Smart speakers and Bluetooth audio devices are a mature consumer electronics category — this article covers the testing hurdles this category typically faces.
Baseline Test Items
- EMC: required for any circuit-containing audio device, especially since amplifier circuits are prone to generating electromagnetic interference
- Radio frequency testing: Bluetooth connectivity is standard, requiring FCC (US), SRRC (China), and similar radio frequency testing
- Safety testing: covering the power and charging circuitry's safety
An Extra Consideration for Smart Speakers
Smart speakers with voice assistant functionality typically need WiFi connectivity — beyond Bluetooth testing, they need additional WiFi-related radio frequency testing, making the combined test scope more complex than a pure Bluetooth speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How different are the requirements for an ordinary Bluetooth speaker versus a smart speaker? A: A smart speaker's added WiFi connectivity means more comprehensive radio frequency testing; the EMC and safety testing components are largely the same.
Q: Does the speaker's battery need separate testing? A: If it's a portable model with a built-in rechargeable battery, it needs UN38.3 and related battery testing; plug-in speakers typically don't involve this item.
If you're working on smart speaker or Bluetooth audio exports, send us the product's specific functionality, and we can help put together a testing checklist.