Digital and dynamic certification in the framework of the novel revised R&TTE Directive in Europe

Abstract

The next revision of the R&TTE Directive, which represents the basic regulatory framework for wireless communication in Europe, is expected to be finalized in 2011. In particular, this new revision is expected to provide a novel framework for reconfigurable radio devices, for example building on Software Defined Radio features. Those devices may maintain one or multiple links to heterogeneous radio access technologies simultaneously. Also, new features may be added after the sale of the device via software download, such as the addition of a new radio access technology to selected mobile devices. This addition of new features to a device that is already on the market is obviously challenging from a certification perspective. For this purpose, this paper proposes novel approaches for updating certificates building on the novel concepts of dynamic Declaration of Conformity, CE Marking and Alert Symbol marking as they are discussed for example in ETSI Reconfigurable Radio Systems (ETSI RRS) standardization. Those new mechanisms will allow for the software upgrade of features that may affect certification of a mobile device.