Regulatory Compliance News

Canada ISED Publishes New RF Exposure Assessment Procedures for 6–300 GHz Devices

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released two updated Radio Standards Specifications introducing enhanced compliance procedures for radio frequency (RF) exposure assessment of portable radio equipment operating in the 6 GHz to 300 GHz frequency range. These updates support Canada’s transition toward higher-frequency technologies, including 6 GHz Wi-Fi, mmWave, and future wireless applications.

Newly published specifications include:

• • RSS-102.IPD.MEAS, Issue 2 – Defines standardized measurement-based test methods for assessing compliance with Incident Power Density (IPD) limits for portable devices operating between 6 GHz and 300 GHz.
• • RSS-102.IPD.SIM, Issue 2 – Establishes computational electromagnetic simulation methods to demonstrate IPD compliance for portable equipment in the same frequency range.

Radio Standards Specification RSS-102.IPD.MEAS, Measurement Procedure for Assessing Incident Power Density (IPD) Compliance in Accordance with RSS-102, issue 2, replaces RSS-102.IPD.MEAS, issue 1, dated December 15, 2023. The main changes are as follows:

• • new requirements extending the frequency range to cover all portable devices operating in the 6 GHz to 300 GHz frequency band
• • updated references from IEC TR 63170 to IEC/IEEE 63195-1
• • new requirements for hand exposure during a voice call
• • introduction of preliminary guidance for time-averaged incident power density

Radio Standards Specification RSS-102.IPD.SIM, Simulation Procedure for Assessing Incident Power Density (IPD) Compliance in Accordance with RSS-102, issue 2, replaces RSS-102.IPD.SIM, issue 1, dated December 2023. The main changes are as follows:

• • new requirements extending the frequency range to cover all portable devices operating in the 6 GHz to 300 GHz frequency band
• • updated references from IEC TR 63170 to IEC/IEEE 63195-1

Both documents align with the IPD limits specified in RSS-102 and provide clear regulatory pathways for demonstrating RF exposure compliance when traditional SAR evaluation is no longer applicable at higher frequencies.