of the existing ANSI/IEEE
standard and the guidelines published by the National Council of Radiation Protection
and Measurements (NCRP).
Maintaining Your PC card’s Peak Performance
There are several simple guidelines to operating your PC card properly and maintaining
safe, satisfactory service.
• • Use your PC card with the antenna raised, fully-extended pointing up. Try not to
hold, bend or twist the PC card’s antenna.
• • Don’t use the PC card if the antenna is damaged.
• • Avoid exposing your PC card to rain or liquid spills. If your PC card does get wet,
immediately turn the power off. If it’s inoperable, return it to a Sprint Store or call PCS
Customer Solutions for service.
Note: For the best care of your PC card, only Sprint authorized personnel should service your PC card. Faulty
service may void
the warranty.
Maintaining Safe Use of and Access to Your PC Card
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY AND POSSIBLE PROPERTY DAMAGE
Using Your PC card While Driving
• • Using your PC card while driving is not recommended and is prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Laws vary as to specific restrictions. Remember that safety always comes
first.
• • When using your PC card in the car, pull over to the side of the road and park safely
before utilizing your PC card.
Following Safety Guidelines
To operate your PC card safely and efficiently, always follow any special regulations in a
given area. Turn your PC card off in areas where use is forbidden or when it may cause
interference or danger.
Using Your PC card Near Other Electronic Devices
• • Most modern electronic equipment is shielded from radio frequency (RF) signals.
However, RF signals from wireless PC cards may affect inadequately shielded
electronic equipment.
• • RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic
operating systems and/or entertainment systems in motor vehicles. Check with the
manufacturer or their representative to determine if these systems are adequately
shielded from external RF signals. Also check with the manufacturer regarding any
equipment that has been added to your vehicle.
• • Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices, such as pacemakers
and hearing aids, to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF
signals.
Note: Always turn off the PC card in health care facilities and request permission before using the PC card near
medical equipment.
Turning Off Your PC card Before Flying
• • Turn off your PC card before boarding any aircraft. To prevent possible
interference with aircraft systems, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
regulations require you to have permission from a crewmember to use your PC card
while the plane is on the ground. To prevent any risk of interference, FCC regulations
prohibit using your PC card while the plane is in the air.
Turning Off Your PC card in Dangerous Areas
• • To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn off your PC card when in a
blasting area or in other areas with signs indicating that two-way radios should be
turned off. Construction crews often use remote-control RF devices to set off explosives.
• • Turn off your PC card when you’re in any area that has a potentially explosive
atmosphere. Although it’s rare, your PC card or its accessories could generate sparks.
Sparks could cause an explosion or a fire resulting in bodily injury or even death. These
areas are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include:
• • Fueling areas such as gas stations.
• • Below deck on boats.
• • Fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities.
• • Areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, just or metal
powders.
• • Any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle’s
engine.
Vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane) must comply with the
National Fire Protection Standard (NFPA-58). For a copy of this standard, contact the
National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, Attn:
Publication Sales Division.
Note: Never transport or store flammable gas, liquid or explosives in the compartment of your vehicle that
contains your PC card or accessories.
Restricting Children’s Access to your PC card
• Your PCS PC card is not a toy. Children should not be allowed to play with it
because they could hurt themselves and others, damage the PC card or make calls
that increase your PC card bill.
Acknowledging Special Precautions and the FCC Notice
FCC Notice
The PC card may cause TV or radio interference if used in close proximity to receiving
equipment. The FCC can require you to stop using the PC card if such interference cannot
be eliminated.
Cautions
Any changes or modifications to your PC card not expressly approved in this document
could void your warranty for this equipment, and void your authority to operate this
equipment. The use of any unauthorized accessories may be dangerous and void the PC
card warranty if said accessories cause damage or a defect to the PC card.
Although your PC card is quite sturdy, it is a complex piece of equipment and can be
broken. Avoid dropping, hitting, bending or sitting on it.
PC Card Operation
To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines, ensure the antenna is at least one inch
(2.5 centimeters) from any part of your body and/or any bystander when transmitting. Use of non-
Sprint approved accessories may violate FCC RF exposure guidelines.
For more information about RF exposure, please visit the FCC Web site at
http://www.fcc.gov/.
Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) for Wireless PC Cards
The SAR is a value that corresponds to the relative amount of RF energy absorbed in the
head and/or body of a user of a wireless device such as a wireless PC Card.
The SAR value of a PC card is the result of an extensive testing, measuring and calculation
process. It does not represent how much RF the PC card emits. All PC card models are
tested at their highest value in strict laboratory settings. But when in operation, the SAR of
a PC card can be substantially less than the level reported to the FCC. This is because of a
variety of factors including its proximity to a base station antenna, PC card design and
other factors. What is important to remember is that each PC card meets strict federal
guidelines. Variations in SAR does not represent a variation in safety.
All PC cards must meet the federal standard, which incorporates a substantial margin of
safety. As stated above, variations in SAR values between different model PC cards do not
mean variations in safety. The FCC considers a SAR value at or below 1.6 W/kg safe for
public use.
The highest reported SAR values of the Sapphire PC3200P are:
• • PCS mode (Part 24)- Separation distance of 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) to near by persons:
0.853 W/kg.
• PCS mode (Part 24)- Separation distance of 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) to the user: 0.219 W/kg.
FCC Radio frequency Emission
This PC card meets the FCC Radio frequency Emission Guidelines. FCC ID number: PNF-
PC3200P. More information on the PC card's SAR can be found from the following FCC
Web site: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid.
Consumer Information on Wireless PC cards
(The following information comes from a consumer information
Web site jointly sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), entitled “Cell PC card Facts: Consumer
Information on Wireless PC cards.” The information reproduced herein is dated April 3,
2002. For further updates, please visit the Web site: http://www.fda.gov/cellphones.
What is radio frequency energy (RF)?
Radio frequency (RF) energy is another name for radio waves. It is one form of
electromagnetic energy that makes up the electromagnetic spectrum. Some of the other
forms of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum are gamma rays, x-rays and light.
Electromagnetic energy (or electromagnetic radiation) consists of waves of electric and
magnetic energy moving together (radiating) through space. The area where these waves
are found is called an electromagnetic field.
Radio waves are created due to the movement of electrical charges in antennas. As they are
created, these waves radiate away from the antenna. All electromagnetic waves travel at
the speed of light. The major differences between the different types of waves are the
distances covered by one cycle of the wave and the number of waves that pass a certain
point during a set time period. The wavelength is the distance covered by one cycle of a
wave. The frequency is the number of waves passing a given point in one second. For any
electromagnetic wave, the wavelength multiplied by the frequency equals the speed of
light. The frequency of an RF signal is usually expressed in units called hertz (Hz). One Hz
equals one wave per second. One kilohertz (kHz) equals one thousand waves per second,
one megahertz (MHz) equals one million waves per second, and one gigahertz (GHz)
equals one billion waves per second.
RF energy includes waves with frequencies ranging from about 3000 waves per second (3
kHz) to 300 billion waves per second (300 GHz). Microwaves are a subset of radio waves
that have frequencies ranging from around 300 million waves per second (300 MHz) to
three billion waves per second (3 GHz).
How is radio frequency energy used?
Probably the most important use of RF energy is for telecommunications. Radio and TV
broadcasting, wireless PC cards, pagers, cordless PC cards, police and fire department
radios, point-to-point links and satellite communications all rely on RF energy.
Other uses of RF energy include microwave ovens, radar, industrial heaters and sealers,
and medical treatments. RF energy, especially at microwave frequencies, can heat water.
Since most food has a high water content, microwaves can cook food quickly. Radar relies
on RF energy to track cars and airplanes as well as for military applications. Industrial
heaters and sealers use RF energy to mold plastic materials, glue wood products, seal
leather items such as shoes and pocketbooks, and process food. Medical uses of RF energy
include pacemaker monitoring and programming.
How is radio frequency radiation measured?
RF waves and RF fields have both electrical and magnetic components. It is often
convenient to express the strength of the RF field in terms of each component. For
example, the unit "volts per meter" (V/m) is used to measure the electric field strength,
and the unit "amperes per meter" (A/ m) is used to express the magnetic field strength.
Another common way to characterize an RF field is by means of the power density. Power
density is defined as power per unit area. For example, power density can be expressed in
terms of milliwatts (one thousandth of a watt) per square centimeter (mW/cm2 or
microwatts (one millionth of a watt) per square centimeter (µW/cm2).
The quantity used to measure how much RF energy is actually absorbed by the body is
called the Specific Absorption Rate or SAR. The SAR is a measure of the rate of absorption
of RF energy. It is usually expressed in units of watts per kilogram (W/kg) or milliwatts
per gram (mW/g).
What biological effects can be caused by RF energy?
The biological effects of radio frequency energy should not be confused with the effects
from other types of electromagnetic energy.
Very high levels of electromagnetic energy, such as is found in X-rays and gamma rays can
ionize biological tissues. Ionization is a process where electrons are stripped away from
their normal locations in atoms and molecules. It can permanently damage biological
tissues including DNA, the genetic material. Ionization only occurs with very high levels
of electromagnetic energy such as X-rays and gamma rays. Often the term radiation is used
when discussing ionizing radiation (such as that associated with nuclear power plants).
The energy levels associated with radio frequency energy, including both radio waves and
microwaves, are not great enough to cause the ionization of atoms and molecules.
Therefore, RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ionizing
radiation include visible light, infrared radiation (heat) and other forms of electromagnetic
radiation with relatively low frequencies.
Large amounts of RF energy can heat tissue. This can damage tissues and increase body
temperatures. Two areas of the body, the eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to
RF heating because there is relatively little blood flow in them to carry away excess heat.
The amount of RF radiation routinely encountered by the general public is too low to
produce significant heating or increased body temperature. Still, some people have
questions about the possible health effects of low levels of RF energy. It is generally agreed
that further research is needed to determine what effects actually occur and whether they
are dangerous to people. In the meantime, standards-setting organizations and
government agencies are continuing to monitor the latest scientific findings to determine
whether changes in safety limits are needed to protect human health.
FDA, EPA and other US government agencies responsible for public health and safety
have worked together and in connection with WHO to monitor developments and identify
research needs related to RF biological effects.
What levels of RF energy are considered safe?
Various organizations and countries have developed standards for exposure to radio
frequency energy. These standards recommend safe levels of exposure for both the
general public and for workers. In the United States, the FCC has used safety guidelines
for RF environmental exposure since 1985.
The FCC guidelines for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields are derived from the
recommendations of two expert organizations, the National Council on Radiation
Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE). In both cases, the recommendations were developed by scientific and
engineering experts drawn from industry, government, and academia after extensive
reviews of the scientific literature related to the biological effects of
RF energy.
Many countries in Europe and elsewhere use exposure guidelines developed by the
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The ICNIRP
safety limits are generally similar to those of the NCRP and IEEE, with a few exceptions.
For example, ICNIRP recommends different exposure levels in the lower and upper
frequency ranges and for localized exposure from certain products such as hand-held
wireless PC cards. Currently, the World Health Organization is working to provide a
framework for international harmonization of RF safety standards.
The NCRP, IEEE, and ICNIRP all have identified a whole-body Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR) value of 4 watts per kilogram (4 W/kg) as a threshold level of exposure at which
harmful biological effects may occur. Exposure guidelines in terms of field strength, power
density and localized SAR were then derived from this threshold value. In addition, the
NCRP, IEEE, and ICNIRP guidelines vary depending on the frequency of the RF exposure.
This is due to the finding that whole-body human absorption of RF energy varies with the
frequency of the RF signal. The most restrictive limits on whole-body exposure are in the
frequency range of 30-300 MHz where the human body absorbs RF energy most efficiently.
For products that only expose part of the body, such as wireless PC cards, exposure limits
in terms of SAR only are specified.
The exposure limits used by the FCC are expressed in terms of SAR, electric and magnetic
field strength, and power density for transmitters operating at frequencies from 300 kHz to
100 GHz. The specific values can be found in two FCC bulletins, OET Bulletins 56 and 65:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/ - 56;
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/ - 65
Why has the FCC adopted guidelines for RF exposure?
The FCC authorizes and licenses products, transmitters, and facilities that generate RF and
microwave radiation. It has jurisdiction over all transmitting services in the U.S. except
those specifically operated by the Federal Government. While the FCC does not have the
expertise to determine radiation exposure guidelines on its own, it does have the expertise
and authority to recognize and adopt technically sound standards promulgated by other
expert agencies and organizations, and has done so . (Our joint efforts with the FDA in
developing this website is illustrative of the kind of inter-agency efforts and consultation
we engage in regarding this health and safety issue.)
Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the FCC has certain
responsibilities to consider whether its actions will significantly affect the quality of the
human environment. Therefore, FCC approval and licensing of transmitters and facilities
must be evaluated for significant impact on the environment. Human exposure to RF
radiation emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters is one of several factors that must be
considered in such environmental evaluations. In 1996, the FCC revised its guidelines for
RF exposure as a result of a multi-year proceeding and as required by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Radio and television broadcast stations, satellite-earth stations, experimental radio stations
and certain wireless communication facilities are required to undergo routine evaluation
for RF compliance when they submit an application to the FCC for construction or
modification of a transmitting facility or renewal of a license. Failure to comply with the
FCC's RF exposure guidelines could lead to the preparation of a formal Environmental
Assessment, possible Environmental Impact Statement and eventual rejection of an
application. Technical guidelines for evaluating compliance with the FCC RF safety
requirements can be found in the FCC's OET Bulletin 65.
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#65
Low-powered, intermittent, or inaccessible RF transmitters and facilities are normally
excluded from the requirement for routine evaluation for RF exposure. These exclusions
are based on standard calculations and measurement data indicating that a transmitting
station or equipment operating under the conditions prescribed is unlikely to cause
exposures in excess of the guidelines under normal conditions of use. Such exclusions are
not exclusions from compliance, but, rather, exclusions from routine evaluation. The FCC's
policies on RF exposure and categorical exclusion can be found in Section 1.1307(b) of the
FCC's Rules and Regulations [(47 CFR 1.1307(b)].
How can I obtain the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value for my wireless PC card?
The FCC requires that wireless PC cards sold in the United States demonstrate compliance
with human exposure limits adopted by the FCC in 1996. The relative amount of RF
energy absorbed in the head and/or body of a wireless PC card-user is given by the
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), as explained above. The FCC requires wireless PC cards to
comply with a safety limit of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg) in terms of SAR.
Information on SAR for a specific PC card model can be obtained for many recently
manufactured PC cards using the FCC identification (ID) number for that model. The FCC
ID number is usually printed somewhere on the case of the PC card. Once you have the ID
number, go to the following Web address: www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid. On this page, you will see
instructions for entering the FCC ID number. Type the FCC ID number exactly as
requested (the Grantee Code is the first three characters, the Equipment Product Code is
the rest of the FCC ID number). Then click on "Start Search." The "Grant of Equipment
Authorization" for your PC card should appear. Read through the grant for the section on
"SAR Compliance," "Certification of Compliance with FCC Rules for RF Exposure" or
similar language. This section should contain the value(s) for typical or maximum SAR for
your PC card.
PC cards and other products authorized since June 2, 2000, should have the maximum SAR
levels noted directly on the "Grant of Equipment Authorization." For PC cards and
products authorized between about mid-1998 and June 2000, detailed information on SAR
levels is typically found in the exhibits associated with the grant. Once a grant is accessed,
the exhibits can be viewed by clicking on "View Exhibit." Grants authorized prior to 1998
are not part of the electronic database but, rather, have been documented in the form of
paper records.
The FCC database does not list PC cards by model number. However, consumers may find
SAR information from other sources as well. Some wireless PC card manufacturers make
SAR information available on their own Web sites. In addition, some non-government
Web sites provide SARs for specific models of wireless PC cards. However, the FCC has
not reviewed these sites and makes no guarantees of their accuracy. Finally, PC cards
certified by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) are required
to provide SAR information to consumers in the instructional materials that come with the
PC cards.
What are wireless base stations?
Fixed antennas used for wireless telecommunications are referred to as cellular base
stations, cell stations, PCS ("Personal Communications Service") stations or transmission
towers. These base stations consist of antennas and electronic equipment. Because the
antennas
need to be high in the air, they are often located on towers, poles, water tanks, or rooftops.
Typical heights for freestanding base station towers are 50-200 feet.
Some base stations use antennas that look like poles, 10 to 15 feet in length, that are
referred to as "omni-directional" antennas. These types of antennas are usually found in
rural areas. In urban and suburban areas, wireless providers now more commonly use
panel or sector antennas for their base stations. These antennas consist of rectangular
panels, about 1 by 4 feet in dimension. The antennas are usually arranged in three groups
of three antennas each. One antenna in each group is used to transmit signals to wireless
PC cards, and the other two antennas in each group are used to receive signals from
wireless PC cards.
At any base station site, the amount of RF energy produced depends on the number of
radio channels (transmitters) per antenna and the power of each transmitter. Typically, 21
channels per antenna sector are available. For a typical cell site using sector antennas, each
of the three transmitting antennas could be connected to up to 21 transmitters for a total of
63 transmitters. However, it is unlikely that all of the transmitters would be transmitting at
the same time. When omni-directional antennas are used, a cellular base station could
theoretically use up to 96 transmitters, but this would be very unusual, and, once again, it
is unlikely that all transmitters would be in operation simultaneously. Base stations used
for PCS communications generally require fewer transmitters than those used for cellular
radio transmissions, since PCS carriers usually have a higher density of base station
antenna sites.
Are wireless base stations safe?
The electromagnetic RF signals transmitted from base station antennas stations travel
toward the horizon in relatively narrow paths. For example, the radiation pattern for an
antenna array mounted on a tower can be likened to a thin pancake centered around the
antenna system. The individual pattern for a single array of sector antennas is wedge-
shaped, like a piece of pie. As with all forms of electromagnetic energy, the power
decreases rapidly as one moves away from the antenna. Therefore, RF exposure on the
ground is much less than exposure very close to the antenna and in the path of the
transmitted radio signal. In fact, ground-level exposure from such antennas is typically
thousands of times less than the exposure levels recommended as safe by expert
organizations. So exposure to nearby residents would be well within safety margins.
Cellular and PCS base stations in the United States are required to comply with limits for
exposure recommended by expert organizations and endorsed by government agencies
responsible for health and safety. Measurements made near cellular and PCS base station
antennas mounted on towers have confirmed that ground-level exposures are typically
thousands of times less than the exposure limits adopted by the FCC. In fact, in order to be
exposed to levels at or near the FCC limits for cellular or PCS frequencies an individual
would essentially have to remain in the main transmitted radio signal (at the height of the
antenna) and within a few feet from the antenna. This is, of course, very unlikely to occur.
When cellular and PCS antennas are mounted on rooftops, RF levels on that roof or on
others near by would probably be greater than those typically encountered on the ground.
However, exposure levels approaching or exceeding safety guidelines should be
encountered only very close to or directly in front of the antennas. In addition, for sector-
type antennas, typically used for such rooftop base stations, RF levels to the side and in
back of these antennas are insignificant. General guidelines on antenna installations and
circumstances that might give rise to a concern about an facility's conformance with FCC
regulations can be found in A Local Government Official's Guide to Transmitting Antenna
RF Emission Safety: Rules, Procedures, and Practical Guidance. This Guide can be accessed
at: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety.
Does the FCC routinely monitor radio frequency radiation from antennas?
The FCC does not have the resources or the personnel to routinely monitor the emissions
for all the thousands of transmitters that are subject to FCC jurisdiction. However, the FCC
does have measurement instrumentation for evaluating RF levels in areas that may be
accessible to the public or to workers. If there is evidence for potential non-compliance
with FCC exposure guidelines for a FCC-regulated facility, staff from the FCC's Office of
Engineering and Technology or the FCC Enforcement Bureau can conduct and
investigation, and, if appropriate, perform actual measurements. Circumstances that could
give rise to a concern about an facility's conformance with FCC regulations can be found in
A Local Government Official's Guide to Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety: Rules,
Procedures, and Practical Guidance. This Guide can be accessed at:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety. Potential exposure problems should be brought to the FCC's
attention by contacting the FCC RF Safety Program at: 202-418-2464 or by e-mail:
rfsafety@fcc.gov.
Does the FCC maintain a database that includes information on the location and technical parameters
of all the transmitting towers it regulates?
Each of the FCC Bureaus maintains its own licensing database system for the service(s) it
regulates (e.g., television, cellular service, satellite earth stations.) The FCC issues two
types of licenses: site specific and market based. In the case of site specific licensed
facilities, technical operating information is collected from the licensee as part of the
licensing process. However, in the case of market based licensing (e.g., PCS, cellular), the
licensee is granted the authority to operate a radio communications system in a geographic
area using as many facilities as are required, and the licensee is not required to provide the
FCC with specific location and operating parameters of these facilities.
Information on site specific licensed facilities can be found in the "General Menu Reports"
(GenMen) at
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/genmen/index.hts.
The various FCC Bureaus also publish on at least a weekly basis, bulk extracts of their
licensing databases. Each licensing database has its own unique file structure. These
extracts consist of multiple, very large files. The FCC's Office of Engineering and
Technology (OET) maintains an index to these databases at
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/database/ fadb.html. Entry points into the various databases include
frequency, state/county, latitude/longitude, call-sign and licensee name. For further
information on the Commission's existing databases, you can contact Donald Campbell at
dcampbel@fcc.gov or 202-418-2405.
Can local and state governmental bodies establish limits for RF exposure?
Although some local and state governments have enacted rules and regulations about
human exposure to RF energy in the past, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the
Federal Government to control human exposure to RF emissions. In particular, Section 704
of the Act states that, "No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may
regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service
facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the
extent that such facilities comply with the Commission's regulations concerning such
emissions." Further information on federal authority and FCC policy is available in a fact
sheet from the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at www.fcc.gov/wtb.
Do wireless PC cards pose a health hazard?
The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated
with using wireless PC cards. There is no proof, however, that wireless PC cards are
absolutely safe. Wireless PC cards emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the
microwave range while being used. They also emit very low levels of RF when in the
stand-by mode. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue),
exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse
health effects. Many studies of low level RF exposures have not found any biological
effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but such
findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In some cases, other researchers
have had difficulty in reproducing those studies, or in determining the reasons for
inconsistent results.
What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless PC cards?
Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of radiation-emitting consumer products
such as wireless PC cards before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical
devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless PC cards are shown
to emit radio frequency energy (RF) at a level that is hazardous to the user. In such a case,
FDA could require the manufacturers of wireless PC cards to notify users of the health
hazard and to repair, replace or recall the PC cards so that the hazard no longer exists.
Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory actions, FDA has urged
the wireless PC card industry to take a number of steps, including the following:
Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of the type emitted by
wireless PC cards;
Design wireless PC cards in a way that minimizes any RF exposure to the user that is not
necessary for device function; and
Cooperate in providing users of wireless PC cards with the best possible information on
possible effects of wireless PC card use on human health
FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies that have
responsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure coordinated efforts at the federal
level. The following agencies belong to this working group:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Communications Commission
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency working group
activities, as well.
FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless PC cards with the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). All PC cards that are sold in the United States must
comply with FCC safety guidelines that limit RF exposure. FCC relies on FDA and other
health agencies for safety questions about wireless PC cards.
FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless PC card networks rely upon. While
these base stations operate at higher power than do the wireless PC cards themselves, the
RF exposures that people get from these base stations are typically thousands of times
lower than those they can get from wireless PC cards. Base stations are thus not the
primary subject of the safety questions discussed in this document.
What kinds of PC cards are the subject of this update?
The term “wireless PC card” refers here to laptop wireless PC cards with built-in antennas.
These types of wireless PC cards can expose the user to measurable radio frequency energy
(RF) because of the short distance between the PC card and the user’s head. These RF
exposures are limited by Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines that were
developed with the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety agencies. When the
PC card is located at greater distances from the user, the exposure to RF is drastically lower
because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the source.
What are the results of the research done already?
The research done thus far has produced conflicting results, and many studies have
suffered from flaws in their research methods. Animal experiments investigating the
effects of radio frequency energy (RF) exposures characteristic of wireless PC cards have
yielded conflicting results that often cannot be repeated in other laboratories. A few animal
studies, however, have suggested that low levels of RF could accelerate the development
of cancer in laboratory animals. However, many of the studies that showed increased
tumor development used animals that had been genetically engineered or treated with
cancer-causing chemicals so as to be pre-disposed to develop cancer in the absence of RF
exposure. Other studies exposed the animals to RF for up to 22 hours per day. These
conditions are not similar to the conditions under which people use wireless PC cards, so
we don’t know with certainty what the results of such studies mean for human health.
Three large epidemiology studies have been published since December 2000. Between
them, the studies investigated any possible association between the use of wireless PC
cards and primary brain cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma, tumors of the
brain or salivary gland, leukemia, or other cancers. None of the studies demonstrated the
existence of any harmful health effects from wireless PC card RF exposures. However,
none of the studies can answer questions about long-term exposures, since the average
period of PC card use in these studies was around three years.
What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from wireless PC cards poses a health risk?
A combination of laboratory studies and epidemiological studies of people actually using
wireless PC cards would provide some of the data that are needed. Lifetime animal
exposure studies could be completed in a few years. However, very large numbers of
animals would be needed to provide reliable proof of a cancer promoting effect if one
exists. Epidemiological studies can provide data that is directly applicable to human
populations, but 10 or more years’ follow-up may be needed to provide answers about
some health effects, such as cancer. This is because the interval between the time of
exposure to a cancer-causing agent and the time tumors develop - if they do - may be
many, many years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies is hampered by
difficulties in measuring actual RF exposure during day-to-day use of wireless PC cards.
Many factors affect this measurement, such as the angle at which the PC card is held, or
which model of PC card is used.
What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health effects of wireless PC card RF?
FDA is working with the U.S. National Toxicology Program and with groups of
investigators around the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted
to address important questions about the effects of exposure to radio frequency energy
(RF).
FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization International
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception in 1996. An influential result of
this work has been the development of a detailed agenda of research needs that has driven
the establishment of new research programs around the world. The Project has also helped
develop a series of public information documents on EMF issues.
FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) have a formal
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless
PC card safety. FDA provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in
government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded research is conducted
through contracts to independent investigators. The initial research will include both
laboratory studies and studies of wireless PC card users. The CRADA will also include a
broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the latest research
developments around the world.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radio frequency energy from my wireless PC card?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is
probably very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, you can
take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF). Since
time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time
spent using a wireless PC card will reduce RF exposure.
If you must use the wireless PC card extensively every day, you could place more distance
between your body and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off
dramatically with distance.
Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless PC cards are harmful. But if you
are concerned about the RF exposure from these products, you can use measures like those
described above to reduce your RF exposure from wireless PC card use.
What about children using wireless PC cards?
The scientific evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless PC cards, including
children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower exposure to radio frequency
energy (RF), the measures described above would apply to children and teenagers using
wireless PC cards. Reducing the time of wireless PC card use and increasing the distance
between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.
Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised that children be
discouraged from using wireless PC cards at all. For example, the government in the
United Kingdom distributed leaflets containing such a recommendation in December 2000.
They noted that no evidence exists that using a wireless PC card causes brain tumors or
other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless PC card use by children was
strictly precautionary; it was not based on scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.
What about wireless PC card interference with medical equipment?
Radio frequency energy (RF) from wireless PC cards can interact with some electronic
devices. For this reason, FDA helped develop a detailed test method to measure
electromagnetic interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators
from wireless PC cards. This test method is now part of a standard sponsored by the
Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a
joint effort by FDA, medical device manufacturers, and many other groups, was
completed in late 2000. This standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless PC card EMI.
FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld wireless PC cards and helped
develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and performance requirements for
hearing aids and wireless PC cards so that that no interference occurs when a person uses
a “compatible” PC card and a “compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard
was approved by the IEEE in 2000.
FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless PC cards for possible interactions with other
medical devices. Should harmful interference be found to occur, FDA will conduct testing
to assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
Owner’s Record
The model number, regulatory number and serial number are located on a nameplate
inside the battery compartment. Record the serial number in the space provided below.
This will be helpful if you need to contact us about your PC card in the future.
Model: PCS PC card PC3200P
Serial No.: