The R&TTE directive is an integrated approach that has addressed the test requirements of the European market since its introduction in April 2000. The directive, known as 1995/5/EC, is intended to replace existing national regulations as well as pan-European regulations such as CTRs. Since April 2001, many existing TBRs referenced in the CTRs have been converted to ENs and as such can be incorporated as requirements to meet the R&TTE directive. The ETSI provides TBRs on behalf of the CENELEC.
The Way It Was
Before the R&TTE directive, manufacturers had to apply for type approval in each country within the EU where they wanted to sell their products. This was a time-consuming and expensive process that, in today’s high-pressure environment, could cost companies millions in lost sales.
Directives that were not part of an integrated approach previously covered telecommunications terminal and satellite equipment. Instead, the directives relied on CTRs provided by the European Commission that effectively gave TBRs generated by ETSI the status of a compulsory standard. In addition, electrical safety issues were covered by the Low-Voltage Directive, and EMC issues were covered by the EMC directive.
The Way It Is
The R&TTE directive applies to all types of equipment intended for connection to telecommunications networks and some radio equipment, with specific exceptions. A manufacturer now can declare compliance to the directive and have access to all EU member states. Compliance is indicated by application of the CE Marking.
The R&TTE directive also covers safety and EMC issues but does not replace these directives since they have additional applications. This new approach is a much faster path to market than the previous regime, relying on market surveillance rather than a heavy testing program to demonstrate product compliance.
An exhaustive list of standards that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the R&TTE directive is available at the EU website www.newapproach.org/home.asp. From this page, select Directives & Standards. It is possible to view the R&TTE directive, a list of current standard activities, and a list of harmonized standards giving presumption of conformity.
ETSI Plays Its Part
The EU itself does not possess the technical competence to prepare standards to meet requirements of the R&TTE directive. This role has been delegated to ETSI and CENELEC for EMC and safety issues. A number of the TBRs previously produced by ETSI and in use before introduction of the R&TTE directive were suitable for conversion to ENs.
Table 1 (see below) lists the TBRs that have been listed in the OJ since April 7, 2000, as harmonized standards under the R&TTE directive. TBRs have not been valid since April 2001, and a corresponding European standard has been issued. The exceptions to this are TBR 19 and 31, which relate to phase 2 GSM 900 products and are not included in the R&TTE directive.
Table 1. TBRs Incorporated as ENs
Standard
Reference
Type
Other TBRs not listed in Table 1 either may have been withdrawn or are in the process of being incorporated into other harmonized standards.
R&TTE vs. NEBS Testing
Although there are some fundamentally different aims, many similarities exist between R&TTE and NEBS testing. To begin, NEBS testing is performed on equipment to be used in the U.S. market in much the same way as the R&TTE is performed on equipment sold and used within the EU member states.
Neither program is a legal requirement. However, without having performed testing to the NEBS criterion, it is very difficult to bring equipment into service in the United States. And while there is no such thing as European federal law, the R&TTE requirements still are subject to national law in the member states.
Now for the differences. NEBS testing for the North American market contains just about every conceivable electrical and environmental test that must be applied to telecommunications equipment before it can be put in service. It is designed so that the RBOCs have a uniform tool to ensure that equipment they purchase will not harm the network.
The NEBS requirement is for equipment that is to be installed mainly in a central-office environment. In comparison, the R&TTE directive relates to all telecommunications equipment including mobile phones and broadcast equipment.
NEBS tests cover the following:
- EMC issues relating to emission and immunity.
- Electrical safety.
- Fire protection.
- Earthquake and vibration.
- Thermal operation.
The R&TTE directive presumes that all equipment will meet the following:
- Health and safety requirements.
- Frequency spectrum requirements (for radio equipment).
- Orbit specifications (for satellites).
- EMC issues relating to emission and immunity.
The R&TTE directive is a living document under constant revision. Work currently is in progress on DECT, GSM, and TETRA, among others. It is open to expansion by the EU to include the following:
- Interconnection and operation of devices via the telephone network.
- Assurance that the network will not be harmed in any way.
- Protection of personal data.
- Protection against fraud.
- Access to the emergency services.
- Access for the disabled.
None of these items currently are part of the R&TTE requirements but at least some are compulsory under the NEBS program, particularly in relation to harming the network.
Conclusion
CTRs are TBRs that have been through the process of harmonization and are quoted in the OJ of the EU. There are 44 TBRs; some have been converted to ENs, and some are in the process of being integrated into other ENs or are on hold. In any case, since April 2001, the use of CTRs and therefore TBRs to prove compliance with the R&TTE directive no longer is allowed. Only harmonized standards may be used to demonstrate compliance to any directive within the EU.
Glossary
About the Author
Nicholas P. Wright, the EMC product manager at Haefely Test AG, has been involved in project engineering since graduating from Worcester College in England. He joined the company 11 years ago, working in engineering, sales, and product management. Haefely Test AG Business Unit EMC, Lehenmattstrasse 353 4028, Basel, Switzerland, 011 41 61 373 4536, e-mail: [email protected]
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February 2002