Associated Models for getting TEC certification in India

While filing for the TEC Telecommunication Engineering Centre certification with the DoT, i.e., the Department of Telecommunications, the applicant must mention the model he wants to incorporate into its business operations after TEC Certification registration. Here in this article, we have discussed some of the associated models for TEC certification.

Pizza Box Models for TEC Certification 

In such equipment, a single PCB or motherboard is generally used to treat several models. For example, suppose a Pizza Box Model built around a particular motherboard with the most significant configuration is tested and certified. Then all other models built around the same motherboard with a lower design must be covered by the same certificate. This model is prevalent for TEC certificate registration. Many pieces of equipment generally fall under this model.

Chases-based Models for TEC certification

Such equipment consists of an individual chassis in the same backplane. Standard function cards like processor or logic cards, power supply cards, and other common control cards are in the chassis. Different hardware variant models are formed by inserting a different combination of functional cards (like frequency filter cards or interface cards) in the chassis.

If one model built on one chassis is tested and certified, all other models built around the same chassis must be covered by the same certificate. Therefore, a maximum of 10 associated models (series models) can be included in one application for TEC registration.

Difference between Pizza & Chases Models

• There is general confusion among the masses between chases-based and pizza-based models. 
• The main difference is that the Pizza model is based on a single PCB motherboard. 
• Whereas a chases-based model has a common backplane but with the same processor and power supply. 
• A variety of cards can be inserted and deleted as per requirement. 
• Many seek the required TEC certificates for server-type devices falling under the Chases model.

Family-Based Models For TEC Certification

Such equipment families consist of several chases with varying capacities that can be inserted interchangeably in any other chases. Depending upon customer requirements, different combinations of chases from the family and various combinations of cards are used at one site, called one model.

If all chases of the family are tested and certified separately or collectively, all cards must be tested and certified by inserting them into any chassis. 

The same certificate must cover all other models built by selecting some chases and cards. Telecom equipment such as telephones and routers come under these categories for TEC certificate registration.

Split Unit Type Models

Such equipment consists of two functionally independent units, an indoor and an outdoor unit, a baseband unit, and a radio unit. Individual unit safety and EMI/EMC testing are possible in isolation, but technical parameter testing can be carried out only when the two units are connected. 

Each of the two units is often in different varieties; primarily, the outdoor or radio unit variety is based on the frequency of operation and power capability. The indoor or baseband unit variety is based on chassis size, interface cards, etc.

Suppose all the outdoor or radio units have been individually tested. In that case, the collection of such units and all outdoor or radio units will be treated as a family and certified accordingly. Further, the concept of the associated model may be applied to indoor or baseband units if these meet the criteria for TEC certificate registration.

Associated Models for TEC certification

In the case of Pizza-box and chases-based models, the model with the largest configuration is the tested model. The other models built around the same motherboard are Associated Models for TEC registration.

Where the plug-in type of interface modules are used, if a module with the highest port density is tested, a module with a lower port density need not be tested. However, a module with two different types of ports will be treated as distinct from a module to either port and must be tested.

A maximum of 10 associated models can be included in one TEC certificate number, the tested model being one of the 10. Model numbers of all associated models need to be indicated in the online application in the corresponding BoM file.

Radiating Equipment

In the case of radiating equipment, the model with the highest radio power level is tested. The same TEC certificate will cover radio equipment with lower power under family-based models. In the case of radiating equipment with different frequency bands, tests must be carried out on all frequency bands.