Radio Frequency Testing

On August 15, 2025, Canada's Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) released two new standards: RSS-102.SAR.MEAS Issue 2 and RSS-102.SAR.SIM Issue 1. The new standards take effect on the date of publication, with a 6-month transition period ending February 15, 2026. During the transition period, both the old and new standards may be used. After the transition period, the new standards become mandatory.

Effective Date and Transition Arrangements

Effective Date: August 15, 2025
Transition Deadline: February 15, 2026

Transition Policy: Existing standards may be maintained or new standards adopted. Compliance with new standards is mandatory starting February 15, 2026.

Key Updates in RSS-102.SAR.MEAS Issue 2:

Time-Averaged Specific Absorption Rate (TAS) Requirements: Applies to algorithm approval and terminal implementation for Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), and Bluetooth (BT) devices;

6GHz WLAN Devices: Adds Time-Averaged Absorbed Power Density (TA-APD) requirements for the 5925–7125MHz band;

Test Method Extensions: Added TAS measurement requirements permitting the use of Class 2 array rapid SAR systems compliant with IEC/IEEE 62209-1528 standards for TAS measurements;

Foldable Devices: Clarified test procedures for foldable devices, adding TAS requirements for foldable devices and spatially separated antennas;

Special Devices: Added TAS guidelines for motion sensors and test methods for devices with protrusions (e.g., camera modules).

RSS-102.SAR.SIM Issue 1 Key Updates:

Standard Reference Adjustments:
‐SAR measurement requirements now reference RSS-102.SAR.MEAS Issue 2;
‐Nerve Stimulation (NS) measurement requirements now reference RSS-102.NS.MEAS Issue 1;
‐NS simulation requirements now reference RSS-102.NS.SIM Issue 1;

Frequency Range Expansion:

Frequency range extended from 100 kHz to 6 GHz, with corresponding updates to dielectric parameters;

Human Model:

Introduction of the Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) human model;

Refined Technical Requirements:

Clarified uncertainty calculation requirements to enhance simulation result reliability.