Certification

Certifying a Zigbee gateway is a crucial step in ensuring that the device is both compliant with regulatory requirements and meets the technical requirements of the Zigbee standard. These certifications include regulatory testing such as CE (for the EU) and FCC (for North America), as well as the Zigbee certification, which ensures interoperability and functionality within the Zigbee ecosystem.

Regulatory certifications


CE marking (for the EU) The CE marking is a mandatory requirement for the sale of a Zigbee gateway in the European Union. It indicates that the product complies with the applicable EU directives, in particular with regard to:

  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Ensuring that the device does not interfere with other devices and is not affected by external interference itself.

 

  • Radio Frequency Performance Compliance with spectrum usage guidelines in the EU (e.g. 2.4 GHz ISM band for Zigbee).

 

  • Safety Verification that the device is safe for end users (e.g. electrical protection).

Expiration

  1. Commissioning of an accredited laboratory.
  2. Carrying out tests in accordance with EU standards (e.g. EN 300 328 for radio equipment and EN 301 489 for EMC).
  3. Documentation of the test results and preparation of technical documentation.
  4. Issuance of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) by the manufacturer.

FCC certification (for North America)


In the U.S., FCC certification is required to ensure that radios meet the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission. The main goals are the avoidance of radio interference and the safety of equipment.
Test criteria

  • Compliance with specifications for unlicensed frequency bands (e.g. 2.4 GHz).
  • Measurement of transmitting power and spectral mask.
  • Testing of interference radiation and signal quality.


Expiration

  • Commissioning of a certified test laboratory.
  • Conducting tests in accordance with FCC regulations (e.g., Part 15 Subpart C).
  • Submission of test results and certification by an accredited FCC testing institute

Zigbee Certification


Zigbee certification ensures that the gateway is fully compatible with the Zigbee standard and interoperable across Zigbee networks from different vendors.
Preconditions

  • Membership in the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA, formerly Zigbee Alliance).
  • Full implementation of the Zigbee stack and corresponding protocol layers.


Certification
Self-testing: Internal testing of the Zigbee gateway against the CSA test plans to ensure that all standard requirements are met.
Laboratory testing: Commissioning a CSA-accredited test laboratory.
The lab tests aspects such as:

  • Device interoperability with other Zigbee devices.
  • network building, stability and communication.
  • Compliance with protocol standards.


Submission of results: The test laboratory submits the results to the CSA, which issues the certification.

Receiving the Zigbee logo


After successful certification, the manufacturer receives the authorization to use the Zigbee logo and mark the device as Zigbee-compatible.
Why are these certifications important?
Regulatory certifications: Ensure that the gateway can be legally sold in the target markets and does not pose any security risks.
Zigbee certification: Guarantees interoperability and increases customer confidence in the reliability and functionality of the device.
The combination of CE and FCC certifications as well as Zigbee certification makes the gateway fit for the international market and meets both legal and technical standards.