DIN / ETSI EN 300 328 V2.2.2

Purpose: To regulate the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and efficient spectrum use of radio equipment in the 2.4 GHz ISM band (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee) in accordance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED).

Area of application:

• Radio devices with transmit/receive frequencies between 400 MHz and 2,483.5 MHz.

• Exclusion of ultra-wideband (UWB) devices.

• Key parameters:

• Maximum transmit power: 20 dBm EIRP.

• Spectral efficiency: Medium Utilization ≤10 % for non-adaptive devices.

• Unwanted emissions: ≤-36 dBm in the 694-862 MHz range.

Tests:

• Adaptive mechanisms: LBT (Listen Before Talk) or DAA (Detect And Avoid).

• Receiver blocking: Check of interference immunity for external signals.

• Current version: V2.2.2 (mandatory since August 2021) with modified test methods for blocking and emissions.

Content, area of application and tests:

Content

ETSI EN 300 328 is a harmonized European standard for broadband data transmission equipment in the 2.4 GHz band. It specifies:

1. spectrum requirements: Frequency usage: Dynamic channel access techniques (e.g. LBT) to minimize interference with other devices. Transmit power limits: 100 mW (20 dBm) EIRP, where adaptive devices must automatically adjust power.

2. device categories: For adaptive devices, automatic adjustment of transmit power/channel assignment applies (e.g. modern Wi-Fi routers). For non-adaptive devices, static settings with stricter usage restrictions apply (e.g. older Bluetooth modules).

3. updates in version V2.2.2: Receiver blocking: Increase of the interference signal power by up to 19 dB in certain frequency ranges, but at the same time adjustment of the minimum received power (PminPmin) to simplify compliance. Spurious emissions: Reduction of the limit values in the 694-862 MHz range from -54 dBm to -36 dBm.

Area of application:

• Consumer goods: Wi-Fi routers, smart home devices, wearables.

• Industrial applications: IoT sensors, machine controls with 2.4 GHz radio.

• Exclusions: Medical devices (EN 60601-1-2). UWB systems (ETSI EN 303 372).

Tests

Test conditions:

• Environment: EMC laboratories with calibrated measurement systems (e.g. R&S TS8997).

• Operating conditions: Tests under worst-case load (e.g. maximum data rate, parallel transmission of multiple streams).

Execution:

• Transmit power: Measurement of the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) using a spectrum analyzer.

• Spectral efficiency: Non-adaptive devices: Calculation of the Medium Utilization Factor (MU=Duty Cycle×Transmit PowerMU=Duty Cycle×Transmit Power). Adaptive devices: Validation of the LBT/DAA mechanisms using simulated interference scenarios.

• Receiver blocking: Application of an interference signal with a defined frequency and power (e.g. -57 dBm at 2.4 GHz ± 20 MHz). Evaluation of the packet error rate (PER) or alternative performance criteria.

Documentation:

• Technical documentation: This must include frequency plans, test configurations and evidence of adaptive mechanisms.

• Declaration of conformity: There has been a mandatory update to version V2.2.2 since August 2021.

Alternative standards:

1. ETSI EN 300 330: Regulates devices in the frequency range 9 kHz - 25 MHz (e.g. RFID, NFC).

2. FCC Part 15 (Subpart C): US equivalent for 2.4 GHz devices with similar limits.

3. ETSI EN 301 893: Requirements for 5 GHz WLAN devices in Europe.

4. ETSI EN 300 220: Short Range Devices (SRD) in the 25-1,000 MHz range.

5. ETSI EN 303 372: Specifications for UWB systems.