Certification of new product

[#1]

We are in the process of developing a product that will incorporate an embedded Multi-Tech GSM modem module.  Since this module is listed as an AT&T certified device, what if any testing will be required?  Is PTCRB testing required prior to submitting for AT&T testing?  I haven't been able to find a clear answer to this question.

Thanks 

[#2]

Yes, you will need to have PTCRB certification. If you have a contact at AT&T, they should be able to guide you through the procedures on submitting the device for lab entry. If not, let me know and I will locate the proper department.

[#3]

Thank you for your response.  I guess the question in my mind is the value of PTCRB testing since the module itself already has PTCRB certification as well as AT&T certification.  It would seem that if we comply with the Multi-Tech integrator manual we would not be doing anything to affect the operation of the modem.  My understanding is that PTCRB testing can take several months and cost in excess of $30K, which would seem to lock out smaller companies that build products for niche markets.  One of the things that attracted us to Multi-Tech was their advertisement of "Quick time to market" and "Global Approvals".  Both claims would seem to be not true if we have to re-execute all approval testing.

Any assistance you can provide with locating the proper contact at AT&T would be greatly appreciated.  Our company has been building products that work on the Mobitex network for the past 10 years and are just starting to develop products for the GSM network, so we have much to learn.

Thanks again for your assistance. 

[#4]

Please visit the AT&T web site for developers, devCentral, for more in-depth information on the Enterprise Device Certification process. Once there, please register and login.

http://developer.att.com/developer

Ø       To read about the device certification process, click on the following menu path from the drop down navigation bar: Go To Market to Enterprise Solutions to Enterprise Device Certification near the bottom of the page.

Ø       On the Enterprise Device Certification page, you’ll find a new white paper titled “Specialty Vertical Device Development: Best Practices to Ensure Successful Outcomes”. This document is aimed at engineers, developers and IT managers responsible for designing, integrating and deploying mobile solutions.

Ø       To see the companion webcast, go to Community - Webcasts and look for the “Best Practices for Specialty Vertical Device Development” on May 28, 2008 link on that page. The webcast discusses best practices for module integration as well as provides information to navigate the device certification process.

HOWEVER…In the case of MultiTech, their products are certified as “end terminals” not modules. So as long as your implementation is according to the manufacturer’s directions with no modification, then no further certification is required. We advise you to seek guidance from MultiTech on proper integration of their product.

[#5]

robsor,

I can't thank you enough for your help understanding the process to get our products to market.  The first product is always the most difficult, once we've been through the process once I'm sure our follow on products will go smoother.  I didn't understand the difference between an "end product" certification vs. a "module" certification.  One final question - how can I tell if the other modems listed on the AT&T have end product or module certification? 

Thanks again for the help.   

[#6]

robsor,

I may have an answer to my question.  In reviewing the listing of Devices, I observed that under "Detailed Specs" radio modems from Motorola, Enfora, Telit, etc were listed under Product Type as "module".  Only the Multi-Tech socket modems and the Cinterion MC75 were listed as "Modem".  I am assuming that only these devices are certified as end terminal products.

[#7]

Hi, I just wanted to add to this thread because I am very glad you asked before engaging on design.  There are a couple key concepts hopefully you pulled from this.  First, if you are added more of an external module, end terminal, or data modem to a device, you need to make sure that is certified, then you do not need AT&T certification.  We have many device makers asking if they can still get their devices listed, since these listings are used by our sales team and customers.  Right now, we do not, but looking at that for the future.

Then, there are those devices that use integrated modules.  For this work, it is very important that hardware developers look for pre-certified modules from AT&T.  We work with vendors to pick those that work best to not only make sure your device gets through FCC and PTCRB easier, but also so that your AT&T certification is quicker.  There is a large variety of modules to choose from, for whatever your device needs are.  I caution developers against using modules not on list.  Not only will this make it harder to get certified (and cost likely more money through process), but some of the lower cost ones do not work as well.  We will be providing more information on this in future, as we are seeing a lot of activity across a variety of devices. 

thanks,

 Ed

[#8]

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eschmit wrote:

....Then, there are those devices that use integrated modules.  For this work, it is very important that hardware developers look for pre-certified modules from AT&T.  We work with vendors to pick those that work best to not only make sure your device gets through FCC and PTCRB easier, but also so that your AT&T certification is quicker.  There is a large variety of modules to choose from, for whatever your device needs are.  I caution developers against using modules not on list.  Not only will this make it harder to get certified (and cost likely more money through process), but some of the lower cost ones do not work as well.  We will be providing more information on this in future, as we are seeing a lot of activity across a variety of devices. 

thanks,

 Ed

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So what is the next step to get AT&T certification.

At the moment we have a non consumer device with AT&T certified module (Cinterion TC65i) inside.

We use external antennas.

EMC tests were performed in guidance of the FCC CFR 47 Part 15, Subpart B, Class B, ICES-003, ANSIC63.4 and EN 55022 (for the whole device).

edit:

It's a telematics device used in cars and only for professional usage.

[#9]

Please review this URL http://www.att.com/edo

thanks!