Homologation of Telecommunication Line Filters

Most wired broadband services in Brazil are still being provided with copper cable as the last-mile infrastructure.

In 2016 only 5% of broadband connections in Brazil were terminated using fibre last-mile infrastructure while 51% were using some variation of the xDSL technology. In this scenario, it is easy to understand that all equipment that will allow operators to reuse their existing infrastructure are still in demand in the country, including line filters and splitters. In this article we will learn what the local requirements are for homologation of these devices.

The Brazilian telecommunications agency, known as Anatel, sets regulation for all equipment involved in telecommunications. Line filters and splitters are equipment considered by Anatel as equipment of category I, which are equipment that often related to end users and therefore are require to go through a process of homologation to be allowed to be commercialised in the country. The homologation process in Brazil is usually carried out by the manufacturer of the equipment but in some cases the local representative of the manufacturer will be able to obtain the homologation for the product.

Basic requirements for certification of microfilters and splitters for residential and public telephony

Some requirements must be met by both the residential and operator grade filters and splitters to be allowed to operate in Brazil. To evaluate these requirements Anatel sets parameters which are assessed in laboratory tests to certify the compliance of the product. The OCDs, independent organisations that conduct the homologation process on behalf on Anatel, can determine with certainty which tests your device needs and also recommends which laboratories that have the capability to conduct these tests.

The testings are usually carried out locally in Brazil, in facilities accredited by Inmetro. Master Certificações is an OCD with over a decade of experience in conducting the homologation process with Anatel, and their experts will be able to analyse your product in detail and provide you with details regarding the tests required.

For the microfilters and splitters, which according to the definition of Anatel, are composed of the internal and external telecommunication ports, electrical ports and ground terminal, there are a few basic requirements that apply:

• Resistance against electromagnetic disturbance on the telecommunication and electrical ports without malfunction. Anatel requires tests performed with different generators with peak voltages set from a range of 1000V to 4000V, and effective voltage of 600V
• Electrical safety requirements which will ensure that the equipment will not pose a risk to any user. Among the parameters that are accessed are protection against electrical shocks, overheating and fire
• Maximum attenuation of the band: 0.25 dB (30kHz at the highest operation frequency of DSL technology under the certification)
• Filter rejection: Minimum 40 dB (30kHz at the highest operation frequency of DSL technology under the certification)
• Maximum dialing pulse distortion: 1ms
• Maximum resistance in direct current 50 Ω (Loop)
• Minimum insulation resistance:100 MΩ
• Touch Voltage: minimum 90% of input signal
• Longitudinal balancing: ≥ 40 dB in the band of 60 Hz to 600 Hz and ≥ 46 dB in the band of 600 Hz to 3400 Hz

Specific testing of microfilters and splitters for residential use

In addition to these general requirements that apply to all filters and splitters, Anatel establishes other parameters that must be assessed by the laboratory tests in order to certify the product for use in Brazil. These parameters are:

• For microfilters, the application of a traction of 8 kgf in the electric wiring without harming the function of the equipment
• Return loss: equal or higher than 14dB (0,3 kHz a 3,4 kHz) with 1 microfilter/splitter
• Maximum insertion loss: 0,8 dB (1 kHz) with 3 microfilters connected in parallel
• Insertion loss distortion: ± 1dB (0,3 a 3,4 kHz)
• Wiring with a minimum length of 7cm
• Visual design according to the model determined by Anatel regulation

Specific testing of splitters for public telephony use

Similar to the residential grade, public telephony splitters also have particular requirements that need to be met in order to receive the homologation from Anatel:

• Filter rejection: Minimum 40 dB (30kHz at the highest frequency DSL operation technology under the certification)
• Return loss: equal or higher than 12dB (0,3 kHz a 3,4 kHz)
• Maximum insertion loss: 0,8 dB (1 kHz)
• Insertion loss distortion: ± 1dB (0,3 a 17 kHz)
• Visual design according to the model determined by Anatel regulations

Certification procedures for telecommunication equipment in Brazil

As with any other telecommunication equipment, the entire homologation process is conducted by the OCD, which are independent organisations accredited by Anatel. OCDs have the expertise to analyse the product, advise what testings are required, recommend laboratories that can conduct the tests, and after the tests are concluded, issue the conformity certificate. The conformity certificate is the base document for the homologation and will prove to Anatel that the equipment is compliant with local regulations.

Locating a reliable OCD is key to saving time and costs to homologate your product in Brazil as they will be able to advise you beforehand whether your product needs any modifications prior to being submitted for testings. Master Certificações is a leading OCD that has been assisting foreign companies with their Anatel homologation process for decades, and is recognised by Anatel as one of the best performing OCDs in the market.