XECOM (6) XE0016
Telephone Line Connection Information
When developing a product to be connected to the telephone line , it is necessary to use a circuit known as
a Data Access Arrangement (DAA) approved by the appropriate governmental agency. In the US this
agency is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), while in Canada it is Industry Canada (IC).
These agencies test and approve the product to ensure that it meets their specifications, thereb y protecting
the telephone system from damage and protecting the user from high voltage transients (such as lightning
strikes) which may come down the telephone line.
The XE0016 has been designed to meet all FCC Part 68 requirements for hazardous voltage, line
impedance and leakage current. If the system transmits data, synthesized voice, or DTMF tones on the
telephone line, the user must certify that the signals transmitted meet basic FCC requirements for
maximum transmission levels, out of band energy and billing delay. Full details may be obtained from the
FCC under Part 68 of the FCC Rules and Regulations, or in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
however the basic requirements are as follows:
1. Maximum Transmit Level
For the normal “permissive” (standard) telephone line , equipment which tr ansmits data (such as a modem)
must not exceed a transmission level of -9 dBm.
2. Out of Band Energy
Data equipment must not transmit “out of band” energy on the telephone line which exceeds the following
limits:
Frequency Range Max. Power
3995 Hz to 4005 Hz -27 dBm
4005 Hz to 12 kHz -20 dBm
12 kHz to 90 kHz -55 dBm
90 kHz to 270 kHz -55 dBm
270 kHz to 6 MHz -15 dBm
3. DTMF T ransmission Level
If the system is capable of DTMF dialing, the maximum DTMF transmission level must be less than 0 dBm
averaged over a 3 second interval.
4. Billing Delay
A delay of 2 seconds or greater is required after the time the XE0016 is taken “off hook” and before any
information is transmitted. This is required to ensure that billing information may be exchanged between
telephone company central offices without interference.
OEM’s using the XE0016 must certify to the FCC that the final system meets the requirements of Part 68
which include the criteria above as well as the high voltage protection provided by the XE0016. This is
generally accomplished through an independent testing lab which tests the System and submits the proper
paperwork to the FCC for approval. Since the XE0016 already complies with FCC Part 68 rules, this is a
relatively simple process.