Requirements for wideband transmission systems, data transmission equipment operating in the 2.4 GHz band, and harmonized standard for access to radio spectrum.

ETSI EN 300 328 regulates the specifications for transmission systems operating in the license free 2.4 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band is used for technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi / WLAN (2.4 GHz), ZigBee and others. As of August 6, 2021, the transition to the new V2.2.2 requirements will be complete and V2.1.1 will no longer provide ‘presumption of conformity’ to the RED.

EN 300 328 V2.2.2 includes three key changes:

  • Updated requirements for receiver blocking measurements
  • Updated limits for the transmitter unwanted emissions in the spurious domain for the band 694 MHz – 862 MHz
  • More clearly defined receiver categories

Other minor changes and changes with no significant impact on companies or products, have not been included in this overview. The numbers in this guide refer to the clauses or sub-clauses of the EN 300 328 standard.

Changes to receiver blocking measurements

4.3.1.12.3 – Performance criteria for receiver blocking
While the standard still requires a minimum performance criterion of less than or equal to 10% PER or FER, the possibility for the manufacturer to declare an alternative performance criterion has been removed. For equipment that does not support PER or FER, the updated standard introduces a new criterion of “no loss of wireless function”.

4.3.1.12.4 – Limits for receiver blocking
In V2.2.2 of the EN 300 328 standard, the minimum power requirement for blocking signals has been changed to -34 dBm for all three receiver classes. Previously, the blocking signal requirement was either -47dBm or -53dBm, depending on the receiver class.
In addition, the signal power level is set using the occupied bandwidth (OCBW) of the DUT, instead of a minimum power of +6dB. Updated requirements for receiver blocking measurements have also been adapted.

Changes to limits for transmitter unwanted emissions in the spurious domain for the band 694 MHz to 862 MHz.

4.3.1.10.3 – Limits for transmitter unwanted emissions in spurious domain
The new limits for transmitter unwanted emissions in the spurious domain have increased by 18 dB and are now:

  • 470 MHz to 694 MHz at -54dBm
  • 694 MHz to 1 GHz at -36dBm
Updated definitions for receiver categories

V2.2.2 of the EN 300 328 standard include more clearly defined receiver categories for Wideband Data Transmission equipment:

  • Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) equipment
  • Other types of Wideband Data Transmission equipment or non-FHSS equipment (e.g. DSSS, OFDM, etc.)

4.2.3.2.1 – Receiver category 1
Equipment that fits into “category 1” includes adaptive equipment with a maximum RF output power greater than 10 dBm e.i.r.p. Non-adaptive equipment belongs in receiver category 2 or receiver category 3.

4.2.3.2.2 Receiver category 2
Equipment that fits into “category 2” includes:

  • Non-adaptive equipment with a Medium Utilization (MU) factor greater than 1 % and less than or equal to 10 % (irrespective of the maximum RF output power)
  • Equipment (adaptive or non-adaptive) with a maximum RF output power greater than 0 dBm e.i.r.p. and less than or equal to 10 dBm e.i.r.p.

4.2.3.2.3 Receiver category 3
Equipment that fits into “category 3” includes:

  • Non-adaptive equipment with a maximum Medium Utilization (MU) factor of 1 % (irrespective of the maximum RF output power)
  • Equipment (adaptive or non-adaptive) with a maximum RF output power of 0 dBm e.i.r.p.
Let CSA Group help you navigate these updates to ETSI EN 300 328

With more than 25 years of experience in radio testing, CSA Group has the knowledge and ability to assess your product’s compliance with updated standards in the industry. As a Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Notified Body and with one of the largest EMC and radio labs in Europe, we’re well-equipped to provide radio testing services for the European, North American, and Asian markets.