RF antenna selection: coupling, replacement and installation evidence
The acquired § 15.203 has a general antenna-design rule and specified exceptions, including installation-related conditions. § 15.204 separately addresses authorized antenna configurations. Describe the actual antenna and installer arrangement before relying on an exception or replacement claim.
Evidence retrieved 2026-10-06. Source versions and topic-specific limits are listed below.
Sourced criteria · US
What changes the service scope?
Decision or task
What the source describes
What to prepare
title 47 / section § 15.203 / XML P[1]
An intentional radiator shall be designed to ensure that no antenna other than that furnished by the responsible party shall be used with the device. The use of a permanently attached antenna or of an antenna that uses a unique coupling to the intentional radiator shall be considered sufficient to comply with the provisions of this section. The manufacturer may design the unit so that a broken antenna can be replaced by the user, but the use of a standard antenna jack or electrical connector is prohibited. This requirement does not apply to carrier current devices or to devices operated under the provisions of §§ 15.211, 15.213, 15.217, 15.219, 15.221, or § 15.236. Further, this requirement does not apply to intentional radiators that must be professionally installed, such as perimeter protection systems and some field disturbance sensors, or to other intentional radiators which, in accordance with § 15.31(d), must be measured at the installation site. However, the installer shall be responsible for ensuring that the proper antenna is employed so that the limits in this part are not exceeded. [1]
Compare this exact dated paragraph, its stated conditions and the linked provisions with the supplied configuration evidence.
title 47 / section § 15.204 / XML P[3]
(c) An intentional radiator may be operated only with the antenna with which it is authorized. If an antenna is marketed with the intentional radiator, it shall be of a type which is authorized with the intentional radiator. An intentional radiator may be authorized with multiple antenna types. Exceptions to the following provisions, if any, are noted in the rule section under which the transmitter operates, e.g., § 15.255(b)(1)(ii) of this part. [2]
Compare this exact dated paragraph, its stated conditions and the linked provisions with the supplied configuration evidence.
title 47 / section § 15.204 / XML P[7]
(4) Any antenna that is of the same type and of equal or less directional gain as an antenna that is authorized with the intentional radiator may be marketed with, and used with, that intentional radiator. No retesting of this system configuration is required. The marketing or use of a system configuration that employs an antenna of a different type, or that operates at a higher gain, than the antenna authorized with the intentional radiator is not permitted unless the procedures specified in § 2.1043 of this chapter are followed. [3]
Compare this exact dated paragraph, its stated conditions and the linked provisions with the supplied configuration evidence.
This is a focused preparation guide, not the complete rule set or a product-specific legal determination. Current related rules, amendments/effective dates, grant conditions and deciding buyer facts remain unresolved. No scope, exemption, certification, emission limit or test-panel result is automatically assigned.
Prepare the RF configuration evidence
Use this checklist to gather your business or product details before speaking with a specialist. The items below explain what to record and suggest useful supporting documents. You can add your own answers in the editable project brief.
Describe the antenna connection
Specify the supplied antenna, coupling, replacement access and any proposed alternative; avoid treating a standard connector as proof that every antenna can be used.
Useful evidence: Antenna/connector drawings, supplied configuration and replacement instructions.
Evidence any installation condition
Identify who installs the system, where measurement occurs and which exact exception is being considered; have the specialist review applicability.
Useful evidence: Installation model, installer responsibilities and current rule/grant assessment.
Reconcile authorized alternatives
Compare type and gain with the actual authorization and ask how a changed configuration will be assessed.
Useful evidence: Approved antenna list, gain/type data and differences matrix.
Work packages and dependencies
Conditional: RF antenna selection: coupling, replacement and installation evidence — Review the documented configurations and current complete provisions; agree the justified evidence/testing scope and its exclusions.
Questions for providers
Which exact configuration facts and current provisions justify the proposed scope for RF antenna selection: coupling, replacement and installation evidence?
Which supplied-source and grant conditions remain unresolved, and how will you investigate them?
Which operating modes/configurations, evidence deliverables and exclusions are included in the quotation?
Sources and data dates
Read the official document in context. The audit details identify the precise locators and preserved versions used for this page.
