VTAP50 module integration instructions - FCC/ISED

The VTAP50‑OEM reader board (a VTAP50‑MOD reader module with the VTAP50‑OEM antenna) received FCC/ISED modular approval. In order to maintain this approval for your integration, you must follow the instructions in this section, then request an FCC Permissive Change approval based on the existing VTAP50‑OEM modular approval. Contact us early in the process if you need help with FCC/ISED testing and permissive change.

The VTAP50-OEM reader board has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation

These instructions must be followed to maintain the FCC/ISED approval for the VTAP50‑OEM reader board, when it is integrated into a host system.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications made to the VTAP50‑OEM  reader board, that have not been expressly approved by Dot Origin Ltd could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Applicable FCC/ISED rules

The VTAP50-OEM reader board operates at 13.56MHz and is therefore subject to FCC/ISED rules for radio frequency devices.

Specific operational use conditions

The VTAP50-OEM reader board must be stored and operated under the following conditions:

  • Ambient temperature -25 to +70°C (-13 to 158°F)

  • Humidity 0 to 95% RH non-condensing

  • Pressure 86-106kPa

RF exposure considerations

The VTAP50‑OEM reader board, which is a VTAP50 reader module with a specific built‑in antenna, complies with FCC/ISED RF radiation exposure limits set for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and a human body.

Screened cable should be used, wherever possible, to connect VTAP50-OEM reader board to other devices, to avoid interference from other equipment.

The end-user manual for the host equipment, that contains a VTAP50-OEM reader board, must clearly indicate the operating conditions to be observed, so that the user remains in compliance with current FCC/ISED RF exposure guidelines.

Antennas

The VTAP50‑OEM reader board has been tested with its integrated loop antenna, printed on the PCB. The VTAP50‑OEM  reader board is designed so that you can carefully break the integrated antenna from the board, at which point it becomes a VTAP50‑MOD reader module, and you can connect an external antenna. A list of tested external antennas is provided in Annex . If any external antenna is attached to the VTAP50, that new arrangement will require a corresponding tuning circuit and FCC/ISED approval. Contact vtap‑support@dotorigin.com for details about tuning circuits and FCC/ISED approval for the tested external antennas.

Label and compliance information

The integrator must attach a label to the new equipment, hosting the VTAP50-OEM reader board, which states 'Contains FCC ID: 2A282‑VTAP50' for FCC approval and 'Contains IC: 30458‑VTAP50' for ISED approval.

Information on test modes

The following test modes are recommended to achieve states of maximum emission levels or susceptibility in the VTAP50-OEM reader board:

  1. VTAP50-OEM reader board powered on. Communicating with PC over USB. Continuously reading tag.

  2. VTAP50-OEM reader board powered on and tag present, but not communicating with external device.

Additional testing requirements

The VTAP50-OEM reader board is only FCC/ISED authorised for use in compliance with the specific FCC/ISED transmitter rules listed on the grant. The integrator is responsible for compliance to any other FCC/ISED rules that apply to the host, which are not covered by the modular transmitter grant of certification.

The final host product, with the VTAP50-OEM reader board installed, will still require Part 15 Subpart B compliance testing, to evaluate transmission effects when the VTAP50-OEM reader board and host equipment operate at the same time. Be aware that additional testing can be required on the final integrated system. We recommend integrators refer to further advice from the FCC OET Knowledge Base, such as 996369 D04 Module Integration Guide v02.

Maintaining Apple ECP2/Access compliance

There are some steps required in order to maintain Apple VAS(ECP1) and/or ECP2/Access compliance.

When you request an NFC entitlement and/or permission for an Apple Access deployment we recommend that you inform Apple that a Dot Origin VTAP OEM board or module has been used in your finished product. Apple are aware that our products are available both in finished form and as OEM modules.

  • For VAS applications Apple reserves the right to review the final form factor of the reader, to ensure that satisfactory performance and user experience is maintained.

  • For ECP2 applications it is essential that the new equipment hosting a VTAP reader board or module is tested and certified against Apple Access specifications. This includes ensuring that the read range meets their minimum distance requirements (40mm at various presentation angles, in express and CDCVM modes) and that the reader is tested against all the different categories of iPhone and Apple Watch, as required by Apple. Apple may also require on-site functional testing as part of the end‑to‑end certification of an Apple Access deployment, which is usually conducted by the Credential Manager.

In both cases, our engineering services team can advise and assist on certification issues, which could include taking a product through formal certification, if required.