ARIB STD-T108

ARIB STD-T108 defines the technical requirements for low-power wireless devices operating in the 920 MHz band in Japan. The standard supports narrowband and LPWAN technologies and is primarily used in smart metering, logistics, and telemetry applications. It provides the regulatory basis for certifying such equipment under the Japanese Radio Law.

Scope and Application

The standard covers sub-GHz wireless systems used for applications including:

• home security, safety monitoring and personal healthcare;

• building control, factory automation and hospital management;

• automatic meter reading, outdoor monitoring and Wi-SUN-based smart metering;

• active-tag systems for asset tracking, vehicle management and parking control.

Passive-tag RFID systems are outside the scope of STD-T108 and are addressed by ARIB STD-T106 and STD-T107. Devices within STD-T108 are classified as Low-Power Data Communication Systems under Article 6 of the Radio Law Enforcement Regulations.

Frequency Range and Channelization

ARIB STD-T108 comprises three parts with different frequency ranges:

• Part 1 — land mobile stations: 920.5–923.5 MHz.

• Part 2 — specified low-power stations with carrier sensing: 915.9–916.9 MHz and 920.5–929.7 MHz.

• Part 3 — specified low-power stations without carrier sensing: 920.5–925.1 MHz for frequency-hopping systems and 920.5–923.5 MHz for low-duty-cycle systems.

The applicable range depends on the part and interference-mitigation method used by the system.

Power Limits

Maximum antenna power depends on the applicable part and configuration:

• Part 1: up to 250 mW.

• Part 2: 20 mW on standard channels, or 1 mW in the reduced-power ranges 916.0–916.8 MHz and 928.15–929.65 MHz. Equipment in a sealed enclosure may use up to 250 mW, provided that EIRP remains below the applicable 16 dBm or 3 dBm threshold.

• Part 3: 20 mW, extendable to 250 mW for equipment in a sealed enclosure provided that EIRP remains below 16 dBm.

The applicable value therefore depends on the part and configuration used by the device.

Certification and Labeling

All devices must be tested and certified by a Registered Certification Body (RCB). Approved devices must display the Giteki mark with the assigned certification number.

For support with testing and approval, see our → MIC Certification Services.

Note
A comprehensive overview of device categories, certification process, and Giteki marking can be found in the guide → MIC Requirements – Overview.