Laptops and tablets are devices used by just about every person, every day. They’re also devices that regularly come into contact with our bodies. Of course, they’re also wireless devices that use technology like Wi-FI and Bluetooth, which require RF energy. This makes SAR testing for laptops and tablets crucial to ensuring that these devices are safe for regular use.

This also means that making mistakes during the SAR testing process can be costly for laptop and tablet manufacturers. Keep reading to learn more about how RF energy affects laptops, tablets, and SAR regulations for laptops and tablets.

Laptop & Tablet RF Energy Emission

SAR testing for laptops and tablets is important because this is a device that just about every person uses, uses daily, and is used in very close proximity to their body, as the name suggests. But why do laptops and tablets require SAR testing? This is because they emit radiofrequency energy or RF energy. 

The most common reason for using a laptop or tablet is to connect to the internet. In order for a laptop, tablet, or any other wireless device to connect to the internet, RF signals need to be used. These signals include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, and 5G for some devices. In order to transmit and receive these signals, laptops and tablets are built with a receiver and transmitter. This transmitter is what produces RF energy and what makes SAR testing for laptops and tablets necessary.

Whenever a person uses a laptop or tablet placed directly on their body, RF energy is emitted directly into the body. It’s important to make sure that the RF energy emitted doesn’t exceed federal regulations, ensuring that these devices are safe to use. 

What is SAR Testing?

SAR is the unit of measurement referring to the quantity of RF that is absorbed by the body when a person uses a wireless device within 20 cm of their body. Both within the United States and internationally, regulatory bodies require that most portable and wireless devices undergo SAR testing.

There are many things that go into determining whether or not a device will require SAR testing, but generally, if a device contains a portable transmitter antenna and its radiating structures will be used less than 20 cm from the body, SAR testing will most likely be required.sar

SAR Testing for Laptops and Tablets – Regulations

Any wireless device sold in the United States must undergo the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval process to make sure that the device does not exceed exposure limits when operating at its highest possible power level. If your device does not go through this process and the FCC becomes aware of this, the FCC can pursue enforcement action against the manufacturer. The FCC’s allowable SAR limit is 1.6 W/kg for wireless devices used near or against the body that operate at or below 6 GHz.

When it comes to SAR testing for laptops and tablets, if the device’s antenna is located within 20 cm of the body while being used, the device requires SAR testing. However, if the device’s antenna is located at the top of a large LCD, SAR testing may not be a requirement. All transmitters installed in the laptop or tablet must be tested. In addition to this, if the WLAN is a diversity antenna design, all antennas will need to be tested and evaluated for SAR compliance. 

SAR testing for laptops and tablets is done with the bottom of the device in contact with the flat phantom because only the bottom of the laptop or tablet comes into contact with the body. Regarding laptops, If it is a convertible device, multiple sides may need to be tested.

How RF Exposure Lab Can Help

If laptops or tablets are a device that your business manufactures, understanding SAR testing for laptops and tablets is the key to success for your business. Ignoring these regulations simply isn’t an option, and could have serious negative consequences for your business. Working with an experienced SAR testing lab from the very beginning will help you successfully get through the maze of SAR regulation and ensure that your product is SAR compliant.

At RF Exposure Lab, we go above and beyond to make sure our clients understand what we do and assist them in understanding what SAR testing is required for their products. Through our unique expertise and commitment to our clients, we guarantee accurate SAR testing and results.

We offer SAR testing services for a variety of wireless devices including laptops, tablets, cell phones, wireless modems, medical products, and much more. If you’re looking for SAR testing help provided with speed, accuracy, expertise, and integrity, contact us to get a quote for our services.