Regulatory issues: Difference between revisions

To sell the same product in Europe, IEC 61000 testing is required to certify it for a CE mark. The CE mark simply states that the product has been tested, meets the EU standard, and is legally permitted to be sold in Europe. Needless to say, the IEC test is similar to the FCC Part 15 test, but different enough to make separate testing unavoidable. This typically costs $15,000-$20,000 for each separate product in the USA. The regulation also says that [[ESD]] (electrostatic discharge) testing is mandatory, to assure the product will not be damaged by static discharge from the user.

 

 

So far, modular synthesizers have been too low in production to attract the attention of EMC regulators, in the US, in Japan or in the EU. The kit aspect of a modular synth might serve to invalidate EMC regulations, similarly to electrical-safety standards. The fact that most modules were analog (containing no RFI-generating microprocessors or other such circuits) in the past has been an advantage, since Part 15 simply doesn't apply to them. With the appearance of [[DSP]]-based or microprocessor-based modules in recent years, that could change. A legal challenge to the modular synth has not occurred to date.

 

60/40 solder is still less costly than any of the more exotic solders being used, and although long term reliability is still a subject of much argument, 60/40 solder has a proven reliability track record going back to the 1920s. It is not unusual to find an 80 year old radio whose soldered joints are still solid, shiny, and functional. Since PCs and cellphones tend to have a much shorter usage, tin whiskering may not be an issue.

== References ==

 

== External links ==

* [[Wikipedia:Mains electricity by country]]

* [[Wikipedia:AC power plugs and sockets]]

 

[[Category:Outsourcing]]